Tell me what to do with this junk

[bunch]

I'm finally going through some boxes from our move 18 mos ago (!!!).  We're now in a much smaller house that also has a very open floor plan and not much space for stuff.  This stuff is junk, but some of it does have sentimental value.  Am I missing some creative uses for any of it? The glass bottles or insulators?  Our style is rustic modern and somewhat minimalist.  If it's going to look country, be honest with me and tell me to pass it on.  

[demandypants]

I would keep 1-3 of the glass insulators, to use decoratively. And only save what jars if they had a job (hold flowers, or store something else small). the sentimental stuff needs to be evaluated based on each item. Don't keep stuff just because it came from someone you love, if it won't be displayed get rid of it. Or take a photo of the item so you can revisit the thing without storing it.

[emoflamingo]

Um, feel free to mail me the insulators. The people donate those to Goodwill and they sell them for like $3! I want some, but not for that much! My aunt has a dresser drawer full and won't let me have any. (Stingy!!)

Also, the silver bird (is that a bird?) could come live with me too.

For real, I'm no help because I have boxes of this shit in my garage.

[AmyRI]

I'd keep the metal candlestick holders and the insulators, but that's probably it. I'd use the insulators as tiny pots for herbs or succulents or something, like this but with insulators instead of pots:


Or if you're braver than I am, there are a bunch of pics of insulators turned into pendant lights.

Or ask to be paired with me for the secret santa and send them to me, lol. I only have one we bought when we were in Alaska, and it's clear. I'm jealous of the teals/purples!

[raangoli]

You could sell the insulators on ebay:

www.ebay.com/bhp/glass-insulators

(I didn't know what they were and I had to google...)

[moolarkey]

The glass insulators are worth some money. Collectors buy them, crafters buy them to turn in to lights or candle holders. Either give them to people or sell them but don't just throw them away. List them on CL or ebay if nothing else.

[TBM]

My H has a friend who collects insulators. He has some rare ones and has given DH some not so rare insulators. I think DH would like to have a few more.

I don't know enough about them to advise you on prices, but if decide to sell them on ebay let us know.

ETA:  We have a rustic modern thing going on in parts of this house, and I can see some of that stuff working.  We have given up on minimalism but we are trying to at least simplify without giving up the things that are our history and are sentimental family items.  It is a process.

[bunch]

I love the insulators, too! My late granddad picked them up off the railroad tracks as a kid     I've picked 3 to display in a grouping and a bottle to use as a flower vase (great idea!).

I'll check ebay on the prices, but assuming they aren't worth selling, I'll definitely post and send to anyone who wants to pay for a flat rate box.  I think there might be even more in another box that I can't reach on my own.

[auntie]

The candle sticks, turn them over to determine if they're sterling. If they are use them for formal dinners or sell to a jeweler.

My niece has some small cacti planted in ball jars that live on my kitchen window. The insulators make swell paperweights- one on a desk would be cool.