Thursday, January 19, 2012

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

23 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:13 pm

    Hi Niki :)
    What a beautiful post,the new display area looks really fabulous and i can't believe it is nearly two years since you opened Nostalgia at no.1,time really flies.
    The shop looks wonderful so many beautiful things on offer i especially drawn to the the wall shelf with aqua glass bottles and sea shells.
    The lace bobbins are adorable as are the keys,you are so very creative.
    Have a lovely weekend xxx

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  2. Happy anniversary,your shop looks beautiful wish I lived near Id come and visit you.Love Jill xx

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  3. Happy Anniversary. The shop looks lovely. If I lived closer I'm sure I would be a regular customer. Mmm maybe for the bank balance it's probably I good thing I don't lol!

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  4. Happy Anniversary, Nikki! When I become rich, I want to fly you across the pond to decorate my house! :)

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  5. Ohhh, lovely! I love your new display wall--and what a cool way to use the drying rack! Your shop is so inviting. I'd love to be able to drop in and shop. I so often see things in the pics that I would love to have in my home. congratulations on TWO years!

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  6. Congratulations on your 2nd shopaversary!
    The changes are really eye-catching, so your feet won't be up for long me thinks, you'll have to get more makes done!

    ? belated birthday wishes too.

    Sandie xx

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  7. Happy Second Anniversary Niki. The re-vamp looks really good. Went in a cafe in York yesterday and all the walls (even in the loo!) were papered with sheet music.
    Carol xx

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  8. What an adorable shop you have! LOVE what you did with the boxes arranged on the wall. We've talked of coming back to England to visit the town where "Doc Martin" is filmed. (We are crazy about that show!) Your shop would be a wonderful place to visit also. Thanks for sharing all the photos.

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  9. You have been a busy gal. The new shelves (boxes) look fabulous! And your shop looks so inviting and cozy. Happy anniversary and may you have many more successful years.

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  10. Many happy returns of the day to the shop for Saturday!
    Jennie

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  11. Hi Niki.
    Wonderful post, seems to me to be there!
    The old cabinet no more,
    your idea of hanging the old wooden boxes is brilliant! :):)
    Thanks for the company that you are you doing...
    Hughs and kisses, Maria.
    (with translator)

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  12. Hi Niki,
    Tha shop looks absolutely brilliant! I love your clever idea with the boxes. Good luck for the year ahead.Jane x

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  13. Gorgeous display
    JUlie xxxxx

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  14. Niki, busy,busy,busy it all looks wonderful and I think that it is always a good idea to change around like you have. I love it all, althogh the boxes the most. I wish I could get to see you more, I can't believe that you have been there for that time already, long may it continue.
    T x

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  15. Anonymous11:57 am

    Inspirational displays, Niki. I really hope I can come and visit some day soon.

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  16. Dear Niki , I love your blog & all your pretty things ! They are so the kind of things I love ! I was so blue today & I visited & feel so much happier ! The vintage fabrics & china the old pictures .They are all so lovely ! Your beautiful dolls are so sweet ! You have a way with display my friend ! I think you have about MOST LOVELY Blog I have ever seen ! I am following your blog ! If I lived close to your shop I'd take care of a lot of that beautiful china ! It is one of my collections ,my favorite collection ! Your shop is a dream ! I hope it brings you much joy & prosperity ! Hugs to you ! Sincerely , Rhonda

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  17. Niki, I can't believe it's two years on Saturday!
    Happy Anniversary to you, and here's to many more happy years in your gorgeous shop :o)

    Thankyou so much for this lovely blog post. I so enjoy popping in here, and it's so relaxing to see all your hard work (you know what I mean I hope!! :o) and everything you have made so beautiful!

    Take care my Dear. My wish is to one day get to you for real!
    Have a lovely weekend,
    Love Donna xx

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  18. Very interesting to see what you did with the keys. I like your new space with the boxes. Nice shop.

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  19. I too like the new look . I am so hoping that this year you are not shut when I make my annual trip to Shepton in the second week of the summer hols

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  20. The shop is looking lovely for the new year. Congrats on your second anniversary!

    Jayne

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  21. Shops always require rearranging because merchandise gets sold and customer tastes in desired mrch. changes. You have done a teriffic job with the whole rearranging, refocus project. Your shop is very full, not crowded, and very feminine looking. Wishing you continued success.

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  22. Congratulations on your anniversary, Niki! It is good to hear that things are working out and your new ideas :)

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  23. wow 2 years that is fantastic - well done you. I am so desperate to rummage in all of your new areas and shelves. I have now seen what I can do with 2 of my boxes that are sitting under my workroom table being useful! they can be even more useful on the wall - FAB - U - LOUS.

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