magpies unite!

Thank you, Grace, for turning over the guest blog to me for two weeks.

Unlike my predecessors, I don’t have my own blog, but I did originate the eBay and Etsy Scavenger columns at apartmenttherapy, which have become a regular feature.

I’m an inveterate bargain hunter, and both eBay and Etsy put great design within the reach of my pocketbook – and yours.

This week, I’ll focus on eBay. During the last year, I’ve hit upon keywords that have led to treasure. I'll share my best tips, as well as the names of sellers whose shops I check weekly.

During week two, I'll spotlight my favorite Etsy sellers. Most of them will be new to you, even if you’re a design-blog junkie. I’ll include my tips for finding the gold among the dross.

If you have questions or tips of your own, feel free to comment.

[Image is of my apartment, and all items in the photo but the couch are eBay finds: a teak table from the Netherlands; Heath Ceramics cup and saucer; and $3 pharmacy funnel that, $40 later, became a lamp]