Saturday, April 01, 2017

Reduce, reuse, recycle

We're very fortunate in Canberra to have not one, but two tip shop outlets in the centre of town (and a Red Cross op shop just across the way). So when I arranged to meet a friend for an after-work catch up this week, I was pleased that we suggested meeting at The Green Shed, and deciding where we were going from there.
Two people walking past The Green Shed tip shop in the centre of Canberra
While I waited, I wandered the shop with my miniature eyes on, particularly inspired by my new studio (and recent visit to see the Alex Asch's latest exhibition...)

The first thing that caught my eye was a basket of vintage souvenir spoons (three for $1), with interesting handles and bowls
Fifteen vintage souvenir teaspoons arranged in rows on a white background
and, of particular interest: these styles, with holes in the handles with tiny metal charms hanging from them!
Close up of the top of a vintage souvenir teaspoon with a small metal building hanging from a hole in it.
There was also a stack of vintage vinyl presentation folders, which, following my op-shopping rule of 'open everything', I discovered contained pages and pages of enamel tie pins. ('From Croatia' the shop assistant told me, as she pulled still more folders out from under the counter for me to peruse).
Vintage enamelled tie pin with the word 'klein' on it.
('Klein' is German for small: how could I not?)
Selection of vintage enamelled tie pins in various shapes and colours.
At 66 cents each, I came home with a handful.
Selection of vintage enamelled tie pins in various shapes and colours.
And speaking of handfuls: as I was sorting out some stuff in the (full-sized) studio I came across the doll that came with the MiWorld Fashion Boutique. Without feet (as I'd stolen her shoes back here).

As I was contemplating whether I should just throw it out, or if an op shop might be interested in it (even without feet), I suddenly noticed that the hands were in the perfect positions to hold things. Like candles. 
One-twelfth scale wall-mounted candle holders in the shape of human hands holding the candles.
And so the poor doll lost both her feet and her hands. Followed by a decent burial in the rubbish bin.

3 comments:

  1. Those tie pins are a really cool find! They look like great vintage signs.
    At least the doll has been given another chance at life :)

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  2. Wow! Both at your finds, and at having a tip shop (let alone two) in the centre of town!

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  3. I love sifting thru old stuff at second hand stores too and your tie pins are a Marvelous find. And I'd say that you have made a good use of an old doll's two hands, (may she now rest in pieces)

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