Thrift Shopping in New Zealand
If you love thrifting or “treasure hunting” you understand how exciting it is to explore charity shops and vintage markets in different countries. During a recent trip to New Zealand, Tim and I had an opportunity to do just that!
Taken at The Shed and Co.
We browsed several shops and markets around the country including the town of Paeroa. (pronounced pie-Row-uh) Paeroa is known for their antique stores, for their location near the Hauraki Rail Trail, and for a wonderful drink called L&P.
L&P is short for Lemon & Paeroa and is a delicious lemon flavored soft drink made with naturally carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa! I loved it!
Come along as I share some unique thrift store displays and a few treasures I couldn’t resist bringing home.
I love a good thrift store name/sign and JUNK and DISORDERLY is a top pick! So clever!
Tea Cup, Saucer, and Dessert Plate
One of my favorite stores in Paeroa was The Shed and Co. It is located outside of the main downtown area, but easily walkable. Most of the display photos you see in this post came from that shop/warehouse.
The Shed and Co. had a huge variety of items ranging from tractors to fine china! Truly something for everyone!
Taken at The Shed and Co.
Some areas of the store were very organized while other areas were “hunt through boxes.”
I picked up this adorable little tea cup set, complete with a matching saucer and dessert plate. The flower pattern reminded me of spring, and I absolutely love the soft touches of green and pink.
Bell China Backstamp
A history note about the Bell China
Shore & Coggins also traded under the Bell China name, this range pre-dates the Queen Anne, but was produced until the close of the works in 1966. The 'Bell China' trade name was used from c. 1911 until the closure of the Edensor Works in 1966. (The Potteries.org)
Taken at The Shed and Co.
Vintage Wood Rulers
Another one of my favorite shopping areas was the Riccarton Sunday Market. It is a large outdoor market with a range of new and antique items for sale. There were also a variety of interesting food booths.
I purchased three hinged wood rulers with brass hardware at this market. I loved the patina and fonts on each of them.
The brass details are beautiful and they fit very nicely in my suitcase!
Tim also purchased a set of vintage calipers for his blacksmith shop…
…which I borrowed for a fun styled photo!
Taken at The Shed and Co.
Crystal Cordial Glasses
When I found these small cordials they were covered in dust and hiding at the back of a shelf at The Shed and Co.
I have been looking for small crystal glasses for Limoncello (or lemonade in my case) and these were perfect! And…at just 50 cents each…they were irresistible!
I mean really…who CAN resist a tiny little crystal vessel?
According to Wine Enthusiast Magazine, cordials are making a comeback in restaurants and private collections. Laurie Furber, the founder of Elsie Green says “Typically (cordials) have some sort of drama to the design—be very short or very tall, with etched details or cut panels—to give it a bit of ceremony,”
And Will Patton, managing partner of the Washington, D.C. cocktail bar Press Club, says “They’re sexy. They’re sophisticated. They’re a smooth way to end a meal.”
They also make cute vases for tiny flower arrangements! So…watch for these charming little glasses next time you are thrift shopping!
Taken at The Shed and Co.
Green Apothecary/Perfume Bottles
If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that I have “a thing” for emerald green glassware.
I found these bottles at an antique store that we serendipitously stumbled upon.
I was drawn to the bottles by their color, shapes and the amazing sphere stoppers.
They do not have an identifying stamp on the bottom so my best guess…perfume bottles from the 1950’s or 1960’s?
For now…the bottles are going to live on my bathroom counter with Spring flowers in them!
Wood Sculpture Couple
I think the best travel souvenirs are things that are unique, can immediately be used, and mix well with pieces you already have.
This cute rimu wood couple were made in New Zealand by Friederike Schmaltz in1999 according to the inscription on the bottom.
I styled them on a side table with four other wood pieces and a brass bell.
The wood bells were in a box of brass bells that my Mom collected.
The biscuit molds are from Holland and were purchased several months ago from an online vintage market.
When you combine pieces that you already own with unique travel souvenirs, you can create a cohesive collection that feels intentional and beautifully unified, even if the items themselves differ.
So…next time you travel…look for charity shops instead of trinket stores! Souvenirs do not have to be…well… tacky!
I’d love to know what you look for when you travel! Many of my quilting friends buy fabric! Let me know in the comments!
Linen Ribbon
from $7.00