Checking Up!

Yesterday I was able to tick quite a few projects from my 'to do' list...

I ventured briefly into my garden to pick some lengths of ivy and bay leaves for a display I wanted to put together at my shop today...More of that later...

Whilst I was there, I picked this rose which was happily flowering in the border...but I think frost is finally on its way, so I thought it would be safer inside :)

Then it was down to business...

I've collected a few pairs of vintage shoe stretchers over the last few weeks, which I've wanted to give a makeover to...(I've always loved decorating these old friends :) - (Here too!)

This time I used a pale pink velvet ribbon for the metal sections and assorted antique lace for the wooden pieces.

*

These will be on my stall at the V&H Fair.

**

This dresser was actually given to me by a lovely couple who visit my shop whenever they are staying in Shepton Mallet. They have always been very supportive of my small business and I feel very lucky to know them. Its not a particularly old dresser, in fact it is made from MDF, but as it had been previously painted, I thought a fresh coat would smarten it up and give it a more country feel.

I used toasted almond emulsion paint, by Crown, and gave the whole piece two generous coats. (I actually started this last Sunday.)

Whilst the second coat was drying, I covered the shelves in a cheerful gingham fabric and made a pair of curtains to fit into the door panels.

When completely dry, I set about adding a coat of tinted wax to protect the paintwork and give a more rustic look.

Lots of buffing then followed!

The shelves were put back...

And I fitted the curtains onto tension wires.

It was delivered to the shop this morning...

And dressed with suitable accessories.

*

**

I've also recently covered another set of drawers, this time using a rare antique French fabric.

(Also coming to the V&H fair - I'm going for a red and cream theme to my stall this time.)

**

This corner shelf unit had been in my shop in its plain pine finish for a few weeks, with little interest, so I decided to paint that as well.

It now has a distressed look, which I hope will be more appealing.

**

Another simple make-over was this little stool. I liked the original gloss paint on the legs, but was less impressed by the 1980's fabric on the top!

So using more of the red and cream check upholstery-weight fabric, I went for a simple country look.

Here's my 'blog profile dolly' looking very happy with the re-do's! :)

**

And the greenery that I mentioned at the beginning of this post...

I used it to decorate an old painted ladder that I've just bought. I placed glass cream jugs on the steps, each with a tea light inside. I shall light these tomorrow evening, when its late night Christmas shopping in Shepton Mallet.

Have a lovely evening - I hope to be back on my blog tomorrow with a post showing all the dolls and fairies that I have made for the V&H Christmas Fair which takes place on Saturday.

Niki x