Student Living

Today we received notice that our Landlord is happy for us to skip out early on our contract and so head off to our new (yet to be secured) abode nearer college. Perfect for all those delightful 7am prayer meetings I'll be attending (gulp). This is fab news and potentially saved us the best part of two grand which will go towards a suitably retro old banger for me to drive to lectures. But anyhow, over the weekend I've been browsing some fab websites and second hand shops and that, rather than a general moan about the woes of moving house, is the topic of this post.

I've been really inspired recently by the idea of creating a home (and wardrobe) out of second hand and unwanted items. My sewing machine has made this infinitely more possible when it comes to clothes and I gleefully realised I was wearing an almost entire charity shop outfit the other day, more of that please! I'm now turning my attention to our home which is simultaneously having a clear out of junk accumulated since we made the big move from Scotland but is also being added to with pieces of reclaimed furniture and products from my latest endeavours in craft.

There are a few reasons this really appeals to me. Firstly, the necessity that comes from living on a teeny, tiny grant from the Church. I'm seeing this as student chic with a difference. Less glitter ball curtains (yes, that is actually a thing) and pink plastic glasses from my first University experience and more retro and homemade items to make a comfy and individual home.

This leads me neatly onto the second reason for my new found enthusiasm for second hand and homemade - uniqueness. This weekend I found some gorgeous soup bowls in a charity shop with lion heads for handles that remind me so much of the stonework on the Oxford colleges. You don't get that in Homebase. I also bought myself an embroidery ring and made this with some (beloved) Cath-y K offcuts. Twee but makes me smile every time I see it!

And this is my third reason, creativity. I find it soothing and extremely happy making to be surrounded by things I've made or that have a story behind them. Putting together a unique home and wardrobe is just plain fun.

And finally the do-gooder reason. I want to do a bit less consuming and a bit more putting back. I hate the thought of some poorly paid woman working sixteen hour days to provide me with a cheap top. It's just horrid. That's why I'm trying to up my fair trade purchased. I also hate the piles of junk we have to bury under the ground that could be reused. Shopping second hand means a loving home for all the items that could otherwise end up in landfill and the money goes to charity. There are so many arguments I know could be had about the economics of spending but this makes sense to me given the state of our world and resources (or lack of).

So roll on the new place (ignoring the packing, urgh) and eyes peeled for 'junk' on street corners. I'll keep you updated!

P.S If you're interested in this sort of thing I'd seriously recommend you go to Lulastic and the Hippy Shake, a feast for secondhand home makers!