Happy Finds

It's been awhile since I've posted about my charity shop finds and
I've got quite a few that I'd like to show you here plus happy finds
from various other places.

These first three items were from a funny little shop in Castleton,
Derbyshire. It doesn't look much from the outside but it's a real
treasure trove inside, full of weird and wonderful, fun and interesting
things, mostly old and used. It's the sort of place that I love and oh,
I wanted so many things. But I was limited by time and money
(they only accept cash and I only had about ten pounds with me)
so I only got these three plus an old spice rack that's now a wall shelf
 in the girls' room. I'd definitely go back there the next time
we're in the area.

I like finding craft supplies like these rubber stamps from a car boot

sale last spring. The girls sometimes like to 'do stamping' and these

are just perfect for a bit of crafty fun. We use them all, even the

 Christmas ones.

These little jars were from a local charity shop. I'm not sure
what to use them for but I like the flowers and they're sweet.

Last but not least, these craft books. A couple were from
table top sales while the rest were bought from charity shops.
 I love craft books even old ones with outdated designs.
I find them interesting and they're always a good source of
ideas and inspirations.

So these are my happy bargain finds these past few months.
If I have to choose a favourite it will have to be the wooden
building bricks. I think they're fantastic.

Thanks to those who wished me good luck for my driving test.
Unfortunately it was cancelled halfway through because of
some car problems. It was actually bizarre becase even the
examiner couldn't figure out what was wrong but later on after it
was decided we had to stop it was fine again. Up til then I was
doing fine so I feel encouraged by that. I've rebooked for next
Friday so keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks again! Enjoy your weekend!!

Friday Bargains

My mother-in-law and I went to a newly opened tea room

this morning for some tea and lovely cakes. Of course 

we couldn't resist dropping in at the charity shop next door

to see what's on offer and we were not disappointed.

While she found a couple of painted wooden bowls, both small and

still with the labels 'Made in USSR' attached on the bottom,

I found these:

Aren't they all lovely?

 The little wooden bear is just so sweet I had to take him home with me.
 I couldn't resist the pretty plate either. My favourite of the lot though
 are the three jars. I've seen and admired exactly the same set
at a nearby vintage shop a few weeks ago but they were too expensive.
These three were only £4 but when I brought them to the till
I was told I can have them for £3! I was even more thrilled.
 Now that's what I call a real great bargain
and a really lovely morning!


Thanks for reading! Back soon!

Little Finds

I found these lovely little things in a charity

shop last week. We were on our way to playgroup so 

I only had a quick look, not really expecting to find

anything and these three caught my eye.

I'm not really sure what the little house is for. Probably 

a tea caddy or a trinket box. Anyway I think it's sweet and

it's happily on display on our mantlepiece at the moment.

I hope you're all having a lovely Wednesday.

Hope to be back with a crafty post soon!

Light and Shade

A few years ago I bought a very nice wooden lamp base
from a church table top sale for about a pound. It was old but in very
good condition and I remember wanting to skip with joy
on my way home over this lucky purchase (I was heavily pregnant
with my older daughter at that time). I just added a simple lampshade
and it's been happily lighting up our living room eversince.

We still love our old lamp but lately I thought maybe it
can do with a bit of an update. A more colourful lampshade will make it
look better and liven up the corner where it usually sits.
I didn't want to buy a whole new shade though, so decided
to just cover the old one with fabric. I found a helpful video in
You Tube that showed an easy way to do this and last Wednesday,
armed with fabric, paper, glue, ruler, pencil and a pair of scissors,
I set about my first ever lampshade restyle job.

And here's the result: a more colourful, cheerful lamp.

Hooray!

It certainly looks so much nicer and I am very happy. So happy
 in fact that now I want to give the other lampshades in our house
 a little update too. Keep an eye out for more colourful lampshades soon.



Thanks for reading!