This week we are featuring a gorgeous antique charm bracelet that is a must have for your jewelry collection.  Charm bracelets are one of those pieces of jewelry that never go out of style – they are simply updated for the times.

Note the charm bracelet on actress Romy Schneider (popular in the 1950’s – 1970’s and best know for her work in the “Sissi” trilogy).

And here is Mary-Kate Olsen flaunting some modern charm bracelets:

The bracelet we are featuring is from the late nineteenth-century (height of the Victorian era) and makes a great vintage addition to your collection.  The bracelet is gold filled and measures 7″ in length (note one charm is detached from the bracelet, but easily fixable).

Check out the pictures below and visit our eBay site for more photos and description...the auction is open and bidding ends on Tuesday, January 19.

Though Winter Solstice has passed and the days are slowly growing longer, there is still plenty of dark left this winter.  Why not light up your place with a gorgeous set of RED vintage lamps?  They measure 18.5″ tall and come with off-white shades.  They are missing the harps to attach the shade to the lamp, but you can pick those up at most hardware stores.

Bidding is now open!

We are in the last few weeks of the holidays, when everyone starts to *really* think about  getting gifts, wrapping, and mailing them out.  Goodwill has lots to offer in terms of the holidays – wrapping paper, ribbon, decorations, and of course thousands of countless possibilities for gifts.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. eBay. Many of you know that Goodwill has an eBay site that features some of our best donations – this is a great place to get a high quality or unique item at a price with which you are comfortable – you bid what you will pay!  Check out the eBay site today to make sure you get gifts in time.

2. Kids. My  nephew will play with and enjoy anything I give him – there’s no need to spend lots of money on childrens’ holiday gifts.  Last year, I went to a few Goodwill stores and picked out about 10 picture books – I think it cost me around $10 and he loved every one of them.  Goodwill offers a great variety of kids’ books, toys, and clothing – you never know what you will find!

3. Jewelry. A great gift for someone who enjoys jewelry are a few select pieces of vintage jewelry.  We receive jewelry donations on a daily basis – you can find them in the display cases in our stores or on our eBay site.

4. Cooking ware - for the person who loves to cook, just about any kitchen-related item will be much appreciated.  Last year I bought my sister a set of dishes, some pots and pans, and potholders to make a kitchen gift basket – she loved it and uses these items almost every day.

And there’s so many more ideas!  There is absolutely no reason to break the bank at the holidays.  Pick an evening after work, or take the whole day, and peruse a couple of Goodwill stores – I think you will be surprised at the possibilities.

As many of you know, we run an eBay site that features some of our more valuable donations.  You can find everything from collectibles, jewelry, clothes, paintings, antiques, and of course that one-of-a-kind treasure.  What better place to find holiday gifts?  The eclectic assortment is sure to offer something for everyone on your list.  And your purchase helps to fund Goodwill’s job training and support services – what could be better?

This week we are featuring a Longaberger basket – this makes for a great present!  You can fill it with items for a picnic, a collection of local food items, or whatever suits your fancy.  It is a Boardwalk Basket and measures 18″ long x 12″ high.  The plaid liner inside should be washed before gifting.

These baskets can be quite pricey brand new, so this is a great opportunity!  Bidding has started for this item, so be sure to get in on it now!

There are hundreds and hundreds of great gift ideas out there – I can become overwhelmed just thinking of all the possibilities.  But I like to keep the holidays simple and meaningful.  And there’s no gift more meaningful than making something yourself or spending time with others – from knitting a scarf, cooking a meal for someone, taking someone to the movies, etc.  Over the next few weeks, I will feature a variety of gift ideas I have seen at different blogs and sites to help inspire you this holiday season.

First up: Woven Button Coasters

I have to be honest – I really, really, really wanted to make these this year, but I could not find enough buttons of the same size and color to make this project happen – if anyone knows where to purchase buttons in bulk, please let me know!  If you happen to have a great collection of buttons (and some time), this is a beautiful gift to give.

For the fashionistas in your life

If you are giving a gift to someone who loves clothes, what’s a better present than beautifully handmade hangers on which to hang them?  Design*Sponge featured this idea, and again, it’s simple – fabric, pins, a needle and thread, and a hanger.  If you make three of these, it makes for a really nice gift set.

Letterpress Tin Clock

This is a ridiculously easy project that many people would appreciate – who doesn’t need to know the time!  All you need is an old mints tin (repurposing!), a card you like, and a clock kit (which they note you can pick up at the hardware store for around $5).  Ta-da   Instant clock that can be put in any room of the house.

If you have any projects or ideas you would like to share, please leave us a comment and we can feature them in upcoming blog posts!