I found this cute little Noguchi-style, table lamp at a garage sale for $2 but when I got it home I realized it was missing one of its little ball feet. Now what?
Whenever I’m faced with an impossible fix like this, there’s only one place I go, Toronto’s Active Surplus (347 Queen Street West, upstairs). I’ve always wanted to blog about this secret gem and my would-be Noguchi — actually vintage IKEA — gave me a perfect opportunity.
Active is one of those head-scratching, retail mysteries. How does a store that sells bits and bobs worth 25¢ and 50¢ each make the rent on one of the city’s priciest retail strips? I’m just glad they do ’cause Active is a godsend when you’re searching for that impossible little part. Clips, balls, rings, caps, plugs, dowels, wood blocks, plastic tubing, acrylic off-cuts, Active is like the world’s biggest junk box, fish around and with a bit of luck you’ll find what you need to MacGyver your project.
Active provided a few options for my lamp but the best by far were these little rubber feet, pre-drilled and priced at just 25¢ each. The shape’s a bit odd but I sort of like them and they look like they were made for the lamp. When all else fails, get Active.
September 1st, 2012 at 8:23 am
I have always wondered about that spot, I pass by it all of the time. Great post, and thanks for taking us inside. The lamp looks great, nice find.
September 1st, 2012 at 8:32 am
I remember when their life size gorilla mascot went missing. I think it made the papers.
I wouldn’t worry about those dudes making ends meet, they’re tough sells and if you pay .50 cents for something, they paid a fraction of a cent for it. Nice chaps tho’.
Key there is if you find something niche or rare, grab it cause they may not have it in ever again. Once my go-to source for beakers and pipettes now I pay through-the-nose at Efston Science equip.
September 1st, 2012 at 9:21 am
That’s a whole lot of awesome for $3 total.
September 1st, 2012 at 1:37 pm
SPEAKING OF HARD TO FIND- I’m looking for a mattress cover, preferrably waterproof. Any suggestions? Thanks…
September 1st, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Sue, I have it on good authority that Wal-Mart is actually the place to go for mattress protectors.
September 1st, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Sue,
Dollarama is mattress-cover heaven.
Lin
October 3rd, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Check out the Shoppers Drug Mart HomeHealthCare store at Bathurst and Lawrence. I bought waterproof mattress covers for my cottage beds. I think you can also order online:)