Cold Dead Fingers Archives • Vintage Revivals

My Favorite Secondhand Scores EVER!

Mandi — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:21:49 +0000

It’s been a long while since I’ve been in the thrifting game (obviously when you’re eyeball deep in renovations you’ve got other priorities. Like not eating at McDonalds again.) I was cruising Craigslist last night and feeling like every good thing ever was gone. Man this world of instant gratification! So instead of feeling sorry for the lack of cool vintage leather and the overabundance of microfiber, I took a trip down memory lane at all of the great things that I’ve scored and I thought it would be fun to look back over the years at my favorite secondhand finds.

My ultimate #1 favorite thing ever was the card catalog that I found on Craigslist. This thing was in rough shape. You can read all about how I saved it and see the original ad here! The previous owners used the little pullout shelf to spray paint on. Just typing that feels like someone stabbed me in the gut with a shiv. But after some serious TLC it is to this day my best score. It’s hanging out at my SIL’s until I’ve got a spot for it at the Merc. And honestly it makes me throw up in my mouth a little when I think of how I almost sold it. More in this post!

#2 on the list has to be The Nugget. What started as a knee jerk craigslist search on my birthday turned into one of my favorite DIY adventures. This cute vintage trailer came home with me for $1000 and after 4 months of hardcore renovation was completely unrecognizable! You can fall into the world of The Nugget here!

The next thing on the list is one that might make you green with envy. The pair of green leather chesterfield sofas that I found for $400. I somehow convinced Court to drive to the middle of nowhere Nevada to pick them up. They still need a heavy cleaning but I’m feeling pretty great that I’ll be able to find a home for them in the Merc.

#4 on the list is the vintage Michael Arnoult sling chair. Oh how I love this chair. Unfortunately with the leather being almost 60 years old its starting to tear. It’s one of those look but don’t sit chairs.

#5 is a basic midcentury staple that I just can’t quit. The vintage Brasilia dresser that I thrifted for $65 way back in 2013. It is just the most perfect simple guy that looks good in any space. I loved it in Brem’s Nursery!

Last but not least is a set of 6 chairs that I’ve never shown, aside from one instagram back in 2016. I am DYING to get phase 2 done in the Merc so that I can get them upholstered and moved in!

What is the best thing that you’ve ever thirifted?!!

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#colddeadfingers Couch Edition!

Mandi — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 21:48:41 +0000

If you’re new to the game #colddeadfingers is a instagram hashtag to show off your favorite thrifted finds. You know, the ones that can only be pried from your cold dead fingers?! It is PACKED with drool worthy, jealously inducing treasures and was previously a hashtag related to guns, so sometimes the occasional picture of George Washington with a Glock will show up.

Man I’m glad we brightened up that hashtag’s life.

Now that everyone is up to speed I have to tell you about my recent couch finds. You might want to sit down for this. I’ve been out of the thrifting game for the last 9 months. Pregnancy and a new babe will do that to a girl. But with the most recent scores I feel like the thrifting gods are luring me back in.

About a month ago I found this little lady. Her fabric is the perfect shade of peachy blush and is in pristine condition…until you flip it around. It’s been totally sunbleached on the back. DANG IT! But still. $30. You cant pass it up.

Then last friday I found the score of a lifetime! Check it out.

$25. Not a typo. TWENTY-FIVE FREAKING DOLLARS!

The seam on one of the cushions is split and the finish is worn off on parts of the couch (weird parts like the fronts and legs, while the arm rests are totally fine) which makes me think that maybe someone was trying to refinish it. It can easily be spruced up with some Danish Oil.

Luckily I’m not the only one thats scored a fab couch lately…

I think we should name her….because I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot of her… Buttercup?#fargo #thewhitehousegirls #savedfromcurbside #thevintagewarehouse #thewhitehousegirls #colddeadfingers

A photo posted by Katie.Schiltz (@thewhitehousegirls_katie) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:23pm PDT

This April I can check off another one of #mels40firsts – I signed up for an upholstery class! I am one step closer to my dream of rescuing ugly flea market finds, restoring them to glory, and selling them in my adorable shop filled with fabulous chairs and coffee, of course. This settee was one of my favorite flea market finds. I kept the gold leaf frame as I found it but had the chair reupholstered in a sharp pinstripe navy velvet. It’s by far the best seat in the house.

A photo posted by Melissa Brandman (@melissabrandman) on Mar 14, 2016 at 9:12pm PDT

señor chesterfield was already sold (for $75 ) but that didn’t stop me from caressing his frame. don’t let things like sold signs keep you from your dreams, guys.

A photo posted by luna trading co (@lunatradingco) on Feb 21, 2016 at 10:16am PST

Loveseat + Cobalt Blue= Perfection! #thriftscorethursday #colddeadfingers

A photo posted by @thriftedriches on Mar 3, 2016 at 9:48pm PST

It doesn’t get much better than these recent finds with @rondeeblessing #colddeadfingers #thriftscorethursday #chesterfieldsofa

A photo posted by @thriftedriches on Feb 28, 2016 at 9:09pm PST

Today we met Mike and bought his original 1950’s #donrex blackbean lounge suite for an absolute steal. Gumtree, you complete me! #colddeadfingers

A photo posted by Caitlin Healy (@pickledcait) on Jan 24, 2016 at 6:51pm PST

Okaaaay! Who’s going thrifting today?

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Cold Dead Fingers // 14

Mandi — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 05:50:26 +0000

Happy Wednesday!! The weather here has been crazy (lots of rain and flooding) and it makes me want to wear sweats and snuggle up for a nap…every 2 hours. Needless to say, adventures on the thrifting front have been a little fruitless after my last great score. Lots of bad pressed wood and metal folding chairs for some reason.

Luckily for all of us, there are treasures popping up all over the #colddeadfingers hashtag.

I am LOVING this rattan + Navajo rug on the wall combo. Its one of my favorite ways to change up a basic picture situation.

I try not to let my green eyed monster come out too often, but it really tested my limits when I saw these ah-mazing chairs that @themagpiecollective found on a curb…FOR FREE! (Is there a totally jealous emoji?) For her killer deal-of-the-century instincts and for not injuring anyone on that unavoidable U-turn to pick them up, I had to feature @themagpiecollective for my #foundforaged pick this week!

A photo posted by Grace Ray (@thebigrevealblog) on Sep 13, 2015 at 11:58am

Speaking of rugs. Can you even handle this runner?

!! Finally found our dream runner for the aisle of our wedding next week !! Can’t wait for this beauty to arrive!! This babe will be permanently in our home after the wedding and won’t ever be leaving #colddeadfingers A photo posted by ＣａｎａｒｙＬａｎｅ (@canary_lane) on Sep 9, 2015 at 4:53am PDT

I am loving this $10 MCM chair and that funky drawing (it kind of reminds me of one of my uncles!)

*THRIFTING UPDATE* (because I KNOW you’ve been missing all my thrifting updates. Don’t lie) Mid Century modern fixer-upper vinyl chair for $10 (that’s £6.50 to you Brits) *happydance* and a vintage caricature painting for free #thrifting #score #midcentury #colddeadfingers

A photo posted by Bryony Steel (@bryonysteel) on Sep 12, 2015 at 9:30am PDT

Free chairs? Absolutely!!

Ridiculous side-of-the-road score this weekend, thanks to the treasure-spotting queen @cararosaen. A photo posted by Lindsay-Jean Hard (@linnylot) on Aug 16, 2015 at 3:09pm PDT

I love going way back in the hashtag archives and drudging up things that I may have missed, like this cabinet. If you aren’t following Cassity’s #birchhouseremodel you are sorely missing out, the ceiling are KEEEEELING me!!

So one of my favorite finds in our #birchhouseremodel are these metal science cabinets…. They used to be in another room, but they will be going in my office! #score #colddeadfingers what do you think?

A photo posted by @remodelaholic on Nov 10, 2014 at 10:28am PST

Can we all just pause for a moment and oogle at this guy? Right leg people. Thats what I’d give.

It helps to do your homework when it comes to shopping on #craigslist — especially when it comes to your area. We’ve discovered #Denver moves a lot less stuff more slowly than DC, with most things up for weeks before they sell. So our strategy has been to offer half for everything, and so far so good: a cool $20 for this beauty! (bonus, it’s surprisingly super comfy) A photo posted by Anna Elyce Smith (@annabode) on Aug 4, 2015 at 3:03pm PDT

Don’t forget to hashtag your favorite secondhand finds #colddeadfingers for a chance to be featured (and so that we can all be mighty jealous of your good fortune!)

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Cold Dead Fingers // The $15 Card Catalog Edition

Mandi — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 11:38:00 +0000

Hello my darlings!! How was your weekend? Last week I had a major #colddeadfingers score. Major. If your unfamiliar with the term Cold Dead Fingers its all about AMAZING secondhand finds. Thrift store, Craigslist, side of the road…you get the idea. Its a find so good that it can only be pried from your cold dead fingers (super clever name, horrible SEO)

Ok so back to my score. Its been a while since the thrifting itch has turned into a full blown scratching obsession. But I had a few minutes before I had to pick up Dyl from school and decided to stop in for the 4 minute run through. (Laser focus, in and out in 4 minutes flat, no time for chit chat)

When I walked into the yard (the large open area where they keep a lot of large items) I looked up and saw this guy.

I was completely convinced that it had been sold. Because HELLLLLOOOOO card catalog. So I did a super slick walk/run move over and guess what?! Not sold. But even better than that? It was priced at $15. FIFTEEN FREAKING DOLLARS!! I mean, one handle would cost you more than that.

Condition-wise its pretty good. The wood drawer fronts need to be sanded because the varnish is old and flakey, but everything is intact and just needs a little DIY love! I ended up selling it to one of the besties, so make sure that you are following along with Amy to see what she does with it!

Ok, now on to the real goods. Your cold dead fingers finds! Thanks for sharing!!

Let’s talk about my $10 couch again because I’m still giddy about it. I found it on Offer Up. The listing for it was hilarious and was not a good sales pitch, I think the title was "ugliest couch you’ve ever seen" but I loved the clean lines of it and thought, if it’s terrible, I’ll reupholster it in something boring like linen. Lo and behold it’s orangey-ness is perfection and it’s seriously in pristine condition. That guy doesn’t know anything about life #finditstyleit #thriftyfinds #colddeadfingers

A photo posted by Lindy Dodge (@thimbleandcloth) on Aug 21, 2015 at 4:18pm PDT

I’ve kinda sworn off thrifting until I have a massive yard sale to free up some space in our garage. But when you accidentally stumble upon this cute boho side table for only $5, you take it home right? #colddeadfingers #thrifted

A photo posted by Whitney (Clappe) Utesch (@carpendaughter) on Aug 15, 2015 at 5:24am PDT

I would like to introduce you to my new living room chairs for $40!!! I know it’s early, but #thriftscorethursday!! Oh and #colddeadfingers! #slingchair

A photo posted by Candy Becker (@candy_habitat2home) on Aug 9, 2015 at 8:22pm PDT

Hello, Percival Lafer sofa knockoff in fabulous condition. Scored this guy for pennies earlier this week. The guy who sold it didn’t know a lot about it except that he had "hauled it out of a lake house in Newaygo in 1978, so it’s at least that old." I’ll take it! Now, where to put this bad boy….garage for now, I guess. #thriftscorethursday #craigslist #colddeadfingers #percivallafer #vintage #thriftboss #livefolk #liveauthentic

A photo posted by emily (@watassa) on Aug 6, 2015 at 10:34am PDT

Isn’t it funny how sometimes the most random things can come together and just make a space? I walked into the guest room this morning and realized that this corner is probably one of my favorite spaces in the #houseofthemagpie. And it’s in one of the least used rooms. Do you guys have a hidden gem of a spot in your home that you wish you could transplant to another area?

A photo posted by Britt (@themagpiecollective) on Aug 6, 2015 at 9:15am PDT

It helps to do your homework when it comes to shopping on #craigslist — especially when it comes to your area. We’ve discovered #Denver moves a lot less stuff more slowly than DC, with most things up for weeks before they sell. So our strategy has been to offer half for everything, and so far so good: a cool $20 for this beauty! (bonus, it’s surprisingly super comfy)

A photo posted by Anna Elyce Smith (@annabode) on Aug 4, 2015 at 3:03pm PDT

Found this vintage baby for $30 and I am super excited. Now to get it home…. #colddeadfingers

A photo posted by hellomeggo (@hellomeggo) on Jul 19, 2015 at 7:18am PDT

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Cold Dead Fingers // 12

Mandi — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 16:18:51 +0000

First things first, I just want to give a massive thank you to the responses to the question that I posed about authenticity. You guys blew me away with the thoughtfulness and time that you put into your comments. It is everything I could have hoped for!

For those that are confused about the title of this post, let me explain. #Colddeadfingers is an Instagram hashtag that I started a little while ago for the AMAZING thrift store/secondhand finds that (you guessed it) can only be pried from your cold dead fingers. So if you have an amazing score we’d love to see it!!

Now on to the goods. I’ve come up with a theory about thrifting. Its totally a numbers game. Lately I haven’t been going as much (out of habit) and I feel like I NEVER find anything. But the reality is that I probably find something purchase worthy 1 in 10 trips. So if I take 10 trips in 10 days or 10 trips in 3 months I am still scoring at about the same frequency. (Anyone want to chime in and back this theory up?)

I did happen to find this super cool vintage Kodak camera the last time I was there (it was one of those spot across the store/half run half walk situations.) and I massively dig it. I might stick a bulb in the flash just so it looks a little prettier (cause that’s what it’s all about).

I love this vintage Drexel dresser that Caitlin from Desert Domicile found on Craigslist. (Also I love her. If you haven’t checked out her blog you’re missing out!)

Instagram: desertdomicile
Blog: desertdomicile.com

I am telling you, a tall campaign dresser will go with literally any decor style. If you see one, GRAB IT!! I love this white one that Kelly found! (You can see on the I recently rehabbed here)

Instagram: kjcopenhagen

This highboard that Mandie found is seriously the stuff of dreams. Also her name is pretty special ;).

Instagram: midmodmandie
Blog:https://midmodinspirations.blogspot.com

What can you buy for $1 these days? Like 3 ketchup packets? If your name is Emily you can buy these AMAZING chairs from an estate sale. $1.00 PEOPLE. Dang.

Instagram: watassa

Can you even believe these brass deer that Sandra found?!! I would take these things with me to the grocery store, just so they’d never leave my sight!! Also to pet.

Instagram: vintaushop
Shop: https://www.vintau.com

Happy thrifting friends!! And for the love, keep the #colddeadfingers coming!

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#colddeadfingers All-Star

Mandi — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:46:58 +0000

Oh man I am itching to score something amazing. Every time I end up at the thrift store (which is admittedly not as frequently as it should be) there is nothin. Every time I jump on Craigslist? Overpriced. I mean, I can justify spending $40 on a dresser that I don’t need, but spending $400? Meh. So I do what any one looking for a good thrifting fix does…check out the #Colddeadfingers hashtag. YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME!

There are a few people that are probably made out of gold they are so lucky with their finds and every time I sit down to write one of these post I am like “Ok, so I featured her last time so I probably shouldn’t do it again….but how can I not share these finds?!” The internal struggle is real. None more so than with Katie from The White House Girls. She is SO hardcore. In fact she is so legit that she drove from Fargo ND to Salt Lake City UT for SNAP just so she could thrift her little heart out.

Also it doesn’t hurt that she is adorable (Katie is the one on the left)

Katie and her sister Sam are junkers to the core.

Can I be the first to say, who knew Fargo had such great stuff? I mean, all I thought they had was snow.

Ok and can we just talk about Garbage Throw Out Week? WHYYYYY is this not a thing in Utah!? If you are unfamiliar get ready to die. Basically everyone in the city moves all of the stuff that they don’t want out to the curb and you can just drive by and pick it up! (If its not in a dumpster, if it is then you have to ask permission.) HELLLO. For my birthday next year I am going to garbage throw out week. That is all I want.

Does your city do this? Do you know how lucky you are?!

You will most definitely want to pop over and check out The White House Girls. Find a sitter for your kids and grab a snack, you’ll be there for a while.

Now is the really fun part. If you are on Instagram snap a picture of your most treasured piece(s) and tag it with #colddeadfingers. I LOVE seeing what your favorite things are and I know everyone else does too!

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Cold Dead Fingers //10

Mandi — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:59:07 +0000

I have been on the hunt for a treasure or 2 and have come up empty handed every time. It is starting to warm up again so hopefully that means that everyone will be defrosting their old furniture and selling it (hopefully to me!).

There are some AMAZING pieces on #colddeadfingers that bring hope back into the world, here are a few of my favorites!

Whitney’s caption was too good to not share.

“Whelp I’m not sure what I’m gonna do with these but they were just too cute to pass up. Maybe home school the neighbor kids. Ha!”

instagram.com/carpendaughter

These geode specimen holders need to be in my life. Seriously. They told me!

instagram.com/lightglassandtrend

Vintage Kilim for $25!!

instagram.com/kjcopenhagen
https://www.facebook.com/midcenturymadnesschicago

I love the Viking vibe of this entire set up. The vintage rattan is everything!!

instagram.com/hamletinteriors

Vintage Plycraft chair? Always a good idea. Vintage Plycraft chair for $30? You should check your pulse, because you might not be alive.

instagram.com/anatomyofdesign

Make sure to hashtag #colddeadfingers on all of your thrift score finds! For those that are newish and wondering why #colddeadfingers…Cold Dead Fingers because it is soooo good it can only be pried from (you guessed it) your cold dead fingers! It’s the REALLY good finds!

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Cold Dead Fingers // 9

Mandi — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:24:49 +0000

Lets kick off January (errr. almost Feburary…) with a round of Cold Dead Fingers shall we? If you are new to the game, dont fret, here is how it goes down. On Instagram when you upload your favorite furniture/thrift store finds, all you have to do is hashtag it #colddeadfingers. Why cold dead fingers? Because it is SO AMAZING that it can only be pried from your cold dead fingers of course! Also who would have thought that I could use the phrase cold dead fingers 5 times in one paragraph? Mad skills.

Up first is this gorgeous lamp that Mandie (great name!) found. She paid $10. Guess what? It’s worth $500.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/midmodmandie
Website: https://midmodinspirations.blogspot.com

Wooden hand? Always a good idea.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/redhousewest
Website: https://redhousewest.com

Tori found a pair of these MCM arm chairs. She’s wondering how she should reupolster them. Chime in below with your thoughts!! Personally I am going to say leather, anyone surprised?

Instagram: https://instagram.com/torpony

Everything but the print was thrifted. I feel like I need to look for brass candlesticks for my life to be complete again.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/vanessashastine

This couch! (Insert sobbing emoji here) $40

Instagram: https://instagram.com/meganomarrow

Um. How about this tulip chair for $4. Four. Freaking. Dollars!?! Look at that metal base, absoulte perfection.

Website:https://www.pepperspaperie.etsy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepperspaperie

Do you guys have anything amazing that you want to show off?! Hashtag it #colddeadfingers so we can all oogle!

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Cold Dead Fingers // 8

Mandi — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:59:00 +0000

As Ashy’s room is coming together, I am FREAKING excited to pull this awesome couch out of the storage unit. I found it at the DI (Utah’s version of Goodwill) for $65. It is the prettiest green velvet and in excellent condition. The skirt is coming off to update it and possibly some new legs are happening.

Shall we take a gander at some of the other amazing #colddeadfingers couches that are causing chronic drool-itis? Yes, lets.

I feel like we need to do some internet stalking and find out where Katie lives so that we can all camp out at the thrift stores that she frequents. This girl is a freaking thrift store all star. Check out the couch. It is amazing.

Instagram: @ktschiltz
Blog: https://www.thewhitehouseboutique.com/

Fun fact, Lindsey was one of the first internet friends I made while blogging. She is adorable, and so is her new couch.

Instagram: @linnyjanevintage
Blog: https://www.linnyjanevintage.blogspot.com

This yellow tufted beauty would be awesome without the pleated skirt!

Instagram: @urvintagegirl
Blog: https://vivalavintageforyourhome.wordpress.com

Tell me this couch isnt everything that happiness is made out of. Do it, I dare you.

Instagram: @colleenleroy

Have an amazing find that you want to shout from the rooftops about!? Hashtag it #colddeadfingers so that we can all see it!

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Cold Dead Fingers //7

Mandi — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 15:59:18 +0000

You guys are seriously blowing me away with your freaking amazing #colddeadfingers posts. Every new post is just SO good.

I found a pretty great pair of lights on Craigslist last week. At least I thought they were a pair. When I called the seller to set up a pick up he told me that he had sold one. Whyyyyyyy? If you have a pair of anything, keep it that way, I promise it is worth it! Lights, chairs, eyes (because who wants just one eye?). All of the things. Pairs=Joy

So there was just one light. Which was fine, it was amazing enough on it’s own. But there is just something about knowing that there is a mate somewhere out there (sing that like Fievel!) So if you live in Southern UT and you have the twin, message me. I will pay you with lots of money and Durangos.

So today, in memory of my light’s forever lost twin, I thought it would be fun to honor those that still have their life partner.

These chairs. There is nothing more to say.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carpendaughter

Lets just pause for a minute and imagine the insane joy of finding these beauties on Craigslist.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/caseybovee
Website: https://www.behomesoonblog.com

Nightstands? Yes. $10 for the pair? $*(&#$* YES!!

Instagram: https://websta.me/n/averielaneblog
Website: https://www.averielane.com

Perfect colors.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahsuponski

It was Shannon’s birthday. Obviously.

Instagram: https://instagram/shannon_burlapandlace
Website: https://www.burlapandlaceblog.blogspot.com

Make sure you hashtag your amazing furniture scores #colddeadfingers so that we can all be jealous together mmkay?