Not so long ago all the local children would have collected them as soon as they were ripening - but since the onset of the dreaded 'Health & Safety' guidelines that seem to have permeated ordinary life 'conkers' (see here) are no longer allowed to be played at school :o( What on earth is this stupid country coming too? Anyway, I got about a quarter of a carrier bag full in about 10 minutes :o) I just love the way they look...when I got them home, and inspired by the many lovely 'Fall' displays in America I had a go at making a centrepiece for the table. Which do you prefer?
I used some autumnal coloured chrysanthemums in a vintage vase with a similar coloured glaze, my one and only Halloween candle ( which was a gift about 10 years ago from Canada) and some lovely pumpkins (I found at Lidl's) and to complete the picture a spider in his web, placed on a charity shop find table runner by Next in Indian cotton for £1. (As always, just click on any photo to enlarge)
In close up.
Then I decided to have a play about and tried this:
I moved the flowers and added some black cats and a couple of crystal balls to 'Witch' it up a bit!
I tried moving the cats about for a better look(?)
Waddya think? Aren't the conkers great?
Of course, over the last month I've still been buying more stuff! When will I ever learn a little more self control?
I'm hoping some of my dear American readers can help me with this one...I know its a Jim Bean Bourbon bottle dated 1982, but I have no idea of value (not that it matters) or what the symbolism is.
I just loved that it's quirky - sadly all the bourbon has gone! Help anyone?
Then, of course I've had another visit to Dagfields see here with my dear friends Sandy and Jan. Got a few things there....
A super Calico pattern gravy boat and plate (£6), and then there was ..cluck, cluck! A chicken dish, blue and white of course £4
I'm loving the rooster and hens on the base. There was another purchase of a cat - but that'll wait for another post.
Of course I've still been touching base with the local charity shops ;o) Here's a few of the things I couldn't resist.
I walked through the door of the most recent charity shop to open (about 5miles from home), and there staring me in the face was the MOST fabulous blue glazed vase. It was filled with walking sticks - I looked for a price and was amazed to see it was £8.50! Needless to say I'd soon hauled it over to the pay desk - yes, it's VERY heavy. Came home with a very satisfied smile that day :o)
Don't you think its wonderful?
Then, on another day I had to travel to a town about 25 miles away, so of course I just HAD to see if there was any Charity Shops! This is what I found...
A close-up
Ringtons were started in 1907 in Newcastle upon Tyne. They are famous for their tea which was originally delivered to your home. They have all sorts of blue and white memorabillia - this plate obviously made for the millennium by Wade, who themselves are highly collectible. It only cost £1.
I have quite a few more purchases, but I've decided to make another post in a couple of days. So, I'm looking forward to reading your comments - and hopefully someone can shed light on the bourbon bottle for me. Thank you for joining me, I hope you've enjoyed reading it!
Best wishes to all.
