My Own Worst Critic!

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has entered my Blogoversary giveaway so far...you have until Friday to leave a comment. I'll keep things fair by using a random number generator to find the winner, to give all who enter an equal chance :) Good Luck!

I am very grateful for your visits to my blog - those who come by regularly will know that I am not generally a negative person, in fact I would prefer not to post on a 'down-day'. I suspect you also realise that I'm not particularly good at, or including, anything too personal on my blog too; but today I thought I'd wear my heart on my sleeve...just for a change...to see how it goes...

Hubby and I have been working very hard recently on various projects in our back garden. Our garden isn't a 'pottering' sort of garden, but more of the 'hack and slay' kind! Constant taming of mature shrubs and trees and regular repairs to the old stone walls and general maintenance of the borders are what's required. This has meant that we haven't been out on one of our little local jaunts for a couple of months now...and I missing them. I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm suffering. Cabin-fever is a little way off yet ;-)) But I guess I could do with a break really...

I am a 'doer', rarely procrastinate and like to see a job through to the end...But just recently I've been feeling like I'm getting nowhere fast...sorry, I'm getting a bit heavy here - not like me at all to give too much away...and I certainly don't want sympathy, as my life is very good, thank you! In fact, I was reading my recently delivered copy of Somerset Life in bed last night and inside was an article written by Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon, who was saying that she lives by the quote 'If life doesn't get any better than this, I am happy'. She went on to say that 'if life doesn't get any better than it is right now, it is great; I choose to be happy. I want to be happy. When I am happy, people around me are happy.'

Such wise words Tiffany, I couldn't agree with you more and I think that even if this positive attitude isn't one that has been instilled at childhood, it is one that can be learnt and will be discovered with age...'older and wiser', as the saying goes...

In the past I have been extremely self-critical, consequently I lacked confidence. I would become cross with myself when I didn't achieve all that I set out to, and would not allow myself time-out to relax, which obviously led to some bad days...Friends were sympathetic, for which I will always be grateful, but taking time to find the happy-place first time round is a better way of existing, I think.

Working from home means I lead a fairly solitary lifestyle, so being in a happy frame of mind will reflect in my work. I used to think that I should be creating 24/7, but now know that its OK to take a tea break, or take a bit longer making one of my dolls, for instance, if the end result is going to echo the effort involved. The pressure I put on myself to constantly have my web-shop refreshed and restocked was unhealthy. Yes, I need to earn a regular wage, but reaching a balance is important too.

Part of the reason for my setting up the secondary blog was to serve as a reminder to me as to how hard I have worked over the years, and to see the proof of all my hours of sewing.
The listing of each item for my on-line shop is what takes a large proportion of my time, along with answering emails, packing parcels and dispatching them - after a large update, it can be a week before I have a moment to start sewing again, and then when goods are created, there's the listing...yes, that is the nature of selling on-line and I guess you'd say I've made that choice and, of course, am very lucky to be making some sales.

However, I did enjoy making for the V&H fair recently. The fact that I could take my time to make each piece and then carefully pack it away for the future fair was refreshing. Of course less was added to my on-line shop during this time, but I was able to tell myself that something has to give now and then! Something friends have been trying to tell me for years - Thankfully, I've got it now guys! ;-))

Right, I'm not about to become a lazy-lass and skive at every opportunity! But I have booked the next V&H fair in November and although that sounds a long way off just now, stock doesn't make itself. I would like to have a good range of items to take to the fair , as well as to work on some special Christmas pieces. Please forgive if I don't restock my on-line shop quite so regularly. I do receive quite a few emails asking when I shall be adding new dolls to my shop - I am thrilled by your interest and will endeavour to do so as often as I can...juggling it with the gardening and running the home! (School hols coming up soon too! ;-))

So, if you're still with me and haven't left because I've bored you rigid! - to continue with the rosey pictures... I shall share with you what I achieved over the weekend.
Now I'm sure you all recognise this wallpaper design below, and don't need me to tell you where you can buy something similar! In my opinion, this lovely lady receives too much free advertising on Blogger as it is! ;-))

Don't get me wrong, I admire all that she has achieved, its just that I will always prefer to buy authentic vintage goods whenever possible, rather than repro. In fact, I did try wallpapering a bedroom wall once with vintage paper, but it was so brittle, it kept cracking and breaking....it was a pretty hideous job and I had to have a rethink!

So I think this pretty repro paper was a wise choice! Having said that, it is at least 5 years old(?) already...this cream version was discontinued some time ago and I was able to snap up several rolls for £5 each! They've languished in the attic all that time, as when I suggested to my daughters that they have a pretty feature wall in their bedrooms, they turned up their noses!

Well, our back hallway has been looking in a very sorry state for a couple of years, if I'm being honest, so the weekend was the time for action. I rootled around in the cellar and found half a tin of white emulsion paint which was perfect for the ceiling. Then I found the cream satin that I had used to paint two of our kitchen chairs a few weeks ago...

Just enough for the skirting boards and architraves. There are 5 doors in this tiny space, which is a lot of architraves! Once all the painting was complete, I could tackle the wallpapering. It took me all day, but I'm very pleased with the final result and all for a bargain price.

Looks pretty from the kitchen too, echoing the red and cream scheme in here.

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The pine pantry door has always had this funny little hole in it. When we first moved in, it had a fine mesh stretched over to stop flies getting in, but that meant you could see into the pantry. Not good when it wasn't tidy! So I replaced it with a section of chicken wire, which I have now backed in a piece of vintage fabric.

A pretty rose fabric, naturally ;-))

Thankfully the old lampshade looked fine once re-hung again, so that saved me another job.

The final task that does need doing though, is to sand and re-varnish the old back door.

Having such a busy pattered space does mean that additional accessories aren't required - I think a floral framed print, for example, would be lost. So it will be nice to keep this area clutter-free.

And when I stand in the corner of our back living room and look first left, and then right...
...where we have the white version of the rose wallpaper, the effect is cohesive and calming.

Of course a weekend spent wallpapering on the spur of the moment, did mean that one on-going project at the end of the garden has been a little neglected...and there I was saying about seeing a job through to the end?...I'll get right on it!

Hope you're having a lovely week,

Niki x

3 TODAY! And a Giveaway!

During the summer of 2006, 3 years ago today to be precise, I wrote my very first blog post. It's been a wonderful three years and I have enjoyed the rewards that come with being a part of this supportive community.

I would like to thank all of those who have visited my blog over these 3 years and also all those who have found the time to leave a comment to a post, or to send me a personal email.

These are for you!

And why not help yourself to a cupcake too?! After all, we are celebrating, aren't we?....

It would be nice to make a wish as well, I think...I know I'd wish for more time to read all the lovely blogs that have been set up by so many creative and inspirational women over this time. There are many wonderful places to visit in this cyberworld...but so little time to make contact. I seem to be busier than ever these days...and my rag dolls don't make themselves! (Plus I have a second blog to keep maintained now you know! ;-))

Anyway, a 3rd Blogoversay seems like a good day to show a pressie that I received this week. It was my prize from Kelly's photography competition...and was I spoilt? Yes, indeedy!

Flower magnets and vintage lace, a citronella candle and tissue wrapped surprises...

A 'Victoria' magazine, a handmade vintage fabric bag and a charming French plaque.

A selection of loveliness which has arrived just in time to add to the decorations in our summer house. Yes, the painting is finally all complete and I can start playing house! I'll reveal all here when I've had my fun! ;-))

In the mean time, I hope that you will enter my Birthday Giveaway. It is open to bloggers and non-bloggers, from the UK or overseas. (Please be aware, if you are the winner, I will need to email and confirm a delivery address for your prize)

All you need to do is to say 'hello' via my comments below and you will have entered!

I shall use a random number generator to pick a winner on the 3rd of July - that gives you one week to tell your friends to join in too!
And the prize? - This selection of vintage goodness!

It includes a hand knitted tea cosy in soft yarn, a rose calendar from 1931, a vintage rose corsage, one of my hand made pincushions - made using antique fabrics, a Victorian china vase, a pretty postcard, diamante necklace, a reel of rayon thread and a card of linen buttons. Hope it appeals!

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

My Giveaway is now closed, 03/07/09 at 115 comments - thanks to all who entered and congratulations to Isabel of Maison Douce!

Down My Garden Path...

That should read: 'Down My Newly-Laid-by-a-Hard-Working-Hubby Garden Path'!

Hope you're having a great week...mine has been busy, but pretty uneventful...just the usual things...with me travelling about as far as the post office in the next village...and no further...

This afternoon I needed to do a spot of gardening...the composting wheelie bin was filled once more...and I saved what I could for winter kindling...

My new (old) chimney pot found its home in the border...This is an area I cleared a short while ago, where a large rosemary bush became too large and woody, so was removed. I planted two new climbing roses that my brother bought for my Birthday, which I'll train over the arch. And I intend to plant lots more flowers in the gaps - I don't 'do' gaps!

The penstemon at the base of the chimney pot came from the flea market last Sunday - forgot to mention it on my previous post as I had sat it outside to sun itself!

I'd eventually like both sides of the path to look a bit like this - wild and woolly - I 'do' wild and woolly!

With old favourites seeding themselves where they please.

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Yes, definitely needs some seeds sprinkled on the right hand side of the path, at the base of my chimney pot...and there's something hiding in the top right of the photo below...but that can wait for another post... ;-)) Yes, the newly laid path does lead somewhere!

(My favourite rambling rose 'blush noisette' which is growing in virtually no soil at the base of an old apple tree - on the other side of our garden.)

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So, not a very exciting post - just sharing a few minutes of my day...I will make a small announcement tomorrow...

but don't get too excited! ;-))

Niki x

Yes, MORE Flea Finds to Report!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

I won't bore you with my Saturday antics, as it was basically a day of catching up with housework and a spot of painting...walls, that is....not the clever artistic stuff!

Sunday however, was a lot more fun. The regular flea market beckoned and after a long time queuing to get in, I started rummaging amongst the vintage and antique treasures on the outside stands. I have a mixed bag of goodies to show you - it really was vast this month and almost too many stalls to get round properly in one day...but I think my friend and I actually visited every stall. (Well, we were there for 9.30am opening and left bang on 4pm as everyone was packing away! - VERY tiring!)

The lovely apple green in the background is a length of soft vintage velvet. There were so many pretty brooches this time, I could have bought hundreds (if funds allowed). In the end I had to stop looking through them, as it is so time consuming, checking for missing stones or faulty pin backs etc. I'm pleased with this small selection of sparkles though. And the crown pins and cap badges are destined to be pinned to the chests of some patriotic dolls I have begun working on.

Chocolate boxy country cottage postcards a plenty...I think some of these deserve to be framed.

Ticking cottons will be fashioned into doll's bloomers! And checks, rosey prints and patchwork scraps await recycling.

Do you see the 'pretty boy' hiding amongst the roses on this 20's fabric?

A whole roll of palest pink Swiss velvet ribbon, aptly named 'vieux-rose'.

c1930's plates, ideal for my soap gift sets and a dainty rose topped barbola mirror.

A hand crocheted cot blanket in delicate pastel tones.

And a large flu-cover featuring a romantic Greek couple in a garden.

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I found a whole set of 6 of these unusual antique French coffee cups and saucers. They have been hand painted in Florence, on fine porcelain with trailing roses and a green lustre finish. The amazing interiors are lined in rich gilding.

One has been carefully repaired sometime in its lifetime using metal staples. This was obviously a much-loved set in its day, to have been given this treatment so as to keep the set complete - I love that about it - not a fault at all...

More roses appear on a selection of English Victorian china pieces.

My favourites are this pair of bud vases with blushed matt glaze over their surface.

They've found a home already on top of my dresser.

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I was also pleased to find this book entitled 'Really Rural, Authentic French Country Interiors' by Marie-France Boyer, which was published in 1997. For some reason, this book escaped me at the time, but I am so glad to have discovered it now.

Throughout the book the photographs reveal the authentic interiors of some of the poorer, elderly people of France. Their homes are very simple, containing only those items which are actually needed from day to day...

Utilitarian textiles.

Everyday stoneware and porcelain, much of which is very sort after at flea markets today, by those looking to create a somewhat pastiche reflection of rural France in their homes...me included.

This home, high up in the Hautes-Alps contains a mishmash of objects special to Augustine.

The stove, fuelled by wood, gas or coal, is the heart of rural family life.

I'm looking forward to sitting down and reading this book, which is a far cry from the contrived interior books that I normally purchase - it should be a breath of fresh air and hopefully will put a few things in perspective.

Continuing with my purchases from the flea market: This huge haul of red and white china, which I'm guessing was someones collection over several years, had an auction lot number on when I found it. They're already mis-matched, which suits our style, and we'll use them everyday.

I gave them all a good wash (we don't have one of those machines that does it for you ;-))

I counted 39 pieces. For £10, that's not bad...

I rejigged the kitchen shelves and they've found a home in the alcove, making them easily accessible for everyday use.

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A little tweaking here and there...

And I think they look very much at home...

Yes, in my totally contrived pastiche of a rural French home!! (Including a microwave!)

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After running errands all day today, I stopped this evening to give a quick makeover to the little bamboo table that I mentioned I purchased recently. I managed to prise-off the bamboo strips from the edges of the table top. I was then able to simply staple some oilcloth over the top, securing underneath. The bamboo strips were then hammered back on to give a neat finish.

I used a lovely apple green oilcloth by Moda fabrics, which I was able to buy in my local haberdashery shop.

Finally, I was thrilled to discover that I had won a photography competition on Saturday, organised by Kelly on her blog. I included my favourite anemone tin that I purchased from her website a few years ago, along with various red and blue pieces of china.

Thank you Kelly - I can't wait for the lovely prize to arrive! And congratulations too, to Julie and Alexandra.

I have a busy week ahead with lots of family stuff going on, more painting to try and fit in, as well as sewing to get down to. Hope you all have a lovely week,

Niki x

Father's Day

'Happy Father's Day to Daddies everywhere!'

Niki x

Far Too Handy!

When I have one of my website parcels ready for dispatch, I have to take it to the Post Office in a neighbouring village, since the one in our village closed down a few years ago. I have to get into my little car and make the 4 mile trip along the road. When the parcel has been dealt with, I need to turn my car around to come back home...its a busy little road and so it sometimes involves me having to go quite a way up the road to do so safely. No...really it does...and then what do I spy just as I'm about to do the U turn? (Do you get the feeling I do this on purpose?! teehee)

You see, my friend owns a tantalising little shop with this very seductive sign outside...

And I just know that inside she will have found more treasures to tempt me. For a tiny shop, she has a very fast turn-over of stock and I know for a fact that there will be something new (read old!) requiring my consideration, every time I visit! ;-))

Anne and her small business featured on my blog in 2006 - I am a big fan of her simple lifestyle and the choices that she makes for her happiness. She's always very welcoming and offers her treasures to me at a very good price! In fact I would say that at least 50% of the furniture in our home has come from Anne's shop over the years.

Well today was one of those days when I needed to be at the Post Office once more...now if you were me, what would you do, knowing this Aladdin's cave was just another two minutes further up the road?! ;-))

Sorry...just couldn't help myself...

It's very rough and ready inside, and I'm always slightly worried that the ceiling could come down at any moment...but then the walls have been standing since 1777, so I think I'm probably safe for another few years yet...

Anne either strips, waxes or polishes old furniture back to its former glory. Or she will give pieces her own unique paint finish, often adding hand painted flowers and doodles to cupboard panels and drawer fronts.

Occasionally too, things will be left as she has discovered them, with layers of peeling paint and attractive scabby bits! - Like this wonderful old panelled cupboard (which sadly I don't have space for! Believe me; I racked my brains thinking where it could be accommodated!)

There is usually a choice of several country style dressers...

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And dressing tables, chests of drawers, cupboards and chairs.

But what did I find on today's visit, I hear you ask?!

Well, did you spot the old chimney pot in the photos above? A handing over of a £10 note and it was mine! (Roll over garden centres!) - I make that around £2 per foot! This is a tall beasty(!) and will look gorgeous filled with trailing summer flowers in a week or two...You should have seen Anne and I grappling with it, trying to lift it into the back of my car! Where there's a will...

The little bamboo table was also £10 (roll over IKEA! ;-)) and is going to live in the summer house when I've added a panel of fabric to its top. Perfect for resting a cup of tea on, with my gardening books stored on the shelf beneath.

The drawer/divided shelf thingy behind the table will be painted, and I'll line each of the cubicles with vintage wallpaper. The unusual little ornate cabinet will also receive a make-over; don't let its looks fool you - its not solid mahogany, more like stained plywood, but a paint job will have it looking very 'Frenchy', I think.

I'll leave you with one of my most favourite 'Anne bargains' - our dressing table, which was one of the first items I bought from her around 12 years ago. Now-a-days, my purchases are of a smaller size, as I just haven't the room left for the large chunks of furniture, but each purchase does 'speak' to me. I love the sense of history each piece possesses; the aura old furniture offers a home and the unique touch each carefully selected item adds to its surroundings.

You can't beat junk shop shopping, can you? - That sense of recycling, the thrill of finding a treasure, and the comfort of handing over of a reasonable sum for something fabulous.

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

My New Blog

I have decided to set up another blog dedicated to my handmade items. It is purely to act as an archive of past work. I try my hardest to keep each of my dolls as unique as possible, so that my customers know that they are buying into a one-of-a-kind product.

At the moment the new blog is a work in progress and will alter and develop over time. I have added several posts of past dolls so far, but have many more to add. My photo files on my PC are in a bit of a muddle, so to have some organisation on my other blog will be of great benefit to me!

I also intend to add past projects and other handmade items as time allows.

I have switched-off the comment option on the other blog - there really is no need for you to leave a record of your visit, (we are all busy girls, right?!) But I hope that you will enjoy looking through the selection so far...some of the photos date back to the 90's, so its been fun for me looking back (and trying to find them in my files! ;-))

Perhaps you'll recognise friends who have come to live with you...

My new blog can be found here and I shall also add a button on my side bar this morning.

Have a lovely day,

Niki x

A Rainbow of Flea Finds!

Violet,

Indigo,

Blue,


And Green,

Yellow,

Orange,

And Red!

A rainbow of flea finds from my photo archives!

Niki x

A Weekend of Fabrics & Flowers...

After a rather busy week last week, I was looking forward to the weekend and a little R&R...

But the garden had other ideas...

A full wheelie bin and three garden sacks later...

It was looking a bit tidier again.

Well, if you like the kind of wild look, which I do ;-))

(Not quite sure why this hollyhock has such enormous leaves this year! Just hope the flowers will be whoppers too!)

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Then it was onto the back garden...

I cut the grass and filled up all the bird baths and the barrel - a constant job when you keep chickens!

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A general tying in of plants...

And a few minutes to admire natures bounty...

and to bring a few indoors too.

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I took myself off into Bath on Sunday morning for the Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair in the Assembly Rooms.

I'd just been inside the doors for two minutes when Lizzie (owner of the stand below) said to me, 'Oh, you must come and have a look at this...'

Well I couldn't help myself...this little cutie was coming home with me! Thanks again Lizzie for scouting-out this one, she's adorable!

Then it was 'business-head' on and I was on the lookout for fabrics and lace.

I found this lovely selection of French fabric pieces,

and other treasures.

And some gorgeous pieces of antique lace.

This sweet French collar will hopefully look good on a patriotic doll...when I get back on my sewing machine...;-))

Not a bad mornings work.

Then it was home again to start painting the summer house.

Hope you had a lovely weekend.

Sorry for my rather rushed post - I'm in a hurry this morning, as I'm going to a friend's house for lunch...

Bye for now and have a great week,

Niki x

It's a Small World After All...

Thank you to all who have visited my on-line shop over the last couple of days and made a purchase or two. I was very surprised by the fact that well over half of my parcels this time will be leaving these shores and travelling by aeroplane to be with you in other countries. What a wonderful invention the www!

Thank you for buying British and for calling on me in my tiny corner of England.

I think us Brits have been led to believe in the past, that we weren't a well-liked nation. We are seen as pompous, arrogant or overly reserved, posh, fanatical tea (with milk!) drinkers, and we all have bad teeth and serve rubbish food!!

I feel blessed to have crossed paths with you all, and just to set the record straight, I think you'd find the majority of Brits are 'thoroughly spiffing chaps'!! ;-))

I hope that your parcels arrive safely with you soon - Some have gone to Australia, Hong Kong, U.S.A., France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland - my local postmistress loves me ;-)) And despite the fact the the postal system has made new restrictions on size and weight of parcels that can be sent economically, most of my goods are of a small enough size to travel comfortably within them, so the postage quotes haven't been too shocking!

Of course, thanks too, to all in good old Blighty who have shopped with me again...I am very grateful to you all!! x

I'm not a particularly well travelled person...we have holidayed in France and Germany in the past, but could never risk taking our girls abroad to hotter places when they were younger, as they had such fair skin. But, having said that, I have lots of vintage items from various places in the world which I have enjoyed collecting over the years...

French brocante is a bit of a passion of mine (I used to think I may have been French in a previous life ;-)) ...most of my collection can be found in our kitchen...

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And I have piles of French fabrics in my stash...but we won't go there today!...

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One of my favourite pieces is this little set of fabric covered drawers for storing handkerchiefs, gloves and lace in the boudoir.

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There's a smattering of Spanish senoritas about the place...and my lovely collage from Louise in the U.S.A.

Our letter rack in the hall is from Belgium...

Eau de Cologne from Germany in the bathroom...

And a Florida Water bottle can be found here too.

The vast proportion of my vintage hat collection has come from the U.S.A. as well; with most of the millinery flowers used to make them back in the 1950's, coming from France or Japan!

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So thank you again for stopping-by...I've been neglecting my duties as a good blogger lately, having been tied up with my on-line shop somewhat since the fair...so I hope to come and visit your blog soon in your little corner of the world...these are for you!

Have a lovely day wherever you are,

Niki x

(Oh, and by-the-way, I'm not wearing my bowler hat today! ;-))

The Shelves Have Been Re-Stocked!

Just to let you know that I have been busy photographing and listing my stock over the last few days and have now updated my on-line shop this morning with 98 handmade and vintage assorted treasures...

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I hope you will enjoy taking a look when you have a moment -

Thanks for your continued interest,

Niki x

The Only Way is Up...

As the rain that was forecast failed to materialise this morning, I thought I would pay a visit to the Artisan Market in Frome. It is arranged all the way up the steep cobbled street of Catherine's Hill, with trestle tables having to be precariously balanced on wooden blocks to level them out!

It had a lovely atmosphere, with a ladies choir singing at the bottom of the hill, and street entertainers, musicians and dancers a little further up.

Most of the shops were open too, which is where I bumped into Clare and her family, inside 'Woolly Notions' - this shop is fast becoming quite the meeting place for bloggers! ;-))

A market now-a-days wouldn't be complete, it seems, without stalls full of cupcakes...if cakes are dictated to by fashion, then the humble fairy cake has really moved on in the last couple of years and in my opinion has evolved into a true artform...some almost look too good to eat. But then try telling that to the kiddies lined up waiting to buy!

I had a quick look around Scarecrow Antiques near the top of the hill and then it was time to walk back down again to my car and home to hubby...

I've always loved this little row of houses on the way out of Frome. I was able to take this quick shot from my car, as there are temporary traffic lights at the top of the town at the moment...the house next door is a picture too, but I had to get moving...I'll try and get that one next time!

Although I didn't buy anything at the Artisan Market, I have found some vintage goodies over the weekend...

A lovely hand embroidered tablecloth, which I have boiled clean on the hob and its now drip-drying outside on the washing line.

And continuing with the cottagey, floral theme:

A framed print probably from the 50's, a delightful 1930's postcard and some miniature clay pots.

I love the fact that the pots have been used in the past and have acquired a weathered look to the outsides. I shall be keeping a few of these, but I also have a Christmas idea for them, for the next V&H fair...

Aghhhh...but you don't want to hear the 'C' word in June!, so moving swiftly on...except...

I did find this lovely book dated 1922, entitled 'Christmas Carols'...the colour plates inside are a delight. (I shall save it for the fair, and not mention either again for some considerable time!)

Two vintage brooches - I thought the crown one would be perfect for a patriotic rag doll with union flag skirt, that I've designed for when I have the time to get back on my sewing machine again...its been too long... :( (I'm making headway with all the website listing that I mentioned in a previous post, so I have to accept sometimes things have to give...)

I was very happy to find some more rosey china items too. Most of them are classic Victorian pieces and ooze nostalgic charm.

This strainer and tray are a particular treasure - and how typical of those Victorians to have such an item specially design just for strawberries! Well, that's what I've always believed these were for...if you know otherwise, I would love to hear from you. One thing for sure though, they don't make em' like that any more.

And talking of typical...I am rather predictable with my buying habits - I've always loved the old roses. In fact I was talking to a journalist at the V&H fair last Saturday. It was when it was extremely busy first thing, but I did manage a quick chat with her…she said she had written for CL in the past and was analysing peoples behaviour and what sorts of things they were buying…it was very interesting when she pointed a few things out to me….she also asked if there was a market for rosey china! I told her that I had heard that it was totally unfashionable, but I had experienced no trouble selling it - there's a lot of us out there who love it, right?…she seemed really interested, anyway…

Who could resist?

These two are keepers...I'm going to try and find an old (small) painted dresser for our summer house and have a 'grannyfied' display on it, with my old gardening books and hand tools... That's if hubby and I can find the time to start painting all the flat-pack shed pieces, before we put it all together...maybe I should concentrate on that first, rather than whats going inside it! Heehee!

I'll leave you with a few of the real thing...I do love this time of year...

Hope you're having a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Acting a Shoe Size!

Honestly...I despair sometimes, I really do...
Did she really think I wouldn't notice?!
How old? My daughter will turn 20 next month...

And she's still up to mischief...Did she really think I wouldn't notice Mr. Cool Bean sitting in my kitchen cabinet amongst my Midwinter china?!
;-))
What is she like?!

I guess I've always taught my girls to enjoy life...so I can't help but smile...
Have a fun weekend!
Niki x

What's Not to Love?...

Floppy fading roses...

The twinkle of vintage glassware...

Reflections...

Sunlight streaming through old lace...

Kind words from a friend.

Have a lovely day,

Niki x

Oh, and glimpses of my garden when I should be working! ;-))
I've been busy over the last couple of days photographing and listing stock for my next website update. I am up to 53 items so far...with lots more to type-up!

Enjoy the weekend, N x

European Election

Hope you've voted!
Niki

Flaming June

Thank you for all your kind comments to my post below...its been a bit of a whirlwind since the V&H fair and I still can't stop thinking about it. I'm so grateful to all of those who made it such a worthwhile experience. I still need to catch-up with some emails that you were kind enough to send, so will get onto that this week.
I've dropped my Mum off at the railway station in Bath today, so that she can make her journey back home. We usually only see each other once or twice a year, so we made the most of her visit by going out each day after the fair.

We visited Wells, wandering the sights and the shops one day...

And then Frome the next...treating ourselves to lunches in some of the little cafes.

Whilst walking up Catherine's Hill in Frome I said to my Mum that I must just call into 'Woolly Notions'. Maxine the owner had emailed me a few weeks ago, saying that I should pop in next time I was in Frome, as she had just taken over the shop and would love to meet a fellow blogger...I had a quick peer in through the window before going inside and who should I see chatting at the back of the shop, but Isabelle! - So funny, as I think we follow each other around most of the local haunts and often cross paths...anyway, after the surprised laughter had subsided and I had been informed that they had just been talking about me!! ;-)) I had a little look around Maxine's and Catriona's shop.

They have some beautiful yarns for sale, as well as items made up to showcase them.

Tea and cake anyone?

And look at this Barbie girl in her uniform...aptly named the Knit Nurse!!

Its a lovely fresh and inspiring shop and made me feel like taking up crochet again...I used to do lots when my girls were tiny, but no longer seem to have the time or stamina for it in the evenings now...

The warm welcome from these two lovely ladies was a delight and after chatting for a while, Mum and I left, to carry on shopping...

I couldn't resist these 'short life' roses being sold off for 50p.

And other goodies found during our trips out included a collection of 50's greetings cards...

Prints, photos and folding coat hangers...

and tiny vintage treasures to work with for my next hand made projects.

We were truly blessed with the weather...plenty of blue...

and evenings sat out in the garden....perfect weather for bar-b-queing.

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And an added highlight, was that my eldest daughter came home for two days from Aberystwyth. She graduates from uni this year, but has decided to stay-on there for the summer, as she has secured a full time job and is loving the freedom of no exams and essays to write!

She bought me this set of lovely postcards with reproduced British Rail poster designs.

To round off my Mum's visit, we all went out for a pub meal, where we dined in an old vintage railway carriage.

It was very warm inside last night, but we did have the whole place to ourselves, so sat with the carriage doors open and enjoyed the good food.

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We treated ourselves to a sweet too! ;-))

As I type this, both my Mum and daughter are now trundling along on a real train back to their homes...'safe journey'...

And I reluctantly need to catch-up on some work...

Niki x

THANK YOU! - Lovely Ladies!

Its taken me a couple of days to post after attending the V&H fair on Saturday, as I needed some time to recover from the completely PHENOMENAL day!
Thankfully I managed to pack all that I wanted to take with me, into my tiny car - even though that meant stuffing it to the ceiling, resulting in me being unable to use my rear view mirror! Mum was sat in the passenger seat with my two cakes for the vintage style cafe, and our packed lunch on her lap!

We arrived at the Town Hall car park early on Saturday morning, to be greeted by Michele, Jayne, Sue and Lucy, who where already there waiting for the hall to be opened up.
It was then a frantic hour and a half to unload and set up our tables, to create interesting displays for the customers that we hoped would be arriving later.

By 10am, when the doors where due to be opened, I was still struggling to put the final few items out on my tables, which was a bit tricky, as I had already used every spare inch! I finally had to admit defeat, take a couple of quick shots of my finished stand (sorry for the blurry pics - but I really was a bit behind in being ready!) and take a deep breath...

The 1930's style music started up on the loud speakers and the front doors were opened to the queue of ladies, who began to pour in....

I can't even begin to describe how I felt - it really was quite overwhelming how many people filled the hall - I couldn't quite believe it. Everyone that I spoke to was so kind, patient and supportive - there was a fabulous atmosphere and it was wonderful to meet so many lovely ladies who 'got' the whole vintage thing...they were truly lapping it up. It was non-stop-busy from the start, until just after 2pm, when I could take the first bite of my sandwich!
Thank you everyone who made a purchase (I hope that you will enjoy them), or who stopped by for a quick chat - you all helped make for a wonderful day.

My only regrets were that it was difficult to talk to anyone for any length of time, as there was always someone waiting to make a purchase (and that was certainly what they were there for!) - but I am truly grateful for all the kind words, encouragement and general friendliness received from all of the lovely ladies! An extremely pleasurable day, to say the least!

It was a shame not to able to get out from behind my stand very much to chat to the other stall holders/bloggers, but we were all in the same predicament...it was almost impossible to shop with one another too! :( But most of us managed a 5 minute chat with each other at the very least.

I did also manage to snap a couple of photos of Sue's stand just before we opened too, and a few waves were exchanged now and then between us, as we had our stands next to each other in the main hall.

And I was able to buy a couple of her vintage union flags that she had on display. I intend to use them to fashion some skirts for my handmade rag dolls - they'll be very patriotic girls!

My thanks to my Mum, who helped serve behind my stand - I would have been lost without you! (Sorry for the aching legs by Sunday, caused by not being able to sit down all day! ;-))

A quick treat for me, before the doors closed and the packing up had to be done; I shopped with Christine and bought two darling little French fabric bags for myself.

Congratulations to Michele and Jayne, for organising such a special event - I hope the feedback that you receive is all good and things will go from strength to strength with each Vintage & Handmade Fair that you put on.

My Mum is staying with me until Wednesday - she deserves to be taken out on a few day trips before she returns home...I'll be back to work soon, when I shall start on the long job of photographing/listing stock for my on-line shop's next update.

Have a great week,

Niki x