Friday, April 11, 2008

The Kindness of 'Strangers'.

I received a wonderful parcel the other day from one of my website customers in Italy. It was totally unexpected and I was so surprised - Monica had ordered several items from my on-line shop which I had sent out to her - the last thing I expected was a present in return!!
Monica hand painted the china plate with pretty flowers. And the Italian copy of 'Little Women' was printed the year that I was born - so it's VERY old! Lol! Love the pictures! Thank you so much Monica, you are such a kind girl!
I've also been shopping. I couldn't resist this beautifully embellished purse, made by Lilla, which was for sale in her etsy shop.
It has a wonderfully nostalgic look to it, which I just love.
And inside the parcel was another surprise. Lilla had included a kit to make one of her hand painted dolls.
Well I set to work on this little project one evening and here is the result. I added a few extra flowers and things and have stood her up on a vintage reel of thread.
I also went shopping at Louise's wonderful etsy shop too. She has been creating some beautiful vintage inspired collages just recently and so I needed to treat myself to one of her artworks! Thank you Louise - I love this.
The musical collage has a very special story behind it, which was Louise's inspiration and one that I found so charming.
I am going to hang it in my new workroom when the decorating is done, so that I can look at it every day....
And talking of the workroom.......the building work is virtually complete! There will be a lot of painting and decorating ahead for me, but this weekend I have my sister-in-law coming to stay....so some trips out and some time-off are what's planned for now.

Have a lovely weekend, whatever you get up to!
Niki x

18 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:52 pm

    What beautiful things Niki and what a lovely surprise for you. The completed doll looks beautiful and your workroom has come on so fast. Have a lovely, relaxing weekend. Jackie Mx

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  2. What a lovely surprise you received! And the posies on the plate are beautiful!

    So it was YOU who purchased that pouch from Lilla! I had favorited that one on etsy! lol I saw it had sold, so I purchased a different one and have the pictures ready to show on my blog, too -- Lilla was my swap partner, and I am taking photos of my treats from her and will post it all soon. How ironic, Niki! =)

    I am pleased you like the collage. One day I will make one for myself and include the photo of our family's pianist! =)

    Hugs and happy weekend to you!

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  3. Anonymous3:39 pm

    Oh, Niki, what a beautiful surprise!!!! You've posted about me on your blog!!! This was completely unespected!! Thank you so much!! :)

    I'm happy you've liked my little gift- you've been so kind and your gorgeous things have made my home beautiful!.. I HAD to thank you!!!

    The purse is so pretty- and the doll too!-, and the charming collage will add a further touch of "vintage" to your new studio (... can we call it a studio, now??!!??). I'm looking forward to seeing it decorated by your talented hands!

    Have a great week- end, and
    Thank you again,

    Monica xox.

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  4. What beautiful pressies Niki! I love Louise's work and am always admiring them. Love the bag too. And as for the builders, wow, how fast was that! Have a good weekend
    Kimx

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  5. Niki, what a sweet surprise you got in the mail, the plate is so lovely and your purchases from the girls on etsy are just gorgeous...both have a wonderful vintage look and feel!

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  6. Anonymous5:20 pm

    Can't believe the room is ready for decoration, you must have some wonderful contactors! Lovely purchases and surprises.
    Carolyn
    http://willowhouse.typepad.com

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  7. Ooohhh what wonderful treasures you have received Niki! How sweet is that of your customer to send you such pretties. I adore Lilla's work sooo much! I didn't know of her until she signed up for my swap and then I got to see her amazing talent. And Louise is just one of my very favorites! She is so talented with all different mediums.

    Love this post! xo Heather

    ps- your box has been mailed and is on its long journey to your stone house! ;)

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  8. Your workroom is going to be wonderful and I love that musical collage. I play the piano so I think it is just so sweet!
    Sarah
    http://vintagelily.typepad.com/my_weblog/

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  9. What Beautiful treasures!
    Sandra Evertson

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  10. Such a great gift, and as a surprise even better!:)
    Love the workroom, can't wait to see what you will do with it. Hope you have a great weekend with your company.
    xo Lidy

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  11. wow Niki, your workroom is looking fantastic!! Bet you cant wait to get started down there. I have a workroom downstairs too but my problem is with the heating, it just gets so cold down there! will have to sort that out now its heading into winter.
    Alicia ~ time worn style

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  12. You are going to enjoy your new room so much! I can't wait to see it when it's all done and decorated!

    :0) Sharon

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  13. What lovely prezzies. Aren't some people just so kind.

    The workroom looks amazing. Having seen in as it used to be I can appreciate how much work has gone into the project. Looking forward to seeing how you will transform it into your own space.

    Sue x

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  14. What lovely items you've received.
    Thanks for the links to those wonderful shops!

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  15. Hello Niki,
    I can't wait to see what you do with your wonderful new work room. I love all the nice surprises you received in the mail, they are so beautiful Pinkie Denise

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  16. Anonymous12:13 am

    love your work room - i am so excited for you =) can't wait to see how you finish it off. i'm sure it will look LOVELY! debbie

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  17. I'm dying over that bag! So funny ...you and Louise...and me I guess surely have similar tastes! I have to go view Lilla's shop...

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  18. Love, love your workroom!!!
    You do live in an amazing place.
    Rosemary

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx