The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday 6 June 2017

The Christmas Challenge. Op shops and thrift stores.

As we approach mid year I am thinking about how my present cupboard is looking.  A lot of gifts have gone as we have had some major birthdays!  It was looking healthy and now not so much!

Aside of trying to make things all year and starting in January this cupboard gets built up with bargains I see. Many of these are after the event type sales i.e. after Mother's Day the stores clear all kinds of nice gifts.   Other times I just find amazing specials and grab those.
A lot of the time these are things that will go with a homemade present... i.e. a heart shaped tin and then I will bake a cake in that.  Or pretty pens that I will put with a pack of hand made cards... little things that kind of finish off a homemade gift. These are really handy!

Another area is buying tape and wrapping paper etc when I see those on good specials. Recently Aldi had just gorgeous papers and I couldn't believe the prices!  These are the times to stock up.  Aside of saving a lot you never have to rush out to the shops for these kinds of things.

Op shopping is another big help in gift giving.   The things I have found!  Brand new current cookbooks seems to be one thing I always find. Some of these are $60 or more in the stores and I have paid $5 or so.  I will put them with a kitchen towel or something I have made and these make a lovely gift for a cook.
As I like to make little hamper type gifts I get most of my baskets and containers for these in op shops.  Some years I have accumulated baskets and spray painted them to make Christmas hampers.  But if you watch all year you will find all kinds of supplies and save a fortune.  Also then at Christmas you are not running around looking for containers to put your cooking gifts in.

As for actual gifts you have to know people pretty well and what they like.  If you know someone who collects things this is handy!  There are a lot of things I would be thrilled with as a gift that could come from an op shop!  My number one would be beautiful old jars or a box of preserving jars!


Beautiful photos from Rachel!  

I can think of several people that feel the same!

Others for me would be a basket of craft supplies...  velvet ribbons, millinery organza or velvet flowers,  knitting yarn,  old lace, pretty brooches,  (for decorating things like gift soaps)  vintage boxed hankies, pearls  ... a basket of vintage sewing threads.  Actually the more I think about it the list just gets longer and longer!


I know someone who collects vintage aprons so I always watch for those.
Chloe loves lots of vintage things so I have a list for her.
I gave Lucy a Glo Mesh wallet which she adored and all her friends wanted one. 
Others love hand embroidered linens and doilies. 


I started collecting embroidery in my teens. I ended up with so much of it I sold a lot at one stage to an Adelaide designer. I sold a whole garbage bag of them!  I only ever used to pay 20c or so for them. This lady ended up ordering cot blankets from me for her twins!  This was all very handy at the time!


I love pretty tea pots, pink side plates with roses and jugs! And crystal!  These all are just beautiful for a tea time themed gift basket or to present Hollywood Bubble bath!   Trays are also lovely as a gift as they can be used like a gift basket.

For all of us that are cooking bread then old style bread pans, deep muffin tins and loaf tins would be a find!   Actually I adore old rolling pins, hand mixers/beaters, whisks, bowls...

Susan found vintage pink parfait glasses!  


Things like these can be exquisite gifts to the right person who would love them! 
It is a matter of knowing what people just love, collect, wish for.  In these cases op shopping can be a great source of gifts.  
I have found leather cases, binoculars, designer shirts and beautiful hats to add to Andy's collection. He has been over the moon happy with these kinds of gifts.   I watch for old vests, fob watches,  books and a list of other things that I know he would love!

Years ago a friend of mine was dreaming of fancy leather cowboy boots.  In the city these were a few hundred dollars.  I knew her size and I was in a country op shop and found some for $5!  She lived in these and wore them when she worked in London.  She had people offering to buy them from her!  They were used in a photo shoot for a magazine!  She thought they were the best gift ever! 

Op shopping is also wonderful from the pantries and preparedness aspect as well but that is another post! 

Giving these kinds of gifts is a little like giving something you have made. It takes a bit of confidence. But once you really know what someone likes and you realise the retail value of things you might realise how perfect some of these gifts can be. It might be something someone has always wanted!  In fact it might be something that someone normally could never afford!   

On the weekend we went to two country op shops and I had some beautiful finds.  It is so much fun!   The fun part of it doesn't hurt at all! 

Have you had any good op shop finds?  Could this be a way to gather containers, gifts, supplies that could help you? 

I hope your week is going well!  I have A LOT to report on Friday already! xxx







36 comments:

  1. It's so nice to realise that it's a blog day Annabel. I have forced myself todo my chores and wait for the sit down and read. Right now I am out in the winter sun with layers of woollens on but it's glorious.

    I love your suggestions about finding gifts and sorting through the op shops.

    I am hoping the insurance has not been a problem for you . How lucky that you heard the water running. Looking forward to Fridays post. Fi xxx



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    1. Fiona, I did the same thing you did: I told myself I had to wait to read Annabel's new post until after I did some work around the house (made dinner and cleaned up afterward)! Fun!! Teresa

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    2. Dear Fiona, That is such a nice compliment! Winter sun is THE BEST. I try and do the same. If the sun is out I want to be in it. It just does you good.
      You are a good op shopper! I think of all the things you get for the animal shelter and the kangaroo pouches you make!
      So far so good with the insurance! A few more steps to go and a bit to put up with until then but it is looking like we will get a new kitchen, lounge and dining room floor. (relief!) I hope your week is going well! With love Annabel.xxx

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  2. I have found brand new baby items and put together gift baskets for baby showers with them. My husband put together a fun games box with playing cards, wood puzzle games and a few other items for a Christmas gift exchange and everyone loved it.

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    1. Dear Debbie, It is amazing what you can find. What lovely gifts! It does take some time to look and find but I enjoy it, its quite exciting! I think overall it is worth putting away really good things as sooner or later someone will have a baby or other occasion! Many thanks with love, Annabel.xxx

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  3. Annabel so glad you were able to find some lovely pre owned items. When we go to different towns I like to explore the Op shops. Here at home it is cheaper to purchase new than it is to go into one of our charity stores. Yesterday Katie and I did a trawl looking for uni text books for her. At the front door of one charity store, was a leather corner lounge with a price tag over $3K. Both of us were just a bit taken aback by this.
    My husband and children love the treasures that I have picked up for them over the years. That's as far as it goes. My siblings, their partners and children, are mortified to think a gift from me might be from an Op shop. I have learnt to go to label shops when they're having massive sales and purchase cheap and cheerful for them. I leave labels, minus price tags on them. This way I know they will get used.
    I have been adding more cotton crochet washcloths. I made Mum three for Mother's Day. Her neighbours, on either side, have asked if I can make them some. I know there will be some form of trade so I am happy to do this for them.
    Looking forward to Fridays post.
    It's been so cold I have had to wear shoes all the time! I'm not sure I like being cold at all.
    Life is good.

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    1. Dear Jane,
      I have seen some op shops that have gone crazy and heard of them. Yours sounds like one of them! They used to both make money for charity and provide affordable things for the community. Some have forgotten what they are for! When off in the caravan the op shops might be better.
      Your cotton washcloths are beautiful plus the soaps to go with them! These are a perfect gift. And trades are the best!
      I am amazed it is so cold there! Rachel said how cold it was.. she is in QLD also. It is cold here... and raining. Proper winter! With love Annabel.xxx

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  4. Dear Annabel,

    Just yesterday I scored big at Salvation Army! I was perusing the new “layout” (otherwise known as “Where can we throw this junk?”) when I spied the underside of an ironing board. Its bars and the base/feet looked extra-thick and heavy and the board looked extra-wide. A cream, cottony underside of the ironing board cover was visible, too. I asked the clerk if someone could pull it out of the ironing board pile that was jammed behind tables and chairs and leaning against a wall.

    When the gentleman pulled it out, he even set it up for me. Extra-tall! Extra-long! Extra-wide! And stamped into the iron-holding rack at the end of the ironing board was “ROWENTA.” What? Are you kidding me? My mother-in-law got me into Rowenta brand irons, German Made. It’s been our iron of choice for years now (NOT CHEAP!) because we liked hers so much. Also hanging from the ironing board’s underside frame was a tag that states (paraphrased) “ROWENTA: Do not remove this tag. Go to our Website or call ###-#### to order replacement cover IB####.” Really?

    After inspecting everything thoroughly, I folded it back up and lugged that heavy puppy to the cashier. I had to contain my glee when she said, “That will be FIVE DOLLARS!" I nearly danced it to my vehicle!

    The Lord knew I’ve been wanting for a loooooooong time an extra-long, extra-wide, extra-tall ironing board with a very wonderful cover on it, and they just don’t sell them on Guam. To buy one new, and ship it here? Really? I don’t sink so. It reminded me of Laine who prays over her shopping list before she goes out.

    When I got home I Googled my “new” ironing board, which, by the way, still had the numbered moving company sticker on it. (Tons of military move to and away from Guam.) An ironing board similar to the one I bought yesterday at Salvation Army: ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE DOLLARS! YEAH! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

    I Googled an aluminized fabric ironing board cover, too: $47, but I think I have enough aluminized fabric in my stash to make my own! Yes, Lord, You have been mighty good to me!

    You have shared on your blog my old jewelry box-turned tea bag chest-- that was a thrift store gem. I have found vintage anniversary plates with the year on them, high dollar brand name clothes, shoes, handbags, vintage sheets galore, sewing tools, old windows, wall art or "junk" that makes great wall art, from the kitchen to the bath to the bedroom to the living room, from the garage to the yard to the porch, you name it, I've gifted it to someone, and it all came from a thrift store. And books. Books that people collect, books that people butcher to make cards from or bookoupage with, etc.

    As far as cleaning things up, Oxyclean works great. I don't know if you sell that in Australia anywhere, but it works like a champ, especially for whites, and they make a color-safe product, too. I have rescued ring-around-the-collar shirts with Oxyclean. It is an amazing product, and a little dab will do.

    I also got a gallon size jar yesterday, too. Great for storing kitchen goodies and staples.

    I think I'm like you, in that when I'm talking to a friend and s/he mentions they like something, later I quickly record it so I have the information. When they open your gift, they say, "How did you know I liked this?!"

    *hugs* and happy week,
    Kelley~

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    1. Dear Kelley,
      What a story! What a good find! What a savings! Thats what Im talking about! I think if you buy wide aluminium foil and smoothly cover your ironing board then put the ironing board cover over the top of this... this equals an aluminised ironing board cover!
      Yes we have Oxyclean or an equivalent at least. You can make that too... I might put a link to how to make it on Mondays blog. I am big on soaking and getting things back to new! The girls send me their fails and I have a good track record of succeeding. This comes from many years of practice!
      Yes, when someone mentions something they need, love, cant afford or other information I write it down! This is very useful!
      I loved reading about your op shop! With love Annabel.xxx

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  5. Oh Annael, this post is so close to my heart! Just yesterday the card ladies (Pamela and Carol were here) and I were talking about my collection of dishes and vintage linens. I was thrilled to show them the first dinner set I ever bought - a 1910 Royal Doulton set that I just love to pieces and yes, I use it - and a beautiful dinner set that my Grandfather bought for my father. I use my linens, we were using vintage serviettes yesterday with our lunch. I also have a collection of tablecloths and pillowslips and tea towels I've gathered over the years. And all of them have come from either op shops (I have two favourites where I always find something) or garage sales. Baskets, jars, toys when the children were small, books, lamps, even brand new Stubbies school shorts for 50c a pair are some of my favourite op shop finds. I'm looking for a bigger box for the gift stash as it is full at the moment. We are coming into birthday season for our family so it will go down, but I'm always adding to it too :) Have a beautiful week, Cath

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    1. Dear Cath,
      I love old china, tea sets, tea pots... I have a thing about milk jugs being gorgeous... and tiered cake plates! I love it all. It makes ordinary tea and whatever we are eating feel special.
      Garage sales are a good thing to mention. They can be even better than thrift stores these days. You just never know what you will find! It sounds like you need to find a nice old trunk or something like that for the gift overflow! With love Annabel.xxx

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  6. Hi Annabel and Beautiful Bluebirds!!

    Millinery organza, velvet flowers and Glo Mesh wallets! I looked these up!! I came by a Glo Mesh wallet once and, having no use for it myself, at my husband's suggestion, gave it to a now eighty-eight year old lady, who was so glad to have it!! This same lady, Isabel, is the one who had made the icing wattle shown in the top picture!!

    In our summer heat, those op shop crochet cottons from my parents began to look like ice-cream! The "scones" doily was rescued from an op shop giveaway box with the use of Jane's tip regarding salt and lemon juice for removing rust stains! The large embroidered daisy covers a hole!! The calico laundry bag was embroidered by my Grandma!

    Have I had any good op shop finds? Have I ever!!!! I love op shopping! Let's see -- a pink crochet tablecloth, woollen blankets, old pinking shears, a vintage kitchen hand mixer, a forest of knitting wool, a large basket, large jars, preserving jars, knitting needles, tiny English crochet hooks, some fabric and sheeting, army jumpers (in the past), baking pans, a bench scraper baking tool, ..... Last week, I paid fifty cents for a small, glass pie dish that will fit inside my steel camp oven. Before that, I paid the steep price of two dollars for a tiny perfume bottle, for which I have a special use!

    Annabel, how many of my favourite topics do you have?!!!! I love it!!

    Warmest regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. Dear Rachel,
      Glo mesh wallets and purses are still n my list. They are hard to come by!
      I thought the wattle was real! It is beautiful! I love that jar and little display! And I love that you have your Grandmothers embroidery and love it.
      When I was posting this there was another picture you took that I was looking for, it was a collection of fine knitting wool in balls you got from the op shop and I couldnt find it! But what a good thing to have found!
      I love old baking pans, dishes, loaf tins all of these are lovely when thick, old, handmade...
      I love pie dishes! And biscuit cutters and tins!
      Lets go op shopping shall we! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Annabel, do you mean this photo?!!!! (from 31/01/2017)

      http://thebluebirdsarenesting.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/

      Wouldn't it be funny if we could op shop together?! You could have the Glo Mesh wallets, and I'd be over the moon with bits of cork! Ha ha!!

      Regards,
      'Blog secretary'

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  7. Hi Annabel and Beautiful Bluebirds!!

    Millinery organza, velvet flowers and Glo Mesh wallets! I looked these up!! I came by a Glo Mesh wallet once and, having no use for it myself, at my husband's suggestion, gave it to a now eighty-eight year old lady, who was so glad to have it!! This same lady, Isabel, is the one who had made the icing wattle shown in the top picture!!

    In our summer heat, those op shop crochet cottons from my parents began to look like ice-cream! The "scones" doily was rescued from an op shop giveaway box with the use of Jane's tip regarding salt and lemon juice for removing rust stains! The large embroidered daisy covers a hole!! The calico laundry bag was embroidered by my Grandma!

    Have I had any good op shop finds? Have I ever!!!! I love op shopping! Let's see -- a pink crochet tablecloth, woollen blankets, old pinking shears, a vintage kitchen hand mixer, a forest of knitting wool, a large basket, large jars, preserving jars, knitting needles, tiny English crochet hooks, some fabric and sheeting, army jumpers (in the past), baking pans, a bench scraper baking tool, ..... Last week, I paid fifty cents for a small, glass pie dish that will fit inside my steel camp oven. Before that, I paid the steep price of two dollars for a tiny perfume bottle, for which I have a special use!

    Annabel, how many of my favourite topics do you have?!!!! I love it!!

    Warmest regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. Dear Rachel,
      Your finds sound like a dream! I'm seeing from the comments that this is a topic a lot of us get excited about. I want to say, also, that your photos are absolutely gorgeous. I would buy your magazine lol!
      Love, Kelsey

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    2. Oh, thank you, Kelsey! In that case, I would like for you to have a free life subscription to the magazine! Ha ha!! Yes, op shops -- where needs are met, and dreams come true!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  8. Susan, your vintage pink parfait glasses are beautiful!
    Yours is a very sweet, pink picture!
    Regards,
    Rachel

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    1. Thank you Rachel I'm so glad you like it :) one guess what my favourite colour is! LOL Hugs xx

      Love & hugs to Annabel xoxox

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  9. Dear Annabel,
    I just love this post! Treasure hunting is so much fun, and most of the stuff I buy is purchased second hand from op shops or garage sales. I have been laughed at for this, but I smile to myself when someone who looks down on thrifting compliments me on something because I know where it came from! Twice I have been complimented on a skirt I have been wearing lately. It is a dusty pink color with beads and embroidery along the bottom. I know the brand and it retails for over $100. I paid $2 for it.
    Like Debbie, I have also been finding nice baby things at consignment shops. At one particular store, we found a little plaid onesie that still had the tag on it and the price was $30 at Baby Gap. I bought it for less than $5 and walked out of the store with a bag of such clothes for the price of the single onesie! I bought a beautiful Laura Ashley dress with smocking detail and a little pair of white sandals for a friend's baby for just a few dollars, too.
    I remember my dad always bought gifts for people from the pawn shop. It is terrible that people used to make fun of him for it, but he found some really great buys. He bought my grandmother a bread machine and my aunt a Kitchen Aid mixer one year. They were in excellent condition. I remember especially what he bought me. It was a video camcorder. I was about 12 or 13 and I had so much fun with that thing! I filmed everything and even made a movie with my cousins. When I got married, one of the things my parents gave me was a vacuum cleaner from the pawn shop. My mom said my dad spent hours polishing the chrome on it for me (it was vintage.) To me that is very special.
    I love all of your ideas of things to look for. We like a lot of the same things! I'm still giddy over my box of lace and trims from the garage sale Saturday. As for pairing handmade with purchased items, that is what I'm doing for my cousin's upcoming wedding. I have had some apple green fabric in my stash for years just waiting for the perfect use. Well, she wants her kitchen in apple green, so I am sewing her a set of napkins and tea towels. I am pairing this with the green measuring cups and spatula she had listed on her registry.
    I could go on and on but I better stop lol. I can't wait for Friday to see what you found! Have a lovely week ladies.
    Love, Kelsey

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    1. Dear Kelsey,
      The time has come for your apple green fabric! She will love this gift!
      Your skirt sounds beautiful! Do not ever be put off by anyone who doesnt approve. Imagine their credit card balance compared to yours and smile! (as this is often the case!)
      Your lace and trims were a lovely find! I know you will use them all!
      When we head off to the thrift store or a garage sale it is a lot of fun and can be a huge savings. Even if you have to put away some things for latter, i.e. a little boys pair of jeans that will be good in a coulee of years, if you use the system I mentioned to you there they will be when you need them!
      I hope you are feeling well and glancing resting with doing things! Not long now! With love Annabel.xxx

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  10. Dear Annabel,LOVE LOVE LOVE Op Shops!
    My speech as people come into our little shop is "We have something for everyone!" and "Have you seen all the treasures through the alcove?"
    AND I met you in our Op Shop last year! What a wonderful surprise. Look forward to your next visit. We are still a brilliant treasure trove! Cheers Jo

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    1. Dear Jo,
      Your op shop is one of my all time favourites! I always have success there! One time, before I met you, I sat on the ground and went through all the tubs out the back... with the half slips and so on... I got so much mostly to use for lace and sewing. I was there fro ages. Also knowing it is all helping such a good charity is wonderful.
      Andy was only telling someone on the weekend how you figured out who I was by my op shop searches... there I was going through all the sheets! We will get back... normally we would stay at Moonta Bay and we hope to again when the finances are a bit better. I love that whole area I think its glorious. You are surrounded by fresh air and sea. With love Annabel.xxx

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  11. Dear Annabel,

    I could go on and on forever about my love affair with op shops/thrift stores. They're fabulous for all of the things that have been mentioned, and I especially love them for art supplies. I like to find extra large men's wool sweaters. In years past I've boiled the sweater and dried it and then made some boiled wool Chanel type jackets out of them. The sweaters $2 at the most. The jackets if bought in an upscale dress shop, hundreds of dollars.

    In the US the Pendleton Wool brand is very expensive. I just found an extra large man's Black Watch tartan plaid 100 percent Pendleton
    Wool shirt for $1. I haven't quite decided what to do with it yet, but there's a couple of yards of great wool fabric in the shirt.

    I think right now, after the last haul, there's enough to keep me busy for a good long time.
    Blessing,
    Cookie




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    1. Dear Cookie,
      I love your Chanel style jackets! What an idea! You are one clever cookie! haha! Wool overall seems very expensive now. The shirt sounds like a great find.
      You would be a god person to thrift store with! Imagine the fun we could have! With love Annabel.xxx

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  12. Dear Annabel,
    We don't have Op shops around here. We have thrift stores, but I am not sure that is the same thing. Antique stores might have some of the items you mentioned. All of your finds are lovely. I love those vintage pink parfait glasses, Susan.
    I haven't done much for the gift closet this year, so I truly enjoy seeing everyone else's wonderful makes and finds. We've had a rather busy year with health, so I have relaxed what I expect out of myself (LOL).
    Your suggestions are wonderful as always, Annabel.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    1. Dear Glenda, Yes they re the same thing I think. Antique stores here are very expensive but thrift stores are very inexpensive and usually benefit a charity.
      They are so much fun. I cant even imagine what Ive saved over the years but also the treats Ive had! Many craft supplies that is for sure! Thank you Glenda! With love Annabel.xxx

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  13. Dear Annabel, yes, yes and yes! I'm an op shopper from waaaaay back as you know, and I've scored so many treasures it makes my head spin sometimes. You're right in being very specific in your treasure hunting when looking for gifts though. It's tempting to grab every 'gift pack' on display after Mothers Day and Christmas, but unless you're going to repackage them somehow, they're not necessarily going to be welcomed any more than they were by the person who donated them...unless the recipient is like me and uses hand cream and body wash like there's no tomorrow! I keep my eye out for very particular items too. For my own husband (who like Andy has a very arty interests), it's music trinkets like old sheet music, ornamental pianos of all kinds, leather journals, unusual pens and penholders, vintage desk calendars (the metal swing/flip over to change the date kind), unusual clocks and music boxes. For my daughter, it's anything dance related. My sister loves thick books for a good long read, and my daughter in law loves chunky candles and candle holders. Another thing is that sheet music makes beautiful wrapping paper (photocopy it so you have an endless supply), as do childrens books and vintage magazines. I remember you wrapping some gifts in Peter Rabbit paper, I think?? Wedding dresses make a fabulous supply of gorgeous silks and satins for pillowcases, sheet trims, soap bags, lingerie bags and lingerie, and I think we all now realise that fabric is fabric, and that vintage or any sheets and quilt covers can be turned into almost anything you like for very little money. Gosh...I think we ALL love this topic! Hope your week is lovely everyone. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Dear Mimi,
      So much in common! Well you have reminded me yes... books... Andy gets all his novels from op shops which is a savings of about $18 each or something... and the wedding dresses! yes! I have made cushions with roses and things like that from luscious old dresses. Silk is another one... i.e. a silk robe made into a silk pillowcase. And all the rose sheets I have had! Just so much I have lost track!
      There is a lot of fun to be had and if retail therapy is needed then this is the way to go! You just never know what you might find. Chloe has a genuine Burberry winter coat for $15. She's happy!
      I think I need to go op shopping now! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Wow! That Burberry coat is a real find! Go Chloe! Mimi xxx

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  14. I never seem to find a great bargain in the local op shops - usually when we are away is when I find the bargains and things that I have been looking for.

    I much prefer demolition yards - I have had great success over the years when doing work on our houses with finding windows and other things for the project. Often we have had quotes for new items in the thousands and I have managed to find what was needed for the whole job for less than a thousand dollars.

    This house is a prime example - we changed windows out and put in french doors - the quote from the builder was $3,000- per set (we needed 3 sets). We were down the south side of Brisbane for something so we also took the time to search out a couple of demolition yards - found 2 matching sets that just fitted into our station wagon (the reason my husband is looking for a replacement station wagon) and then I found an almost (slightly smaller) set on eBay. The 3 sets came in at under $1,000- and the builder was shocked.

    We have had 2 previous old houses and I have done similar, only buying new when I could not find what was needed and even then we got those items for the cheapest price we could find. I can remember the builder on the first old place walking in and saying he had a bargain for me - a set of windows for $80-. That was the day I took him to my stash of 7 windows that I had purchased for $50-.

    I just love a good demolition yard.

    Hope everyone is having a great week



    Lynette
    XXXXX

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    1. Dear Lynette, I think it is the country op shops that are mostly the best now but there are a few gems around. Demolition yards are another amazing place to go! Your savings have been huge! Good thing about having a station wagon too!
      Over the years this must have saved you a fortune! And been quite a bit of fun too! Some of the salvage yards have beautiful things, I love things like wrought iron, old columns, beautiful old doors.... all of that! Right up my alley! Thank you Lynette! With love Annabel.xxx

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  15. Hello everyone, (Blue)birds of a feather sure flock together! We all love the topic of buying treasures second hand, don't we?! In the western USA, many retail stores donate seasonal or excess stock to thrift stores. I bought a brand new, in the box fireplace screen for a few dollars at Goodwill. I also routinely buy books, purses, and much of my own wardrobe this way. I sometimes will purchase a gift secondhand, especially if it looks brand new or is something I know the recipient specifically wants.

    Annabel, those boots sound like they were a much-treasured gift!

    Have a great day Bluebirds! Teresa

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    1. Dear Teresa, IT is the same here, some op shops have a huge percentage of brand new items! Andy got four brand new shirts last weekend. Still all in packaging etc. Its amazing. One particular shop we like has almost half brand new I would say. Its fantastic!
      Birds of a feather really do flock together thats true! With love Annabel.xxx

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  16. Amazing thread , as usual Annabel. Thank you for this wonderful resource that is such a homely place to visit. All those who comment really add to its value too. Thank you
    I am hoping to make some sourdough bread on Sat for the first time. Today, I went to Savers( a second hand shop) and found two great quality loaf pans for $13 for the two. I thought that the price was a little high but could see they were quality ones. When I came home and looked up the price the RRP is $34.95 each. So, I am now over the moon with my purchase. They are Anolon Suregrip loaf pans.
    I also have been collecting jars with good seals for over a year now. My hope is to store most of our food in glass jars rather than plastic bags or containers. I love what you do with painting and putting the little Roses on your jars Annabel. I know that Mimi sent you the Roses but could you tell me if they are stickers or something that is used for pottery? I would love to have a go at doing something similar.
    I am not very artistic at all, but I would also like to attempt the glass etching that was featured in one of the Friday threads. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the etching was OK for bake ware that would go in the oven. Do you think the integrity of the glass would be jeopardized by the process at all. I was thinking that putting our names on our glass bake ware would be a great way of ensuring the return of our bake ware.
    Did anyone watch the War on Waste programs that were on ABC lately? They were a real eye opener to me. I thought that I was OK with recycling but those episodes really showed me there are so many more ways that I can cut down on waste.
    Thank you
    Anne

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  17. Dear Annabel,

    Op shops are my best friend too! I have found some real bargains over the years. I collect anything vintage, especially kitchenalia which I have found quite a lot in op shops, country ones are better. Also clearing sales and auctions can be a great place to find things. Last weekend we went to a clearing sale and purchased an old 1950's park bench in really good order for $25! Plus two cast iron singer treadle machine footings. Phil is going to put tops on them. They were $10 a pair...bargain! There were lots of things that I could have purchased for gifts but I needed your reminder to remind me lol! Never mind I will keep this in my head for next time. We are going to a market on Sunday so will see what I can pick up.

    Some wonderful ideas from you and the bluebird ladies. Sorry I haven't been commenting quite as often as I would like. Life has been getting in the way lately. I do pop in to catch up on what everyone is up to though. Some fantastic things happening here ~smiles.

    Hope everyone is well,

    Love Tania xx

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

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