Frustrated Window Dresser!

Having been looking through all the photos of my little shop that I once had, (see previous post) it has made me somewhat frustrated. I trained many years ago as a window dresser and I guess I am now missing the opportunity to do some. So I have been rearranging my cabinet of 'stuff' that I have collected over the years....

There are some more of my hat collection in here, as well as old dolls, china and my favourite flower fairies book from when I was a little girl.

I have also been dressing my wire work mannequin! I used scraps of vintage lace, brooches, feathers and fabric flowers to create this whimsical dress. It is all just tied onto her, so when I feel like a change it will be easy to do so. She stands on the landing next to the other part of my vintage hat collection.

Memories....

Do you ever sit and look through your archives of saved pictures on your computer? Well, that is just what I have been doing and it has prompted me to share with you some old photos. A couple of years ago, I ran my own little shop. I was lucky enough to have the space on the side of our house (It has since become my kitchen!)

I enjoyed that time very much, but running your own shop is a tremendous tie. Also I found it difficult to switch off from all the work involved, particularly as it was difficult to get any distance from it!! My youngest daughter was only 10 at the time (not to mention us having two older daughters too) and I felt that I couldn't give her the attention that she needed all of the time, either.

I used to sell handmade items, made by myself from vintage fabrics, as well as other vintage textile items and pretty antique treasures. I just don't think the village that I live in was ready for it!! As it was a small shop on its own in the village, it was very difficult to get custom through the door. This is why I progressed to doing the fairs and selling on-line.

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Why not look through your archives and see what memories you stir?!

Amazing Roses.

Here we are in the throws of Autumn, with the wind snatching the golden leaves from the trees and shrubs in my garden, and my roses are still finding the energy to create beautiful buds!

The weather has been particularly wild over the last 24 hours, so I rescued them and bought them indoors to nestle amongst my rose themed collections, where I can appreciate them at close-hand.

Shepton Mallet Update

I tried to add a festive touch to my stand at the Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair this weekend.....

It was lovely to see:

Clare from Vintage Home,

Kelly from Vintage Lifestyle,

Sue from Vintage to Victorian,

and Margaret...soon to start blogging!!!

Thank you to everyone who made a purchase from my stand, it is very much appreciated.

Shepton Mallet Antiques and Collectors Fair

Today I am sorting my stock to take along to the Shepton Mallet Antique Fair tomorrow. It is on all weekend- for details see http://www.dmgantiquefairs.com/fairs/shepton/default.asp

I have been attending this fair for sometime, but have decided that this will be my last one. I would like to thank everyone who has made a purchase from me over this time. Next year I hope to get back to being more creative with vintage fabrics and trims selling my wares at smaller fairs and on my website.

Tomorrow I will have a Christmas gift section and also a large area devoted to sale items to clear some storage space at home! If you can make it to the fair, please come and say hello in Shopping Arcade number 3.

Vintage Haberdashery.

I visited a Vintage Textile Fair yesterday in the old town of Ilminster, Somerset, UK. It was a small, specialists fair, but the amount of beautiful items for sale was amazing. I was looking for beautiful haberdashery items and flowers to recycle into new creations! Here is my haul of goodies....

Vibrant velvets; including a velvet hat that I may remove the shadow printed ribbons from, two Victorian velvet picture frames and some velvet ribbons on cards....

Some small scale American Rick Rack still in their packaging and some tiny glass buttons, perfect for dolls.....

Some delicate old millinery flowers.....

These yummy French millinery fruits and a porcelain flower that I think is very unusual.....

And finally this collection of French trims. I love the pink fringing with the row of ribbon flowers stitched on- I think I shall use this as a shelf edging.

Lavender Sachets.

I have created these little lavender sachets, each from two different vintage fabrics joined down the centre. The side seams are then stitched to make a bag. The top edge is folded a little inside and they are stuffed to bulging with dried lavender flowers. The opening is gathered and stitched closed.

Each one was then trimmed with a vintage flower, buttons, and glass and pearl beads. They would make a pretty little stocking filler, or tucked in a gift of lingerie maybe?

Also, just to say, that I will be at the Bristol Vintage Fashion Fair on Sunday. If you are interested in coming along, please go to www.bristolvintagefashionfair.co.uk

Angels

I recently bought this little collection of bisque doll parts. They were dug-up out of the ground in Thuringia in Germany, near to the old doll factory. They date from around 1880 to 1930.

As they have been given a second chance, I wanted to make them beautiful again.

I took some antique lace and ran a running stitch along the top edge. I pulled up the stitches, gathering it around the neck of the doll to give a choir robe effect. Another narrow lace was given the same treatment to create the ruffle collar. The wings are made from an embroidered ribbon, stitched into a bow shape and glued on the back of the doll.

I also added a hanging loop and various button trims and a halo. The little angels hold a glass chandelier drop.

I think they would be pretty hanging on the Christmas tree, but also hung in a baby's room as a guardian angel.

PinBoard

One of the items that I created this week was a decorative pin-board. I took the Victorian red velvet frame that I bought at the Yarlington Car Boot Sale.

I found an old cork board at a jumble sale for 50p. I cut this to fit the frame.

This was then covered in a cheerful 1950's fabric, featuring red and pink Carnations.

Done!

A pretty way to display my collection of Victorian/ Edwardian postcards or useful as a pin board!

Boudoir Glamour!

Above my little blue fireplace in my bedroom was a framed print that I had stared at for many years. I felt the need for a change, so have moved it onto my landing wall. In it's place I have created this. It is a metal wire torso from the 1950's, that I have added pieces from my vintage accessories collection.

These include, an embroidered lace scarf, a flamboyant floral hat, a piece of feather trim, glass bead necklaces and brooches, some flower corsages and a little beaded purse.

If I get tired of looking at this, I can always change the accessories for a different look!