Talking Shop (Again!)

Yes, I am at it again, but just now the shop is taking up most of my energies as I try to establish myself in the town...I haven't invested in any publicity or advertising yet, except via my blog, but have been encouraged by how word has already spread.

I'm not sure that I shall be posting quite so often on my blog for now, as I can see my posts becoming a little repetitive! My life had been very different only a very short time ago...I was able to spend time on our home, our garden, crafting and days out...although I know I will be able to make adjustments given time, for the moment things revolve quite intensely around my new venture...I'm struggling to keep up with emails and comments on blogs, but have felt quite liberated by the fact that I don't have a computer or laptop at the shop to distract me during the day - its surprising what can be achieved! ;-)) (Added to this is the fact that I have agreed to be a part of several vintage fairs this year, so I'll need to find the time to make for those as well.)
Anyway, to talk shop again!...I had sold the 1930's doggie in the window, so needed to create some new displays...
I've gone for 'Where did you get that hat' in one of the side windows...

And have moved all of my vintage sewing equipment to the other side window. It has the caption 'Any old iron' as I have placed two antique irons amongst the display.

This has freed up the main front window, where I wanted to create a romantic Valentine's promotion...

I've included several of my hanging display hearts, a plaster statue, a framed collage and some Victorian Valentine postcards. The pink roses and white freesias are still going strong from my opening day exactly one week ago, and came in the post from my Mum and Dad.

Lets hope a few romantic gentlemen will come shopping for a gift for their sweethearts soon!

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The display is arranged on top of an old Frister Rossmann treadle sewing machine base.

I've also been adding some new stock to the interior displays, after a shopping trip at the weekend.

The orange moment didn't last long, and pink is firmly back on the agenda! ;-))

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I am feeling confident that I will be able to hand make a few items of extra stock each week - So far a pattern has emerged where I have 'morning customers' and afternoon ones...which means at lunch time I can usually whizz along on the sewing machine for a while and finish off in the afternoon, in between callers.

New this week has been a pretty floral basket cover.

Some patchwork bags....

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And some heart shaped cushions covered in bold c1950's red rose printed fabric by Fothergays.

I've also added to the antique bottle selection and to some of my lavender sachets.

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I have decided to change my opening days as I mentioned on a previous post. My new opening hours will be:

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: 9.30am - 4pm

Wednesday: 9.30am - 4pm

Thursday: 9.30am - 4pm

Friday: 9.30am - 4pm

Saturday: 9.30am - 4pm

Sunday: CLOSED

Hopefully this will work well for customers, and will also mean that I have a two day weekend.

Niki x