This and That

The amount of free time since finishing Uni is taking some getting used to, as is being able to get stuff done guilt free without Uni assessments in the back of my mind. Friday saw a night out with my Uni class mates to celebrate completion of our degree. It was nice seeing everyone one last time before we all head our separate ways.

My documents are posted off, so registration as a nurse is not far off, it's scary and exciting all at the same time, getting out into the real world putting all that theory into practice, and finally getting paid for it.

I've recently started a Pinterest account (Zar Anne), and my gosh is it addictive. There is so much crafty, gardening, baking and home inspiration out there. My 'to make' list has tripled as has my shopping list.

With the big move looming ever closer I've began digging up and potting a few garden plants to make the relocation with us, rhubarb, garlic chives, avocados and lemon grass.

The rhubarb, which I wasn't sure how it would handle being dug out of the garden, really surprised me, within a couple of days it had a new leaf sprouting and it now looks like this just over a week after being potted up. At this rate we'll be harvesting before the new year.

Also on the gardening front the avocado plants are doing well. After getting off to a slow start when transplanted from their germination place in the compost pile, they are now looking healthy and sprouting new leaves.

Our cat Tilly is back to her normal self after our other cat went missing. She went through a bit of a grieving phase with lots of pacing the house and meowing, calling for her friend I guess. She is quite enjoying the packing process now and all the cardboard box cubbies it provides.

And just a little reminder that tomorrow is your last chance to enter my little give-away which includes a splash of yellow bunting, vintage tea towels and a personalised wall hanging. I'll draw the winner on Thursday.

 

Thrifted Crockery

This weeks thrifted finds have a bit of a kitchen theme going on.

This stack of Johnson plates, 5 for $1.

This boxed Johnson plate, $2. The first to be found in its original packaging.

And these two little pretty floral plates, 20c each.

Check out all the thrifted goodness here.

My Creative Space...

Today I decided a spot of sewing was in order. After being inspired by the lovely handcrafted beauties over at Sean the Prawn using vintage linens I ticked another item off the 'to make list'. I made this cushion completely from thrifted materials including a tea towel purchased for $1, a scrap of sheet, zipper and cushion insert. So all in all a grand total of less than $2 for the whole thing and less than an hours worth of time. You can't get much better than that.

Check out all the other delightful creative spaces here.

And if you haven't already and would like to there's still time to enter my giveaway, here.

This weeks op-shop finds

Another Pyrex mug brings the total to five, and only 50c for this sweet one.

Johnson sugar bowl, $1

And now for one of my favourite finds, a solid, swivelling kitchen stool and wait for it,

not just one but two and a very reasonable $35 for the pair.

And on another note completely, today the two chookies went to a new home. With the move approaching, we new they couldn't come with us unfortunately, so they now live on a farm with six other chooks. It was sad seeing them go, but at least they've gone to a good home.

My creative space...

Today I'm joining in the fun of 'Our Creative Spaces'. The scissors are getting a workout, the sewing machine is a purring and the creative juices are flowing. The weather today has been rather rainy and miserable so what better place to be than seated at the table, fabric and thread strewn from one end to the other, the housework and washing can wait.

Bunting panels, using a thrifted floral tablecloth.

And the beginnings of my first doily bunting. After finding these stashed away in the cupboard having thrifted them months ago I thought I best put them to good use and be able to enjoy their prettiness everyday and what better way than being turned into more bunting.

Add your creative pieces here.

Bargain Buys

A successful week on the thrifting front with some great bargains.

Pyrex ($2.50)

 

Fire King mug (50c)

Another new Johnson design dinner plate for a whole 10c.

And a sweet little daffodil teacup and saucer, $2.50.

 

Just a reminder I'm hosting my first give-away, so why not enter here.

I think it's about time for a...

Give-away. Yes, as promised a while ago now I'm going to host my first give-away, in appreciation of all you lovely, inspirational bloggers out there. So I've gotten together a few items including a length of vintage sheet bunting, with a sunny yellow theme. I think I'm addicted to making bunting now, I'm onto my third length already.

 a couple of tea towels, carefully selected from the collection.

And a personalised embroidery hoop wall hanging, just for you.

Plus a few little extra goodies that I think you'd like.

Now all you have to do if you want to enter the give-away is leave a comment below.

(Open to Australian and New Zealand residents only).

So leave a comment and your email address if you please, and I'll draw a winner come the start of December, which looking at the calendar isn't that far away now.

If you are a follower of Zaranne Handmade leave a second comment for another chance to win.

Good luck everyone.

Lovely Bargains and The Find of the Year

This week with the cleaning and sorting process well under way for the big move, the local op-shops benefited from several boxes of goodies. In return they offered some great bargain finds.

Large Pyrex dish, $12

These two little Fire King opalescent dessert bowls, 50c each.

Corning ware dish, in near new condition, $8.

Another Johnson plate ($1) to add to the growing collection, and 2m of Ken Done 'Palm Beach' fabric ($1)... I'm thinking perfect for a couple of cushions.

And this week Sophie is hosting the...

Mine would have to be this West German made typewriter bought today for only $4. I couldn't believe it. I'd been on the lookout for one for a few months now and I sure was lucky finding this gem.

It even came with its carry case and the instruction booklet.

Why not add your thrifted find of the year here.