Thrifty Finds- No. 2

It's that time again - my newest hoard of second hand treasures has been building up over the past couple of weeks, so I'll share some of my latest favourites with you.

What I'm Loving - May 2014

*My Photography Assistant*

Ah, May. You tricked me into thinking summer was finally here, with your one week of absolutely glorious sunshine, only to pour down on me when I was without a coat or umbrella. Touché. Here's a round up of what I've been up to and enjoying this month.

3 Ways with Fuse or Craft Wire

Craft wire is often a DIY supply that can be easily overlooked, probably because it is not as exciting as a new set of charms or quirky one off pendants. However, craft wire can be so useful in making numerous items, and is also easy to use once you get use to manipulating the wire with pliers. Instead of craft wire, I often buy fuse wire - it's basically the same thing, except it can be easier to source and comes in a pack of various thicknesses, which can be very versatile.

 If you're a little stumped on things to do with craft or fuse wire, then here are three mini projects that can be whipped up in a couple of minutes flat. Perfect for when you need a crafting fix really fast.

What I'm Wearing: Florals and a Dungaree Dress

I honestly have no idea how I coped before I bought a dungaree dress. It has opened up so many possibilities for the number of tops and blouses I have, and I can wear it both summer and winter. It's such a hardworking little number that you'll find me wearing it on a regular basis, without becoming bored of it.

How To: Make a Pressed Flower Notebook

I love fresh flowers, but the problem with them is that they last no where near long enough. In a perfect world, there would be blooms all year round, unfortunately, it's simply not possible or natural. So I've decided to make the most of flowers whilst they are in season. The best way to do this? Press them and save them for a rainy day. This notebook makes use of some daisies I had pressed recently.

Mid Week Treat: Japanese Stationary Haul

Happy Wednesday, friends. Let's talk stationary. Is stationary not the most perfect little mood booster for those mid week blues? It hardly breaks the bank either. The only way stationary can get any better, is when it's given a cute Japanese makeover, and I've had a run in of lovely finds lately.

How To: Fabric Covered Headphones

Technology nowadays is pretty mandatory, and you wonder how we actually did stuff without all the modern day help we have. My one problem with this is that designers of technology rarely set out to make it look pretty, and technology usually falls into one of two camps: 1. Basic looking or 2. Plain fugly. Sure I love my technology, but why can't it be as cute as the rest of my wardrobe? These fabric covered headphones are part of my solution.

5 Ways to Craft With Flowers

Now that all the blooms are in full swing, I've only just realised how much I've missed flowers and plants during the winter. This year, daisies are threatening to take over our lawn, which is actually fine by me, as I absolutely love daisies. They look so fresh, and remind me of my school days spent making daisy chains. I am a daisy chain ninja. I'm planning on pressing some daisies to use in an upcoming project, before they get chopped away by the lawn mower.

If you're a fan of all things floral, why not get creative with your blooms? I've gathered together five tutorials using real flowers, which I am desperate to try out.

What I'm Wearing: Posh Frocks in Day Time

I was rummaging through my wardrobe recently, during a "I have nothing to wear" crisis, when I rediscovered this dress. I can definitely see why I bought it: spots: check, peter pan collar: check, 60s vibe: check. I can also see why I don't really wear it often enough - namely that it is a rather fancy dress to be wearing to rather unfancy places e.g. Sainsbury's. I'm not quite brave enough to do a Holly Golightly and wear my glad rags wherever I please, so I tried to make this dress more casual, and I think I succeeded.

How To: Embroider a Watch Strap

I'm in a bit of an embroidery fix at the moment, which is odd, considering that embroidery is really not my thing. I find it tedious, repetitive, and more often than not have absolutely no idea of what to do with the end result. However, I've started thinking more outside the box. Sure, I might not enjoy embroidering a piece of canvas or fabric, but what about embroidery on other items? This thought process led me to try some simple embroidery onto a watch strap - an easy and quick project that led to a really pleasing result.

Craft Books I Love: Cute Dolls by Aranzi Aronzo

I'll just come out and say it. I love cute, useless tat. I am that person who walks into Paperchase and wants absolutely everything, because there is something inside me that just needs endless piles of adorable things that I really won't use. It's no surprise then, that Cute Dolls by Aranzi Aronzo eventually found it's way into my hands.

Free Knitting Pattern: Gingham iPhone Cosy

I love the look of colourful knitting, but let's face it - stranded knitting can be one hell of a knotty mess at times. So when I found this method of knitting gingham (or checks) without the need for any stranded knitting at all, I rejoiced. It is actually very simple to do, and I love the end result. It could be used for many things, but I decided to make a phone cosy (very noughties of me, I know).

Mid-Week Treat: Globe Watch for Under £2

I've seen this watch hanging around in the blogosphere for a while now, and recently I caved in to my combined love of watches and maps, and ordered one for myself. I thought that it would be an ideal watch for summer, and what with it being a frankly ludicrous £1.39 (no, really), would be perfect for travelling, without fear of losing an expensive/sentimental watch.

What I'm Wearing: Preppy Dots with a Touch of Red

I don't very often talk fashion on here, but the truth is I love clothes. I don't usually stray from my own personal style, but sometimes new trends I see will inspire a DIY or two. That said, most of my wardrobe isn't handmade (unfortunately, but maybe one day), and like everybody else I love a little retail therapy every now and again. This is the kind of outfit that I'm wearing at the moment.

How to: Make a Jigsaw Piece Bracelet

This is one of those projects that I did ages ago, and completely forgot about until recently. I rediscovered my extensive collection of jigsaw bracelets and knew that I would have to post a tutorial here. These jigsaw bracelets are really fun and kooky, and I think are perfect for spring/summer.

What I'm Loving: April 2014

I know I say this every month, but seriously - where does time go? It wasn't that long ago I was writing my favourites for last month (or it seems that way anyway). Easter seemed to go particularly quickly, or that might just be due to me eating my only Easter egg all in one day. It was a Malteasers one, so my greediness was justified, honest.