Thrifting - Make do and Mend

Has anyone else noticed how much more expensive things are at the moment. So 'thinking positively' I got thinking recently about adopting much more of a 'make do and mend' attitude to life. 

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful home which is filled with lots of love. However, I have to confess I always seem to want a little bit more! I have a permanent personal shopping wish list, new shoes, a posh frock, designer sunglasses and fabulous handbag. Not to mention all the grand ideas for the home, wallpapered walls, rich voluptuous curtains, storage units, a new bed etc. Here's another confession, I am terribly impatient and want it all now!

More recently I have taken to thrifting! 

According to Wikipedia thrifting 'celebrates the recycling of formerly-owned items, finding new use and new love for vintage material goods which had been thrown out, and the thrill of imagining what the former life of the item was like'. I personally adopted the art (if it is such a thing) of thrifting after a dear friend of mine told me where she found the majority of her beautiful homewares, 'charity shops'. So I thought it can't be too difficult, lets have a go - I love shopping!

I have to admit I had my reservations, why am I buying second hand bits and bobs that someone else has tired of, what am I looking for, where am I going to put it and most importantly do I need it! So I started, just to see if I could do it. I have since discovered that I love it. For me it is an art. The art of thrifting to me is that it is not easy, it takes a lot of patience, spending a little time each week, exploring, searching, in the hope of buying something beautiful. The buying is the best bit. It has for me the same thrill shopping for new stuff, but it costs a fraction of the price.

I consider myself a thrifting beginner, I have just started with a few homeware accessories and most recently fabric remnants. So far I have been amazed by the joy these few bits have brought into our home. 

           

I have so far purchased photo frames, a jewelry box, fabric and an array of candlesticks. I also managed to pick up a few DVD's and books for Pop's, much to her delight. 

I am not sure if I could stretch to secondhand clothes yet. While I love the idea and look of vintage wear, it is not my style. I would not know where to start looking and I am still a little dubious about the wear, tear and quality of second-hand clothing. Although for those of you who are tempted check out the new DIY projects at Oxfam, for some great ideas and projects to make do and mend your wardrobe. 

One idea I really love, suggested by my dear blogger friend Barberellaaa is a 'clothes swap' with friends. All my friends have wonderful clothes are all very stylish, so I know I could do well out of this!!! 

I stumbled across another blog this week with Top 10 Thrift Tips.

I will be adding a new label to my blog 'make do and mend', I hope to include a number of projects which I will be working on, using old to make new. 

I would also love to hear all about your own ideas and projects. I am more than happy to feature your blog on here to share.

Nice to see you again.

Xxx