OhSoVintage

Nuno Felting

2012-02-13T13:44:00.000Z

This is my first attempt at nuno felting (a technique which bonds loose fibre, usually wool, into a sheer fabric such as silk gauze). Having seen lots of beautiful scarves on Pinterest and google images I decided to make myself a scarf. I watched several videos on youtube and decided this lady's were the easiest to follow. The most suitable fabric I could find was some black silk chiffon so then it was a question of deciding which colours of wool to use. As most of my clothes seem to be grey or black I decided to keep to these colours. This is the finished result.

I was really pleased with my effort but the first friend I showed it to remarked that it was drab and stiff! Undeterred I did wear it and had lots of favourable comments. It is stiffer than I had wanted but now I have discovered that the company from which I buy my wool tops also sells silk gauze (unfortunately only in white but I can dye it).

Because I did not have a piece of silk long enough then I had to join two pieces in the middle. This is quite easy as the felted wool joins them. I also had to put wool all around the edges as they were raw edges.

I am really keen to make some more scarves and am even wondering about selling them. What do you think?

I have started going to my ceramics class again though I am not very good at it. Here are some hearts I have made

and some crackle glazed Christmas bells, stars and holly.

I have also made several ceramic buttons and I am wondering if these would also sell as I can do them in any colour people would want. They could be used on cushion covers as well as knitwear.

Vintage Market

2012-02-05T11:47:00.001Z

Yesterday my daughter and I visited Boscombe Vintage Market near where she lives. We'd never been before and were pleasantly surprised at the lovely things for sale.

I only bought one thing (and for myself, not re-sale). I love these mosaic ear clips which I shall wear as dress clips on a dress or jumper.

We then went into Christchurch

for some lunch (her treat) and a bit of shopping at Kiki's boutique. It's a lovely shop and I usually find something to buy there.

Dilemma

2012-01-31T18:33:00.000Z

I love painted furniture if it is done well but sometimes when I walk around some antique centres it seems that anything and every piece of wood has been painted and I don't think this is always right. I also like wood particularly oak and mahogany to be left looking like wood!

I recently bought these two pieces - a sewing box/stand which I have decided should be left as it is but I am unsure about this screen. There are two panels of embroidery but would it look better given the Farrow & Ball treatment and with this lovely Kate Forman fabric. What do you think?

I also bought these two silver brooches which would be lovely to give for a Valentine's present. Both have horseshoes and ivy on them. Ivy leaves were used on jewellery as a symbol of fidelity and, of course, horseshoes bring good luck so these may have been given to a bride on her wedding day.

Vintage Clothes

2012-01-25T15:18:00.000Z

I have been doing quite a lot of buying for the website recently. I had a visit to Ardingly and bought twelve of these lovely French dessert glasses - no wonder the French ladies are so slim looking at the size of these if this is all the dessert they eat!

I love these two mosaic brooches I bought.

At the weekend I went to an auction and bought lots of linen so this week it's been like a Chinese laundry in my home. I like to wash and starch everything before it goes on the website. Luckily I don't mind ironing!

I also bought a box of vintage clothes which I don't usually sell but these took my fancy. This is a Victorian dress which is too small to fit on any of my mannequins unfortunately so difficult to display.

There was also a wedding dress and veil. Someone has cut off the bottom of the dress and it needs some tlc on the lace.

This Chinese coat is reversible and beautifully made.

I will post some photos of the linens when I can see over the mountain of ironing!

Morning Walk

2012-01-08T16:46:00.000Z

Well after an awful 2011, 2012 has not started well. Two days ago my father in law was out walking with my mother in law and suddenly collapsed with a heart attack and died. It has been such a shock to us all.

I went for a lovely walk along the beach this morning; it doesn't even feel like winter the past few days and there were so many people out enjoying this mild weather. Nearly everyone seemed to have a dog and this one was certainly enjoying his morning dip.

Fishermen were out

and gliders

Then it was home to scrambled eggs on toast.

This week I have been trying to get to grips with my new camera and all the effects it can do.

and more felting this weekend but I'll post photos of this another time.

Belated Happy New Year

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000Z

A belated Happy New Year to you all. I have been very remiss in my postings and comments of late and I must try harder in 2012!

I wish you all a very happy and peaceful 2012.

This was the first Christmas since my Mum died. One of the best Christmas presents I ever received was this antique Maltese scarf she gave me about 30 years ago. I used to, and still do, wear it a lot. The amethyst 'necklace' is the last present she gave me.

Felted Flowers

2011-12-06T12:42:00.000Z

I haven't done any felting for months but having joined Pinterest and finding some wonderful felted items on there I was once more inspired to root out my stash of merino wools, order some more and get felting.

I can't show some of the things I have made as they will be Christmas presents and the recipients may read this but here are two flower corsages I have made.

Of course I am still a relative beginner and aspire to be able to make such lovely things as these shown below.

Source: ley-art.livejournal.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

The items below are what is called nuno felting where merino wool is laid on top of silk and the wool fuses into the fabric to give different textures. I haven't tried this yet but am very excited about having a go at it. I absolutely love this scarf.

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Christmas Chutney

2011-12-01T16:07:00.001Z

My kitchen smelt very Christmassy yesterday when I was making chutney as the recipe used ground cloves, cinnamon and ginger. I've never made any before but thought I would try Nigellas's Christmas Chutney as my first attempt. I halved the recipe in case it all went wrong but I was really pleased with both the look and, more importantly, the taste of the chutney.

These little jars from Ikea, at 99p for 3, are ideal for small quantities and I will definitely be making more to give as presents.

Christmas Cake

2011-11-27T15:33:00.001Z

This year one of my friends has made her Christmas cake from one of those Waitrose Delia's packs where everything is included for you and even the dried fruit has been pre-soaked in booze. I have always (and probably always will) made my cake from the recipe my mother used as her mother did and goodness knows how far back into the family it goes.

The rather tatty and cake mixture splattered recipe that I wrote out 34 years ago when we were first married is slavishly followed every year. I have never ever iced a cake in my life as we always have a rich Dundee cake and it must be served with Wensleydale cheese!

The cake is in the oven now (minus quite a few spoonfuls of the mixture as I adore raw cake mixture) and it smells delicious!

Do you buy your cake or do you have a favourite family recipe?

My Haven

2011-11-18T15:14:00.000Z

I recently hosted a give away for an enamel sign from Ramsign and someone told me they were disappointed they couldn't enter as their house didn't have a number, which was a shame. We have both here. Our house was built in the 1890s and has always been called 'The Haven' which I think is a lovely name for a home. It is certainly my haven as I love my home and whenever I am away from it I can't wait to return.

We recently bought some rusty letters and have mounted these above the inside of the front door. We have also had a new wooden front door and window fitted as the previous owners had installed a upvc door which was totally out of keeping with this house. I have painted the inside but still have the outside and the porch to paint. Then the floor tiles outside the door are all wrong, especially the colour and we could do with a better number sign (though, of course I couldn't enter the competition).

I also bought the EAT letters which are in the kitchen

though I never need reminding to eat especially where these blueberry muffins, baked yesterday, are concerned.

We have also been adding some new things (new to us) on the wall in the hall.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone.

You Tube Dog Talking

2011-11-17T12:47:00.000Z

You may have seen this already but it makes me laugh each time I watch it!

And the winner is....

2011-11-15T19:46:00.000Z

And the winner is Jonathan. Thankyou for all who entered the giveaway which was offered by Ramsign who manufacture quality enamel signs. I am sure Jonathan will be delighted with the sign he chooses for his home.

Giveaway Ends Tonight

2011-11-14T17:39:00.000Z

Don't forget my giveaway of an enamel sign from Ramsign ends at midnight tonight.

Birthday and Bodhi

2011-11-03T14:51:00.001Z

Last weekend it was my birthday and our daughter came to stay with her new puppy, Bodhi. He is a miniature Schnauzer, miniature poodle which is a recognised cross breed called a Schnoodle and he is a little sweetie! He is just 12 weeks old so was able to venture out for his first walk and socialising with other dogs. We went down to the beach and he was in his element running around and dragging seaweed along to play with. Of course the walk took simply ages as so many people stopped to tell him how gorgeous he is (these compliments are totally wasted on dogs and babies!!) and he wanted to make friends with everyone.

This weekend Bodhi is coming to stay again but I hope he doesn't leave me quite so many presents this time!

Enamel sign giveaway

2011-10-30T16:58:00.000Z

The lovely people at Ramsign contacted me recently to see if I would be interested in giving away one of their enamel signs to my readers. After looking over their products I'm really thrilled to be hosting this giveaway. Ramsign are a Danish company who sell beautiful hand-crafted porcelain enamel signs that would add a vintage touch to any home.

Ramsign have offered my readers the chance to win one of their classic house numbered signs. If you win, you'll be able to choose from any of their five different styles of house number (from one to five digits). They will ship it out anywhere in the world for free, so international entries are welcome.

The rules
To enter, just leave a comment on this blog with your email address.
[+1] For an extra entry, tweet about this giveaway by pasting this into your tweet: "Enter @ohsovintagecouk giveaway and win an enamel sign from Ramsign http://tinyurl.com/677ketc"
[+2] For two extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link to the Ramsign website. Make sure you leave me a comment to let me know you've done so.

The giveaway closes at midnight (GMT) Monday 14th November. Good luck!

Northumberland

2011-10-17T17:34:00.000+01:00

We have just returned from a week's holiday in Northumberland and what a stunning county it is! We stayed in a really pretty cottage in the Breamish valley.

Being National Trust members we visited a lot of their properties to get our money's worth of the membership fee! This is Dunstanburgh castle which is on the coast.

We also visited Wallington and Cragside.

These two houses had amazing kitchens; these are always my favourite rooms as I like to look at all the items of cookware and kitchenalia used in bygone days.

An early dishwasher.

I just love this cabinet of moulds.

We also visited Alnwick Castle where some of the Harry Potter films have been filmed. It is the home of the Duke of Northumberland and is crammed full of beautfiul and priceless treasures. Sadly photography was not allowed. We had lunch in the Treehouse restaurant which was novel!

We weren't able to do or see as much as we'd hoped as time ran out but we will definitely return. The scenery is breathtaking and the locals very friendly.

with the odd exception!!

Ashes to Ashes

2011-10-03T21:51:00.000+01:00

What stunning weather we had on Saturday when we visited what has to be one of my favourite places in the UK - Daymer Bay in north Cornwall. This is where we laid Mum to rest and where she requested in her poem.

Just ten minutes walk away is St Enedoc church where John Betjeman is buried and I went in there to say a prayer for Mum. It was decorated for Harvest Festival the next day and was looking so lovely.

(From the 16th century to the middle of the 19th century, the church was virtually buried by sand dunes. To maintain the tithes required by the church, it had to host services at least once a year, so the vicar and parishioners descended into the sanctuary through a hole in the roof. By 1864 it was finally unearthed and the dunes were finally stabilized).

Cornwall

2011-09-30T14:07:00.001+01:00

This weekend we will be scattering Mum's ashes where she requested in north Cornwall.

I thought I would post some photos of Mullion in south Cornwall where she once had an antiques shop. These photos were taken the evening before her funeral earlier this month.

Treats

2011-09-25T16:59:00.000+01:00

This week I have been enjoying some treats. On Tuesday I had a day out with my daughter and she treated me to afternoon tea at the Chichester Harbour Hotel. After a glass of Prosecco we had dainty sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jam followed by a variety of tiny homemade cakes. We had already spent the afternoon scouring a salvage yard and lovely shops in Christchurch and it was such a lovely day together.

Then on Thursday I went out to lunch and a shopping trip with a friend. We have an outlet shopping place in Portsmouth and I found a skirt I had previously tried on in White Stuff, reduced from £49.95 to £19 and these amazing (well, I think so) Radley shoes reduced from £150 to £44. They are actually half a size smaller than I usually take and I don't think I could wear them for long periods but I just had to have them! My friend said I shouldn't buy them if they weren't comfortable but that didn't come into it; they just had to come home with me!

It rather reminded me of the clever Edward Monkton card.

Blue and White and Copper

2011-09-20T18:57:00.000+01:00

I just love the combination of blue and white china with copper. I am waiting for husband to put up some shelves so that I can display it all together in the kitchen.

This is a copper goose carving tray

and below is an escargot pan.

I love this pretty little saucer with its picture of a damsel with her sheep (or is it a goat?)

And lastly these are the last of the flowers from the garden.

Downton Abbey

2011-09-18T13:13:00.000+01:00

I am so looking forward to watching Downton Abbey this evening. There was a lot about this series in one of the Sunday supplements last weekend and I was interested to see this photo of Downton's drawing room which had been converted into a dormitory for convalesent soldiers. I was particulary interested to see the bedspreads as I have the exact same for sale on my website.

MIZPAH

2011-09-06T15:42:00.001+01:00

Thankyou so much to those people who left a comment following my mum's death. I have been overwhelmed by people's kindness and thoughtfulness, not just from family and friends but messages and cards from people I hardly know. It is VERY comforting to know that people genuinely do care. One blogger sent me a beautiful poem which I shall treasure. The last few lines are

Be still.

Close your eyes.

Breathe.

Listen for my footfall in your heart.

I am not gone but merely walk within you.

My mum loved poetry, both to read it and write it. After she died I found Christina Rosetti's poem 'Remember' bookmarked in four of her many poetry books she collected. My daughter, Rosie, read this at her funeral.

In 2000 Mum had her poem 'Last Wish' published in a book. We also read this at her funeral. The Camel estuary is in north Cornwall where she served in the Wrens and she loved so much. She requested that her ashes be scattered here.

LAST WISH

Lay me down in the Camel river

Where there's a sight of the sea,

And I shall rest

In the waiting west

Where I belong to be.

Let me lie in the Camel river

When the tide is easy and slow, And I shall sleep

In the dreaming deep

When it is time to go.

No mournful songs or sermons,

Only the sound of the sea,

And if larks ascending

Sing at my ending,

There's Heaven enough for me.

We also had Vaughan Williams' 'A Lark Ascending' played at her funeral.

I have titled this post MIZPAH. Mum often wore a ring with these words on it. Mizpah is an emotional bond between people who are separated (either physically or by death). Mizpah jewellery is worn to signify this bond, and the word "mizpah" can often be found on headstones in cemeteries and on other memorials. From Genesis 31:49 of the Bible "And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."

My Mum

2011-08-28T19:30:00.000+01:00

My lovely mum died last Tuesday Here are some pictures of her.

She joined the Wrens at age 17 and was a Plotter and a Bomb Range Marker during the last war.

This is the last photo I have of her which was taken in March.

She was born in 1926 and died on her wedding anniversary aged 85. She was a remarkable woman and I shall miss her so terribly.

...and Marmalade

2011-08-13T18:13:00.000+01:00

Flushed with enthusiasm from my jam making I made several jars of marmalade the next day too. I was really pleased to find this Tala Jam Making Set in Sainsbury's yesterday and at half price of only £10. It has a thermometer, funnel, jelly bag, covers, and labels etc etc.

Yesterday was our 33rd wedding anniversary and we spent the day at Charleston House, home of the Bloomsbury Group. In 1916 the artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant moved to Sussex with their unconventional household. Over the following half century Charleston became the country meeting place for the group of artists, writers and intellectuals known as Bloomsbury. Clive Bell, David Garnett and Maynard Keynes lived at Charleston for considerable periods; Virginia and Leonard Woolf, E.M. Forster, Lytton Strachey and Roger Fry were frequent visitors. It is a fascinating home; members of the group painted the house and furniture in a totally unconventional way and they lived a totally Bohemian lifestyle declaring themselves pacifists and therefore opting out of taking part in the Great War.

Later in the afternoon we went to Lewes but unfortunately I only found the antique shops as they were closing. I quickly managed to buy a few things though which will be going on the website this week. I love the old bicycle basket but I don't have a bike! The old shop counter bell appealed to me too; I wonder what kind of shop it was used in.

Strawberry Jam

2011-08-09T16:38:00.001+01:00

After a very stressful time last week I have been spending this week chilling out gardening and yesterday I made strawberry jam.

It's only my second attempt and I am looking forward to trying making some chutneys in the Autumn.

A COUPLE OF MAKE-OVERS

2011-07-30T16:31:00.000+01:00

I have spent the last week trying to 'get round' to doing things I keep putting off. I love making lists and, even more, like crossing things off as done!

I bought this Lloyd Loom chair eons ago and thought it would be ideal for the new summerhouse. So I painted it Farrow & Ball's 'Green Blue' (what an uninspiring name but you do know what you are getting!). The seat was not to my liking (shock, horror from all retro lovers!) so I covered it and made a cushion (those same retro aficionados will consider this sacrilige!)

I have also had this French hip bath for ages too. I couldn't decide whether to leave it red but armed with a huge bottle of paint stripper and the pressure washer (and a husband standing close by itching to help!) decided to take it back to zinc. I'm really pleased with the result and even though some stubborn red paint remains along the base I think it is definitely an improvement. I have situated it by the kitchen doors and filled it with lavender, lemon thyme and rosemary.

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend, enjoying the sunshine. I am off down to Cornwall to visit my mum again next week. She is still in hospital which is now 11 weeks.

Sweet Peas

2011-07-26T22:02:00.000+01:00

According to last week's Gardener's World we must pick all the sweet peas every 10 days to keep the plants flowering. So now my plants in the garden are looking slightly bare for a few days but the scent in the house is wonderful.

I recently bought this florist's bucket and will soon be listing it on my website.

But I'll be keeping this other bucket for myself.

Pretty enamel

2011-07-22T21:59:00.000+01:00

Regular visitors to my website will have noticed how much I like enamelware by how much I have for sale. I particularly like pretty enamelware because it seems kind of contradictory. Enamel utensils are essentially utilitarian so to make them pretty and appealing seems strange. Pink is an unusual colour for vintage enamel too. Below are photos of some pink enamelware I currently have for sale

and floral enamelware which has recently sold

Do you like enamel and, if so, which is your favourite colour?

Hare's looking at you!

2011-07-12T15:18:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post of the hare my husband made at his ceramics class. I love him!

Shed, Summerhouse or Studio?

2011-07-04T19:13:00.000+01:00

Back in April we had the ultimate in flat pack delivered - hundreds of pieces of wood and thousands of screws and nails. Rather than pay £800 to have it 'made' we deided to do it ourselves (I say we but there wasn't much input from me!). This is it half built, viewed from my office window.

Here it is now, all finished and painted.

Now the fun starts as I plan how to furnish the interior. I'll post photos when I have done this.

I am loving all the sweet peas in the garden at the moment and the scent from the ones I have brought indoors is gorgeous.

Thankyou

2011-06-27T19:55:00.001+01:00

Thankyou so much to everyone who left messages on my blog sending my mum good wishes after her stroke. I have spent most of May and June in Cornwall visiting her in hospital. She is still hospitalised but the good news is that she is recovering, allbeit slowly. We now have to decide where it will be best for her to live once she is discharged from hospital.

I have tried to leave comments on several people's blogs but there seems to be a fault and it doesn't work. I come up as 'Anonymous' then when I click 'Comment' it just send me back to my 'sign in' over and over again. Any ideas????

My husband and I had a few days in France last week. It was all to do with his work and we have already stayed at this wonderful chateau two years ago. This was our room.

and the pool.

The food was superb but unfortunately I was terribly sick on the ferry crossing which lasted more than 24 hours later and I couldn't eat a thing on the first night!

On the way home from this venue we decided to pay a visit to the Chateau de Versailles but the queue for the tickets and the separate queue for entrance into the palace were soooooo long and it was raining so we decided to abandon the idea. Shame!

We stayed in this chateau on the way home. It belongs to an English couple who also deal in antiques and it was amazing inside.

I hope to be able to comment on your blogs again very soon.

A Blogging Break

2011-05-28T20:07:00.000+01:00

I am taking a break from blogging for a while. I don't have the time to write any new posts or leave comments, though I will endeavour to read as many of yours as I can. My mum has suffered a severe stroke and I am travelling between home and Cornwall to be with her as much as possible.

Shells

2011-05-17T15:40:00.000+01:00

I can't have biscuits in the house whilst I am trying to lose weight so when I was photographing this biscuit barrel for the website I had to improvise. I actually think it looks really nice with flowers or these shells in it and would look lovely in a bathroom.

I always seem to come back from the beach with pretty shells in my pockets so we have quite a collection (not these ones though).

I bought this Victorian shell purse when I was 10 (many years ago) and have treasured it ever since.

I have a new friend who has been following me all round the garden this week. This female blackbird is so tame (though a little camera shy) and every time I have found a worm I have given it to her as she is feeding chicks. As soon as I walk into the garden she appears.

My Garden

2011-05-13T18:37:00.000+01:00

It has been a while since my last post. I had to drive down to Cornwall as my elderly mother was rushed into hospital. I actually stayed down there for 9 days until she was discharged (and is now on the mend, thank goodness). This week I have been catching up on sending out all the orders which I hadn't been able to do whilst away. I have also bought lots more French items and am trying to list these on the website .

Isn't it amazing how much the garden changes over a short period especially with all the sunshine and rain we were having. My week has also been spent weeding and generally tidying up the garden. I thought I would share some photos. My husband created this pond and waterfall recently and it looks lovely now the plants are beginning to grow. The wood at the back is driftwood from our local beach and we think it to be part of a very old hull. On the right hand sideyou can just see the air raid shelter and on the left is the summerhouse which is being built.

My birthday present to my husband in March was a course on making a living willow chair, this is it just starting to come into leaf. And his Christmas present was this pig and piglets.

We had a huge lily which we split and it seems to have survived. I love ferns and these are growing well. Does anyone know the name of this tree which has white pom pom blossom? It looks like snow now the petals are beginning to drop.

And last but not least the roses are going to be wonderful again this year.

Linen Press

2011-04-19T20:22:00.015+01:00

About a year ago I posted about this linen press I had bought. It was in need of a great deal of TLC as someone had partially painted it, some bits were missing and one of the drawers didn't fit. I bought it for a song and knew one day it could look lovely. I intended doing it up myself but I didn't know what to do as, although I love painted furniture, I really wanted to take it back to its original wood. So I sent it to a stripper and restorer and took delivery of it this week. Well, I am thrilled with the result. What do you think?

We have put it in the kitchen but I'm not sure what I will store in it yet. Originally I wanted to put it in a bedroom and use it to store my vintage linens etc. but it seems to fit so well in this alcove in the kitchen so I will probably use it for food, jars etc.

I have an assortment of these stone jars in the kitchen. I love the ones which have makers' names and places on them. These are from Helston (where I used to live in Cornwall) and Chichester (near where I live now)

and one of these is from Bradford where I was born and the large jug is stamped GPO (General Post Office for younger bloggers) from where I used to work many years ago.

Notice Board

2011-04-08T12:29:00.009+01:00

I have been trying to smarten up the study a little and last month came across these tall red Ikea Billy book shelves for just £19.99 each so bought two. They really brighten the room up.

I also decided to make a notice board but, of course this had to be colour co-ordinated so this is my attempt and I am quite pleased with the result.

Aren't we having some glorious weather? This is the view from the cafe where I stopped for a cup of coffee whilst out walking early this morning. It was quite hazy with the promise of a very warm and sunny day.

Country Living Fair

2011-03-29T20:35:00.008+01:00

Last Wednesday I went to the Country Living Fair in London (why it's held in London I don't know, surely it should be held in the country!). It's the third year in succession that I've been and I thoroughly enjoy it each time. There is just so much to see (and buy!). There are a lot of the same stands each year and there is a glut of polka dotty, Cath Kidstoney type things (all very nice, don't get me wrong) but it is refreshing to linger at the stands selling different things especially those made by such very talented artists. My neighbour who is a ceramicist had a stand; she specialises in raku and crystalline.

Another friend who is a textile designer and who has her own loom also had a stand. This is one of her scarves which I treated myself to recently; I just love it.

I loved the stand by another textile artist named Charlotte Clowes which can be seen in this photo.

I was exhausted by the end of the day, goodness knows how the exhibitors manage to last the whole five days!

Past Sewing Projects

2011-03-22T09:43:00.011Z

I have been emptying a large coffer we have so that I can move it to paint a floor. It contains things like old baby clothes that I can't bear to part with, curtains I still like but don't fit any of my windows, dresses I used to wear to balls which I will never have occasion to wear again (nor be able to fit into!) etc. etc. Lots of memories in this piece of furniture.

I used to do a lot more sewing than I do now and came across all these tapestry cushions I have worked. What a shame they have been relegated to the chest. The first one I sewed was the tulips one. I was heavily pregnant and remember sewing this sitting in the garden in the summer of 1984.

The cross stitch was worked in 1993 and I have recently re-found this and hung it on the wall. I wonder where this will end up in years to come! In an auction house perhaps and the buyer wondering who R D T was and whether she lived by the motto 'Not to spend my time for naught'!

My daughter has moved further away from me (geographically I hasten to add) this week and has set up home with her boyfriend, a new chapter in her life. Lots of memories came flooding back as I removed these clothes I made for her from the chest. I used to enjoy knitting but haven't done any for many, many years. The fairisle coat and bonnet were worked in 2 ply wool and the Guernsey was also worked in a fine yarn.

Back in the days when we used to go to naval balls you just couldn't buy gowns in the shops, or if you could they were very expensive so I went on a dressmaking course to learn how to make them with all the boning in the bodice etc.

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend. I have just finished painting the dining room floor this evening so will post photos later in the week. I am considering painting a stencil around the edges too so will see how that looks.

Ardingly

2011-03-10T15:57:00.019Z

Here are some photos of items I bought at Ardingly last week. I already have a pair of Victorian children's boots but couldn't resist buying some more (after all, a girl can't have too many shoes!) They are supposed to be for sale but so far I have only listed one pair on the website as I just love them myself. These are the ones I had for a Valentine's present several years ago.

There must be so much history in these shoes; I wonder who they belonged to, where the child lived, whether their shoes were passed down to a sibling or if they themselves received them as a hand me down. One pair has scuffed toes and I wonder if the child was scolded for this and I wonder if they were kept for best for wearing to Sunday school perhaps.

This brown pair are the smallest; the soles measure just 4 inches.

I also bought this stool which can only be described as very rustic. I absolutely love it especially now it has had some wax polish and elbow grease. The centre is very 'damaged' and I would imagine it has been used for chopping wood.

An Unexpected Prezzie

2011-03-05T14:52:00.005Z

I had a lovely surprise this morning when the postman brought me an unexpected present from my daughter - 'The French Inspired Home' and I LOVE it. The photographs are amazing. Here is a taster.

Tulips

2011-03-03T16:51:00.006Z

Father Christmas didn't buy me the Emma Bridgewater tulips mug I wanted so I had to buy it myself. I just love red tulips but my local shop only had dark pink ones. I also treated myself to this little red coffee pot too.

I also bought this material which I intend to make into some cushions for in the kitchen.

I went to Ardingly Antiques Fair earlier this week. It was extremely cold but I did buy a few nice things for the website which I will share with you on my next post.

Feeling sheepish

2011-02-23T21:13:00.004Z

I felted this sheep today. It's one of the projects in the Gillian Harris 'Complete Feltmaking' book I have.

Can I please ask anyone reading this to go to my daughter's blog and either click 'Like' or leave a comment. She has entered a competition to win a camera and the person with the most comments is the winner. Other competitors have resorted to having 'Giveaways' to ensure they receive more comments which I don't think is quite fair so Rosie needs all the help she can get. Thankyou very much!

More Felting

2011-02-21T09:17:00.006Z

Thankyou for your comments on my last post - it was interesting to read your views.

I have been experimenting with more felting lately. I am very much a novice but the whole process of transforming fibres of wool into felt fascinates me. The previous post I did on felting was using water and soap and friction to create the felt but I have also tried creating felt by using a needle. This is using one barbed needle placed over a sponge and the constant 'stabbing' makes the wool 'stick' to itself and form felt.

I have also made a bracelet with felt 'beads' and a rose corsage.

The blue piece is cobweb felting where much fewer strands are used. I really like this and my next project is to make a scarf. Looking at images on the internet I came across some stunning pieces of felting. One thing I would like to try is Nuno felting where the wool and fabric, usually silk gauze, fuse together and this can be used to create scarves, shawls and other garments. Meanwhile I shall keep practising and hopefully be able to show you some more items soon.

Items on loan to magazines

2011-02-16T20:46:00.007Z

I wondered if anyone who reads this has had items on their website requested by magazines for photoshoots and, if so, what are their experiences.

Last year I was asked to send four items to a very well known country magazine which I did. It cost me quite a lot in postage as one of the items was quite large and had to be sent separately. After I received them back I emailed the magazine to ask if they had used them. I received no reply so I emailed again (all very politely) but never had a reply. Last month another magazine, again a reputable antiques one, asked for an item to be loaned to them for a photoshoot. I duly sent this off, received it back and yet again, no emails and no reply to my enquiry.

What I want to ask is if this is the norm and am I being unreasonable when I think it is discourteous to ignore me once they have received the item? Surely a brief email thanking me and saying whether or not it has been used wouldn't go amiss?

I regularly buy Country Living, Homes and Antiques, English Home and Country Homes and Interiors plus some others now and then. I always enjoy seeing where items have been sourced and like to look at these people's websites. It is always interesting to see different websites mentioned (other than Cath Kidston and Cabbages & Roses!) especially ones that are new to me.

By the way it wasn't any of the magazines in the above photo. Ok, moan over!!

I am loving my newly acquired Asiatic Pheasant dish

and metal letter stencil. The shop only had three left for sale and fortunately one was an R for Ruth.

Wedding dresses

2011-02-07T14:47:00.008Z

I have already blogged about the history of this dress but I recently brought it back from my mother's to display on one of my vintage mannequins. Sadly, it is so small it doesn't fit them and even this new, size ten one is too big (as you can see it doesn't quite meet on the bust).

The dress was my great grandmother's (Lucy Ann Barnes) who wore it on her wedding day in April 1885. Sadly it has deteriorated over the years as there are some rust marks and the odd hole where the material has rotted but I feel very privileged to own it. It has been stored away for a long time which seems such a shame and I think it should be on display but I don't want it to deteriorate further. My great grandmother must have been so tiny, it must be about a size 6.

I also brought this dress home which I wore to my mother's second marriage in 1969 when I was a teenager. The mini had just come onto the scene and I had this as short as I dared (and was allowed!)

Whilst I was in Cornwall last week I visited a lovely shop called 'Two Little Birds' in Falmouth. If you are ever their way do call in as they have some beautiful vintage clothes etc.

Storage Jars

2011-01-29T15:05:00.009Z

I seem to have quite a lot of kitchen storage jars dotted around my home so thought I would share a few of these with you. The ones below are my latest acquisitions. I have several Jean Francois Millet prints in my dining room and found a dish with this picture on it last year so I was delighted to find these jars too. It is of 'The Angelus' and I have previously blogged about it here.

These were the first set (not just odd ones) I bought which I intended to put on the website about four years ago. As you can see they never actually made it on there!

I bought this set in Cornwall about 2 years ago. Unfortunately only one still has its lid.

I like these rusty old tin ones; they make a change from the ceramic ones.

I have several of these marmalade jars. They must have eaten so much marmalade in years past as soooo many of these jars have survived.

I also have several of these white jars for sultanas, raisins, etc. but my favourite of all is the Grimwades Rice jar probably because of its shape and the characteristic writing extolling its merits.

Thai Chicken Soup

2011-01-21T08:48:00.007Z

I have been asked by a couple of people for the recipe for Thai Chicken Soup so thought I would post it so that others can make it too - it is delicious!

Serves 4

1 tbsp veg oil
1 garlic clove, chopped

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approx 175g each), chopped

1/2 tsp turmeric (that's half, not 1 to 2!!)

1/4 tsp hot chilli powder

75g creamed coconut (I used coconut milk)

900ml hot chicken stock

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter

50g thread noodles

1 tbsp spring onions

1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

salt and pepper

dessicated coconut, finely chopped & red chillies to garnish (if required).

Heat the oil in a large pan & fry the garlic. Add the chicken pieces and spices and fry for 3 - 4 minutes.

Crumble the coconut cream into the chicken stock until dissolved (not necessary if using coconut milk). Pour into pan with lemon juice, peanut butter and noodles.

Cover pan, simmer for 15 mins.

Add spring onions and coriander, season and cook for 5 mins.

Heat dessicated coconut and chilli and fry for 2 - 3 mins.

Pour soup into bowls and add garnish.

One person who asked for this recipe is Louisa at westegg-interiors.blogspot.com who also awarded me with this. It doesn't mean I sell scrap! It is for bloggers who 'demonstrate qualities of heart, soul and sincerity! Thankyou Louisa.

Felted poppies

2011-01-16T17:26:00.011Z

Following on from my last post......

I have been going to a felt making class for the last few months. I'm a bit disappointed as I envisaged making bags and scarves just like in this book

but having been shown the initial techniques we seem to be doing quite a lot of embroidery too. So I decided to have a go myself at home. I ordered some wools

and decided to 'copy' my Ikea picture. This is my first attempt and it is still wet so looks a bit 'glisteny'.

I think there is probably room for improvement (!) but I have so much wool (merino tops) that I can keep practising.

I love the way that vintage things can sit alongside the contemporary and modern and both look good together. Underneath this picture I have vintage enamel on a vintage Hungarian table runner. This stripy modern cushion sits well with the French monogrammed R (and Laura Ashley fabric) cushion and the cushion I made from Hungarian grain sack (more available on my website or to order.

Kitchen Chairs

2011-01-06T12:03:00.011Z

I have recently done a makeover on this old kitchen chair. I bought it ages ago at a car boot for £2 and loved it because it had been so well used. Someone has used the seat to rest rest a piece of wood on whilst they sawed it and has sawn some of the chair by mistake (all adding to its character)!

Regular readers of my blog will know that I always seem to favour Farrow & Ball's French Gray when painting furniture but this time I tried 'Green Blue'. It wasn't really what I wanted, I had chosen 'Dux Blue' but my local Homebase has a limited selection so I had to opt for this shade. I wanted it to go with this cushion and my Ikea picture so, as you can see, it isn't quite right but I shall leave it as it is.

Other chairs I use in the kitchen are a pair of chairs I painted in James White and distressed. I also reupholstered the seats. These are my favourite as I particularly like the detail on the back.

This was my first attempt at painted furniture before I really knew what I was doing. I used ordinary white gloss!

This lovely old Windsor chair will never be painted! It was given to me when I was 10 years old by someone who paid 10/6d (about 52p) for it at an auction and I just love it.

Belated Happy New Year

2011-01-02T22:38:00.004Z

A very Happy New Year to everyone who reads this. I wish you all a very happy and successful 2011.

We celebrated New Year's Eve with two other couples, visiting each other homes for a different food course which turned out to be really good fun. Our house had to provide the pudding, cheeseboard and champagne for midnight (my French friends always have the cheeses before the pudding - does anyone else do this?).

I made 'Florentine Baskets with Brandied Prune Ice Cream' and had a phone call the next day from one couple who said it was the best pud they'd ever had! I have made the ice cream before but not the brandy snap baskets. It's a great Christmassy pudding too.

Boxing Day

2010-12-29T16:43:00.006Z

A beautiful walk along the River Hamble Estuary on Boxing Day.

While Shepherds Watched

2010-12-21T15:22:00.007Z

Christmas is always a time for thinking back and remembering our childhood Christmases and, as we get older our children's Christmases too.

Much of my childhood and my daughter's childhood was spent in Cornwall and I just loved the Cornish carols composed by Thomas Merritt sung by the choirs and played by the village bands. I have searched YouTube to find any but this is all I can find - a version of While Shepherds Watched....

Back in 1988 when my daughter was four and at infant's school she wasn't allowed to take part in the nativity because she wanted to be a shepherd, not an angel and was told that girls are angels, boys are shepherds. I can still see her face as she sat on the teacher's knee watching but not taking part. May be it should be 'While a would-be Shepherd Watched'!

I hope you all have a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Presenting Christmas Presents

2010-12-08T09:04:00.015Z

I don't have that many Christmas presents to buy (very small family) but I do like wrapping the few I do buy.

They look really nice displayed in this old trug (I have more for sale on my website if you are interested).

I love cyclamen and it is so lovely to see growing flowers and bulbs at this time of year when everything is dying outside in the garden.

I've also been buying eucalyptus for Christmas displays. We used to have a large tree at our old home but this year I've had to buy sprigs from the local florist.

Other greenery has been collected from the garden ready to be displayed, perhaps in a wreath.

I don't know the name of this shrub (perhaps you can tell me) but it looks pretty in this enamel jug.

I bought this crown from an antiques fair last year (though it isn't old). Does anyone know where I can buy more? I have searched everywhere to no avail.

'If'

2010-12-05T18:52:00.006Z

I have blogged about this poem before when I bought the picture but it is several years ago and I love it so much I thought I would share it again especially as I have now put it another frame and hung it on the wall. It was written by Wilbur D Nesbit (1871 - 1927) and it obviously has the similarity to Kipling's 'If' poem written in 1895 about Man. I have copied the poem below and would be interested to hear what you think.

IF For GIRLS

If you can smile, and share another’s gladness

Though yours may be denied, and still rejoice;

If you can bravely face regret and sadness

And let no bitter accent tinge your voice;

If you are free from bias and fault-finding

And make your creed the olden Golden Rule;

With neither fear nor doubt your vision blinding,

Can live each day serene, and sweet, and cool –

If you can bar out envy from your spirit

And keep the little jealousies away;

If when some gossip starts, you do not hear it

Unless at once you rise and ask fair play;

If you can let good sense determine pleasure,

Can look upon yourself with honest eyes;

If you can give your full friendship in full measure,

And find your life the stronger for its ties.

If you can desire below your duty

And find in work and study much of joy;

If you can turn from artificial beauty

To that real charm which never needs alloy;

If you can help where you know help is needed,

And even make your silence sympathize;

If you can let unkindness go unheeded,

And always see God’s sunshine in the skies –

If you can fill your soul with gentle kindness,

And hold your faith no matter what may come,

Let neither greed nor pride blight you with blindness,

Nor self-love all your finer motives numb;

If you can love, and hope with rare believing,

Can shun the dross, and ever seek the worth,

Then you will find life’s fabric you are weaving

Means Womanhood – God’s greatest gift to earth.

Sunny St Lucia

2010-11-30T10:04:00.014Z

Did you miss me? I've been away to the warmer climes of sunny St Lucia and couldn't believe the temperature when I stepped off the plane yesterday morning. People coming into Gatwick were dressed in thick winter coats and hats and all I was wearing was a thin t shirt and cardigan! We then had to wait nearly half an hour for our car to be brought to us and I vowed I would never ever complain of being too hot ever again!

Because of hurricane Tomas our hotel had been closed and only re-opened the day we arrived. Our transfer from the airport was by boat because of damage to the roads but this was brilliant as we got to see all the coastline from the south to north of the island.

The hotel is used a lot by honeymooners and is advertised as being the perfect romantic holiday destination. Champagne awaited our arrival and after a very long day's travelling (8 hour flight) sitting by the pool drinking it was bliss!

This entrance to the pool was feet away from our room. One day we all sat round the bar area in the pool under the verandah in a cocktail competition. We had to concoct our own cocktail, taste each one and score them. All 21 of them! I came 3rd with my 'Cranberry Kiss' of Cointreau, Southern Comfort, Orange juice, Cranberry juice, Champagne and crushed ice. As you can imagine most of the cocktails had rum and coconut cream liquer as part of the ingredients and I tried to work my way through the whole list!

The food was wonderful and I have just got on the scales this morning to face the damage! One evening there was a beach barbecue and entertainment.

They say there is nothing more boring than hearing about other people's children, holidays and diets so I won't bore you any longer .... now where did I put my Slimming World book?!

Winter Warming Soup

2010-11-19T10:16:00.005Z

I made this Broccoli & Stilton soup last evening and it was delicious (I had lots of compliments). It is taken from the National Trust's 'Soup Bible'. Here is the recipe if you are interested as it is very easy.

350 g/ 12 oz broccoli
2 tblsp butter
1 large leek, white part only chopped
1 small potato, cut into chunks
1 pt hot chicken stock
1/2 pt milk
3 tblsps cream (I used single)
115g / 4 oz Stilton, crumbled
Salt & freshly ground pepper

Break the broccoli into florets and discard tough stems. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Cook leek until softened but not brown. Add broccoli and potato, pour in stock. Cover and simmer for 15 mins until vegetables are cooked.

Cool slightly then liquidise. Add milk and cream. Season. Reheat then add the Stilton and serve when it is melted.

YUM YUM!

Birthday (part 2)

2010-11-15T09:55:00.002Z

The part 2 was going to be photos of prezzies but I have left it so long that now most of them are eaten, used etc. However, here are some vintage themed ones I can show...

This is an amethyst muff chain which I shall wear as a necklace (a muff was a cylindrical piece of fabric, usually fur, which was open at both ends to warm the hands and hung around the neck).

This dairymaid's yoke looks good in the kitchen and is certainly a talking point along with the double oxen yoke I also have.

I love this large old earthenware French bowl.

Birthday (part 1)

2010-10-29T08:04:00.006+01:00

Yesterday was my birthday and my husband and I had a wonderful day in London. Firstly we visited the Wallace Collection which is an historic house with 25 galleries displaying French 18th century painting, furniture and porcelain and world class armoury. I took loads of photos (because unlike in some places you are allowed to). Here are just a few...

Stunning examples of just some of the many pieces of 18th century Sevres porcelain in the house.

This is actually a work table!

This is taken from a tapestry and he really appeals to me as does my favourite picture in the house of a 'Strawberry Girl' by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

They have a lovely restaurant here too and for my pudding I had the biggest, creamiest most divine creme brulee I have ever tasted!

Do go if you are in London, it is well worth a visit and free admission.

We had booked seats for 'Jersey Boys', the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and it was brilliant.

After that we had a gorgeous meal in China Town, then home on the train. What a lovely day!

Hallway

2010-10-25T16:18:00.009+01:00

I managed to finish painting the stairs in time for the new carpet and am very pleased with the result.

I also managed to finish the blind which I'm pleased matches it really well. Underneath the window I have placed an old cast iron bistro table with a marble top that my mother decided she no longer wanted and it looks really good there.

We had finished decorating the dining room but I felt it was a little dreary so I have been trying to introduce some red into the room. I painted this picture frame French Grey (my favourite F & B shade) and think it looks great with the toile de jouey. The bookcase also got a couple of coats of the paint.

Uppark House

2010-10-16T08:56:00.008+01:00

Last weekend we visited the National Trust's Uppark House on the South Downs. It is a really interesting Georgian house which was rescued after a major fire in 1989.

A careless workman who had been working on the roof left a blowtorch alight and this was the result. 150 firemen from three counties tackled the blaze and when it was deemed safe to do so people entered the building to salvage what they could. 4,000 plastic dustbins full of debris containing artefacts were marked according to which room's items they contained.

Six years later the house had been restored and it is just amazing what survived and the quality of workmanship to restore things to how they were.

Another interesting story from this house is that in 1825 its owner Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh married his dairy maid. He had heard her singing in the dairy and proposed to her! He was 70, she was 21! He told her that she could take her time to answer and that if there was a piece cut out from his mutton at dinner he would know that her answer was yes. She was sent to Paris to be educated before their marriage and upon his death the whole estate was left to her.

In the National Trust shop I bought this book 'The Soup Bible'. The first soup I have made is Thai Chicken Soup and it is absolutely DELICIOUS. If you would like the recipe let me know and I will email it to you.

Cooking, Sewing and Painting

2010-10-04T16:04:00.004+01:00

I have been making cushions and hearts from Hungrian grain sacks to sell in a gallery which is opening soon in Lee-on-Solent.

We have ordered a new striped stair and plain landing carpet and, because the stairs are to have a runner, I have been sanding and repainting the sides of the stairs.

I also decided to make a co-ordinating Roman blind for the hall window at the bottom of these stairs.

All that hard work had to be rewarded with cake - Lemon Drizzle Cake and Date and Honey Oatmeal Cake.

The Angelus

2010-09-22T18:12:00.010+01:00

I recently found this dish at Goodwood antiques fair but it is not going on my website as I like it too much and I also have a print by the same artist though it has lost all its colour over the years.

The original paintings are 'The Angelus' and 'Shepherdess with her Flock' by Jean-Francois Millet (1814 - 1875).

I first became aware of Millet's work when I had a winnowing basket for sale and didn't know what it was until I found this painting by the artist.

In this painting a man and a woman are reciting the Angelus, a prayer which commemorates the annunciation made to Mary by the angel Gabriel. They have stopped digging potatoes and all the tools used for this task – the potato fork, the basket, the sacks and the wheelbarrow – are strewn around them. In 1865, Millet said: "The idea for The Angelus came to me because I remembered that my grandmother, hearing the church bell ringing while we were working in the fields, always made us stop work to say the Angelus prayer for the poor departed".

Both Salvador Dali and Vincent Van Gogh have painted their own interpretations of this painting.

Kitchen Gadgets

2010-09-16T21:27:00.005+01:00

I have two new additions to my kitchen. Both are decorative and pleasing to look at, both can perform the same task but they couldn't be more different. I LOVE my new red Magimix food processor and this huge French whisk bought at Goodwood antiques fair. The whisk measures 49 inches in length so it must have been used in a large bakery, I would imagine. This will be listed on my website.

September

2010-09-01T10:37:00.010+01:00

I can hardly believe I didn't write any posts during August; where did that month go? Here we are in September already and on our way to Autumn.

I finished the Lloyd Loom chair by recovering the cushion with a Kate Forman fabric which was perfect. I also bought a Victorian crib recently which looks lovely in the same bedroom.

I made this corsage yesterday. I had seen the instructions on someone's blog ages ago but can't remember whose it was so apologies for not being able to name them and credit them with the idea.

Last month we had a week's holiday in Brittany. Unfortunately we picked our holiday to coincide with France's so a lot of places were closed and I wasn't able to buy as much for the website as I had hoped.

This is Rennes. I love the way the second house looks as though it has slipped down!

And this is Dinan (on a very cold and wet day)

where I stumbled across this pretty little shop selling vintage fabrics, buttons and all kinds of vintage haberdashery. I had a long chat with the owner (who, of course, spoke perfect English). You can view the lady's website here http://www.fleurdelinetboutondor.com/.

I will leave you with Neil Diamond singing 'September Morn', one of my favourite songs.

Day 10 / A Photo of You Taken More Then 10 Years Ago

2010-07-29T18:02:00.006+01:00

This was taken on August 12th 1978

My dress was a simple cream polyester with a very fine cream jacket with a peplum waist and frill down the front. I didn't want a veil and decided to have flowers in my hair instead but the florist told me I was really too old at 24 for that so I bought a hat instead! I later wore the hat again to a garden party at Buckingham Palace many years ago.

Day 9 A Photo That You Took

2010-07-27T22:58:00.002+01:00

I take loads of photos every day of stock for my website, in fact I took 120 on Sunday!

This photo I took of my mum and stepfather taken about 2 years ago on a beach in north Cornwall. I just love the look between them.

Day 8 A Photo That Makes you Angry/Sad

2010-07-26T19:46:00.004+01:00

This photo was taken in 1974 when I was 21 years old. It is of my dad and me, he died several years ago.

My parents divorced when I was 10 and my mum and I moved to Cornwall from Derbyshire. I then only saw my father once a year for a holiday. I would travel on my own on a train to see him then after two weeks he would put me back on the train homeward bound. Even as I am typing this I can feel the emotions that I felt then - a little girl saying goodbye to her daddy knowing she wouldn't see him for another year.

Day 7 A Photo That Makes You Happy

2010-07-26T19:03:00.009+01:00

It's difficult posting photos as most of mine are in a box somewhere in one of the loft cupboards but I have this one displayed on my kitchen wall.

This was taken in 1986 and is my daughter Rosie, wire haired dachshund Geordie and me walking near our home in Cornwall. I just love it and it makes me so happy looking at it and remembering how Rosie wouldn't go anywhere without her woolly hat with a rabbit on the top!

Day 6 Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

2010-07-21T22:43:00.012+01:00

I am lagging behind everyone else because I have been away for a few days to Tylney Hall in Hampshire, a country house hotel set in 66 acres of gardens.

Let me guide you through the front door

up the stairs

to our room

which overlooked one of the pools.

I straight away started on the box of chocolates

and look at this beautiful bouquet which was also for me.

All the wives who were accompanying their husbands at this business conference were given a beauty treatment of their choice on the first day (I chose an anti ageing facial) then I explored the beautiful grounds.

On the second day we had an official guided walk around Winchester.

I know the city quite well as we live near but it was very interesting and I learnt a lot of things. For instance I didn't know that Jane Austen was the last person to be interred in the cathedral.

This plaque was provided by the Jane Austen society and there are always fresh flowers here.

This is the oldest restaurant in Winchester where we had lunch.

Day 5 Favourite Quote

2010-07-20T19:24:00.001+01:00

This has to be

Better to have tried and failed than failed to try.

(I have been away for a few days so am now well behind others taking part in this 30 days/30 posts).

Day 4 Favourite Book

2010-07-15T22:55:00.011+01:00

Now this is really too difficult to narrow down to one book. For the BBC's Big Read in 2003 where people could vote for their favourite book I voted for Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mocking Bird'; this came 6th. Number one was Tolkein's 'Lord of the Rings' which I have never read, nor shall I ever as it is not the sort of book I would enjoy at all.

The book I have read more times than any other has been 'Great Expectations' but this is because I have had to study it for two different courses. I did enjoy it though and far more than any other Dickens' book I have read.

Out of all the books I have read recently the one I enjoyed most has been 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It actually moved me to tears at the end and it has had this effect on two other friends of mine who have read it.

At the moment I am reading 'Roots' by Alex Haley and can't put it down! Next in line is 'Life Class' by Diana Athill which I bought after seeing her interviewed on TV a couple of weeks ago.

Day 3 Favourite TV Programme

2010-07-14T16:40:00.006+01:00

I think the TV programme I have probably enjoyed the most was 'All Creatures Great and Small'. I used to look forward all week to another episode of this every Sunday evening (I think I was secretly in love with Tristan too).

At the moment I am enjoying 'Mary Queen of Shops'.

Day 2 Favourite Movie

2010-07-14T16:32:00.004+01:00

My favourite film of all time is Bridges over Madison County featuring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

If you decide to watch it have some tissues at the ready!

30 days/ 30 favourites

2010-07-14T10:19:00.004+01:00

I have decided to join in with this tag.
Day 01 - Your favourite song
Day 02 - Your favourite movie
Day 03 - Your favourite TV programme
Day 04 - Your favourite book
Day 05 - Your favourite quote
Day 06 - Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 - A photo that makes you happy
Day 08 - A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 - A photo that you took
Day 10 - A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
Day 11 - A photo of you taken recently
Day 12 - Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 - A fictional book
Day 14 - A non-fictional book
Day 15 - A fanfic
Day 16 - A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture etc.)
Day 18 - Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 - A talent of yours
Day 20 - A hobby of yours
Day 21 - A recipe
Day 22 - A website
Day 23 - A YouTube video
Day 24 - Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 - Your day, in great detail
Day 26 - Your week, in great detail
Day 27 - This month, in great detail
Day 28 - This year, in great detail
Day 29 - Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - Whatever tickles your fancy

Day 1 Favourite Song

How on earth can one narrow this down to one song? There are so many but I have always loved 'Moonlight Seranade' (I know, not actually a song!)

Can I add two more?
James Taylor's 'You've Got A Friend'

and Emmylou Harris singing 'Here, There and Everywhere'

Vincent Van Gogh

2010-07-09T09:31:00.019+01:00

At my art group we have been studying Van Gogh. I hadn't realised how much work he produced in his very short life (37 years). He didn't start painting until his late twenties and much of his most famous work was produced during the last two years of his life. He produced more than 2,000 artworks (900 paintings and 1,100 sketches) and I believe he only sold one during his life.

The self portrait above is more uncommon as most he painted show himself with a beard. This particular one sold for $71.5 million in 1998.

My favourites are 'The Peasant Couple Going To Work'

and 'The Siesta'

Of course, it is well known that he was a very troubled man. I find this painting ('At Eternity's Gate') haunting as he produced this in the last year of his life.

On 27th July 1890 Van Gogh shot himself in the chest and died two days later from his wounds. His brother reported his last words to be "La tristesse durera toujours" (the sadness will last forever).

I bought the single record of Don McLean's song 'Vincent' in 1972. Here it is on youtube, it never ceases to bring a tear to my eye.

Lloyd Loom & Bedroom Makeover

2010-07-03T20:34:00.006+01:00

Before.....

and after......
I painted the chair with Farrow & Ball's 'Light Blue' which I had used in the spare bedroom above the coving. I haven't finished the cushion yet but this Kate Forman fabric is perfect for the pink and blue theme in the bedroom.

The bedroom is more or less finished. I took my inspiration from all the lovely blossom we had a few months ago and an eiderdown I already had so decided to have mostly pink and blue in there. The walls were painted in F & B's 'Dimity' which I think has a pinky tinge to it (husband said it looked like Magnolia!). I painted the floorboards white (4 coats!) and added 2 rugs we already had plus a new one. The blinds are off white and I added paper flowers to the tabs on the cream Ikea curtains.

The fireplace came from a salvage yard and I painted it white, whilst the hearth tiles were already there (underneath an old carpet). The what-not in the corner was painted in F & B's French Grey and is ideal to display some of my commerative china from Porthleven. The pink floor lamp was a bargain from Ikea at £9.99.

It's a very light and sunny room and I am really pleased with the result.

Mottisfont

2010-05-31T23:13:00.013+01:00

Today we had a wonderful day out at the National Trust's Mottisfont in Hampshire. Having once been told off for taking photos in a National Trust house I only took photos of the gardens which are wonderful.

The Walled Garden was just beautiful with the scent of roses and lavender. There are so many roses still in bud and when they do flower they will be a spectacular sight.

We walked along the River Test where this swan was having a nice afternoon nap till we woke it up!

This is a graveyard for some of the dogs who have lived here. I think the ivy growing up the wall looks like a hand!

From 3 July to 30 September Mottisfont is hosting a Beatrix Potter exhibition.

A collection of original water colour prints.
Date
3 July 11am - 30 September 4.30pm

Join in with the free activities - face painting, story telling and activities
Date
3 July 12am - 4 July 4.30pm

Peter Rabbit Trail
Can you find Peter Rabbit? Self guided family trail around the grounds.
Date
3 July 11am - 31 July 5pm

Beatrix Potter Time: Seeds of Yesteryear
Come along and make a paper pot planter and sow selected varieties of heritage seeds.
Date
10 July 12pm - 3pm

Beatrix Potter Storytime
Come along and listen to the beautiful tales wrote by one of best loved childrens authors, Beatrix Potter.
Date
Various dates

This is going to be Mr MacGregor's garden.

Oh So Pretty

2010-05-25T13:11:00.006+01:00

Short and sweet...

Look what's under the carpet

2010-05-09T18:17:00.006+01:00

On Friday I went shopping for the website but as per usual came home with things for myself instead! I bought this vintage enamel bowl and cushions as they go perfectly in my kitchen. I also bought an old metal washstand and some herbs.

I can't decide whether to use this in the kitchen as a herb 'garden' or in a bathroom.

The shop I bought these from has a lovely cafe too.

I have spent much of the weekend painting the bedroom and was delighted to find this hearth underneath the awful carpet. How could anyone cover these pretty tiles with an orange carpet?

More Decorating

2010-05-04T15:22:00.010+01:00

We are now in the process of decorating another bedroom. I'm surprised I have managed to live with the dreadful decor for so long (80's terracotta wallpaper with border and a faded orange carpet - yuk!). Down one wall was a fitted wardrobe which despite being very useful I just couldn't live with so that was demolished, then the artexed ceiling was replastered. I stripped off all the paper which revealed walls which also needed replastering. Usually something dictates a colour scheme but this room is a completely blank canvas and it has taken me some time to decide on how I want it to look. My inspiration has been all the lovely pink blossom and blue skies that are around at the moment so the walls will be Farrow and Ball's Dimity with above the plaster coving in Light Blue.

I also want to use this eiderdown which was one of the first I ever bought.

This house has been stripped of most of its original features so we bought a cast iron fireplace to put back into the chimney recess. I am in the process of painting this white at the moment.

Whilst at the salvage yard trying to source Victorian skirting board I spied this linen press which I just had to buy. It needs quite a lot of TLC and as someone has started to paint it but not finished it I will attempt to remove all this to bring the pine back to its original look (as if I didn't have enough to do!). I've been wanting a linen press for ages and the owner let us have it for what he gave for it which was a bit of a bargain. Sadly it won't fit into the room I am decorating.

Hopefully it won't be too long before I can post photos of the finished room.

Easter Booty

2010-04-11T17:53:00.005+01:00

I had a very successful Easter weekend in Cornwall buying for the website and have spent what seems to be the whole week listing it all. Of course I had to keep some things for myself! This enamel jug is perfect for just outside the bathroom.

and I couldn't resist this French hip bath. I can't decide whether to convert it into a chair with a really nice vintage fabric cushion or whether to use it as a garden planter. What do you think?

And this is my favourite! Now we shall have the aroma of freshly ground coffee each morning as it still works.

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Country Living Spring Fair in London. I have been before as it is just such a good day out with so many wonderful things to see (and buy). I was very pleased to see the stalls selling the most were the ones selling authentic vintage items and one man couldn't cope with the long queue of ladies wanting to buy his vintage china.

I bought some trims from two lovely ladies called Miss Rose Sister Violet. I think the spotty one is rather 'Bodeny' and it will look nice attached to a cardigan. The velvet rose one is self adhesive so very easy to attach. The pink corsage goes well with a cardigan and earrings I also bought.

Pousadas and Paintings

2010-03-23T07:27:00.008Z

I have been neglecting my blog again lately. I could blame it on a long holiday and being away from my computer. Well, we have been away but not for a month! Last week we spent a few days here.

This is the third Pousada we have stayed in. Pousadas are historic buildings in Portugal which have been converted into luxurious hotels whilst retaining much of their original architecture. This was the lounge

and one of the summer houses

Even though it was really warm only these two pigeons were brave enough to venture into the outdoor pool!

Each time I visit Portugal I am amazed at the number of beautiful but derelict houses with 'Vende' just painted on the walls. This was one of them and a peep through the windows revealed the most wonderful tiled floors.

I have been doing lots of buying for and selling on the website lately. These four pictures were bought to sell but have somehow found their way onto my walls!

This is perfect for outside the bathroom

This one is a winner of the Daily Mail International Beauty Competition (no date).

This famous one is G F Watts' Hope which you can read about here. Apparently it is reputed to have been inspirational to Barack Obama which you can read about here.

This one is by one of my favourite artists Jean-Francois Millet and is entitled The Shepherdess.

By the way, is anyone going to, or exhibiting at, the Country Living Spring Fair tomorrow?

Brooches

2010-02-24T11:29:00.006Z

I have just added a handcrafted brooch cushion to the website and for the photo used some of my old brooches. I used to regularly wear a brooch but don't seem to so much nowadays.

There is a general theme to these four brooches with their anchors. My father, mother and husband were all in the Royal Navy. The middle two are sweetheart brooches; the top one being a marcasite crown and the bottom one is hallmarked 1914 so would have been given to someone at the start of the First World War. The left brooch was my mother's when she was a Wren. I don't know the significance of the enamelled butterfly on the anchor but it is very pretty.

I like the 'R' brooch because it is my initial and the middle brooch is such a pretty mosaic. The brooch on the right I have always treasured despite there being a stone missing - it was on a dress that my mother bought back in the 60s. She thought it was ghastly and as an eight year old I thought it exquisite!

The 'Good Luck' brooch is hall marked 1937 and has small leaves, berries and mistletoe on it so I imagine it was a Chrimstmas present to someone. The bottom brooch is fairly new as I bought it in the 80s as I just loved its Art Nouveau design. The 'Forget Me Not' one is a particular favourite.

2010-01-20T10:40:00.015Z

Due to a lack of any inspiration for a post I thought I would just take a few photos of some things in my home.

I bought this new about 25 years ago and still love it. When you take off the cover it reveals the pig in bed with the couple.

This hand is my husband's first attempt at making anything at the ceramics class we attend. I thought it would make a good soap dish in the new bathroom.

The loaf of bread in this photo is actually a money box.

I made this lamp a while ago by covering a lampshade and painting and distressing an old wooden lamp base.

This statue was bought about 30 years ago; I think I paid about £2 for him and he is one of my favourite possessions. The shoes were a more recent acquisition.

I bought this picture round about the same time. It is embroidered with gold and silver wire.

The theme of squirrels is echoed in this embroidered fire screen.

I particularly like this art deco vase my godmother gave me many years ago and it looks lovely with a night light inside it.

These two pieces of copper are in the kitchen. The top one is an escargot pan which I bought in France about 5 years ago. It was very black and I didn't know what it was when I bought it.

I love this mirror I bought from an antiques shop which was closing down about 3 years ago.

I thik this will do for now!

Primroses

2010-01-12T15:59:00.003Z

There is still a lot of snow outside but I bought these primroses yesterday (a bargain at 25p each) to remind me that Spring is on its way.

The Beach This Morning

2010-01-03T16:54:00.004Z

This was the beach at Lee-on-the-Solent this morning

and the seagulls mugging the ducks!

Raku

2010-01-02T19:29:00.009Z

First of all, I have been very lax with my posts and I realise it is a whole month since I have written one. It is far too late to wish you all a Merry Christmas but not too late to wish you a very Happy New Year and a successful 2010. Thankyou to all who read my blog, I have made some great new friends here in blogland. And now for something completely different......

A lady across the road from me holds a weekly ceramics class and I have been going for about six weeks. My first attempt was a coil pot which is now in the back of a cupboard! Just before Christmas we did something called Raku which originates in 16th century Japan. I cut out some heart shapes in clay, then a few days later we went along for the firing process. I drew a patttern on the hearts, then painted over with a slip and glaze.

Then they went into the kiln.

I was rather nervous taking them out once they were fired.

They were then plunged into sawdust which was set alight

and came out of the drums looking like this.

The glaze is then peeled off to reveal........

Our bathroom is now almost finished. We knocked a separate toilet and bathroom into one room. It still isn't that big and we toyed with knocking through to one of the bedrooms as well but decided against this. I still have to put a blind up at the window and 'dress' it with some nice bottles etc. as it still looks a bit clinical.

Cushions & Candles

2009-12-03T18:56:00.010Z

Over the last few days I have been busy sewing cushions and hearts from Hungarian grain sacks. These are now for sale on the website but I shall make some for myself as well as I love them (though I do feel guilty cutting them up!)

I've also been wrapping candles with old music as I had seen something similar and thought this a good idea. I shall keep these for my own decorations at Christmas.

Shirley Hughes

2009-11-26T19:59:00.005Z

I have recently finished reading Susan Hill's 'Howards End is on the Landing'. I won't write a review as many other people have featured this book on their blogs. One of the chapters is about Picture Books and the pleasures of reading aloud to small children. This prompted me to venture up into the loft to find and revisit some of the books my daughter and I used to enjoy reading together. Amongst her favourites were any (or should I say all) by Shirley Hughes. Looking at these books again I am reminded of all the wonderful hours cuddled up together reading and looking at the amazing illustrations.

Alfie and Annie Rose were always favourites but Rosie's absolute favourite was 'Dogger'.

Oh, the relief every time we read it when Dogger was reunited with his rightful owner having been sold at the school fair! My son bought me Shirley's biography many years ago and I shall enjoy reading this again too.

High Days, Holiday and a Birthday

2009-11-15T18:25:00.011Z

Well, you may have noticed I haven't been blogging for AGES. But I am back!

High Days - a visit to the National Trust Hardwick Hall whilst visiting friends who live in Leicestershire. This is the new hall which Bess had built in 1590

having only lived in the old hall for a few years. This is now a ruin but you are still able to walk up to the top.

Holiday - We recently returned from a week's holiday in Madeira. What a wonderful place! Everyone we knew who had been there said how much they had enjoyed it. We did too! One day we took a minibus right to the top of the mountains.As you can imagine the views are spectacular. We were certainly a long way up!

The weather was perfect. It was lovely to be back into summer clothes. This was taken on the morning we left to come home, back to such dreadful weather.

Birthday - Yes, another birthday has been and gone. My daughter surprised me with a day out in London, lunch in a very nice restaurant, then tickets to the Royal Albert Hall to see Gilbert O'Sullivan who I have loved for many, many years and I didn't even know he still did tours. (For you younger readers, he sang 'Alone Again Naturally'). We had a fantastic view from one of the boxes.

I have always love the perfume 'Diorissimo' ever since someone gave me some 40 years ago!

With some birthday money I decided to buy some perfume but this time to have a change. However, having tried about 20 different ones in John Lewis I came away with my old favourite, I just love it more than any other. Do you have a favourite scent?

As I was going to Ikea.....

2009-10-14T20:13:00.005+01:00

As my husband and I were driving to Ikea on Saturday I spied something very interesting beside a stall at a very small fruit and veg market. I shouted 'STOP' to husband who wasn't too keen to do so. Going to Ikea ( a four letter word in his vocabulary) was bad enough but he wanted to get there and home in the shortest time possible. A detour was not on the cards. Well I insisted so he parked and I walked back along the road. There were only three stalls, two selling greengrocery and the other selling guitars and the item I had spied. I hardly dare ask whether it was still for sale (it was lunchtime) and when the man said yes and told me the price I didn't bargain, said. 'Yes, I'll give you that' and carried her back to the car with a big grin on my face. I have named her Lily and she will accompany Loveday who already stands on my landing.

She was made by Kennett & Lindsell Ltd and is a size 14 (though I think her waist looks quite tiny to be this size).

If you hate shopping at Ikea this may make you laugh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNcaaehKaC8

Books Old & New

2009-10-11T22:00:00.004+01:00

Amazon have sent me two parcels this week. I just love receiving new books. The first, 'Howard's End is on the Landing' is by Susan Hill and I read about it on dovegreyreader's blog. Susan writes about her year-long voyage through her books, forsaking new purchases in order to get to know her own collection again.

Two of the next three books have been bought after reading about them on other people's blogs too. Several bloggers have raved about 'Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day' and Overdue's comments about 'The Post Office Girl' inspired me to order this too.

One book I treasure is an 1896 edition of 'Pride and Prejudice' which my mother gave me many years ago. The illustrations are delightful and the pages have originally been 'uncut' - the reader would have had to cut them open before the book could be read.

On a completely different note, this sign has recently been erected near where my daughter lives. How could Southampton City Council not have noticed their mistake?!

Lavender Girl

2009-10-05T09:28:00.004+01:00

I fell in love with this statue when I first saw her at a garden show earlier in the year but didn't buy her so imagine my delight when I emailed the seller and found out she was still for sale! We bought her at the weekend and here she is in the dining room which is where she will live. The walls are white so I will paint an alcove a darker colour to show her off. She is gently weathered and has lichen growing on her which I love! One day she may move to the garden but for now I want her indoors!

If you are interested in similar items or any gardenalia do visit the seller's website at www.thevintagegardenco.co.uk as they have some lovely items at very reasonable prices.

Loving my....

2009-09-24T22:00:00.004+01:00

I am loving my new paisley tights. I saw a lady wearing a pair in Chichester and asked her where she had bought them as I, too, wanted a pair.

Loving my new mug found in the local Oxfam shop.

and this mug I ordered from Susan Hill's website here. It says 'She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain', a quote from Louisa May Alcott. (£7.99 plus free p&p if you are interested).

Painting & Stripping

2009-09-19T15:09:00.008+01:00

This last week I have spent quite some time applying and removing paint from two cupboards. The first I painted in my favourite, Farrow & Ball's 'French Grey'.

I forgot to photograph it before I painted it but this is the before

and after I distressed it.

A while ago I bought this cupboard on ebay for £25 as I thought it had 'potential'.

It took me a whole day (and two large tins of stripper) to remove all the layers of paint to reveal.......

I absolutely love it now and want to put it in our new bathroom (which is the next room to be tackled). I don't know what wood it is. It's not pine but is very heavy and stands on tiny wooden castors.

Winchester

2009-09-12T18:13:00.006+01:00

Last night's 'Red sky at night....' promised a lovely day today and it has just been gorgeous, so warm and sunny.

We had booked to have lunch at the Hotel du Vin in Winchester (where the Creme Brulee is to die for!) then spent the afternoon wandering round the shops and walking along the river.

First a prezzie for hubby in Jack Wills

then just a little one for me in here.

It's very pretty walking along the river

Then through the backstreets to the car.

Last weekend the weather was equally nice and we visited a National Trust property called The Vyne in Hampshire. It's an impressive 16th century house dating back to Henry VIII's reign. It's a real mis-match of styles as one owner of the house was a definite recycler taking bits of the house such as doors, wall hangings, fireplaces etc. from one area and utilising them somewhere else.

We've been thinking of having a summerhouse at the bottom of our garden. I'd like one like this!

After another lovely lunch in here we walked round the walled garden.

Shrouded in Mystery

2009-09-02T16:17:00.007+01:00

When I was in France I bought a piece of linen because I liked the detail and monogram at the top. I didn't know what its purpose was because of its shape (tapered at the bottom and buttonholes at both sides). I had decided it would look quite nice as a curtain on the long window in our spare bedroom ....until I asked my French cousin what he thought it was. Have you guessed? It's was obvious when he explained the shape and that the buttonholes are for tying the sides together. Yes, it's a shroud!!!! So the monogram is for the person who would be wrapped in it. But why was it for sale? Did the person not die? Intriguing. Would you still use it as a curtain, or not?

I love this maid's starched collar I bought recently

and this towel rail is just perfect for displaying some of my linens and lace.

So that's another item not going on the website.

On Monday Jane and I had a stand at Goodwood Antiques Fair. We did very well and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, meeting lots of lovely people. The only photos I have include me and they are awful so I won't be sharing them with you!

All I bought myself is a basket and a vintage scarf. I deserved a treat!

Dahlias & a Blue Basket

2009-08-23T13:59:00.004+01:00

We recently celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary. We were married in a small chapel in a village in Cornwall which my mother had decorated with dahlias. I picked these few from our garden this morning.

I also painted this vintage basket in Farrow & Ball's 'Ballroom Blue'. It was intended for the website but, like so many things, I think I may end up keeping it for myself.

Petworth

2009-08-17T13:59:00.015+01:00

On Sunday we visited Petworth House, a 17th century mansion owned by the National Trust.

Sadly photography is not allowed so I'm not able to share the interior with you.

Petworth has a lot of antique shops so we had to look in every one before our return home.

I liked this table but the prices in this shop were way out of our league. They did have some beautfiul things though.

In the antiques centre was 'The Linen Room' where I found a couple of pieces to buy. It was really difficult to photograph this as, despite there not being many people shopping I think they were all in this unit.

We bought a French pelmet but found it to be too small for our dining room window so have placed it around the picture rail above the fireplace.

This room was formerly our sitting room when I have previously blogged about it but now that we have finished decorating the other front room we have decided to have that as our living room because it is such a sunny room.

A friend of mine recently gave me this plaque for the kitchen . Do you think she is trying to tell me something?

I will leave you with this thought.....

Brighton & Edward Hopper

2009-07-25T22:23:00.013+01:00

This weekend we went to Brighton. My art group (it sounds very grand, it isn't!) had been studying Edward Hopper and there was an exhibition called the 'American Scene' at the Royal Pavilion. This is my favourite painting by Hopper.

It was very interesting and we also had a look around the museum there. I loved this art deco serviette holder

and this handkerchief vase.

Unfortunately, most of the photos I took didn't come out well because of the reflection of the glass cases. There were a lot of fashion exhibits. This dress was worn by a herb thrower at George IV's coronation.

Not a good photo but this dress was stunning.

I had some platform boots just like these but mine were maroon. I wish I'd kept them.

I had to take a photo of a Mod's scooter since were in Brighton.

We were lucky with the weather. It was a beautifully sunny day and everyone was out making the most of it.

The cafe on the beach here was called 'Oh So Social'!