Pincushions .... from trash to treasure

Good afternoon/evening dear friends & readers

I have been away for several days to attend a funeral & upon return, decided it was high time I tackled the "ever-growing mountain" of Op Shop treasures, waiting to be re-vamped in my sleep out.

These 3 wooden bowls seemed like a nice simple first attempt  ... they were from the Sallies Op Shop ... in a box with those favourite words on the side ...   "half price bargain bin"

I gave them a good scrub & then a rub over with my wax candle, then I simply coated them with 2 coats of the cream wall paint I had in my shed  - (Dulux Cottage Cream)

When dry, I lightly sand the edges to give them that shabby chic/distressed effect

I think this smallish heart shaped one was my favourite ... it was in the worst condition of the 3 but is such a cute size & came up beautifully with some fabric & trims

I embellished this little cutie with a miniature antique scissor charm

This plain round, medium size bowl was in very good condition, but I am still really happy with how it turned out ... 
I used some of my treasured Tilda fabric on this one & some pink pom-pom trim

This was the largest one - a good 5 1/2   inches in diameter - I really love the shabby chic look of this one too

How about you . . . do you have a favourite??   Do let me know which one you prefer the best.

Inspired by the pincushions I dragged out these 2 wooden trays

The top one had already been coated in a lemon paint so I planned to give it one coat of cream & then a light sand for the lemon to still show through slightly

My photography doesn't show it up very clearly but it is a lovely soft, slightly buttery colour.  I decided to embellish it with two lacey paper doilies  ... so I mod podged these on with 2 coats

The black tray needed 3 coats of paint to cover it, but turned out really well ... I found this beautiful piece of scrap booking paper fitted on it perfectly ... I mod podged this also, as it ensures the trays remain wipeable

While away for the funeral I popped into the Hospice Shop & picked up these little china butter dishes - they had just been put out & were only $3 each.
I have a "bit of a thing" for small butter dishes (Yes Julie, along with the "bit of a thing" you have for nice soaps & small china jugs!!!***)

I would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to you all from the bottom of my heart, for your kind, thoughtful, & heartfelt comments on the loss of my dear little kitten Jinxy.
Your comments "wrapped their arms around me" & gave me comfort & I am so very grateful for this.
Bless you all for the kindness you showed at such a difficult time

Thank you to the friends that sent me the little "care packages" - your thoughtfulness is so appreciated.
A customer that has recently started coming to my Cottage - a lovely girl called Vicky - came across my blog post on the internet & rang to read me a poem she had written about Jinxy.  I couldn't believe that, although Vicky had never met Jinxy in person, or even heard me speak of her (now there's a wonder Julie!!!) she still managed to compose the most beautiful poem that covered her short life in exact detail.  I would like to share it with you if I may ... 

Mummy Cat, she had it tough
Out there all alone
She was ready with a litter
She was searching for a home

She came upon a garden
It was pretty and serene
The loveliest of places
That her eyes had ever seen

She settled in to birth us
There were four of us in all
My siblings were all healthy
But I was Oh so small

My Mummy tried to do her best
To keep us warm and fed
She tucked us up all safe and sound
In a big old doggy bed

A lady came from time to time
I knew that she meant well
Mummy didnt understand
You were helping, I could tell

Sometimes she would take me
Inside her lovely, cosy house
I'd get toasty by the fire
And stay quiet as a mouse

She called me "Little Sickie"
A title true to form
The lady helped me grow so strong
She kept me fed and warm

As I became much stronger
She changed my silly name
It suited me no longer
And so "Jinxy" I became

I looked upon the lady
And my heart felt full and strong
She had become my human
I had loved her all along

I was happy with my lady
See, she had become my Mum
I loved it when she stroked me
From my head down to my bum

Nearly a year had gone by
I was such a happy girl
My lady mum was always there
To me she was my world

But then one day I was playing
And I strayed away from home
I saw a light then all was still
And then I was all alone

I was sitting on a rainbow
And as I looked around
I saw my sister, Whitey
She was lost, but now was found

We looked down from there together
And we saw her, looking sad
Her eyes were full of tears
So we knew that it was bad

Soon I came to understand
Those tears were shed for me
I said "don't cry I will wait here
My beautiful Mummy"

And so we stay here playing
And I will await the day
That she comes to me on Rainbow Bridge
And once again, we'll play.

I can just about - almost - get to the last verse now without weeping
I hope you enjoy the poem dearest friends & readers
Vicky, thank you So much for your very kind gesture which brings me great comfort
I am planning to make a little photo book of Jinxy & frame a copy of the poem inside it

Little Big Blackie is settling slowly - he likes the tune that The Mr's i-phone plays, it lulls him to sleep
(yes I know, we are a pathetic lot aren't we!!??)
In the meantime I read this little verse to Blackie each day  . . . (& try very hard to remember it myself!!)

 

Thanks so very much for your visits today & reading all the way to the end of this lengthy post
with much love, friendship & blessings to you all
And THANK YOU all again for your kindness & thoughts
Julie & little quite big Blackie
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