The Best Laid Plans...

Well I had made plans for the weekend, but they didn't entirely come to fruition...The garden was calling to me for most of Saturday, but I thought I would quickly tidy up my middle daughters bedroom first. She left home for uni last weekend taking a lot of her things with her, but her room was still left in turmoil. It's a funny L-shaped room, but there's really no need for it to be. There is wasted space on the landing, which could be knocked into the room...she had always refused to have it done, as it would mean that the loft hatch would be in the bedroom, which she said would be spooky!

I've always allowed my girls to have their bedrooms as they like; in fact my daughter painted her bedroom herself...those who know me would know that the bright yellow wouldn't have been my choice! ;-))

Let's just say, for a small room, it was particularly untidy, despite half the contents now being in a halls of residence over in Wales! It took me pretty much all day to have the room looking clean and tidy. We've decided that after Christmas we shall indeed be moving the wall and door, which will create a square room. I'll then be able to redecorate and finally say goodbye to the yellow...I'm hopeful that daughter No.2 will get used to my choice if she only has to see it during the holidays, and the extra space she'll have will hopefully make her see that we were right to change the layout of the room.

It takes a bit of getting used to having two spare bedrooms now...things are certainly a lot quieter around here...
It takes a bit of getting used to only buying enough food for 3 as well...ooops! ;-))

Anyway, moving on....the gardening didn't get done on Saturday, as the blitzing of the bedroom took a lot longer than anticipated.
It's a beautiful day today though, so hopefully when the dew has dried off the hydrangeas, I will be able to harvest them this afternoon...

I did find a bit of time for some thrifting.
Amongst my finds were a 'few' buttons! ;-))

Some lovely old glass Christmas baubles.

A little Carlton Ware dish, sadly missing its china spoon, but I always feel these are worth buying for the box alone! LOVE those colourful flowers on the lid.

And some vintage textile pieces including an unusual embroidered linen cushion cover with tufty flowers!

Another project that I had planned for the weekend was to create the china flower garland on my old mirror. Thank you to everyone for your suggestions as to what adhesive I should use. Many of the flowers had long china stalks on the back, which would have been difficult to glue down in the position that I would have liked. In the end I decided to try regular linseed oil putty; which of course we didn't have any of at home, so the project was put on hold until I was able to go out yesterday to buy some. Last night, whilst hubby was out for the evening, I settled down with my pot of putty, knife and china flowers, (and my 'Miss Potter' DVD playing on the TV) and had a go...

The putty meant that I could embed the stalks into it, which did seem to work well, but I have no idea if it is actually going to be successful, as it takes between 21 and 28 days for the putty to dry!

So although I have created the garland that I had in mind, I don't actually know if the putty will hold them all in position.

I shall just have to be patient and leave well alone for a few weeks. If it has worked, then any putty that is visible will be given a touch of green paint to disguise it.

I'll let you know if it turns out to be a complete disaster!

And if it does work, then I think it will make a pretty dressing table mirror for my daughter's bedroom when it receives its make-over next year.

Have a lovely week,

Niki x

Friday Feeling

A little card to say 'thank you' to all who visited my on-line shop - I have posted out lots of calendars already, so they should be with you all very soon. I hope that you will enjoy using them throughout next year!
Update: I've been asked a couple of times: Yes, any calendars that I have left unsold will be coming with me to the V&H Fair. (I will also be bringing postcards.)

And now the Friday feeling is kicking in and its time to look towards the weekend...

If the beautiful weather continues, I think I shall be spending mine in the garden, cutting some of the plants back for their winter sleep. I'll scatter the hollyhock seeds around, as they've finished flowering now and I'm happy for them to grow where they please...

Perhaps I shall harvest the hydrangea heads and sedums too, for drying...

They're a lovely rich red now so should hold their colour well for at least a year.

Maybe a little blackberry picking will be on the cards as well...My middle daughter made some jam a couple of weeks ago, with the first bramble fruits of the season, but she went off to Uni last weekend, taking all the jars that she made with her, except for this little bit!...so I think I'll have to get the jam pan out again...

I also have plans for this old Deco mirror. It had a crinoline lady painted on it, but sadly it had been left out in the rain at the flea market and all the paint had lifted, so the seller let me take it away for nothing. The remainder of the paint wiped away easily, so I'm left with a plain mirror ripe for a little make-over.

I've been collecting the broken and chipped flowers from old posy ornaments and I think I have enough now to create a Barbola-like garland across the top of the mirror.

I've been putting it off as I wasn't entirely sure what glue to use. 'Araldite' is good and strong, but is expensive. A glue gun is quick and easy, but I thought the flowers might easily peel away from the smooth mirror glass. The other option would be to use tile adhesive, but that could be unsightly...if anyone has made anything similar, I would welcome your suggestions as to what glue might be best.

Whether you have grand-plans or not-so-grand-plans for this weekend, I hope you have an enjoyable one with plenty of relaxation and doing what makes you happy.

(Love those stripy socks - adorable!!)

Niki x

September Update

Just to say that I have updated my on-line shop today. There are a few handmade items including brooch pillows, 10 vintage gift sets and a patriotic doll. (More photos can be seen on my other blog)

I also took delivery of the premium calendars yesterday, so these have also been added to the catalogue....

With a separate category for the calendar-paper version with matching postcards.

I hope that you will enjoy taking a look when you have a moment.

My thanks to all who made a purchase from the last update and for all your friendly emails over the summer,

Niki x

Pink & Green Theme

Lizzie has just been saying on her blog how a colour scheme often appears, quite by accident, through her antique finds when she's been out on one of her forays. Funnily enough, the same thing often happens to me too...

For Lizzie it was green and red that ran through her treasures recently, but for me it seemed to be a green and pink themed treasure hunt over the weekend...

A Barbola topped frosted glass powder bowl and puff...

A pink and green Welsh waffle blanket, plaster pink paisley eiderdown, a green painted table and the two French vitrines; one pink and one green!

A dainty vase...

And the boxes that I showed in my last post.

Also over at Lizzie's, you may have seen the boudoir doll sat on a lovely old chair in her holiday cottage in France. Well I was able to buy this faded lovely from her over the weekend...

(Notice she's wearing a pink dress!) I ran a few repairs to her outfit last night, replacing the shredded lace of her bodice. The pink millinery flowers will be fastened to her wig, where part of her hair is missing. I somehow need to create some fluffy eye lashes which are also missing, to repair her shoe and give her some thumbs if I can.

And the pink and green theme continues with this old wooden deckchair. This morning I took off the old stained canvas and wiped down the frame. I love the old chippy green paint, so that's a keeper...

I thought this gorgeous old Barkcloth fabric would make a pretty replacement sling. It's good and strong, despite being a vintage fabric, and using it double, front and back, will increase its durability.

I stitched up the sides, turned it through and then used upholstery tacks to join it to the frame.

A feather filled matching cushion, hooked on by elasticated loops, adds a touch of luxurious comfort.

Voila!

And talking of colour; over the summer I started to design the 'Nostalgia' calendar for 2010. I love colour and don't think I could live with a very restrained colour palette in our home. Red is one of my favourites, for its cheerful feel, even on a cold, wet day, but I also like more toned-down aqua blues and greens too...it depends on my mood...

The calendar is a riotous rainbow of every hue, with a different one representing each month of the year. I gathered together various little treasures from my personal collections and assembled them into a pleasing arrangement for each month, with a different Scheurer fabric as the background on each.

There will be a choice this year between a quality calendar-paper version with a matt finish, which will be teamed with a set of 13 matching postcards. And a premium card version (the same as last years) with a glossy finish.

Here is a preview for anyone interested:

The front cover with a rainbow of colours and the collection of postcards...

Silver for January, red for February and yellow for March.

Violet represents April, pale blue is May, and June is Ivory.

Pastel pink for July, August is red, white and blue, and September, magenta.

Orange and black for October, bronze browns for November and finally green for December.

I am awaiting delivery of the premium calendars, which are due to arrive this week, so I hope to have both types of calendar for sale in my on-line shop by the end of the week.

Niki x

Chasing the Next Buck

The last three days for me have been spent rummaging through tantalising piles of antiques, vintage goodies and general old tat! And to be blessed with such gorgeous weather in which to do just that, made it even more of a pleasure.

Having been a stall holder in the past at these events myself, I know what a difference a bit of sunshine makes. Not only does your stock not get ruined by winds, or rains, but customers are generally in a far better frame of mind for buying and are out to enjoy themselves.

Another presence that has a bearing on a fair, is the attendance of TV film crews!! I believe there is a love/hate relationship for the filming that goes on at the big antiques fairs, particularly by the stall holders...

As you walk around the fair, it isn't difficult to miss the presenter of the show, in this case Tim Wonnacott, or the 'experts' huddled in a group with their contestants, as they make another episode for 'Bargain Hunt'.
And as you walk around it isn't difficult either to hear the annoyance from some of the stall holders...

For some I think it is too much of a distraction. Crowds end up watching the goings-on, rather than looking at the wares for sale on the stalls. This also causes a few bottle-necks, when the flow of people can't get past the camera crews sandwiched amongst the stalls.

Also, the fact that the show encourages the contestants to barter for their goods can cause some bad feeling. In my view this programme is the wrong way around - I mean generally antiques and vintage goods are bought at auction, and then sold at fairs for a profit. Those who watch the programme will know that the teams have to buy at a fair and then sell at auction, with an aim to making as much profit as they can, which they then get to keep...

It's tough enough for stallholders to sell anything, without having their customers trying to squeeze every last penny of profit from an item.
Of course it's always nice to think you've bought a bargain, but in my view the 'best price' is the one that the stall holder offers when asked, and there it should stop.

It costs over a hundred pounds (some are over £200) to have a stand for a weekend, added to that, travelling costs and the outlay for stock, a dealer's mark-up can be tight.

I had to walk away from a few treasures over the weekend, due to cost, but can at least sleep well in the knowledge that I didn't push a dealer beyond what he was happy to accept for an item. I fully accept that some dealers will 'try it on', asking far more than what an item is actually worth, but in my view they will only sell the item if someone falls in love with a piece, and what price can be put on that? - Sometimes goods are worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for them.

Of course the flip-side is the effect that these TV shows have in a positive way, in that they encourage people to visit the fairs, rather than shopping on the high street. They also educate, creating people who are more informed about the treasures to be found, and also the fact that antiques are generally a wise buy, even when a little more than its considered value was paid. Antiques are usually a wise investment and will generally either hold their value, or increase, particularly when well cared for.

This was in no way meant as a rant, I just wanted to voice my views, knowing both sides as I do; the desire to find a bargain, as well as the need to make a profit, just to pay the bills.

And just look what can be found when 'the best-price' is asked for and accepted...

I have bags to unpack in our hall (above)...Always the best bit...coming home to sort through and admire the bounty again, and to decide what can be sold and what 'needs' to be kept! ;-))

Treasures hidden behind the lovely old screen which I was pleased to buy yesterday...

Here's a sneaky peek at some of the pretties on the little green painted French table...

The ones below were found at the car bootie this morning...

And my 'best buys' from the whole weekend below...

Hope you had a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Second Chance Bingley

A few weeks ago, I was at a sale one early morning, when I noticed this little watercolour painting. I was instantly drawn to its nostalgic image of the fisherman's cottage, so beautifully painted. The owner gave me her price and I gave it some thought...

I couldn't help but notice the large watermark on the corner of the old mount and felt that it would benefit from being re-mounted. So I talked myself out of buying it; telling myself that I didn't need yet another project to add to my long list of things-to-do....
Yes, I walked away! Can you believe it?

Well I gave myself a good telling-off during the week that followed...I had loved that little painting, but had been put off by something so trivial! I 'do' faded, worn, chipped and generally old...what had I been thinking that morning? I obviously hadn't had my Ready Brek that day! :(

Anyway, the following week I went along to the sale again, not expecting to ever see the painting again - Some far wiser person would have snapped it up long ago...
But wait a minute...I'm sure that was the same dealer from the previous week...yes, it was...and there, stood up on the cold floor, was the little painting!
I pounced on it and the seller gave me the price, obviously not recognising me from the week before, as it was half what she quoted to me previously. I handed over my £5, (yes, £5), and walked away feeling very pleased with myself.

When I got it home I decided that the glass needed a good clean, so I carefully removed the painting from the frame. On the back of the watercolour board was this little label:
It reads 'Fisherman's cottage and garden, Cadgwith, Cornwall'. And is signed HH Bingley.
I 'Googled' him, like you do, and found a whole website devoted to his work. I've been in touch with the owners of the site and they have now included my little painting in their virtual gallery, which can be found here.
Henry Harding Bingley was a prolific artist, who painted coastal scenes and various areas of the west country, particularly during the late 20's to early 30's.

And the watermark that originally put me off buying the painting? (Again, what was I thinking?!)
Well, its still there, but I've hidden it behind the little china jug that now stands in front of it. So I didn't even spend the time re-mounting it in the end!

Have you ever walked away from a vintage piece and later regretted it? This wasn't the first time I'd done just that, but I am glad that this time it had a far happier ending.
Niki x

Why, its Hay on Wye!

It's been a fair while since hubby and I (and our youngest too), had one of our jolly weekend jaunts, so we decided to go a little further afield than we would normally yesterday...

Over the Second Severn Crossing and briefly into Wales...

How I love the countryside over the bridge - so picturesque, green and wild, with just a sprinkling of sheep on the hills.

Looks like we weren't the only ones enjoying the scenery...

(You may need to enlarge the photo below to see these guys enjoying the thermals! - sorry, I took the photo whilst going along in the car)

By mid-morning we arrived at Hay on Wye, often described as 'the town of books' as there are so many bookshops in the town, many of them selling second-hand and antique examples.

There are other shops too: 'Goosy Gander' sells continental chandeliers and mirrors. This fabulous French beaded creation was hanging outside.

The Hay Antique Market is a wonderful place to mooch around...

My favourite stand inside is run by Louise, who has exquisite vintage taste.

I bought this sweet little 1930's beaded bag from her, with its very unusual barrel shape...I was tempted by several other items, but was being very self-controlled!

A further explore of the town and we found this little beauty! - Lots of vintage French style...yummy!

Update: I've just received a fascinating comment from Floss regarding the name of this shop. Please take a look in my comments if you are interested - thanks again Floss!

Definitely worth a delve inside...

Look at this gorgeous c1920's tunic top (on the right) hanging in the doorway...hmmmm...very tempting indeed...

Hubby treated me to this little number though. It's a French, long length cardigan knitted in the softest yarn, with purple lace trimmed edges. He said it was just my style...with its slightly tatty look (!)...was that a compliment? heehee...he's right though...;-))

Onwards to discover quaint little shops filled with traditional pure wool Welsh blankets

and country antiques.

And we couldn't finish our tour of the retail establishments without visiting one or two of the book shops!

One of the most unusual is Hay Castle Bookshop, with much of the stock being on shelves outside in the gardens!

Our daughter bought a lovely old set (pre movie) of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which she was thrilled to bits with.

And before making our way back home, we felt we aught to say a quick hello to the River Wye from the bridge...

"Hello!"

And then it was "Goodbye" to lovely Hay on Wye.

Hope you're having a fun weekend,

Niki x

09/09/09

Right on cue, the British summer finally arrived yesterday...along with...

buckets filled with gorgeous country flowers...

and the professionals with all their kit!

The armfuls of blooms were arranged and placed around our home, with others picked from the garden...

Some for the kitchen...

the living rooms...

even the bathroom and laundry room received the floral treatment!

Then the fun could begin!

Our home was tweaked and faffed, with photos being taken with expert care and attention. I enjoyed being involved in the process - except when it came to having my own photo taken - I could have done without that...think they should have bought in a glamorous model at that point! ;-)) - some of my collections had to be toned down a bit, with items being removed from shot...oooops...is that dust under there! How embarrassing! ;-))

I'll let you know if/when the photos appear in a magazine - probably sometime next year - Hopefully with them not highlighting my shoddy housewifery!

I have every faith in this capable duo, who worked hard to produce a wonderful set of photographs.

My thanks to David and Nicky for such an enjoyable day and for not making me feel bad about having so much stuff, and the dust too! ;-))

Niki x

The Fabric of My Life

Hope you all had a lovely weekend...
I spent most of mine tidying the house, but I did escape for a short while on Sunday for a spot of vintage retail therapy in Bath...
First I spotted this gorgeous French fabric...

And then this bold floral on a soft cotton, French again...

And of course I couldn't leave this little scrap behind. Dating from the C19th, these ancient textiles are becoming so much harder to find...there's justification for you! ;-))
I find it very difficult to walk away, knowing that I may never see a design again.

And yes this piece; it really is only a tiny oblong, but such a stunning plush velvet, very 1930's French and needed to be at home with me - smile again!
Not quite sure what it will be used for yet, but it will be used...

A fabulous hand painted panel on black silk, of a Catherine Klein style but signed 'Gisele', deserves to be framed.

Incredible peachy-pink lace, that looks to be hand worked - and a whole card full of it...delicious!

Finally two unusual brooches and the old French rosary made my shopping trip complete.

So back home and to justify buying more fabric!

I tidied up the shelves in my workroom a little. In my defence, I don't think that there is a fabric here that I haven't used at one time or another, apart from a few that I keep just for looking at and ooing and ahhing over! I only ever buy fabrics that I love or that I know will prove useful...

What can I say? - I'm easily pleased!

Each one has been snipped and stitched over the years, and been made into a pretty boudoir accessory, cushion, bag or doll's outfit.

Maybe my new fabric pieces will fit in here somewhere...

Or tucked in here?

Hmmm, better get on with the sewing then...

*

Have a great week,

Niki x

(Thanks to Donna for the inspiration for the title of this post - it sums up me and my workroom a treat! :))

Tick Tock

The summer seems to be drawing to a close, with the evenings creeping up ever earlier each day. The nip in the air that comes with the autumn season is there more often than not and I've been feeling the need to be inside and knuckling down to some sewing...

Life has been busy here at home and just recently I've not known which way to turn. I have been mulling over thoughts in my head and I've also been out and about trying to make sense of where I want to be...but usually end up going full circle.

Our youngest daughter was back at school again last thursday, but our middle one is still at home. She starts uni towards the end of September. In the mean time she is producing huge artworks, taking over most of the kitchen(!), as well as sorting out her worldly goods for car boot sales and charity shops. She is the untidy one of the family, so whenever she's on a mission, it usually entails the whole house being turned upside down and we're all left climbing over things! ;-))

I'm supposed to be sorting out the house for important visitors coming on Wednesday next week - I need the house to be spick and span to make the right impression...I did try to put them off until our daughter was at uni, but it just couldn't happen that way.

I have been productive too, sewing some pieces for the next Vintage & Handmade Fair, and should have plenty of stock for that again in November: including 5 large rag dolls so far, some huge squishy cushions and an assortment of pretty low-cost stocking-fillers.

I've also sourced a fabulous collection of must-have vintage treasures to supplement the stall, which I hope will solve some of the visitors Christmas gift dilemmas.

All of this recent activity does mean that my on-line shop has once again gone some time without an update...I'm sorry to those who have emailed asking when my next lot of dolls will be ready...

Perhaps for now you can enjoy these pictures taken from The London Illustrated News from Dec. 1919, when shopping looks like it would have been a lot of fun...I'd love to scoop up some of the costumes and accessories from that era that were advertised at the time.

Just realised that this is my 400th post! I thought I had neglected my blog somewhat, so unless someone else has been writing my posts without me realising it ;-)) - I guess I've been more industrious than I thought...

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x

Boudoir Babe II

So much to do...and so little time...but just wanted to share with you this gorgeous gal! Oh la la!

She's a little worse for wear, but I think I like her all the more for that...she's lived, and you can't help but respect that...the years have ravaged her silken gown - sadly, the fact that she sat out in the rain all day at the flea market last Sunday probably didn't help - but that's another story...

She's dried off now and is enjoying a little bit of r&r in our living room.

Talk to you soon...must fly!

Lots of love, Niki x