Junk & Gems

22/07/2026

She's not stuck together yet, so she can't stay out until then, but had to get a 'before and after' of Ms Shroom.
What a responsibility!
I'll probably touch up the mouth (again!) if I can fill a few holes and chips that would make any fuller lips a bit wonky...but I do like her!
🍄💋

14/07/2026

A tale of a dream to reality, in just one day!

Just yesterday, while having my morning coffee, I found myself browsing reels and flicked past one from of them discovering buried treasure under their patio. Cute!
(Left hand side of slide 1 -see my share tab to go and view their full discovery reel!)

I sent it to my Sister, and she summed it up with "some people have all the luck".
True. I was jealous. Then obsessive. Comments on the reel indicated reproduction items from the same or a similar mould might be found?
After a time trawling, they weren't to he found anywhere reachable...or maybe obtainable but not quite right, or mini...and still far away.
I divulged my jealousy to my Mum also, and seemingly roped her in with the quest too it seems, as up popped a link for a local, private FB marketplace garden ornament listing with loads of pictures. Oh, I've looked at that one already I thought..."last page of pics" says Mum.
There she is.
(Slide 2)
Similar? Good size? Available?
A message sent, a tense wait for reply ..a few more messages later and a time to collect and a less than 10 minutes away address is secured!
A quick flit out today and before long, some precious cargo on board!
(Slide 3)
A detour home to B&Q for something to stick her together eventually (rather precarious in two parts, held together with a bit of floppy hose).
A possible base paint scored also for when I get up the courage to paint her.
I did a bit of a sponge and brush off and I couldn't resist a quick picture boast (not quite in situ, last two slides).
Would you paint her?
Eep! 🍄

05/03/2026

For , I'm finally getting around to adding some more images of the wonderful 'The Gobbledegook and Other Strange Creatures'
Written by David Newton, wonderfully illustrated by David English and published in 1979, this book certainly jogged some memories for a few of you when I posted some pictures of my copy some years ago!

Quite a rare book for many years, there are not many sources for reference if it around, so I think it is definitely one that became forgotten by those who may have enjoyed it at the time, but so memorable that a sudden spark of nostalgia comes back when you see it!

Sadly, I don't know what became of my own original childhood copy, but I actually now have two copies, believe it or not! (Sorry, they aren't for sale at the moment) After much looking I became the recipient of this copy, and then, as sometimes goes, I found another. Both have a few issues, but I treasure them...and the memories of owning this book first time around!
Do you remember?

01/03/2026

💐 March 💐

24/02/2026

Long time no post, so checking in. Hello!
First time sitting in this room since taking Christmas decorations down. Granted, that was actually the beginning of this month due to illness! Even the most cluttered rooms look bare without extra seasonal decor don't they?! Celebrating with a long overdue glass of wine or two.

03/01/2026

Can we have a moment of silence for the laundry basket sacrifice in Stranger Things 5?
Footnote- It certainly looks like a 'Plysu' , but from my snap of its brief appearance, not sure about the shape and not a very familiar pattern (to me) , and therefore got me wondering if it was a product of the US company who acquired Plysu (which would I think be after the correct time period for this series), OR, if this was an international nostalgia value prop purchase that didn't consider original retail origin....or did Plysu ship much to the US...or ..?
As you can see, overthinking prop details is an indicator of the likelihood that I definitely had a hard time with the series installment overall ...
**Where did Derek's family go?**

13/12/2025

08/12/2025

Tree friends!
I didn't add many new critters this year. Just a few bits in other trees. Still, a few Santas and snowmen had to sit it out and some deer are holidaying in another tree, as it is still quite snug on them there branches..(just don't look at the back!)

05/12/2025

Reason why these vintage angels always look so dishevelled finally revealed.
Cheers 🍸