Flea markets and the search for terrarium supplies

Everything about miniature worlds fascinates me. Wether in Disney movies, in children's books, in fairytales for grownups or in whimsical glass jars terrariums, I could spend hours watching them and imagining complicated, Alice in Wonderland like scenarios.

So as we went at the flea market again last Saturday, I considered finding a basket full of these miniature wonderful critters to be a sign:)

It's been so long now since I've been wanting to create dioramas, either as a terrarium or as a world in a shadow box!

Now I have to gather more supplies...twigs, acorns, some dried flowers maybe. I already have fake moss, acorn caps and some really beautiful, mysterious rocks from Iceland.

I'm thinking I could have different themes for the dioramas, like maybe a farm, then a woodland scenario with those cute bunnies:)

Definitely a cat&yarn thing scene, a water and rocks scene with the little green plastic flowers and the stork and some playful, vintage style child's room with those adorable puppies:).

I really love those mininature forest themed terrariums in recycled jars, so maybe I will start with one of those and add some clay mini toadstools too.

Among other goodies hidden in an old basket, I had found these vintage wooden stamps, one with a family of penguins and one with a group of cute rabbits. Both in very good condition and for only 50 euro cents each! There was a nice paper corner punch for the same price and I could not leave it behind so I've got it for the same price as the stamps. You can see the small corner motif near the stamped rabbits:) They seem to like it very much!

What other stuff would you use as terrarium or diorama supplies? I would love to hear about it:)

October search for color inspiration

 I love autumn. My creative juices seem to flow better while the skies are gloomy and it's raining cats and dogs. 

This weekend, my hubby and I payed a visit to the miniature version of our city's big flea market, the neighborhood's small-but-full-of-hidden-treasures market.

The clouds were hanging heavy on the led sky and we knew we had to hurry. Only a few tables were full with the usual second (or third) hand stuff: clothes, bags, toys, cutlery, paintings, a pair of vintage Dior sunglases, jewelry and some vintage camera lenses.

At this last table, my husband lingered more than the usual 30 seconds, so I knew he must have found something very interesting. He bought two lenses, a 1973's Soligor 28 mm 2.8 and a 1983's Helios44m 56mm.

Now, those numbers didn't mean much to me then, but, as we got home soaked by the pouring rain that had just started, I've decided I wanted to learn more.

So when the storm toned down, we went to a walk around the block, to test the camera by taking some shots that were on my autumn photo check list for a while...

A reason why I love this season so much is because whenever my inspiration levels are low, all I have to do is take my camera and go outside.    

We live close to the forest but the beauty of fall is that every little plant that I wouldn't normally notice has something to show off for, so a walk around the neighborhood will do.

The colors and textures of foliage and fruits in the trees are amazing. I like watching all the transformations plants go through and taking photo samples of their color palletes.

It was a very good opportunity to test my new polka dots rainboots, also:)

Don't you think autumn is the coziest of seasons, with the sweaters, wool socks, hot cocoa, umbrellas, fog, rain, warm colors, hoodies and boots?

All these photos we taken with the Soligor prime lens (except the flying birds one, ©Elle Moss), and I must say, the 10 euros Atti payed for it were a bargain! It takes very crisp shots and the manual focusing is definitely more satisfying then the automatic one.

So, by the time it was dark, I had ended up with these photos and some brand new crafting ideas for my shop:)

You can find the felted acorns featured above (and more handmade rustic home decor) in my Etsy shop, here.

Another glorious day at the flea market

Dear reader,

if you are here it is a good chance that you are as passionate about thrifting as I am. So, I thought I'd make up for my absence by sharing some of my latest flea market finds from last weekend:)

I must say it was one of the best markets in a long time, so if it weren't for the rain to start I'd have most definitely bought double the quantity. For there were soooo many vintage, old, cute, shabby chic stuff that  made my heart pounding like a hammer.

Enough words, here's some eye candy:

vintage porcelain&metal shabby chic pill box

Gucci no.3 mininature perfume bottle

Miss Dior miniature perfume bottle

find the woven chain bracelet tutorial here

vintage porcelain&metal Rococo motif pill box

This botanical theme tea cup makes me crave for my favorite "good night sleep" organic herbal tea blend:)

I love that it has that system inside that makes drinking loose tea so easy and even fashionable:)

loved the charms on this one, couldn't just leave it be in the old box where I've found it

These two vintage sets of tin boxes will make a colorful appearance and brighten up your kitchen shelves.     Or your book shelves. Or your night stand?

  

5 gorgeous DIY cross-stitch kits (with real wooden frames)

This bag is my favorite find. I've wanted one of those for such a long time, but none that I've seen so far seemed perfect...now I know why:)

I think it was waiting for me...It's the perfect old school army backpack - inspired bag, with just the right amount of canvas versus leather (not sure it is leather) and metal. And big enough to carry all my stuff around! And was only 3 euros!

Love, love, love it!

Scarves! I can never have enough! Of course I couldn't pass these amazing color combos and textures at prices between 1 and 3 euros...could you? Green is my favorite color, love the warmth of ocre, the softness of the cotton pink one and the rebel feel of the boho-chic pink and brown one:) 

This was pretty much it, left out a pair of jeans and a beanie that weren't that interesting to photograph. I would be over the moon if you'd share some of your flea market finds with me...just to see what other treasures lie around in hidden corners of the world :D

Oh, almost forgot! Also got an old red suitcase that now serves as jewelry storage...and it fits all of it...(almost)...but now it's geting too dark to take a proper photo, so I'll post one tomorrow.

So, till next time, happy thrifting!

Mini sweet vintage goodies - about to be upcycled

Hello there,

as I have previously shared with you, I am a big fan of flea markets and vintage fairs, and completely addicted to the precious little goodies you may stumble upon....so, here are some of my new finds, that I love and plan to upcycle soon, maybe to some new, romantic, vintage looking necklaces? or...maybe rings?

Haven`t really decided yet!

Wait and see.....meanwhile, here they are...

Oh don`t you just looove miniatures!!!!!

These are real porcelain tea pots and cups, really cute and delicately painted, can`t stop looking at them:)

Hope you`ve enjoyed these eye candy and I`ll be back soon with the upcycling result ;)

Hugs!