Re-creating my childhood

For me, one of the nicest things about thrifting is the "we used to have one of those" moments, where I spot something I remember from my childhood.
That's one of the times that I break my own de-cluttering rule, and buy whatever it is, whether I need it or not.
More often than not, it's something I've not even thought about for years, but just seeing it will bring memories flooding back.
That's the case with the tiny mouse I found today sitting on top of a "10p box".

I bought an almost identical mouse to this one in a little craft shop on a childhood holiday to Cornwall. I must have been about 7 years old, and can remember marvelling at the tiny stitches and the detail, loving the ribbon skirt, beady eyes and the leather tail. As a kid I spent hours drawing intricate little mouse houses, and then making furniture and rooms out of old matchboxes and other bits and bobs, crocheting little blankets and cushions.
When I was almost an adult and the Brambly Hedge books came out I realised that I was not the only one. I wonder if the author was inspired by one of these tiny felt mice.

By the way, I realise that the photo looks disturbingly similar to a police mugshot. Can I just make it clear that the mouse has committed no crime, and the ruler is there just to show scale.

Thrifting to re-sell

One of the wonderful things about thrifting now that we have the internet and ebay is the opportunity to make a bit of money by re-selling.
I often see things which are obviously good buys, and will be worth money to someone, even though they are not what I'm looking for.
Playmobil is always a good seller, although with the popularity of ebay it is becoming harder to find in charity shops and at car boots. In my experience the Victorian Playmobil will always do well. This bathroom set with figures cost me £2.00 and sold for £22.50 on ebay.



Old boardgames are another thing that I don't find so often nowadays, but I always buy them if they are attractive and reasonably priced. Even if they are incomplete, if the price is right I buy them for the playing pieces or artwork.
This Waddington's "Go" game was in near-perfect condition, complete, and has such lovely, bright graphic-style artwork I was tempted to keep it. I actually did keep it for about 6 months, but when I moved house I had to be a bit ruthless and do some de-cluttering.
I paid £2.50 for the game and sold it for £26.50. The buyer was so pleased to have found it, he was buying it for his Dad's birthday and remembered having spent hours playing it with his family as a child.