I must say, it’s no secret I adore children’s fictional characters. I have many many favourites. I also like collecting associated licensed product.

How excellent is this Pippi Longstocking T-shirt? Eloise is going to love it…especially when we start reading the book. And the red robbin Raggedy Ann & Andy socks? They are dated 1978 and they look awfully familiar. I had a wave of nostalgia when I saw them and I couldn’t leave them there (and for 50c why not?). I remember wearing this style of knee high character printed nylon sock as a kid….I know I definitely had some Holly Hobbie ones. What shoes does one wear with knee high socks? Knowing the era most likely sandals! Nice. Knee high socks with sandals. (I think I might go scour the old photo albums! Hopefully it was a nice pair of Mary Janes instead!)

I also found these sewing patterns. Look, it includes a Holly Hobbie bonnet! The Raggedy Ann one also includes the doll pattern…..and both are Eloise’s size. Perfect! Ha! I might even sew yet!

I’ve been spending way too much time op-shopping over the past few months. By default it’s become a great way for me to destress. Strange! Please tell me I am not the only one that finds it therapeutic? I live within five minutes of our local Savers and St Vinnies. It is dangerous. Savers is open late two nights a week…what a treat to pop out after the kids are tucked up in bed!

More opshopped goodness tomorrow when I kickstart Thrifty Thursday!

My Mum found this treasure for me at Berkelouws on the journey home after their last visit to Melbourne. Isn’t it wonderful? It was published in 1951 by Merrill Company Publishers, Chicago. There are 4 dolls on the cover (Little Girl, Little Boy, Pink Fairy and Green Fairy) each with perforated edges, and 6 pages of clothes to cut out inside. It is in near perfect condition. Amazing considering it is around 57years old.

I adore paper dolls. It all started when I was seven. There was a girl called Helen who lived at the end of our street. She was a few years older then me and she used to hand draw little paper dolls and clothes to match and I thought she was so very clever! I wish I still had the one she gave me. Unfortunately I have no idea what happened to it!

Featured Gem 18
Real Photo Postcard
‘The Fairy Float’

Date: Unknown
People pictured: Unknown
Postcard Back: Blank

Notes: Unfortunately I don’t know anything about this photo except that it possibly originated in the USA. The detail on the float is incredible and the costumes and star speckled fairy wings are simply wonderful. The more you look the more you see! See the dog on the front porch? (Don’t forget for a limited time you can see a larger version of the image by clicking the thumbnail in the top right column)

BOO!!! A certain little spooky almost five year old has had a wonderful weekend complete with plastic spiders, dress up, spoooky feast and a plastic pumpkin full of lollies (and an apple juice and some Wiggles biscuits!).

Would attempting NaBloPoMo be absurd….considering I’ve only made half a dozen posts in 12 months!?!!

What could I possibly want with that pile of old books? Books and ephemera are often disregarded and thrown away, lost forever and considered of no value.  Me? I like nothing more than a foxed piece of old paper! As a collector, book addict, and a Book Designer by trade, I would never suggest destroying a gorgeous old book to use the artwork inside…

…but, if on your thrifting travels you discover a book that is damaged beyond repair, tattered, torn and missing pages, broken spines, showing years of love…then go ahead and salvage what you can!  Inside these old books you may discover glorious coloured plates or whimsical black and white line art, just perfect for framing and at a fraction of the cost of a modern day fine art print.

Although often incomplete and in the worst condition, antique and vintage children’s books deliver the most enchanting imagery. The photograph above shows a wonderful coloured plate from an old tattered 1962 reprint of May Gibbs ‘Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’. I am actually reading this book to Eloise at the moment before bed each night and she is enthralled!

Among my favourites for black and white line art are old annuals and bound magazine volumes such as ‘The Girl’s Own Annual’. Sometimes the cover alone is a visual treat ‘The Empire Annual for Australian Girls’ pictured above is just gorgeous.

(Note: ‘OFifteen mag unfortunately folded and this was my next article to be posted. I am thinking I might do a regular ‘Thrifty Thursday’ on here. Any excuse to go op shopping right?)