Tuesday, February 02, 2010

February Frenzy


February already?!

I had planned on thanking each of you personally by email for the lovely good luck cards and gifts that I received when I opened my new shop, but I have had a few computer problems recently - I wanted to say how very grateful I was for the support that had been shown to me and so I send a huge message of thanks (you know who you are!) via my blog instead.

These are for you!

Yesterday was my 'day off', so what did I get up to? Well, apart from catching up on some much needed housework (groan), I was also busy with a few make-overs for the shop(!)
One cute little painted bathroom cabinet just needed a quick fix...

So I thought I'd treat it to a section of antique French wallpaper (I have so little of this left, but just love the design)
A few careful snips, a touch of glue, and the job was done.

Since opening the shop I had been asked a couple of times if the chair in the fitting room was for sale...I must admit that I was a little reluctant to part with it, as I had used one of my favourite vintage Sanderson fabrics on the seat.
I'm still thinking about putting it up for sale at the moment, but thought I would at least work on a replacement, just in case...
This Victorian chair that I recently bought was in need of a little help...

I thought I'd use a C19th French cretonne fabric printed with bold stylised flowers to re-cover the seat.

It was a bit fiddly, especially around the back support - not my best effort, but it does at least look better than it did before...

And a ruby red braid hides a multitude!
I may decide to take it to the shop this week and try the swap-over to see if I'm happy for it to live in the fitting room.

This little project certainly gave me the bug for using some French cretonne fabrics in my work. I used to make little hand bags a few years ago, but as is so typical of me, I often get fidgety and have to move on to something else. Today however the need to make a return visit took hold. I sketched out a basic pattern on some tissue paper and then got cutting and stitching...
This was the end result. I think it would be nice to make a few variations of these, some of which I could save to take with me to the first of the fairs that I have booked for this year.

Other recent creations include a young and fun bag, with red roses for Valentine's Day...
And can you spot someone in the background?

This is Lily Beth in a patriotic red, white and blue ensemble!
There's been plenty of vintage goodies added to the shelves too, including a lovely French box...
Floppy and gorgeous old millinery flowers and some fabulous French magazines from the late 1800's/early 1900's...

As well as several framed prints, lots more unusual brooches, linens and pretty china.
My shop sign was due to be fitted today, but once again I have been scuppered by the weather...perhaps tomorrow...
Have a great week,
Niki x

14 comments:

  1. Gorgeous, its all soo gorgeous, as always Niki! I love the cretinne on the chair... I have a feeling people will ask if its for sale too! You are doing so well, its a wondeful shop! xxx

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  2. Niki,

    Oh my those bags and that wee dog are so pretty :) I also love the work you have done on the chair :) Keep up the good work. Spring is setting up so you will have more and people out and about visiting your shop with the weather improving and hopefully we will all get some sunshine too :)

    All things nice...

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  3. Oooh, I DO love the sweet patriotic girl, and the china in the basket (last picture)... sooo pretty!
    Today I had a glorious tea time with your vintage rose cups! What a delight!
    Monicax .

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  4. The chair looks great...a skill I must learn this year. Hoping to pop in on Saturday to say hello..see you then.x

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  5. I love what you've done to the chair! That French fabric is quite lovely - I do love those soft muted colors. Looking forward to seeing your new shop sign!

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  6. Those millinery flowers are so pretty, and both chairs are gorgeous. Didn't you get some lovely cards!

    Mel xxx

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  7. Hi Niki

    Love the bag and am delighted you're going to make some for the first of the fairs!!!

    Hope the weather doesn't let you down tomorrow.

    Sue x

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  8. Hi Niki!!!
    I'm just IN LOVE with your new shop. How fun it must be. I know it was a LOT of hard work for you to get everything together and looking so gorgeous but I must say...I really think it comes natural for you. Your beauty shows right through everything you do!!!!
    Gorgeous!!!
    everything vintage

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  9. Dear Niki, how I wish I live in the same country as you! so that I could visit your shop all day and be awed with your beautiful vintage pieces.. Love love love your shop a lot!

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  10. Hi Niki!
    I thank you for the beautiful flowers! We've missed you, these beautiful images open the heart ...
    I wish you a good job in your beautiful shop! You soon, Maria.

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  11. It is so exciting to see how all this is going for you, Niki. I can see why you would be sorry to part with that lovely chair.

    Thanks so much for taking the time to pop over to my blog and leave your kind comment - I am having so much fun with red this month!

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  12. Guenievre9:42 am

    Bonjour ! lovely things !
    I love the fabrics and the wallpaper on the bathroom cabinet !
    Great you have a "Journal des Demoiselles" ! There is other French vintage magazines which name is "Le Journal des Brodeuses" I found one few months ago in a flea market. Perhaps if I found another one I could send it to you !
    Bonne semaine !

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  13. Dealbaida9:47 am

    Was so much loveliness ever gathered together before? It just gets better and better.

    Keep posting the pictures Niki.... so many people rely on our daily "fix" of Nostalgia.

    Marion
    Weston super Mare

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  14. OOOOooooh lovely creations going on there niki - love the posh little bag with the trim - i am itching to get to see you and your new shop - i think the half term will be the best time. Can't wait.

    Ginny x

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