Just in case you were wondering?

My spring entry and I are so happy you are here.

If you are joining us over here from Carena’s? Welcome. It’s so nice to meet you.

Yesterday I told you about what’s on my list for thrifting this summer. But what about all the finds that I’ve already found?

What about all the yard sale and estate sale thrifting stories that have yet to be told?

One of my favorite finds is somewhere in this picture.

Can you guess?

Do you know what it is?

If you’ve been following this blog for more than a hot minute, you already know. You heard about the cartwheels that happened….

….when I found this.

This find.

Right there on the wall.

When you are a true junker or a yard-saler or an auction-goer or an estate-saler or a shop-by-the-side-of-the-roader….

….hope springs eternal.

No matter how many broken dishwashers you find at the end of the yard sale rainbow.

No matter how many times you dig through boxes of junk at the auction and find nothing worth anything.

No matter how many times the “GIANT MULTI-FAMILY YARDSALE” sign lets you down.

You know that you know that you know….

….the next great find is just around the bend.

I know.

I get it.

I understand.

Truly.

That’s why this find makes all those empty-handed shopping trips worth it. Last spring I went to an estate sale where I was looking for absolutely nothing.  I’ve found that’s the best approach.  It’s when you are looking for absolutely nothing….

….that you find everything.

Like this.

I know….right.

Can you see why my heart started beating faster? I didn’t even know what it was.

But I knew I needed it.

Do you have any idea what it is? I asked on Instagram and here are some of the responses that I got:

  • a loom
  • a sock holder
  • a sorter
  • a thread winder
  • a game

Nope.

Not. Even. Close.

In fairness, I had no idea what it was when I walked up to it. The people running the estate sale had to tell me.

It’s a BALLOON MOLD.

Yep.

A mold that they used to use to make balloons. It’s a little worn and a little vintage, but to me? It’s a prize beyond compare.

I couldn’t wait to show my husband. I brought it in off the back porch and presented it with great fanfare accompanied by tiny dolphin claps and hand-waving and asked him if he could hang it up…

….he seemed slightly less impressed.

He stood there for a moment and raised his eyebrows.

And then sighed…..

….and asked me which way was right side up.

I think he was done with truly appreciating a treasure 477 yard sale signs ago. 🙂

And just in case you wanted to see the rest of the spring entry?

Here are a few pictures.

This space is one of my favorites in the house.

I love the flowers.

I love the dresser.

I love the stairs and the chandelier and the light and the windows and the mirrors.

But most of all?

I’m blown away by my entryway estate sale find.

Pun totally intended. 🙂

PS Be sure and stop by the next stop on the tour over at my wonderful friend Libbie’s!

Wait until you see her tile doormat!

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: March 10, 2021

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  3. Image for Paula@SweetPea Paula@SweetPea

    You are the only person that I know who has a vintage balloon mold. I love how it looks on your wall and I'm sure that every time someone visits that they are curious about it.

    Reply
  5. Image for Leen Curinga Leen Curinga

    What a fun conversation piece, and totally unique! I love everything about your pretty entryway, it's so bright and springy! I am so glad you joined us on the Celebrate Spring Blog Hop!!

    Reply
  6. Image for Jennifer Fancher Jennifer Fancher

    That balloon mold is the coolest thing I've ever seen! I wouldn't have been able to pass it up either. And it's the perfect Spring addition to your entryway! Always love seeing what you share, my friend.

    Reply
  9. Image for Nancy Nancy

    Had we been shopping together it might be at my house! Ballooning aside...you are looking even lovelier than ever. Yes, it’s ok to no longer hold a pillow, flower etc in front of your pretty self for the photo - silly girl!

    Reply
  10. Image for Julie Julie

    Spring has sprung and so have YOU! Looking great Friend!! And I love garage sales as hubby and I make our list of things we're seeking this garage sale season! lol and I have found things I didn't think I needed either til I saw it, and thought OMG got to have this plus the price is right!!

    Reply
  13. Image for be be

    That is the most wonderful find!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing!!! I doubt many folks know what that is!! Good for you! Also wanted to comment today that your amazing redo of your projects is your back porch. I love the way it is painted. Makes it so happy like you ! BTW you look fantastic.. I know you are proud of all of your hard work.

    Reply
  14. Image for Cristie Cristie

    Of course I Love your Balloon Mold! But I just have to ask.?. Where’d you get that Cute Cute Pink Dress???? ⁉️ I want one‼️‼️ 🥰

    Reply
  19. Image for Kathy Kathy

    I DO remember that ballon mold! I knew what it was because there were some at the Atlanta market right before I saw yours. They were sooo expensive! You did well!!! And, you do look amazing!!!

    Reply
  20. Image for Patti Patti

    That balloon mold is gorgeous. I thought it was some kind of natural dyed egg diy project. Of course, flowers are a given. All the time, anytime of year. Happy Spring Karianne!

    Reply
  23. Image for Kris Kris

    I remember the balloon mold! But .... that dress in that color! So perfect for you. You didn't let us see what shoes you picked out to go with it, though. I bet you are having SO much fun shopping for clothes these days.

    Reply
  25. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    I was thinking it was a weird kind of glass dryer thing. A balloon mold? Well I'll be danged. Well, leave it to you to know exactly what to do with it. Love those colors in it too - very spring-y. You look very pretty in your pretty new rose dress, KA.

    Reply
  28. Image for JC JC

    It's so springy...if there is such a word ;) ! I remember you posting this find, but don't remember it being these yummy springlike colors. From far away it almost looks like a spring egg display....in a good way. :) Love the table, and flowers, and YOU in that dress. Perfect color!

    Reply
  29. Image for Teresa Gonzales Teresa Gonzales

    Ahhh Spring! Looks fabulous, as do you! I remember the balloon mold. It is perfect for spring with those colors :) Garage/tag sales are the best!

    Reply
  30. Image for Meegan Meegan

    And I would say that you are the only person I have ever or probably will ever own a balloon mold! That is just the coolest thing ever. It is always a treat to visit your blog and be inspired. Everything is just stunning. Take care, my friend. And Happy Spring.

    Reply
  31. Image for Scarlett Scarlett

    I love your fun find! The colors alone would have caught my attention & had me honing in on it ASAP! I love finding pieces of curiosity like this. I’ve never seen one. Ever! I’ve been junking, auction going, vintage & antique shopping since I was a little girl. I’ve even owned a few booths & a shop. This is a great piece. Yay you 👏🏻

    Reply
  32. Image for Ann Ann

    Dear KariAnne, Your house is gorgeous, and so are YOU!!! I was browsing the Jeffrey Court catalog last week, and haven't seen your blog for some time. You look fabulous!!! I hope you don't mind me commenting in a more personal manner, but I am guessing that you won't,, as I am sure you are thrilled with your new look! I remember the balloon mold from a previous post. It is a lovely and unique vintage-y piece! xoxo

    Reply
  33. Image for Marlene Stephenson Marlene Stephenson

    I would not have known what it was, not even a clue, but I love it and your flowers and all the rest. You love ravishing in your pretty pink dress!!

    Reply
  34. Image for Jolyn Jolyn

    They were making balloons on "How It's Made" a couple of weeks ago, and I thought of you and your fabulous balloon mold. I'll admit, I'm a little jealous. The colors would go so well in my house... sigh...

    Reply
  35. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    Your balloon mold is such a unique piece and looks great on your wall! KariAnne, you just look so beautiful in your lovely mauve dress -- and your flowers are so pretty. I love your antique chest of drawers in your hallway. It looks like it was just meant to be there! Your posts are always such a ray of sunshine! I always look forward to them. Have a blessed day!

    Reply
  37. Image for Cindy Cindy

    Your entry looks beautiful, light, bright and airy. Love the flowers and I remember you bringing the balloon mold home last year. You are looking fantastic too. Cindy

    Reply
  38. Image for Colleen Colleen

    KariAnne! I am not blown away by your balloon mold! I am blown away by you! You look great! What a transformation! Congratulations! Very proud of you!! 🤗👏

    Reply
  43. Image for AnnS AnnS

    I love that. I did not know what it was, but the colors are awesome! My favorite find is an old black metal motor oil can countertop display. They used to display motor in this thing!. I placed glass candle holders in it, so now there's black grunge and shiny glass. It's sometimes filled with candles, sometimes tinsel, pumpkins, apples... you get the picture. Well, you could if I knew how to attach it here 😉 I don't garage sale often, but I love a good flea market or junk shop.

    Reply
  51. Image for Laura Laura

    I can picture this for the 4th of July done in a flag design..... can you put colored balloons on the molds??? It really is the neatest thing, and looks perfect there!!! You look fabulous! How are the aquatic classes going???

    Reply
  53. Image for Melinda Whipple Melinda Whipple

    Ii remember reading about this before - what a unique and amazing find! My Grandma was queen of the garage sales and I learned from her. I haven't been to one in some time but will never forget the thrill of the find.

    Reply
  57. Image for Rebecca Rebecca

    KariAnne, I can totally relate to the thrill of tag and estate sale shopping. It's so true that you'll never find exactly what you're looking for, but you'll always stumble upon the best stuff unexpectedly! That balloon mold was a magical find! It will definitely be a conversation starter :) Your entryway looks inviting with the spring flowers, and you look beautiful in that pink dress! It was fun hopping with you. Happy Spring!

    Reply
  58. Image for Lynne Lynne

    What a fun and unique find that balloon mold is! It is definitely a conversation piece...and it looks lovely in your beautiful, welcoming entry! You look radiant and ready to welcome spring into your home. It was so much fun hopping with you, my friend!

    Reply
  62. Image for Mel Whitmore Mel Whitmore

    I JUST LOVE YOUR SWEET AND GENTLE SPIRIT! YOUR KINDNESS COMES THROUGH WITH EVERY POST! THANKS FOR BEING JUST WHO YOU ARE!!!!1

    Reply

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