Back again

Hi everyone, sorry it has been so long between posts but we are in the midst of Armageddon at the moment.  We have the builders in, they are in the process of renovating our lounge and dining room, and have uncovered some horrors in the process - I suppose that is the trade off for living in a period property (and the fact that everything seems to be ten times the price for old properties).  I promise I will post some before and after pictures when we are finished - should be another couple of weeks.
I attended a fair in Harrogate yesterday, it was absolutely boiling hot, even in the hotel where the fair was held.

There were a steady stream of visitors, but I think the combination of the football and the exceptionally hot weather kept some people away.  I still did really well though, so I can't complain. We were shattered when we returned home, it is such hard work doing the fairs and the drive back was long and hot.  My next fair is in Matlock, Derbyshire on the 31st of July so it won't be so far to travel.

Quilts and home made lamp shades

Wish us luck with the builders!!

xx

Moo mini cards are here

Here is my latest acquisition for my business, some Moo mini cards from  www.moo.com.  I have really struggled to find lovely business cards that are eye catching until my friend Julie from The Cloth Shed found these, to see her site please go to www.theclothshed.co.uk, she has also just started blogging, she deals in some gorgeous and unusual things.  I am so pleased with these little cards, and they are not too expensive, I was always put off having cards professionally printed because of the cost, but these are affordable for my small business.  You design them yourself and the steps are so easy to follow (although I will admit hubby did that part), once you are happy with them you place the order and then Moo contact you to let you know when to expect them.

I have even included a small picture of myself on the back with my contact details.  This was taken circa 1972 at Lidstep Haven, the one and only time I have worn a bikini, my beloved Grandad's legs are just visible in the background.  A big thank you to Julie for telling me about them xx.

Clarissa

Clarissa arrived very early this morning, all the way from Sussex.  I bought her from Serena who runs Attic Interiors www.atticinteriors.biz.  She is really stunning and I can't believe how real she looks, even the Pugs are barking at her thinking she is a real person!  Now the spending has got to stop as we are a week away from having the builders in!!  Have a great week everyone xx.

Happy Pugs

PJ Pug with his Lucozade bottle showing his teeth because he is happy.  Excuse the disgusting carpet - it will be gone in a weeks time HURRAH!!!!! we are having the builders in to renovate downstairs - will keep you all updated.  Hope you are all having a great weekend xx.

Gardening

Here is some of hubby's handiwork, he has been busy in the greenhouse and planting out the raised bed - and putting out the beautiful hanging baskets to give the garden some much needed colour.  The close up is of a flower on the courgette plant - such a gorgeous colour, and a close up of my one and only lupin which I can never seem to grow, the slugs always attack them and I'm left with a munched stalk!

We are so pleased with how the hanging baskets have turned out - I love the colours.  Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine. xx

New Cushions

I've been busy making cushions today, housework can wait!!  I've made the two larger ones from vintage 1930's dressing gown fabric, very oriental in style as you can see.  The large black cushion was the most divine 30's silk dressing gown with this beautiful embroidered dragon covering the entire back of it - unfortunately it was past saving so I thought I would save the dragon and make it into a cushion - the vintage glass bead fringing at the two sides just finishes it off - very fiddly to do as well.  The large pink oriental style cushion was also made from a very sheer piece of 1930's fabric - absolutely exquisite.  These are heading off with me to Manchester Discover Vintage Fair this Sunday see www.discovervintage.co.uk for details on all the fairs.  Oh and my sewing machine has just decided to start making funny noises so housework it is!!