Beachy Light Fixture

You know you have a good find at a thrift store or habitat for humanity when another customer asks you “do you know if they have any more of those.”  and at the check out counter a worker says “just out of curiosity what are you planning on doing with those? I was going to get them and now I am wishing I did.” That is what happened to me on Wednesday.

After a meeting I decided to swing by Habitat for Humanity to see what treasures I could find.  We have actually donated more than we have bought here but it is always fun to walk around and find fun treasures. I especially had in mind all the light fixtures in the house that desperately need to be replaced.  Builders grade just does not make me jump up and down.  I would rather find something old and funky and replace the builders grade blah fixtures and donate them back to habitat.  Kind of like a switch-a-roo with a monetary donation to get something super cool.

So, I was on the search for something super cool in the lighting department.  On my way to the plethora of lighting I found a fabric piece that was in the wrong place that made me want to dance.  So I grabbed it, with  no intention to put it in the correct location, but rather pay the $1 and bring it home.

The habitat for humanity in Myrtle Beach has two, well, actually three sections. They have a front store section, a warehouse and an outdoor section.    I was walking though the store section, and got to the lights.  Sitting in the corner…. I could not believe my eyes that someone would donate this beautiful light fixture.  It looks like something straight out of an Anthropology display window.  I quickly got down to its level to take a closer look.  Then thought to myself I could share this on my blog.

I took out my phone to take a picture.  While doing this, I had an eye on any potential shoppers that could snag it, while I was trying to find my camera setting on my phone.  I was so in love with this fixture I would surely start a cat fight with anyone that got too close (I’m not serious, but I would’ve had some words). After taking the risk of leaving the light unattended (remember this was for you), to put my phone back in my purse quickly, I grabbed the light.  It was surprisingly heavy.  Good sign it was well made. :)  So I continued to the warehouse section of the store and looked around a bit.  I figured they may have some other light fixtures in the section back there.

Beachy Light Fixture

Then like an angel brought it down for me to find….. a matching light fixture.  I just had to take another picture… (for you… I was not sure you would believe me)  At this point I was about dancing through the store with my two heavy lights.  I was literally stopped by a customer asking me if I knew if their were any more.  I guess I got them just in time.  I made my way up to the front counter to pay for my fantastic lights and piece of fabric.  The lights did not have a price on them but I was ready to pay a pretty penny for them.  It really was love at first sight.  I really didn’t care what the price was, it was a donation anyway… and always tax free! double bonus.  After some checking with whoever is in the back room.  $15 each SOLD!

I could not wait to share my news with Jon. He got the picture sent to his phone right away. He likes them too.  He said he would be able to rewire them if needed.  They  were clearly outside in their former life and are in rough shape on the inside.  Now we just need to decide where to put them.  I was thinking in the bathroom because that is what I was really shopping for but we only need one in there and now that these two sisters are back together I would hate to separate them.

Have you ever found a great find at a second hand store or habitat for humanity?

Linked to Southern Hospitality link part of lots of great thrifty finds!