Friday, August 1, 2008

There's treasure in dem der Hills!

Funny how things work out. We went garage sale hunting this morning - making a start on our christmas challenge (re-used, recycled, second-hand or home-made gifts). would you believe it we didn't find a single one.
In particular I've been looking for some of those wrought iron triangle thingies (iron lace?) that you find under the posts of old federation style homes. The plan is to make some bookshelves out of them for the wall in the hallway. Feeling rather disheartened we thought we'd stop in at a friend's place and ask where she found her 'goodies' (she has heaps of lovely recycled ornaments in her garden). As we were driving to her place we passed a lady who was writing a sign up on an easel. We thought, 'must look at that again when we go back' (being curious people!).
Well, we did - and it turns out she was having a garage sale! Hooray!
I asked if she had what we were looking for and she didn't but said she had bits of wrought iron, and kindly showed me through to her shed where we found THESE!
Please click on the image to see them in more detail. They are the sides of 2 seats. In retrospect I can't believe I hesitated all of 30 seconds thinking - gosh I'll have to do them up, worry worry - my woodwork skills are pretty shocking etc.
I didn't really look at them properly until I got home, and the detail on them is gorgeous. Nothing like the cheap nasty stuff you buy at Bunnings but pay a heap for. The lady had bought these back in the 70's. They are heavy and solid and beautiful and.... she sold them to me for $20 (for the 2 sets!). I am so very pleased - what a treasure and what a bargain.
I will have to drop round some tangelo butter or something to her as an extra thank you because I almost felt a little bad to take them for that price.

Hubby LOVED them and is excited about doing them up. We're starting tomorrow morning and using the old floorboards from our old place as the wood. Stay tuned for more pics in a couple of weeks when these hopefully will be transformed into beautiful garden furniture!

5 comments:

The Crone at Wits End said...

Oh they are going to be gorgeous!

naturewitch said...

How gorgeous are they! I bet you are delighted with your find. It's more fun than going to the store, isn't it?

Yes, we are also planning to have a home-made, eco friendly Christmas. I've already started planning, but am still to put some of them into action. xx

Cwm Goch Chronicles said...

Hi all,
Yes we're delighted. Even went back this arvo to pick up the table that went with it after hubby decided they'd really look terrific as a set.

And yes you're right Naturewitch, MUCH more fun than going to the store!

More pics soon!

Paula said...

Hello, Nathalie! I'm so glad you stopped by my place... I just wanted to come by and visit with you!
I love garage sales... you never know what you'll find!! Sometimes you have to look hard to find a treasure, though...
I really enjoy your blog-you take such gorgeous pictures.... I'll be back for another visit soon!

Kate said...

They will last forever! Well done.We love garage sales too and our grown boys buy furniture and bbq's and all sorts for themselves and their house mates and its so much fun too.