One of the things I look for at estate sales is WOODEN handled mops, brooms, etc.
I usually get them for less than $1 (often free). I like the shabby, Easter egg colored handles the best. I take off the cleaning part and use the handle for a stake in the garden.
This is the assortment that I have collected recently and they are ready to be put to use staking up dahlias or some other plant.
I love how they add a little color until the plants begin to bloom. Now I just need to find a few more and for my plants to grow! Happy Spring!
Your collections are truly amazing! Love that stork. So cute. And now I'll be looking for old mops and brooms. Great way to use them in the garden. Mimi
Posted by: Mimi Sue | May 13, 2010 at 06:18 PM
Darn, I guess it's too late to ask you to show us your mop handle collection. I'm still thinking....
Posted by: barbara | May 13, 2010 at 06:42 PM
Love all those cheery colors! Great idea!!
Hugs,
Jill
Posted by: Jill | May 13, 2010 at 06:59 PM
Well aren't you the clever one!!
Posted by: Angela | May 13, 2010 at 07:00 PM
You never cease to amaze me.
Posted by: Lori | May 13, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Aren't you just the most creative one!! I had never thought to do that but it makes perfect sense - much stronger than a plant stake and cute!!
Happy Estate Sale Friday.
Posted by: Lynn | May 14, 2010 at 04:35 AM
How clever! I was wondering why the heck anyone would love mop handles!
Jill
Posted by: Jill at buckscountyfolkart.blogspot.com | May 14, 2010 at 09:45 AM
Great idea, my husband was with me at an estate sale and he picked up 2 mops I looked at him and thought what the heck, when we hooked up again he said I'm going to cut these off and use as a walking stick when I cross rivers fishing and if I lose it I'm not out anything. Pretty smart of him.
Posted by: sandy | May 14, 2010 at 01:24 PM
You can see the magic in anything, even an old mop! The handles really are pretty, and I think the next time I'm in the basement of an estate sale, I'll look around for their old mops!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | May 14, 2010 at 01:29 PM
What a super idea! Now I need to go find some mops:)
Posted by: elma | May 14, 2010 at 03:15 PM
Hey, now, this I really like! (Not that I dislike everything else!) I use bamboo stakes to keep the deer from walking in my flower beds - maybe pastel broom handles would help them to mind their manners better!
Posted by: SueLovesCherries | May 14, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Beautiful stuff.....now my problem would be to organize it all in it's proper place!
Do you ever have a problem like that?
Posted by: diana | May 17, 2010 at 05:45 PM