Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I heart.......Stamp Garlands

I came into a large pack of used stamps with the majority of them from the 1980s a wee while ago. I tried my hand at making them into garlands with my old sewing machine. These 2 here in our little girls room were the very first ones I made. They were in the shop but I just loved the bright mix of colours, I couldn’t let them go! I had asked my Mother in law, who is quite nifty with a needle and thread, if she could make me some bunting for the area where the stamp garlands are now. She did, I put them up but some little person who shall remain nameless (!) kept pulling them down. She went into a bed some months ago now and when we pulled the cot away from the wall it had left these – grooves. I needed something pretty to hide them. The fabric bunting wasn’t working so I tried the stamp garlands instead. They hide the grooves and Miss nearly 3 hasn’t even touched them – hurrah!

 I think they are so sweet. Over the festive season I had them all through the house and everyone who came to visit loved them. I gave many away as gifts too. Something a little bit different I guess, plus they don’t take up too much space. I have listed the last few I have left in the shop but I will keep these 2 in my daughters room for us; a little reminder of the fun I had making them. Take a peek. You never know, you might just have a spot for one!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Enamel Loves Kids

Hello 2012! I hope you had a wonderful break over Christmas and New Year. We have been enjoying days by the beach, fossicking in faraway corners and lots and lots of icecream......YAY!

Having friends over during the holidays has got me thinking about entertaining when there are lots of kids in a small space. For me, I can't go past my enamelware collection.  Over the years I have collected quite a few pieces. I have sold some in the shop but here are some of the pieces I have kept for myself. The lidded dishes are great for Summertime - they can hold dips, chips, crackers or even sliced ham and they stay fly free! The tray is great for cut fruit, watermelon looks so beautiful on this one and the open bowls are good for candy and lollipops. Kids can throw these  around,which may give them another ding or two, but I think this just adds to their vintage appeal. When we have families over I am always determined to keep it pretty and I think these pieces are simply that...have fun...maria x