A few weeks ago I went to a scratch and save sale at our local used stores.I’m always on the lookout for new artwork, and I really prefer old kind of spooky looking ones.
I found a bunch of giant cross stitches, I originally thought they were paintings or some sort of craft work but I wasn’t sure what they were. I couldn’t resist getting one because they actually had plaques on the frames with the artists name, and it was really huge and cool looking. I chose the Blue Boy because I remembered him from childhood and he’s a little bit of an odd character.I posted my find on my Facebook page, and so many people provided me with info – including the obituary for the Crafter. She was a Master crafter for sure!
I had no idea that it could take hundreds of hours to make one of these. It’s very understandable when you look closely at it though, it’s pretty amazing.I also didn’t realize that there is a movement happening to help save pieces like that from the landfill. They are huge and not to everyone’s liking of course, so I can see why so many of them end up being donated.
We were in the middle of some organizing so I never had a chance to hang it up yet – and I was contacted by someone who actually collects Blue Boy items. I had no clue that there was a matching person, the Pink Lady. They go together, and she has a
collection of both.We met and traded the piece for exactly what I had paid for it, I think it was $24.
And I’m so happy to show that this piece found its forever home, and is matched up with the Pink Lady!!!
It made me happy to see them together like that, and to know that they would be well appreciated and adored.
Finding art pieces at used stores can be a lot of fun, you can find really creative unique pieces, and it’s very economical too of course.
But, just saving them from the landfill is great. Knowing how long someone spent on something really can add to it’s value too, personally or monetarily.
So, before buying a mass-produced generic type of artwork, check out your local used stores, or local crafters. You never know what you’ll find. And who knows, it might inspire you or the next generation to keep on crafting!
It is such a shame to think that no one wants needle point pictures anymore. Over the years I have done over 40 of them and don’t have a clue where they will end up after I am gone. None of my kids want them.
I always call the new generation the “throw it away generation” Keep things for a few years, then out the door they go.
p.s. I always wanted to thank you for posting Costco pictures every week. They sure helped me with my shopping. So a Big THANK YOU.
I also just found these at good will! Sad to think of all the hours of work not being appreciated!