Vintage Appeal

Hello Valentine

2012-02-16T22:58:00.000Z

So Valentine's has come and gone. Whilst the boyf was at home, I remained in Leeds at Uni celebrating the eve with my lovely housemates! We enjoyed steak pie and homemade chips cooked by the wonderful Louise, and I put together a pudding- eton mess and shortbread hearts! We were close to bursting but it was delicious! And we even had enough melted chocolate to make some 'Special K' cakes (either that or Bran Flakes!) We bought carnations and decorated jam jars with brown paper, bakers string and my heart punch.

This weekend the boyf is coming to visit, so let the eating, drinking and dancing take round two!

It's been a while...

2012-01-19T16:45:00.005Z

For Christmas me and the fella got a bit of money, and spent it on this lovely cabinet. As you can see, it VERY quickly became filled with things.

I've also been busy crotcheting this beauty...my first blanket! I can't believe how quickly I finished it...I'm quite sure this isn't the last blanket I'll be making!

I've also painted this very sad cupboard, that was really outdated and needed some TLC, cream. Hoping to find some whicker baskets to pop in it and finish it off with some lovely new handles.

I've also been embroidering owls and cameras...

So all-in-all a busy Christmas period! Shame it's another eleven months until this sight appears again...

Happy 2012!

Good things come to those who wait...

2011-10-20T00:46:00.001+01:00

Time has flown by! I have now entered in to my final year at Uni! This is where it all counts!! So I have been very studious..but sadly that means little crafting! However, I've been searching for a vintage sewing machine for some time but something's never been right- it's in too bad a condition, it's too overpriced, etc. But... I have just received a gorgeous one, which has my partner's surname on it ("Jones") and it's just perfect, given to me by his mum! I am sooo over the moon!

Isn't she wonderful!?

Quick crafts!

2011-08-26T22:08:00.005+01:00

So, I've had two gifts recently; the first being stamps and the second a dozen crotched coasters! I set to work trying to use them in a creative way...I hope you like what I've done with them!

With the stamps...apart from stamping anything and EVERYTHING in sight...I painted this little wooden frame, cut up a few envelopes from the post that morning and put it all together.

Ta-dar!

VERY simple, but I like it!

Next, with a bunch of crotched coasters I set about doing two things: making bunting and decorating a jar.

For the bunting, I grabbed some wool and crotchet a simple chain stitch, attaching a coaster every 35ch.

Very pleased with the results! Not sure if it should just come out at Christmas?! But for now it's staying up.

The jar I wanted to jazz up holds my stash of embroidery thread and bits of ribbon/lace etc. I simply measured a piece of ribbon to fit the jar and stitched it to the coaster. Easy Peasy.

Hope everyone has a great bank holiday!

Car-boot beauties!

2011-08-21T12:29:00.005+01:00

Another sunday morning sifting through other people's 'tat' to find some marvellous treasure! Great morning rummaging-came home with all these lovelies for less than a tenner!

And my fave pick of the day, this wonderful Kodak Retinette! Takes 35mm film- so vintage but practical! Always the best! Loaded it up with some film and I've started snapping away! Can't wait to see how the roll comes out!

Isn't she a dream?

2011-08-18T17:38:00.007+01:00

So...I ranted about the floral chair...and thanks to my (perhaps obsessive) need to go in the charity shop preeettyyy much everyday-this beauty greeted me.

I'm picturing it transformed with a lick of cream paint, a little distressing and a tad bit of bunting.
If you look closely you can even see the cut-out heart detail along the dresser...swoon. An added bonus was that I got it for £30 cheaper than the asking price- and the boyf likes it! Great day...now I just need to go in more charity shops to fill the shelves.

Uh-oh.

Furniture...

2011-08-18T00:22:00.004+01:00

So as previously posted, me and the boyf will be moving in together in the near future- we have a date in mind and have been starting to collect some bits and bobs together...well...mostly me hoarding car boot junk in my room, but you get the idea! I popped into one of the local charity shops this week and spotted this arm chair.

Now, I'm in two minds about it...I love it, well actually I just mostly love it, but then there's a sliver in me that thinks, maybe that's a little TOO floral?! I just don't know...but it was £20...and my money was CERTAINLY burning in my pocket! So I sent a quick snap to the boyf for his judgement (wow! Technology is awesome) and lo and behold he replied "I couldn't live with that. You need your eyes testing." Darn. Oh well...I think I'll have to compromise with a few floral cushions instead of this beast.

Maybe moving in together isn't the best idea?

Painting a Poppy.

2011-08-15T21:21:00.006+01:00

My dad’s a wonderful oil painter and I’ve been steadily getting more and more curious about the craft. So I’ve been attending a class on a Saturday morning, and have just finished this, not-much-bigger-than-a-postcard, poppy!

I’m very pleased with it, and am planning to give it to mum as a pressie. This evening I’ve been getting stuck in to my next painting...a little blue tit. Wish me luck...I’ll pop up a post when I’m done!

Car-boot beauties!

2011-08-15T21:11:00.007+01:00

Haven't been to the car-boots in a while...as previously stated, I've been busy..and maybe hungover! But I spotted these lovely gardening books on Sunday.

I can't wait for a garden of my own! Pouring over these beautiful pages will have to do, for now! I also picked up a very plain wooden cutlery tray for 25p at the boot sale.

Nothing much. But then I painted it with a little grey emulsion...and ta-daarr! A jewellery tray...yep, for 25 pence!

Hurry up weekend! I'm desperate for another rummage at the car-boot!

In the post...

2011-08-15T20:48:00.005+01:00

So, it's been a while...I've been on my jollies, I've been saving pennies and I've been knuckling down on uni work so I haven't posted in quite some time! Apologies!

As I previously stated, I won Caroline's, at the lovely Cream teas and Crafternoons give-away...and look at the goodies that came through the door!

A lovely cath kidston fabric bag, a needle case and a dainty tissue holder! So lucky, and so very grateful! Finally Caroline's "thank you" card is in the post now...better late than never, huh?!

Yay!

2011-07-14T14:00:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post to share with you all that I've won the lovely Caroline's first blog birthday at Cream teas and Crafternoons! Hurrah! As I was telling Caroline..this is the first give away I've won...and it's my birthday at the weekend...perfect timing! Thank you very much Caroline..I'll do a post on the goodies asap!

Hope you're all having as good a day as me!

Crotchet, curtain rings and cabinets!

2011-06-28T20:32:00.010+01:00

As you can see, due to uni work and going on my jollies (Cornwall and Isle of Man) I've been a very bad blogger...and have quickly (well, maybe not that quickly) tried to rectify this by jotting down a post before the month ends! P.s. Apologies for the terrible pictures- they've been taken using my not-so-great phone!

Since I've now finished my second year of uni I've thrown myself in to crafting! As previously blogged, I've started crotcheting granny squares, and they're not going too badly to say I've taught myself thanks to the wonderful resource of youtube!

I've also been inspired by the wonderful blog by Ella Masters, by crafting with curtain rings! Her post illustrates how to transform the meager curtain ring into a necklace. Using her idea, finding 12 curtain rings in a charity shop for 20p, and discovering some old floral and peach bedsheets, I set to work and have made some bits to go up on the bedroom wall!

My knitted patchwork blanket is progressing steadily...

And my lovely mum, whilst wandering in cornwall discovered a tiny little craft shop...and proceeded to buy me this gorgeous knitting bag to store my wool and needles in! Aren't I lucky?!

And, finally (!), the most exciting news of all, me and the boyf are finally going to be living together very soon!!! So, in all the excitement, we, perhaps hastily (but it was such a bargain we couldn't refuse!) bought a corner unit! We've sanded it and it's had its first coat of paint on...so updates on that will appear over the next few weeks!

I can't wait to move in with him! In no time at all I'll be growing strawberry plants, baking and knitting whilst watching "Some like it hot!" Yay!

Hello Crotchet!

2011-05-29T14:59:00.003+01:00

Beautiful pastel crotchet hearts!

As you know I've started knitting...but friday night I became extremely bored of revising and decided to watch a few youtube clips to learn how to crotchet a granny square! I must say- even if I do say so myself- they're pretty good! (photos to follow) But as I was browsing the web I came across this beautiful image and free pattern and am hoping to give these a whirl soon!

Car-boot beauties!

2011-05-24T11:42:00.007+01:00

I am THRILLED with my purchases on Sunday at the local car-boot! Bought some lovely picture frames, a couple of necklaces and a golf rack (for the boyf!) But my BEST bargains of the day were these beauties...

Gorgeous typewriter in full working order...(LOVE the colours!)...just need to get myself some ribbon! And how much was she? £2!!!

Original 1950's Diana camera in its box... £1!

Coronet 'Week-end' Camera...£1! Although I'm struggling to find out what film this camera takes. The guy at the car-boot gave me some 126 film free with it, but he wasn't 100% if it was the correct film? Any ideas anyone!?

Beautiful Brownie camera! Was REALLY chuffed with this purchase...my mum, knowing my love for vintage finds and my knew passion for photography, kicked herself when she realised she threw away her first camera, the brownie. Now I have my very own, and mum can't wait for a go on it either! Bargain price...50p!

And finally, a classic Coronet box style. Isn't she beautiful?! Again, just £1! As you can imagine...I'm SO pleased with my car-boot finds...although I fear this may begin an addiction to sunday morning car-boot sprees...my purse isn't going to be happy!

Look at my treasures...

2011-05-17T21:57:00.004+01:00

A little trip to the local Antique Shop and look at the beauties I found! Vintage faux-snake skin black handbag £4; 6 beautifully patterned coasters and holder 50p; Dainty bird necklace £2; 3 vintage postcards 20p each; Amazing embroidered hand mirror £1! Very happy thrifter indeed!

Moo...

2011-05-14T13:35:00.004+01:00

Over the Royal Wedding Weekend a few of the girls from Uni popped down into my neck of the woods and off we traipsed to Chatsworth House(One friend did confuse this with Chatsworth Estate, but I reassured her we wouldn't be spotting Mimi anywhere!)Of course, while we were there we HAD to visit the Farm! Hurrah! Here are a few snaps of the piglets, lambs and a GORGEOUS brown cow I wanted to take home!

Bloomin' Marvellous!

2011-05-14T13:15:00.005+01:00

With all this lovely sunshine the blossom's are really starting to come out, aren't they? Just a couple of pictures from my rounds of the lovely blooms!

I love...

2011-04-26T23:12:00.006+01:00

TEA TOWELS!!! At the minute I keep coming across so many gorgeous tea towels...and I can't get enough of them! Mary Fellows has particularly caught my eye with her quirky and vintage inspired collection...they're too lovely to dry the pots with!

A little trip to Matlock...

2011-04-21T13:21:00.008+01:00

I haven't posted in a while...SO much uni work...but let's not get into that!
To take my mind off it all the boyf took me to Matlock for the day- oh it was lovely! Enjoying the sun, walking along the river, a cheeky pint, some vintage finds, fish and chips and ice-cream to finish! Can't complain!

Hope everyone's making the most out of the lovely weather!

Put a stamp on it.

2011-03-25T06:44:00.001Z

Finished my number of postcards and letters and will be popping them in the post box today! Exciting!

A glimpse of love...

2011-03-25T01:15:00.003Z

~ Mamma and Gramps ~

Letter Love

2011-03-24T02:43:00.007Z

Beautiful work of Ellie

Whilst I've had this blog for over a year, I've really (as you can see from my blogs) only been getting in to it since the new year. I am now addicted. Having been lost in a world-wind of cutting from blog-to-blog-to-blog for some hours, somehow I came across Ellie's. It's a beautiful blog and a must view!
Through her love of letters and post she's inspired me to get back into the beauty of this (sadly deprived) practice.
I began searching for old cards and came across an old Winnie the Pooh notelets box. Having decided I'd perhaps grown out of pooh bear and tigger I decided to recover it...

Having sifted through my craft box I found a number of beautiful vintage postcards and notelets which I filled it with..and then got myself down to the post office to buy some stamps!

I even made a few myself...

So, I've decided (whilst, perhaps it's a little late for new years resolutions) for a spring resolution (does that work?!) I'm going to stop chatting on facebook and texting so much and send some lovely post instead! Thank you Ellie!

And (for now anyway!) a few of these...

2011-03-24T01:22:00.005Z

Yum.

Yummy.

Yummiest.

Beautiful postcards by the uber talented Seventy Tree

And these!

2011-03-24T00:43:00.002Z

Urban Outfitters

Yes please...

2011-03-24T00:36:00.006Z

I LOVE this...

From Urban Outfitters

I'm keeping everything crossed that the fella listens to my 'hints' VERY soon!!

Thrifty finds...

2011-03-23T13:55:00.006Z

There's a wonderful book store down the road which has a great collection of books that do very nicely for my theological studies. Whilst perusing the shelves for an explanation of Gnosticism (oh the joy!) I couldn't help myself when I found this lovely Peter Rabbit Craft Book!

Whilst the craft ideas inside aren't all that jazz..there's some beautiful illustrations inside..and I just couldn't resist the bargain price of 50p!

All things crotchet...

2011-03-19T02:15:00.003Z

I've wanted to crotchet for quite some time, but, as my grandma can't remember how to, I didn't think I'd be getting anywhere fast! But, of course, I then realised there's this thing...called..the internet. After a few hours of perusing you-tube and other blogs I (finally!) stumbled across Meet Me At Mikes which has an amazingly detailed set of videos, demonstrations, instructions..the lot! What a fantastic blog!

My first attempt was in less than an hour...and whilst it's by no means perfect, I'm AMAZED at the speed (thanks to the blog!!) I've been able to produce something!
I'm definately going to have to get lots more practice in...and meet up with my lovely friend Hannah (who's becoming quite the pro at the ol' crotchet!) for some pointers!

Coming along nicely...

2011-03-18T21:19:00.004Z

I'm sooo pleased! My patches are finally coming together and I'm now seeing the benefits of this knitting thing! Very, very happy! Not sure how to edge my blanket..would love to do a crotched scallop edge--but, of course, I don't know how to!
As I'm a beginner I'm not QUITE ready for cable knitting or Arran cardigans quite yet! My grandma is, however, hoping to show me how to make a teapot cosy when I'm home over Easter...can't wait!
Enjoy the weekend!

A Polaroid of Love

2011-02-27T06:10:00.004Z

February is notoriously the month of love with its chocolates, flowers and cupids. It is also my anniversary with my partner...and this year it's the 5th! Whilst, ofcourse, the relationship hasn't been all chocolates, flowers and cupids, we are still very much in love!

~Ma and Pa~

Whilst pondering such things I came across a beautiful picture of my mum and dad from their 'courting' days and felt quite moved by it. They have been through so much together and through 35 years of marriage they still care for one another...what an inspiration, and what a joy to eagerly anticipate all of this to come...

Resolutions...

2011-02-27T05:56:00.005Z

Whilst we may be in February now (and usually by this point I have given up all hope of keeping my New Years resolutions!) I have been rather successful so far! This year I wished, rather than the usual promise of saving money and, ofcourse, losing weight, to take up a craft or hobby. My gran, therefore, over Christmas, as I'd hoped taught me to knit (and purl, might I add!) And I must say, I am overjoyed at my results...and we're only in the second month of the year!

When deciding on a project, I chose to begin a patchwork quilt! I now have 26 patches...and have decided to measure it at 12 x 14 squares, hoping that this will comfortabley cover a double bed (or wrap me up snug-as-a-bug on the sofa when reading a good book or watching 'An Affair to Remember'!)

Happy New Year!

Isn't the snow wonderful!

2010-12-03T18:47:00.004Z

Whilst everyone seems to be getting a little down in the dumps with the weather, me and my friends at uni are LOVING it! Of course, I guess it's mostly to do with the fact that it's a complete distraction from the work we SHOULD be doing...but oh well! Here are a few photos of the fun to be had!

Winter approaches...

2010-11-29T13:31:00.005Z

This term at uni has been stressful...and BUSY! Unfortunately, due to this, my blog has been slightly (or, perhaps, completely!) deserted. However, I am still enjoying browsing other people's blogs and getting rather excited about Christmas! My gran is (hopefully!) going to teach me to knit this holiday season... the perfect christmas present in my eyes!

Tea Party!

2010-08-23T02:28:00.011+01:00

To celebrate my 21st my parents threw me a glorious tea party! There was bunting, cake stands, muffins, bakewell tarts, tea...and of course...alcohol. It was fabulous!

Who doesn't love to eat cake?

Summer...

2010-08-23T02:15:00.006+01:00

Doesn't everyone just LOVE the summer?! I don't think there's a single person who doesn't love the warmth of the sun, the birdsong, the blossom.

Pottering

2010-08-23T02:00:00.007+01:00

I have had the pleasure of pottering around my home and taking a few photos of the things I love...I'm hoping to show you all so much more on here...I just needed to start of with something simple! Don't want to run before I can walk with this blog!

It's been a while...

2010-06-16T23:00:00.002+01:00

I have failed as a blogger. In all the excitement of creating a blog (finally!) it hit me- I have nothing to write about! I watched the film Julie and Julia, which I didn't think I would enjoy- but actually LOVED it to my surprise! I am so jeleous that Julie (or should that be julia?!) had something to focus on in her blog everyday...I therefore decided I needed some sort of aim or theme for my blog. Whilst, of course, it is to be a collection of vintage finds and lovely thoughts, I also have recently bought a Canon EOS 400d with a couple of lenses...and a diana F and a fisheye camera.
How terribly exciting....
1, 2, 3 click!

My First Post!

2010-03-06T01:00:00.000Z

Ok, I think I'm finally up and running with this thing! It's looking rather bare... but I can't wait to fill this with my frolicks and fancies! I'm not the biggest fan of computers and have struggled a little with understanding how to get this going...but I finally feel I've made progress... I mean look at me; I've made a post and everything!

Hope everyone's wonderful, I'll certainly be posting a decent blog very soon!