Comforts of Home

I knew I wouldn't be able to live with it for long...;-))

Yes, I have made some changes to the iron bed under our main staircase!

And yes, already! ;-))

It was all too busy and I needed to tone things down...so away went all the odd/mismatched cushions, quilts and eiderdowns...

And I've introduced a new calmer look.

I thought when I found the old cushion covers that were once on the sofas in our living room (whilst sorting through a pile of fabrics that I'd forgotten I had), that they could work better on the seat we had created here in the hall.

I'd made this set of large cushion covers at least 12 years ago, I'm guessing, all from lovely antique fabrics and quilts.

Several times they'd had to be patched and repaired over the years, which is one of the reasons I had reluctantly replaced them...

But here, where they will be used and enjoyed once again, it shouldn't be such a problem, as they will receive a lot less wear than on the main sofas in our living room.

Maybe I shouldn't look to change my style, and I should stick with the colours and textiles that I've always loved - If 12 years down the line I'm still liking these cushions, then that must mean something?

And I do think, this time(!) that I am settled...

:)

I will get round to showing some of the other changes I've made around our home soon...All of which I won't be changing again in the near future!

;-))

Have a great week,

Niki x

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