fun thrifting finds

 It's been awhile, but I went thrifting again. Here's what came home with me:

I love the colors in this handmade blanket. It's also the perfect size to cover just my lap and part of my legs; it's not over-sized. Since our evenings are still cold, I use it when I'm reading or watching TV.

Blue and white dishes are my favorites and I happened to need some more smaller plates. I usually buy plates made in England or Germany (I won't eat off of plates that are made in China) as I prefer that style, but I was drawn to the flowers on these Japanese plates. I also like how they have a "lip" on the plate edge. A lot of times, I just eat a small meal or a snack consisting of fruit and raw nuts, so these smaller plates are a perfect size.

Another scarf (I know it needs ironing) to add to my collection.

Two small Limoges teacups. My grandma loved Limoges, too. 

A kitty sun catcher.

Brass Gregorian candlesticks.

A green and white lampshade...

An organizer that still had the original price sticker from HomeGoods on it. My price was 50 cents. :-)

Lastly, I found this collection of vintage quilted hearts when I was treasure hunting with Mom a few days ago.

Have a fantastic weekend!

a lovely gift ~ and proof of my non-crafting ways

One thing that really makes my day is receiving a gift in the mail.

Carol from Art and Sand sent me these gorgeous hand-crocheted

cotton napkins. She even wrapped them with a cool tag.

Look at the detailed work on these edges...I'm in such awe.

Thank you, Carol. You are generous and wonderful.

Now for a good laugh. This is why some people shouldn't be allowed

near paint and Mod Podge. Those said people should stick with vignettes,

thrifting, and cooking. My intention was to spray-paint a stenciled design onto

 a plain, white lampshade. Easy enough, right? 

First mistake was using spray stencil adhesive to stick the stencil onto the

 lampshade. It made a gluey mess. And because I'm also impatient and don't

 take the necessary precautions before starting a project, I didn't protect the area

 around the stencil from the spray paint. So I ended up witha sticky, partly 

spray-painted lampshade. Not to let that deter me, I thought, "Fine! I'll just

spray paint the entire lampshade then!" Umm, no.

Last ditch effort: bring out the Mod Podge and go to town. I got three sections

done and gave up. I had more Mod Podge on my hands than on the lamp.

I actually don't think this would look too bad if I could finish it somehow.

What would I do with all those raised seams going down the length of the 

shade? And the top and bottom trim? Use a glue gun to glue on some ribbon?

A friend of mine stopped by last night and she said perhaps use some of those

large "jewels" to go down the seams...and then use ribbon on the top and

bottom? Another laughable thing about this project...I put the lamp shade

back on the lamp last night and turned it on. With the dark papers covering

the shade, it barely casts any light!

But the most laughable part about all of this? This lamp is on Brian's side

of the bed. He turns on the lamp every night while reading in bed. And

he hasn't even noticed that anything is different - he hasn't said a word to me!

Perhaps if I put it on my head and danced on a table?