Perhaps you’ve heard the story of Fenn’s treasure. A million dollars in gold, hidden somewhere in the Rockies, by Forrest Fenn, a Santa Fe art dealer. Fenn’s treasure was eventually found, but not before five people died trying.
There is an attractive side to treasure hunting. The thrill of the search, the temptation of reward or the sense of purpose accompanying a mission. Yet, the risk of wandering across rugged wilderness may not be for everyone.
For the risk-averse or time-strapped folks, a safer and more practical treasure hunt exists. While you’re unlikely to find a million dollars worth of gold, you could find yourself saving thousands of dollars over time.
The hunt starts at your local thrift stores. As with any hunt, expect to weed through junk before stumbling upon a treasure. Though it’s a subjective distinction.
Your treasure may be the perfect-fitting jeans or a vintage jacket, both for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. Or, your treasure may be finding purpose for an item that someone else could not.
Take silverware, for example. An assortment of forks, spoons and butter knives from the thrift store will cost you less than a box of single-use plastic utensils. They probably won’t match, but they’re perfectly suited for camping, picnics and backyard barbecues.
Parents, how many times have you bought plastic sand or snow toys that break easily or get left behind? A thrifted ice cream scoop, garden tools, metal spatula, salad fork and small metal bucket are a cheap and durable alternative.
While you’re in the kitchen section, grab a plate or two to replace water dishes that no longer keep overwatered plants from leaking on your floor. A decent 9 inch plant tray costs $2 to $9. A recycled dish from the thrift store, 25 cents to $2.
Abandoned suitcases, even those missing a wheel, make great containers for storing extra blankets, seasonal decorations, outdoor gear and more. Best part, you won’t lose the lid!
As I sit at the kitchen table, pondering all the resources one could find at a thrift store, I am struck with another idea. Our kitchen table is adorned with dings and paint marks from years of doubling as an art table. If only I had covered it with a repurposed bedsheet or blanket, I wouldn’t be adding “refinish table” to the to-do list. Similarly, I wouldn’t have turquoise paint on brand-new carpet, d’oh!
Currently, I’m on the hunt for framing. If you’ve ever priced out frames with mats for art, they aren’t cheap. With a little patience, I’m convinced I’ll find the perfect fit. One only needs to look past the currently displayed art to discover the potential of the mat and frame.
Of course, it’s not unheard of for people to (unknowingly) buy high-value art at the thrift store. Where one sees splattered paint, another sees the work of Jackson Pollock. You just never know what kind of treasures you might find.
Nicole Clark is director of La Plata County Extension Office. Reach her at nclark@lpcgov.org.
