Friday, April 16, 2010

Nothing But Blue Skies...


The glorious and sustained April weather has meant that I have been able to have the front double doors to my shop open to the world each day and to arrange a few items for sale out on the Market Place too...It does seem to bring more people in as there is no longer that barrier of the closed doors...
I've been hoping that the sunny weather will also get people thinking 'alfresco dining' and of 'tea on the lawn'! (Well, you never know...;-))
Today I put together a set of mismatched vintage china, each piece with a pretty design to tone well with the others, and I arranged them inside a basket with a small lace cloth.

I then put the set on display in one of the side windows with three other tea sets that I already had in stock.

I've been busy with lots of other things too...
I recently bought some quilt sachets from Jo and have been giving them my twist, by adding lace and sparkles to fit with my shop's look.
They are stuffed full of lavender flowers and smell divine.
I also now stock some beautiful layer printed cards by Jan of Redwoodhouse - the quality of them is wonderful.
I've revamped another couple of pairs of vintage shoe stretchers using velvet ribbons, pretty floral fabrics and tiny millinery flowers.
There are vibrant violets...
and dreamy 1920's faded florals.
*
I've swelled the number of pretty powder puffs in stock too, as these are fast becoming another one of my best sellers...
I added a couple to coordinating vintage china saucers to create some gift set ideas.

Faded violets this time...
(sorry, I sold today - thank you!)
And a soft and muted pale blue anemone topped one.
I also gave a lovely old c1930's gardening book the floral treatment with a removable flower corsage.
Brooch embellished antique bottle.
And finally today I finished a rich red cushion. I used C19th French ticking fabrics and a panel of heavily embroidered linen.
I'd also like to share with you this weeks surprise discovery...
A dramatic Victorian chenille, which is over 8ft in length.

I love the Art Nouveau design, which makes it perfect as a bedspread or table covering in a traditional Victorian home.
Hope you've had a lovely week and have been able to enjoy some of the fabulous spring weather.
Have a great weekend,
Niki x

12 comments:

  1. Hi Niki

    How lovely that you're stocking Jan's cards!

    That chenille bedspread/cloth/gorgeous item is far better than I imagined from what you said. What an amazing find!

    Glad you've been able to have the doors open at last. It makes such a difference, doesn't it.

    Have a brilliant day tomorrow.

    Sue x

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  2. Hello Niki, Looking through your shop makes me miss mine. I loved doing the window displays and rearranging the shelves...I think that was my favorite pastime! I love that cottage teacup in your arrangment and those powder puffs are BEAUTIFUL. Yes..I'm still dreaming of the day I'll be in to visit you...hopefully that won't be too far off. Have a wonderful evening! Maura

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  3. Everything in this post is just beautiful, but that chenille is a jaw-dropper! That is EXQUISITE!

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  4. I love it, wish I was there to go inside and chat with you, have a great day and hope the shoppers are buying. XO MARY

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  5. Hi Niki
    The pouches look stunning, the lace bows are gorgeous and make them look so different - absolutely beautiful.
    Jo xx

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  6. What lovely pretties!!

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  7. I hope your air is clear and clean. We've been hearing about the volcanic ash from Iceland drifting over your way.

    All your new things look LOVELY!♥♫

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  8. Niki,

    The sunshine is brillant and Nostalgia at No. 1 looks so pretty as always, I love your baskets of vintage china- what a lovely idea. Love the powder puffs too and the vintage bottles with the lovely jewels and diamonds. What a wonderful array of pretty vintage and girly goodies :) Enjoy the weekend!

    All things nice...

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  9. I just love the little touches you make to your items. Especially the garden book! So clever and lovely looking.

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  10. it all looks just GORGEOUS!
    x

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  11. Hi Niki

    Thank you for the lovely comments you made! I love the little red quilt sachets, so pretty!

    I hope this sunny weather has been bringing the shoppers in to town. It's been lovely!

    Look forward to my next visit to your shop.

    Have a lovely weekend

    Take care
    Isabelle x

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  12. I simply love your picnic baskets Niki! I made one for a friend last year, and she was thrilled to receive it (I had also enclosed English tea and shortbread too). I wish I could visit your shop and buy one for me!!! They absolutely are adorable, I love presents like these!!
    Monicaxo.

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