Sometimes it's just mean't to be yours ....

I posted last week about my op shop finds and mentioned that I had something very special that I would share in a later post. I visited my local op shop a few weeks ago and as always I went up to their locked glass cabinet where they tend to keep the more 'expensive' treasures like fine china, jewellery etc. They had a gorgeous cut glass, lidded candy dish but wanted $25 for it. (I'm not sure if it's glass or crystal...how do you tell the difference?) I briefly thought it was a little bit expensive but was very lovely. I looked at it longingly and walked away.

The next time I popped in the candy dish was still there but I still balked at paying $25 and I didn't have $25 to spare really so in the locked cabinet it stayed!

Last week when I went again the candy dish was still there and I mentioned to the saleslady that they still had 'my' candy dish. I said that I couldn't afford it and she said "Oh I'll just check, I think it has a purple tag on it today". Purple tags were half price for that day and lo and behold it was half price (imagine me squealing with delight inside my head at this stage) For a mere $12.50 I couldn't leave it there could I ? I decided it was mean't to be mine.  My photo doesn't do it justice. It stands about 11 inches tall to the top of the pointy thing on the lid and about 10 inches around. It has three feet. I'm making the assumption it's a candy dish, I can't imagine what else this type of container would have been used for.

wishing you sunshine in your shadows
Helen

Teacups and other thrifty treasures...

Now that I have use of my camera again I am able to share my most recent op shop finds. I am always finding beautiful things that herald the beginnings of yet another new collection. My partner and I visited half a dozen op shops last week and came home with various trinkets. We are as bad as each other and I don't forsee us living in a clutter free home anytime soon!

I have long admired old china and longed to have my own beautiful vintage cups and saucers. Sadly they seem to be a very rare find in our op shops and those available on ebay and at other outlets always seem to be way over my very limited financial means.This week I found two in an op shop for $25 and $30 each set. My sweetie who is ever ready to spoil me bought them both for me! So begins a new collection!

This pretty set is Royal Doulton. I have no idea what the pattern is and no clue where to look to find out. Can anyone tell me where to look for China pattern names?

This one is marked 'Vale' on the bottom. Some of the gilding is a little worn but for me that adds to the charm.

We also picked up these little glass dishes. I have no clue what their original purpose would have been. The lady in the shop suggested they were condiment dishes of some kind, perhaps for salt. They are all quite heavy glass and tiny. Maybe 2 inches across at most, some smaller. If anyone knows what they are please do tell. They would be too tiny to be jam dishes. I thought they were too cute to leave behind at 50 cents each

I also bought this tiny dish for only 20 cents and I suspect it is either a jam dish or for butter curls.

There were other bargains as well but I will share those another day.
Wishing you sunshine in your shadows
Helen