-
How to Test Items for Lead
You just bought that really cool pewter tankard or other metal piece to add to you feastware kit. But did you know that pewter items before 1960 had lead in them? So how do you know if YOUR recent treasure has lead?
-
Is It Worth It?
Sometimes thrift stores price items that’s practically a steal. Sometimes they over price items. How do you know if you are getting a deal? My advice is know what the market value is for an item. Ask yourself if you can get the item new at a TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Marshall’s, Ross Michael’s Craft Store, Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc. The main item that a lot of thrift stores will overprice are trunks. Really, you shouldn’t pay more that $15 dollars for a wicker or press board trunk. Now, wood and antique or vintage metal trunks are a different story. Be willing to go up to $50, even $75 for…
-
Best Places To Go Thrift Store Shopping
Knowing where to go thrifting is the first step to becoming a thrifting guru and finding crazy good stuff for LARP. Eventually you’ll find the places you like to haunt frequently. I usually stop by my favorite three shops at least once a week. Each visit walking through these shops is another die roll to a good find. Go to the “rich neighborhoods.” I hate to say it, but it’s true. The upper class neighborhoods have the best thrift stores. I was spoiled when I lived down the street from three thrift stores near Brentwood, CA. For those who don’t know, that’s where most of the upper crust of Hollywood…