Friday, September 29, 2006

Crafty Christmas.


I have created this Christmas stocking today, with a vintage style. I used a very shabby piece of American patchwork, complete with many holes!- because I wanted a time-worn, antiquey look. The front has a German postcard from 1919. It is backed in tatty French Ticking!
I am off to a vintage textile fair on Tuesday, so am busy making for that. Here are the details if anyone lives near and would like to visit.

I rescued this lovely old doll the other day from a junk shop. I will revamp her for Christmas! Love that face!

The hearts that I am making are still a work in progress....

Thursday, September 28, 2006

A Nostalgic Read.

A very quick post...

I have been into town today- not my favourite place to be, so I treated myself to a new book!! It was a bargain though, from The National Trust Shop, reduced from £14.99 to £4.99.

Here is sneaky peek inside!
I haven't had time to read it yet, but it is worth buying just for the lovely photographs.

I also bought the vintage jewellery too! hehe!

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Lavender Hearts.


OK- Sorry to mention the 'C' word, but Christmas is coming....I have been having a 'play' with some lavender filled vintage fabric hearts, with Christmas in mind.

I have stitched lots of vintage bits and bobs onto one side of the heart and surrounded it with antique lace. I was thinking that it could be used after Christmas too- hung in the boudoir to scent the room! I would have liked to have put them on my website, but the cost of all the little vintage piece, would perhaps mean the price would be too high for most people's pockets. I may have to tone down the amount of pieces stitched on!

There is a chandelier drop stitched to the bottom...so maybe it is a bit over the top for most peoples taste anyway. Lace and a drop may be enough?!! I do like the Victorian quality that it has though....I shall have another go anyway.......

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

All That Glitters....

I have just spent last week end at the Antiques and Collectors Fair, manning my stand...although I did get a little shopping time! Don't imagine for a minute that the big antique fairs are full of high-end antiques with very expensive price tags. There are many stands where pretty things are very affordable.

I have been able to add to my collection of glittery jewellery, for very little cost.....



I very rarely wear it myself- I don't get out much!!..but I like to display it in my bedroom. This is my old 1940's mannequin with her finery!

On my dressing table I have this beautiful French bust to display some necklaces.



I also couldn't leave without this wonderful Victorian Roses print. (I paid £10.00 for it, which I don't think is too bad.) It is often cheaper to buy the real thing than a repro, so if you haven't visited an antiques fair before, I would recommend it!!

Friday, September 22, 2006

Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair.

Many thanks to everyone who made a purchase from my stand at the Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair today- it is much appreciated!!

I will be back again tomorrow and Sunday......


Fingers crossed for sunshine and NOT the torrential rain that we have had to battle with today!!

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Off to the Fair...

I have a day of packing ahead of me today. As some of you know, I have a tiny car in which to pack all of my stock into, to take to the Antiques and Collectors fair. In order to utilize every spare inch, I take my time packing it like a Chinese puzzle. Oh I do have fun unpacking it all at the other end!!
I have been busy sewing, making bags and lampshades from Vintage fabrics.....


If you live any where near Shepton Mallet in Somerset (UK), then it would be lovely to see you!! The September Fair is the largest one of the year, with extra outside pitches. It is on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th. www.dmgantiquesfairs.com (Trade day Fri 22nd)



Oh well, I can't put it off any longer...time to sort stock and then the packing can begin!!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

My Angel



I would like to share with you this morning, one of my favourite things...my angel. She is old and shabby and I don't know where she came from originally, but I think she is special. I bought her at an antiques fair many years ago...I saw her as I was leaving, but with just £2.00 left in my purse, I hardly dare ask the price. (I was half expecting a small fortune) - But when the stall holder replied 'you can have her for £2.00'- I knew I was meant to have her!

I look at her every day. Sometimes she just stops me in my tracks, I look at her and feel at peace. I think we all need that in this hectic life- just a moment to pause.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Bargain Box



This is my latest purchase! Bought at my local Car boot sale last Sunday, for £5. It is a large wooden sewing box, covered in a wonderful 1950's floral fabric, with the added bonus of it being red!

I love these old prints- so cheerful!

Inside it is lined in original pink polka dot 50's wallpaper- the kind of print that must have inspired Cath Kidston to create her dotty wallpaper!

It fits nicely under our staircase and will be perfect to store my favourite copies of 'Country Living' magazine.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Fame!

A lovely lady that I know owns a very unusual little 'junk' shop, selling old furniture and small country style items. She leads a simple life in her very English cottage and I so admire her for being able to do that. She spends her time looking for possible pieces of furniture to receive her unique talents at recycling. She can often be found with her overalls on and a paint brush in her hand! Or she may not notice that you have entered her shop, as she puts a jigsaw to good use in her workshop!!

The only problem is that she lives in the next village, so the temptation is always there for me to go and see what new treasures have arrived!!

Anne's home is being featured in an interiors magazine this month. If you get the chance to have a look in 'Period House' October 06, you will find her there!

She has a beautiful cottage dating from 1777. As you enter, it is like stepping back to that time - many of the original features as possible have been preserved, with their original finishes and quirks. She has no central heating, just three log burners that need her constant attention during the colder months. She does however have hot and cold running water and electricity, but cooks on a huge old range.

I'm thrilled that her home has been featured in this glossy, as Anne has created a fabulous home on the teeniest of budgets. She (and her home) are a gem!
Niki x

Friday, September 15, 2006

Dolly Fashions!

You may remember that I bought three tiny china dolls from my local flea market, a couple of weeks ago. Well, I got around to making one of them decent!!


It was very fiddley to do, but she now models a pretty vintage fabric dress. It has a full skirt into a fitted bodice and puffed sleeves with lace cuffs. A blue button trims the front. Just you wait and see, this will be on all the catwalks for next summer!!!....

I now have two more to do as the other dolls are a bit chilly!!


But they do have several other friends!