Nostalgia at the Stone House

Original Vintage & Handmade Textile & Fashion Fair

2012-02-24T08:22:00.001Z

Tomorrow is the Original Vintage & Handmade Textile & Fashion Fair, at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. I shall have my little stall there, in the main hall. I've been working hard on some new handmade pieces to tempt, with lots of pocket money items as well as a few special one-off heirloom treasures. I've also been brave and am parting with some of my vintage fabrics, buttons and trims, which I've been sorting out from my workroom this week.

I'm always keen to give my stall a different look at each of the fairs I attend. This time I've gone for an antique feel with a French flavour.

I've been madly covering the collection of vintage film boxes that I bought last month, with a harmonious selection of C19th French fabrics and a variety of pretty trims.

I've then filled each little box with vintage buttons.

A few of the boxes have been covered in sections of old maps too and again are full of buttons.

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These brown craft paper boxes were given to me at Christmas with my gifts inside from a friend. I thought they'd also be ideal for covering in fabric.

I've used some more of my precious antique French fabrics and selected various antique trims to complete them.

They make great gift boxes, or are ideal as storage too.

I've made a few sewing related items, such as pin cushions and needle-cases.

And precious antique French fabrics scraps went into making this selection of lavender-filled scrappy patchwork hearts.

A collection of four unique handmade fairy dolls will be taking flight from my workroom to the fair...

There's Queen Caramel...

Dame Deco...

Cherry Pie...

And Rouge Powder Fairy.

This gorgeous wooden bed was an exciting find at one of my local buying haunts...It's quite large for a toy...I found a genuine old ticking feather pillow to be the perfect size for a mattress.

I made a feather-filled, doll-size pillow from antique French ticking...

And a quilt that I handmade many years ago, during this time in my life...(maybe it now counts as being vintage?!) was also the ideal size.

Its been tucked away and never used, so I'm prepared to let it go with the bed, as I think it complements it perfectly with its mellow country colours toning nicely with the rich wood.

The bed is the PERFECT size for my large rag dolls to take a nap on - I have several of them hot off the sewing machine...

This is Isadora, who I have given as genuine an antique look as I could create. Her skirt is made from a very old hand-worked tapestry that I bought on my last buying trip of 2011.

I've used French ticking, eiderdown cotton and a fabulous Irish hand woven wool for the rest of her outfit.

Her sister Elspeth has a similar look...

With the same Irish wool as her jacket...

And a beautiful tapestry skirt and tea-stained underclothes.

As a slight departure to my usual girls, I've also made this grand looking lady. Her name is Dulcie and she is dressed in fine antique silks, hand embroidered linen jacket and a velvet cloche hat.

Rare metal thread braids add extra detail to her skirt.

Keen to promote angels all year round...not just for Christmas, I've made Gabriella too.

She is dressed in a crisp white antique baby gown, which I adjusted to fit and embroidered with the words Guardian Angel.

A few vintage trinkets decorate her wings.

That's a taster of what will be coming with me to the fair...Hope to see you there if you can make it...Otherwise, have a lovely weekend, whatever you get up to!

Off to work now...

Niki x

Nostalgia at No.1

2012-02-22T13:41:00.017Z

There is to be a change to my shop's opening hours, as follows:

Summer Opening Hours:

Winter Opening Hours:

(As a trial, I shall be closed an extra day through the winter months.)

I don't have much time to stick around today, but just wanted to show some of the new stock that I was able to find this week...

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Hope you're having a great week,

Must fly,

Niki x

Pause...

2012-02-17T19:26:00.008Z

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy weekend...I have one of those weeks coming up next week, with family and work stuff needing to take priority (as well as the 63,000 emails (give or take! ;-)) that I need to catch up with) ...I will return to my blog, probably on Friday...Which will hopefully be just in time to show you what I shall be taking with me to the Vintage & Handmade Textile & Fashion Fair on the Saturday. (Full details can be found on my blog's sidebar, or on my website under 'fairs'.)

I don't like to neglect my little space here on the www, but sometimes needs must...

Keep warm,

Niki x

Shop Talk

2012-02-15T20:37:00.003Z

The last couple of weeks I have been reminded as to why I blog...I have had several lovely visitors to my shop, all of whom have found me in my tiny corner of Somerset because of it. As well as several like-minded gals visiting from Bedfordshire and also the Devon area, I was very lucky to welcome once again, Anke from Belgium and her friend Frau all the way from Germany. Anke has written a lovely post all about her trip to England here.

Always a pleasure to welcome new and old friends alike. x

So, with just that push that I needed, I went out treasure seeking again and found a few more bits and bobs to keep the shelves stocked.

A set of six crinoline lady cup & saucers with matching sugar bowl and cream jug...

And this pretty Edwardian vase.

Stone squirrel statue.

A cut glass vase and a piece of brain coral.

Tiny treasure box, with a rather plush interior!

Folding curling tongs (of the non-electrical variety! ;-))

Blue glass vase and hand painted lacquerware bowl.

Sugar sifter spoon.

Rose water bottle with pretty stopper.

Another bottle with stopper.

C1940's pattern for knickers and a slip...They'd be perfect if made up from parachute silk for authenticity! ;-))

2 pairs of C1950's lace look nylon stockings.

And a large collection of vintage buttons and other fasteners on their original cards...I shall bring some of these with me to the next fair I shall be attending.

Thanks for stopping-by,

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Niki x

February 14th

2012-02-14T08:07:00.001Z

Happy Valentine's! - Have a blissfully romantic day! :)

February 14th is also my good friend Debbie's Birthday, who I have mentioned several times on my blog in the past, because she shares my passion for vintage. (Here, here, her Christmassy cottage here and all about her garden here.)

Debbie does not have a computer, so no blog(!), but those of you who visit the Vintage Bazaar in Frome will know her, as she creates a fantastic vintage gardenalia stand there, every spring. (A few photos here.)

Anyway, I'm always aware of the slight pressure on me to buy her the perfect Christmas and Birthday gifts, as I think she has great taste and she really knows what she likes!

This year I think I've found a little gem. I hope she'll love this old sign with its grungy green lettering and the weathered and peeling paintwork.

If its a hit, hopefully Debs will let me take a photo of it in its new home and I'll show it on my blog in a later post.

Who knows, maybe it will even spark a new business venture in her?! ;-))

There are two large metal hooks on the back of the sign, which were probably designed to allow it to be lifted on and off some kind of stand, when the place was open for lunch. These were causing me a few problems when I came to wrapping the gift, so in the end I went for a large piece of Sanderson fabric to wrap around it. This I just stapled in place around the edges.

The other parcel contains some other garden related items, which I tied on top with vintage lace.

A small Victorian souvenir cup with the words 'From a Friend' in gold lettering, finishes off the surprise.

I hope she'll like it.

Enjoy your day,

Niki x

Movie Magic

2012-02-12T21:43:00.015Z

A wonderful collection of late 1930's American film magazines came my way last week...

I thought I'd just share a few of the colour pages with you...

Beautifully printed and worthy of framing, which is what I plan to do with some of them.

I particularly like these two ads for Irresistible make up and fragrances.

And here, two adverts of the time, show the tragic Dionne quintuplets being used to endorse Karo syrup.

Hope you've had a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Carrying On...

2012-02-09T21:21:00.001Z

Firstly, thank you all for your kindness, and for the positive comments left on my previous post. I realise most don't visit a blog to become depressed, or to hear moans and groans, so I'm grateful that you were understanding. I am happy, and take comfort in the fact that our daughter has the confidence to strike out, follow her dreams and to discover what's out there. I am in a happy place and know that I can easily keep in contact with her, despite the miles that separate us.

So, moving on...

A surprise parcel arrived for me yesterday - Totally out of the blue and unconnected with what had been going on at home. It came from my old friend Teena. (Well, I'm older than she is, but we've been friends since we were babies! ;-)) Photos here!

Inside the beautiful box was a wonderful selection of vintage millinery flowers, dramatic beaded fragments from times long ago, and the sweetest little engagement book. T has always been such a generous person...Even now, if you'd care to visit, she is offering a Ryland, Peters & Small book as a competition prize on her blog. Go see!

Otherwise, my life has been ticking along in much the usual way...

I've been faffing at the shop, trying to keep the displays looking interesting and inviting...

My glamour girl has a new look.

I've been out buying, as always, to keep the shelves stocked...

And there have been a few 'makes' hot off the production table...

Greetings cards...

I used antique lace and original antique images of lovely ladies to make each card unique.

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I've been enjoying some hand stitching, and using soft antique velvet ribbons in the most delicious colours.

Petal shapes were created, then 5 were stitched together with a vintage artificial stamen to make violet flowers. A leaf was added too.

These were then attached to hair pins - Ideal for wearing in your hair, or clipping to a jacket lapel or handbag.

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And a tiny bag, which I made from vintage French fabric - It fastens with an old metal button.

I've also been putting aside a few textile treasures and hand crafted items for the V&H Textile Fair on February 25th, which I shall show a little nearer the time.

There's been a few makeover projects completed too.

This Victorian metal trunk was a little scuffed and bashed, but inside was shiny and clean, so it had many more years of storage service to offer!

I had these old American trade cards of a similar era and thought they'd be just enough to give the box a lift.

I simply glued them in place for an authentic looking make-over.

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An old pastel pink basket-weave ottoman was next in line. The tired old foam and fabric was stripped from the lift-up lid...

And I re-covered it in a floral Sanderson linen (I used a layer of woollen blanket as padding). The edges were finished with velvet ribbon.

Sometimes a traditional fabric top are what customers are looking for, so its nice to be able to keep things simple now and then.

It's in the shop today!

Then there was this old washstand, which you may have seen on my blog once or twice over the years. I added the rose printed eiderdown fabric to the back panel and doors years ago...

Its been in various places around our home...

And been various colours too!

The re-painting of it though had caused the top to split and it had become a little unstable. I suggested to hubby that perhaps I should renovate it and let it go to the shop...

So he worked hard to make it sound and put a brand new pine work surface on it for me.

I then painted it a soft cream...

But fell in love with it again...

And have positioned it back in my workroom as storage! - Under the staircase, where it was in 2008, when my workroom was first created!

But I have been strong and let something else go instead...

The little distressed painted cupboard (that possibly originally came from France) had also migrated around our home quite a bit...

But is now for sale in my shop! That's the beauty of buying old...you are more or less guaranteed to get your money back on an item should you decide to later sell, or perhaps you'll even make a profit if you are lucky. Very few new high street, mass-produced products can boast that!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Niki x

I'm in the shop too!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2012-02-08T10:07:00.001Z

February has not had the best start for me - I won't bore you with all the details, but I do take comfort in knowing friends are stopping-by my blog. Many of you leave kind comments and messages, which always make me smile - I read every one and am grateful for the time you spend here.

Our daughter left home for New Zealand yesterday. It is something she has always wanted to do and I am proud of her for having the courage to follow her dreams. Years ago, when she was just a toddler, Hubby and I looked into emigrating to New Zealand with our young family. At the time (and a subsequent second attempt) it didn't work out, and although we often talked about the experience, we settled ourselves and made a happy life in Somerset instead. I think New Zealand has always been in my daughter's mind as somewhere she'd like to go, and so when she started to make plans, it was no surprise.

Its the adventure of a lifetime; we will miss her greatly, but we also want her to be happy...Just, I may need to shed a tear or two first, until I get used to the idea.

I'll be back with a more upbeat post next time.

Keep warm,

Niki x

Tea or Treasures?

2012-02-03T20:01:00.002Z

Where does the logic come from when we're trying to convince ourselves that we deserve a little treat?...
Step into my shop with just a £5 note in your purse, and I can offer you a huge array of treasures and keepsakes that could be yours, often with some change given too!

Antique lace collars fluttering from coat hangers on high...

Sparkling glass bottles that make the perfect impromptu vase on a windowsill...

Postcards with their intimate messages and stories to tell (most at just £1, so they won't break the bank)...

Fragrant French soaps - an affordable indulgence...

Handmade hearts of fabric and lace, cradle the dried lavender flowers of summer...

Bygone books with charm and character...

A last minute gift idea to treat a friend or loved-one...

Hand thrown clay pots from the Victorian era which could offer a home to violas or auricular...

Sets of pretty buttons to improve a tired cardigan in your wardrobe?...

Glass chandelier drops to send rainbows dancing across your ceiling...

A teeny framed miniature to tempt you?...

Two scoops of buttons and you'd still have change for the meter...

Tins to make baking day a little more fun...

Silvery tongs to serve sugar cubes to guests during afternoon tea...

Starched white handkerchiefs to wipe away a tear...

Dainty doilies dress the table with an authentic nostalgic touch...

Photographs from times past with the secrets they keep...

Dress patterns to document the style of the time...

Frivolous flowers to brighten the day...

Ribbons and lace will tie a gift, a posy, or braids in your hair.

All lovely things to treasure and keep...
And so I question why so many of us 'um and ah', and then walk away empty handed...
Often straight to the nearest cafe (I've seen it done so often), where, unquestioning, the £5 is handed over in exchange for tea and a cake...
Which, in 10 minutes, is all gone...
But for the evidence now sitting on your hips! ;-))

Although I am partial to the odd cuppa(!), I think that's well known amongst my friends, I do know where I'd rather spend my 'fiver'...
My collections are testament to that...and not a indulgent calorie in sight!

Have a lovely weekend - Keep warm!
Niki x

Escape to Exeter

2012-02-02T20:11:00.002Z

Our youngest daughter had to be in Exeter for two days this week, so hubby and I decided we'd take her and make a mini-break of it!
Down by the quay the weather was sunny, but a bitterly cold wind blew, making our cheeks glow and ears sting! After visiting the antiques centre there...

We took refuge in one of the cafes that can be found in the arches at the far end of the quay...

and warmed up with hot chocolate by the fire.

Later we headed back into the centre of the city for some sightseeing and shopping.

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Not far from the quay is wacky shop, Otto Retro, which is crammed full of funky vintage goodies.

The young man behind the (huge antique!) till was very polite and helpful...
So I didn't come away empty handed...

I left with this brazen babe below!...
Well actually hubby carefully carried her under one arm for me, smiling and shrugging-off some of the glances he received from curious passers-by doing a double-take! ;-))

I thinks she's a beauty...but really she could do with putting some clothes on during this cold snap we're experiencing! ;-))

I bought these fab 1960's knitting and sewing pattern books from Otto's too.

The antiques centre on the quay had lots of of pretty postcards for sale, where I made this selection...

One, a 1970's photograph of Shepton Mallet's Market Cross, with my shop in the background! (During the 70's it was a barber's shop.)

Vintage suitcase from a charity shop in the city.

AND we were also able to cram in a visit to Ashburton, where I visited Ros again in The Snug - A delightful shop that I have mentioned many times on my blog before.

Ros always has tempting treasures for sale - This time I bought a set of mats with hand painted nature inspired designs on velvet as their centres. I may use these appliquéd onto special hand made bags or boudoir cushions.

A c1950's blue plastic, knitting yarn dispenser.

And two pieces of leather barbola work...

Which perfectly match an item that I bought from Lizzie a few years ago - Now happily sitting together in my dresser full of stuff!

Thanks for stopping-by,
Niki x

Life

2012-01-30T17:35:00.001Z

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Sorry, not much time to blog at the moment...Normal services will resume as soon as possible :)
Have a great week,
Niki x

French Fancy

2012-01-27T20:24:00.003Z

Some of you may remember, just before Christmas last year, I completed a pair of patchwork curtains for our back living room. (The post all about them can be found here, followed by a bit of tweaking here!)

Initially I was pleased with all the work, but soon found I couldn't live with so many colours...

The patchwork curtains will look lovely (I'm sure! ;-)) in our spare bedroom, which will be used by our granddaughter when she's a little older and wants to stay for a sleepover. (This room is still a work in progress, which I am slowly getting finished during my occasional free moments at home.)

Anyway, you may have spotted a few changers happening when I posted a glimpse of the room from our hallway...

It started with the makeover I performed on the old tapestry armchair in December, which set the colour scheme back to my favourite red and white.

After taking down the patchwork curtains, I made another set from antique French lace panels (very tatty and full of holes...don't look too closely! ;-)), which I backed in C19th French linen sheets.

I love the way the light shines through them showing up the details and holes; those that should be there, and those that shouldn't really! ;-))

A little toile tieback wrapped around each curtain brings in a touch more red.

I made a small pelmet too from a piece of antique French quilted fabric that I bought many years ago, but lacked the confidence to use...But then I thought, what's the point in having treasures, if they're just stored away and not seen and enjoyed?

So, a few stitches later and it was done...I think it would have once been part of a bed canopy, as I have several more feet of it!

The curtains behind the glass in our fitted cupboard got changed back to red check (again)! (Something I did when we first moved to our house over a decade ago now, so perhaps I got it right first time and should have stuck with it?! ;-))

The French mirror that I bought last year is waiting to be hung on the wall above the arm chair, next to the lilac picture that I love.

With the other chairs in this room, we now have a lovely sociable area, perfect for sitting and chatting without the distraction of the TV in the main sitting room.

Its always been a difficult room to furnish, as it needs to be a walk-through; 3 rooms lead off it and there's the staircase down to my workroom too.

The little set of drawers to the left of the window were originally painted green.

I decided a dusty French grey would be more to our taste...

And I wanted to team them with an old French 'ghost mirror', I believe some people call them...

Which is where the silvering on the back is so distressed, that you can no longer see a reflection... Just the way I like them! ;-))

I painted the mirror frame to match, but I wanted the drawers to have a more French style to them to coordinate better with the mirror. I bought this rose moulding on-line. I would have liked to have bought several, to really go to town on an ornate look, but buying just two would have cost me more than the price of the drawers themselves! - So I settled for just one.

To be honest, the quality was not as good as I was expecting when it arrived, and the measurements given were confusing, so the garland was bigger than I anticipated. Luckily I was able to trim it and alter the shape a little to fit the top drawer.

Once painted, it did look better...

And hopefully is a bit more stylish as a complete ensemble!

Since finishing it, I've also had a play with the bits and bobs on top. There's the antique shoe stuffers that I had as a Christmas gift from a friend, which I have tied together and hung from the mirror. The painted floral mirrored panel is one that I've had for years and years and have always loved. I just propped it against the large mirror.

The single C19th satin wedding slipper is a recent purchase from an antiques fair (yes, it's all on it's own...sadly it lost its partner somewhere along the way), which I teamed with some gorgeous velvet roses (a gift from my friend again) and a little floral cushion that I made many moons ago, which helps them to stand up straight.

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Covered in a glass cloche for protection (and less dusting! ;-)).

Faffing complete...time to enjoy the room.

Hope you have a relaxing weekend,

Niki x

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I've been trying to add some more links to some of the new blogs that I've discovered recently, into my blog's 'links' on my sidebar below, but they just won't save into my list. Is anyone else having this problem? Or maybe I already have too many and there's a limit? - Am I being rationed?! I'd be sad to have to delete some to make space...Any help gratefully received, thank you.

N x

The History of Aprons...

2012-01-26T19:46:00.012Z

The 'Aprons of Love' email has been doing the rounds again recently...I've been sent it again this morning by my Mum...If you haven't seen it before, perhaps you'd like to read it too...

Enjoy...

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less fabric. But along with that, it was used for removing hot pans from the oven...

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

When visitors arrived, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy littlies..
And when the weather was cold grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow,
Bent over the hot fire.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the shells.
In the autumn, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected visitors appeared, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked outside, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

REMEMBER:

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go bonkers now trying to work out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love!

Niki x

Benchmark

2012-01-25T20:19:00.003Z

The little wooden bench that used to be under our staircase before this happened...

Has now been moved upstairs to our master bedroom.

It just fits inside the window area, next to my mannequin...

With a few special pillows scattered along it...

And the tapestry that I bought on my last buying trip of 2011, hangs over the back.

I'm slowly getting around the whole house making it work better for us and our generally hectic lifestyle. (More of the living room make-over to come...)

Taking care of our gorgeous granddaughter for a whole day each week is great fun, and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but housework has definitely gone out the window of late!...

But you won't tell anyone, will you?! ;-))
Niki x

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Dust if You Must.

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.

Written by Rose Milligan.

A Few More Treasures...

2012-01-24T20:17:00.029Z

Latest treasures at the shop...

I was lucky to be able to buy several unused lengths of vintage fabrics from a lady who visited my shop last week...

There were two pieces of this Daisyfield design by Fothergays.

Several metres of this fabulous classic Noddy fabric...

printed in 1964 by Fothergays again.

And several metres of this stunning 1950's rose furnishing fabric still on the bolt.

I shall be using some for cushions etc for the shop...

But some of it may find its way to the V&H Textile Fair next month (if I can bare to part with it!)

I was also able to buy two super-duper hats from the same lady.

The Mitzi Lorenz hat sold the same day...

But there's also this collectable 1960's Christian Dior flower-pot style hat too!

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The rest of the new stock had to be hunted out in the more usual manner...

I found:

This old table tennis set (which I bought mainly because of the lovely box).

A couple of cigarette card albums (each contains a complete set).

This neat little ink well.

Vintage ballet points.

A Make do and Mend pamphlet...

with useful tips!

A mirror that I gave a coat of cream paint to on Sunday.

(Lace curtain sold today - thank you!)

A Victorian oil painting on glass.

And some French kitchen canisters.

I've been wrapping more of the sweetly scented French soaps..

Some in floral wallpapers and others in sheet music - Both tied with vintage seam binding and with a tiny violet embellishment.

That's all I have time for this evening...

Thank you for stopping-by and for leaving your wonderful comments.

Niki x

Comforts of Home

2012-01-23T20:21:00.004Z

I knew I wouldn't be able to live with it for long...;-))

Yes, I have made some changes to the iron bed under our main staircase!

And yes, already! ;-))

It was all too busy and I needed to tone things down...so away went all the odd/mismatched cushions, quilts and eiderdowns...

And I've introduced a new calmer look.

I thought when I found the old cushion covers that were once on the sofas in our living room (whilst sorting through a pile of fabrics that I'd forgotten I had), that they could work better on the seat we had created here in the hall.

I'd made this set of large cushion covers at least 12 years ago, I'm guessing, all from lovely antique fabrics and quilts.

Several times they'd had to be patched and repaired over the years, which is one of the reasons I had reluctantly replaced them...

But here, where they will be used and enjoyed once again, it shouldn't be such a problem, as they will receive a lot less wear than on the main sofas in our living room.

Maybe I shouldn't look to change my style, and I should stick with the colours and textiles that I've always loved - If 12 years down the line I'm still liking these cushions, then that must mean something?

And I do think, this time(!) that I am settled...

I will get round to showing some of the other changes I've made around our home soon...All of which I won't be changing again in the near future!

;-))

Have a great week,

Niki x

Two Timer

2012-01-19T20:55:00.001Z

A New Year and a Birthday seems like as good a time as any to make some changes...

This coming Saturday, my little shop will be two years old already!

I am very grateful to still be in business during these difficult financial times and am happy to report a growing number of regular customers coming back time and again to my tiny corner of Somerset. Having listened to what my customers have had to say, I decided that a few changes would take place inside the shop this year.

Up until now, I have had a small vintage clothes section. An area that I have never been totally happy with - I feel a rail of clothes rarely ever looks tidy - Even though mine were contained within a lovely vintage wardrobe, they still looked a little chaotic. Also, not only has a customer got to find something they like, it then has to be in their size, and then fit them properly. The odds are stacked against a sale when only a small selection is on offer. So the clothes have gone (although I may occasionally stock something special or particularly beautiful or iconic) and I shall be keeping the accessories, such as scarves, hats and gloves.

So with the wardrobe taken away (thanks to a friend's Hubby!), what to do with the space it created?

Remember the collection of boxes I bought before Christmas?

Hubby and I worked until late on Monday evening to create a new display area on the wall.

The boxes were arranged and screwed into a backing board of MDF.

I'd lined some of the boxes with various old papers, such as maps...

Newspapers and sheet music, which is a similar style to the way I decorated the shop's fitting room.

Bright and early on Tuesday morning, it was then a case of feeding in some of my merchandise onto he newly created shelves and niches.

A closer look...

There's now lots more space for my handmade/re-purposed products...All I need now is more time to create things! This new area has had me excited - I feel energised and look forward to each new day at work.

Hubs and I also put up this old wooden drying rack, to replace the single pole that I had previously. It displays lace collars, baby gowns and pretty photographs.

The large dresser to the left has had a small tweak too. I am going to cut back on the amount of china in stock and introduce a bit more kitchenalia.

All the other areas have had a tidy up and the odd jiggle or new addition!

So, as the 2nd anniversary approaches, I would like to thank all who have stopped-by, made a purchase or offered words of encouragement. Its not always been easy (sometimes a little stressful or worrying), but it has been rewarding and enjoyable for most of the time! ;-))

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Now for a few photos showing some of today's makes.
A re-framed c1920's print in painted and waxed frame.

Vintage hand crochet lace on old wooden bobbins...

Rusty keys with antique braid and buttons.

A new collection of powder-puffs...

With antique lace and velvet flowers.

Each placed on a coordinating vintage china saucer.

A glass weight...

with antique French fabric.

And a revamp to the tatty old case that I bought on Sunday...

I couldn't bare to throw it away, after taking out all of the old film boxes...

So I glued on some old newspaper ads from the 1930's and tied a length of antique lace in a bow on the handle.

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Right...time to put my feet up now.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Love Niki x

'Junking' in January

2012-01-17T20:31:00.002Z

The flea markets have begun again for the New Year - Sunday was a particularly fine January day...perfect for a spot of rootling through junk! Here are some of the items that came home with me...

I bought this book from the 1950s, which I loved because of the fabrics it features - Similar to many I use myself in my handmade products.

A painted umbrella stand and pretty parasol.

French fabric covered box full of buttons.

Teeny millinery flowers and a 1/2 dolls head to recycle.

Antique copper slipper storage box.

A case full of little film boxes in need of re-purposing...Perhaps gift boxes?

Trims and ribbons for handmade treasures...

Fabrics and lace too!

A double size lace bedspread.

A tantalising selection - The filigree brass triangle shaped piece will become a doll's tiara, I think.

Country kitchen scales.

Rusty keys and knitting needles.

A pair of cottage prints.

Postcards.

A painted table and a triple dressing table mirror.

(All for the shop.)
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And for me...
This cute musical jewel box - The bird on the perch swings to-and-fro when the drawer is opened!

And a cottage print to add to my collection (which I shall show (one day!) when the bedroom make-over is complete...)

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All the items for the shop found their way there today. I have almost completed the changes I said I was making, so will try and show them in my next blog post.

Hope you're having a lovely week so far,
Niki x

Inspiration...

2012-01-14T08:20:00.001Z

What do you get if you take the inspiration from handmade torso cushions...

...

Combine it with the influence that only a vintage mannequin offers....

Along with the practicality of a traditional style peg bag(!!) ?...

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Well...?

You get this!

It hangs like a peg bag - Ideal for displaying on a hook, dressing table, or to store in a wardrobe...with the coat-hanger hook doubling as somewhere to thread necklaces over...

A nipped-in waist, just like a mannequin - perfect for storing belts, lengths of ribbon or lace and maybe a few other pretty keepsakes...

(Made entirely from fabulous vintage fabrics for added appeal. (French of course))

And a padded torso shape, softly filled like a cushion, for keeping delicate antique lace collars in shape, draping them over the shoulders...As well as it offering somewhere to pin a collection of twinkling costume brooches!

Boudoir chic for the girl who has everything...and needs somewhere to display it all! ;-))

The first of many! - More to follow, hopefully! - I love developing new ideas. :)

Happy weekend!

Niki x

Second Chances

2012-01-12T20:35:00.005Z

I'll start this post by showing you one of the latest items I've come up with for my shop. I had the rusty tin pots and a delivery of fragrant French soaps that I'd ordered, to work with...

I wrapped the soaps in vintage sheet music, held in place with lace/ribbon and millinery flowers. I trimmed the pots to match each one and put them together as pretty little gift sets.

Lots more to do, but the scent of the soaps is lovely in my workroom for now! ;-))

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It can be difficult to know sometimes, when buying stock for the shop, whether to commit to an item or not...after all, if I don't sell anything, then I can't pay myself(!) - It can be a risky business, when its all money up front. Sometimes, if an item has hung around longer than I would have liked, I have to look at it and think if I can change it in some way to make it more appealing...
This French bedside cupboard is one such item.

I've had it in the shop for a while - At first I felt I should keep its original wood finish - Its had some interest, but hasn't sold...
So on Sunday, out came the paintbrush!

The French grey colouring tones nicely with the marble top, so I hope it will find a new home soon.

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A plain/tatty suitcase had (unsurprisingly!), sat on top of the wardrobe in the corner of the shop for a number of weeks too.

So I decided to cover it in fabric yesterday. Its a large case and so would need a large piece of fabric - I decided to use a fairly modern chintz, rather than one of my more valuable vintage fabrics.
Half way through...(A bit fiddly getting the fabric to sit neatly around all of those metal fixtures! - It took me about an hour to finish.)

Here it is done!

I used to make these for my previous shop - A big trunk that I covered years ago can be seen on my other blog here (about halfway down the post).

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And this dark wood chair has also been unwanted stock. (I actually like the original chenille seat pad, which is what drew me to the little chair in the first place - It reminds me of the fabric they used to cover the seats with on buses years ago!)

Anyway, another coat of paint...

And I made this removable slipcover at the shop today, using vintage ticking and French linen.

Fingers crossed that giving these items a second chance will see them sell soon.

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I made this floral bag today as well, from a vintage Sanderson cotton, which looks pretty displayed with the suitcase. . .

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My most recent buys include:
A (very!) rusty metal antique hat box. I love the finish its acquired (hopefully I'm not the only one, or the paint brush will have to be put to use again!)...

and so I wanted to save the rust as much as I could. I rubbed a generous layer of furniture wax into the surface to protect it.

And buffed it to a shine.

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This wooden box with distressed green paint caught my eye too...

But the top of it was a little too shabby to be considered attractive...

So I covered it in a vintage Sanderson fabric.
(I sold today - Thank you!)

This dainty little occasional table received a coat of paint at the weekend and is sitting in the shop this week too.

Other smaller items are, an original watercolour painting...

A warm and cosy traditional Welsh wool blanket...

An assortment of moulds and tart tins...

An adorable little turtle make-up compact and vintage 21st Birthday key, which have all been added to the shelves today.

I changed the shop's windows to include the new make-over projects...

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And there will be several changes to the inside of the shop over the next few days...

I've decided not to stock clothes at the shop any more. I need more space for my handmade products which have proven themselves to be my best sellers...so I need to work on that. (I'll be taking the vintage costume items that I have left, to some of the fairs that I've booked for this year. Its their second chance! ;-))

OK, That's it for now - Thanks for stopping-by! :)
Enjoy your evening,
Niki x

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A Day in Winchester

2012-01-11T10:36:00.017Z

Hubby had a business meeting in Winchester on Monday and he suggested my daughter and I go with him...We could look around the city whilst he was in his meeting and it would give us an opportunity to spend some time together before she goes to live in New Zealand for a year, next month. I'm always keen to visit places I've not been to before, so off we went...

Winchester is a small city to discover, but steeped in history, with many beautiful buildings.

It didn't take us long to find a fab vintage shop though! (Called Fab Vintage!)

Apparently it only opened last Saturday, so I promised the owner that I'd mention it on my blog for him.

My daughter bought a great plum coloured velvet jacket and a paisley waistcoat.
Then it was time to treat her to a cream tea for lunch!

Afterwards, we toured the rest of the city, before meeting-up with hubby again.

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And home, past the magnificent Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain.

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Lots of projects to get on with today, so I must fly...Have a lovely day,
Niki x

Sofa Bed

2012-01-08T18:25:00.002Z

Update 10th Jan - I wasn't very happy with the colour of the photos that I originally uploaded onto this post, so have added some new ones this morning.
The little Victorian iron bed that stood in our spare single bedroom was fine, until the mattress was placed on top...The photo below shows it without, but the 8" thick mattress, when placed onto the base, made the overall height approx 26" from the floor.

Given that the bed will mostly be used by our little granddaughter when she's old enough, I was worried that this height would give her some problems getting in and out and also be dangerous were she to fall out during the night. As I mentioned in a previous post, I managed to buy a beautiful old French bed at my local flea market, which will replace the iron bed in the spare room when we've done the work on it.

It seemed a shame to get rid of the iron bed though, as its very comfortable and we originally had to have the base and mattress specially made for it, as its a non-standard 2'9" wide. And with having three daughters, we often have their friends staying-over at short notice, so an extra bed is always handy!

We decided to try to create a sofa out of the old bed and slot it in under the staircase in the hall. We removed the castors from the feet and just used the wooden base on the metal frame, hiding the mattress underneath, which will keep it to hand if ever we need an extra bunk!

I've padded the base with various quilts and a duvet, which I've disguised with my favourite antique patchwork.

Any spare cushions that I could find were slung casually on top and a rolled-up eiderdown makes a comfy back support along the wall.

I'm sure it will develop and change over time, as nothing stays still for long in our house ;-))

- A painted bench that was here in the hall previously, is now in our master bedroom - I'll show this on another post, along with other projects (like painting the French bed) which I'm still trying to find the time for.

Niki x

Home Time

2012-01-05T11:48:00.009Z

Hope the New Year has been kind to you so far. I've been enjoying a particularly long break away from my shop - I have found it very useful to just have some time to think about home, rather than the pressures of running the business all of the time.

I've spent a leisurely day taking down the Christmas decorations for another year...

Whilst storms raged outside.

I've been creative too...

A friend of mine decorated my Christmas present with dried hydrangea heads...So I saved them and used them to make this simple wreath. I used silver birch twigs to make the base again and a hot glue gun to fix the flowers to it.

A larger project was to make a slip-cover for a second-hand arm chair that I bought recently. I wasn't keen on the tapestry effect upholstery, but the chair itself was a good size and was comfortable.

I decided to use an antique French linen sheet to make the cover as it is good hard-wearing fabric and there's plenty of it for the whole project. Some careful pinning and cutting, then it was all stitched together. I didn't worry about piping the seams or adding too many darts etc - It just fits where it touches.

I've had another arm chair at home, covered in a linen sheet, for about 5 years - They wash brilliantly, on a high temperature, so the fact that its white, isn't a great problem.

The beautifully hand embroidered monogram on the sheet, decorates the front of the chair, just beneath the seat pad.

I happened to have this smaller monogram saved from another sheet, so I used it on one of the arms.

The slip-cover ties closed at the back of the chair - Easy for removal on wash-day. And I added a pretty floral eiderdown cotton frill to the bottom hemline.

I've been making a lot of changes in the room I'm using the chair (the fact that most of the walls in our home are painted various shades of white, means that its easy to move furniture around from one room to another without having to worry about a whole new decorating scheme.)

The seat pad on the chair is very firm (I don't think the chair has been used very much in the past.) - Yesterday I hit on the idea of using a very large feather filled cushion (it is probably one of the traditional French pillows) that I bought at an antiques fair once. It has a gorgeous patchwork of early C18th French fabrics as its cover and is lovely and squishy!

It fits perfectly on the chair and makes it even more comfy and cosy.

I'll be back at my shop tomorrow, so need to push myself into the routine again, but I have enjoyed the time away. There will be some changes at the shop over the next few weeks, but first I have to build a new display system that I have been working on.

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Niki x

A Look Back at 2011

2012-01-01T10:41:00.005Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - May 2012 be all that you hope for.

As is usual for me on my blog, (here is the one I posted last year) I have recorded some of the events of 2011 in this 'look-back' post...These take a while to put together, so I hope you will enjoy it...

JANUARY

Having room to breath, seems to be important every year, at this time.

My shop was 1 year old last January.

FEBRUARY

Sadly, the month my lovely Nan passed away.

Weaving a tale.

MARCH

Floral inspiration.

A typical week of buying, crafting and shop.

APRIL

A tour of my workroom.

Decorating, gardening and my shop were this months priorities.

MAY

A fantastic day at the Vintage Bazaar, Frome.

A Birthday treat to Stratford upon Avon.

JUNE

An 'average' week in summer.

My most photo-rich post ever, when my blog became 5 years old.

JULY
I became a Grandmother.

A fantastic visit to Trevoole Farm.

AUGUST

Family holiday to Fowey, Cornwall.

A story of my past.

Salvaging treasures.

SEPTEMBER

A welcome break in Tenby, Wales.

Feeding my passion for vintage/antique fabrics.

OCTOBER

Always shopping and making!

I labour of love - A pair of patchwork curtains that I created for our living room. (They may find themselves somewhere else though, in 2012...watch this space! ;-))

NOVEMBER

Hubby and I spent a lovely day down in Dorset, at Dairy House and Shaftesbury.

I made a change to our kitchen.

DECEMBER
A collection of angels for the Vintage & Handmade Fair.

And a family Christmas was enjoyed at The Stone House.

I'm looking forward to another year in my shop, meeting like-minded people and spending my days sewing and creating. I have also booked several fairs again this year and enjoy the challenge of crafting for these as well. I hope you will enjoy joining me at my blog from time to time throughout the year...And I thank you for your interest and for the time that you have spent with me here in the past.

My warmest wishes to you - Lets hope its a good year for all!

Niki xx

I Hope You Had Fun...

2011-12-28T13:48:00.001Z

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!
I was busy in the shop right up until the 23rd (mostly with men shopping for last minute gifts! ;-)) - So wasn't able to get round to all of the blogs that I wanted to, to wish the season's greetings, but I hope it was a good one for you all...

Ours was rather special...

As it was grand-baby's first Christmas. :)

And all my girls together for a lovely few days.

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Some wonderful gifts came my way...

Lots of them vintage :)

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And a quick funny story... My good friend bought me this tall hats stand (below)...She had picked it up at a flea market in Bath...The amusing thing is, that I sold it to a dealer who visits my shop...and I had actually made it myself a few months ago!! (I'd used a c1930's ash tray stand as the base and added a velvet top.) I have told my friend, who luckily sees the funny side, and so she's happy for me to try to sell it again! ;-))

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Our usual Boxing Day walk along the lanes next to our home.

And a family movie was enjoyed last night...

We finally got to see Hugo (not in 3D) - with the beautiful young Asa Butterfield playing the part of Hugo Cabret.
Images from PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND GK FILMS.

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I actually love this short time after Christmas. It feels like a clean slate and a bit of a breather. There's a long time ahead before I have to think about Christmas again, I'm able to spend some time away from work, to think more clearly and to make plans - I was given two books for Christmas by my Mum and Dad, which I've enjoyed looking through. One is Rachel Ashwell's latest book - I have always been a fan of Rachel's style and way of life. Even when her business, Shabby Chic, was on shaky ground, she was able to pick herself up, dust herself down, and start again with new stores and a new home.
I was also give the Where Women Create Book of Inspiration...which truly it is. My head is now spinning with ideas for our home and for the shop. Mostly I am struck by the 'less is more' message and I feel a need to simplify our home; and at the shop to re-focus on specialising more with the products I make and source...to make it more 'me'.

I think 2012 may prove to be a difficult one again, throughout the world. I may have to spend less time at my blog and more time developing my handmade products...With a more streamlined environment at home, with less distractions, I think this will help me to achieve this.
I can't wait to get started, so bye for now...I hope to be back here with a look back at my 2011 in the New Year.
Niki x

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T20:52:00.003Z

Wishing EVERYONE who visits my blog a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you for all of your visits and the comments left to my posts - I appreciate the time you have spent with me.

I hope that you and yours have a wonderful time over the festive break.

Keep warm, count your blessings, and have lots of fun!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours,
Niki x

I'll leave you with photos taken around our home over the last few days, whilst we've been preparing for the festivities...

And join me in song...

if you'd like to... ;-))

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)...

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,

Jack Frost nipping at your nose,

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,

Help to make the season bright.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way;

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.

And every mother's child is going to spy,

To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

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And so I'm offering this simple phrase,

To kids from one to ninety-two,

Although its been said many times, many ways,

Merry Christmas to you.

Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...)

2011-12-22T20:30:00.002Z

Packaged Delights.

2011-12-21T13:37:00.017Z

I bought this little selection of pamphlets and wholesale catalogues yesterday, which list goods supplied by Sharps and Peek Freans during the mid 1950's.

I know there are a lot of vintage tin collectors out there, so I thought some might be interested in seeing the special Christmas presentation editions...Perhaps you may recognise some from your own collections?...

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There's a few special festive novelties too, including boxes of crackers...

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And treat containers.

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My favourite tin for the season is this one made by The International Biscuit Co. I use it for storing mince pies of course! ;-))

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Whilst I'm here, I'd just like to mention a fabulous giveaway prize that I won from Cape Cod Washashore. It arrived for me yesterday and I had such fun opening the box, which had travelled across the ocean to my door. There were added surprises, such as a huge selection of the most beautiful little yoyo's (or Suffolk puffs as we generally call them in the UK.) I can't wait to start using them in some of my projects. Treasures indeed :)

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I'll be back very soon with my Christmas post for the season, hopefully including some photos of the decorations around our home for anyone free to stop-by.
Look after yourself,
Niki x

Door Decor

2011-12-19T17:18:00.007Z

Funds are tight for many of us this Christmas, but that doesn't mean that seasonal cheer has to be lacking. I made a wreath for our front door that cost me nothing, but which I had a lot of enjoyment making.

I created the wreath base from fallen silver birch twigs - Our garden has been littered with them since the recent high winds we had. I simply twisted and wound them around each other to create the circle.

I then harvested a few lengths of ivy (It grows like a weed everywhere along our garden's boundary) I also collected a few ivy berries and holly berries for colour.

These were all just pushed in to the twig base. I wanted it to have a simple country look, not too ostentatious, as I don't feel that would be appropriate for this year.

A wired ribbon that I'd saved from a gift was tied in a bow to complete the decoration.

Lots more to show you, but Blogger has messed up my post formatting, so I need to know this is going to upload, before I add more festive posts. (Is anyone else having problems with the old system on Google Chrome?)
Have a great week,
Niki x

Vintage Cutie

2011-12-16T17:11:00.006Z

Just a quick post this evening, as I wanted to show this little fairy doll that arrived for me at my shop today, bringing with her my friend Jill! ;-))

(The baubles in the background are some that I have been working on today - they need some German glass glitter sprinkled on them, so I'll show them on my other blog when they are complete.)

Back to fairy...Isn't she adorable?! Love those fabulous eyelashes!...And the turquoise tinsel... Just my colour.

Thank you Jill, I love her...

It was lovely to see you too, of course! ;-))

Have a peaceful evening,

And a great weekend, (Tree trimming, gift wrapping and mince pie baking for me.)

Niki x

The New John Lewis 2011 Christmas TV Advert - Amazing John Lewis Christm...

2011-12-15T20:19:00.007Z

Cute, but don't forget to clean your teeth before you go to bed, kids!

;-)

Niki x

Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful...

2011-12-14T17:00:00.019Z

With only three days before Christmas where I haven't got to be at work, heavy snow was not what I had wanted to see when I got up this morning...On the day I had planned to finish all of my Christmas shopping...

Thankfully it didn't fall for too long and snow soon turned to rain, so I wrapped up warm and set off...We haven't started the Christmas decorating at home yet (we traditionally wait until the end of the school term), so I thought I'd get the festive feel going on my blog, by adding a few photos of some of the pretty shop windows around Bath...

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Gift wrapping to cross off the list next! - Hope you are more organised than I am!

Keep Warm,

Niki x

Last 'Flea Finds' for 2011

2011-12-13T08:24:00.003Z

Sunday's foray to the flea market was fairly productive...

A wonderful selection of old wooden boxes, which I shall be fashioning into a display piece of furniture for the shop, as I have plans for changes there in 2012.

A pretty chocolate box print, probably from the 1930's.

Lovely lace and awesome antique hand stitched broderie anglais.

Handsome hand painted (and hand knitted!) items by the very talented Jennie.

Blinding bling for fairy folk...I'll be starting a new batch of girls in the New Year... Those diamanté and pearl Deco pieces below are crying out to be used as tiny tiaras!

Tempting trims to transform other handmade products into something special.

Millinery miniatures and (more) tatty trims to recycle.

Beautiful buttons to brighten up bags.

A cluster of clasps, which I can't wait to use for something unexpected... Watch this space ;-))

Postcards printed in ages past.

Tiny tin pots to re-purpose with a few trinkets and trims.

Victorian va-va-voom.

Velvet framed wall sconce with mercury mirrored back.

Delightful dwelling for little lodgers.

Floaty feathers and more crusty keys.

Tantalising tapestry to dress a one-of-a-kind rag doll.

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And for me...

I've been looking for a special single bed for a while now, to complete our spare bedroom. This fabulous French one will need a little work, but is just what I've been holding-out for.

And another tapestry treasure to dress an armchair I am working on.

A little worn in places, but still wonderful.

Thank you for visiting,

Keep warm,

Niki x

Three Little Maids...

2011-12-12T12:01:00.002Z

I've added 3 of my handmade rag dolls to my on-line shop today - I hope you will enjoy taking a look. My thanks to all who have made a purchase from my on-line shop and blogs recently.

Have a great week,

Niki x

Furniture, Fairies and Fuzzy Fabrics.

2011-12-10T08:20:00.004Z

The wintry weather finally seems to be upon us...which does make taking photographs a bit of a challenge....As you will see by the paint colour of this little drawer unit that I made-over this week, which changes shade in virtually every shot. I forgot to take a photo of how it started, but basically it wasn't very much different from this, just it had a uniform coat of pale cream emulsion.

I re-coated it in a warm almond colour, then distressed areas of wear. It then received a clear coat of furniture wax to protect it.

I added a dowel rod just under the drawer line, as I wanted to make little curtains for this section. I used an antique French fabric for these...

Simple, with a channel stitched along the top to thread the dowel into.

I also lined the inside of the drawers.

A pretty French/country cupboard in the shop this week!

A lovely old over-mantel mirror moved in too.

Luckily for me it already had its original cream paint finish, which I liked.

I've also been doll making this week...

Fallen Angel.

SOLD TODAY - THANK YOU!

'Twinkle'.

SOLD TODAY - THANK YOU!

And Gilded Angel.

I've made another of my rag dolls...

This is Ivy, in her festive colours.

I'M SOLD - THANK YOU!

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A puff patchwork bag made from vintage eiderdown cotton.

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And I've had lots of fun with vintage wool blanket fabric.

More greetings cards (with stockings and mittens that can be removed from the front of the cards and hung from the Christmas tree.)

I made a variation on the mittens too, with a Scandinavian look.

A hand-stitched woolly heart card...

And larger hanging hearts, filled with lavender and with an antique lace pocket...

To hold special messages...

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Keep warm! - Have a cosy weekend,

Niki x

Bath by Night II

2011-12-09T18:31:00.002Z

The German style Christmas market is once again trading in the centre of Bath. It is very popular with locals and tourists alike and can get extremely busy during the day. We made our usual late night shopping trip last night as a family. As we left home, it was pouring with rain and we wondered if we'd made a mistake in going at all...But it soon cleared up and we had a relatively quiet Bath to enjoy in all its festive finery.

The majority of the market surrounds the beautiful Abbey...(Market runs until this Sunday.)

Which looks particularly spectacular when floodlit for the season.

Our youngest bought one of the hand knitted rose topped hats for a certain teeny-tiny person we know. (Its such fun buying for a baby again...spoilt?!..Maybe just a little... ;-))

The dynamics of Bath have shifted a little recently, mainly due I would say to the relatively recent opening of the Southgate Shopping Centre at the lower end of the city. It is clear that some once flourishing areas of Bath are now struggling, such as The Podium, which shows in empty shop units, or temporary businesses filling the spaces.

But mostly, Bath remains a lovely city with plenty to offer. Perfect to explore day or night.

A selection of shop displays...

Hope you enjoyed the trip too!

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Mollie Makes

2011-12-07T13:46:00.006Z

Whilst out Christmas shopping the other day, I grabbed a copy of Mollie Makes magazine on my way home...Laden with several bags of shopping, I was unable to flick through it before I bought it, but I thought it was going to be just my cup of tea...

I have to be honest and say that it wasn't...When I sat down in the evening to enjoy it, I turned the pages one-by-one rather quickly and found nothing that really inspired me, even if I were to substitute antique fabrics and materials for mostly the modern ones featured in the articles and ideas...

Its quite an expensive magazine (comes with a free calendar for 2012), and knowing that there are Mollie Makes fans out there, I would like to offer it to the first person to request it. I will post it off to you after receiving your address details. Either leave a comment here on my blog, or email me directly via my blog's profile, and I will get back to you.

UPDATE: My copy of Mollie Makes has now found a new home on the other side of the world! Thank you for your interest, Niki x

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Yesterday I had to take the stock that didn't sell at the V&H Fair, back to my shop. I sold the painted ladder, as seen in my previous post, first thing, so I created another display outside.

I also wanted to get the festive look going in all of my shop's windows.

I bought this little twiggy tree last Sunday. I placed it in an old weathered terracotta pot and dressed the top with moss pulled from out of our lawn!

I then added items as I unpacked them throughout the day.

This sweet little Victorian velvet frame had a seasonal vintage postcard added to it.

And two dolls joined the scene later too.

A few other new items found there way onto the shelves, including these handmade felt tilt hats - So cute!

To finish, I'd just like to thank Susy for the post she added to her blog this week, all about my little shop - Thank you again Susy, it was very kind of you!

Thanks for dropping-in...

Hope you're having a great week.

Niki x

The Weekend...

2011-12-05T16:44:00.012Z

'Twas a busy one...!

I stayed open late in my shop on Friday evening for the town's Christmas event...

My shop was suitably dressed before the crowds arrived...

Including lots to tempt inside as well...

With everyone assembled on the Market Place, all enjoying mince-pies and mulled cider, the countdown for the turning on of the Christmas tree lights began...

The switch was flicked by the carnival queen and the evening continued with carols and bell ringing.

When the crowds had dispersed, I then had to start loading up my car with some of the items from my shop, to take to the V&H fair the following morning.

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An early start the next day and I arrived to find a larger pitch than I was expecting upstairs in the Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

I set about dressing my table in anticipation of the busy day...

I used the fabulous tablecloth that was given to me by Susanna last year.

I was set up and ready quite quickly, so I had a quick flit around the hall, and downstairs before the doors were opened...

This was my neighbours stall with her beautifully covered lampshades.

Tea and cakes, courtesy of the local WI.

Jo was ready and waiting in the foyer.

And Louise had added the last finishing touch to her stall at the front of the main hall. Most of the other stall holders were still setting up, so keen not to get in their way, I headed back upstairs.

The sun had started to pour in through the large windows and so to try and shield my stall a little, I hung my three large angels from the window catches.

The doors opened to the public at 10am sharp and I'm glad to say that many did venture upstairs. It then hit me how tired I was and I'm still aware that I wasn't totally myself...I was saying some rather strange things at one point, as I just couldn't concentrate...But everyone who stopped for a chat was very supportive and kind. Thank you!

Several people suggested that I should put the prices up on some of my hand made products (particularly my dolls)...Which I have to say was very refreshing, as its usual in this line of business to have people haggling on price (even when an already reasonable price is being asked! ;-))

The sun streamed through the windows and during the day several ladies had to put on their sunglasses in order to see what was on my table! Marvellous December weather - what a treat!

There is a fab photo on Hen's lovely blog, which shows the true colour of my stall far better! Here.

Thank you again to all who came up the stairs to visit my stall, made a purchase, or offered your words of support. It meant so much - I look forward to the next event in February! :) - Thanks to Jayne and Michele for all of your organisation. x

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Sunday I was up again scouting at my local flea market, but sadly didn't find many treasures. Thankfully I have a couple of furniture makeovers to finish this week, so the shop won't be empty!

;-))

Have a great week,

Niki x

Sing Choirs of Angels.....

2011-12-02T08:27:00.001Z

I'm quickly posting this morning, as I may not have time this evening, as I am staying late at the shop...then there will be the packing of the car when I get home...I may not have time to pop back here...

I've been revisiting one of my old rag doll designs over the last few weeks...

Many years ago I used to make these 'hippy angels' with a friend, which we used to sell at a gallery around Christmas time. Here they are photographed hanging from the tree that I mentioned on my kitchen post, which was part of our daughter's fairyland playroom.

Apologies for the quality of these photos - these are 'pre-digi'! I took my inspiration from this selection of angel dolls, but have adapted them to the style I prefer today...

I've come up with this host of girls...5 in all.

I think they make a beautiful decoration for Christmastime...

But can also be suspended above a bed for the rest of the year.

Each one wears an antique baby gown, which I adapted to fit.

And their wings are adorned with tiny sparkling trinkets and treasures.

Let me introduce you...

This is Angelica in an off-white cotton gown.

Tiny Holly in a muslin baby dress.

Evangeline with diamanté trims.

Little Joy in a sweet ruffled dress.

And finally Faith in a crisp pure white baby nightgown.

All will be winging their way to Chipping Sodbury for the Christmas Fair tomorrow!

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Next is my collection of dainty fairy folk, all dressed in antique/vintage fabrics and trims:

Pearly Queen

Dancing Queen

Rose Tinted Fairy

Festive Fairy

Snow Queen

Fairy Queen

Gilded Angel

Fallen Angel

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3 of my large rag dolls are waiting for the journey...

Lydia

Lacey

and Blossom.

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And 3 medium sized rag dolls.

Lavender

Eve

And Lucia.

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I will be taking lots of other smaller stocking-filler gifts for my stand too, which is upstairs this time - I know I've mentioned that before, but I don't want to be forgotten about! :( - Hope to see you there - the line-up of stallholders looks fabulous! Thanks to Jayne and Michele for organising this event again! I'm really looking forward to it...I'm hoping to do a bit of shopping myself! ;-))

Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you have planned.

Niki x

Checking Up!

2011-12-01T17:18:00.001Z

Yesterday I was able to tick quite a few projects from my 'to do' list...

I ventured briefly into my garden to pick some lengths of ivy and bay leaves for a display I wanted to put together at my shop today...More of that later...

Whilst I was there, I picked this rose which was happily flowering in the border...but I think frost is finally on its way, so I thought it would be safer inside :)

Then it was down to business...

I've collected a few pairs of vintage shoe stretchers over the last few weeks, which I've wanted to give a makeover to...(I've always loved decorating these old friends :) - (Here too!)

This time I used a pale pink velvet ribbon for the metal sections and assorted antique lace for the wooden pieces.

These will be on my stall at the V&H Fair.

This dresser was actually given to me by a lovely couple who visit my shop whenever they are staying in Shepton Mallet. They have always been very supportive of my small business and I feel very lucky to know them. Its not a particularly old dresser, in fact it is made from MDF, but as it had been previously painted, I thought a fresh coat would smarten it up and give it a more country feel.

I used toasted almond emulsion paint, by Crown, and gave the whole piece two generous coats. (I actually started this last Sunday.)

Whilst the second coat was drying, I covered the shelves in a cheerful gingham fabric and made a pair of curtains to fit into the door panels.

When completely dry, I set about adding a coat of tinted wax to protect the paintwork and give a more rustic look.

Lots of buffing then followed!

The shelves were put back...

And I fitted the curtains onto tension wires.

It was delivered to the shop this morning...

And dressed with suitable accessories.

I've also recently covered another set of drawers, this time using a rare antique French fabric.

(Also coming to the V&H fair - I'm going for a red and cream theme to my stall this time.)

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This corner shelf unit had been in my shop in its plain pine finish for a few weeks, with little interest, so I decided to paint that as well.

It now has a distressed look, which I hope will be more appealing.

Another simple make-over was this little stool. I liked the original gloss paint on the legs, but was less impressed by the 1980's fabric on the top!

So using more of the red and cream check upholstery-weight fabric, I went for a simple country look.

Here's my 'blog profile dolly' looking very happy with the re-do's! :)

And the greenery that I mentioned at the beginning of this post...

I used it to decorate an old painted ladder that I've just bought. I placed glass cream jugs on the steps, each with a tea light inside. I shall light these tomorrow evening, when its late night Christmas shopping in Shepton Mallet.

Have a lovely evening - I hope to be back on my blog tomorrow with a post showing all the dolls and fairies that I have made for the V&H Christmas Fair which takes place on Saturday.

Niki x

Brown Paper Packages Tied up with String...

2011-11-30T09:54:00.002Z

What a surprise I had yesterday when Postie brought in a parcel to my shop for me to sign for. I wasn't expecting anything...

Inside the package was something lightweight and squishy, wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. The sweet little Christmas card said it had been sent by Krissie.

And inside? Oh, my!

This gorgeous handmade boudoir pillow, made from exquisite antique French fabric - I'm not sure how Krissie could bare to part with it! (And I'm certainly not sure what I've done to deserve such a beautiful gift, lavished with such skill and love!)

I am amazed that someone I have never met would know me so well and send such a treasure.

Thank you again Krissie. x

I have placed the little pillow on a painted French chair in our master bedroom. Krissie wrote a lovely post all about her latest creations here.

Have a lovely day everyone!

I have a day of painting and crafting ahead of me as I put the last finishing touches to the items I shall be taking with me to the V&H Fair on Saturday.

And you may have noticed in the first photo of this post, that the Christmas tree has been put up on the Market Place - I shall be open later on Friday when the tree's fairly lights will be switched on by the Carnival Queen and there will be a few festive treats going on in the town.

Niki x

Daytime TV?!!

2011-11-28T20:07:00.007Z

Now I'm not usually a daytime TV viewer (not much of a TV viewer full-stop), besides, I'm usually at work during the day, but today, whilst babysitting the littlest member of our family, I sat down to give her a bottle and switched on the box...

I discovered this fun programme called 'May the Best House Win'. I think many of us love visiting the blogs which show areas of their owners homes...so I thought perhaps this show might be of interest to some, purely as a guilty pleasure, you understand?! ;-))

I particularly loved Christine's cottage. Her artistic style shone through, throughout her pretty home and her handmade touches were everywhere. It didn't seem to go down particularly well with her house-guests and fellow competitors, but I for one loved that her home reflected so much of her personality.

If you'd like to visit, the episode can be found here for the next 30 days - you may need to click on 'Part Two' for Christine's cottage. (For copyright reasons, the programme is only available to UK viewers.)

Niki x

That was the Week That Was...

2011-11-27T16:15:00.002Z

Last week was a busy one...

Our youngest daughter turned 18...I'm now adjusting to the fact that all my children are officially adults...

But my daughter did announce to me on Thursday, "It's OK Mum, I don't intend to be an adult until I'm 21, like they did in the old days!"

I guess she'll be wanting me to do her laundry etc for another few years yet then?! ;-))

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Her Birthday celebrations were all a bit of a rush, as we had to get her back to school (an 18 mile round trip) each evening for her to perform in the school cabaret, which ended at 10.30pm each night...I don't know how she managed to keep going...

She was a compare...

Was in several comedy sketches..

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And is a member of the girl's choir.

This was the finale where they performed several songs from Grease.

Saturday evening we took her into Bath for a meal with her friends to celebrate her 18th and the end of the cabaret.

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Whilst home life has been full throttle, I've also been busy in the shop making things and keeping the festive feel going.

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I've made some Christmas tree decorations from the old keys that I showed on my previous post.

And there's some more made from dusky pink chandelier drops.

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I've made a new collection of brooch pillows too.

My doll making has also been at full production and I have a big line-up to show you when they are all complete. These I am saving for the Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair next Saturday. I shall be upstairs near to the tea rooms this time - Hope to see you there if you can make it. I shall give a preview of the dolls that will be coming with me later in the week. I also have a new design to reveal too! ;-))

Have a great week,

Niki x