Thirft Store / Op Shop Shopping List

Do you have a Thrift Store / Op Shop shopping list? I've been working on mine; I decided recently that I need something physical to prompt me when I'm out and about (and remind me of the million and one pinterest  projects I have pinned and waiting for a specific find). So today I thought I'd share what I've started, and I'd love to hear what you look out for too.

1. Ornate Frames or Mirrors

This one seems like a no brainer, but it still tops my list. They hardly ever come up in my area, but when they do I try to grab them. I mean, who could pass this up???

Right now I have one sitting under my bed, ready to replace the builder basic mirror in our ensuite. I'd also love a few for the lounge room, a couple to make into chalk boards, and... well, you get the picture!

2. Lamps (especially a pair), Light Fittings, Chandeliers

A pair of matching lamps... I found these yesterday. Cool right?

I once followed a woman for 20 minutes around an Op Shop / Thrift Store because of the light fighting she was holding, just in case she put it down (she didn't :( ). It was curvy, cane, and in perfect condition. And it was $3. It was completely gorgeous and I've never seen anything like it since.

3. Paintings or Posters, Globes or Maps

I'd love a vintage seascape, but any old oil will do! I've also seen some amazing projects using old paintings that I'd love to try my hand at. And how about a collection of globes...

4. Jars / Vases / Glassware

Mason jars are almost non-existent in Australia, but I'm still looking, especially after this featured in a renovation program...

... and how about all those gorgeous green / blue tinted glass projects on pinterest right now!

5. Furniture...

A pair of chairs, a gorgeous side table, a dining table with curvy legs. I bought this gem for $6 and I can't wait to starting working on it!

For me, furniture at our Op Shops / Thrift Stores are becoming more and more expensive, but occasionally I find something exciting.

6. Nic Nacs and Dust Collectors; The Weird & Wonderful

Who hasn't seen an amazing wall hanging, statue, ceramic animal or similar whilst searching their local op shop (or spying on the shopping basket of a fellow shopper)? With a coat of paint (often white) these can be amazing.


So that's my shopping list to start with. Mandi at Vintage Revivals has some great advice about thrifting. She finds completely amazing pieces and makes them beautiful -  if you don't already follow, you should!

I'd love to hear about your list, what are you looking for??

Making a Coat Rack - Progress on my Entry

My very empty entry is mid way through a makeover. Finishing my hall table and mirror got the ball rolling, and on the opposite wall I wanted to try my hand at making my own coat rack.

I picked up a very plain piece of pine at the local hardware store, and used a router to shave the edges. Well, ok, Danny used the router, but I explained what I wanted and generally managed production. ;) I looked everywhere for a stencil, but most of what I found was completely out of my price range. I finally found something I thought I could manipulate, and at $15 it was perfect. And of course it's paisley!

After stencilling I sanded and stained. I didn't want the paisley to be too bright, so I painted two coats of the same chocolate brown stain I used on my coffee table.

Then it was on to hooks - who knew the right hooks were so hard to find! I headed to Ikea (an hour and a half drive away) and they didn't have what I wanted in stock. While I wasn't happy at the time, I then found these at Mulbury which I think are perfect!

As you may have noticed from that very first photo, I'm still working on the artwork. My completely indecisive self has taken over and I'm stumped! I thought I'd like some retro looking posters, and then I thought I could use some of Emma and Harry's artwork, and then... well the list goes on. Regardless, be assured that the Ikea branding won't be there forever!

As a little side note, I was lucky enough to pick up this rocking chair last week. FOR FREE!!!! I can't wait to get painting and re-covering. What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!



I'm sharing at
Tip Junkie
Sugar Bee Crafts
Not Just a Housewife 
Primitive & Proper
Domestically Speaking
Live Laugh Rowe
aka design 
Simple Home Life 
Too Much Time on my Hands
Sew Many Ways

Storage for Kids

It really is an essential and right now I have storage on my mind. Today I have half the storage solution ready for Emma's room, so this is half a post... ;)

For Emma's room I have a few things I want stored. First up are all those treasures children collect along the way... figurines, trinkets and keepsakes. An Ikea hack was the solution here.

Yep, that's an orange bowling pin under the dresser. All part of the look...

I call it an Ikea hack, but it really is simple. I used spray glue to attach a square of fabric to the back panel of the forhoja wall cabinet. My thinking is that if I change my mind, or Emma decides she doesn't want a room full of pink (very hard to imagine right now, but who knows!) then I can peel off the fabric and the panel won't be effected.

Not much styling going on at this stage... but you get the drift!

The second storage idea is another Ikea hack, something I saw at mominizer. Spice racks as book shelves. LOVE.

After driving and hour and a half, lugging two disinterested kids around 1 kilometre of Ikea heaven (I know, how can they be disinterested??? It's Ikea!) they didn't have any. I nearly sat down and cried, but I bought a lamp instead.

The last idea is to use these...

Retro suitcases! I'd like to find another one, so I have my eyes peeled. They will be gorgeous. I'm sure of it...

Well, sort of sure and willing to give it a try anyway!

Thanks for stopping by!



I'm sharing at
Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife
Tip Junkie
Live Laugh Rowe 
Too Much Time on my Hands

Feel the Fear...

Last week I wrote about doing what you love. For me it involves making a big change and that's pretty scary - to wade out from the familiar and try something new. But it got something started...

 I was emailing my friend Court from The Apprentice Extrovert who reminded me of the old adage 'feel the fear, and do it anyway'. And then Liz from Quirky Vistas offered a lovely comment on my post about the retro bar stool makeover, saying that a dining table makeover would 'make your heart sing'. These set my minding racing, I've been excited and a little scared thinking about it.


So, what have I done?

I have bought my first piece of furniture to makeover to sell (I hope!). It's brown and ugly and was calling my name. Here she is...

I'm thinking hard on this one, but I have a few ideas. I think with a bit of tweaking she'd be great as a media console. Will share soon.

Curtains and cushions and bedding...oh my!

I've added a few soft furnishings to Emma's room - it's just about 'finished'.

When I saw these ruffled curtains on Pinterest I knew they were perfect for Emmas' room. Besserina provides an amazing tutorial; I bought some pre-made curtains at Spotlight for $18 (yay!!) and bought some extra calico to make the ruffles. I'll admit it did take me a while to get all those ruffles ironed and sewn onto the curtains, and very red hands after scrunching them, but I love the result!

The sewing machine really has been getting a work out this week...

I've also made up two cushions to sit on Emma's bed; I used some left over calico and ribbon for the union jack inspired one, and some very soft blanket for her name pillow. All these are ready to match a bedspread that is sitting on the sewing machine. Shall I give you a sneak peak?... Of course!

Vintage chenille! I'm in love. One of Mum's friends was throwing it away (gasp!!). Thank goodness we found it! I'm hoping it will make a gorgeous bed spread, I just need to work out how to do it.

So I'm feeling like Emma's room is coming along OK, slowly, but OK. I've got an idea for a bed side table, some storage / shelving, and reading lamp and bookshelves that should take me... oh, who knows!!!

So, did you set home/craft/project goals for 2012? How are you going with them?

Thanks for stopping by!


I'm sharing at
The Habby Goddess
Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
Tip Junkie 
livelaughrowe 
The Shabby Nest