Vintage Retail Therapy

Hi again - twice in one day :)

I haven't had the best week - just a little down in the dumps trying to figure out what direction to take finding a job. Well, I've been wanting to look around in some local antique and thrift shops and today I went out in the rain and did just that. No, I shouldn't be spending money on unnecessary items right now, but I did on a few things that have brought me little crumbs of happiness, so I guess it was money well spent.

I saw so many things in this antique shop from my childhood and they made me smile. There was a vase in there just like one that my grandmother had but it was red and white, and the one she had was blue and white. If it had been blue and white, I would have bought it. These are the things I came home with. None are terribly old by any means, but I liked them.

This one is my absolute favorite; I could use him for so many things but for now he is just setting on my little spice rack. It's a small open box and the front of it is a Scottie dog.
I bought the whiskey decanter because I love Canada Geese so much, and thought this was very pretty. The little dog was just cute
and the tin will bring some fresh color to the top of my kitchen cabinets
When I went on a road trip with my friend Gail last Thursday, I picked up a spice rack for $5. I'm going to paint it but just stuck in on the wall as is for now. Originally, I was going to put some sewing related items on it but changed my mind.

While I'm going down memory lane, do any of you remember either of these little toys? I remember getting the little black chalkware baby for 10 cents at Woolworths when I was very, very little. They were all just piled together in a glass bin; her arms and legs are connected with string.
I got this little mouse toy for a birthday when I was maybe about 9 or 10 years old (just guessing). He comes apart and each section of him is a top. His name was Mr. ...something..that's the part I can't remember. I've always loved both of these little toys and am surprised they've survived all the moves in my life.

Shamrock Quilt Complete - Almost

Yeh! My little shamrock table topper is finished...well, all except the binding. I'll get it done by this afternoon, as I'm anxious to get those Appalachian quilts together and in the mail.

It was a cold and rainy day and perfect for staying inside. I decided that I wanted my shamrock stems pointing away from the center so changed mine slightly from the original pattern that Kim supplied. I also wanted to add a little dimension to it so I put a button on each clover. I had lots of company, as you can see. My two dogs, Princess (right) and Zoe (left), are in the front with Chance, my foster foxhound in the back. And if you see a dark lump to the left, that's Topaz, the sweetest kitty I've ever had.
Of course, Smudge is keeping to himself:
oops - sorry buddy; I didn't mean to wake you :)
And here it is; I'm going to use the background fabric to bind it.

I love the feeling I get that actually completing something gives me, don't you? Even though this was a very small project, I feel like I've accomplished something this week.

It's another cold and rainy day - perfect for staying inside and sewing and painting.

I hope you have a nice day, whatever you do with it.