Bringing in the Harvest

So...after a beautiful sunny Sunday...

We are now faced with the prospect of Hurricane Bill heading our way...how lovely!

The skies are already an ominous dark grey this morning...

I'm pleased that I harvested all of our plums at the weekend, or they could have risked being blown in all directions!

It's always a surprise to see how much beautiful fruit a small tree yields.

But what to do with lbs and lbs of the things? (Or am I supposed to say 'Kilos and Kilos of the things', to keep the powers-that-be happy?!!)

We made a plum crumble...but it didn't really make a dent...

So it was time for the annual jam making session again...8 jars of jam and still I have a basket full of fruit! We'll be eating these for weeks! (I'll be stoning and freezing the rest I think, before we all look like rosy plums.)

Yes, very satisfying to have some of them stored away for later use though - and all for free...well, except for the price of the Tate & Lyle!

My thoughts then turned to the hydrangeas on top of the cupboard...

They really need harvesting too, for drying...but I don't feel like venturing out today.

Although, looking back through my archives, I did this in October last year...so perhaps I am a little ahead of myself yet.

Hope all is well in your part of the world and that you are happy...whatever the weather...

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Happy day,

Niki x

Play Time...

Yesterday was such a fun day...

Three

lovely

ladies came for lunch at The Stone House...

These cheerful and unashamedly brash dahlia flowers graced the kitchen table, whilst the four of us sat sipping teas and coffees, eating lunch, and chatting non-stop.

The homemade fruit cake seemed to go down well, thankfully...

And I was showered with gifts...

and pretty posies.

One of the guests decided she 'needed' to stay ;-))

Isn't she lovely? Michele kindly agreed to sell her to me and she's settled in nicely with my French boudoir doll as company.

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Its funny when friends come to visit...they notice things around your home that you take for granted because you see them everyday...

This morning I started looking around our home with fresh eyes...

This chandelier in our kitchen is practical, hanging above the dinner table, but it is rather boring...

So I thought I might try to jazz it up a bit...and vintage china cups were going to provide the embellishment.

I have collected an assortment of cups over many years.

They were always a useful item to have in store as a last minute gift. They often proved themselves as ideal 'thank you' tokens to offer to my daughter's teachers at the end of school term time, being used to hold chocolates, homemade candles, or used as bulb plant pots, for example.

Anyway, getting back to the chandelier...

I used vintage seam binding to tie on the assorted tea cups, looping them through their handles and over the curves of the light fitting...

Hmmmm...I looked at the finished creation from all angles...

Upwards...

Downwards...

From underneath...

From the right...

And from the left...

But I just wasn't sure that I liked it....
So for now the cups have been taken down and have all gone back to their original storage places again!

Aw well, I tried, but just wasn't convinced...

But that's the fun of decorating a home, isn't it?...trial and error and sometimes things work out well...
Other times, not so well!

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And whilst I'm talking about cups, I thought I'd show you this little beauty that I found on a recent buying trip...Its a little Victorian souvenir cup, made in Germany.

If I'm being honest, I wouldn't normally have been seduced by such a gaudy trinket, but on close inspection I noticed the words on the front; they read 'A present from Aberyswith' - (LOVE the spelling incidentally...I wonder why its spelt differently today? Or perhaps it was just a mistake by the painter?)

As regular visitors to my blog may know, Aberystwyth has become a special place in our hearts, as it is home to someone cherished by us.

It stands in the window catching the light amongst my other little cups, each with their loving sentiments hand painted across the front.

And whilst I'm here talking about recent finds, another was this lovely framed embroidery. The red roof of the little cottage made this a must-buy for me. It stands in the kitchen looking very at home...

This old wartime poster...

Gorgeous hand painted shoe stretchers...

I haven't seen any as pretty as these in a long time, so am thrilled to make them mine.

And this sweet little purse made from two polished limpet shells, hinged together and with a fine chain handle.

I've snuck them in amongst the vintage shoes in the glazed cabinet on our landing...

"Of course dear hubby, I've had all these things for years...haven't you noticed them before?"

...wonder if I shall be discovered?! Teehee...

And just when I thought that the charity shops around here were a lost cause for turning up pretty vintage pieces...I found this beautiful plate languishing on one of the shelves inside 'Sue Ryder'.

Dainty hand painted violets on an aqua green background, with a back stamp of 'Limoges - France'. Yippee!

I think its sad how most charity shops these days are trying to be just like all the other shops on the high street...all colour coordinated and tastefully arranged...Give me the grottier ones where you have the chance to have a good old rummage any day! ;-))

This tiny mossware pot has several chips, but still has lots of charm. It just fits inside my violets inspired cabinet. Again, hopefully unnoticed by hubby dearest...chortle, chortle!

(Don't worry, nothing broke the bank! - I am a very good girl really!

;-))

Hope you are having a fun weekend,

Niki x

Reflections

'The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them'.

Thomas Merton.

I think I may have mentioned before how much I love vintage mirrors. I'm not a vain person I hasten to add - far too busy (read old!) to spend my time faffing in front of my reflected image!

Although I have enjoyed catching a glimpse of my daughters over the years, gazing at themselves, trying to decide if they like what they see...

Its all part of the teenage years, isn't it?...

'Do I 'fit in'?'

Or 'Am I unique?', depending on the level of their confidence...

I am happy to say that all three of my girls have far more self-confidence than I think I shall ever have and I admire them greatly for that...they shouldn't change a thing and should relish all that life brings them as they each move further and further away from my nurturing grasp...

The old mirrors that I place about our home have been collected over many years and are not just there to offer the approving evidence that my daughters seek...

The ones that generally find a home with us have ornate or quirky frames; after all, it is this which will provide the decorative feature within a room. French mirrors are an eternal favourite, with their rose garlands, curlicues, or acanthus swags providing a little opulence within an ordinary family home.

Of course the light they each reflect and bounce around a room is uplifting, particularly during the winter months. But it is often the framed views that they offer, that really make me content. Like ever-changing pictures on the wall, but with an added depth that is so tempting - I sometimes feel like climbing through into that other place...

The aged glass, frequently with a few areas of missing silvering or with a slightly yellowish tinge, reminiscent of those old black and white movies that crackle and flicker across the screen, reinforce that feeling that it would be somewhere secure and protected to escape to.

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A few months ago when I had a stall at a local flea market, I had several assorted mirrors for sale amongst the treasures. A young girl picked up one of them and expressed an interest, but kept umming and ahhing....

She said she loved it, but already had a mirror in the room where she would like it situated.

And added 'You can't have two mirrors in one room, can you?'

I had to smile...if that's the case, then I've seriously broken the rules! ;-))

I encouraged her to go for it...Not because of the potential sale, but I was keen for this young girl to surround herself with the things that she loved and to not worry about what people might think. To create a nest personal to oneself is to create an environment where you feel safe and secure, at ease and completely comfortable - if visitors to your home don't like it, does it matter?

She made the purchase and we both exchanged beaming grins...I just hope that the views that she has created with that old mirror, bring her great pleasure and the magical touch of escapism.

More than ever before, I think its important for us to be happy in our homes. Many are in financial difficulties, or are stuck within a property due to the stagnant housing market, so to live amongst the adornments that speak and bring joy to us, can be a redeemer.

For example, adding a coat of paint to the frame, in a colour that makes you happy...

Where's the harm?

To express yourself in this way is truly liberating and is something that many of us love to do.

Do you worry about what others might think? Or are you courageous?

Would someone visiting your home for the first time be able to work out what sort of person lives there? Do you give yourself away by displaying the pieces that you love for all to see...or are you more guarded?

I personally feel that anything goes these days, as with fashion - we all wear what we please. Our homes are an extension of us and I think should reflect our lifestyle, loves, quirks and collections.

Why so many magazines and TV programmes promote a neutral scheme, and a 'light and airy space', is beyond me. (A pet hate of my hubby's - He hates the word 'space' when referring to a room - he says space is up there, its a room that you're decorating! - heehee...he'll often sit with me watching this type of show, but we both dislike them for what they try to encourage!)

You only have to take a tour around blogland to find hundreds of people who are happily doing their own thing when decorating and accessorising their homes...

So if you are one of those who are a little scared when it comes to decorating, then I say just have a go...if it makes you happy, then that is what is important. Ultimately, it is you that lives in your home, not the visitors that come and go and may not approve.

What do you think?

And what do you do when you find a frame minus its mirror?

Place a pretty piece of fabric within it and enjoy the beautiful design.

Have a fun day!

Niki x

Things...Like a Walk in the Park...

Hubby and I like to take a short walk around the village when we can...

Would you like to come too?

We walk out of our front gate, and down the hill until we reach the lane...

Its a slow climb up the lane, as we live in a valley...

Looking back over the farmland - our house is one of those on the very top of the hill.

Past the sheep in the meadows...

'How are ewe?'

The seasons are on the turn and it feels good to be out here amongst it...

Then back into the centre of the village, past the brook that runs through the bottom.

A quick climb up the side of the valley again, and home.

Whilst we're outside, perhaps you'd like to come around the back and see whats been going on in our garden?

Hubby has been laying slabs at the top, ready for a small storage shed to go up.

Then down the steps...

To see the random stepping stones (recycled from a friend who was getting rid), that I sunk into the lawn, so that we can access the summer house in all weathers.

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I recently decided to dig up a berberis bush from my mixed border, as I was fed-up with getting prickled by it...I'm not sure what to replace it with, so for now I've stood an old wheel barrow in the gap, filled with a planted-up watering can and my collection of (mostly) Victorian clay pots.

A few of the pots are filled with handfuls of sunflower seed, to encourage the birds.

Other gaps (caused by my very naughty chickens) have been filled with my bargain, end-of-season foxgloves and lupins...

Each plant was just 50p from a local car boot sale - Love a bit of instant gardening now and then...

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Just hope those hens of mine will give them a chance to settle in for an even better show next year.

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It'll soon be time to make plum jam again...

OK...better get on again now...

But I'll just quickly show you this vintage toy wardrobe that I bought at a flea market a few weeks ago. It has lovely old thick gloss paint which is a keeper, but I wasn't keen on the fabric panels...

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So I bravely cut into another of my antique Scheurer fabric pieces

;-)), to give it a Frenchy look...

I'm pleased with how the design sits within the panels - PVA glue to secure, and the job was complete.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend,

Niki x

'Revamp it' Challenge

I signed-up for Natasha's 'Revamp it' challenge last month, and having said that I'd join in, I then remembered that we'd be away on holiday for one week...we've also had two Birthdays in the family recently too - (our eldest daughters turned 20 and 22)

'First born' decided that she'd like to come home for a few days for her Birthday, (from Aberystwyth) and would bring her boyfriend too...We arrived home from our holiday to a houseful...Middle daughter had been house-sitting for us, with her boyfriend...and so I was thrown straight back into things the next day, cooking a Birthday meal for 7! (Holiday? What holiday?!)

What can I say?

What are Mum's for?!... ;-))

OK, that probably all sounds a bit lame...but revamping the bri-nylon nightdress that I'd bought at a flea market was fairly low down on my list of priorities after all that...

But I had a go anyway...and they do say its the taking part that counts! ;-)) - Plus I'm always up for a bit of creative recycling...

The white (discoloured to a charming yellowy/cream, yuck!) nylon frilly lace was the first thing to go. Unpicking any stitching is not my favourite task, as it usually means I've made a booboo...but needs-must!

And it was worth it...

Looks better already...

The shirring elastic under the bust-line had completely lost its elasticity and would creak and make ripping sounds with every movement...so I threaded some narrow elastic through the channels to give a better shape.

Then the fun bit...

I took some mossy green vintage millinery veiling tulle; the soft stuff; not the stiff, modern kind that's all scritchy, and followed it along the neckline, stitching bunches of it in place with a tiny purple bead.

I then added lots of vintage millinery flowers, including a large rose and some velvet pansies...

hand stitching each in place to create an asymmetric flower garland effect. There's a few teeny violets and some paper roses in there too.

It was then that I really ran out of time!

I wanted the dress to have a more flattering length and a fantasy, fairy look inspired by 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Given that we are now well into August, I felt it appropriate. So I cut the skirt roughly at the knee, with deep zigzags, to give a petal-like effect.

And here it is, kindly modelled by my youngest daughter...

She felt that the flowers around the neckline were a little bit large...and I have to agree...

but she still looks very pretty; bless her for indulging me.

I was also inspired by a gorgeous original 1950's gown that I have, which I bought from Lizzie a few years ago. I love the unusual colour scheme, which would certainly get you noticed at the ball, and also the lovely hand painted flowers on the organza overlay.

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And if that doesn't float-your-boat, then perhaps I can cheat and show you a revamp I did last year...when I had a little more time to complete the project.

My embellished satin shoes can be found here.

Don't forget to check in with Natasha later today, to see all the other revamped items created by those who took part in the challenge.

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And while I'm here, I just wanted to show you a surprise parcel that arrived for me yesterday, all the way from Australia. It was from Suzy at Fabulous Frau; a pretty box tied with gathered ribbon, and filled with some of her delightful handmade cards.

Thank you Suzy - you are so kind!! - I shall enjoy sending the cards to the special people in my life x

Hope everyone has a jolly weekend,

Niki x

Update: I have just received an email from Blurb this morning, saying that they intend to increase the prices of their services on 27th August, due to the global recession. This will mean that the price of my book will become beyond the budget of some. If you had thought about buying a copy, then I would advise doing so before the 27th...hope that isn't cheeky of me to mention. Thanks again for your interest; details on my sidebar, or in my on-line shop.

Niki x

Dreaming of Dinan.

Back in June of this year, this lovely lady wrote a blog post entitled ‘Heaven Revisited’. Helen also emailed me to let me know that she had written the post, as she felt sure I would be interested and that I should read it (thanks again H!) As a lover of all things French, I certainly was interested!

The little shop in Dinan looked an absolute treasure – certainly my idea of heaven on Earth too. But even more exciting for me, was the possibility that I would actually be able to pay a visit to this special place. We were due to travel to France last month (Our annual holiday had been booked since last year) and so a quick type into ‘Google’ had me very, very excited!

It turned out that the pretty medieval town of Dinan was only an hour and twenty minutes from where we were staying. I printed out the map, showed it to hubby and said that if I only did this one thing for ‘me’ all holiday; I would be a happy bunny indeed! ;-))
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On the Thursday of our week away, we travelled northwards and finally made it to Dinan. It’s a bustling medieval town with enchanting views at every turn.

We started off with a walk around the town centre, followed by lunch in one of the many cafés. Afterwards, the search began for the tiny haberdashery.

Going by the information on Google, we pictured it to be on a steep cobbled street, so we took the road down to the harbour…

and there it was…

I instantly recognised the inviting façade from the photo on Helen’s blog post…but can you believe it?

The shop was CLOSED!!!

I peered in through the windows and caught tantalising glimpses of ribbons, Deco buttons and lace edgings that would not have looked out of place in a specialist shop of the 1920’s. A notice on the door advised customers that the shop was open every day, but would be closed for two hours at lunchtime. (What is it with the French and their long lunch breaks?! ;-)) Phew…at least it looked as if I would still get to step inside, I just needed to be patient.

So tearing myself away from the seductive window displays, we made our way down the road to the river. It’s a pretty area with plenty going on and it wasn’t long before hubby spotted boat trip tickets being sold. Perfect! I suggested that he take the girls on the one hour tour and I would head back up the hill to the shop, where I could peruse in peace!

So that was the plan.

I waved them off before skipping up the hill…only to find the shop still CLOSED!!

I assumed that my luck was out and thought that I’d just peer in through the windows one more time, just to torment myself a little more :(

…and there it was

…a tiny hand written sign, saying that the shop would be opening a half an hour later than normal today, at 2.30pm.

OK…

that’s OK…

I can live with that…

that would still give me half an hour to soak up the ambience inside…

I sat down on a stone bench opposite the shop watching people negotiating the steep cobbled street, many stopping to peer inside the shop and looking rather sad that it was in fact closed. The blue shuttered windows echoed the skies over Dinan that day and I felt happy to be sat there on my lonesome, with butterflies twitching in my tummy with anticipation. (What can I say? I’m easily pleased!)

2.30pm came and went, and still the painted door stayed firmly closed.

2.35pm….

was I agitated?

Yes, I was!!

Finally at 2.40pm, a clink of keys in the lock and the shop door swung open.

By this stage I didn’t need any prompting; I leapt up and walked over to the ancient shop with its cool and shadowy interior and stepped inside…

Where to start?

There were shelves lined with huge glass jars crammed to the brim with colourful spools of silken threads.

A rainbow of assorted vintage buttons filled miniature wooden drawers.

Bobbin shelves were stuffed with enticing antique tins,

fragile baskets swung from washing lines suspended from the ceiling,

and cards bound in antique lace edgings and ribbons filled boxes on the counter tops.

Madame could clearly read my enthusiasm for her riches and we struck up conversation.

She brought out ribbons and trims for me to sort through and we both marvelled at the delicate sequined adornments of many, that had so painstakingly been constructed by hand all those years ago…

a language barrier divided us, but a common appreciation for fine workmanship that has long since been lost, united us. It was very difficult to choose just a few items from the collections, but I finally made my selection…

It was then, as we exchanged a few more words upon payment, that I noticed a sign which read ‘no photographs’!

How could I share this wonderful shop with all the lovely bloggy ladies, if I couldn’t take a few pictures? Thankfully, Madame understood, as she has a blog too!

I was granted special permission to take some photos to share with you!

(Apparently, lots of people used to step inside the shop, take photos and then leave, having bought nothing – which understandably was frustrating for her. Its like a little museum inside, with many of the artefacts being ‘display only’)

Well, I did cause a little bit of a stir, and received a few horrified looks from some of the other customers as I snapped away with my camera, but I was unable to explain in good enough French that I had been given permission, so tried to be discrete!

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It wasn’t long before my half an hour was up and I had to leave the atmospheric wonderland…we said our goodbyes and I left, blinking as I stepped back out into the sunlight again, and smiling to myself that this was indeed one of the highlights of our holiday…

My purchases from the day:

1930's handmade ribbon flowers.

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Original seed packets.

Millinery flowers and sequined trims.

And a set of postcards featuring some of the treasures to be found in the magical shop. The diary was a gift from Claude.

Niki x

When in France...

When in France...

Soak up the quiet rural lifestyle whenever possible...

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Take time to smell the flowers...

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Discover villages tucked away down seemingly impassable lanes...

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But head for the towns and cities too for a dose of the fascinating heritage and sights to remember.

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Eat outside the little cafés...and watch the world go by...

Sample the specialities and don't worry about the calories!

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When in France...

Get to know the locals...

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They're a friendly lot...even if your schoolgirl French from 28 years ago is now a little dodgy, and who knows what you are really saying...;-))

Relax...

Dream...

And Laugh.

When in France...

Act your shoe size...

And enjoy the sunshine, knowing that back home its probably raining!

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Treasure the details and the souvenirs picked up along the way...

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Shop!

Even when it turns out that all that lovely vintage enamelware isn't for sale...

And its 'display only'!

A few pieces just might have a price ticket - and one that you can afford, too ;-))

(Drat that poor exchange rate!)

(But I'm chuffed with my red check enamel pieces and the traditional Bretagne clogs, which I shall display in our kitchen as a reminder of a fab holiday)

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And there's always the colourful markets, where an eyeful such as this is priceless!

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Garlic and onions are always for sale...

And sweeter scented Marseille soaps.

(I've invested in several bars of these traditional floral soaps, which will come with me to the next V&H fair.)

And if possible make a b-line for Helen's 'heaven on earth'.

(More about this story will follow on another post...)

(Hubby, our youngest daughter, her bestest buddie and I, all stayed in a rural Gite near to Josselin in Brittany. It was a wonderful holiday, where we found the Bretagne people to be very welcoming. The scenery is beautiful, the lifestyle laid-back and luckily for us, the sun shone!)

Niki x

Summer Sale!

I'm just using my blog to announce the summer sale at my on-line shop. I have marked down several items for clearance, which can be found amongst the regular stock in the catalogue. Happy Shopping!

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We've just returned from a wonderful (sunny!) week in France, where we enjoyed our family holiday to Brittany. When I am back to posting on my blog again, I shall share with you some of the sights of this beautiful and welcoming area (for anyone interested ;-))

I always find it very difficult to get back into a routine after having a week off relaxing and reflecting - it becomes apparent to me just how much time I have spent sat at my PC all year; so as yet, I'm a little reluctant to come back to my blog. Its time to make decisions, get on my sewing machine when it fits in with the family's plans, and to enjoy any rays of sun that decide to shine over the next couple of weeks.

Hope you are taking time to enjoy the summer too,

'Talk to you soon',

Niki xx