Saturday, July 30, 2016

A-thrifting we will go, a-thrifting we will go, Heigh-ho, the derry-o, a-thrifting we will go

Hello lovelies! Thank you so very much for all your sweet comments re my oh-so-theatrical curtain last week. I can put it in writing that my friend's daughter is deliriously happy with her new window dressing. She really is a sweet young lady.

As my good husband and I have been in the car a lot lately, meandering around the country side for one reason or another, I  have been on the lookout for little, out of the way shops, where behind the door, some treasure might lurk. Finding a new treasure trove always puts a smile on my dial. Some days there is not a single thing that makes my heart sing, but other days.......lalalah lala......well....one does sing the happiest of songs! Those are the Eureka moments, the hit-the-jackpot type moments when a 'find' jumps out from it's hiding place, trips you up and finds itself in your bag ready to begin another life in another home!

We happened upon a tiny, very ordinary little bric-a-brac shop. Most people would drive by this little shop as it certainly had no curb-side appeal. We stopped. I asked my husband if he was coming in, to which he replied "I'm game if you are!" 

When we crossed the threshold, oh my giddy aunt, there was treasure everywhere; a treasure trove of articles of people's decluttering and throwing out their trash. From top to toe items were burgeoning everywhere. My eyes darted here and there, ricocheting from the floor, under the shelves, on the shelves, above the shelves. So many shelves and cupboards hoarding one person's past trash and another person's (li'l ole me) future treasure. They were crammed with bric-a-brac.

What did I find. Well..........



I found this sweet cardie. With it's pretty colour, the embroidery and the pearls.....oh those pearls, it is the perfect find for moi! AND......the label says LAUREN no less. You know the American designer Ralph Lauren; not that that matters to me.....I just love the pearls and embroidery. The best bit is I only paid four smackeroos. Those of you in the know, Ralph Lauren can cost an arm and a leg,  here downunder!




Isn't the embroidery pretty?? And those pearls.....as Lulu Guinness, that sassy, bag designer extraordinaire,  once said" put on your pearls, girls"!


Add a little clutch purse, a string of pearls and perhaps a pair of gloves......and....ooo-la-lah!


This little soft leather clutch (or you can wear it as a shoulder bag) is a treasure my family bought me many Christmases ago. My daughter happened upon it in a rather swank vintage shop in Sydney. It is a Patricia Smith design, who designed for Moon Bags in the USofA. If you have time visit this link; there are truly gorgeous purses to drink in. Apparently these purses/bags were the rage and are popular by ladies who love vintage. I understand perfectly why these were and still are so very sought after. This truly is the most darling purse. It is absolutely stunning and apparently a one-of-a-kind purse.












 It has petit point, wool needlepoint panel of pansies embroidered on it with a smattering of luxurious beadwork. The pastel colours are so pretty. The little handle is beautiful. It is a hand painted, lacquered wooden panel with pansies, complementing the gorgeous needlepoint. Truly, this is one of my favourite gifts my family have given me. Aren't I a lucky gal to have one of these one-of-a-kind purses in my vintage collection??


Did I say I lurve this cardie?? =)) It is so versatile. I wear it with jeans or dress it up a bit and wear it with a gorgeous lace skirt with cool boots. A wonderful investment for not a lot of cash.

But....I digress. Please forgive me for oohing and aahing over my gorgeous clutch,.......back to the subject of this post. In this funny little shop is I found this pretty bag. It was the pattern and colours that captured my attention.


The pink and green are so pretty and the soft velvety texture is so tactile.


It is a fairly biggish bag; just the perfect size for an overnight bag. A win win, if you ask me.


I purchased this lovely summer dressing gown from a vintage fair quite a while ago. It is fashioned from the most luxurious and silkiest fabrics. I adore the colours and patterns.






It hangs on my screen in my boudoir all the time. Ooops.....I digress, yet again!


Do any of you lovelies have memories of shopping trolleys like this one?


As a small girl, I remember my mum always pulling one behind her when we went shopping. I have been on the lookout for one of these vintage beauties forever.


Of course you have to use your imagination with this one. I am going to remove the red vinyl fabric and replace it with something more lovely and also give it a lick of paint. This will be an excellent repository for some of my pretties. Here are some linen pretties that came home with me from my treasure hunt in that funny little shop.


I found these golden books hiding under a shelf. In the school house, of which I wrote about last week, there is a very large pin/notice board in the wee two year old, girl's bedroom. It is fairly ugly with a gazillion pin holes accumulated over years and years. So, I thought I would cover it up by pasting oodles and oodles of colourful pages from these Golden Books. I adore the illustration of the little girl in the sweet hat on the Prayers for Children cover, so, so very cute! I have kept this cover to do something creative with it sometime in the distant future.



The noticeboard is very large and and it would be too expensive to cover with fabric. So....my good husband and I, pasted page by page, book by book, all over the board. Such a lovely montage of cute illustrations, wonderful language, rhymes, numbers....a plethora of gorgeous imaginations to thrill a wee, small child.


After pasting the pages onto the board and giving them a couple of coats of Mod Podge, I decided that this sweet little girl must have some pretty bunting to hang on her storybook wall. I stitched..."Once upon a time there lived a little girl, Ari......" on polka dot fabric (Ari loves polka dots) and stitched these onto ric rac to bring it all together.


Little Miss Ari sitting on the ladder, supervising.

I machine sketched a cute li'l girl flying a heart balloon at the end of the bunting.


Then, to add the finishing touch I hung some hexagon shelves to give the wall some dimension. I don't think Little Miss Ari is too young to be introduced to the hexagon shape.....do you?? =) Everybody needs a hexagon or two somewhere in their lives, and the sooner they are exposed to this wonderful shape the better!!


Love, love, LOVE the illustrations of Eloise Wilkin.









 My husband and I crafted the storybook wall for a birthday present for Little Miss Ari who was two years old this week. She really is the sweetest little girl! Those curtains I chatted about last time are coming a little later.....still psyching myself up for them. The truth of the matter is that I just ran out of time.


I am hoping this Golden Book story board filled with rhymes, stories and poems, together with gorgeous illustrations, will not only cover the ugly noticeboard and provide lots of colour and fun from the pictures, but as Little Miss Ari lays in her bed at night and snuggles under the cover of her pretty quilt; she will drift off to the land of counterpane, where her magical dreams will weave in and out of children's slumber.


Though I loved finding the golden books to transform the wall, my favourite thrift find of the day is this piece de resistance, this sweet little chair.


It is a fold-up chair, but the thing that I love is the cane. I have been looking forever for a chair, any chair....big or little....with some cane on it somewhere, to tart up and work some magic on it. I am reading your mind......"what a strange little chair......it doesn't look much" but I have plans for this little chair. Let's hope I can pull it off!


It was my clever husband with those eagle eyes of his, who spotted this chair. He said "you know what you have been talking about for ages, well would this funny little chair suit?" Oh my giddy aunt!! It will suit very well, thank you very much. Soooo happy my husband shares 'the thrill of a thrift shop hunt' as well.

Ooops I nearly forgot......this sweet li'l cup came home with me, too. My husband found it and he insisted it would make a pretty addition to my teacup collection. Who am I to refuse a man of such exquisite taste!





This pretty teacup is marked Queens and is called English Chintz.




This English Chintz teacup is a welcome addition to my collection of other pretties.

So, a new favourite little shop to explore when we visit the city. Every time we visit there is always something new. This little shop is not one where you think I won't buy it now, I'll get it the next trip. No siree, if you don't grab your treasure there and then, it will disappear, be gone forever. The proprietor charges such reasonable prices  that everything is snapped up in the wink of an eye.

The thing that really tickles my fancy about thrifting is the amazing finds one happens upon unexpectedly. More often than not the treasures are hidden at the bottom of a pile of stuff.

Anyway, over the next li'l while, hopefully, I will be able to transform my funny little chair into a one-of-a-kind chair that you will never, in a thousand years, find anywhere else. Let's hope what is in my brainpan looks equally marvellous in real life.....fingers crossed. =) You will just have to watch this space.....though it could take a while.




Until the next time........

52 comments:

  1. O my I was thrilled reading this post to see each treasure unfold. So wonderful things pretty pretty sweater. Love the little bag as well. The story book wall is amazing and a fabulous idea. I was already in love with your little hallway with the flowers. This is just adorably sweet. Love the teacup and saucer and love the chair can't wait to see it.. Happy Weekend dearest with love Janice

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    1. It seems I love ripping pages from a book and pasting them on walls, doesn't it. Who needs wallpaper anyway. =) Thank you for visiting, Janice and leaving such a sweet comment. Wishing you a happy weekend, too. Kim Xx

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  2. Hello Kim, sounds a truly amazing little shop. I love all your new-to-you thrifted treasures. Look forward to seeing what you create with the chair. Little Ari has such a sweet little face ... her new noticeboard looks stunning. Well done you & your hubby :-)

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  3. Oh,my... I wish I was there with you in that little shop!
    You found so many gorgeous things Kim! I love the cardi - you are right- the pearls and the embroidery give it an incredible, vintage and romantic feel. As for the story book wall - well that is one jaw dropping idea - I mean - it is fantastic!! I am sure this is already a favourite place for Miss Ari!
    Cannot wait to see what you do with that chair. When I first saw it I thought : "My Gosh, this one is dying for an embroidered rose":)

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  4. You found a treasure shop with awesome things, the blouse with the pearls are really beautiful and the embroidered bag, so lovely!
    And the room of Little Miss Ari looks like a fairy tale.
    This is a fabulous post.
    Have a nice weekend,
    Loes

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    1. Thank you, Loes. I can't wait to visit this little treasure trove, yet again in the very near future. Wishing you a lovely weekend, too. Kim Xx

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  5. Looks like you found lots of wonderful "treasures." Love that wall made of golden book pages! SO ADORABLE!

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  6. ...and I have no doubt that darling little chair will be unrecognizable by the time you transform your magic! What wonderful things you found while you were out and about thrifting! You found some lovely things! Enjoy your weekend, sweet friend!

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  7. Oh...and how could I possibly forget to mention that totally magical storybook wall you and hubby created...magnificent!

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  8. {{Big, Big smiles}}} I loveeeeeeeee this post...Ari is plum adorable and by the way, Ralph Lauren is way above my price range as well...I also look for cardigans at the thrift store...smiles

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  9. Ooh Kim, you certainly found some wonderful treasure in that sweet shop. I love how your dear sweetie enjoy the thrill of the hunt with you. His discoveries of the chair and the teacup are so wonderful. Your pretty cardigan is so versatile! You have such the eye for finding special things.
    The wall of pretty Golden Book pages and the bunting are so sweet in Ari's room. Yes, Eloise Wilkin's art work is so precious, isn't it? I look forward to seeing the transformation of the caned chair when it comes under your magical hands!

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  10. Dear Kim:
    What fabulous finds! All great treasures and the sweater was just amazing. I love the old ones which were so well made. Your cup and saucer and chair - love love. What you did with the books was so creative!

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  11. What a treasure trove, Kim! I love all of your new acquisitions! That sweater is gorgeous and I know you'll enjoy wearing it lots of places. The tea cup is so pretty, too. I'll anxiously await the little chair transformation. Enjoy your weekend!

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  12. Geee, I wish I lived closer. When DH doesn't feel like going I would be right there. Love all the finds, especially the little carryer. I would use that at big flea markets. Can't wait to see what you do with that. Can't you set aside other things a little while and start the chair, Pleeez? I so love the big chair.
    Hugs
    Tonia

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  13. You found a lot of nice goodies when you were shopping. I love the idea about the pages from the book. I am going to show a neighbor of mine who is pregnant. She is redecorating her babies room and asked me for some ideas.

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  14. So lovely finds !!!! Love the cardigans !!!
    You are lucky to have those kind of shop around your place !
    Have a nice weekend !
    Anna

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  15. ooooooh - I want to visit that shop too! Lucky you to find all those wonderful things. And the book page board is something I would love - for me!!

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  16. I would have loved to be with you on your thrifting spree! The sweater is simply amazing. Can't wait to follow along on your chair project. Thank you for your kind comment on my blog. Have a lovely day.

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  17. Oh my, what great finds, LOVE that sweater!! And those teacups too! Isn't thrifting fun? I always have a lot of fun doing it too.

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  18. Are you kidding me!!!!??? You actually found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow....that's what you found my friend!!!! How groovy is all that great gear you found. Wow, that never happens!! lol I bet you're stoked girl. I love the way you have trained your hubby....he looks for things to bring home too!! That's so cool. I can only imagine what you're going to turn that chair into.
    What a sweet area for little Ari to play, sleep and dream at. I love the little quilt on the bed too. Thanks for the sharing all your happiness.

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  19. What an amazing shop this must be to find all these gorgeous treasures in and what lucky girls to have you make them such amazing gifts. Look forward to seeing the 2nd curtains. hugs Mrs A.

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  20. What beautiful treasures! I love those little out of the way places. I love the cardigan. The wall is a beautiful work of art. I remember those little Golden Books. I would love a wall this myself! Thanks for sharing all your pretties!

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  21. I was completely enthralled with this post and everything in it! I love all your finds and how envious I am of you to have that sweet little shop to visit. Looking forward to see what you do to the chair!

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  22. Oh my heart! You DO find the best stuff. I would have snatched that cardi too. Never too young to be introduced to the perfect Hexie shape ; ) Clever wall treatment that she will love for years

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  23. Such a lovely collection of finds in that little shop! I think it's very lucky that it's not overly enticing from the outside or who knows how fast those treasures would have been snapped up! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with that chair. And little Ari's room is looking wonderful. She is most fortunate to have you as a fairy godmother :) xxx

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  24. Oh my so many wonderful treasures and creative ideas you had to share :) That is a lovely cardigan and will be great to dress up or down that's for sure. Love your creative idea for her wall, she looks so cute sitting there, and no it is never too early to introduce the hexagon shape ;) Love the little bunting you added too, so sweet to personalize it for her. Wow I have never seen a folding cane chair before, very original and cool. Always nice when you can find a special place to shop and to have such great prices too is a bonus!!

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  25. Oh little Miss Ari is a very lucky little girl to have that beautiful notice board and bunting designed especially for her!
    Yor cardi is gorgeous, what an amazing find!
    I love all of your bags and your very chic dressing gown.
    I can't wait to see what design ideas you have in store for the shopping trolley and chair and I just love the way you have displayed your delicate china.
    Have a wonderfully creative August :)

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    1. I will try. =) Thank you for visiting. 'Tis always a delight to have you pop by. Kim Xx

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  26. Wow, Kim, you certainly DID find some lovely treasures!

    That red overnight bag is beautiful. And the shopping trolley is special already, but I just know you are going to make it into something spectacular. I love, love, love your teacup and saucer, and - wow - what a sweater! You really got something terrific there!

    I adore the child's bedroom wall and the lovely stitch work you added. You truly are one-of-a-kind talented woman.

    I am looking forward to seeing what you do with that chair :)

    Happy August!
    ♥Hope

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  27. Oh Kim, I don't have a doubt in my mind that the chair will be amazing after you tart it up! I just can hardly wait to see!! Love the darling wall for Ari! I have a lot of those same books, including the one darling prayers one. I loved everything you shared. I truly get giddy when I spy and out of the way little thrift shop for me to explore. gong junking with a friend tomorrow. Wish me luck! :)
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Isn't the Golden Prayers' book darling. I love the book entitled God as well. I just adore Eloise Wilkin's illustrations. Knowing you Jann, you will find some amazing finds when you go junking with your friend tomorrow. I can't wait to see what treasures you unearth! Kim Xx

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  28. Wonderful things, Kim. I love Ari's wall. What a fancy tickler!
    Such a beautiful cardigan. The cup and saucer gorgeous, and yes, I'll be watching for the chair redo.
    Great post!

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  29. Can you imagine sewing on all those pearls. You did good on this shopping trip. (And the cup - I love cups and saucers - that one is a great find)

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    1. I cannot imagine sewing all those little pearls onto the cardie. I was only thinking of you this morning, Linda....sending you a basketful of hugs. Kim Xx

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  30. My oh my - I had to read this four times through - it is so interesting - and entertaining and wonderful. You found the most fabulous things - that sounds just like the kind of shop I'd really enjoy too. Your cardigan is just simply too sweet, with the pearls and embroidery - and the bag is a wonderful gift.

    I can't wait to see what you do with that little chair - I know it is going to be spectacular. I don't recall anything like your little shopping trolly with will be fabulous when redone, I'm sure. Our shopping carts are made of wire mesh - about 3 inches across and hold packages very well - but are not in the lest bit pretty - I bet, though, that you could tart one up and it would be perfect. You only see older women pulling the little metal carts along behind them when shopping or waiting for the bus.

    The book wall is just precious and Ari will have wonderful memories for years to come. What a special treat.

    Happy week my dear - can't wait to see what you do next.

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  31. Oh my Giddy AunT! I'm giddy with glee for you! What a treasure trove of the most delightful finds EVER! I swooned over the pearls on that beautiful cardigan & could imagine myself sashaying about the boudoir in the gorgeous kimono, whilst sippin tea from your oh so pretty tea cup!
    But I think you are blessed with the best gem of all in your game & thoughtful hubby!
    & not to forget how I adore
    Ari's new wall! She is a precious wee dote too!
    Hugs & best wishes

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  32. I am always absorbed into your world when I read your posts! I felt your sheer joy at the treasures you discovered and the beautiful wall you created for Ari (I absolutely LOVE it! The hexagon shelves are just delightful and are perfectly at home with their backdrop of Little Golden Book illustrations. Actually, I think I want Ari's room!). I'm curious as to how you will transform your newly acquired chair!

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  33. Lovely finds Kim on your Thrifty hunt day, you found the perfect shop, Just love the red and green bag, perfect size and the interesting story book wall.

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  34. Kim, I so enjoyed your post today. That cardigan sweater is gorgeous! You uncovered such brilliant treasures. My very favorites are the Little Golden Books and I LOVE what you did with the pages. What a wonderful idea. Happy Happy! ♥

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  35. That is a treasure trove indeed! I can't wait to see what you do with the chair! My most favourite is Little Ari's room. Ari is really very fortunate to have you. You sure know how to make everyone feel special. A Very Happy Birthday to the little girl :)

    -Soma xx

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  36. WoW kim, looks like a fabulous day. and this shop looks like a great find. did you wet your pants??!! hehehehe

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  37. Kim,
    First I have to say that the description of you entering that store and eyeballing all that glorious goodness is exactly the description of me when I walk into a place like that. I always feel a little crazy. You never know till you walk in, but it's almost like you know within seconds of opening the door. I turn into just what you described. I could never articulate it quite as well though, seriously made me laugh out loud!

    Boy you found some goodies alright! That sweater is beautiful, the embroidery, the pearls! The bag looks like it would work for an overnight bag. I am looking for one like that! the golden books are a treasure and what a beautiful storybook wall for Ari! She must be thrilled with such a dreamy bedroom! Lucky little girl! My husband has started finding me teacups in antique shops too! It started during the last teacup swap. He helped me pick out 6 but I only needed one for the swap so my personal collection grew by 5. Your husband has good taste, it's so pretty! Cant wait to see what you do with the chair and the cart. I know already that it will be fabulous!
    Happy creating! Enjoy!
    xo
    Linda

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    1. The thrill of a find in a bric-a-brac or thrift shop can make one a little crazy, can't it. I suppose living with me for 38 years has taught my husband a thing or two about unearthing treasures. I did laugh when you said your husband helped you pick out 6 cups but one was only needed for the teacup exchange. I love your style, lovely Linda. That is exactly how it should be.....gift a pretty teacup for a pressent and you keep 5 for yourself. You're my kind of gal, Linda. Thank you for visiting and leaving such lovely comments. It is always a delight to have you visit my place! Kim Xx

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  38. Oh Kim, what a delight for my heart to visit you here today! Your post is Over-the-top in delightful treasures! Oh what special things you found, and how fun that your husband enjoys the thifting adventure with you! You have a knack for finding amazing pretties to treasure! It has been such a busy summer here on so many levels, and blogging has had to take a backseat, but it was a joy to pop over here for a minute and delight in the beauty you have shared! Hugs to you today :)

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  39. Kim that cardigan is so lovely and it looks even better paired witht he vintage purse. The stitching on the p urse is so exquisite. You did good by little Miss Ari, decorating her room like that with all those pretty pictures. I know she must be over the moon happy. Lucky you to have fo und so many lovely treasures on your trip out with the hubby. Have a great weekend.

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  40. My dearest Kim, your home belongs in Disney World because it is truly magical and enchanting. The wall of pages is DARLING and such a sweet idea.

    The little cardigan you found is oh-so-lovely and oh-so-you {{smiles}} That was definitely a delightful find.

    Have a glorious weekend, dear one. Love to you!

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  41. Hi Kim, I was so happy to stumble upon your lovely blog this morning and to discover that you're also an Aussie. l'm just across the strait in Ballarat...Love all your fantastic finds at the op-shop especially the cardy which is particularly awesome. The wall you and hubby created is magnificent and one which Miss Ari will enjoy for years l'm sure:-) it's so funky...hope your week is beautiful. Bron.

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  42. You've hit the motherload, Kim. Lucky you.
    Amalia
    xo

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  43. so many gorgeous pages of the golden books makes a brilliant wall. The chair will surely be an inspiration to us all by the time you finish with it

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    1. Why, hello Monique. I hope all is well with you. Fingers crossed the chair will be an inspiration to all and sundry. =) Kim Xx

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  44. Wow. What a beautiful post and blanket! So inspiring.

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  45. Treasure shopping - just a wonderful experience no matter were you are - and what a scoop buy is that cardy - just beautiful!!

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