flowers everywhere

An extra hour to the day as the clocks have gone back for the winter months. I'm planning to use my extra time to get outside for a run across the park this morning, even if it's grey and windy. I feel like I've been stuck inside at work lately missing all the bright autumn days.

I bought this pretty loose uplifting petal tea the other day, I love the ritual of making it in my vintage rose cups, sometimes it's nice to take time with these things . On my floral theme, a beautiful pink orchid and my homemade liberty lamp brightening up the living room.  My desk is full of vintage flowers and lace as I've been making lots of vintage flower cards for the lovely Rosie B's in Chipping Norton.

What have you got planned for today? 


 

costume jewellery

 

 

A few weeks ago I managed to make it to the Oxford flea market, which is one of my favourite things to do. It was a lovely bright sunny day, perfect for a bit of junk spotting.
 

There was a stall selling costume jewellery, I spent ages looking through all the vintage pieces and finally came away with a few little sparkly brooches and pins, I like them because they are so tiny.
 

I have a plan for them , so you will have to wait and see......

 

market day

Last Sunday we took a little trip to Bath's Vintage and Antiques Market, which is held on the last Sunday of every month. It's a really lovely market with lots of different stall holders. I came home with a beautiful crochet blanket, a 1950's straw basket, which is a great size for shopping and a kitchen stool.

I also bought a pretty little china pot. I love going to flea markets, you never know what you will find...

kitchen kitsch

A bit of Kitchen Kitsch for you today. The pink rose teacups with emerald green saucers are my favourite charity shop purchase and the donkey picture my boyfriend bought a while ago and I've just given it a new mount and a clean up, so looks as good as new.

I've had a little break from my work since my Artweeks shows, now I'm thinking about some new designs for my next show in July.

le petit echo de la mode

When I went to the flea market at Malvern a few weeks ago I bought this french magazine dated 1928

I love the illustrations and the colours used on the front cover. Inside there are a selection of lace patterns to follow....

I also bought some beautiful pieces of handmade lace and broderie anglaise collars, and then spent the day happily sewing on vintage seed beads to decorate two new drawstring bags, for a new collection at Waterperry Gallery, which opens on May 5th.

Have a lovely weekend whatever you are up to.

papilio paris

Sunday's here! The more relaxed day of the week, no rushing out the door to try and catch my bus to work....instead a chance to tidy up, finish off some cards and take some photos to share with you.

The beautiful butterfly, 'Papilio Paris' was a present from my boyfriend and the books I bought from a charty shop last week.

 I'm trying to teach myself the names of wild flowers, I love the faded and slightly old fashioned illustrations.

Have a lovely Sunday.

flea market buttons

What a rainy day! Hopefully these brightly coloured buttons should brighten it up.

My mum bought them from a flea market in Spain and they are still on their original display cards.  I can just imagine ladies flicking through them, trying to decide on a shape or colour to complete a new dress.

It seems a shame to remove them from the cards, I'm not quite sure what I will do with them yet?

Enjoy the rest of your week, whatever the weather.

my space

Well, it's been a busy week, going to 'Top drawer' trade fair in London, buying lots of lovely new stock for the boutique where I work. Looking at the stands gave me lots of ideas for displaying my own bags and purses.

I've been spending time sorting out my work room, putting up a few oil paintings I found at a flea market and stacking up vintage teaspoon and cutlery boxes which I use for presenting and photographing my little purses and corsages in. I like to keep changing my workspace, so it always feels like an inspiring place to be.

Any tips on how to keep your space tidy, I'd love to know?

sunday market

We had a great time in London last Sunday.

After a quick lunch at Leon's we walked up to Brick Lane's bric a brac market, where every building and space available held a market from food to vintage clothing, bands playing in the street and even a hair salon in the park.

We followed the trail of people carrying plants up to Columbia Road flower market, where the street was lined with lilies, pansies, orchids and herbs.

A shop I always love to visit is J & B The Shop, run by Jessie and Buddug. It's full of beautifully handmade pieces with an old fashioned feel to it.

This sweet shop was amazing. I love their window display of royal tins full of sweets.

thursday market

Last Thursday I cycled to the market before work. It was a warm sunny morning, so I knew it was going to be a good day. I bought this china plate for 50p! I love faded floral patterns, which can be found dotted around our flat like this rose cushion cover.

 I also bought these old stamps. It's always so hard to choose, there are so many. I went for the flower and butterfly designs and the kind stall holder even gave me a pack for free.

in with the old...

I've finally found a lovely old desk at a local antiques center. It's the perfect size, with two little drawers. I've spent all morning trying to declutter my original desk of stuff I no longer need. It seemed to take forever.

The picnic hamper is great for storage and I keep some of my vintage fabrics and cottons in it.

As well as the desk I also bought this coronation mug, I must have been inspired by the resent royal wedding or I just love it's faded design?

I'd love to know what's new in your homes?