Recent Thrifty Finds

After a long absence from the car booting scene due to general laziness, I’ve started to get back into it and can often be found trudging round a field with a (canvas, natch) bag full of bargains. With the rediscovery of the Otley car boot – which runs all year round on the cattle auction site in Otley – I can still enjoy a Sunday lie-in, as it starts at 12. So my house is now stuffed with thrifty finds, and I thought I’d share some of my favourites.

Vintage camera and leather case, £3

I’m not sure if this is an actual vintage camera or a replica, but it looks pretty genuine to me. It doesn’t work, but looks so lovely sitting on my mantelpiece with its fancy leather case.

Old books, 50p-£2. The Matryoshka doll is an old charity shop find.

More books. I’m getting a bit obsessed with these now, particularly the Penguin and Pelican paperbacks. I have little stacks like this all over the house – they’re so interesting to look at.

Vintage tin, 50p. The framed print is actually a card from M&S in a car booted frame.

I’m collecting vintage tins for the wedding – they make great flower receptacles. This one is no good for that but I’m a sucker for old branding and the colour is so vibrant.

Vintage radio, £10.

I’ve been looking for one of these 50s radios for years – they pop up from time to time and are usually very expensive. It’s not quite what I was after but the red leather casing is beautiful, and the knobs on the top are supremely satisfying to turn.

Have you found any second hand bargains recently?