Flea Market Finds and Inspiration Required

This week I've been admiring a lot of bloggers' use of thrifty finds for new or unexpected purposes and thought I'd have a look around the house and see if there was anything I could share. Unfortunately, I discovered that  I'm not one of these innovative crafty people who can make a chandelier out of nothing but a pile of wire hangers and some vintage earrings. My babies never slept in a vintage steamer trunk, and my garden doesn't have a single gazebo made from heirloom patchwork and an arts and crafts curtain pole. Bah. 

So, instead, here are one or two pictures of things I've found recently, plus a couple of things I've had for years, holding things they weren't originally intended to. I will try harder, and if I ever make that bird house out of a Queen Anne teaset, you'll be the first to know.

Vintage EPNS toast rack from Brighton flea market - holding books

[Glass candlestick (part of pair) also from flea market]

 

Bit tarnished, but pretty.

Chinese teacups from charity shop

Coffee pot I found last week now living on cooker hood as a vase

Washing up liquid in olive oil bottle

Sponge in Stilton pot

Result: own goal as house guests never wash up due to lack of obvious equipment

Egg candles from Country Living Fair - love these

Jug and eggcups via charity shop

Pair of company stamps for embossing paperwork

Now bookends

These look as if they should belong on a barge, rather than a desk

Cedar wood cigar box from market in Cuba, storing earrings

George VI coronation mug (car boot sale), regally holding toothbrushes

[If you've read 'Kirstie's Homemade Home' you'll know that she (Kirstie Allsopp) also likes to keep her toothbrushes in a coronation mug. Difference is that she is probably distantly related and likes to look at her ancestors whilst performing her ablutions]

I'm off across the Severn Bridge tomorrow (home to Wales for a week) so am hopeful of some cheaper treasure hunting than usual. Will report back as to whether the Swansea valleys offer an untapped goldmine or more over-priced Primark tat. 

Lakota x

http://www.homemakeronadime.com/

Pop over to Sophie's for more beautiful Flea Market Finds

Also linking to Magpie Monday and Thrift Share Monday

and

Thrifty Thursdays

Thrifty Things Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Owls and Extra-terrestrials...

Greetings thrifty earthlings! Hope everyone is benefiting from the same glorious weather we've had here in London for the past few days. A lovely friend of mine looked after smallest boy for a few hours on Friday, and in addition to boring household chores, I was able to have a more leisurely than usual stroll around the charity shops of the area. Naturally, this being the UK, the temperature nudges above 12 degrees centigrade and convertibles are brought out of hibernation for their annual outing, men are shirtless outside the pub, and women start dressing for the set of a MTV video shoot. Obviously I'm not entirely immune to this phenomenon, my first finds being a cross between Copacabana and Kanye.

Loving the tropical fruit on this rattan framed bag £3.95

Vintage yellow aviators £2.95  

Things were slightly more restrained and Spring-like in the next shop, where my eye was caught by this Sadler coffee pot and cute vintage cruet in the shape of owls. I bought these with the intention of selling them on - I'm thinking of starting an Etsy shop and I know owls are perennially popular - but I'm a bit taken with them since I got them home and they're sat on a shelf. How do re-sellers part with things? I have a ton of stuff I've vaguely thought about selling but that mysteriously seems to have taken up residence. (This could explain why I was able to take 5 glass cake stands to the bake sale at my toddler group recently...)

Wise guardians of the coffee pot

Pretty floral teacup and saucer 50p. Joining the ranks for candle-making

The fabric behind the china buys is from a vintage St Michael double flat sheet. There's loads of material so someone with the know-how could easily make a dress. It would certainly be cheap enough to practise on, so maybe I'll hang onto it for a first attempt. Otherwise it will provide several million patchwork squares or a mile or so of bunting. 

I did pick up a sundress from Boden as well, but that's destined for Ebay. It was quite expensive but is absolutely right for the season so I'm hoping to make a little profit from it without feeling like I'm ripping the charity off. Also, it's a bit big so makes me look pregnant. Not a look I need 3 years from my last baby.

Finally, it's possibly my favourite buy of the week. Even if you can find it in 100% cotton, children's character bed linen is generally pretty hideous. I read all the aspirational home magazines and always wonder if Cosmo's Ben10 duvet cover was mysteriously in the wash the day that Country Living came round:

"Sorry darling, mummy accidentally spilt coffee on your bed , but never mind, here's a vintage hand quilted eiderdown instead! Oh, and I've put all your transformers in the attic. Just for today, let's pretend your favourite toy is this artfully distressed wooden dog on wheels!"

Anyway, also on the linen rail was this cotton sheet, starring everyone's favourite alien. No, not Seven of Nine from Star Trek. E.T.! The sheet has these iconic pictures from the film - which is nearly vintage by Etsy standards, as it was released in 1982.

'Home'. Sob, sniff etc.

I don't know if it was originally in such a nice muted palette or if it's faded over the years, but it's super soft and clean and as it was only £1 it came home with me. I don't do hospital corners so it's unlikely to end up on either of my boys' beds, but I might staple it round some canvasses and make art for their bedrooms, or use it to make cushions. Failing that, there's always the fantasy Etsy shop...

[note to self: avoid key words 'Drew Barrymore' and 'bed'. Could attract the wrong sort]

Lakota x

 Linking up to as usual to Flea Market Finds
The Penny Worthy Project
Thrift Share Monday
Magpie Monday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays
Twice Owned Tuesday
and
Penny Pinching Party

Mother's Day delights

Hello and Happy Mother's Day to all with children, or who are just thinking of their own Mum today. My own delightful urchins made me some gorgeous flower cards, and treated me to a 'floating origami kit' (chosen by my 6 year old) and a subscription to Vintage Life magazine (suggested by their dad). I picked up a bag of vintage sheet music (dating from 1911 to 1927) this afternoon which was offered on Freegle - so maybe I can combine that with the origami instructions and make a swan out of the score to Swanee River.

I've been fluey this last week and in no state to trawl my usual thrifty haunts, but luckily I did manage to photograph a few buys which I haven't yet shared. Firstly is this adorable little vintage beaded bag, found in a charity shop in Streatham. I love the Deco style chevrons and the beautiful metallic beads.

The bag will match really well with this 1960s snake bracelet which I bought from Alfie's Antique Market in London. It cost me £8.00 (pretty good for a permanent antiques market - we're not talking boot sale prices here!) and I'd been looking for some snakey jewellery for a while.

Cleopatra...comin' atcha!

This little blackbird pie funnel is a boot sale buy however. I haven't made a pie recently, so he's posing outside in the garden! It's marked Midwinter England, and there's one for sale on Ebay at the moment with a buy it now price of £14.99. He cost me £2.00 and is very cute indeed.

Finally, here's what I made my mum for Mother's Day. Spring does appear to have sprung, so she may have to wait a while to wear it, but she had admired a similar one in blues and purples I'd made my mother in law for Christmas. I can really recommend this yarn - it's by Rico and is called Pom-Pon - and even an less than skilled  knitter like me can get great results. This scarf was made by casting on only 10 stitches, and it's all done in garter stitch - easy. I didn't make it too long, as my mother in law has found it's easiest to wear just folded over and pinned, as the pom-poms make it quite bulky.

I'm off to play boardgames with my boys now, hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend.

PS. I'd love you to follow my blog, I'm planning another international giveaway when I reach 150. And if you're interested on living a champagne lifestyle on  a lemonade budget - check out my latest post!

Linking up to

Frugalicious Fridays

Thrifty Adventures

 Vintage Thingie Thursday

 Flea Market Finds

The Pennyworthy Project

Debbiedoo's Newbie Pary
Thrift Share Monday
Magpie Monday
Twice Owned Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays

Deco a go go

                                

My husband and I recently became the final people in the world to see The King's Speech (baby sitter shortage). I'm not sure if the Academy were specifically thinking of Mrs Logue's teaset when they handed out the Oscar for Best Picture, but it certainly gave a performance of rare brilliance during the few seconds it was on screen. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite vintage era - it depends on my mood - but I do love the 1930s. Just so fabulously decadent and glamorous. And so is this little set of four cups, saucers, side plates and a sugar bowl that I found for £4.50 at the Red Cross. I'm not really sure if it is original art deco - it's just marked Genuine English Bone China underneath - but it's hand-painted and looks the part. I'm not really a gold kind of girl either, so the silver gilding is perfect for me.

Elephants woven table runner from Thailand

I found this little deco cream jug at the same time. It's by Bell China , and perfectly matches my granny tablecloth of a couple of weeks ago.

Apologies for another short post, but I went out last night to a burlesque bar (in my vintage finery, natch) and am a little delicate following many cocktails and a 2am bedtime.

***Don't forget you can enter my giveaway over here. Three lovely prizes to win!***


For more Flea Market Finds, pop over to Sophie's.
Also linking to Junkin' Finds and Debbie's Newbie Party
Check out Magpie Monday and of course Thrift Share Monday
Linking to Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm
Born-again Crafter has Thrifty Thursdays and there are Thrifty Adventures over at Pill's Place

Why does it always rain on me?

I was tempted to title this post 'Soaking wet Booty' but chickened out after realising that I don't pre-approve comments and my blog is finally getting picked up by Google. I think anyone searching that term might be more than a little disappointed with this kind of junk in the trunk!

But at Sunday's boot sale I really did resemble a drowned rat.  I woke up to sunshine, but by the time we (me and my lovely friend Sarah at Home Made Gorgeous) got there the gathering clouds had opened and we got drenched. No umbrella and no shelter meant five minutes of exposure to the rain was no different to an hour, so we stuck it out for that long before seeking the sanctuary of the pub - and contorting under the hand-dryer in the ladies' loo in an attempt to dry our hair.

Unfortunately the crappy weather meant a lot of stall holders covered their stalls and retreated to their cars, so there certainly wan't as much choice as usual. China and glassware stands up ok to the rain (once emptied) but I wouldn't like to be the person who eventually bought the ancient Brevel sandwich toaster that had been left to the mercy of the elements. Also, those who did continue selling all appeared to be in a foul temper and were not at all open to haggling. One bloke launched into a positive tirade of bile when someone dared to offer him 50p for a brooch. Still, I did manage to come home with a few things in addition to a sore throat.

A silver plate butter dish, now redeployed as a dressing table trinket box. I love the aged look of the outside. £3.00

A couple of Poole Pottery jam pots (one 30s, and one 60s - I think). £2.50 each. I've still got loads of jam from last summer, and have just made marmalade [smug]
China spoon - 50p

3 1950s cockail glasses - 50p each.
1950s swizzle sticks via Mother in law

Child's mug 50p. It's cracked, but the bear's expression made me laugh.
 Sarah saw cute, I saw slightly perverse. That probably says something about us!
I might use it as a container for foil wrapped mini Easter eggs

I have some new clothes and shoes to share as well (hurrah!) but that's another post. I need to wash  l'eau de charity out of them first.

Linking up to these parties:
Junkin Finds Fridays
Thrifty Adventures
Flea Market Finds
Magpie Mondays
Thrift Share Monday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays
Newbie Party
Thrifty Thursdays

Teacup candles the EASY way!

So, I know this goes against some unwritten law of blogging (like saying the Cath Kidston shop makes my eyeballs bleed) but honestly, I think tea is Satan's own wee. Really people, it's grim. This is a shame, as I can totally appreciate the appeal of a cute teapot or a chintzy teacup, and I'd really like to have a proper excuse to fill the house with art deco teasets. Teacup candles to the rescue! It gives me a reason to buy pretty china, and they make great girly presents as well. I was always a bit put off by talk of double boilers, wick pins and crimping tools, but yay - none of these are necessary.

Also, if you make one and aren't happy with it, you can just chop up the wax and use it again, even if you've already started burning it. Here is one I hacked up again after practising in a cup that was missing its saucer.  

They don't need a saucer, but it will protect your surfaces and gives somewhere handy to put matches.

To be completely thrifty you can even melt down old candle stubs, but do try and remove any blackened bits of sooty wick, or the finished result isn't going to be that pretty. You can get starter kits on eBay which include wax, retainers, a length of wick, and a wick pin. The one I bought came with dye as well, but I prefer natural coloured wax.

You will need

• Wax - I used soya wax as it is eco friendly and burns cleanly. It also washes easily out of the teacup when you've finished burning it.
• Wick sustainer (the little metal thingy that supports the wick)
• Cotton wick
• Skewers or pencils
• Pliers. Fine nosed craft ones are probably best, but I just raided the toolbox.
• Candle fragrance or essential oil (optional)
• Saucepan
• Pyrex jug
• Glue - hot glue gun if you've got one/can be bothered, but I've used glue dots before now. Actually, I've also used blue-tac but I am supremely fond of the easy option. There are probably dire warnings somewhere regarding blue-tac and naked flames.
• Pretty teacup
  
  

What to do

First weigh your empty teacup. Then fill it with water and weigh it again. The difference is approximately the weight of wax that you'll need. Put the wax into the jug, and the jug into a few inches of  just boiled water in a pan over a low heat on the stove. Keep an eye on it, as obviously wax is flammable. Stir around with a wooden spoon as it begins to melt.

                   

Meanwhile, get a length of wick and poke one end through the hole in the sustainer. Some instructions will tell you to 'prime' the wick first by dipping the length into the melted wax. It doesn't appear to be vital, but you can if you like. Use pliers to squish it together and hold the wick in place. Use glue to attach sustainer to centre of teacup, and then skewers or similar to hold wick straight. You could tie the wick around the skewer to keep it upright, but you do waste more that way. It should look something like this:



Once the wax is molten add any fragrance as per the instructions on the bottle. I was a bit gung-ho with mine and just sloshed it in until it smelled nice, but this is probably not advice to follow. Then carefully pour into the cup - making sure the wick remains central - and leave to set overnight.



                                   

The two above are going to be presents, so in true Blue Peter style - here's one I made earlier.

The cup above cost £1.00 from Oxfam, and the total cost of the wax including postage was £9.25. However, this made 6 candles in total. Alternatively, you could go to Liberty and pay £36.00!

This project also forms part of my submission to The Felt Fairy's Monthly Make challenge for February.

Le Creuset and other kitchen things

Another quick look in my favourite charity shop this weekend, and I was really pleased with what I found. I'd been after a copy of The Naked Chef for a while, and following last weeks Jamie Oliver buy, finally found his first book for 50p. Excellent, considering the neighbouring charity shop prices decent recipe books at £5.99. I also spotted this jug last week, and as it was still on the shelf, took it home for £2.00. I think country style flowers will look lovely in it in the Summer, but until then it's home to a supermarket pot of basil. 






'ere, you wanna tear the basil! Pukka. etc

 

                                         

Best of all though (although the basket of my buggy probably doesn't agree - good thing we'll be retiring it soon) was this Le Creuset cast iron enamelled casserole dish in classic volcanic orange. It's an older model, and in great condition aside from the small chip you can see on the rim. A similar 23cm oval dish bought from Amazon would set you back over £90! I have other Le Creuset in this colour, and this cocotte was mine for only £3. *top trivia - as well as meaning casserole dish, a cocotte is also a prostitute in French.You can insert your own smutty joke about being sold too cheaply here.





Le Crueset cocotte. Isn't she lovely?

  
The volunteer on the till admired my purchase and remarked that she had had some Le Creuset until she began to find it too heavy to lift from from the oven. I imagine that was what brought my dish to the shop (I have another emormous casserole which I use for jam making which my mother in law could no longer heft about), and with any luck it should last long enough for me to one day pass on for the same reason. Until then, it makes a great apple and blackberry crumble.

This post is shared with other Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, so if you want to see what Sophie has found in Australia, then pop over there. Also I've joined up with Apron Thrift Girl for Thrift Share Monday, as usual she has some fantastic vintage treasures.

Sod's law?

Why is it that you can have had something on your internal 'wish list' for ages, and never see it, and then once you've bought said item....well, obviously it immediately appears elsewhere? I've had a vague hankering for an enamel candlestick for ages - the 'wee willie winkie' kind - and having won a white and navy one on ebay for about a fiver including postage, I then find something similar in my favourite local charity shop for £1.50! This one is powder blue, and equally appealing, if not more so.

In addition to the blue candle holder, I also got a very pretty bone china teacup and saucer (destined to be a poured wax teacup candle - I made loads of these at Christmas), and a couple of hardback cookery books. I got Jamie at Home for £1.99, and Delia Smith's How to Cook for £1.00. I like to think that I'm not completely clueless in that regard, but there are some basics which still elude me - omelettes and meringues being cases in point, so hopefully it will prove to be money well spent. All in all it was a successful visit, and I can probably sell the ebay candlestick on again at some point, but I am now wondering if if I'm too impatient, and should just wait and see what turns up...

For example, also on the lust list is one of those old wooden sewing boxes; the cantilevered type that open right out. Now the thought is there, I want one right now. Of course, sod's law will dictate that if I pay £30 on ebay, I will see suddenly stumble across one that I could just carry home for half the price. Then again, if I don't bid - I could be waiting years. What would you do?

Edit: This post is shared via the wonderful Apron Thrift Girl and her regular Thrift Share Monday post and also at Her Library Adventures - Flea Market Finds