A Case of Puppies and Kittens

I know I promised a giveaway but I couldn't wait to show you this...

 I am going to find it very hard to part with this one, but suitcases have been selling well this month and tomorrow it will be finding its way to Custard Hall.

 I have to admit I'm not a dog fan and find some a bit scary ever since a dalmation whipped an ice lolly out of my hand when I was about 2. 

But I just love these pictures - the cats and the dogs!

 Really pleased with how the ends turned out on this case.

Right, tomorrow is Giveaway Friday I promise, see you then.



Giant Flea and Christmas Critters

This lovely toy elephant is just one of a big bagful of critters that came home with me from the Giant Flea Market on Sunday.

They were in a bit of a sorry state but after some stuffing, sewing and prettifying they are ready for new homes for Christmas.

Let me introduce you...

 



 

 

 

Which one would you choose?

I struggled to leave this lot alone. I collect, amongst too many other things, Kleen Kitchenware in green. But this was red so had to stay behind. I was saving my pennies for suitcases, toys and tins.

 

This was another tempting stall but too pricey to sell on.

Love these old playpens.

Yet more tins. You can never have enough tins...

...practical and pretty.

 

PS Giveaway in a day or two I promise!



Swapsies

Just checking in quickly tonight to share my lovely swap presents with you.

I'm so glad Laa Laa paired me with someone who can do stuff I can't - stuff with wool - stuff like crocheting and knitting!

PJ my swap partner has been busy with her yarn and sent me these fantastic Christmas stars. I absolutely love them and am going to have to get a tree soon to do them justice.

 My little jammers have not been forgotten in the swapping and both received twin white 'sugar' mice this week. They were delighted with them but I could only find one to photograph this evening as they've been up to all kinds of mousey games.

Other gorgeous bits to keep me busy and organised and smelling nice!

Thank you PJ!

Now I've just had a lovely message from Fee at Chipper Nelly to tell me I've won her Craft it Forward giveaway. Lucky me, my very own blocks. I never normally win anything!

Well it means I shall host my own CIF giveaway here. I'd been thinking about a giveaway for Christmas and then got caught up with Custard Hall and promptly forgot. So pop back later this week and see what I've found to giveaway! I'm thinking wintery and alpiney...



Pssst - Today's the day!!

Lots and lots of last minute making going on here this week. Sewing, painting, waxing, papering, mod podging... you name it I've done it.

Today is the launch of Custard Hall and I spent a few happy hours there last night pricing and prettifying.

This memo is made from original old cowboy fabric.

 Yet more lavender pillows from the vintage alpine fabric - it's eeking out well.

After Saturday's suitcase sales I had to cover another two to replenish. This time I've made a cowboy themed one

 

 and another with Ladybird children.

Topping up the cot full of cushions

 More utility china crates

 A stunning Mobo horse just ready to be found under the Christmas tree.

 

  I'll post some more photos tomorrow after the launch but this is what it was looking like at about 10pm last night! 

 

 

Time to catch up with a coffee and all your blogs now...



Welcome to Custard Hall

Well here it is, as promised, my space...

Sunday afternoon saw me set about transforming this empty little space into part of Dorchester's newest shop on the high street and a vintage one at that!!

This little adventure has all been a bit of a whirl over the last three weeks. I have a new friend Jenny who turns out to be a blogger too. So lovely to meet someone and then find out they share the same past time! Anyway, Jenny told me about a new vintage shop opening in Dorchester town centre and even better gave me the number. After dilly dallying last week she egged me on and hey presto here I am nearly ready to go.

 Custard Hall in Antelope Walk opens on Thursday and will remain open into the evening for Christmas Cracker Night. Mine is only a tiny part of what looks to be a great shop selling vintage china, collectables, clothes, books, furniture...

 Just got to fill my downstairs space and get everything priced...

If you're in Dorchester do pop in and take a nosey.



Swapping and space

This was the scene in my kitchen this morning. Ages ago I signed up to take part in Laa Laa's Advent swap. Imagine my delight when this lovely box of goodies turned up from my swap partner PJ of The Snail Garden. I knew it was going to be good by the care that had gone into the wrapping and tagging!

PJ sent me this lovely handmade card which is just fantastic and I've no idea how she did it.

 Yesterday saw the opening of Present 1. My little jammers were very excited about this. They have been intrigued by the whole swap business - sending presents to a stranger. On shopping trips they have made suggestions, along the lines of "You could get this for that lady" - sometimes appropriate, sometimes not!

 So they were thrilled when I unwrapped not one little stocking but two and each with a cute little chocolate Santa and told them I thought they were probably for them.

Today was definitely not for them but me. A mini perfume - lucky me!

Thank you so much PJ if you're reading. I can't wait for tomorrow.

 

Meanwhile so dry weather has meant I could get better photos of my bags for my etsy shop.

It's a bit depleted now because I had a great time at this little event and had to come home and delete the listings!

Mrs Darling's Festival of Christmas saw two lovely customers trundle off with suitcases and others with cushions and little makes.

 In my garage this week these two rather sorry pushchairs (yes that's what they are) have been undergoing a makeover.

 This one had a complete respray, its original seat cleaned and new ribbon trim.

Finally I shall leave you with a space and tomorrow I shall let you know how it came to be mine, what I'm filling it with and most importantly where it is...