After the epic-ness of my last major project (the cabinets), I haven’t had much inspiration nor inclination to write. Then, I got a new writing machine (not vintage, not a bargain) and I figured some writing and picturing was just what was needed to break it in. Though actual projects have not been prolific of late, bargain hunting never ceases, as long as i have eyes in my head (hopefully for a long time).

One of the best salvage outings of late was with my good pal over at Hollyhock Lane. We started scouring the Edinburgh hot-spots together about 10 years ago, and many a wonderful item has been communally spotted and swooped upon since. Sadly the distance of many miles limits such outings these days, so a few hours in her home town Lewes in November was a real treat. There’s a 5-storey heaven called Lewes Antique Centre, in which we spent a happy couple of hours browsing the many stalls and sellers. The sheer volume of desirable items seems to drive down prices and i was most pleased with my little haul that day.

I have been building a collection of platters, largely thanks to the writings of my two favourite chefs Ottolenghi and good ol’ Jamie. Both contend that serving food on crappy plates rather defeats the purpose of spending precious time laboriously creating it, hence i have gathered up quite a party of pretty pastel plates. These blue ones came with 2 delicious lidded serving bowls, both of which smashed on the ground en route to the car. No matter.

In the same establishment i picked up this lovely vintage eiderdown for £15, owing to a few repairs required here and there. Our bedroom is dusky blues so navy was a new direction but an ever-welcome excuse to run up some new scatter cushions; for this occasion i am mid-way through some sumptuous mustard yellow velvet covers.

I also got some retro red scales (another growing collection), and completed this set of red enamel tins, started a few years ago

.Occasionally i can steal a few minutes at work to pop into the local establishments. The two best places are a sale room in West Linton (now closed) and another one in Coldstream. Now, it must be stated that a closing down sale in a sale room is right up my street. The other week i came away with this set of blue tins, a blue platter, and some picquotware for £3 in total. Ridiculous!

Last week i popped into the Coldstream place for the first time in a few years. I’d forgotten how good it was, in terms of the wide range of vintage and antique, as well as good quality second hand ‘proper’ items, all from house clearances. I got this dinky little suitcase, lots of enamelware, a vintage whisk (which i have been searching out for ages), and a great wee brass fire guard. Prices go a little higher, but having a niche in the market within a rural area dictates that i suppose.

My next big project will be the living room. I’m contemplating the possibility of painting it pink, and if i do i would love to find a huge old persian rug to sober it up a bit. So far no luck, but every week’s a salvage week!