bits & pieces

I've been working on a series of small collage pictures using my vintage stash of postcards, letters, lace, trims, buttons and beads. I'm really enjoying making them, creating a little story with these bits and pieces. I'm just finishing this one off by adding a few more beads.

 

I'm planning to frame them up in white washed wooden frames.

 

I bought some purple Viola flowers today, so I'm hoping the weather will stay nice so I can plant them in pots for the living room window sill.

Thanks for all your kind comments about my work, they're always lovely to read. x

lovely things

A few nice things from my week...I've just subscribed to Selvedge magazine, and this 'souvenir' edition dropped through my letter box the other day, lots of inspiring articles inside....

I have a bit of a thing for china birds, this one was a present from my very lovely friend 'Candy Pop' Thank you, I love it! It now looks happy in it's new home by my jars filled with vintage lace.

...bits and pieces from around my work room; a beautiful reel of pale blue taffeta, part of a diamante necklace, a piece of lace waiting to have beads stitched on to it, a lovely old tea spoon case and stamps from the market....

What nice things have cheered you up this week?

sunday catch up ...

It's been a busy week at work, so I haven't spent a huge amount of time on my own textiles. Now with a few days off I plan to start on some new designs for a couple of shows that are coming up.

I have had a bit of time to make some cards for The Old Fire Station Gallery in Oxford and Rosie B's Home & Interiors in Chipping Norton.

Well, I had better get on, I'm off to see my mum,and take her a little pressie,as it's mother's day today and to visit our favourite bric a brac shop.

See you next week x

 

 

matchbox challenge - the antique one

 Have you been enjoying the snow this week?....I was hoping for a 'snow day' off work, but only a light covering around here, probably a good thing really.

 I hope you have been joining in with The Lobster and Swan matchbox a day challenge set by Jeska. Today is the 'antique one' I have made mine decorated with gold paper, vintage lace, a piece of a hand written french letter and a beautiful stamp. Inside are hidden mother of pearl buttons and beads.

I'm not sure if I can make one for every day of February, but I love making them and seeing what other people have created.

Remember Jeskas'  is selling her lovely matchboxes for charity in her etsy shop.

a winters day

A grey winters Sunday, cutting and sticking, making cards, reading the latest Vogue and drinking hot tea on the sofa, buying Christmas chutneys and sweet biscuits, hanging little gold birds and hearts on our tree, making lists, tidying up, feeling cosy and warm at home listening to the wind and rain outside.  

 

 

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.

snapshot

Here are a few pictures from my week. I've been making cards with buttons and lace. A new top to wear, if only it gets a bit warmer.

I've finished off this purse. I bought the fabric from the Thursday market. I just love the colour combination of cream, bronze and peach.

 

My favourite stall at the market is the one selling old stamps and postcards. I could look through the piles and boxes for ages, hoping to find some treasure. These French ones are so pretty like little sweets.

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a lovely weekend.

buttons and stamps

I found these stamps at a flea market. It was so hard to choose the ones to take home. I love the colours and designs, also the post marks printed on them.

My mum found the buttons for me ... the packaging is lovely. I wonder who owned them before.

I've been busy making cards using the stamps, buttons, lace and fabric swatches. I've used similar colours for each design. I think they work really well.