Bedside cabinet upcycle

Here's a recent furniture upcycle project. I got the beside cabinet from my local Freegle group for £0. It was a dark brown veneered cabinet with a pull out formica shelf which really appealed to me as a place to put books and specs at night.

It is rather cute. The cupboard also had an interior shelf that just seemed a perfect fit for my bedroom tat. Time to break out the sandpaper. 

I had just spray painted a lovely chunky pine chest of drawers, but had gone through two cans of expensive paint so I decided to brush paint this with a similar cream colour. I used some nice quick drying water based B&Q paint I had in the shed.

Feeling inspired by this fantastic upcycle, I decided to paint the interior a powder blue which matched my bedroom walls, nearly, while the cream interior matched the other bedroom furniture.

This is a dutch knob. I bought it at the Waterlooplein flea market  while vintage shopping in Amsterdam. I got two and its mate lives on my purdonium :) 

The blue just seemed perfect and it looks great.

It's a nice home for my cute set of pink 1960's glassware. I'm glad my kids buy what I tell them to for my birthdays :D

Amsterdam vintage

My lovely friends Kate and Andy from Phoenix Antiques have just been to Holland in their lovely camper van, Minty.

I'm not the slightest bit jealous, but I do want to share some of the lovely vintage finds I've discovered in Amsterdam.

My favourite has to be Laura Dols a gorgeous little jewel of a shop, enticingly dressed with a fantastic stock of retro and vintage clothes from all eras. It is especially worth a look downstairs at their stunning selection of evening wear and vintage bedding and household linen. 

Here's a picture of my kitten in a Laura Dols bag. Just because.

I bought this fab green leather blazer style jacket from there on my first visit. There is one mis-matched button and there are belt loops but no belt, but still, the colour is fantastic and I love the top pockets.

My second visit coincided with my 40th birthday and a rummage in the bargain bin. The offer was four items for 8€ each. Kerching! Three of the four items I grabbed with a view to altering but I liked this Indian cotton printed wrap skirt which has escaped the scissors.

First alteration project in the making is this lovely green polka dot print that will become a skirt or possibly a dress. I'm not very keen on the sleeves or the lace bands. Or the style. But the print is lovely and it is going to become something very wearable in the future. Honest.

I also acquired this pretty blue print dress. It has already been disassembled a bit in this picture, the bottom had a further 12" deep lace trimmed frill on. I like the long waist ties, and the sleeves are very comfortable. I might try and fill out the skirt a little. Or make it a top and skirt. Hmmm...

This frock is an ocean of liberty print. There are far too many ruffles and pin tucks in one outfit for me, but I'll just start removing flounces and see where I end up! 

Next up is Moo!zo, situated near a lovely place to stop for a coffee and watch the world go by in the Jordaan quarter. I got this lovely Russian folk print ankle length (on me) skirt, with a side pocket. I loves the pocketses.

I'm also a sucker for border prints. Feast your eyes on the colours here, this has become one of my favourite things to wear, cannot get enough of it.

Man pants and I had a lovely day trip to Zandvoort, a seaside resort west of Amsterdam. I had seen lots of these star print tops on the market stalls there for about €15 but didn't get one. I was delighted then, to find one here way cheaper! It's a great summer throw on top, goes great with vest tops and skinnies on breezy summer days.

And for last, the first vintage shop I found in Amsterdam! Tut&Hola is a beautiful boutique brimming with retro delights. I've yet to find anything that fits :'( despite lots of trying on and hoping! They also stock vintage knitting and sewing patterns for the holidaying vintage crafter.