Laura Hathaway. Artist

THE SMALL TOUCHES

I collect all sorts of vases, jugs, pots, cups and bowls as containers for flowers. Mostly they are from charity or junk shops and occasionally I will buy a special piece of pottery.

The flowers I mostly pick are from my garden or buy extremely cheaply from outside a house up the road via an honesty box (I live in the countryside so there are lots of these). Alternatively lots of charity shops sell potted flowers and supermarkets are a an affordable source. It is such a cheap way of adding a little decoration and colour to your room and a great idea as a present for a friend.

When I have a little pot or vase on my windowsill my happiness level really does increase.

I have a lovely selection of really pretty fabric bundles that are perfect for home crafts, some pieces are large enough for making cushions and for quilting. Take a peek and check out my listing!

www.ebay.co.uk/sch/0198bringbrought/m.html?item=270852829659&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

!I LOVE CHARITY SHOPS! 

Most of these items have been found in a charity shop and look great after a bit of a clean up. There are some fantastic finds to be had some of mine include 100% cashmere jumpers, original watercolor paintings, leather satchels, candelabras, cut glass, embroidered tablecloths, handwoven lambs wool blankets the list is endless. I’m currently scouring charity shops for quirky Christmas presents and have already found lovely tin pots for Christmas flowers and patterned glass bowls as vessels for presents. The trick is to be imaginative and to see past a bit of dirt. There will of course be lots of rubbish but hidden within are some gems.

A Cheap Way To Add Pretty Decoration To The Home

I found this pin plate in a Cornwall Hospice care charity shop in Penryn for 50p. www.cornish-hospices.co.uk/services5.asp The painted detail is so pretty and although these style of plates are mass produced, there are many that have lovely delicate designs with beautiful sprigs of dainty flowers. I have a growing collection of old plates and saucers and love serving little salads on them to my family at meal times. They also look stunning as charming soap dishes.

This is one of my favorite charity shop finds. I bought in in the Falmouth Cats Protection shop for 40p and it comprises of two single duvet covers. www.cats.org.uk One I shall keep as a cover and the other will be chopped up for my project. It is not often I find such great fabrics like this, I had to delve into a huge bin to find this lurking at the bottom. I like to think it was waiting just for me!