Monday, February 16, 2009

Scrap Happy


A little project that I've been working on over the last couple of weeks...

And I really do mean that(!)...this cabinet has been sat in my kitchen for a while, along with my basket filled with fabric scraps, and whenever I've had five minutes to spare in between cooking the family meals etc. another square of fabric has been added.

I used this technique, which I used a few years ago to cover some old lampshades. I gathered some of my most favourite C19th French fabrics for a cohesive look. It doesn't matter if they would be too frail to sew with, or if you only have a tiny fragment of some, as it's the overall effect that matters. By adhering them in place with PVA glue, smoothed with a paintbrush, they are held together for a fairly robust finish.
If any become worn, or soiled with time, another patch can be added over the top. I was going to cover all the edges in the same way, but decided to use this striped cotton tape instead, for a slightly smarter finish.
A beautiful French floral fabric covers the two door panels, with a patchwork border to tie in with the rest of the cupboard.

I use a lot of red in our home, as I find it has a cheerful, friendly feel to it.

It just needs putting up on the wall now, somewhere in our living room.
I've also been painting the built-in cupboards in this room with a fresh coat of white paint. They need another coat yet, but you get the idea...I've also put back the red gingham behind the glass, which I had in there a few years ago...maybe I should stop faffing and just keep things as they are!

***
On Sunday I took my daughter and her best friend to a vintage fashion fair that was held in Bristol. She bought a lovely Fair Isle hand knitted cardigan and a plaid skirt...sadly she doesn't want to model them for you here!
I bought some beautifully soft, cosy mohair scarves, mostly from Lizzie, which I shall turn into fashionable outerwear for my rag dolls!

There was also a fabulous stand, where the stall holder had bought all of her stock from the BBC's costume department. She said that much of it dates from the 1940's and the sheer volume of stuff that she has to sort through is incredible. Apparently, only a tiny sample of what she had was at the fair, as it will be a mammoth task. I bought these beautiful faux pearl stamens, which will be pretty embellishments for fairy folk.
***
Well, this week is half-term, so we shall see how much gets achieved...but I won't hold my breath; I am already booked as a taxi for this afternoon and a shopping trip for school supplies is also on the cards...hope you have a great week,
Niki x

32 comments:

  1. Your cupboard turned out perfect! Love the bright, cherry RED! And the pins you bought are lovely! Isn't it fun to find things that you can imagine using in your crafts! It makes you excited to create!

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  2. What a darling little cupboard - it looks lovely!
    I love the mohair scarves you purchased - really - I just bought one this morning at a charity shop to make a doll sweater with!
    Your home and things you make are just precious. I love reading and seeing your things.
    xxx
    Maggie

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  3. Oh my goodness!!! I love what you did to the cabinet. It's absolutely beautiful...and I too, love red and use it throughout my entire house!!!

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  4. Morning Niki.. gosh.. that is soooo beautiful cabinet.. love the colour!!..thanks for sharing the technique to do it.. Now I have the idea for next project!.. have a great week! :-)

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  5. Your cabinet is fantastic! I love the colours.
    Shame we were not in Park Street on the same day,if only to say 'hello'!! ;-)

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  6. The little cupboard looks fab. Enjoy half term. We'll be in the West come Thursday hurrah!
    Hen x

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  7. your cupboard is SO sweet! I love the patchwork. Your built ins look SO beautiful with their fresh coat of paint too. ;0)

    Have a great day! xo Heather
    p.s.- I finally purchased your book last night... I can't wait to get it!

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  8. wow! totally unique and gorgeous! i've never seen anyone do that with fabric... what a brave and creative idea, and what wonderful results :)))

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  9. Niki......it's fabulooouuuuus!!!!!!!!!!!! And the red accent in the living room is simply great! I love all.
    Monica x.
    P.S I'm covering an old IKEA mini chest of drawers with pale blue scraps- I'll show it once finished. Your tecnique is a gorgeous way to renovate! And what fun!

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  10. Your cupboard looks so beautiful! Wonderful idea!
    Hugs, Susan

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  11. bonne idée

    I love

    manon

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  12. Niki, what a beautiful job you did! I love it and the fabrics you chose are wonderful!!!! Love your home! Hugs, Maryjane

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  13. I love the way you have used fabric... you are so clever...I love before after and during pictures....have a happy half term....

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  14. Really like your cabinet! What a grat project.
    Glenda

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  15. HAHA! You make me laugh! The cupboard is amazing. The very idea that you could just keep everything the same and never change another thing...well, it just wouldn't be you! Besides - where would everyone get all their ideas from if you weren't constantly coming up with fresh ones! Now, about this taxi service - have you got a license? t.xxx

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  16. I think the cupboard is lovely, I love red in fabrics and around the home.
    You found some lovely things at the fashion fair. Hope you enjoyed your day out and enjoy half term. Our children break up this Friday for 2 weeks.
    Take care.
    Nickyx

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  17. That is gorgeous.
    You can use the same technique with one layer of paper napkins too
    (tutorial on my blog)

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  18. Lovely to see you & the 2 Emilys at the fair. Have a happy Half term week!
    Lizzie x

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  19. Ooh! I do love that little wall cupboard! It looks really effective. And incorporates some of my favourite decorating colours. What a successful project!

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  20. A really unusual idea - does it catch dust? What a stupid question for such a delightful project.

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  21. I WANT that cupboard! Am just twelve minutes away by car from Chipping Sodbury where the Spring Fair will be in May. HOW LUCKY AM I?????????

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  22. My dear Niki .... can you even begin to imagine how many cabinets will be receiving a makeover like yours? All around the world I suspect. It just looks spectacular!!!!! And thank you for the instruction too ......

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  23. Your cabinet is gergeous. Job well done. I would love a look at the booth with all the theater odds and ends, I collect allthe glitz and glitter I can. Cheers

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  24. as usual I am way behind on your posts, but always a good read. Love the fabric covered shelves - will have to try that. Oh and went off to visit Lizzie - thank you for the link.

    By the way that lemon mohair is gorgeous and not normally a yellow person either.

    Take care and best wishes Ginny x

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  25. Good job on the shelf Niki! I love the way you added one or two squares at a time LOL.
    I love Fair Isle designs ...i know she looks pretty!

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  26. Anonymous6:30 pm

    hi niki, I 've left you an award at my blog, you can pick it up if you want to....you deserve it!!

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  27. Anonymous7:26 pm

    Great little cupboard.

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  28. I just love reading your blog, your creations are beautiful! Your little shelf is lovely:)
    ~emily

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  29. Your beautiful cabinet is such a good use for fabric scraps! I've been doing crazy patchwork to use up some of my tiny bits and pieces, but some are too fragile even for that. The PVA glue would stabilise them, though... Thanks for the inspiration. What a lovely blog.

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  30. Anonymous2:13 pm

    Love the cupboard, very pretty! I wouldnt worry about "faffing" around, we do that all the time. Its natural for us!

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  31. Anonymous5:25 pm

    Waoh ! J'adore cette petite étagère recouverte de différents tissus !!!
    L'armoire revêtue de tissu à carreaux est sublime aussi ... tout ici n'est que délice pour moi !

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  32. I love the little cabinet you altered....so cute in such cute cheerful red scraps!

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