Sunday, February 25, 2007

Something Old, Something New!


Like many of you 'vintage girls' out there (and I'm not referring to our ages!) I have more than a few collections of vintage treasures. I never seem to have any trouble starting a new collection either - it's the stopping that causes the most bother!!! One of may favourite collections are old talc tins. I recently saw Niki's post with her gorgeous bathroom cabinets stacked with lovely things and thought I'd share a few of mine with you all. I must confess to having added to the collection since I took the photo above! I've also placed a few in my shop as I decided it would be good to share them with others!

Another growing collection of mine consists of the wonderful ceramics of Virginia Graham who is based in Cardiff. She produces some amazing pieces using moulds and shapes based on vintage crockery etc. For example, a teapot may have the handle shape of a Victorian teapot, the spout shape of an Edwardian teapot and the lid shape from a 1930s teapot! She then decorates them using vintage designs such as a rosy chintz or Cornishware stripes. I absolutely love her work, she is so talented and has some amazing ideas!

As a lover of vintage I'm very rarely drawn to 'new' but these lovely ceramics fit in perfectly with all of my old items. I'd love to see photos of your 'new' vintage treasures!



Sunday, February 18, 2007

I am totally obsessed with fabric! In fact, I can't get enough of vintage fabric and will always be found rummaging through the wonderful old textiles that turn up at the flea markets and antique fairs. I do enjoy being creative and armed with a glue gun, pins and a hammer, I have covered all manner of everyday objects around the cottage.


I have many old books which have lost their paper covers, these are ideal for covering with fabrics. When I couldn't find the right vintage fabric I even used a new (but vintage style!) material covered with pretty little roses. The old painted step table originally had a piece of plain vinyl on the top so I replaced it with this pretty rosebud and oak leaf fabric which compliments they soft grey paint.


I found this old hatbox which was very plain in appearance and covered it in this delicate old roses fabric. I finished the edge of the lid with a length of dusky pink velvet ribbon. I may add some embellishment to the top when I find the right fabric flowers!




These are very quick but very effective ways of revamping items. I have also covered stools and chair seats etc., but I will save those photos for another day!

Friday, February 09, 2007

A Valentine's Treat for You All!



Upon this day I bring to you,
A pocketful of dreams come true,
A treasure trove of vintage finds,
Delightful wares of many kinds.

Whence time-worn fabrics cast their spell,
And speckled mirrors kiss and tell,
Ancient books with dusty pages,
Tell of love throughout the ages.
Where floral paintings grace the wall,
And pretty quilts with lace enthrall,
Eiderdowns adorned with posies,
Painted boxes crowned with roses.

So step into a bygone day,
Let slip your cares and woes away,
As through the halls of time you roam,
And dream awhile at
Vintage Home.


I hope you enjoy your visit to my new online shop!

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Let it snow!




Well, we've finally had some snow here in Oxfordshire and as I'm sure it will be a dim and distant memory by this time tomorrow I thought I would show you some photos of the wonderful white stuff!

This is our neighbour's dog in the lane outside the cottage; isn't he lovely?



This is the snowman my husband built this morning! I hope he looks after my scarf!



Now this is just what you need to keep you warm during this cold snap; what could be more cosy than a snuggly eiderdown? Oh, and that reminds me, my online shop opens its doors next week on 14th February! There'll be lots of cosy quilts and eiderdowns for sale but until then, please stay warm!


Saturday, February 03, 2007

Tattered and torn, faded and worn...




Like many of you, I have a real love of timeworn treasures. There is nothing more alluring than spying a beautiful old book whose cover bears the signs of the many years of handling, yet remains so divinely pretty. And who can ever resist an age distressed tin, with its exquisite decoration ever-so-gently softened by the passage of time?




What is more beautiful than a delicate floral fabric when its pattern has been gently faded over the years, ensuring the colours reach that perfectly softened tone that only time can add?



Vintage linens have a smell and feel that cannot be recreated by new fabrics. They retain their pure whiteness yet develop a gentle softness that is a delight to hold against the skin. We enjoy filling our homes with pretty china and what is more delightful than a rosy bowl whose glossy patina has been oh-so-gently worn by the passage of time..?



I love to surround myself with tattered and torn, faded and worn objects of beauty, be it an old Barbola mirror, a scratched and dented tin, or sun-faded fabrics; who can resist them?!

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Miss February!



Well, as promised, here she is! This is the next beauty on my lovely calendar.



Once again, there are the delightful jewel encrusted roses all around her!



I do have a real dilemma though - I'm reticent to remove the previous month's page, which means I can't display any further months - I will have to stare at January throughout the year!!!