tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35390395707473974582012-01-13T09:40:52.337-08:00Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.comBlogger1051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-57594108564580923522012-01-13T06:58:00.000-08:002012-01-13T07:17:15.236-08:00

This year is busy, busy, busy with lots of fairs on the horizon. Feb 25th- The Vintage and Handmade Textile Fair in Chipping Sodbury http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/March 3rd - The Textile Rag and Remnant Rummage in Trull near Taunton http://thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com/21st April- The Spring Vintage Bazaar in Frome http://thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com/26th May- The Original Vintage and

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-44331300148447306372011-10-25T04:09:00.000-07:002011-10-25T04:19:21.706-07:00

This Saturday sees our third Vintage Bazaar in Frome, Somerset. There will be tons of dealers selling quality vintage and designers who use vintage fabrics to create stunning items. You can buy the most wonderful and unique Christmas presents and of course its chic recycling! The doors open at 9am and Lizzie and I have been planning for this event for the last 5 months so it promises to be fab. I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-82543022095009963372011-09-30T10:06:00.000-07:002011-09-30T10:10:06.794-07:00

.....is on in Chipping Sodbury tomorrow, Sat 1st October please pop along to see all the wonderful stalls

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-79566709013092565312011-08-07T11:29:00.001-07:002011-08-07T11:58:29.608-07:00

There has been a new arrival this week at The Darling household, a small, brown eyed Arthur rabbit came to live with us much to the delight of the children (and resigned sign from Mr D!). So far they have been very good and stayed true to their promises of cleaning and pettting duties but I realise it has just been a week and things may change as the weather becomes colder! As well as a new

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-2196747622250441592011-06-09T13:37:00.000-07:002011-06-09T14:35:23.894-07:00

...continuing my obsession with feedsack fabrics and patchwork,having a go at making a quilt for little ones birthday with the help of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbTHlGGKMPM, drinking tea with my 'grown-up' girl, being a proud mum at my 'grown-up' girl's cushion making here http://milliemoonshop.co.uk/,making a dress for little one, going to the fairground at Nanny's and lastly ( but not

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-71491895380773616182011-05-01T11:04:00.000-07:002011-05-01T11:37:35.569-07:00

Thank you so much to all our lovely stallholders who put on the most delectable show so far! The Cheese and Grain was transformed on Saturday thanks to everyones hard work and preparation. A really special 'thanks' goes to Michael who helped out on the front desk while Mr D was wrestling a small child! and to Trixie who rented him out to us!! Do look at our dedicated blog http://

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-62488729022900332362011-04-27T13:05:00.000-07:002011-04-27T13:37:31.512-07:00

'The Vintage Bazaar' is fast approaching so here is a naughty peep at some of the delights that will be on my stall! Hope to see you all there this Saturday from 9-3pm at The Cheese and Grain in Frome where there will be a hall full of wonderful vintage yumminess!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-33596322978853952492011-04-10T12:43:00.000-07:002011-04-23T10:07:58.457-07:00

This weekend has been wonderful. Yesterday I had my stall at the original vintage and handmade fair in Chipping Sodbury and got to see lots of my lovely and talented friends. The day started with the usual panic about what I'd brought and what I'd left behind and trying to arrange the table. I had done a test run at home this time as I had more stock and photographed it but when I got there I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-1729229946996601502011-03-13T13:20:00.000-07:002011-03-13T13:52:35.002-07:00

This weekend we ventured down to Ilminster in Somerset for the Talent for Textiles event. We haven't been there before despite hearing very good things about it so we thought we'd make a day of it. The fair itself was superb with a select number of quality stalls inside the Arts Centre. There were some familiar names there like my partner in crime Liz with her wonderful fabrics and clothes plus

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-8518862862110864272011-02-15T09:03:00.000-08:002011-02-15T09:27:55.444-08:00

This weekend we all went to Frome to heavily publicise 'The Vintage Bazaar' by putting our lovely postcards in numerous shops and cafes. Whenever we're there we make a beeline for the shops on Catherine Hill and today was no exception, popping into Marmalade Yarns to see Maxine http://www.marmaladeyarns.co.uk/, Poot (obviously) and Millie Moon http://milliemoonshop.co.uk/ to drop off plenty of

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-55770649834042131152011-01-28T06:51:00.000-08:002011-01-28T07:16:16.079-08:00

I have been neglecting my blog of late so I sat down today and thought I must get on and update it! Looking at the last time I blogged there's an awful lot thats happened including an Alice in Wonderland birthday party, Christmas and new year, numerous flea markets and fairs and now working towards the next Vintage Bazaar! Christmas seems a long time ago now and the snowy weather (although

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-64183282008262439992010-11-26T09:49:00.000-08:002010-11-26T10:12:10.545-08:00

This Sunday is the much anticipated 'Vintage and Handmade Fair' http://http//www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/ in Chipping Sodbury from 10am. It is always a wonderful fair and the organisers Michele and Jayne really pull out all the stops. This time the fair is larger with even more stalls selling things to easily tempt the pennies from your purses! so even if the weather is cold and blustery you can

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-87036692212818399892010-10-30T11:24:00.000-07:002010-10-30T11:55:47.797-07:00

Well today started early (5.00am to be precise!) and off we went to Frome packed up with hats, corsages, jewellery, fascinators etc etc...We arrived and unpacked, ready to start the day. There were so many wonderful stalls selling exquisite vintage delights that it was difficult to focus on setting up and before we knew it it was 9am and the customers started coming in. We had the lovely Jack and

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-507252936321284422010-10-20T08:20:00.000-07:002010-10-20T08:32:49.582-07:00

Firstly apologies for being a rubbish blogger over the past month or so...it's all The Vintage Bazaar's fault http://thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com/. I've been really pleased with the response from the press both locally and nationally so its had a really good plug! Its very nearly time for the event itself and to say I'm a bit excited about it is an understatement...and nervous! I thought I would

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-81991079951997673902010-09-04T08:59:00.000-07:002010-09-04T09:19:10.669-07:00

This week my little one started at nursery. It's difficult to believe that she is already three and ready for such a big step but I think I was more nervous than she was! She had fallen over the previous day so had a horrid scab under her nose but she was very brave at A+E while they checked it wasn't broken. When she turned up at nursery she did look a bit like a little street urchin ( or 'back

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-4174714932328371812010-08-24T08:41:00.000-07:002010-08-24T09:02:36.558-07:00

Like the title says I have been madly busy over the past few weeks not 'just' doing the mum thing with two very energetic children but also being a manic PR lady for 'The Vintage Bazaar'. I cannot count ( well I can ..probably) the number of emails I've sent, phonecalls I've made ( using my posh phone voice obviously!) and letters I've sent to various publications in order to try and get the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-42480705417812553522010-08-03T01:11:00.000-07:002010-08-03T01:32:22.846-07:00

Last week we visited Shepton Mallet and made a visit to Niki's shop http://http//nostalgiaatthestonehouse.blogspot.com/ouse.blogspot.com/ As you can imagine there were lots of beautiful things to look at so for those of you who live too far away I'm including a small taster here. If you live near but have never been you really should make the effort to go.....it won't be a wasted trip! While we

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-7136168768636647022010-07-27T11:34:00.000-07:002010-07-27T12:11:37.729-07:00

I thought it would be good to show you all the lovely place where Liz and I are holding The Vintage Bazaar ( http://www.thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com/) in October. As well as all the wonderful stalls which will be there and the 40's beauty parlour ( for those of us who need a bit of glamour...!) Frome itself has some truly beautiful shops. Catherine hill, which is about a 2 min walk from the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-21531424129202332412010-07-05T11:14:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:52:05.389-07:00

Well I couldn't go to the Vintage and Handmade Textiles Fair without making a couple of purchases but I was very restrained..honestly I could have happily remortgaged the house and really we could have lived on beans on toast for a while! Firstly was a beautiful embroidered picture from Helen Roskill, this is so clever, she has used a black and white illustration from an old childrens book and

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-84369106133608405902010-07-03T12:50:00.000-07:002010-07-03T13:27:28.484-07:00

Firstly, apologies for neglecting my blog of late but it is officially 'mad' time at work so my blog has been relegated to the bottom of my 'to do' list! Today was the first (of many I am sure!) Vintage and Handmade Textiles Day in Chipping Sodbury. This is the brainchild of the lovely Michele and Jayne (http://http//countrycottagechic2.blogspot.com/and http://http//

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-48563156493239670072010-05-31T12:14:00.000-07:002010-05-31T12:36:39.518-07:00

This Sunday it was the Lindy Hop Bop and Vintage Fair in Bath. Although we had a good day it was very low on people and customers seemed to be mainly people coming back from buying a pint of milk at sainsburys next door...not really people out to buy vintage! nevermind though as I had Jayne (http://http//countrycottagechic2.blogspot.com/) and Michele (http://http://

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-39857703715698876952010-05-27T12:02:00.000-07:002010-05-27T12:41:06.515-07:00

Last weekend we all went to Donna Flower's open day in Devon and my goodness what a day it was! We followed directions down a very narrow and winding lane until we saw the familiar banner announcing we had arrived. The girls were really excited because Donna cleverly had the trampoline up in the garden so I left the two children ( and one husband!) playing while I investigated the treasures

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-32503769575921116802010-05-03T10:06:00.000-07:002010-05-03T10:25:56.941-07:00

Today was supposed to be sunny....no such luck! It's been windy and cold all day. I had planned to finally decorate a cupboard I bought a few weeks ago, I envisioned sanding, painting and distressing it outside in the warm sun perhaps taking a break every now and again for a cold drink. Well, I decided to go ahead anyway...patience is not a virtue I possess and so it serves me right that I was

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-45380740954205428582010-05-02T13:32:00.000-07:002010-05-02T13:43:20.531-07:00

As most of you are aware yesterday was the long awaited Vintage and Handmade Fair in Chipping Sodbury organised by the lovely Michele (cowboys and custard) and Jayne (country cottage chic). It is always such a pleasure meeting up with the other stallholders and customers and yesterday was no exception. The day went so quickly and I am looking forward to the next one already. I won't ramble on..

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-57309063589098477532010-04-22T13:14:00.000-07:002010-04-22T13:44:37.032-07:00

The second week in St Ives we ventured out to Trevarno which is set in wonderful grounds including a field full of different variations of daffodils, as you can imagine the scent was fantastic. There is also a small toy museum and gardening museum there so after a yummy piece of cake and cup of tea we went to have a look. The highlights were a hand painted canvas wendy house from 1890, some

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-61506918437197200182010-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:002010-04-21T14:57:53.499-07:00

The Easter holidays always come just at the right time for the Darling family. The lead up is always so busy with GCSE/A level marking and moderation and most nights working until the wee hours so we were all really looking forward to our trip to St Ives. We drove down there very early to avoid the traffic looking eagerly out for the wind turbines on the landscape which signal "we're nearly there

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-80286538143061128042010-03-13T06:25:00.000-08:002010-03-13T06:37:06.419-08:00

Hope you're all well and enjoying the arrival of Spring (hurray!). I thought I'd share with you my plans for Easter. This year we are in st Ives on Easter Sunday so obviously there will be the vital chocolate consumption but it will be hard to pack it..imagine if you will.....warm, stuffy car, 'when will we be there' on a constant loop, holiday traffic and melted chocolate, urm lovely. So this

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-30861850166729323372010-02-27T07:16:00.000-08:002010-02-27T07:24:53.875-08:00

Well the weathermen tell me tomorrow will be windy and wet....not a good thing when you have a stall at the Shepton Flea market! But I'm being optimistic about it and hoping that a few of these will cheer everyone up. I found this wonderful and delicate tea service in Frome today and the art nouveau set I found last summer in a boot sale so I've filled them with cheerful flowers and

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-71705029940449057212010-02-14T11:14:00.000-08:002010-02-14T11:36:24.208-08:00

Hello lovely bloggers, I hope you have all had a wonderful Valentines day. Mr Darling made a wonderful roast dinner tonight..much better than I could do so I feel thoroughly spoilt! I thought I'd share with you a few pieces I'm working on at the moment for the upcoming Flea at Shepton Mallet and for 'Poot' in Frome although I'm having the same old problem about parting with them...especially the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-57302028583802355532010-02-03T08:22:00.000-08:002010-02-03T08:28:52.719-08:00

Just a quick look at some pics I took today inside the Cheese and Grain in Frome where 'The Vintage Bazaar' (http://www.thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com/) will be held in Oct. It is a super space with lovely windows and a cafe at one end serving food and drinks. There will be a selection of different stalls/tables available but its filling up fast so if you're interested give me or Liz the heads up!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-79070964605976064402010-02-01T13:49:00.000-08:002010-02-01T14:06:33.976-08:00

Some of you may recognise these delightful ( and pretty famous!) green shelves? They belong to the lovely Liz (the washerwoman) whose stall is a usual haunt for me at various fairs including Jayne and Michele's 'Vinatge and Handmade Fair'. Well, a couple of weeks ago Mr Darling and I were on our way to Shepton Mallet to visit Niki's shop and were chatting about how it was a shame there wasn't a

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-15414154536575121732010-01-23T11:45:00.000-08:002010-01-23T12:05:20.087-08:00

Well today I finally managed to visit Niki in her new shop 'Nostalgia at No1' in Shepton Mallet and boy I wasn't disappointed. It is filled with wonderful delights and vintage loveliness, so much so that I forgot to take some photos! If you can get there please do and while you're there No21 is well worth a visit too! After coffee we 'ended up' at the Shepton Antiques fair (well it would be rude

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-16176771605580623892010-01-22T10:51:00.000-08:002010-01-22T11:34:10.351-08:00

...Mummy Boo Bear! Well done..if you email me your address (daisy-darling@live.co.uk) I'll attempt to post the goodies off next week! Thank you to everyone who entered. x

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-3524699292046321782010-01-15T08:26:00.001-08:002010-01-15T08:37:49.586-08:00

Hello everyone, hope you had a good week. I now have an online blog boutique/showroom at http://www.daisydarlingmillineryboutique.blogspot.com/ and the reason for this is quite a sad one, the wonderful shop 'Bea and Evie' in Frome where I sell my work is closing so I will be just selling online, at the V and H and a few other select fairs. So, in order to persuade you to visit the new blog I'm

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-51175440566123495182010-01-10T12:39:00.000-08:002010-01-10T12:53:59.759-08:00

Hello blogland hope you are all well and enjoying the snow. The girls were off school for two days last week with all this white stuff which was lovely as it gave us all time to spend playing and snuggling up with warm drinks and family films. I know its difficult for those of us 'women who work' and as teachers Mr Darling and myself have come across allsorts of desperate wails from

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-14823883197353512402010-01-02T12:20:00.000-08:002010-01-02T12:23:46.082-08:00

I needed to show you all this picture from todays Guardian of Wem Li the baby panda climbing out of her cot! Is it legal to adopt a panda?Have a great week!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-50598580076686508012010-01-01T09:19:00.000-08:002010-01-01T09:31:26.890-08:00

Today was a beautiful day, really cold but bright blue skies overhead, just the way a winters day should be. New Years Eve was not so great, starting with our smallest being sick several times.....cut to a few wash cycles and cuddles later and we were much better thank goodness. We saw the new year ( and my birthday!) in with tired eyes and a glass of bubbly so this morning we thought it was time

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-56627401613820460132009-12-27T11:32:00.000-08:002009-12-27T11:36:34.890-08:00

I hope you all had a great christmas....as you can see my two certainly did!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-64489242091460114172009-12-23T06:21:00.000-08:002009-12-23T06:23:45.918-08:00

Wishing all my blogging friends a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year from all the 'Darlings'. Thank you for all your lovely comments throughout the year.....I hope to hear from you all in 2010 xx

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-11538501854593471372009-12-23T03:42:00.000-08:002009-12-23T03:48:40.129-08:00

I thought I had better update you lovely ladies about what every girl should be wearing this christmas..its seems that paper crowns just dont cut the mustard anymore..you need a woolly hat on top plus a t-shirt and dressing gown.....have a great christmas eve!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-61031327707442201152009-12-11T05:03:00.001-08:002009-12-11T05:23:52.200-08:00

Hello everyone I'm afraid I've been neglecting my blog duties of late..I have no excuse I'm afraid other than I seem to have been busy busy busy! I've been doing some more crochet including some decorations (thanks to the royal sisters blog http://http//theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/ and attic24 http://http//attic24.typepad.com/weblog/birdie-decoration.html) and a bear hat for my smallest and my

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-90657393413054803702009-11-21T09:34:00.000-08:002009-11-21T09:51:33.823-08:00

The weather has been awful by us but on the plus side I have been able to curl up by the fire with my crochet and dare I say it... a mince pie!! I've finished a buggy blanket for my little one but as you can see it seems to have been adopted by our Purdy cat who has been a real home bird since our other cat died. I've also made a scarf for my eldest using some lovely soft yarn and am now making

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-12052409596981709592009-11-16T14:27:00.000-08:002009-11-16T14:33:52.483-08:00

A few weeks ago we lost our beloved pusscat Milton and we have been looking for another kitten that we can bestow our affection on and spoil. Here is our new little fluff who we are collecting on Friday. She is a blue and cream british shorthair from a lovely lady in Salisbury and we are all very excited about it..but we haven't decided on a name yet..any ideas welcomed!!Have a good week everyone.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-78663380036640692272009-11-14T11:06:00.000-08:002009-11-14T11:15:23.400-08:00

What a day! The stalls were set up beautifully with all sorts of tempting things as you can see from the pictures (apologies for some blurriness...some were taken by my excited daughter!). We had a lovely and profitable day so thanks so much to the wonderful organisers and the tearoom helpers who kept me supplied with caffeine! Here's to the next one!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-80885381738580492972009-11-13T13:18:00.001-08:002009-11-13T13:21:42.483-08:00

Just a quick reminder (as if you need it!) about 'The Vintage and Handmade Fair' tomorrow in Chipping Sodbury from 10-4. Entrance is free and there will be tons of wonderful stuff to buy! I'll take some pics for those of you who can't make it. I've had a mad rush to get everything done but I think its all sorted now!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-28612174577804815722009-11-04T09:37:00.000-08:002009-11-04T09:43:43.829-08:00

If you get 'Homes and Antiques' magazine this month you will find my work sitting alongside Cath Kidston's little sewing box!! There's allsorts of lovely christmas present ideas in this issue, I'll have to start saving my pennies...yeah like thats going to happen! Have a good bonfire night tomorrow.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-41874576051340641672009-11-01T05:35:00.000-08:002009-11-01T05:54:43.742-08:00

Well Halloween has been and gone for another year. I was working in Bea and Evie yesterday on the hill and later we all ventured into the crowds outside. It was so busy with all the shops packed with trick and treaters but we managed to procure some sweets, enter our pumpkins into the competition and have a couple of mulled wines (hence the dodgy photos!). Hope you all enjoyed the festivities.....

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-77529833247267710692009-10-28T11:32:00.000-07:002009-10-28T11:52:01.028-07:00

Last weekend we visited my sister in London for my nephews christening which was a lovely day. My sister had created the most elaborate cake based on Noah's ark complete with a very effeminate lion. Matthew my lovely nephew was very well behaved although he didn't much like the whole cold font water episode. The next day we pondered over visiting Northcote road as it looks so tempting on Hens

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-83382036834117783092009-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:002009-10-21T13:27:54.238-07:00

Well thats the title I've given myself as I obviously was not born to crochet! I've been taking classes with the wonderful and very patient ladies of Marmalade Yarns in Frome and they have helped me considerably to grasp the granny square. I have a couple more lessons left so I hope to be able to remember everything I've learnt and maybe even follow a simple pattern at some point in the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-29664333253153248212009-10-05T12:26:00.000-07:002009-10-06T11:46:39.274-07:00

Well, last week I promised you a taster of some of the adult designs I'm working on for the V and H fair in November....hope you like them.As promised www.misshavishamsattic.com do have a look Victoria is a talented lady!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-85944644528622454912009-10-04T07:12:00.000-07:002009-10-04T07:24:57.308-07:00

Oh dear the Kilver Court 'Feastival' on Saturday was very disappointing...hardly anyone turned up (we were told 5-10,000 were expected, no more than a couple of hundred must have been there) and I spent the whole morning chasing after hats which had blown away in the strong wind! On the up side I did meet some wonderful people including the very talented lady from 'Miss Havishams Attic' whose

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-72138159940007778222009-09-29T01:44:00.000-07:002009-09-29T01:50:41.677-07:00

I feel sure I am preaching to the converted here but for those of you who haven't discovered Etsy yet you should really check it out (but hide your cards first). The site is filled with delicious and innovative items that I 'need'. I recently purchased two prints from the wonderful Corid which I've pictured here.http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5132530

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-44174078365578409042009-09-27T12:37:00.000-07:002009-09-27T12:55:26.124-07:00

Today was the Stroud Vintage Fair. It was a lovely venue and although it took us a while to get there it was worth it. There were some beautiful things for sale from small mop butttons to original 40's high heels (and some delicious chocolate cake). The fair is run by the lovely couple who own the vintage shop in Stroud (Vintage on High) which is well worth a visit even when the fair isn't on! '

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-39370435596151152222009-09-11T04:43:00.000-07:002009-09-11T04:47:37.606-07:00

Hurray! 'Daisy Darling' is in print in Bride and Groom magazine! As you can imagine I'm chuffed to bits.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-436343379192853562009-09-06T10:27:00.000-07:002009-09-06T11:36:22.690-07:00

Today was the Ashley Hall textile fair in Bath. It's a beautiful site as it's held in the assembly rooms, home of the Costume Museum. There's always beautiful things to look at here although it can be quite pricey. It was lovely to see familiar blog faces (Lizzie and Niki) there and to meet a new one(Message in a Teacup). After a quick circuit round the stalls I sat with a coffee and a cheese

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-43627184334849633152009-09-04T09:24:00.000-07:002009-09-04T11:36:47.287-07:00

Well, I've have been papering the 'baby' (I use the word loosely as she's two!) room. The last time we attempted this sort of DIYwas about 8 years ago and it nearly ended up in the divorce courts... so we've obviously mellowed in our old age as this went smoothly. I've had my eye on some circus paper from CK for a while so I bit the bullet and bought a roll to cover just one wall (it's too

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-59497213820471246792009-08-31T12:44:00.000-07:002009-08-31T12:48:38.811-07:00

This is a short post about a friend of mine who has done an amazing job by running the San Diego half marathon for Clic. She teaches with me at our school and the student below was a lovely young man. I hope you have time to read it and maybe donate something small if you can, thanks.www.justgiving.com/Sue-Stewart-TannerThanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.I am raising money for

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-79749014825628035312009-08-30T10:47:00.000-07:002009-08-30T11:48:34.607-07:00

Well it's been some time since I posted, time seems to go so quickly over the holidays and as I'm due back to work in a couple of days I'm getting that decidedly 'Sunday night homework' feeling. It was the Shepton Flea today and it was rainy and cold all day which meant whingey children but a good excuse for hot chocolate and doughnuts!We've had quite a busy holiday really and have just got back

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-23270431673320005212009-08-10T08:09:00.000-07:002009-08-10T08:23:26.269-07:00

Yes, it's official biscuits are bad..primarily the ones from Mand S with icing bees on them...please see 'King Charles' for proof!She managed to spread her grubby black icing encrusted hands over pretty much everything. You'll notice the pics are fuzzy due to the fact that she was rushing away from me and a cloth! On a happier ote I visited my first car boot on Sunday. We seem to have had

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-84322262826393695932009-08-08T06:13:00.000-07:002009-08-08T06:29:31.966-07:00

I thought I'd post a couple of pics of the teepee which now seems to have become 'Eleanors Den' far too quickly. I did succomb (?) to it at the CK outlet store near Oxford and as my husband pointed out at the time we didn't 'need' one but it's not about 'need' is it and as it was considerably reduced I was really saving money, well thats the way I look at it anyway. The girls love it and we slept

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-4773349833363671762009-08-05T15:50:00.000-07:002009-08-08T02:44:16.098-07:00

Thanks Mel (Stickery pokery) for my award. I have to list my five current obsessions....1. Our new teepee, bought in the sale and in the back garden containing children...(ours I have to add!) very exciting!2. My hubby (yes I know yukk!) as he took me back to Lucknam Park for a surprise dinner on our annversary (it was where we had our wedding) and bought me a lovely CK handbag...whats he after?

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-14715000206338704232009-07-31T13:57:00.000-07:002009-07-31T14:02:15.666-07:00

Well, I'm not sure I am yet and as we leave tomorrow morning I really should be getting on with it instead of gabbing on the blog! I have made up a selection of adult hats this time to take along so I hope everyone likes them.......I hope to see some of you there for a chat on Sunday and of course those of you who can't make it I'll take plenty of pictures of all the lovely things :)Glamorous

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-56519027048061507542009-07-29T13:17:00.000-07:002009-07-29T13:42:02.155-07:00

Today I spent the day working at Bea and Evie in Frome all on my tod...yes I have been trusted with the keys to a wonderland of loveliness! Although it was very quiet today (probably due to the foul weather) I happily faffed and dusted and prettied all day long. For those of you who haven't visited the shop I've included some photos. I had a lovley day until I made the mistake of watching 'Home

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-87542531930504683772009-07-18T12:13:00.000-07:002009-07-18T12:33:23.595-07:00

It's our 10th wedding anniversary in a few weeks and earlier in the year we decided that rather than buy presents for eachother we would ask Edwina Bridgeman to create a sculpture for us. Those of you who have ever visited the RUH in Bath (and we have several times due to our 'breath holder' toddler!) will recognise her work from the huge sculpture in the entrance. We have seen her work several

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-21194322606039370362009-07-17T06:55:00.000-07:002009-07-17T07:00:14.362-07:00

Those of you fashionista's in the know will already be aware of this seasons new look....sleepsuit, wellies, cap (at jaunty angle) and milk bottle accessory...........Have a good weekend!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-21861736035941185552009-07-13T09:19:00.000-07:002009-07-13T09:39:21.894-07:00

I've been faffing for the last few days after visiting a little gem of a shop recommended by Niki (thanks again!) where I purchased a small painted dresser. I can't decide what to put on it so I guess it will have to keep changing. My husband wasn't sure it would fit in the car but I knew it would and after a bit of child and buggy juggling we got it in. We also got our new bed delivered at the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-25852433831503700512009-07-05T11:33:00.001-07:002009-07-05T11:44:41.379-07:00

Today was the Artizan fair in Frome and what a day! It was lifting with people from the moment it started. I spent the day working in Bea and Evie (not a chore as you can imagine) where Tina has created a window showing my childrens hats. It was so busy in there with lots of people (some famous!) buying and trying. If you didn't make it this time make a note in your diaries for the next....the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-66008821352925758542009-07-03T04:49:00.000-07:002009-07-03T04:56:58.772-07:00

You may remember me blogging about my 'A' level students a few posts ago, well they don't mind me showing you their work. I am so proud of what they have achieved, they've worked so hard and I've taught a lot of them all the way through school (it's difficult to imagine that they're not still 12yrs old anymore!). What's really nice about teaching is seeing the students develop into lovely human

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-45017512312936536592009-06-30T09:21:00.000-07:002009-06-30T09:40:07.253-07:00

I'm fibbing it's not of course but I got a great book in the post today called 'Where women create' by Jo Packham which contains tons of really inspiring spaces where women artists and craftspeople work so I had to share some of my favourites with you. I'm green with envy but it has inspired me to look again at my space and try to do it up a bit. The space you work in really effects the outcome

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-30077994847249251392009-06-28T01:34:00.000-07:002009-06-28T01:55:47.748-07:00

Thanks to Hen at Henhouse for inspiring me to try making jam! We visited Woodborough garden centre yesterday and picked tons of ripe and delicious strawberries and raspberries ( a few were eaten on the way round!). The 'small stinky' loved the piggies there and they seemed to love her too, perhaps because she seems to attract the dirt within seconds of being dressed and clean! There was also a

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-82667775072256581182009-06-17T11:41:00.000-07:002009-06-17T12:09:26.874-07:00

Well, you may remember me talking about the lovely photo shoot down in Devon for 'Romper and Gown' and if you check out their website http://www.romperandgown.com/ you'll start to see the little hats I made for them (and the well behaved models!). They make hand smocked dresses in super cotton prints...really pretty. They've been featured already in Tatler, Vogue and Easy Living and are hoping to

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-85815708246175540152009-06-05T09:11:00.000-07:002009-06-05T15:29:53.443-07:00

No it's not Spain it's our very own St Ives during the half term holiday! The weather was so good my little ones could play in the water and on the beach. The water was still chilly as you can see and it was my youngest's first experience of sand ( we really weren't at all sure!). We spent a great deal of time wandering around the lovely deli's, cafe's, shops and galleries. 'The Digey' in

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-84147944444237120192009-06-02T12:40:00.001-07:002009-06-02T12:42:32.837-07:00

If you're out and about on Sunday and looking for something lovely to do why not try this? Have a lovely week.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-51593792754303527832009-05-31T06:57:00.000-07:002009-05-31T07:07:06.108-07:00

Well yesterday was such a success I treated myself to a few purchases while I was there. The key to this was to disappear leaving hubby busy on my stall while wandering around the other stalls to make my purchases, then sneekily popping them into the box under the table without him noticing!Oh dear the tangled webs we weave! Well here is what I bought...I could have bought much more so really I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-74231807224841771282009-05-30T12:28:00.000-07:002009-05-30T14:39:38.856-07:00

Wow, what a great day! The place was full of beautiful stalls and the people just kept coming. It was super to put faces to names and needless to say a few purchases were made (and a good few orders taken and hats sold). Thanks to the lovely ladies who organised it, a brilliant job.I won't bore you all with the details as there are so many photos to look at! Enjoy...........

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-33703098787461301312009-05-29T10:42:00.000-07:002009-05-29T10:46:42.528-07:00

Just a very short (lazy) post. We've been away for the week in St Ives and I've been trying to catch up on post reading, emailing, baking cakes for the V and H fair tomorrow (oh good grief....still need to pack stuff up for that!) and the mountain of washing that still needs doing. Hope you can come to the fair tomorrow, it promises to be a really super event. Do say 'hello' if you can make it.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-47712357827554344202009-05-15T06:32:00.001-07:002009-05-15T06:38:24.324-07:00

How exciting! There's a super article in the western press about the fair and my business name is in print for the first time so I've been boring everyone silly with it all day! It really should be a fab (expensive!) day with so many beautiful stalls I just hope I get the time to look around and take some good photos for those of you who can't make it. Now off to climb the mountain of washing...

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-54694344905626870112009-05-12T10:43:00.000-07:002009-05-12T11:14:40.347-07:00

Here's the second installment with pictures of the things I've found recently. The eiderdown came from the Shepton flea market a few weeks ago and was from a lady geting rid of old stock..after a good wash it came up really nicely and only cost £10..the framed embroideries were not so cheap unfortunately but have pride of place in our bedroom. Next on the list is an art nouveau plant stand which

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-76919569353106513012009-05-12T06:12:00.000-07:002009-05-12T06:35:45.436-07:00

Sunday meant the Shepton antiques fair and although we normally roll up about 12pm, due our youngest learning to escape from her cot (heaven help us!) we were all awake and ready to go by 9am! It was a lovely day with plenty of purchases (more about those in my next post) and sunny weather. Niki's stall was stunning as you can see from the photos and it was lovely to see a number of stalls with

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-28576897178777577972009-05-01T12:52:00.000-07:002009-05-01T13:11:29.856-07:00

The photo shoot in Devon went very well at the weekend and I'll post a few of the proper pics when they arrive. The models were very well behaved and the weather held out for most of the session. The dresses really were super, with beautiful hand smocked fronts and in a selection of very pretty floral cottons, they looked great with the hats. I've brought a couple back home with me to take along

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-42879915404292283182009-04-20T14:40:00.000-07:002009-04-20T14:48:41.463-07:00

So I've been trying to catch up on some making but still have tons to do! I've managed to get labyrinthitis which is horrid, its a virus which attacks the inner ear so it feels like you're constantly seasick and so making has been put on hold a bit. It should only last a few more days though......heres hoping anyway as I'm down in Devon at the weekend to deliver some hats for a photo shoot for

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-44393802234793336942009-04-16T12:09:00.000-07:002009-04-16T12:26:43.441-07:00

Day two in the big smoke and the first port of call was breakfast in Mortlake then a short bus ride to Jane Taylor Millinery. This is Jane's wonderful studio/shop where she creates beautiful millinery and sells some vintage hats too. It was lovely to sit with a cup of tea and talk hats for a while...she really is a very talented lady. You may recognise her work.... We then popped up to the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-34451191226945196582009-04-16T03:35:00.000-07:002009-04-16T12:27:52.988-07:00

Our eldest and I have just got back from our 'Girls Only' trip to London. We went straight to VVR where I spent too much money on pretty ribbons for flowers and hat trimmings. They really have some fab things but the flowers are so overpriced..and they're not even vintage ones! But they did redeem themselves by asking for one of my cards to display. We then went to the V and A to see the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-13226350773550330372009-04-10T08:51:00.001-07:002009-04-10T08:59:31.753-07:00

We've been blowing eggs this afternoon which was an experience! They haven't worked very well as the dye didn't take so they look a bit sorry for themselves. Wishing everyone a happy Easter x

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-42068450769009957752009-04-07T12:06:00.000-07:002009-04-07T12:16:49.432-07:00

Today we went out to Tetbury, partly to have a nose around and partly to meet up with my mum after her visit to Highgrove. It was full to the brim with very expensive antique shops...the sort that only stock a few choice pieces with very high prices ( not the sort you can pop in ...buggy in tow!) but we had a lovely time. We stopped for an early lunch at a cute retro cafe and then spotted a local

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-17897534852012193322009-04-07T12:00:00.000-07:002009-04-07T12:05:49.175-07:00

I'm afraid I've been a bit naughty this week and spent more money on pretties! The first was a deco bag that I resisted a few weeks ago but when I went to the Stroud vintage fair it was there waiting for me...how could I leave it this time? Then today in Tetbury I found this lovely vintage bag...I now have no money left to put in them!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-86451214283819264632009-03-30T12:53:00.000-07:002009-03-30T13:14:20.565-07:00

I met Sue this weekend from 'Vintage to Victorian'at Dairy House Antiques. It's the first time I've been there and it really was a delight to see so many lovely things. I managed to restrain myself to just this super little heart cushion and a couple of vintage roses for my hats. It was great to put a face to a blog, a lovely lady (my one reservation being that she seems to keep her husband

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-48081036617741400032009-03-28T14:42:00.001-07:002009-03-28T14:46:13.297-07:00

1. HenHouse2.Lucy Bloom3.The Vintage Magpie4.Elfie and Me5.Message in a teacup-tales from Betty and Violet6. Country Cottage Chic7.Hens Teeth All lovely sites.....I'll attempt to email you all the award!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-40099500910913930892009-03-28T12:43:00.000-07:002009-03-28T14:42:03.417-07:00

Right, so I've been trying to come up with my seven lovely things and have found it very difficult to choose but I'll try ( not including family which goes without saying!)1. Fashion illustrations from the 1920's. I love these and use them for inspiration all the time. My favourite is a book I own called 'Art Deco Fashion' which is a joy to look through.2. LilacThey look beautiful and smell

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-75272954083601729302009-03-27T08:26:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:29:35.733-07:00

Wow, thank you Isabelle from Suzy's Vintage Attic for this super award. From what I understand I need to pass this on to seven other blogs and list seven favourite things so I'll get thinking.......Apologies to anyone who has tried to leave a comment on my blog, I have to admit I've no idea how to enable that! Any ideas gladly accepted! have a lovely weekend.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-36076372598094353752009-03-22T13:35:00.000-07:002009-03-22T13:43:37.015-07:00

I've been given a couple of boxes of vintage trims from my mother in law today to sell and am not sure what to do with them. I feel they need to be cleaned but how do I do it without ruining them? She's also given us a box of sewing stuff and a great box of buttons. It was lovely looking through them, some are from her old school cardi, a winter coat she had when she was little and best of all a

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-17625634656021947482009-03-15T11:15:00.000-07:002009-03-15T11:38:00.866-07:00

Yesterday I ventured out to the Stroud Rag Market in search of trimmings. Its the first time I've visited Stroud and I'm sure it won't be the last as it was a lovely place. The Rag Market was very busy and it was almost impossible to get to the goodies laid out (especially with a grumpy seven year old, pushchair and a husband who wanted to get to the farmers market down the road) but I did manage

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-17511850202945246192009-02-19T11:25:00.000-08:002009-02-19T11:31:17.178-08:00

Eleanor attended a workshop today with Edwina Bridgeman at 'The Black Swan Gallery' in Frome and loved it. We have been lucky enough to see her work before and I just fell in love with its serene simplicity. She has agreed to create a comissioned piece for us for our 10th anniversary this year. It will be a piece showing our family together, me, 'long suffering husband', Eleanor and Martha....I'm

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-30366198506723896472009-02-18T11:58:00.000-08:002009-02-18T12:03:51.722-08:00

I have brought back home with me a super embroidery which my great aunt made back in 1950's. It is so detailed and uses different layers of fabric and embroidery to create a Swiss style landscape. It is so beautiful but really needs to be reframed properly...a job for next week!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-42279082277307749052009-02-18T11:48:00.000-08:002009-02-18T11:58:36.330-08:00

On our way back from Cheshire we stopped at Bridgnorth to break the journey and more importantly to visit 'The Looking Glass' where they have a fantastic array of vintage hats, mostly from the 40's. It really is a pleasure spending time in there looking at them and the lovely owner allowed me to photograph some of them. There were some cloches in superb condition all safely behind glass and the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-40791863451541329062009-02-13T04:44:00.000-08:002009-02-13T04:50:45.879-08:00

Well we've done snow stuff for the past few days and it was time to make some lemon cupcakes. Delicious but the frosting spoon did seem to spend a great deal of time being wafted about by Eleanor leading to splattered (but very tasty!) floors/walls and ceilings. i love the smell of the cakes baking but it was difficult for us both to be patient until the cakes had cooled enough to frost them....

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-74001226286611919402009-02-08T03:52:00.000-08:002009-02-08T03:56:56.907-08:00

Yesterday was the felt flower course at Tina's shop 'Bea and Evie' in Frome. Despite the weather I managed to get there and make three different flowers plus a very cute felt ring. Frome really is a lovely place and there are several great shops up the hill where you can find some real gems.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-88412958925111558652009-02-05T03:57:00.000-08:002009-02-05T04:01:03.249-08:00

Martha's first real snow experience and Eleanors latest snow creation called Medusa!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-7380086952745006302009-02-03T03:25:00.000-08:002009-02-03T03:34:15.424-08:00

Finally I'm managing to replace the hats which I sold (the ones I hoped to keep for myself!) and some more ribbon flowers. The felts which I purchased from Holland are superb colours and work really well with some of the vintage flowers I've purchased recently. I also managed to pick up a wonderful hatbox at the B+W antiques fair so my new hats can be stored in style. It's snowing here so I'm

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539039570747397458.post-47928663363669404992009-02-03T03:18:00.000-08:002009-02-03T03:25:11.982-08:00

"If you don't find snow exciting you know you've grown old!" according to my friend and I couldn't agree more! The place looks magical and finally Eleanor could go out and enjoy making a snowman (or is that Grover the muppet?).

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454136008235503127noreply@blogger.com0