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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 03:38pm
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Looking for a good source for cabin decor. I like western, early pioneer, wildlife (big game) evergreen, logging etc. I have found some sites, but everything it so darn expensive. I know its a specialty items. But some of it is crazy priced. Has anyone else found a site for cabin decor at a reasonable price. I'm after window treatments, wall hanging stuff, switch covers, coat racks, lamps, Kitchen stuff.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 04:11pm - Edited by: Gary O
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You probably know, but for me it's been craigslist every time.
Yeah, Ebay, and sights for this stuff is nuts. In Portland, we have a place called 'Rejuvination', catering to refurbers of old houses. Sheeeesh, a door knob went for $110...and stained windows? forgetaboutit
You might consider what 'American Pickers' do, and venture out to established farms and ranches, asking to bid on stuff they may have in their barns.
Also, when garage sailing (misnomer intended) it never hurts to ask about what you're interested in. Garage sale people are not only looking to rid themselves of junk, but some are desperate to make a buck, and willing to sell most anything to do so.
Vinyl record collectors use this tactic quite successfully (even though the items are not out for display)
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hattie
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 05:27pm
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech Has anyone else found a site for cabin decor at a reasonable price. I'm after window treatments, wall hanging stuff, switch covers, coat racks, lamps, Kitchen stuff.
I can't vouch for any of these sites, but this is where I go to drool over some very neat looking stuff for cabins.
http://www.oaklodge.ca/
http://www.rustic-lodge-lifestyle.com/index.html
http://www.blackforestdecor.com/browse-by-category.html
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Gary O
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 05:56pm
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Yeah, Hattie, these are the drool sites, but as t-tech commented, way over priced.
The simple box (photo) is a prime example.
If you use the zoom in option on their site, you'll find shoddy construction of laminated ready board touted as hard wood.
Not even dado'd.
Made in USA too. Blackforestdecor should be ashamed.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 06:03pm
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Failed to mention, they want $100................
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bugs
Member
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 06:45pm
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I am not sure if you can call it decorating or not but we have tracked down lots of bits from our local habit Reno store and other thrift and second hand stores for our little shed. Just have to be patient and when you see something be ready to snap it up or it could be gone. And we have a ready supply of rocks, antlers (thanks to the deer), feathers, snake skins, etc from the land itself to add a home grown outdoorsy accent to the shed.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 07:45pm
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rainy afternoon, after a night of debauchery
been searching
found:
http://www.everythingnautical.com/index.html
reasonable in comparison
http://www.snowsource.com/generalstore_snowshoes.htm
cheap old snow shoes, other stuff not so much
t-tech, I have some nautical charts of SE Alaskan seas from my commercial fisherman son of which I've considered laminating for targeted walls/wall paper.
I could ship them to you for the price of UPS if you're interested...
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 07:48pm
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crap
wrong site
http://www.gaidis.com/ss/
is better for snow shoes
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Gary O
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2010 08:18pm - Edited by: Gary O
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brain fart:
True estate sales, ones from the passing of old farmers/ranchers have scads of antiques about.
The trick is getting to them before the dealers swoop in........
Another thought is posting what you are looking for on craigslist.
In these economic times, there are lots of people liquidating 'stuff'...
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Gary O
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 11:53am
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Quoting: bugs we have a ready supply
Another avenue (like the pioneers) is using what's available.
I'll be using some of the curved limbs from dead falls for drawer pulls, and wherever else my imagination will take me.
Thinking about sawing and routing (Dremel) out some wood for switch plates and picture frames.
Family photos reprinted in sepia can be a nice touch.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 11:54am
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more
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 02:12pm
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Gary, I have another idea for some decor. Let me bouce this off of ya, let me know what you think. Others are welcomed to chime in also. Grabbing a straight or fairly straight log already peeled. Maybe even a skip peel leaving some chunks of bark in p lace, somehow cutting it down the middle, ie running it through a large bandsaw (mill) then cutting it again in 1/4's. Now with my walls all sheated, I thought installing these 1/4 pieces in the corners to give the appearance a round timber is in the wall supporting the structure. I could even make some fake ceiling runs too. I'd love to put a round log in the kitchen entry way on each side (36" opening, no door) but have it wrap around the door opening, so it appears when I'm walking into the kitchen, I'm walking between 2 poles.
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islandguy
Member
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 02:12pm
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Auctions. AUCTIONS. Did I mention auctions?
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 02:14pm
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Gary, there is an antique store just about 5 miles from my house. I'm going to start gathering trinkets for my cabin. I need to start on my mantle. That is going to be fun. I will use 4X6 header material on its die. I'm going to route in pine boughs and some cones. Edge work with my router, and a light burning with a propane torch to give it an aged look.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 04:51pm
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech give the appearance a round timber
Oh yeah. Worked some with natural limbs/logs. A band saw should play a major role (of which I have none), wasted some nice pieces with my table saw to yield good stuff. I'm sure there's trick to the trade, and tribal knowledge.
A good fit to yield that structural support look w/be critical.
This s/be where guys like fpw (stump ranch) should chime in.
Stressing the wood should be the capper.
Ran into this back in the '70s. In visiting an artisan friend's wood shop, I noticed him beating some planks with a chain, then torching them a bit. Thought he'd gone 'round the bend. He explained is goal of giving the piece 'that aged look'. Turned out very nice.
Wood has so many characteristics, of which one must have at least rudimentary knowledge.
I made my wife some book cases (since she is a confessed bibliofile) using Home Dopey 2 x 6 KD SPF. The stuff still had some juice in it, as the cases warped over night. Harder wood is much better, it turns out.......
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Gary O
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 05:08pm
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I just thought of something.
Auctions might be a good source...........
You gotta watch the pace of auctions. Been to a few for the firm I'm with. Idiots sometimes attend these. You know, the ones that haven't done the preview, so they over bid. They are the same ones that stay out of arm's reach, so tasers are no good, and silencers are still illegal........
However, auctions can be a good source, especially if in place of an estate sale involving a farm or ranch.
(hope islandguy has a sense of humor.............)
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Gary O
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 08:12pm
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In Portland here, antique stores automatically jack their stuff up. Lotsa yuppie granola heads here that like to pay top dollar, and brag about it (go figure).
But, obscure 2nd hand stores still have a few finds.
I got this old golf club for $15, and the bag for $5.
A collector estimated the club at $1500 (!!!!)
Not the usual find, but OOOOH YEAH
The bag, well, worth $5
Yeah, getting ready to market the club (for another piece of artilery)
club, bag
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golf_club.JPG
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golf_club.JPG_2.JPG
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inscription
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Gary O
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# Posted: 31 Oct 2010 08:37pm - Edited by: Gary O
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Some of the obvious places are fishing/hunting and gun shows.
But you've gotto ferret out the decent buys.
Last gun show I went to, I came across a guy selling molded fish.
Asked him why he was at a gun show.
"See anyone else selling fish here?", he says....
Now, it's the last day of the show, and nobody wants to pack their stuff home, so, good buys, right?
The fish guy sold me this red side for $35 (after I feigned walking away from $50). List was $135.
Have it suspended on one lb test in my den.
OK, I was feeling like the cat that ate the canary with this 'deal'. Actual wooden carved fish go for so much more ($800-$1800)
However, I was happening thru a tourist trap novelty gift store, when I found this half side wall mount for $10.
TEN DOLLARS!
Yeah, it's a half side, but notice it's an exact replica of the replica, same scale everything...what a deal maker I am..yeah right
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Vince P
Member
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# Posted: 1 Nov 2010 05:14pm
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Quoting: Gary O However, I was happening thru a tourist trap novelty gift store, when I found this half side wall mount for $10. TEN DOLLARS!
I have that plastic mount in my cabin. I put it on a homemade plaque and it looks great.
Try http://www.cabinbasics.com/ for some nice stuff at reasonable prices. I believe the owner of that site participates on this forum.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 1 Nov 2010 07:29pm
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VP-
That is a decent site. Some stuff is over priced, but some items are quite attractive and at a reasonable price.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 1 Nov 2010 07:47pm
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I particularly like the mounted lake trout they have for $23.
The artist even detailed the hen as full of eggs, and took note to show the eyes pointing downward.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 1 Nov 2010 08:33pm
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Not sure why this one is at $159 though. Then again, I don't know how the term 'slatted' is being implied here....
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Gary O
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# Posted: 1 Nov 2010 08:37pm
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Found these at thrift stores........probably spent under $20 total
wood carved duck w/feather detail
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wood carved duck
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reed and wood duck form
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pheasant
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cabinbasics
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# Posted: 2 Nov 2010 06:13am
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Hey guys! Vince thanks for the plug. Hope all is well!
Couple thoughts...Out of all the decor, the most satisfying is stuff I've made myself, so that was my recommendation - get an idea, try it, perfect it, then make it. I've been making log lamps lately - lots of fun.
One guy on Ebay does an nice job with fish carvings - Member id oceanarts10. Sometimes the fish are not proportionate looking, but if you wait long enough you'll get one that's awesome. The good ones go quick but I bought 3 at asking price and (IMO) they are well worth it.
Regarding cost on the internet, most of those big sites are catering to women buyers, and big cabin owners. I've had a few of those big dollar buyers hit my site and when they do, a.) they are very demanding, b.) they do have deep pockets, and c.) they are buying a lot of stuff all at once. Most of the stuff on those big sites are shipped by the mfr - so the site is really just a big billing office with very little inventory - hence you'll see "Allow 2-4 weeks for shipping" on most of their items. Product is pre-sold, then manufactured based on demand. They hire a marketing firm, get free product from the mfr, take shots of it and pay big bucks for SEO. They do a GREAT job, but they FAIL to provide economical items to average cabin owner. This is a niche I'm hoping to nail as time goes on. I have a few direct ship lines on my site, but try to get vendors that ship next day.
Gary O, the decoys are made by an artist in Oregon - they pics can't do them justice, but I tend to agree - look long enough and you'll find some good bargains out there. I think decoys would be a fun hobby - lots of good starting blanks and tools on Ebay.
Toyota, for window treatments, try a vendor line called Park Designs - country and cabin stuff. I stock some, but not the window items - visit www.CountryPorch.com.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 2 Nov 2010 08:52am - Edited by: Gary O
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Quoting: cabinbasics the most satisfying is stuff I've made myself
That is a fact
Quoting: cabinbasics get an idea, try it, perfect it, then make it
Sadly, that too is a fact. Actually creating what dances in my head is an adventure beyond my five thumbed hands.
The patience required to 'perfect' an item escapes me.
An excerpt from my journal;
I'm a 'type A'. Everything I do, I try to get done before I go to bed that evening, which could be 3 AM, stumbling around, looking for tools through bleary eyes, cutting things wrong, lots of cursing. Then making another pot of coffee, 'cause Home Dept will open in only three hours'............
I don't need to talk about the four years I toiled on the old house, and the bazillion projects going on at one time, but it taught me many lessons.
The main one was to take my time. My philosophy has changed from:
1) Measure once
2) Cut
3) Cut again
4) Go back to Home Depot
5) Repeat one thru four
To:
1) Think about it
2) Draw it out
3) Talk to others about it
4) Take a nap
5) Repeat one thru four
Really, I now have learned to take my time. Wood is not only precious, but expensive. Every time I start a project, I tell myself this is something I should be enjoying. No matter how long it takes, l should enjoy the deed, and each moment thru the act of accomplishment. And, ya know what? It works.
(Actually this tactic still just remains as theory in my mind)
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Gary O
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# Posted: 2 Nov 2010 08:17pm
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Quoting: cabinbasics This is a niche I'm hoping to nail as time goes on. I have a few direct ship lines on my site, but try to get vendors that ship next day.
Cabinbasics, you should knock 'em dead by going direct. Most of your stuff is more than competitive, and decent quality.
Yeah, the moving SEO target. If you find the right independant guy (and they are out there, starving) you can save a few bucks. if you want, I can hook you up with some.
Been importing for 20 yrs, brokers, direct, you name it. Thing is, the makers are starving too. It's all in getting the right connection. A good broker can sure point you in the right direction. Then hopping on the big silver bird is next (after aquainting yourself with canine menus).....
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 2 Nov 2010 10:48pm
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Quoting: cabinbasics Toyota, for window treatments, try a vendor line called Park Designs - country and cabin stuff. I stock some, but not the window items - visit www.CountryPorch.com
Perfect! I like the Mooseville valance/curtain. Perfect for my mountain cabin.
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cabinbasics
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# Posted: 3 Nov 2010 06:32am
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Thanks Gary!
I just started using some SEO tools on my own - Foxfire SEOQuake toolbar, Google Analytics, and a couple others. Having some success - one of my keywords (Pinecone Decor) is on the first page. Trying to really learn it and watch the competitors until the budget allows, then go for a real pro SEO with monthly investment. I'm way off from that - my hit rate is low but even so, sales are decent for me - a few packages a day and I'm happy. I think people hit those big sites and end up drilling down to page 2 and 3 once they see the prices - yikes!
I'm with you on the Home Depot thing :) The way I look at it, when a project goes wrong, it's just an excuse to get another power tool!
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Gary O
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# Posted: 3 Nov 2010 09:21am
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Quoting: cabinbasics I just started using some SEO tools on my own
That works for awhile, then they change the rules. I think it's a glut/supply/demand tactic.
Yeah, after three pages things get sketchy, and keywords wander (I think it's on purpose, my skeptic mind).
The best to you, Cabinbasics.
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cabinbasics
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# Posted: 3 Nov 2010 09:39pm
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Thanks Gary, haven't seen a rule change yet but I'm sure it will be coming - just to shake everybody up and get new advertisers interested. Best 2 U 2!
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