Couple's $12 chandelier is good example of recycling'

NORTH ROYALTONThe Victorian-style crystal chandelier infuses romance and drama when guests enter Dennis and Cathe Farkas' dining room.

Not bad for a $12 buy -- at a garage sale.

"We've had lots of compliments on it. It's quite a find," said Dennis. "And with the bay window in the room, it's wonderful to see it from the outside of the house."

The North Royalton couple noticed the $15 price tag on the brass chandelier. They liked it and actually bought it for $12. They didn't realize the purchase also included crystal glass "hangers" that came with it.

"The owner indicated they were going modern' throughout the house so were parting with all old stuff' that her mother had accumulated over the years," Dennis said. "This was great for my wife as she, over the years and today, prefers the Victorian-era look. We are not certain of its age or value, but were very pleased to have set our eyes upon it. It provides a wonderful light in our formal dining room."

And that's not the only find they've come across at a garage sale. Cathe, the real garage sale guru, bought two mirrors -- one about 6-by-3 feet with beveled glass -- and a lamp for $50. She recently bought two gold necklaces for $5, which she plans to get appraised soon.

"Recycling" is what she calls her garage sale items.

"You get tired of some of the stuff, especially some that haven't cost too much and then you sell them. That's recycling," she said.

The Farkases plan to have their own garage sale soon. Cathe hopes some of her items will help others during these hard economic times.

"Sometimes my husband asks why give away these towels or sheets at such a cheap price," she said. "I'm hoping people come to our garage sale, who during this recession, can use some help."...