Two Timer

A New Year and a Birthday seems like as good a time as any to make some changes...

This coming Saturday, my little shop will be two years old already!

I am very grateful to still be in business during these difficult financial times and am happy to report a growing number of regular customers coming back time and again to my tiny corner of Somerset. Having listened to what my customers have had to say, I decided that a few changes would take place inside the shop this year.

Up until now, I have had a small vintage clothes section. An area that I have never been totally happy with - I feel a rail of clothes rarely ever looks tidy - Even though mine were contained within a lovely vintage wardrobe, they still looked a little chaotic. Also, not only has a customer got to find something they like, it then has to be in their size, and then fit them properly. The odds are stacked against a sale when only a small selection is on offer. So the clothes have gone (although I may occasionally stock something special or particularly beautiful or iconic) and I shall be keeping the accessories, such as scarves, hats and gloves.

So with the wardrobe taken away (thanks to a friend's Hubby!), what to do with the space it created?

Remember the collection of boxes I bought before Christmas?

Hubby and I worked until late on Monday evening to create a new display area on the wall.

The boxes were arranged and screwed into a backing board of MDF.

I'd lined some of the boxes with various old papers, such as maps...

Newspapers and sheet music, which is a similar style to the way I decorated the shop's fitting room.

Bright and early on Tuesday morning, it was then a case of feeding in some of my merchandise onto he newly created shelves and niches.

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A closer look...

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There's now lots more space for my handmade/re-purposed products...All I need now is more time to create things! This new area has had me excited - I feel energised and look forward to each new day at work.

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Hubs and I also put up this old wooden drying rack, to replace the single pole that I had previously. It displays lace collars, baby gowns and pretty photographs.

The large dresser to the left has had a small tweak too. I am going to cut back on the amount of china in stock and introduce a bit more kitchenalia.

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All the other areas have had a tidy up and the odd jiggle or new addition!

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So, as the 2nd anniversary approaches, I would like to thank all who have stopped-by, made a purchase or offered words of encouragement. Its not always been easy (sometimes a little stressful or worrying), but it has been rewarding and enjoyable for most of the time! ;-))

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Now for a few photos showing some of today's makes.
A re-framed c1920's print in painted and waxed frame.

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Vintage hand crochet lace on old wooden bobbins...

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Rusty keys with antique braid and buttons.

A new collection of powder-puffs...

With antique lace and velvet flowers.

Each placed on a coordinating vintage china saucer.

A glass weight...

with antique French fabric.

And a revamp to the tatty old case that I bought on Sunday...

I couldn't bare to throw it away, after taking out all of the old film boxes...

So I glued on some old newspaper ads from the 1930's and tied a length of antique lace in a bow on the handle.

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Right...time to put my feet up now.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Love Niki x