Monday, April 7, 2008

Op Shopping, Fabric Shopping, Quick Sunday Craft and an Art Swap

First of all I want to say a big big thankyou for everyone who posted comments with suggestions for the ladder. It's currently still sitting in the garden bed, but I will be sharing the suggestions with Mr CurlyPops (because he's the one who will actually chop it up and install it somewhere for me) to see which is his favourite. There were some fantastic ideas that had never even entered my head, so thanks!

I went op-shopping on Friday, again on Saturday, and then again today! I think I'm op-shopped out for at least a couple of weeks, but it's really hard not to stop when you're in the general location of an op-shop and you have time to duck in just to check if there's anything new in stock. I just happened to overhear the ladies chatting in Vinnies today, discussing that they were packing some things up to send back to Footscray, so they could get some new stock into the shop (bad news for me because now that I know that, I'm going to feel compelled to check back in later in the week)!

Anyhow, this is what I found.......


All these zips for about $3.50 in total. I'm going to have a try at sewing a zip into something (not sure what yet). I've never sewn in a zip in my life so wish me luck......


This huge pillowcase (photo shows it folded into four)......I bought it for the fabric....not sure what I'll make with it yet.


A set of four double sided fabric placemats......


A vintage double flat sheet, some purple floral fabric and a vintage childs apron.....


A set of 6 side plates in perfect condition (I gave these to my sister for her birthday).....


....and another craft book (because I really really needed another craft book). This one has some great stuff so I'll post some photos from the inside later in the week.



Yesterday I decided that I needed a calendar in the kitchen to keep track of everything. I have a really bad memory sometimes so I like to be able to glance at what is coming up in the next week. I have a diary in the study but I spend more time in the kitchen, so I thought it would be more useful to have a calendar......


So I decided to make myself a clipboard for the calendar pages.
I had a blank craft placemat in the cupboard and I used some of the beautiful paper that I received from Joanne last week. I just watered down pva to decoupage the paper to the placemat, scrunched up some cardboard and glued it down for the border, waited for it all to dry and then added a couple of coats of gloss varnish.
Mr CurlyPops added some bolts and nuts for me to hold the alligator clips in place and 'voila', it's finished.


I made up some calendar pages for the next few months.......


.....and added my very important appointments!


Today I went to Spotlight. My intention was to buy some spotty fabric to make more bias tape, but this is what I came home with.....


......and this is why I am sewing in the kitchen

Last but not least, I made a start on my Art Swap yesterday which is running over on Cathy's blog and here's a sneaky peek!


Phew! I'd better go and make some dinner before we starve!

11 comments:

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

Wow. Your art swap piece looks so interesting. I can't wait to see the whole thing.

Lots of lovely purchases there by the way and I love the calendar. I love working with craft placemats. I do a bit of collaging on them and then put a coat of gel medium and then some paint over the top. However, I haven't come up with what to do with them beyond that. A calendar holder is a great idea.

Jodie said...

WOWEE!!! What a mega post.... You sure are one busy lady. I love all of the great op-shop finds and can't wait to see what you decide to make with all of those zips.

Jodie ;)

Crafty Things said...

Love the calendar idea. All those lovely zips might look good in some pouches. Zip envy happening here!

Kirsty said...

This is a very important appointment! Lots of lovely Op Shop success too.

Claire (ethel loves fred) said...

Love the S/L fabric finds, and great op shop finds too! Specially like the fabric and the plates, nice gift for your Sister!

LOVE the picture on your old jewellry box - too cute!

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

You are such an Op Shop Queen - you always manage to find the best things. I never seem to find useful things like zips when I go. Love your calendar idea - so nice to be able to personalise it.

Drewzel said...

Mmmm, op shop goodness!

Hey I'm Brown Owling on the 21st too, yay!

Melissa Haworth said...

hey, i have that same floral sheet in a different color way. Sheets are the same world wide I guess :)

Jenaveve said...

Not the Werribee Spotlight...surely not?! I have to start paying more attention to their stash bins. Although I find there's a lot of stretch knit fabrics in there that I just couldn't think what to do with. There's a question - I wonder what people do with stretchy stash (not just the plain cotton varieties)?

Christie said...

OMG I I have matching pillowcases to that flat sheet (the one with the oink & green flowers)on my daughter's bed!!! What a booty!

Tessa said...

You have inspired me to start on my addition to the art swap myself. You are hardcore about your crafting! I love your purchases too!

Happy crafting!