My Vintage Finds for my Shabby Chic Home

When I first decided to write this blog, my initial purpose was to share with fellow bloggers my vintage finds and craft exploits.

But, I got so wrapped up in my little stories about my friends and family and our acts of heroism and derring-do. (For 'heroism', read 'insanity'.) At some point, I obviously lost the plot - :O)

Don't worry, I will continue to blog about my family's escapades, but I do also want to join my crafty little bloggeroos in their activities too.

So today is going to be a sensible post. (Well as sensible as I can be anyway!)

This picture at the top of today's post is from an earlier foray way back last year and I included it in one of my first postings.

I'm a very lucky lady as I have the choice of 4 charity shops within a couple of miles.

All of these have generous parking outside too. This is in addition to 2 very large, year round Car Boot Sales, both within 15 miles.

(Maybe I should offer Short Breaks Treasure-Hunting Weekends for my dear Bloggeroos, and chuck in a bit of B&B!)

Everything in the picture above was from ONE Charity Shop., including the tablecloth and the little table at the bottom of the pic.

(The roll of kitchen cloths came from the £1 shop - very useful instead of felt for some of my creations.)

Most of you know that I love cake.

so I always seem to come home with some of these.......

I also found some lovely prints

and even a pair of candy striped sheets...................

There was also a doll's Moses Basket, not in the pics, oops!

And finally..............................one of my ebay find this week - this cute little planter/vase.......

I've put him away 'til Easter.

Over all the years I've been collecting, I've never found a piece I love more than this one.........

I bought her at one of the first Bootsales I went to in 1984.

She's about 6 inches tall and made in two parts so that when you give a little push to her skirt, she rocks.

Made in the 1950's, I think she probably had a partner originally as her lips are pursed ready to kiss.

Can you remember what your first Car Boot item treasure was?

Welcome to Dollytub Cottage!

Well, I've been thinking of writing a blog for a few months now, so here goes.................

I can't believe what a lucky week I've had with my Charity Shop finds and other bargains. Here's a list - Laura Ashley Book, 3 Vintage pillowcases, small round box, medium sized hat box, large hat box (TK Max £4), Pink pressed glass fruit set, oak occasional table, Tablecloth, Pink flower picture,and 14 large pieces of "felt". (More on this in a moment) Believe it or not, the grand total was £18.69! (I also bought a gorgeous enamel jug from Asda's for £3, but forgot to put it in the picture.)

So, about the felt...................

I went to the Pound Shop (everything costs a £1). I bought a bundle of 14 cleaning cloths, but when I got home I realised that they were exactly the same texture and thickness of felt. I usually pay 59p for a piece 8ins x 8ins, so this was indeed a saving. The two flowers in the pic have been made with one of the cloths.

You will see a picture of my dear friend, "Dolly Dishmop". When us kids were little we made these cute little dolls as Christmas presents for our aunties. To make one you will need a vintage style washing up mop, a rolled up dishcloth (for the arms), some gingham for her turban and blouse, something to use as her apron. Her skirt is made from a full sized blue gingham tea towel. You will also need thread for her face and hair bows and a couple of black buttons for her eyes. These dolls were made to be used, and I think the idea probably came from Woman's Weekly, or Woman's Realm.

This particular dolly is a very special one though - she actually talks to me and really makes me laugh! (I first noticed she could talk around the same time as my Doctor changed my medication.)

So, all together now..................................................

"DOLLY DOLLY DISHMOP GIVE US A MALAPROP!"

Me: Hello Dolly Dishmop. Have you spoken to my sister-in-law Mary today?

Dolly: Yes, I have. I showed her the guest room that you've just decorated. I told her that you are going to buy a new bed for it. As it's a small room, Mary has suggested that instead of a divan you buy a CROUTON!