A tree with a bit of whimsy.....

Well the Big V has agreed that my gorgeous vintage Christmas decorations would actually add a little whimsy and childhood nostalgia to our tree. So the "Ode to Trudie Tree" has not needed to be exercised.....shame in some ways though the "Ode to Trudie Tree" was sounding rather pompous and up my self, but oh so fun.

I too conceded to the Big V that the vintage baubles weren't going to look great with our current arrangement, mind you I chose the colour scheme (I'm sure my colour choices are of now surprise to some of my Vowers).

So instead I opted for display the baubles in a vase, like so.

I'm getting rather excited about Christmas Day, to be honest I actually adore the spirit and magic in the air on Christmas Eve. Why not, join me over at my other blog in sharing a few pics and words of the magic and spirit at your place on Christmas Eve.

One last thrift before Christmas....

Seriously, I mean it. I don't think I have time for another thrifty adventure before Christmas Day. I have to get real now and get the groceries done and shortbread made and presents wrapped.

This morning my dear lovely and I went on another crazy op shop adventure, back to the same place.....yes my fav little place. As it was their last day being opened for the year and they were having a morning tea. My little Vowers had me up early this morning so I baked a simple but sweet little cake to take along with us. It was a good thing I took something along because the amount of finds the two us of walked out the door with was ridiculous.

I actually intend on vamping up this picnic basket with my suitcases for my market wares. I will keep you all up to date with my progress on these projects.

Rather cool old lamp with shade and a cool little tray.

For you Pyrex and Crown ware lovers.

Finally and likely my most favourite find of the day are these old Christmas decorations, we had these when I was a child and I just couldn't pass them up. I'm sure the Big V will scoff at the mere suggestion that they will go anywhere near his immaculately decorated tree like a department store one. So I am going to start an "Ode to Trudie Tree" that's all about me.

Some kitschy reading and inspiration....

Lookie, lookie what my darling dear friend picked up for me from the Friends of the Library Shop (a shop on the Gold Coast where the old, unpopular, out of date books go for sale to the public).

I love the pictures throughout the book, and I feel rather inspired to dismantle the book to use some of the imagery in other crafty ideas I have been inspired to do.

But then there is the odd activity in there that serves as inspiration for another little something to try.

Either way I thought I would share this kitschy coolness with, so you to could swoon over some of the pictures.

The pictures above make me day dream of one day having my little vintage caravan decked out with my wares on board for markets.

Fabric covered fridge anyone? I think the Big V would have minor heart failure if I told him I was going to do this.

You'd be a real cat to be reading this book.

Isn't she exquisite?

Inspired to track down some old paint by numbers on my thrifting adventures. I've noticed around the vintage loving bloggers and thrifters that they are making a bit of a resurgence. I'm sure I could find a nice little place for one like his.

The book covers crafts like crochet, macramé, tie-dye, sock monkeys and everything else in between that is weird and wonderful. Did you know you're never to old to have a groovy bed doll? That's what the book tells me.

Answering your questions....

I realised the other day that I have got a little behind in answering some questions from some of my lovely Vowers and that goes for some emails too. So I thought I would address some questions and comments that you've been sending my way. In the process I'll share a bit of blog love around and you might find out something about me you didn't know.

Sue from Divajools commented just yesterday about my Flea Market Finds asking if I would be looking to make something with my lovely vintage pillowcases.

Sue, yeah I'm uncertain at the moment. If I don't make some dresses, tops or skirts for Little V, I will put them towards her linen stash for when I do her room next year when she moves out from our bedroom as we currently co-sleep. Thank you so much for popping in as always. Please Vowers pop on over and visit Sue she is so wonderfully creative and talented.

Nelly commented on one of my Funk It Up on a Friday posts:
Nelly said: Bet you used to model. I think frock on Friday was any frock at all. So fock on anyway you like xx

Nelly, no I haven't ever really modelled. I did help out once doing a one off runway show for an in store parade, but that's the extent of it. I did have glamour photos done many years ago, just for myself and the owners of the business where I had them done were happy with the results and asked to use my pics for their promotional materials, but seriously that is it. Thank you honey for the compliment, but seriously it has never been something I have ever entertained. Vowers once again make sure you pop by Nelly's, she is actually selling off some of her vintage goodies at the moment.

Finally Vix commented on my Flea Market Finds, a plenty post.
Vix said: Wowsers! I'd have snapped up all three of those beauties. That skirt is fabulous. thank goodness it's a 30inch waist, it's saved me having to fly over and wrestle it out of your pretty hands.
Is that cravat a Tootal?
Dying to hear how your trip to Kitty's emporium went. x

To finally answer your question it is not a Tootal. The label shows a diamond shaped with PLS inside of it. Oh and Vix, please feel free to try and come and rip something from my hands. I'd let you rip it off me, to have a chance to sit and pick your brains about your thrifting adventures.

Please dear Vowers pop on over to Vix's she the epitome of a vintage goddess and her flare and vintage stylings will sure to leave you weak at the knees.

There you go dear Vowers, I promise I will be getting back on top of things after Christmas, I have many wonderful plans for next year and I look forward to sharing my adventures with you all.

Flea Market Finds, small haul before Christmas.....

I popped out yesterday morning for my second thrifting trip of the week. Funny thing is I rarely pop into an op shop on a weekend these days, being a SAHM/WAHM I tend to do my thrifting during the week. I was actually on a mission yesterday morning to find something specific and I had no such luck coming home with the goods I was after.......but I didn't leave empty handed.

So here are just a few little finds, as I try to wined down my thrifting before Christmas.

Top left - sweet little dish and cup with floral, which are going to my friend
Top right - purple floral pillowcases
Bottom - is an old Mikasa sugar bowl
I also picked up some old cloth bound books for 50 cents each which I think I am going to have a full around with turning into journals.....but then again the do look nice on my bookcase, oh well, we will see.

I probably should be truthful and admit that I might not wined down my thrifting until after Wednesday, as my favourite little oppy is having a morning tea, party day thing I think I will attend.

I'm linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures like every other Sunday, so sit back relax and pop on over and check out everyone's finds from this week.

Friday night happenings and guest posting....

Good evening Vowers, I hope the evening finds you well. Firstly after a slight delay and shall we say technical difficulties, I'm excited to let you all know that I am guest posting for the first time ever over at Suger Coat It. I'm over there sharing some thrifting secrets.

So please pop on over and check out my tips and say hello the ever so wonderful Melissa.

In late Friday night news, talks with the Big V tonight now see us talking about how I can commandeer a corner of the garage for more creative workspace away from little Vowers hands. I'll still have a small area in our office where I can concentrate on my writing and blogging......but it means more space. I'm rather excited about these plans, as it will allow me to spread my wings further with my creative plans.

When all else fails, what do you do?

You craft. Well that's what I have ended up doing, this wasn't the post I had intended for today, nor has my day turned out how I had intended.....but not to worry. I have a crazy amount of projects to finish or ones to start. So I have been making most of some time today to do just that.

I'm playing around with two new clutch designs, ferreting around in some (yes just some) of my vintage button collection for inspiration. Making fabric yo-yo's and finishing off Master V's Christmas shorts.

I popped out this morning in hope to find a myself a Christmas present of the vintage kind in the shape of a dress, but no such luck. I did however come home with a cool wrap skirt and a sweet little something for a baby boy, which I will show you once I get more of this crafting out of the way.

Have you got any Christmas crafts or sewing that needs to be done?

Fiddling and tweaking on a Monday....

It's a day of fiddling and tweaking today. As you can see the blog is getting a bit of a makeover and tweak. You may of noticed at some point Friday my header went all wacky and fragmented. I am not tech savvy by any extent of the imagination, so several emails and calls to friends and blog buddies and it looks like some blogger changes in the last few days made my header incompatible with the new changes. So with a little bit of help we are now playing around with a slightly new look, so please bare with me through these changes, as we're not quite there yet.

Aside from tweaking with this here blog today, I have been fiddling around with some sewing and getting the little Vowers Christmas outfits sewn up (well started anyway). But I have also finally got appropriate coloured thread and finished another clutch handbag. I must say I am really thrilled with this one. This one has an extra special factor to it with the vintage hand painted wooden button cover. So whoever ends up with this lovely down the track will be able to make use of the button cover as an accessory on their clothing and this clutch.

Do you have any Christmas craft or sewing projects you are needed to get on top of?

Flea Market Finds and some kitschy fun....

I have been in Brisbane for a end of year blogger meet up today, thanks to Hello Blogger Events. All the Vowers in this family headed out today and joined me on the trip to Brisbane. Little V came with me to the meet up and Master V and the Big V went off looking for some fun and mischief.

Anyway I thought I better finally show you this little number I scored a few weeks ago I have been waiting for an occasion to share with you all, as well as linking up for Flea Market Finds this week.

Perfect vintage dress, with some bowed ballet flats I bought retail, blue nail polish (the Big V is shuddering, as the toes are yellow.......oh the humanity). I'm felt perfectly lovely, having a chance to put something nice on for a special day out. The pic isn't the greatest as it's rainy and severely overcast, so lightening isn't great.

But before I sign off I best show you some more of my flea market finds my from Friday's crazy op shop trip with my friend.

Pretty kitsch huh? Perfect for a kitschy BBQ wouldn't you say? I came home with other randomness, that I hope to show you when I get a chance.

As I mentioned before about linking up for Flea Market Finds, make sure you pop over to Sophie's to check out everyone's finds this week.

Saturday night ramble....

Hello darling Vowers, firstly let me apologise for the header looking all wacky. I'm trying to get to the bottom of it, but I am not tech savvy and I'm trying to get some assistance from others on the matter. I'm hoping to get some crafting and sewing done this evening then some primping and preening in preparation for a blogger meet up in Brisbane tomorrow.

I've got a few thrifted and vintage dresses lined up for consideration in the morning, which I have been keeping up my sleeve to show off to you all when I get a chance. Whilst I wait to put Little V down to sleep for the night (hold on I joke, there's no night about it, she wakes several times each night).

Anyways I digress I'm here to tell you that my darling friend has blogged a couple of posts today to show her finds from our op shop visit Friday afternoon. So please pop on over and say hi to Caroline at Things I Do at her new blog. While you're over there make sure you check out her other post showing off the thrifted and vintage gifts I got her for her birthday and the special find I picked up at Kittys for her.

Ahhhh damn it, it's late now so I'm just enjoying one of these.....pic from here. Hope you're enjoying your evening and have something fun planned for your days tomorrow, hope to see you all later tomorrow afternoon for Flea Market Finds.

Crazy thrifting afternoon.....

Yesterday afternoon after my little Vowers were up from their naps, we headed over to my gorgeous friends house for her birthday for a coffee and to shower her with vintage and thrifted birthday presents. When she posts about them over at her new blog, I will link so you can all see my little extra something else I picked up from Kittys last weekend for her.

So after coffee and presents what else is there to do then to go op shopping of course. I took my girlfriend to my most favourite little place. My girlfriend had said she had been there once before and said she found nothing. I assured her that it must have been a freak day because there is always cool stuff there.

So what do you know it was a crazy afternoon, of laughter, mayhem, awesome finds, freebies and all sorts......but honestly I knew my little place wouldn't disappoint. Here are just a few of my finds from yesterday.

There you go, I also came home with:
- some kitschy stuff perfect for summer and cocktails
- a green paisley jacket
- a busted up and bloody knee for Master V......a story for another time
and some other secret odds and ends. I'll pop in over the weekend with more pics. Wishing you all a happy start to your weekends wherever you are.

Love....

With my Aunts passing a few months ago some little bits and pieces are going to various family members. I saw this at my parents place the other day, after their most recent trip to see my Nanna (dad's mum). How sweet is this and what a lovely reminder.

Much love to all my lovely Vowers.
X

A trip to Kittys

I have been on the lookout for some old suitcases for a couple of weeks now. I've been working towards plans to get myself along to the Suitcase Rummage in Brisbane in the new year. I'm hoping to sell some of my handmade and up-cycled wares I've been working on as well as a few selected clothing pieces. So with that being said I've got some big ideas in place to convert some old suitcases into little shop fronts for displaying my wares. So come Saturday afternoon, after my little Vowers had their naps, I gave the Big V the word to get ready we're going up the mountain, to pay Kittys slice of heaven a visit. I had the heads up that Kitty had a selection of cases, so what better excuse to finally get myself up the mountain for a visit and wander through the store.

Knowing all to well that the store would have so many lovely things to adore and investigate I sent the Big V and Master V off for a drive, as I certainly didn't want Master V's two year old wandering hands finding the most precious item in the store and attempting to give me heart failure. So I strapped Little V into the carrier and off I went in past the lovely lavender in the garden, up the stairs and onto the veranda. Straight away I was staring at a stack of cases up to chest height to ponder. There is a vintage drinks trolley, crockery, typewriter all begging to be looked at adored.

Kitty wasn't at the store when I arrived but she had mentioned to Sue that I might be dropping in. Sue came out on the veranda and straight away knew who I was and straight away we were full steam into talking about all this loveliness before me. She then invites me to have a peak at special something they picked up that morning, a vintage baby carriage.......oh my goodness, I'm imagining me pushing Little V down the street in it.

We head back upstairs and I try to seek out each corner, where I appreciate something new......ohhhh, ahhhhh, isn't that the sweetest, oh my goodness I've always wanted one of these, oh I'm coming back soon, I'm saving my pennies for that, are all words and phrases to come out of my mouth. All whilst I'm meant to be searching out a special little something for a friends birthday this week as well.

THEN I see the cabinet on the counter, I see a watch, not just any watch a gorgeous art deco watch. I mention to Sue that I've been on the lookout for a vintage watch because I can't find anything modern I like. Sue then just proceeds to take it out of the cabinet and it's original case and slips it over my wrist. That is when I had one of those emotional experiences where you actually really feel the beauty and history of something. I say to Sue, I think you're going to need to take it off me it's so beautiful I think I'm going to cry. When the Big V arrives back to the store, Sue and I both mention the watch and hint that Santa might decide I have been a really good girl this year and deserve an art deco watch. So I guess it's a case of wait and see on that front.

I don't have any fashion scores to share with you this time, because with Little V strapped to me I couldn't try anything on. But not to worry this mumma will be visiting again to lust over more of those pretties you see the lovely Kitty showing off. But you must be wanting to see what I came home with?

These are going to be perfect for my plans, and I'm and the lookout for one more now.

I also bought a little something for my friends birthday but I can't show you that just yet because she follows my blog and her birthday is later this week. But the lovely necklace you see above came home with me thanks to the ever so lovely Sue who gifted it to me.

So there you have my visit to Kittys, I really am so lucky to live so close to a such a wonderful mind field of vintage. I had such a wonderful time looking around and thank Sue once again for making me feel so welcomed and showing me so many lovely items and helping select a present for my girlfriend.

This is an epic post today so I best be on my way and draft my second letter to Santa about that art deco watch.

Flea Market Finds, a plenty....

You might of seen my post on Friday from my thrifting trip out in the morning, where I showed you some of my finds already.......I just couldn't wait. So here are a few other pieces, I wanted to share with you as well. I had hoped I would of had time this weekend with the Big V home to dress up and style some shots but that sort of time has eluded me. So I hope you won't mind these shots for now until I have time to play dress ups.

Seriously how can this vintage blouse not make you smile with that floral.

Now this lovely is rather reminiscent of something we all saw on the goddess Vix this week. But just so we are all clear I haven't ducked over to UK over the weekend to accoust her for it. My lovely vintage wool skirt was made in New Zealand "Cinnamon" label, 30 inch waist.......if you're wanting to know. The fringe is in perfect condition.

Finally a little something for the fellas a vintage paisley cravat from England.

Such a shame I haven't played dress ups for you, but I have been busy thrifting my heart out Friday and Saturday. In fact yesterday afternoon saw the Big V and I take the little Vowers for a drive up the mountain to pay Kittys shop a little visit. I had a wonderful time, all of which I will post about within the next two days. But I must tell you now whilst I was there I had one of those take your breath away moments.

As always I'm linking up with the lovely Sophie over at Her Library Adventures, so pop on over and check out everyone else's finds from the week.

Finds from Santa's sack....

Well Little V had a nap today so in between working on a new clutch handbag design I also had a few moments to snap a few pics of just some of my haul today.

This sweet darling I saw on my last trip to the store and when I saw her still there today I decided she needed a new home with us. She is just lovely with what looks like her original dress.......oh and knickers on. I just love how brilliant blue her eyes are, she is so pretty...you just don't see little girls dolls like this anymore.

I picked up this collection of pillowcases, a mixed bag really. The embroided ones I will likely put in the stash for Little V's room, and I have projects lined up for some of the others.

Then there are these vintage carved wooden plates, I love the designs and they will be another perfect addition to our decorating efforts. Speaking of decorating efforts it's all slowly coming together and I'm looking forward to showing you all. Oh and there is some print on the back of one of the plates I hope to get more info from once I remove an old faded and discoloured price sticker from.

A close up of one of them.

Finally I picked up a little something for the Big V, a travel backgammon set he loves the game. I have been on the search for years for a really nice full size vintage one but is still eludes me, so this sweet travel one will be loved and appreciated in the meantime.

There you go, that's just some of my finds from the Santa sack, I'm looking forward to Sunday though to show off my vintage fashion finds to you all. Hope you're having a great end to your week and ramp up to the weekend.

Santa's Sack is heavy......

I dropped off Master V to family day care this morning and of course I decided a spot of op shopping was in order, before coming home and getting into putting the Christmas tree up ready to be decorating tonight.

Little V and I headed to my most favourite store and I am so thrilled I did. The gorgeous staff were all full of smiles, laughter and Christmas cheer and packed up my goodies in a Santa sack and some other freebies. I parted with $15 and let me tell you this Santa sack is heavy with all sorts of vintage and retro finds. When Little V naps later (well hopefully she'll nap) and I will get pics done, as I can't wait to share some of my finds with you all.

My wee Jada (I think this is her first introduction to my Vowers) looks like she is having a sulk in front of Santa's sack. Give her five minutes and me turning my back and she will be asleep on top of that sack.

Stalking the postie round two and sneaky business.....

After a late afternoon trip out yesterday afternoon to a special little op shop I like for a vintage dress or two, I pulled into our street willing the mailbox to have a little package in there for me. What do you know the mailbox delivered.

My slimline business cards arrived. I've stolen the great idea off Ashley at Lil Blue Boo who says she frequently orders slimline business cards and hole punches them to double as swing rags as well. On the back they are just simple with my name, email address and blog address. They've come in a timely manner with me getting asked more and more about my blog and what I'm doing and when I will get on to the weekend market scene........*giggle* yes I've been up to stuff behind the scenes, but some of you possibly already knew that if not gathered as much as I have sold some handmade stuff through my Madeit Store on my sidebar.

As it is I'm currently mulling over the thought of running out the time my items have left on my Madeit Store (unless remaining pieces sell before then) and heading over to Etsy or Big Cartel. I already have an Etsy Store ready to go, but at least I will be able to sell both my vintage clothing (probably starting with baby and children's), toys, goodies and my handmade up cycled accessories. Any thoughts or experiences with Etsy vs Big Cartel I would love to hear. But for now it's still one day at a time as I work on my little dream. Things may go well, things may not as I move forward but one thing is for sure you've got to give yourself a chance huh?

What kind of thrifter are you?

I've been thinking and pondering.
When you are thrifting do you, have you or do you currently have a list of things you're on the look out for? Or are you a just go with the flow and see what you stumble across type of thrifter? If you have a mental list, what's on your list?

What is this first thing you head for to have a look at when you're in a thrift store? Do you go with a budget? Do you like an organised store or a good old get on your knees and have a rummage through type of store? Do you look through every rack and nook and cranny? Is there anything you would just never buy from a thrift store and use or wear? Finally what do you like most about some of your favourite thrift stores?

For me I do have a bit of list of things I'm looking for especially at the moment with decorating, but there is always a bunch of other things I hope I will stumble upon each trip out. I'll perhaps share my list in a separate post! When out thrifting I generally always have a look through the clothes first and if time is on my side I will look through every last rack. I will also try and search out as many nooks and crannies as I can. I often open up drawers and doors on shelves and cupboards where some thrift stores have excess finds tucked away, when they see me doing that I generally get the can I help you line. I'm pretty ok with buying most things from a thrift store, but underwear is a no go for me.

At the end of the day some of my favourite places to check out aren't just about the goodies I often pick up. They're about some of the lovely volunteers who are always so sweet and welcoming. One of my favourite places to visit, is generally so jammed packed full of stuff that it does take a bit of digging around in. But they also hold onto a lot of things other stores don't and being a crafter I always score great bags full of crafting and sewing odds and ends. They let me pile things up on the counter, and they even try to keep Master V entertained so I can have a good look around and if they think I'm struggling with all my bags (yes I frequently buy a lot from this one place) they offer to help with the kids and bags when I leave the store.

So please share your thrifting quirks, your routines, what makes your favourite place visit!

Starting the week with, some crafting....

Some of my very first followers back in the day on Facebook whenever that was now, would remember me crafting up some clutch hand bags from all up cycled, recycled and thrifted goodies (bar the closures). Well I'm back to it, and am working away on some designs and will soon be selling them again.

So here is a sneak peak of a lovely I finished this morning,

Oh and I've been a bit sneaky and have been working on some other upcycled accessories, so here is another peak at what I have been up to since last week.

It's been a nice morning here with Little V and I, she has been crawling around in our creative space/office and pulling out my fabric and trimmings and having fun, maybe she is looking for inspiration.

Flea Market Finds, a bit of sweetness....

Another busy weekend had and nearly over. We caught up with friends Friday night, which resulted in a late one for our wee Vowers then we backed it up again with another late one last night for a friends farewell. In our infinite wisdom and my thrifting madness, we decided to hit a local car boot sale for a walk around early this morning.

There were lots of older sellers out today selling quite a bit of vintage stuff, but slightly on the expensive side. There wasn't much at all in the way of vintage clothing, so there were no scores in that department today.

However I did pick up these lovely vintage linens, which I'm adding to my decorating stash for when I do Little V's room. In actual fact I got two of each of these florals and the green ones are big enough for our bed. The Big V, however has poo pooed the idea of floral in our bedroom for our decorating efforts. So I guess I'm on the hunt for retro, geometric fabrics and linens for our room instead.

Oh and here are two vintage children's pieces I picked up during the week as well. I'm loving the little sailor girl number.

In usual fashion I will be linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures, so be sure to pop on over and check out everyone's finds this week.