What I'd Buy on Craigslist this Week - Minneapolis Edition!

Hi frosty friend-sicles.
Super snow gals.
Chilly chicks.

DANG it's been cold, icy, snowy, windy, and just plain hellish where I am. I write this knowing full well that many people farther North of me have it colder, icier, snowier, windier, and more hellish.

I broke my scraper in the 45 minutes it took me to de-ice my minivan today.
My kids were getting super frustrated because they couldn't actually shovel the snow, because it was mostly ice.

BUT. Our power did not go out. Amen.
My husband got safely to and from work. Praise the Lord.
And Spring is a mere 43 days away. HALLELUJAH.

Soooo...until then, I'm here to bring warm, happy thoughts of awesome furniture to my friends in Minneapolis! Goodness knows, I've scoured Cincinnati's Craigslist long enough. Time to take this show on the road. Without further ado, here are my picks for what to go buy on Craigslist this week.
Ahem.

1. I'm not saying it would be the easiest thing in the world to paint (lots of tape on all that glass), but man, I think it'd be worth it!

I LOVE barrister bookcases. They are just so cool! And in all the time I've been a Craigslist fan, I have only seen a handful, and they were way more expensive than this one.  GRAB it for $40 and RUN!

This one at Home Decorators will run you $489.  Paint the CL piece white, swap out or paint the hardware and laugh all the way to the bank.

2. I love this antique standing mirror.

What a perfect piece to add to the front entry! You could add wall sconces, or hooks, or both to the wall on either side. A nice umbrella stand. Gorgeous! You don't see pieces like this every day. Asking price is $100.

3. Next is a cute piece that I think some crafty soul DIYed.

For those who can't, or don't want to, make things themselves, here's a chance to get your hands on a rustic looking ladder that makes an adorable place to hold blankets in your living room or bedroom.
So cute, right?
For those of you who are interested in making this yourselves, here's the tutorial I'd use, from the sisters at Shanty 2 Chic. You can make this piece really inexpensively.
TIP: Make sure you add a coat of poly when you're finished. It is mentioned in the comments, but not the tutorial. Otherwise you'll be heading to the store to buy new blankets. :-(

If you do decide to buy the ladder from Craigslist, I personally would offer $30. Asking price is $40.

4. I have done quite a few desks - they are just really useful pieces and people many times use them as vanities or dressing tables.

This one is adorable, already painted and shabby chic-ed up, and only $85!

I don't know why they're selling it for that.  I'd never make any money (and I don't make a killing as it is) if I sold desks for $85, but I digress. :-)

This thing is a great deal. RUN!

5. Outfit the kids rooms. Or playroom, or basement...
  Vintage kids chairs by Heywood Wakefield.

I love, love, love cool old chairs like these for kids.  I wouldn't do a thing to them, either.
What about an adorable place to easily stash their favorite books?

This cheery vintage magazine rack couldn't be cuter! Grab it for $20.
A globe is conducive to all kinds of lessons. And this has an awesome stand. It's $15.

But if you really want to rock their world, give Bill a call.  He'll custom build you a playhouse that will be the envy of every kid in the neighborhood! I am drooling. (Do not ever let my kids see this. They will hound their grandfather to no end.)

No, I have don't have any idea how much this would cost.  But DANG it would be awesome...

And last but not least, my very sweet friend Alana asked me to look around for chairs to go with the cool new dining table and bench she and her husband are having made. Do these not look incredible? Here's the shop...

There are a million different directions you could take this, keeping in mind that they do have three young kids so whatever is chosen has to be comfy and easy to clean.

So, Alana, here are my picks:

The Herman Miller Eames look
Wildly popular, clean lines and wipe down with a dishrag. :-) $200 for the pair.
(originals will run you waaaay more.)

Budget re-do.

These are kinda tacky fishing cabin-esque. But they don't have to be. They are a basic, simple chair with pretty caning on the back (one needs to be recaned) and seats that are super easy to take off and recover.  These could be anything you want them to be.
And $60 for the whole set? You can't beat that.

I saved my personal favorite option for last. The super pretty set, also with caned backs, but also lovely arms, turned legs, and cool seats.

Imagine them in a creamy white (caning looks so pretty in white) or black. Or a bright red. They will stand out against the strong lines and heaviness of the table and bench and just look awesome.
One chair needs to be recaned and the seats look like they may need some work...but oh, it would so be worth it.

Asking price is $75 for the set of four chairs AND you get the pedestal table (re-sell it or find another place for it)!

I just realized this is kind of like House Hunters for furniture.  Haha!  Alana, you'll have to let us know what you end up with (and of course it's perfectly fine if it's none of these.)

That's it for this traveling roadshow.
Minneapolis is awash with great stuff!
(Here's my usual disclaimer: If you buy from someone on Craigslist, or anyone you don't know, BE SMART. If the piece is small, you can ask that they meet you in a public place. Take a friend with you. Tell someone where you're going. I can't vouch for any of these sellers.  I just love their stuff.)

Now go forth and find something great!
If you find something awesome, let me know!

Anne