More Forest Hill finds

If you've ever wondered what a wicker whatnot is, well, here's one for your reference.
I found it at the YES op shop in Mahoney's Road, Forest Hill. I think they had bought a bulk lot from an auction house because this still had a number on it and a label saying "antique wicker whatnot, $69". (yes, $69 is a lot, I know, but I got sucked in by the word "antique". And I can never go past anything that is old, antique-y and has lacquer work on it, like this).


It will need cleaning up, so if anyone has tips, let me know!

I also got a Stella McCartney for Target silk top for about $7...


... and some doilies for 50c-$1.

I'm pretty sure they were all handmade, look at the detail!

No idea what I'm going to do with them, but I just couldn't resist...

Crush on a clutch

I popped in to the Forest Hill Salvos very quickly on Saturday and picked up this woven coloured straw clutch for $4. I think it's probably from somewhere in Asia originally as I used to have something a bit similar from my aunty in Malaysia when I was little.

I also picked up some information while I was at the Salvos which I posted in reply to Lyndel's post ... but here it is in case you missed it. The Forest Hill Lion's Den op shop is closing, apparently some time in August. The reason? According to the lady at the Salvos, it is because the rent has gone up to $50,000 a year (it was originally $22,000 a year). Such a shame, I loved that op shop because it was so chockablock full of stuff and not too orderly, you never knew what you would find. So if you're in the area soon, drop in to say goodbye.

By the way, I am one of the other bloggers from here who might be in the City Weekly article that Gina mentioned but she was so glamorous that they didn't need any photos of me :)
Can't wait to see the shots, Gina!

A real gem in Forest Hill

To atone for the sin of promising pics of the Savers warehouse and then not delivering, I bring you scanned pages from Happy Tops in Gem Crochet. I am guessing you might laugh so hard that you forget you didn't get to see the behind-the-scenes stuff from Savers. How could you not giggle at this matching father and son get-up? They're obviously hooked on fishing - and on crochet too... (hooked... get it??).

The only thing more amusing is this mother/daughter outfit suggestion. AGGH, MY EYES, MY EYES!!!

I found this crochet book at Forest Hill Salvos a few weeks ago for 25c, I bought it because I like the little girl's top on the front cover (which can be done in adult sizes too) but goodness knows when I will get around to making it.

Mahoneys Road moccasins

Last week I was at the Lion's Den in Mahoneys Road, Forest Hill, when I found these black suede Wittner moccasins (as close to brand new as you could hope to get) for $5. Naturally, I bought them. How could I not, when they are comfortable AND have fringing (anyone who reads my blog would know I am just slightly partial to fringing!).
Strangely, the last time I was at the Lion's Den, I passed up another pair of practically new over-the-knee boots with crazy fringing because they were $30 and I didn't know how much wear I'd get out of them, despite them being exactly my size. Seems there's someone who is trying to clear their wardrobe of faux-native American footwear in Forest Hill!

Retro ribbon

Just a quickie today where I don't even show you the contents of what I bought, only the packaging!

I got some black nylon ribbon at the Lion's Den in Forest Hill a few weeks ago but I think the ribbon has been around for a very long time, judging by what its manufacturers suggest it is used for... fashionable handbags! natty (yes, natty!!) coat hangers! and warm tea cosies.... I'm surprised dolls to cover toilet rolls are not mentioned!
I used some of it to make daisies and pom poms to decorate a racewear outfit, more details and photos here and here if you are interested.

Forest Hill finds

I had a little trip to Nunawading last week to get my tax return done, but what I did AFTER that was a lot more fun... I managed to visit 6 op shops but my best finds were from the three on Mahoneys Road in Forest Hill. I got this necklace for $2

and this convection oven that can be used on a stovetop for $13.50
(sorry that I can't seem to get the pic the right way up, not sure why this has happened, tips anyone?), both from the Youth Education Support shop. The oven is missing a handle and I'm not sure if it can be used on an electric stove but luckily the instruction manual is included so I'll just have to give the manufacturers a call and ask.
The Lion's Den op shop on Mahoneys Road is for hardcore oppers, it is like organised chaos but if you feel like a rummage it is perfect. I found some AMAZING fringed over-knee boots in my size .. but they were $30 which is over my budget and they weren't quite the right colour. But anyone looking for fringed boots, go and check it out!