Three Red Apples ~ Blog

Introducing... my sister

2012-02-15T09:40:00.000Z

Before Christmas I hopped back over to France to visit one of my sisters. It was a très special visit for I was coming to see the fruit of months of hard work and the start of her new adventure as a furniture designer.
I wasn't disappointed, no way josé, I have one very clever sis!

When we arrived where she was exhibiting at the time, before I got to see her pieces, she got chatting with the owner, and chatting, and chatting... (a right chatterbox, I am positively withdrawn next to her :)
So leaving them to it, I went off to find them and this is what I found... (or at least one of them)

Magnifique, non??
Beautiful craftsmanship, beautiful lines... and my favourite wood, solid oak.

Of course I had seen photos before but there's nothing like seeing them in the flesh (or in the grain :)

Much more of her Collection Florentine to see over on her website.

Sweetness...

2012-02-14T10:29:00.000Z

The best is when you least expect it...

I had written this year's off in my mind. Shift work, night away, life gets in the way. It's all very commercial anyway...
La di da di da...

I had the biggest smile on my face this morning *smile*

Happy St Valentine to you my lovelies!
(whether you are trying to ignore it, or embracing it!)

Progress...

2012-02-08T20:41:00.000Z

Back from our little jolly in the Alps.

We had loooooads of fresh snow... You just can't help but giggle going down the slopes in all that powder, priceless. I don't think I've ever been quite this cold before (-20˚C with wind chill apparently) but 'twaz flippin' brilliant. Oh actually there was one duff note, I got food poisoning on the last night. Can you believe it, just before traveling aaaaaah... thankfully I made it home in one piece phew!

Bon, c'est pas tout mais I think it's time to put the kit back up in the loft for another year (snif), and for me to show you what I've been up to the last few months.

There's been quite a few things but this is what I've been the most excited about. At times I have been frustrated by size restrictions, and the time I can spend on a hoop so it doesn't become ridiculously expensive. So I've been playing on canvas mixing embroidery and acrylic.

Meet Betty & Nora. My two lovely grannies and their little companions...

Queenie, my peachy little Scandi hen...

and finally, Bleuet...

There is quite a lot of detailing which is hard to capture on photo but this one helps a little...

(I also really like the back of them.)

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed making these. There will definitely be more to come, combined with layering too. The possibilities are endless. Good stuff! :)

I decided to get some art prints done to make this type of work more accessible (all stacked up on the shelves over here).

That being said, I still love making my little hoops and have made a few new ones, and a few custom made ones, which I shall show you next time so I don't overload you with tons of photos. We wouldn't want that, oh no.

So it's ta ta for now my friends!
(Won't be for long 'cos I've got loads more after my teetotal blogging period.)

Annabelle x

Huh oh...

2012-01-25T23:09:00.000Z

Oh crap... September since my last visit here...

(There are better ways to start a blog post, quite sure of that, but since my online chitter-chatter and attention span have come to next to nowt, no deleting and starting again, I'm rolling with it or it'll be another four months.)

Yet lots has happened since... Where to start?? Maybe a little fast-forward a la speedy gonzales (plus it'll do my shoddy memory some good, albeit a tad boring for you). The last few months have gone a little like this:
work, work, Mallorca, work, France (many thrifty finds to show you), poorly doggie, work, work, work (new canvases, hoops, prints), France, Christmas, work, new year, poorly other half, woooooork (silly hours upgrading back-end of my shop) ZzzZzzzwork (still working silly hours on website), Zzzz..., tax return (meh), work (on opening 'nother shop, NOTHS invite, wooo...), today.

Crikey.

Somewhere in there, I lost my blogging mojo. I even lost my blog reading mojo. Miserable heh?

Luckily two of my favourite ladies have started new ramblings over here. Just what the doctor ordered :)

{off to strap a board to my feet in the white stuff next week, but I'll be back properly after that, promised!}

Annabelle x

What do you do...?

2011-09-26T12:24:00.000+01:00

My friends got married on Thursday. Such a perfect day... the people, the setting... (in the beautiful green rolling hills of Devon, so close to my heart).
Sometimes these occasions throw a little surprise into the mix too, when you meet really interesting people. There were these 'shoats' (are they sheep, are they goats?) in the field in front of the country house... no, that's not it. I met someone who must also have difficulty filling in the field 'occupation' in insurance quotes, product designer, writer and lecturer at Chicago's School of the Art Institute, Tim Parsons. Of course there is never enough time between drinks, boogying, bouncing (reluctantly I might add, due to attire and picture snappers, hmm...) on space hoppers, and all that malarkey, to find out more which is why I am very glad he gave me his card.

What an interesting life he must lead! After a little peek through his website pages, his last installation is what caught my eye: Adhocism (with Jess Charlesworth, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago - sadly ended in the Summer). It looked at using an ad hoc approach to product design.
As I started reading it dawned on me, I am an adhocist *pause for effect* (do you think I can use that in my insurance quotes?), most of us are, or at least were, as kids. I always thought of it as fudging, but fudger, or even fudgist, and fudgism not only don't sound half as good, they are quite inaccurate. My lovely made up tables and shelves are no slapdash job, they are a thing of beauty :)
Adhocism fits right in with our beloved 'mend and make do', reuse and recycle...

The term comes from Charles Jencks and Nathan Silver's 1972 book "Adhocism: The Case for Improvisation".
Before I ruin it with my fudgisms, here is a quote which sums it all:

"Adhocism is the art of living and doing things ad hoc - tackling problems at once, using materials at hand, rather than waiting for the perfect moment or "proper" approach."
Charles Jencks

I see you nodding knowingly :)

So next time Ade disses my inspired ideas using whatever I find lying around, and says "let's do it properly", I can call on the adhocism principles!

Annabelle x

PS: I can't leave you without any photos so here is a little hoop line up and my latest embroidery designs - a little bigger that usual in 10" hoops. (in the shops, as usual!)

Happy rain commission

2011-09-06T12:35:00.000+01:00

One of the things I enjoy the most is making commission work. It gets me all nervous and excited at the same time. So far I have been given fairly loose briefs and left to run with it. Amazing! How do these people trust me with their budget?! Oh the pressure... I would be devastated if they hated it.

So, after a lot of hmm'ing and ha'ing I came up with this canvas. The brief: have the words "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain" and for it not to be too girly as it was a wedding present.

A little detail on the back with their wedding date.

Crochet effort & Renault 4 Quatrelles...

2011-09-03T14:02:00.005+01:00

If you are anything like me, you will know all about those projects that seem to stay forever in progress. Most annoying... Especially as by the time I finish them, I have often changed my mind/don't like anymore/lost interest and moved onto something else.

A few weeks back however, I went back to Brittany to spend a few relaxing days with my Mum and Dad. Perfect time to pick up my crochet hook & this little cushion, and finally finish it.

It's a bit rough around the edges (using different types of yarn probably didn't help), but I was pretty pleased with my first effort. Epic!
Although I find the colours a little bright now (see, I left it too long to finish :), it goes well with this little pillow case I found thrifting whilst I was over there.

On the same day, we went for a little walk and came across this beauty!

Glorious, isn't she? How I remember bouncing on the hard and squeaky back seat of my grandparent's, whizzing around the country lanes. I got chatting with the owner who, to my delight, was more than happy to tell me all about it :)

So... It was only a matter of time before I made a Renault 4 Quatrelle version of my 2CV hoop :)

(Now on my little shop's shelves)

Thank you so much for all you lovely comments about my glossy features (I missed one too in CrossStitcher magazine. How lucky was I? Three in a month!), I am really touched...

Mwaaah to you all!

Annabelle x

Bit of limelight...

2011-08-05T14:20:00.004+01:00

My, my, my...!

Feeling pretty lucky and excited with not one - no siree, but two features in print this month!

Both beautiful mags to the touch & eye...

Mollie Makes

"Living and loving handmade" makes it right up my street, add to that "making, collecting, thrifting, crafting" and I'm hooked. If you're on Twitter, Facebook or follow blogs the chances are you will have heard of it!

It's a UK mag but available overseas too. It can be hard to get hold of outside old Blighty, but fear not, for they sell the digital version online.

Oh, and you've got to check out this cute video they made.

Artful Blogging

I have to say I didn't know about Artful Blogging before this feature, but what a beautiful magazine!
There are no ads so you get well over a hundred pages of great content, as the title suggests, all about inspiring blogs. This issue also features Holly from Decor8 no less, and many, many other talented people.

I'm still pinching myself, I can't quite believe how it's happened but it's bloody awesome! How many pages all to myself?? :))

This one is a US mag, but you can also get hold of it in other countries, try here to get your hands on a copy.

A huuuge thank you to both magazines for featuring lil' ol' me.

Well, I think I need a cuppa after all this excitement.

x

Little things that make me happy: la vaisselle

2011-08-01T12:22:00.003+01:00

In the last few months, I have been on a mission to replace our starter home crockery, and about time too! Not only there are chips here and there, but it is all rather plain and boring.

'Course I wasn't about to go into a shop, choose, buy and job done. What's the fun in that? Oh no... it has to be thrifted and pre-loved. I have had to be very patient (hmm... does me good I suppose) for the perfect pieces to find me (fussy moi?), but my little collection is now steadily growing :)

My current obsession is with 3 designs from 3 countries: US, UK and France. *Tries to get silly joke format out of mind, "There an American, an Englishman and a Frenchman in a bar..." nooo... *

I found this set (sadly incomplete) of Corelle by Corning in Spring Blossom / Crazy Daisy pattern, plates, bowls, cups & saucers. I am a total newbie when it comes to vintage kitchenware, so I bought it and then found out more about it. It made the whole process even more exciting!! (license to snigger granted).

While it is quite easy to find in the US where it comes from, it's much harder to find here. That will make the task of completing the set that bit harder, especially when a quick search on Etsy brings up so many of the pieces I need, if only the postage cost wasn't so high *sigh*.
Still, I'm sure something will turn up somehow. I already spied a little set in one of my fav vintage shop (Glagow based), Peony and Thistle, shame it's not the pieces I am after.

Then came along the French Arcopal cups (middle). I found these last week in Emmaus on my trip back to Brittany to visit my Mum & Dad, quite easy to find over there. I almost bought some plates and bowls but sadly ran out of time :(
There were still boxes and boxes of crockery to look through but they were closing. The ones I found weren't in tip top shape so I left them (unlike Corelle, Arcopal patterns can deteriorate). Another time...
I first saw this pattern called Scania (thank you Nana Odile for the pattern name. You must check her flickr photostream, it's full of gorgeous vintage goodness!), when the lovely Emma Lamb found her fab Arcopal jug. Love at first sight! I have grown up eating out of Arcopal dishes
but didn't know this pattern. Love the colour, and they go so perfectly with my green Corelle cups.

And then there's British made JAJ Cottage Rose. I have only got one little bowl (on the right), there will be more I am sure, too pretty :)

Annabelle x

PS: Phew! I managed to keep 3 man joke references at bay. Just as well because a) there're always rubbish jokes & b) I'm hopeless at telling jokes. Either I'm giggling and unable to finish or I spoil it by telling it wrongly.

PPS: Obsession #4 is Pyrex

Commission work

2011-07-12T21:59:00.003+01:00

Gosh, the summer is whizzing past, many things to share with you, gathering photos, why does this sound like a telegram -(stop)-

I hope you are all well -(stop)- thank you for your kind messages -(stop)- now I have started telegram speak I can't stop -(stop)- could be worse -(stop)- could have been lol speak -(stop)- dat lukey u noes :)

In the meantime, here are a few shots of a commission I did last month.
I must admit, I struggled a little with the religious side of the poem, but I am pleased with the result, and more importantly the lady who commissioned it loved it. She took it to the framers the day it arrived, super efficient!

PS: I'll be back with my latest thrifted finds, some crocheted goodness and studio reshuffle... birthday tripod is seeing much action :)

Easy like a birthday morning

2011-06-18T11:11:00.003+01:00

Singing along to Adele, tunes...

Spending a little time on me, doing eye make-up, rare...

Trying my new tripod, with smiley eyes and head rocking, bliss...

A perfect birthday morning thanks to my man.
The tripod and Adele albums (not one but two :), his gift to me *smiles*

I also worked out it was my 11680th hot chocolate and toast breakfast. If it ain't chocolate, it ain't breakfast!

Now if it could only stop raining so I can ruin my lovely eye make-up to go camping wild on the moors...

Wishing you a morning as lovely as mine.

Annabelle x

A source of much silliness...

2011-06-10T16:20:00.008+01:00

I have had the most quiet of mornings, yawn, oh I did receive this in the post... No big deal really. Ade, as my witness, will tell you I did not clap my hands like a primary school kiddy, or do a ridiculous knees up dance, nor did my voice go up several pitches... no, no, no. It was quite a sedate affair.

LOOOK!!!!!! That's me, right there in a glossy magazine! And a GREAT one at that!
(I must add that Ade was just as frantically flicking through the pages, which made me even happier!).

There's a little feature on me in Fresh Style, a special publication by the publishers of Southern Lady Magazine from across the pond, AND editor Andrea Fanning used some of my hoops in her styling of a bedroom makeover!!

Oh my little heart...!

I had seen pdfs of the feature and bedroom makeover, but there's nothing like holding the magazine in your hands to make it real.

From being contacted a few months ago by editorial assistant Becky, to this is quite surreal! (Thanks Becky!)

The magazine is a great read from start to finish: features on some mighty ladies: Amy Butler, Ashley Ann Campbell and Heather Bailey, fabby projects for us DIYers, and much, much eye candy.
If you fancy getting your hands on a copy, you can order it here

x

Little things that make me happy...

2011-05-24T17:31:00.003+01:00

My kind of laundry... :)

Another fab charity shop find. I never tire of yellow.

I have more thrifted goodness to show you, news to share, work to show you... soon I promise!

ttfn

Annabelle x

Et bah dis donc...!

2011-04-20T09:33:00.007+01:00

My sisters spoiled me rotten!!

Look at what they found for me in France on their thrifty adventures. Ah... they know me so well...
And to top it all, my sweet little 3 year old nephew wanted to give me my presents on their way back home from France to the UK, even though they were all shattered from traveling, so I got to see my twin nephews as well.

They witnessed a very giddy "tatie" to say the least!! (that's a "tata" mixed with an "auntie", not to be confused with tatty :)

Vintage fabrics.

Two new dessert plates which go perfectly with my Grandma's plates.

The most gorgeous vintage wallpaper.

Heaven...

Last, but not least :))

And that, my friends, is sisterly love!

Annabelle x

Vintage suitcase

2011-04-18T12:03:00.002+01:00

vintage suitcase, originally uploaded by Three Red Apples.

Car boot weekend find...

Perfect for storing fabric, and all for the grand sum of £1.50. Ridiculously happy.

A little bird told me, my sister is coming back from visiting my other sis in France with a few rolls of vintage wallpaper (always, always on the look out for lovely wallpaper to wrap orders with) and plates for me. Ridiculously excited.

I tried very hard not to plaster this post with exclamation marks, but eeeeek!!!!

Did you come back with armfuls of treasures too this weekend? Oh, the thrill of it...!

Annabelle x

Il jouait du piano debout...

2011-04-16T10:29:00.007+01:00

He played piano standing...

An 80s song just popped back into my head. Funny...

That was me last night, rock n' roll, only with my sewing machine, and some loud music (although not French 80s on a cassette tape player). There was some dodgy dancing (I swear my dancing is morphing into my Mum's dancing, every year it gets worst).
Glad no one saw :)

I thought I'd try a different sewing set up to ease things on my back. I balanced my machine on a pile of boxes (a common 'technique' at the moment, also used for makeshift tripods). It's really dynamic and you can do a little more than bum shuffling (although proven not to be always a good thing). The result took me a little by surprise.

I'd like my sewing machine almost chest height on an old school desk, you know the type, the ones at an angle like music stands, so my back isn't all hunched up and I can see the needle better. In fact, I'd like it to be sunk in too, to make a bigger flat work area...

Time needed for some building and studio reshuffling please? hmm... this may have to wait a wee while.

Annabelle x

On a whim...

2011-03-29T00:21:00.008+01:00

So, it starts with a crack in the wall in our bedroom, which has been there the whole time we've been living here...

*smiles*

There are a million jobs that need doing, but for some unknown reason, Ade decided he fancied doing a little plastering and fixing that crack.
I should point out that although he is perfectly capable of doing pretty much any DIY jobs, he normally actively avoids it, and is really quite happy to leave it all to me (although I haven't dared try plastering yet). There is no nagging from me, for it gives me carte blanche to decorate as I wish!

I'm not too fussed about the crack, it goes with old houses. I'd much rather he got ride of the ugly mess that is the fuse box by the front door, or even just a quick job (for him) like fit our vintage rise and fall light that my sister got us for Christmas - I swear I'll do it myself if he won't! Easy job. Who needs three wires anyway?? Do it the French way)

He did a grand job, and without too much mess. Lovely jubbly!
However, this is the point where these things can turn into another one of those unfinished projects - like our garden fence which is going at a rate of one new panel every couple of months. That bare plaster that stays bare for yonks.

Thankfully, I got on the case before getting used to it. Ade went away for a few days, perfect time to paint it, oh... what the hell, let's do the whole room (including the ceiling, hate doing ceilings). I like making changes while he's away, I get a little giddy about it. "Oh it's all changed" is a familiar sound. Plus it gives me the chance to make my mind up whether I like it or not before I have to 'sell' it to him.

He knew I wanted white walls, but he didn't know I was planning on painting the fire surround too. I eagerly waited for him to notice, although in fairness, I was so pleased with the result that I don't think a negative reaction would have dampened my enthusiasm!

Right after finishing the paint job, I got a stomach bug which got in the way of my work plans, bloody nuisance... But it did allow me to get down to some more crocheting with little garland. I thought I was being quite clever making up a flower shape which is smaller than the ones I had previously tried following Michele's fabby 'Grandma twinkle' tutorial over on the Royal Sisters blog. Oh yeah, I can totally do this, mixing my double crochets with my singles. Get me, I'm making it all up.

Hmmm... the result looks rather like a bastardized version of Emma's lovely petite flower garlands... Sorry Emma, didn't mean to copy...

Next on my to do list, curtains, most likely more painting - furniture, I have my eye on you, and a seedling of an idea...

Ta ta for now, Annabelle x

The treehouse

2011-03-23T15:00:00.003Z

This when I go "tada..."

Here's the "little something" I mentioned last week. My little treehouse (also known as the gardener and owl).

A mix of freehand embroidery, appliqué and paint.
For all those summers spent (more or less successfully) hacking plans to make a treehouse.

I don't know about you, but I'm still struggling a little with the content of the news. I guess we all deal with it in our own different ways. Quite interesting how we do...

I've been covered in white paint for the last four days, busy painting our bedroom after Ade decided to do a spot of plaster work. Of course there's no such thing as a spot of DIY :)
The room is looking lovely and bright, with the sunshine streaming through the window. A good excuse to make new curtains in some of my favourite vintage fabric. I've pegged three of them to the existing curtains (which I now look at with a 'what was I thinking' face ;). I, and surprisingly Ade, love them all. I may have to combine them somehow.
I also have turquoise painted furniture on my mind, but shh... I haven't told him yet. Like I didn't tell him I was going to paint the fire surround. Well... :)

I leave you with more happy finds from my favourite charity shop.

Annabelle x

Crochet and French classics...

2011-03-15T12:16:00.008Z

This time last year I got myself a hook and decided to learn how to crochet.

And... quickly gave up. I blame it on a short attention span and the inability to follow instructions :)

I couldn't deal with all the fiddly stuff, and thought there must have been a reason my grandma gave up teaching me how to knit.
Looking back, it could have been a game of belote that distracted her, a VERY competitive French card game, which 'les grands' would play after each family meal at my grandparents', while we, the kids, would go and play in the straw and hay pile.
Nothing could illustrate how competitive the game gets better than the line "Tu me fends le coeur..." *said in a southern accent*, from a classic Marcel Pagnol book & film, where the characters play (insert 'cheat') a game of belote. It's hilarious! Have a little look if you have a spare minute.

Anyway, back to the crocheting, I picked it up again when Christmas came around to make a couple of garlands for my sisters. I finally seem to be getting the hang of it, and I'm loving it!

After the cushions I made myself last month, I thought a little crocheted cushion would feel right at home next to them. I also had a go at crocheted hangers following (in the loosest kind of way) Dottie Angel's tutorial.

Of course, each hanger is made slightly differently :)
It took the first one to realised what 'worsted' weight yarn is, then I messed up, then tried something else, and finally settled for double knit and triple crochet instead...

I love that about crochet, you can make it up as you go, perfectly perfect for me and my short attention span.

Annabelle x

Experiments...

2011-03-14T16:30:00.007Z

The little something that was brewing over the weekend is nearly finished, and I can't wait to show you...! I am really quite excited about it, I do however I have to be patient - not my strong point as you may know, and show it to you mounted and properly finished.
I need to get the right size stretcher bars first, then battle with it a little (hmm... yes, that aforementioned lack of patience peeked through when I went for it without allowing much spare fabric around the picture for mounting, pfff...).

What I can show you, in the meantime, is another little experiment. I have been playing around with paint brushes, something I haven't done for a long, long time.
Although I like it, and it brings a smile on my face, I miss the fabric appliqués.

I think I found a happy middle with my latest 'little something', by using both side by side - you'll see :) I expect I will do the same with this design.

Annabelle x

Something's brewing...

2011-03-11T15:06:00.005Z

This is a little glimpse of what I have been working on.

Feeling inspired...

It's amazing what a seedling of an idea, a little experimenting and some Chemical Brothers on full blast can do :)

I will be showing more of it soon!

In the meantime, wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend.

Annabelle x

Little things that make me happy...

2011-03-03T13:18:00.002Z

My favourite little scarf...

It found me on one of my thrifty strolls.
Glad it did, for it does indeed put a smile on my face. :)

x

And the winner is...

2011-02-25T12:59:00.002Z

Technical issues, weather, demanding actors, missing assistant...
Ah... the spanners in the works of my draw director debut.

Still, in the face of adversity, the show did go on... Successfully I might add, for we have a very clear winner whose name did not end up in Jacks belly.

If you look closely (zoom in) you can just about make out the name in Jack's mouth :)

The winner is... the lovely Lizzet!!

"What a lovely giveaway... specially because it made me remember of lots of great moments from my childhood and realise that I am a lucky person even if I don't win a hoop.

I remember once I was playing with one of my sisters that I was a hairdresser and she was my client and to get that super shinny effect that you see in the TV ads I generously poured baby oil all over her hair! I certainly achieved that shinny look but her hair was rather flat and lacking body :S My mother must have had spent a good half an hour washing the oil out and maybe even used half a bottle of shampoo... needless to say my career as a hairdresser was over ;)"

Congratulations Lizzet, and a big thank you for making me chuckle with your lovely tale of mischief! (I am sure the result was lovely and shiny... teehee :)
I am so pleased my little giveaway brought back happy memories.

Thank you very, very much to everyone of you who entered, I wish I could make each one of you a winner... Your stories brought many smiles to my face as I read and re-read them.

Keep that little spark of armless mischief going, I swear it makes your life the better for it.

Annabelle x

Spruced up

2011-02-22T23:31:00.003Z

I seem to be constantly behind lately, so flipping annoying! I'm sure you know the feeling... Sod it, I say, time to make something for myself.

Months ago, I had a cushions clear out, thinking I'd make some new ones. After putting together a little yummy colour palette, I finally made a couple. About time too! (I had more than a couple in mind, but yeah... you've got it... :).

I got distracted by some lovely new vintage fabric I found recently. I was very good and only sneaked in a little yellow, well, and a little green... Frankly, I'm amazed the colour palette didn't go out of the window completely.

How I LOVE colour... (almost) all colours. If someone asked me which is my favourite, I would really struggle to answer. (But then I struggle to answer these kind of questions in general - must be the gemini in me.)

My lil' branch of glee got a wee makeover too. Normally once Christmas is over, I'm quite happy to put the decorations away - love that feeling of new found space again, but this year I kept the branch of glee minus any obvious Christmasy bits, until now.

A little 'springy-fied' tree of happy with crocheted 'moss' :)

I'm loving reading all your answers to my giveaway!! Thank you so much for sharing your tales of playful mischief!

There is still time to enter if you haven't yet, especially as *someone* has been skiving his draw rehearsals... Caught in the act. Might have to resort to plan B. :)

Annabelle x

The 'nearly' giveaway

2011-02-16T22:57:00.012Z

I'm just a little bit excited to announce my first ever giveaway... the 'nearly' giveaway!

Named so not because you nearly get a little bit of goodness from my shop (here's a hoop, go make your own ;) et bien non... for it refers to my 'nearlies'.

•• nearly 200 lovely blog followers
•• nearly 500 just as lovely twitter followers
•• nearly 100 sales in my Etsy shop
•• nearly 2500 Etsy shop hearts
•• and nearly 300 facebook 'likers' (actually just gone over 300 but let's not spoil my perfect title)

And that, my friends, gives me the perfect excuse for a 'nearly' giveaway. My way of thanking you for visiting my little shop and for your lovely comments & support.

The prize...

A hoop of your choice from my shop.

The rules...

#1 Please leave a comment here on my blog, but not just any comment - 'gah!' just wouldn't do it :)
In the spirit of 'one should not take oneself too seriously' and 'find your inner child', please share a little tale of mischief performed by you or yours.
You might, for example :) have taken all the labels off cans of food at your friend's house, the type of friend who would take all the slats out of your bed, or stick post-its on *everything* in sight.

#2 Make sure you leave me a way of contacting you (preferably email).

#3 Anyone, anywhere, can take part.

#4 Spread the word if you feel like it.

#5 I will close the giveaway on Thursday 24th Feb (12:00 GMT), and announce the winner the following day, on Fri 25th Feb.

#6 My train set, my rules (that doesn't really mean anything, just like the way it sounds).

The results...

The winner will be picked at random by Jack-the-dog, who will have a practice run (or two) beforehand to ensure a perfectly smooth 'live' draw - I have slight concerns over him eating the name of the winner, but fear not, small glitches such as these will be ironed out BD (before draw - techy talk here, we are taking this very seriously indeed).

~ Giveaway is now closed ~

Annabelle x

Blog love...

2011-02-16T19:16:00.004Z

A huuuuuge thank you to the lovely Amanda at Itchin' Stitchin' who nominated me for the Liebster blog award. Thank you very much my dear!
(Hope no-one will mind my little logo redesign.)

The award is for crafty-blogs which have less than 300 readers. The idea is to encourage more visitors and discover bloggers & crafters. You know, spread the gospel! Something I am more than happy to do.
Amanda, and Viv (who passed the award onto her), added a little twist by picking crafters with an online shop. Really like that, two of my choices also run their own business. Here goes...

And the nominees are...

Drum roll...

In no particular order...

... (stringing it TV/Film award stylee. Okey doke, that'll do.)

1. The lovely Heather aka Bee Vintage Redux - who has a fab Etsy shop full of up-cycled goodness.

2. Raphaelle over at au coeur d'artycho - and no, it's not because she's French! But you'll know that when you pop over there. Also go and check out her Etsy shop.

3. Jo over at about Mo and me - Just because she's lovely, has some brilliant ideas, a lovely home, and I miss her ramblings.

You still here? Go go go...!

Thanks again Amanda, you're a star!

x

In my haste...

2011-02-14T12:08:00.002Z

In my haste..., originally uploaded by Three Red Apples.

to make my man a valentine card last night, in complete covert operation, I surely picked the wrong colours... nothing a few vintage bobins can't fix :)

I'm usually the one who forgets to get my love a card, so sweet the roles are reversed this year *smile*

I hope you share a little love today and all year round.

Annabelle x

Colour palette - doing it for me...

2011-02-11T21:41:00.002Z

Image credits: 1. Lindsay Jewell, 2. wood & wool stool, 3. {brooke} april two eighty, 4. DanielleT

I'm back from Scotland!
Loved it... even with the gale force wind, rain and snow lashing on us.
It's a wonderful place.
First Scottish winter climbing trip but definitely not the last, we're hooked.

I'm loving these colours right now. I've decided it's about time I made those cushions I promised myself...
There will be photos, sure to be sure. (uh... wrong place... never mind, the Irish accent's just as nice :)

Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

Annabelle x

Looking for missing weeks...

2011-01-28T15:00:00.002Z

I think they did a runner.

I traced them in France with my family over Christmas, and then in the Italian Alps. The rest of the time, they mostly kept a low profile...

Today I have mostly failed, and one cannot finish the week on a fail.

So as I write this in my PJs - which I have worn all day, something I have only ever done a handful of times, scoffing the only junk food I can get my hands on without leaving the house - hot chocolate powder straight out of the jar, something I have done many times before, I feel already a whole lot better knowing that at least I will have caught up with you.

I did have another treat today, a treat for me anyway.
Yesterday I took Jack the dog to the beach after my post office run. It was beautifully still, not a foot print in the sand and a flat calm sea.
Needless to say, we didn't leave the place as found with Jack tearing around the place.

I went to my secret spot to collect some winkles (it's the Breton in me). Of course, there is no need for it to be a secret. Let's face it, I must be the only one around collecting the little sea snails, but a secret it shall remain for my pleasure only :)
So today, before the chocolate straight out of the jar thing, I had every single last one of them :)

Other than today's fail, I have been busy sewing lately. Since a lovely lady from Illinois asked me if I did medium size hoops, I have started making 6" hoops as well as my usual 8" and 4". Perfect if you want a little cluster of hoops, or with other frames.
I had a little reshuffle of my shop shelves to accommodate the new small, medium and large hoops.

Also made this custom messenger bag.

Do tell me if you find those missing weeks!

Annabelle x

PS: I will be away the whole of next week. The land of the Scots is calling :)
My shops will remain open as I will be checking in daily, however the shipping date will be Tuesday 8th Feb. If you want me to post something before I go, be quick, you have until 2pm tomorrow (Saturday 29th Jan - UK time).

A lil' branch of glee...

2010-12-09T11:24:00.004Z

It has started!

The tree is up, decorations are out, holly and ivy will be picked soon...

I made quite a few decorations this year, some snowflakes and origami stars (here's a origami star/wreath tutorial if you fancy making some too), some *cough* bits I can't talk about but if you have an eagle eye... (said that really quickly without moving my lips). I found some cute pony decorations at a car booty last weekend, but I also re-discovered what I had bought in the sales after Christmas last year (impressed heh? how nifty is that?!).

Can you believe it's only two weeks til Christmas? Still so much to do!

Adrian says he hates Christmas, but really what he means is he hates having to find presents. Maybe he should have a go at making presents too, because for someone who hates going shopping at the best of times, facing the Christmas crowds is truly horrendous.

We both got in the festive mood the other night by making some mince pies together. Well... when I say making... we bought some pastry and some filling, and put the two together :) Needless to say they're all gone now, another batch to come for sure.

I hope you are all getting into a gleeful mood too!

x

PS: So pleased you liked my easy peasy tutorial. Thanks my dears for all your comments :)

Easy peasy paper snowflake

2010-11-29T21:06:00.005Z

My first little tutorial! :)

A friend came to visit my sis and showed us how to make fabby paper snowflakes.

They're really easy to make, all you need is a pair of scissors, some tape, a stapler and some nice paper (could be anything, old book pages, maps, wallpaper, magazines... whatever, as long as it's not too lightweight).

Here we go, I hope this will be clear enough, it's too dark for me to take photos...

What d'ya reckon??

I think I'll have quite a few of these in clusters around the house this Christmas.
I'll be making some of various size (although small ones are really fiddly unless you have a teeny stapler), and with different type of paper.

It's taken me a while to get in the Christmas mood, but making these is doing it nicely for me! Oh... and making some pressies too, but I can't tell you anymore about that because of little prying eye ;)

x

Little things that make me happy...

2010-11-23T17:27:00.004Z

This one really got my little heart going when I spotted it...!

I have been on the look out for tins forever, eying up other people's and developing 'tinsilitis', bad case of tin envy (while I'm on the bad play on words subject, can I just slip 'tintastic' in the mix? Ta very much). My luck finally turned yesterday. It was well hidden in the toys section in the charity shop, filled to the rim with marbles. So not only it's the prettiest vintage biscuit tin, but its treasure will also make my nephews happy.

I couldn't quite contain myself when I showed it to Ade, and even his "yes... another box..." comment couldn't dampen my spirits.

I finally have a good'un to keep company to my other lovely tin which my dad gave me, the chicorée 'l'Alsacienne' tin. Love it too.

They've both taken pride of place on my fabric cabinet.

See that fabby apron by the lovely Rachelle at Ted and Agnes?! *swoon*

Happy days!
x

PS: of course the search doesn't stop there ;)

On the hills...

2010-11-18T00:07:00.004Z

Most of the time, I just have to have lots of colour around me, a white base with a mix of bright and faded colours (hmmm... except terracotta and lilac, not my cup of tea!). And then once in a while, I get in an all white and natural mood. That's why I love this shop Baileys so much. Although I couldn't live in a 'Baileys' ' type house because colour would creep in eventually, it really appeals.

I was in this kind of mood when I got working on this canvas.

Although, you see what I mean about colour creeping back in :)

Devon, where I live, is full of these cute valleys with perfectly round hills. This is exactly the kind of spot I dream of for my gypsy caravan, in a meadow overlooking the hills. Sigh...

The design for the caravan (or 'roulotte', it sounds even better in French), came about after my friend Alex suggested I make some hoops to display in his yurts and (soon to be) gypsy caravans. A match made in heaven I say, since I am already slightly obsessed with all things gypsy, it's right up my street!

This is all quite exciting for me, because lately I have been thinking, maybe, it's time I found places to sell my work. I am quite indecisive on the subject, probably over protective, but Alex's yurts and caravans (Wild in Style) are just the perfect place for my little hoops.

I dunnit!

2010-11-14T15:22:00.007Z

I've only gone and dunnit, I've gone and built meself a proper online shop like!

Don't you just love the English language? I really can't do accents (try and read the above with a French accent, it's just not the same), but I luve it you know, it cracks me up! ;)

So there's my big news, in a northern kinda accent, I've launched my very own online shop... threeredapples.com!!

Of course I should have done it back in the summer, and of course I should have given myself much more time, but that would just be far too grown up and organised. Instead, in true student fashion (you never loose your student ways completely), I crammed it all in the shortest time possible, working non-stop until le petit matin on a few occasions.

There is still more work to be done (improve seo, accessibility, functionality, design, blah blah blah...). I am a bit annoyed that as an ex web designer, the design is what I spent the least amount of time on. That said, a pat on the back when a pat is due and all that!

To celebrate a big step for Three Red Apples, and to thank you lovely people for your support and lovely comments, which help no end when the chips are down, I am offering 20% off in my new shop using the voucher code FAB20 until next Sunday night (21st Nov).

I couldn't possibly launch without a few new hoops...

My little gypsy caravan - I will tell you more about this one soon...

I love my little chickens, so I decided to put them in the smaller 4" hoop.

A new version of my 'keep it simple' hoop.

A couple new 2CVs...

And... (I can't believe I hadn't shown you this one before, I did it a while back, I'm such a bad blogger!), my new 'I love my bed' design.

x

Little things that make me happy...

2010-10-08T14:26:00.002+01:00

A few finds from my latest hauls...

Vintage pyrex, soup bowls and saucers, German enamel jug, knitting bag, lampshade (for my studio), and some lovely fabric and doilies.

Love them all :)

(The soup bowls in fact came from Adrian's mum's clear out. I couldn't pass them by obviously.)

My collection of knitting needles is also growing nicely!

I had a lovely chat with the ladies in the charity shop where I bought the last ones.
Oh I do like a good old chat with them. Although I fear they may have thought I was a bit of an odd ball for buying 10 (!) pairs of knitting needles, after finding out that I can't actually knit...

Not to worry, I can think of worst things to collect.

x

I've been canvassing...

2010-09-23T12:56:00.005+01:00

Hello my friends!

I thought it was about time I made a little appearance here, before you got to the 'who, what, heh?' stage. Argh you're already there...?

I don't blame you, I'm there too. The whole summer's distant blur now, my mind's a little cloudy, but... I have been busy. There's been a little shift in my work.
I told you this is all about finding my feet. I sometimes wish I would find them a little quicker. I have looked, honest. I even found other people's. My dog was quite relieved when I pointed out his four.

This is what I've been up to... embracing the Autumn season by making my first little canvases. Let me introduce my little 'wind swirl'...

And 'foraging about'... because let's face it, what's better in the Autumn than foraging about picking blackberries, chestnut (to grill on the fire, ah that's the best!), and... mushrooms

This little one is 'Grandma rose', inspired by my Grandma's plates (Mary, Mémé to us). I love the big flower patterns of old french country crockery. These are my two bestest plates, the others are rather tired and chipped sadly.
The top one is mine, the bottom Ade's. He decided it was so because he "can't eat from a plate with flowers". Pfff... men! ;)

PS: All three are now in my little shop, as well as some new hoops.

xx

Ground control to Major Tom..

2010-08-30T14:25:00.006+01:00

Can you hear me...?!

I'm easing myself back into blogging with a few pictures...

A few little wall hangings I have added to my shop, some of which were made under the influence of the Sex Pistols... have a guess! I was inches from writing 'anarchy' instead!

x

Almost back...

2010-08-05T16:28:00.005+01:00

My mind is still in holiday mode...

Tomorrow I set off to visit my family back in Brittany for a few days. I'm taking the ferry across the Channel with my sis and her twin boys. It's going to be a proper family catch up with our Mum and Dad, and our other sis.
Mmmmm... nice foooood!

We enjoyed climbing in the Peaks, but sadly the rain arrived at the same time as us. Typical! We made the most of it, and surprisingly did a fair bit. We were both tired by the end of the two weeks, but good tired which is always sign of a good holiday.
Holidays are so important to both of us, they have to be active and there has to be lots of them. I would honestly live on beans on toast if it meant we can go away and do something exciting (not sure Ade would go as far as that though ;)
Time to plan the next one methinks...

Vintage planes and cars at the Air Show we visited on our way up.

I hope you are all enjoying the summer! What are you up to?!

Things will be back to normal for me by the end of next week. I'm really looking forward to making some new stuff. I have a few ideas floating, can't wait!

xx

Off to see the world...

2010-07-09T09:00:00.003+01:00

Well... Derbyshire, England.

With a couple of little stops on the way to see a dear friend, and - to satisfy my other half's 'hairyplanes' needs, a visit to an Air Show.

I doubt it will be as glamorous as this...

Nope, there will be no hint of romanticism there.

However, this is where we are heading... the Peak District...

Scene from the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice

I'm a sucker for period films.
I'll certainly be thinking about Lizzie in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice while climbing along Stanage edge.
I use to read quite a lot as a teenager, but somehow, I left my reading mojo in France when I moved here - result of my master plan of complete immersion in an attempt to improve my poor pigeon English.

Maybe it will come back while I am there...

Be well, and see you in two weeks! :)

xx

PS: I am keeping my little shop open, please be aware that items purchased while I'm away will be shipped on the 26th July.

Freshly picked...

2010-07-05T10:54:00.002+01:00

Let's hope these make it to the kitchen unlike the strawberries... :)

Happy Monday to you all!

x

Yurts

2010-07-02T10:33:00.006+01:00

I got back in touch with a friend a couple of weeks ago, only to find out he and his partner had also set off on a new adventure.
They set up Wild in Style renting yurts in the beautiful Lake District. I don't know about you but that really appeals to me. There's something about them... big open spaces, Mongolia, nomadic lifestyle, free spirits...

My sister's partner's old uni mate (you still following?!) lives in a yurt in a field down here. I haven't seen it yet, but I so want to drop by out of pure curiosity! I just find it fascinating. He's such a nice bloke too, one of those people with a twinkle in their eye.

It got me dreaming about traveling again...

How fantastic do these photos look?!
A Mongolian 'Heidi' (actually might well be a Pierre or Peter...!)
I'm in love with the inside of this yurt, or ger to be precise. I really want some of that blue floral fabric!

Probably as well as their lifestyle and culture, the colourful and earthy style gypsies, bohemians, nomad people have is what appeals to me so much.

(all images link to their source)

My happy place...

2010-07-01T18:02:00.004+01:00

Last week, I set off in our camper with Jack, singing along with the radio as if off on holiday.
I was only going to collect my new old cabinet to stash my fabrics.

I somehow managed to drive straight to it, a barn in the middle of nowhere, after driving through a maze of country lanes.
A sure sign of things meant to be!

It took four days to get it in shipshape condition, and in the process, cured my obsession with painting everything (for now...).

I did enjoy the process nonetheless, there is no better way of getting to know a piece of furniture.
I found a maker's mark on the back of the cabinet and each of the three doors. Very exciting stuff indeed! It does seem to be a 1920s cabinet. I have yet to find out more... (any tips on where to find cabinet makers' identification marks?)

It's so nice to be able to glance at the fabric though the glass... I was hoping it would have a little more room left for more vintage finds, it is looking rather full already! A good reason to get sewing, if one was ever needed.

It is also the new home of one other studio essential, my radio. The only long wave one in the house so I can listen to French radio. A necessity so I don't forget my native language. In 4 years time, I will have spent as much time in each country, unreal...

As I type this in my happy den, surrounded by my favourite things, I dream of good things to come...

Sweet dreams to you!
x

Studio progress...

2010-06-24T14:34:00.003+01:00

There has been some shuffling in the studio!
Oh yes! *rubbing hands in excitement*

Shelves!
We have shelves!

They still smell of fresh paint... (actually no, that's not pleasant, the excitement got the better of me there...)

I love the curves of the brackets.
I found them in my local antique shop in need of some loving care. They had probably been there for years. They are enameled cast iron sink brackets.
The top ones are my favourites. I was so excited when, peeling off the old paint covering them, I found a 'made in Scotland' mark.

The shelves were a good excuse to do a little woodwork outside in the sunshine.

Did I ever tell you that when I was floating between my old job and starting up Three Red Apples, I was looking into traditional boat building courses? I went to visit one of the few schools in the UK which happens to be not far from here. Their workshops were amazing (right on the sea front), the smell was amazing, and the people so friendly...
I couldn't afford the fees in the end, which is just as well because I would never have met you all! I also looked into building wooden playhouses... but I decided it would be much easier to start with what I had, a big pile of fabrics and the sewing machine Ade had bought me as a Christmas present.

Now the last important bit for my studio to be fully operational, you know, so I can get into a prolific state :), is a cabinet for storing my fabrics. And last night, the shelves of ebay delivered!! It was a very long seven days wait, but it seems I was the only one who wanted it. I feel like the cat who got the cream, with a big white grin, might even have reached the end of my nose...

Can't wait to go and collect it...
There will be more sanding, priming, painting, and maybe even some gluing. You will be the first to see it!

x

How things change...

2010-06-18T10:15:00.002+01:00

It's my birthday today!

This time two years ago was a low point which came out of nowhere...
What a change two years, a new direction, and the support of your close ones can make...

We're off climbing on the Cornish cliffs for the weekend. Well, once the bonnet is back on the car (!), I've got my shelves up in the studio, and we've got ourselves sorted out... could be a little while!

Hope you all have a fab weekend!

x

No technicalities here...

2010-06-15T13:49:00.006+01:00

I found out on Saturday I can get up early and actually enjoy it... even if it isn't to climb up a mountain or go on holiday; although I need A LOT of food to get me through the morning (adding to my money saving schemes: sleep longer = buy less food ;)

Encouraged by my wall of happy, I got working on something new, well... technically not new... I'd made some before... but let's not let technical technicalities spoil my new product announcement.

I'm the kind of girl who doesn't really know what to do with a girly handbag, on a day to day basis anyway. I have to have my hands free when out and about, plus you never know when some quick grabbing action may be required. That's why a messenger bag is so perfect for me. Being French, you may have thought a rucksack may have been more fitting... (just for the record, I also like my trousers long). But no, the messenger bag is the one for me, the perfect bag for thrifting.

So I got working...

Happy with how my 'love life' bag turned out, I made another...

And then because I had a bit of spare time, since I'd got up so ridiculously early, I also made a little wall hanging of my Citröen 2CV design...

PS: the bags are now up on my shelves, and the wall hanging will be soon.

PPS: Things have come to a stand still on the studio setup/re-furb front, as I desperately search for the right cupboard for storing my fabrics, but I'm hopeful that the right one is waiting to be rescued just around the corner...

what the...?

2010-06-12T05:20:00.004+01:00

I got out of bed at 4:30 am this morning.
This is unheard of for me, unless it is to go on holiday...
No, I'm a 8 or 9am riser normally. In fact I am pretty sure I was a marmotte in a previous life, as each day I go into a near state of hibernation.

But this morning, my man got up to get ready for his early shift, and normally I only just wake up enough to say "good morning, are you tired?" (I always worry he doesn't get enough sleep, you know since I sleep so much...).
This morning though, impossible to go back to sleep, for my mind was preoccupied with this "time to be more prolific" statement I made yesterday.

So I got dressed; put on my red clogs thinking they would alert my man I was strangely up, saving him a fright; went straight to my studio; nodded a bit; had double my usual portion of toast with my morning hot chocolate (which is probably 4 times more than an average person eats, but it's 4:30!! how am I going to last till lunch time?!); did a few chores; and came back to the studio to gather my ingredients of the day...

I think I might even go for my first ever 6:00am dog walk in the lovely morning light. I should make the most of it, it may never happen again!

x

A couple of little additions...

2010-06-11T18:32:00.004+01:00

to my little shop shelves...

I am busy sketching, humming, thinking, scratching (just my head!), etc etc... for I have decided the time has come...

Time to be a little more prolific with the making.

Oh yes! (she says hoping she can deliver!)

Wishing you all a lovely weekend...

x
PS: I am aware that my wallpaper appears in all my photos at the moment, I will take a couple of pills to cure my addiction I promise!

Going... going... gone...

2010-06-06T15:27:00.001+01:00

Ah... the first strawberries from the garden... :)

Wishing you a lovely Sunday...

x

And it's up...

2010-06-03T10:23:00.003+01:00

I have calmed down a little bit now (only just), from my new levels of giddiness experienced yesterday after finally receiving *it*, the holly grail of studio happiness, my long awaited wallpaper arrived! (a little over dramatic here but I'm not the most patient of people)

It took me a little longer than it should to open it, partly because I couldn't get into the packaging with bare hands, and partly because of said new levels of excitement.

You've guessed it, I wasn't disappointed!
The colour is perfect! Who said green is a cold colour, no way josé! It's just perfectly perfect.

I wasn't going to wait any longer to put it up. I took Jack out for his walk to give me a chance to think about how I was going to attack the job... gathered my tools, changed the blade in the stanley knife - which I didn't use in the end, scissors are the way to go, got everything ready before getting started (unlike me).
I was a girl on a mission :)

It went in a treat :)))

A few more things to do... put some shelves up, new cabinet from my sis for my fabric, lampshade... and the studio will be finished.

Off to get on with some real work ;)

x

Waiting impatiently...

2010-06-01T18:38:00.001+01:00

for my vintage wallpaper to arrive...

I've been stopping myself from showing it to you until it's on my studio wall,
but the waiting got the better of me... :)

Vintage love...

2010-05-26T09:46:00.007+01:00

Something I have been meaning to do for a while is to tell you about a few people I have met since starting Three Red Apples. People that I identify with, whose work I admire, inspiring people, and just generally nice people...
I have been working from home since I left Uni, but setting off this on new adventure has made me love it even more. The only downside for me was (apart from not working for myself) the lack of contact with people. I know some will roll their eyes at this, but it is true! Blogging, twitter, flickr and facebook make it a whole lot more sociable!

Anyway, I wanted to tell you about Lisa over at Pennycones. I think we both started selling online around the same time. A little while back Lisa had a giveaway on her blog asking readers to comment about their favourite item in her shop. What a good idea I thought and commented! Only I felt a little embarrassed when I found out I'd won it. Just didn't feel right taking from someone starting out like me (I'm not entering anymore giveaways now haha!). I sent one of my little hearts for her little girl to make me feel better, and received this beautiful scarf... Not only that, she also added a little clay owl and a cross-stitch hanging, all beautifully wrapped.

Pennycones is on Etsy where she is having a big sale on her already reasonably priced items. She has also just opened her very own online shop. Both are full of lovely stuff!
I'm a big fan of her dresses...

Psst: for discounts and updates, Pennycones is also on twitter and facebook.

**UPDATE!! Lisa's offering 20% off in her shop, how can you resist?! Use the code MAY1020.

(images link to their source)

Little things that make me happy...

2010-05-25T11:05:00.002+01:00

This weekend's car boot finds...
French vintage cake stand, glass jar and curtains.

Funny how I often end up buying things that go well together...

Sunny days and DYI don't mix

2010-05-25T09:18:00.005+01:00

... that said I have been very busy setting up my new studio, mon p'tit atelier. Wallpaper stripping, filling the walls (filler is my new best friend :), painting, more painting, cleaning, moving all my stuff... you get the idea! I'm getting there but in the meantime it is making things difficult to get online, visit my usual daily reads and do some sewing.

I also spent many hours scouring for wallpaper, oh the agony of making that final choice! It was almost as hard a decision as Ade deciding on his new climbing boots! (just as well our lives are not too complicated haha!). I was looking for vintage wallpaper, I found a few sites online but the goods came after a little help from Twitter friend Kristy over at Vintage Pleasure. She put me onto FunkyWalls, go and have a look you'll understand why I spent hours looking! If you are into vintage stuff that is.

A choice was made (!), emails exchanged and the wallpaper sent on Saturday. I am REALLY hoping it will get here tomorrow, the wait is killing me!

I hope wallpaper laying comes naturally to me... Photos to come once the work is done but in the meantime here is a little montage of the room empty...

On another note, I added this cushion to my lil' Etsy shop shelves...

Little things that make me happy...

2010-05-12T16:38:00.005+01:00

Yesterday's thrifty finds...

Every time I do a Post Office run, I go on my little tour of the charity shops, the local hospice charity shop, the Red Cross, Cancer Research etc...

So you see, if you buy from my little shop and make me go to the Post Office, you do good, right?! ;P

x

They're here, they're here!!

2010-05-12T15:59:00.003+01:00

There's been some skiving 'round here...! I thought it was high time I showed them to you!

Aren't they gorgeous?!

Both were found in France, one is French and one is Scottish.

The smaller one is the Scottish lass, she's a 221K Featherweight model. Thanks to Singer's website, I have been able to find out her date of birth, 21st September 1948, Kilbowie, Clydebank.

I haven't worked out the model of the bigger and MUCH heavier one, but I know she was made in the Singer Bonnière factory in France. They started making them there from 1935. Who knows how old my old French lady is, I am sure she has many stories to tell... I love that she has has a little patriotic ribbon for the key!

Both were given to me by my sister. What a gem...

I have been busy looking for some attachments for them, and some narrower bobbins for the small one. They both seem to work well.
I can't wait to use them properly! Patience, patience... I need to set up my new studio in our spare bedroom first...

x

Let me take you on our little dog walk...

2010-04-23T19:29:00.003+01:00

Glorious sunshine again today...

I finally remembered to take my camera... I have been meaning to take photos of this boat for ages, I love the greys and blue. I have walked past it a million times.

Jack was being his usual little darting self...

I never get tired of blossom - although I might be developing a serious obsession! Not to worry it's only a matter of time before it turns into cherries and berries, miam!

I stumbled upon this old Salcombe ice cream sign, which I will be taking home next time to put up in the garden... in fact I can't quite believe I didn't bring it home today, what was I thinking?!

Oh my goodness, it's already Friday and I still haven't shown you my new-old sewing machines. I will do my best to put that right this weekend.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend xx

Look who I found...

2010-04-16T13:37:00.002+01:00

lurking in our bedroom...

a most welcome ladybird taking a lil' rest.

This weekend is THE weekend...

2010-04-15T19:47:00.004+01:00

...when I bring home my old Singer sewing machine...

I reckon she will quickly settle in with her cousin the desk lamp...

I have been making more 2CV pouches.

I only have three more zips of that size left in my vintage stash. I'd better find another source swiftly!

Wishing you all an early happy weekend!

xx

Head in the clouds...

2010-04-09T12:44:00.006+01:00

We had the most amazing evening yesterday with, literally, our heads in the clouds.

Almost two years ago, Ade bought hot air balloon flights for my 30th. We are not the most organised of people, and there were *valid* excuses, like the weather, Ade's difficult work pattern, hmm, the weather, answer machines, memory loss...
The vouchers quickly turned into my 31st birthday present (cunning!), and as my 32nd is approaching, they were in danger of running out of patience with us.

After a few attempts aborted due to weather (on-a-mission talk here), we had an unexpected call to ask if we could make it the following day. Hell yeah! Ade was flying but could make it as long as there were no delays.
I spent most of the day checking his departures and arrivals times, and making contingency plans. There was also confusion on my side with UTC, zulu, and whatsmacallit times, a little stress to do with posting an urgent package, excitement levels at their max...

The flight was with three other couples, one of which only just made it. They hadn't changed their watches since the clocks changed. There was some head shaking and eyes rolling. Especially from one older guy who seems positively beaming in other people's failures, haha!

I'm so glad we saved it until now. Nothing better than doing something like that when you are skint and there is no way you could have done it otherwise.

The flight was amazing. So relaxing. Quiet. Beautiful views.

Perfect day!

tut tut (tis French!)

2010-04-07T14:29:00.007+01:00

In my shop soon! :)

Off to see the world...

2010-04-03T19:41:00.006+01:00

I wish!!

I have had traveling on my mind lately.

Have any of you heard about a Scottish guy called Mark Beaumont?
Back in February this year, he completed a mammoth trip cycling from Anchorage, Alaska to Ushuaia in Southern Argentina. Not only that, he also climbed to the summit of the two highest peaks in the north and south of the Americas. Amazing!

I would love to do something like that, obviously on a MUCH smaller scale!

I met another lovely lady thanks to Three Red Apples, called Hilda from Venezuela. We got chatting about Mexico, Venezuela, the Amazon etc, all places I would love to visit. So much to see out there!

With all this talk about traveling, I was right there when asked to make a makeup bag with an embroidered/appliqued picture with the theme of 'holidays'!

I used a mix of vintage and new as usual, and padded it with eco friendly batting made from recycled plastic bottles.
The idea of the Citroën 2CV stacked up with suitcases was a bit of a light-bulb moment. I loooove 2CVs, such a classic French icon. It fills my mind with childhood memories of countryside, grandparents and squeaky suspension!

PS: I will be making more of those for my shops' shelves if you are interested...

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T11:13:00.003+01:00

My little granite egg managed to sneak in there... :)

Wish you all a happy Easter, now go and find those eggs in the garden!
(Mum used to hide them for us, happy days!)

xx

Little things that make me happy...

2010-04-01T11:55:00.002+01:00

Something I am working on... a Citroën 2CV loaded for an adventure :)
More about this soon.

And some more thrifted finds...

Designer: Josef Frank

2010-03-31T10:43:00.006+01:00

I stumbled across this photo the other day, I am so glad I did! I opened a Flickr account recently and have been amazed at how many friendly people I am meeting this way. This beautiful wallpaper is in lovely Swedish lady Lycke's home. I love its vintage look. Doesn't it look fantastic?!

Lycke kindly let me know the wallpaper is called "Eldblomman" and is by designer Josef Frank. She bought it from this great swedish shop. After a brief search it looks like it is quite difficult to get hold of if you live outside Sweden, they do however ship abroad.

So I got a wee bit curious about Josef Frank...

After finding out a little about him I understand where that vintage vibe comes from, he lived the "vintage years" (if there is such a thing!). Josef Frank was born in Austria in 1885 and emigrated to Sweden in the 1930's to get away from growing Nazism. He was the designer behind Svenskt Tenn.

Although I am not in love with all of his work (he also designed furniture), I find myself drawn to his wallpaper and textile designs.

I also like how he sees a home, I'm with him on this:

“A home must not primarily be an effective machine; it must offer comfort, rest and a nice atmosphere where the eye can rest and the mind be refreshed. No puritanical principles in a good interior”.

Cake stands, dramas and clogs...

2010-03-23T15:48:00.005Z

As I did my little trip to the Post Office yesterday, how rude, I thought, would it be not to pop into at least one of the charity shops nearby.
I am so glad I did for I found this little gem of a cake stand. While other items on the shelves were pleading for me to take them home, this one shouted loudest.

I love going to those little shops. There is always some kind of drama going on, and plenty of gossiping. The sarcastic in me love it even more when the lovely old ladies working as volunteers, are actually less than charitable. Well who wants to live in a perfect world, it would be boring wouldn't it? It would make random acts of kindness rather plain.

I had my own bit of drama in the last couple of days, when I realised I put the wrong fuel in our car and drove off unaware. I cried in anger... how could I be so stupid? I've killed it!
Ah la la...
(*whisper * I cry a lot but not normally for something I have done, in this case I was hanging my head in shame because *whisper even more* it's the second time I have done this).

Adrian, bless him, it's in times like this I know he is the only one for me, comforted me saying it can happen to anyone (sure, but not twice!), and bought me these tulips to cheer me up.

First thing yesterday the car got towed to our trusty garage. It seems I got away with it... ouf! (Ade reckons it runs even better now ;)

On a different subject, I had another request following the makeup brush roll, a matching make up bag...

And these little rays of sunshine arrived a few days ago. They haven't left my feet since.
They are made in the basement of this little shoe shop in Scarborough in the UK, by all accounts, using all Swedish materials.

I just need to make some summer dresses and skirts now and all will be just perfect!

A lovely little challenge

2010-03-13T11:34:00.005Z

I have been in regular contact with a lovely customer about making a quilt/bedspread. That in itself is an exciting project as the colour scheme is one of my favourite, blues, greens, turquoise and some little splashes of other colours.
Very very exciting indeed!

But that's not the challenge I am talking about for a challenge, in my mind, has to have a tight deadline to get my little heart fluttering.
Last Wednesday evening the lovely customer, Rachel, asked me if I could make two makeup brush rolls, one for her and one for her sister... only she needed them for Sunday.

I was on it like a shot! I finished the first one late that evening, the second the following morning, by lunch time they were in the post. Loved it, it reminded me of one side of my previous job I really enjoyed, being creative under pressure. That is after all, how I got all my coursework done throughout my education ;)

Now that they have been happily received I can show you the result...

I decided to add them as made-to-order items in my little shop.

My little art wall...

2010-03-09T14:59:00.003Z

Well! What do you know, nothing for a while, then three posts in a day... :)

I have been collecting frames from charity shops and car boot sales for a few week, and have finally put a few up.

The centre mirror is one of my dad's finds, I love it, I love its size.
The one above the mirror, I found in a charity shop for the grand sum of 50 pence. Although you can't see it, it has an unusual curved glass. I painted most the other finds white apart from the golden one. I didn't know what to put in it, so for now it just has some postcards from Kew and White Stuff.

I would love to put up some original artwork eventually, for now the three prints were downloaded from Feed Your Soul. All three artists, Belinda Kemp, Nan Lawson and Sarah Golden sell on Etsy.

I'm not the only one happy to see spring...

2010-03-09T12:02:00.001Z

I'm not the only one happy to see spring..., originally uploaded by Three Red Apples.

I had to share this with you, too funny!
Can you believe he is 9 years old, still just as mad as when he was a pup!

Spring in my step

2010-03-09T10:46:00.005Z

The sun has been shining here in Devon for a few days, and has been very welcome.
I have started rearranging furniture in our cottage (again!), cleaning (amazing how dust starts to show with a bit more light), running (went last night, in the dark :o, prompted by a fellow twitter's twit - felt a little paranoid but really good afterward), and longing for new clothes...

I really want to make some dresses, skirts and tops for this summer. Have you seen Toast's new collection? It reminded me of our trip to Spain a few weeks back. I love this shirt-dress...

(image source: Toast)

It's a nice site to browse. They have little video's of models wearing their clothes, very cool.

I have been dreaming about wooden clogs too, for a long time... *sigh*. They would look so nice with little summer dresses and skirts. I have my eye on a pair, that is one thing I might treat myself to very soon :)

I am working on some bedspreads and picnic blankets for my little shop so watch this space too...

I hope a little sunshine as brought spring in your step too. x

Wonderland

2010-02-27T10:58:00.004Z

From gypsy punk music to flowers... (!)
The first flower on our camellia has finally peaked out of its cocoon, a sign of good things to come I reckon.

We went for a little explore around the countryside yesterday. Ade wanted to go and find a cave entrance where he had dived many years ago (we both go potholing, have been for years, although I dive a little I haven't quite mixed the two up like he has).

The walk took us through a cosy valley and woodland with little armies of snowdrops. I love finding clearings carpeted in snowdrops or bluebells, it's like entering a secret world of pixies and fairies. Plus I was happy as Larry with my new messenger bag! That in itself was enough to send me hoping around like Alice in Wonderland. I don't go for walks with a bag normally but I had to show it off (Shevie, you know what I'm taking about, right? that bag is just gorgeous!)

Talking about Alice in Wonderland... I can't wait to see Tim Burton's adaptation. Anything with Johnny Depp is a must see as far as I'm concerned! With the added bonus of being filmed in Devon and Cornwall too.

Gypsy punk

2010-02-23T18:50:00.005Z

(image linked to its source)

There is something about gypsies and bohemians I find fascinating. Although I'm sure their free spirit and pride is part of it, I can't quite put my finger on why I've always felt something drawing me to their culture. There are some aspects of it that make me nervous at the same time (arguably these fears may be anchored in my own culture).

I have a pretty eclectic taste when it comes to music (and a pretty poor collection as some of you may agree after seeing this, haha!). I was thinking today about what brought me to buy an album by these guys, and why this music makes me smile... energising, weird and wonderful!

Gogol Bordello - "Start Wearing Purple"

Seriously, the guy's bonkers!

Another weekend find

2010-02-22T14:33:00.003Z

How could I! I forgot to mention this great find from my little trip on Saturday. I found this crocheted blanket in the dog bedding section of a charity shop.
It will do nicely to keep my new love of all things crocheted under control until I am ready to start a project of my own.

I do need to wash it, but I'm a little nervous about getting it wrong... can I pop it in the washing machine on the wool cycle?

PS: I looks like I have lost that embroidered tablecloth for good :(

Feeling lucky

2010-02-21T11:32:00.004Z

Happy Sunday!

I added two new cushions to my lil' etsy shop this week, and as a way of patting myself on the back after a good week, I decided to let myself have a weekend.

I spend yesterday with my sister in full thrifting mode, going from one charity shop to the next. We both made some great purchases *big grin*.

I bought a few lovely materials to be transformed into something new for my shop shelves, and a few things for myself - more frames including a very special one with a slightly bowed glass. I'll be sure to show later. For the first time I also found some clothes which I was most pleased about since my wardrobe badly needs it.
My 'bestest' buy of the day however, was without doubt an old hand embroidered tablecloth. I fell in love with it and bought it without knowing where it would go. So you can imagine the sinking feeling I got when at the end of the day I realised I must have left it in one of the shops we visited... I was so gutted!! I retraced my steps, I think I know where I left it. I will call the shop as soon as they re-open tomorrow.

I am staying hopeful, because when I got home yesterday I found out it was my lucky day, for my newly added 'smitten' cushion had made it to the front page of etsy...

Thank you so much anycards, for whipping together such a beautiful treasury!

No dab at it but loving it...

2010-02-17T15:33:00.008Z

I got started last night using tutorials on youtube. :D
Can't wait to get my first garland done.

Oh
and who said crocheting was just for girls...

Taken 'à la va-vite'
but I had to catch the moment!

:D

Weekend frolics

2010-02-16T10:43:00.005Z

I went on a search for a crochet hook this weekend, after three car booties and three charity shops, it seems they are not that easy to find, second hand anyway. One of the lovely old ladies in one of my local charity shops sweetly offered hers. After I protested I surely couldn't have hers, she said quite adamantly "come back next week". :)

I just can't wait to get started. I hope I get the stitches worked out quickly so I can try my hand at some tutorials I've spotted on Yvestown, and the Royal Sisters.

I didn't come back empty handed from my 'rummagings', oh no! I found some old knitting needles. I can't knit but couldn't resist them. I tried... or rather my grandma tried teaching me when I was about 10, but she gave up on me! That tells me one of two things, either my grandma was as impatient as me, or I was unteachable.
I also found some cotton yarn in preparation, some old thread, some frames (collecting them to make a little art wall), fabric, plate, jug... It's amazing how much you can buy with £10!

* Update *
I HAVE HOOKS!!! not one but three!
Adrian's lovely mum (yes I have a lovely 'mum-in-law') sent them in the post. What a gem! :D

Wish you were... err... home

2010-02-12T15:04:00.004Z

Oh I'm in a foul mood today, and an ungrateful one at that!
"Come on, get a grip" I hear you say.
I know, I know... but Andalusia stole my momentum...
Since we got back on Wednesday, I have been totally useless. There's been a lot on standing, head scratching, sitting, standing again, rearranging and still nothing.

The place just didn't pull on my heartstrings for some reason - yes that's the ungrateful bit, lucky enough to go away and still not happy. It didn't help that rain stopped us from having our usual type of holiday. And now that I'm back, I just can't get back to where I was.

Didn't take many photos but managed a couple of shots of almond tree blossom.

Rant over - feeling a little better now ;)

Before I go...

2010-02-01T11:15:00.003Z

I'm off for a week to find a little warmth in southern Spain, hopefully!
I leave you with some photos of a sunny winter's day in Devon...
See you back here next Wednesday... Have a lovely week!

Antique Tiles & follow up...

2010-01-27T15:51:00.007Z

Every since moving to the UK I have found old Victorian titles fascinating.
I thought they could be a good source of inspiration for my work, so last night I did a little research and came across Solar Antique Tiles a shop in New York and Florida. They specialises in antique and reproduction tiles, and they have the most beautiful tiles! Too many to show here but here are some of my favourites...

Victorian Tiles from the 19th Century

Portuguese Tiles from the 17th Century

Dutch Tiles from the 19th Century

On another note, I got working on a new cushion last night after my post about photographer Anitta Behrendt... love life...

Available in my Etsy shop :)

(images linked to their source)

Inspirations...

2010-01-26T11:51:00.008Z

Okay, you will probably have seen this over at decor8 already, but I loved it so much I had to post it here.
This is one of many great interior shots by photographer Anitta Behrendt.

I love the fresh and chilled look of this room.

(image: Anitta Behrendt)

Chirpy chick cushion

2010-01-25T12:23:00.004Z

Chirpy chick cushion, originally uploaded by Three Red Apples.

Now is the time of year when I really start looking forward to spring.

I was tossing and turning trying to get to sleep when a little idea entered my mind...
hurray to sleepy brainstorms! :)
Me thinks this little cushion may be the turning point in defining my style... (finally!)

Available in my Etsy shop.

1970s sewing book

2010-01-24T11:47:00.003Z

This little gem was one of my dad's finds. It's a french 1976 sewing book "Coudre pour sa maison".
I've got the attention span of a pea when it comes to reading instructions of any kind, so I can't say it's a good read, but I love the patterned cover and the 1970s kitsch photos.
Isn't the second image glorious!?

On the subject of tree houses...

2010-01-22T13:57:00.005Z

This caught my eye... (and it's a good excuse for old b&w photos :)

Amazingly, this 4000 years old tree is still alive and kicking. Now this would make the most amazing back garden tree or what!

(images are linked to their source)

Straight out of a Victorian Mad Max

2010-01-22T12:57:00.012Z

How cool is this!!!

The Neverwas Haul

The Neverwas Haul crew have an etsy shop, where in their own words "proceeds [...] go towards our further endeavors."

(images: linked to their source)

Tree tops life

2010-01-22T12:34:00.005Z

These put my childhood tree houses attempts to shame ;)

There's something about living in a tree house that sooo appeals to me, in the really childish kind of way.

(images: top, rest)

Baileys

2010-01-21T21:41:00.007Z

I'm in withdrawal... hic...
Just messing, not the liqueur, the shop!

Baileys is one of my favourite shops. I haven't been there for a while now, too long, so had to share a few photos with you...

My kind of heaven.

(all images: Baileys)

Going hexagonal

2010-01-18T16:39:00.005Z

Loving hexagon patchwork at the moment, so much so that I'm working on a few cushions and maybe a few other homely things...
I love the history behind it too, the 'mend and make-do' attitude. My dad has been a beekeeper for as long as I can remember, so the honeycomb shape is close to my heart for that reason too.

7 things you didn't know about me...

2010-01-16T19:27:00.006Z

The lovely Michaela of Where has the wind taken you has nominated little o' me for the Kreative Blogger Award. Chuffed! Thanks!

I have to write 7 things about me and nominate 7 other bloggers.

Initially I thought I would just write some light hearted stuff, like my favourite colour is... , actually that would be a hard one since I don't have one, but you get my drift.

However, Michaela's was so insightful and frank, and I enjoyed reading her post so much, that I thought I ought to be a little less superficial than initially thought.

So here it goes... without getting too deep...

1. I am impatient and a perfectionist, now I don't know how these two work together! They kinda contradict each other... (hopefully that makes me efficient! ha) All I know is if I'm doing a messy job, I am too impatient to go and change into some work clothes, but the end result has to be spotless.

2. I was (and still am in many ways) a tomboy. I spent my childhood climbing trees and building tree houses, playing with my cousins (boys), running through fields, making things... I always found it *much* easier to make friends with boys than girls. In the past decade, I have become a bit more feminine, and find female company a great comfort - but I still like a night out with the boys!

3. Probably because I was a typical tomboy, I've always loved sports and the outdoors. Even now, as I have entered my thirties, I still love going rock climbing, potholing, diving, walking, mountaineering, snowboarding... you know, adventures, challenges... My partner and I met over 10 years ago through these, it's a big part of our lives (even though finding the time seems to get trickier by the year).

4. I love the British sense of humor, I love sarcasm. You have to be thick skinned to take it...

5. I have a very bad memory. It's handy for the bad stuff, but it can be embarrassing, borderline unromantic at times! eek

6. I am not a religious person. I won't expand on this too much, dodgy grounds, but I do value open-mindedness and tolerance.

7. I love my dog Jack, and my soul mate Ade. They are more important to me than they will ever know.

Phew, I got there in the end, Hope you're still with me!

I'd like to pass this award on to the following lovely bloggers:

- Au Coeur d'Artycho
- Dottie Angel
- Enhabiten
- La Pomme
- Lindsay Road
- Made by Petchy
- Pennycones
- Tree Fall

Vintage Singer desk lamp

2010-01-06T11:28:00.006Z

My new Singer desk lamp, the best present from my sis! It was made in the 1920's or 1930's, not sure yet. Beautiful, isn't it?! Love the wheel base, and the switch makes a great sound when you turn it. I'm in love!

It is soon to be united with a beautiful 1920's Singer sewing machine, also a present from my sis - I'm so spoilt! I have to go back to France to get it, it weighs over 20kg!!

First day of the year

2010-01-04T16:03:00.005Z

A beautiful day on Dartmoor, the day after the night before. One way of clearing our fuzzy heads!

I love this wild land, maybe it's in my Celtic blood! This crazy man once told me I come from an important Celtic clan, hmm... * imagining myself in Highlander * ha!
My sister took me to see this man, a healer or modern day druid I guess. It wasn't a first for me since my parents took me to see similar people as a child. The session mainly consists of the healer placing, sometimes just hovering, their hands over you. I've never believed in it, but always found it relaxing, a little like a rural version of a spa session I guess!
This time there was some added weirdness. Remember the big guy in the Green Mile with Tom Hanks? Well, there was a bit of that too, inhaling in the bad and exhaling it. Very strange to say the least...
I had stopped listening by the time he told me about my previous life, wondering what he meant about there being a lot of anger in me. Must have been for my previous employer!

We spent new year's eve in a pub on Dartmoor. Left the warmth of the pub just after midnight for a little walk up to the nearest Tor. Apparently there was a lunar eclipse that night, shame we missed it. Such a clear night with a full moon, amazing! And amazingly cold! Our 'beer jackets' (and various other drinks) kept us fairly warm, but our stone cold sober dog Jack, however, once he'd stopped running, was looking quite miserable. Time to go!

After a cold night, me and the dog in the camper with no heating (eek!), my other half and friend camping in a tent at the Tor (even more eek!), and the more sensible ones in a nearby house woke up to this beautiful crisp day. We decided to go for a half decent walk, then some lovely food at our friends' house: home grown roasted veg with a Persian leg of lamb. Miam! Very very delicious!

Now that they have all been received...

2009-12-29T16:42:00.006Z

Here are a few of the pressies I made...
Airplanes for my twin nephews, a cushion for my partner's mum, sketch books and notebooks all embroidered - my new found passion!

The doll for my goddaughter was inspired by some I saw at Colourspace. I LOVE these! I had to make one! You can buy them from Colourspace's Etsy or Folksy shops. I can't see any for sale at the moment but you can always ask!

Some great Etsy UK sellers

2009-12-12T12:09:00.016Z

A big thank you to Treacle Toffee for featuring me in her treasury which made it to Etsy's front page. A lovely treasury featuring all UK sellers, great finds! Here are a few of my favourites:

Look what I found...

2009-12-11T12:01:00.003Z

Market finds, originally uploaded by Three Red Apples.

Treasured market finds... makes me so nostalgic!

It's all good!

2009-12-09T21:21:00.009Z

The new kettle arrived, and it's lovely.
I got stuck in and painted everything white in the lounge (even the oak fire surround! eek).
I started decorating, and made this lovely garland after discovering yet another great blog by Dottie Angel (so many out there!), and her fab tutorial.

Tis all good, now off to make some more Xmas pressies!

Waiting...

2009-12-04T20:42:00.003Z

...for my, I mean, OUR new kettle to arrive! Pretty please let it be tomorrow... Can't wait! love the colour and shape. We need a new toaster too, and there do a really cool one to match, but that will have to wait til after Christmas me thinks.

I've been spending quite a bit of time lately glued to the radiator in the front room (tis getting cold!), facing our fireplace. It's one of the original features of our little cottage and I love it, but, sacrilège, I've been thinking for a little while (well only a week or so but once I get an idea in my head...) about painting the oak surround white. I say sacrilège because it's such precious wood and my favourite at that. We have a fair bit of it (that's me trying already finding excuses ;), my favourite being two built-in cupboards in the dining room that my Dad made for us, these I would never ever paint.
But the fireplace... It has a lot of detail that would be enhanced by the white... Shall I, shall I not?

On fire baby!

2009-11-30T21:20:00.006Z

Wow! I can't believe my luck, I have been featured again in The Storque blog's article about gift ideas!! Amazing! This time it's for one of my baby girl blankets.

I think this deserves a celebration!

Featured in The Storque!

2009-11-30T16:04:00.006Z

YAY!! My Starry Night cushion has been featured in the Storque's article about Christmas decorations, on Etsy's blog.
Even better, it sold as a result! I've been getting lots of views and hearts which is really encouraging.

Of course, it is amongst many really lovely items, go and check it out. I especially like these gift tags by Sunshine and Ravioli

By the way, I am offering free worldwide shipping in my Etsy shop, hurry though, it ends tonight!

Embroidered cushions

2009-11-24T11:09:00.011Z

I have been making lots of cushions lately and really enjoying it. So much so, I might end up making just cushions... nah... knowing how my brain works it is probably just a phase.

At the same time, I am 'rediscovering' embroidery, and loving it. Not that I ever did much, just a little 'canevas' as a kid. I don't know the word for it in English, canvas probably, anyway it's embroidery following a pattern, usually some really oldy worldy pattern :). You know what I mean, a horse head in yucky brown, that kind of stuff!

I've been playing around with embroidered words and simple shapes. What I like most about it is I can do it from the sofa! Sounds lazy but I like being busy making something while having the TV/radio on or by the fire, but especially where other people are. It gives that nice cosy feeling. I think that's partly why I played so much on the kitchen floor as a child.

I have so many more ideas to come for cushions, with more embroidery but also the raw edge and child like machine embroidery I like so much.

Let hope things start selling soon! There's a little glimmer of hope for my new cushions, I was included in two, yes two treasuries lately! whoohoo

So chuffed!

2009-09-25T16:18:00.006+01:00

Not only I got featured on someone's blog for the third time (yay!), but this one is especially nice because it is from someone who's enjoying one of my products! So a big thank you to Carolyn at CeeGee Jewellery for her kind words. Go and have a peek at her jewellery by the way, beautiful work.

I've been busy working on a new product today, a baby comforter.

How cute is this?!

Four seasons patchwork quilt

2009-09-20T13:26:00.020+01:00

Feeling refreshed after super hol climbing in the French Alps (I have come back with a chesty cough, doh!). Such beautiful mountains, we end up coming back year after year!

Before I went away, I just managed to finish the quilt I had been working on for my dear friend, Silke.

She hasn't seen it yet. I am sooo excited, but also incredibly nervous about her seeing it. She put all her trust in me, I hope she will like it, no, love it!

I've never been so nervous about showing my work before, I guess it's different when it's for friends! I have done web design work for friends before, but this time is different, there is no undo button. When it's done, it's done, there's no changing it!
Eeek :)

The theme for the quilt is the four seasons.
Four central panels, showing a Devon cottage by a tree with a cheeky sheep, are framed with patchwork in colours of the changing seasons.

The wadding is made from recycled plastic bottles (28 bottles to be precise!). A great way to re-use them if you ask me!
And of course, as it should be, a traditional hand stitched border on the back:

Now this mammoth of a project is done, I'd better get back to stocking up my shop!

New UK shop!

2009-07-25T02:37:00.007+01:00

Woohoo! Done it! I've opened a new shop for the UK.

threeredapples.coriandr.com

A bit of a shame about the name from a marketing/promoting point of view... "Yes, it's Three Red Apples dot Corian... huh... Coriander but without the 'e'. You follow?". Hmm, need to practice this one!

The site however is nice and clean, love the layout, the people really friendly... so I'm chuffed really!

I've taken the opportunity to revamp my branding with a nice new banner.

Etsy's great but I wanted to make sure my UK customers don't feel put off by the different currency. I've heard there's another European site where I could list in Euros obviously, but also write in French. That would be good for my family and friends in France (plus the bonus of an extended market). I'd better brush up on my French, she says blushing :-[, 13 years in the UK have taken their toll!

Anyway that's for another day! It's the middle of the night here, and I'm too tired to think anymore about it!