Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sunday Finds and in the Garden


I know I should be shopping for Christmas, but some handmade and vintage items caught my eye at the markets this morning.

Sweet and colourful hand crocheted flowers  - well that's what they look like to me!





They look quite cute threaded as a garland on a bit of jute twine.






A lovely silky oak suitcase that needs a bit of TLC.
No handle... and sticker marks all over it.




I love the warm richness of silky oak and I have never seen a suitcase made out of it before.




The clasps work fine, and with a bit of sanding and a new handle it will be given a new purpose in life...one day.






As I wandered around the garden on this summers day, I defiantly ignored the weeds that seem to just appear. The red hibiscus from the neighbour is still blooming...


...a white Agapanthus happily about to burst forth in flower and then I noticed something strange...


I had to look twice as I know that holly does not grow around here. I was taken back to England for a fleeting moment, reminiscing of the holly bush at Christmas time at my mother in laws house.
Freezing cold, fireplaces and snow falling...mmmm.

A bit uneven for holly on these rose leaves...and then I spied...



...the culprit...the biggest grasshopper ever and he was doing some serious damage!
When I first saw him his head was nestled right into one of my gorgeous roses.





Needless to say he does not live in the rose bush anymore.
Hopefully, he has found a lovely feast across the road, where he could stay forever!
Happy Sunday.


16 comments:

Kate Nyquist said...

beautiful pics Pam. hasn't it been a lovely day? not too warm- just right! love your crochet finds :) Kate x

Unknown said...

Love the timber, try some orange oil on the sticker marks...
Pesky grasshoppers, I bet he comes back to your delicious roses!

Alecia @ Tchotchkes etc. said...

ooh my chookies would have had a field day with him! big grasshoppers are their favourite thing - but I'm terrified of them so I never have the nerve to catch them - but the girls somehow catch them in their beaks and then run around the yard in glee :)

Flotsam Friends said...

Yep, those shots of the divine crocheted flowers are amazing Pam. Oh man, that grasshopper is huge!! Also a great shot. How intricate is he (it wouldn't be a she!). Pruxxx

polkadotpeticoat said...

What a beautiful post your garland is just beyond!!!

flowersandhome said...

My! This grasshopper seems HUGE!!!! When I read of 'holly' I thought what on earth is holly??? But when I then saw the pictures of the leaves, I immediately knew what holly was ;-) So, yes, I see how you thought seeing this uncommon phenomenon in your garden. Good thing you saw and caught the 'evil being', it being a very special specimen though too, and transported it to other locations. I hope it didn't fall completely in love with your garden, which I'd understand though beautiful as it is, and just returns to it.
Bye,
have a great week,
Marian

Mimi said...

Love your finds Pam, The flowers on the twine look fabulous. I must go out and check my plants for creepy crawlies. Mimi xxx

Tiff said...

Oh Pam, I need to come to the markets with you!!! I love your finds!!!
That pesky bug is identical to the one attacking my roses... he doesn't live there anymore either....
Catch you soon! x

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness - what a great shot of the grasshopper!
Kylie

Jane said...

That silky oak case is a wonderful find. Grasshoppers in my garden don't usually have the option of a new life across the street! Jane x

Naturally Carol said...

Ha ha! Maybe that grasshopper just had some Christmas spirit? I love how he fooled you with his reshaped rose leaves. Those huge fellows are amazing aren't they.

Sylvia said...

I enjoyed reading your post . What gorgeous vintage finds you have ; I love the oak suitcase .
So grateful to see you as my follower .Thank you !
Enjoy a gentle season !

Cornflakes and Honey said...

Hi Pam, love the suitcase - practical and beautiful. Don't worry about the Christmas shopping I haven't started mine yet either! :-)

Special 'K' said...

Love your crochet flowers. Way too close for my comfort to the grasshopper I am afraid. But the case is divine. Thanks for sharing I will follow on my way out and hope you will come visit my place soon and do the same. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

Faux Fuchsia said...

did you crochet those flowers? I can only do basic squares, they fabulous.

I hope that grasshopeprs gone ELSEWHERE

Raine and Sage said...

Ha! Your holly makes me laugh!