tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33043884156382409442024-03-12T21:47:04.092-07:00flowers on my tableideas on furniture, flowers, food and finery.flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-31887539663622296142017-02-01T06:38:00.000-08:002017-02-01T06:38:51.919-08:00It's strange the things we get sentimental about....or is it?<br />
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Whilst doing some serious sorting out and tidying last week, I came across a little cross stitched name that I have stashed away for years. It is cross-stitched unto perforated paper and a silk ribbon. When my dad died, his name was Samuel or Sammy, I found this in an antiquarian book shop, I loved it and took it for a sign from him. He left a small inheritance to be divided amongst his family, it wasn't much but I wanted to buy something to keep in remembrance of him, instead of just buying clothes or something else that wouldn't last.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another couple of things I am sentimental about a little cardboard box covered in forget me nots that has seen better days and our funny little Guinea Pig, Jingle</td></tr>
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I found this lovely cross stitched picture, again done on perforated paper. It is quite faded, but I just love the subject matter, a man and his dogs, my dad loved dogs and my daughter seems to have inherited this from him.<br />
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Whilst I was in the Antiques business, I bought and sold a few pieces of early spongeware pottery. I always loved the simplicity and country look of it, and regretted not having ever kept any. I then came across this pair of plates, I dithered and procrastinated because they had damage, but in the end I bought them. I am so glad I did because they give me such pleasure, hanging on the wall or on my plate rack, it doesn't matter to me at all if they have cracks, it only shows they have been used and loved.<br />
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Another little thing I am very sentimental about and will never get rid of, is a little silver plated keepsake box. My dad bought it for my mum when I was born. I don't think it is the kind of thing he would have done normally but we were living in Malta, and it is very traditional to give something silver when a baby is born. The silver has all worn off and it is brass underneath, I always meant to have it re-plated, but I have known it as brass as long as I can remember, so it will probably stay that way. Again the subject is charming to me, a little cherub with a sheaf of wheat and all nature's bounty.<br />
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I have a little tiny bird's nest about an inch wide with 3 little eggs in it and a tiny bird who sits on her nest. This was given to me as a leaving present by my dear friend Audrey when I came back to Ireland from England. I love it because it is so tiny and perfect and because it reminds me of my friend who adored nature.</div>
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I am very sentimental about a little toy rabbit and her baby, I bought this and I didn't know I was pregnant,I just could not resist. I lost the baby at 12 weeks, sadly. However I became pregnant again soon after and had my lovely Lois, who played with this when she was small and then ended up owning a real life rabbit called Chester who looked similar. When you pull the baby rabbit from it's mother it plays 'Darling Clementine'.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry it's a Christmas card I made of Chester the rabbit!</td></tr>
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Whilst photographing things for this post, it suddenly dawned on me that these sentimental treasures, sum up all the things that I love so much and always have, country things, old things, handmade things, animals, birds, flowers. It is the connection to a person of course, but also goes beyond that to my connection with country living, nature and items from a home environment. There are many more things of course but I don't want to bore the pants off you. I would love to know about you and what items you are sentimental about. Do tell!<br />
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Thank you for taking the time to visit with me and read my ramblings, Wishing you a very happy day, love, Linda xx.<br />
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<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-60232626813699487172017-01-15T07:24:00.000-08:002017-01-20T02:03:49.765-08:00Hibernation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I was recently inspired by Douglas Elliman's <a href="https://www.elliman.com/florida" target="_blank">Florida real estate office</a> to write a post about making one's home cosy for winter. I was delighted as this is my kind of topic and I had been thinking of making a few changes to my own living room, and was spurred on to do it!<br />
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I don't know about you but once Christmas is over and the decorations are down the place can seem a little drab and dreary, with all the sparkle packed away for another year. I know that one can then become a bit obsessed with Spring, constantly wishing for it. Let's face it, certainly here in the U.K. we could have a few more months of cold, wet, windy weather. So why not embrace it, unleash the 'hygge', make a cosy corner for reading, listening to music, sewing or knitting. Surround yourself with comfort and indulge in a little pampering. Have candles at the ready, something lovely to eat, a warming drink, something inviting to read, or just look at, and a comfortable chair with a cosy throw. I'm ready to hibernate, are you?</div>
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Three years ago I felt inspired to give my living room a French ski chalet feel, I painted the wooden floor to look like stone slabs, and painted the chimney breast with a pattern to look like wallpaper, with woodland animals, Christmas trees and chalets. My family thought I had lost the plot and couldn't think what it would be like once Christmas was over. I however, love Christmas and snowy, wintry places. My room faces North East and doesn't get any sun until the evening, so I rather enjoy having it cosy, the pattern on the chimney is quite subtle and so doesn't take over. The rest of the walls were colourwashed using Autentico's chalk paint in a warm grey colour called Dolphin. I still enjoy the way the room is decorated but just wanted to ring the changes with a little bit of warmth and depth.<br />
I have had a colour in my mind for a long time that I wanted to add to the room but was finding it difficult to pin down on a colour chart. I wanted the colour of old leather books, tan, but faded, or the colour of whisky or brandy in a glass with light coming through it. I do like to make life difficult for myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/" target="_blank">Ralph Lauren</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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I decided the best way was to colourwash the walls. I mixed my own wash using powder pigment in raw sienna, burnt sienna and vegetable black, then I added a little chalk paint in Cappucino to bind it and a lot of water. I used a large brush to paint it on with and then a cloth to get the cloudy effect. It took 4 layers to get the right effect, but it is quite quick to do, as you need to work fast to prevent getting a hard edge. I was very happy with the finished result an it immediately made my room feel more cosy. I decided to wash 2 lampshades that were very white.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pretty lady has her best beads on!</td></tr>
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My furniture was all grey so it still tied in with the new scheme apart from a bookcase which was blue/grey on the outside. I painted this with Rustoleum Chalk Paint in Flint. My room was now beginning to take shape. I just needed certain ingredients to make it more cosy. I added some candlelight which always softens and warms up your surroundings. The next step was to light the fire, a big hit with everyone, including the 2 dogs. There was a smattering of snow outside, but we were warm as toast inside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I previously had silver things in my room. I always enjoy something shiny to reflect the light, but felt that gold or brass would now look better. I know its's not terribly fashionable but I have inherited a love of brass from my mother.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a favourite painting that my sister did a few years ago in the naiive style of an elegant country house, it makes a cosy collection on the mantelpiece with other houses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A faux fur throw on the chair comes in handy when the fire is fading.</td></tr>
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Another cosy trick is to bring a little of the outside in. As the weather is cold and blustering ouside enjoy some spring bulbs inside, and something green always gives your room more life and energy.</div>
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Scent is an important element too and I am not yet ready to give up the smell of my home made pot pourri containing dried oranges, anise, cloves, cinnamon for something lighter and fresher just yet.</div>
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I hope you have enjoyed taking a look at my home and it's ever evolving interiors. The sofa is my next job, you will note it has been safely hidden from view. It needs to have a makeover. I really would love a new one, but with a dog and a puppy I don't see that happening any time soon. I plan to make a washable cover from a natural linen and to change the cushions for something plainer. </div>
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Wishing you all a cosy winter, in anticipation of warmer days ahead. Linda xx<br />
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flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-58650298968342668872017-01-09T11:05:00.002-08:002017-01-09T11:05:49.254-08:00Flowers always<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Flowers bring me joy. How about you?<br />
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It has been almost a year since I posted and I don't know if there is anyone out there, but I am ready to blog again. I am not sure what it is that makes a person stop blogging, just too busy, burned out, or lacking something to say. I am not sure what made me stop, perhaps a combination of all these things.<br />
I do however enjoy blogging, sharing ideas, discussion, reading other people's blogs and making connections. I hope you will have me back?<br />
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These are some simple flower arrangements I did throughout last year. I am really looking forward to seeing things appear once again in my garden,as there is not too much going on at the moment. I love simple posies arranged in jugs and jars scattered hither and thither, making me stop in my tracks to take in the beauty and scent.<br />
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<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-81049310958404076612016-02-07T10:45:00.001-08:002016-02-07T10:46:28.653-08:00Foolproof flower arranging<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I have playing about with my new acquisition, a little milk crate with six tiny bottles. It really makes arranging flowers so simple, just a single stem in each bottle and hey presto!<br />
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Do you have a favourite container for arranging flowers in your home, I would love to know about it?<br />
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Hoping you all have a fulfilling and fun-filled week, love Linda xx.flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-59244985214398512002016-01-25T03:38:00.001-08:002016-01-25T03:41:51.059-08:00Focus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Belated Happy New Year to you all! I took a little break from blogging to try and focus on what I wanted to do, what direction to go in. I don't know if it's just me, but finding focus is a difficult task. There is so much stimulation all around and it is so easy to become distracted, and go off at a tangent.<br />
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I recently came across a fabric and quilt designer whose work I love. You can find her website <a href="http://www.janetclare.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
She said that she no longer has New Year's resolutions, but chooses a word to focus on throughout the year. I thought this was a great idea, especially for anyone who is creative. I thought I would do the same and had chosen the word RESTORE, but have decided to change it to FOCUS, as I feel this is what is important for me.<br />
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I haven't found it yet, but certain things are beginning to become clearer. I would love to hear from you my dear readers, as I know you are all very creative and busy people, to discover how you focus on what is important for your lives.<br />
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I took on the challenge from <a href="http://www.augustwren.com/" target="_blank">august wren</a> artist Jennifer Orkin Lewis, to do a quick painting a month. I enjoyed the first one so much I decided to do one a day. It is a long time since I have sat down to paint just for the joy of it and not for a specific project. I realise how rusty I am, and probably a little uptight, it will be interesting to see how it develops over the year. Here are a few of my favourite ones.<br />
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So if you can bear it, would you join me on my voyage of discovery and help me to find focus? With much love, Linda xx<br />
<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-27656490866322504512015-10-09T14:40:00.000-07:002015-10-09T14:40:35.447-07:00Diversion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our normal route to school has been really disrupted by roadworks this past two weeks.It can be stressful when running late and not realising there are changes in the route. After the initial shock and getting seriously lost once or twice I decided to view it as a bit of a 'magical mystery tour'. The weather has mostly been very autumnal, crisp and sunny with the odd misty day. I always feel invigorated on such days, tingling with anticipation.<br />
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So we set out deciding to enjoy our new route with all its added attractions. I love country cottages and gate lodges, and have found one or two beauties to fall in love with. I always vowed if I ever came in to a fortune I would spend it, going around the countryside and rescuing all those old tumble down houses that have fallen out of favour.<br />
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When I first saw this old thatched cottage I almost cried. I approached two lovely barns at the back of it first of all, there was a tree (a fruit tree I think) near the barns with four or five cows, grazing beneath it. It was such a lovely sight and reminded me of those old Staffordshire flat back figures you see with sheep or cows under a tree. The cottage wasn't visible at this stage until I drove around the corner and looked back. I love the green and mustard paint around the windows and the whitewashed walls, the lace curtains still hanging. I wonder who lived in this cottage and why it fell into disrepair.<br />
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This sweet little gatehouse is one of a pair, both sadly in need of some love.<br />
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Apologies for the quality of this photo, it was snapped rather hastily. This beautiful gatelodge looks like it is very well cared for with it's welcoming red door. I do hope the owners of these homes don't mind me sharing them here as I only mean to point out their beauty.<br />
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When I got home I discovered another beautiful thing in my own garden, our oak tree, which we have had for around 10 years has got acorns!<br />
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Thinking about this diversion, made me see that life is a lot like that too, you think you are on a certain course and something happens to make you change direction, you think it's all wrong because it's not what you are used to, but when you open your eyes, you begin to see that this route has many possibilities, it may be right, it may not but it changes the way you see things, and that is good.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed coming on this little diversion with me, and I hope you have many wonderful diversions of your own. Have a thrilling weekend, love Linda xxflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-17607025617878946682015-09-02T12:16:00.000-07:002015-09-02T12:16:56.550-07:00Indian Summer ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a friend come for coffee today, it was so dark I had to put the lamps on, and definitely a little 'nippy' so the central heating went on, and candles were lit for effect, so there is no Indian Summer here.<br />
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I do love it when visitors come and the house is all cleaned, and the flowers are arranged.<br />
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And then afterwards, when they have left and the house is empty and still, clean and sweet smelling....bliss! And my kind visitor brought me a present too, how thoughtful, a lovely miniature rose. I am blessed today! How do you feel about having visitors? Does it stress you out, or do you take it in your stride?<br />
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I would have absolutely hated it, in days gone by, had I been a Society Lady<br />
and people just called in to take a nosey at my house and eat all I had to offer, but then I suppose one had servants to keep the place in order and make and serve the food, and it was an amusement. I once saw in a magazine a brilliant hand painted sign warning people not to stare in at the windows, but to ring for the servant. Can you imagine?<br />
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Thank you all so very much for your most touching messages on my last post, it is lovely to be back. Wishing you all a very happy weekend, love Linda xxflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-30365315919034833452015-08-30T05:01:00.000-07:002015-08-30T05:01:28.853-07:00To Post or not to Post.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been struggling for quite a while now about whether to post in my blog or not. Because it is linked with my business and my business is not going in the direction I had planned, I would feel phoney or fake posting that every thing in the garden is rosy.</div>
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Now I know I have been foolish, my business does not define me, I am still a creative person, I still count, I can still participate.Life is NOT perfect, for me, or for anyone else, but it is how we deal with challenges, changes, difficulties, that make us interesting people with tales to tell.</div>
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I have a loving family, a comfortable home, a pretty garden, good friends and I can turn my hand to most things, so surely I can find something to post about? So it's time to 'get real' and get on with it!</div>
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Sorry I have been away for so long. I do hope the lovely friends I have made since I started blogging will hang in there with me. I so enjoy, their comments, input and support. I also love to see how you all tackle your lives and am blown away by how clever, creative, funny, moving and charming you all can be. I never really 'blogged' for business, but because I enjoyed how it made me feel, particularly when kind readers responded, so here's to the beginning of a new chapter! Much love, Linda xx</div>
flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-40736267376669312602015-05-20T05:08:00.003-07:002015-05-20T05:08:46.280-07:00A Spring Wedding or two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prepared roses waiting to be arranged.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower girl had a little tiny posy of pink spray roses.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A comb for the flower girl's hair.</td></tr>
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I thought you might like to see what I have been up to in my absence. I had the great pleasure of working on Orlagh and Michael's wedding flowers in April. The bride was quietly confident in knowing what she wanted and that was roses, roses, roses. I had supplied the flowers for several of her friend's weddings, so she was relaxed with me from the start. It really was such a smooth operation from beginning to end.<br />
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I understand why some people don't care for roses, they see them as formal flowers and somewhat old fashioned yet the symbolism of the rose is very strong, it stands for love.I tend to prefer the more informal cabbage type roses, but I do love them all, and even though our garden isn't very big I can't resist the temptation to buy one or two new ones each year. I have lots of buds in the garden at the moment just waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to come out. I used to prune my roses in March but realised I was missing out on early blooming, so this year I have lots of roses blooming early and I am very excited about it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orlagh's beautiful bouquet of Vendella roses (cream), Aqua roses (pink), pink spray roses and lily of the valley.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stems simply wrapped with ivory ribbon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouquets awaiting delivery.</td></tr>
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The bridesmaid's dresses were the same shade as the deepest pink rose in their bouquets, which consisted of memory roses(dark), akito (med) and aqua (lt.)as well as snowball viburnum and pink spray roses.<br />
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My lovely niece Carina was married on Saturday to Mark, sadly we couldn't attend but here they are looking gorgeous and so happy.Congratulations to both happy couples.<3<3<br />
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Her lovely informal bouquet was designed and arranged by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/escentialblooms/185131474895365?pnref=story" target="_blank">Escential Blooms</a>.pictured here...<br />
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I do love a wedding. Thank you for calling in, wishing you all a rosy day, love Linda xflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-30893675434068779682015-05-18T12:44:00.000-07:002015-05-18T12:44:15.348-07:00Painting Furniture......to wax or not to wax, that is the question!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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People often ask me 'how do you know which way to finish a piece of painted furniture?' My reply ... 'it depends on what look you are trying to achieve'.</div>
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Recently whilst painting this dresser I thought I would photograph it with and without wax so you could see what I mean. The dresser was that 'lovely' orange shade of pine to begin with, not particularly old (20 years maximum). I painted it with Autentico vintage chalk paint, colour scandinavian blue.As you can see the dark wax that I applied to the base alters the colour quite a lot.</div>
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If you like the colour when you have finished painting it then simply seal it with something colourless, either a water-based varnish, sealer or clear wax. If you would have preferred it a little lighter then finish with a white wax (particularly effective over darker colours).</div>
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I felt that the dresser had an antique look about it with the lovely ogee bracket feet and arched panels in the door, so I opted for an aged or antiqued effect, and although this can be achieved several ways, applying a dark wax is the simplest way to do it. A photograph of the wax being applied will demonstrate.....</div>
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You can buy a special waxing brush to apply the wax but I tend to use an old paintbrush. It needs to be applied quite liberally so that the finish is even, then if it is too dark it can be re-waxed with a clear wax which will remove some of the darker wax, in a gentle way. However if you are impatient the excess can be removed with some turpentine or white spirits.Dampen a soft cloth with the spirits and wipe over your furniture as if you were polishing it, this technique takes a little practice as it can get a little messy, but take your time, and don't get your cloth too wet and it will be fine. Keep folding the cloth over so that you don't get the cloth too clogged with wax. You may need another clean cloth for the final buffing up.<br />
Once happy with the finish buff up with a clean cloth (I like to use old towelling for this).It is quite physical as you need to apply a little pressure to get a sheen. Some people leave the wax on for a period of time or overnight before they buff it off, but I think it is easier to do it right away.<br />
To keep your furniture in tip-top condition it can be waxed once a year and over the years will build up to a lovely patina. If you have varnished your piece you can still apply wax on top to soften the effect, a dark wax will still alter the colour but to a much lesser degree.<br />
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The finished dresser.</div>
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I painted the insides of the dresser with Autentico versante eggshell colour dolphin (a grey/beige colour) so that it would look clean and fresh and would show up whatever is displayed in the top cupboards.</div>
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Some say that they really love the chalky look of the paint and would prefer not to seal it at all. This is fine for mirrors or things that won't be handled. I admit to having left furniture unsealed in the past but it will eventually mark. The other option is to use Autentico's white wax which contains chalk and so you get the chalky finish once more.</div>
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I hope this will be helpful to anyone attempting to finish their masterpiece, or just thinking about having a go at painting that bedside cupboard or coffee table.</div>
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Apologies to anyone who has popped in here to find me not at home, it is difficult to keep all the balls in the air! Looking forward to visiting my blogging friends and catching up.</div>
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Have a happy week ahead, love Linda xx</div>
<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-32970312711164529692015-03-10T11:31:00.003-07:002015-03-10T11:31:38.661-07:00Life's funny that way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was attempting to write this post when a little bird who had been flying about outside my kitchen window, landed on top of a birdhouse on the windowsill and started pecking the window with his beak, as if to say 'hey you, get out here, it's a lovely day and you've got some gardening to do!' I managed to catch a snap or two of him, but apologies for the quality.<br />
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Anyway, after I was so charmingly interrupted...<br />
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A couple of days ago, after a trip to the flower wholesalers, I was having a coffee in a well known coffee merchants, minding my own business (well sort of),when I overheard an interesting conversation. I noticed two young men when I arrived with a cute little baby girl. They were having a business meeting 9.00 a.m. Saturday morning. It turns out, the father of the little girl is a web designer, meeting his client to discuss a job, or several jobs, his wife is a beautician and at work, naturally. I was so impressed by this. How wonderful that this young family can find a way to work and yet take care of their daughter as well. How 'modern' of this business owner/manager/director whatever to meet up in a coffee shop and not mind if baby comes too. I felt quite liberated just listening to it all (they did speak rather loud..honestly).<br />
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It got me thinking, life moves on , we can embrace the changes, technology etc., or we can ignore it, but either way it still moves on.<br />
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About six years ago I went on a Food Writing course to the wonderful Ballymalloe in County Cork. I rather fancied the idea of testing recipes and then sitting in the garden hand writing my notes or tapping away at a vintage typewriter. Well..... what a shock to the system I got, when I learned I would have to have a blog, a twitter account, a facebook account, etc., etc. This is the woman who could barely text on her mobile. I was not at all computer literate, not even computer friendly! I was horrified, the whole idea of food writing was now a no go area.<br />
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A year later I was trying to set up a website for my wedding flower/furniture business. It wasn't going well, the young guy I was working with wasn't on my wavelength, or I wasn't on his. I started venturing unto the internet, not knowing what I was doing. Then quite by accident I stumbled across blogs. Madelief's beautiful blog was one of the first I found. I was completely enthralled. I wish someone had told me the internet was this good! I then spent hours, weeks, months even,trying to set up a blog.<br />
It nearly drove me to distraction, I found it so difficult to understand what I was doing wrong, or right for that matter. I didn't want to be beaten though, so I persisted. Those first few posts, where no-one responds, are hard, I felt so foolish. Then someone writes something kind or funny or encouraging and it all seems worth it.<br />
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I cannot believe I have been blogging for over 4 years now. I have exchanged comments with some of the most talented, creative, kind people. What a disservice I would have done myself if I had never attempted to battle with my fear of technology. What beauty, inspiration, fun and frolics I would have missed out on. (Do you know that little birdie is still tap, tap, tapping on my window!)<br />
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I have a Facebook account and a business page, I have set up my own website (still ongoing),have dabbled with Twitter, love Pinterest and Picmonkey and am attempting Instagram. I do admit, I stumble around these sites attempting to do great things and don't, but at least I have a bash, and it's wonderful when one manages to figure something out.<br />
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If I could have seen into my future whilst on that course in Ballymalloe I don't think I would have believed it. Wishing all my fellow bloggers, followers, readers a wonderful week ahead and a challenge to keep moving! Love Linda xx<br />
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<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-11504749768579792522015-02-17T05:27:00.002-08:002015-02-17T05:27:55.914-08:00Paint the town red.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you dear readers for all your comments on my last post. My life isn't any simpler at all, and I can't see it happening in the near future, so I shall just embrace the variety and organised chaos and get on with it!<div>
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I have been helping my sister, Lesley Smyth, with a job she has been doing, painting furniture for a rather swanky hotel in <a href="http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Berkshire</a> The furniture was made in Belfast by a company called <a href="http://www.timbermarkmanufacture.com/" target="_blank">Timbermark</a> , my sister painted, gilded and distressed it, and then it was shipped off to be installed. These photos are of a HUGE dresser, which thankfully came in sections, to be put together on site.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These panels were to be fitted with an embossed leather.</td></tr>
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<br />We only had a short time to paint it, but thankfully it was completed in time. I think you will agree it looks rather lovely. It would be wonderful to see it all in situ.<br />
Hope you are all having a good week so far, and a little warmed up by all this red. Love Linda x.</div>
flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-39461715695750056122015-01-14T15:44:00.000-08:002015-01-14T15:44:15.927-08:00I'm not dead!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No I am very much alive and glad to be back here in my little corner of blogland. I can't really say where I've been or why I didn't choose to post, I suppose I just needed a break. Sometime's you simply cannot 'do it all.'<br />
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I hope I am not too late to wish you all a very Happy New Year, filled with good things. At the end of last year I was very busy with all my 'crafty makings and doings', here are a few pictures to show you what I got up to.<br />
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Flower arranging, and drinking a little gin (well I needed the bottle). Furniture painting, and more furniture painting. Christmas decoration making, bag and brooch making, doll making, hat and scarf making, fabric designing, one-off orders and designs. Can you see my problem......too much variety. I like variety, it is the spice of life, but really come on. No wonder when it gets to Christmas I am worn out.<br />
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This year I mean to simplify.....everything, my work, my home, myself. How about you, what are your thoughts on 'doing it all', do you try to, or have you learned your lesson? I would love to know your thoughts on it.<br />
So glad to be back among the living, wishing you all a very calm and simple weekend, love Linda x.<br />
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<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-15948534072247880112014-09-12T13:21:00.001-07:002014-09-12T13:21:42.174-07:00Meet my sister...<br />
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I would like to introduce you to my very funny and creative sister. <a href="http://theparttimewriter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here she is</a> .<br />
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I would love you to pop over to her blog and say hello, if you have the time, she would be thrilled.</div>
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I have been a little preoccupied with various things lately, but hope to be back blogging very soon. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, love Linda x</div>
flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-65719100143327547532014-08-27T08:52:00.000-07:002014-08-27T08:52:19.105-07:00What's wrong with a little romance?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a picture of the bride and groom at a Wedding I did the flowers for recently. I just love the way she is looking at him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently when a friend came for lunch, she described my decorating style as 'romantic'. I was quite taken aback, I had never thought about it like that, I just thought my style was 'country'.I began to look at my Pinterest pins to see if this was true, and guess what, I am a romantic, even in the style of clothing and flowers, there is a hint of romance running through everything. See for yourself.....</span><br />
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All images were from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So whilst my beloved was in Zambia doing charitable work, and I was missing him and feeling all romantic, I decided to paint my kitchen and add a little romance of my own.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My floor was already painted in this tile pattern, but was a little worn, so I refreshed it, and my larder cupboard was painted Lavender.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The awful tiles that I would love to rip out will have to wait to the next time my husband is away for 2 weeks! I painted them in the palest of pinks. I just love my new acquisition, a painting on vintage wallpaper by Lynn Barron from <a href="http://sea-angels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sea Angels</a>.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little nook above the stove is ideal for displaying pretty things.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grey bookcase was painted pale pink inside and then I wallpapered the back with a pretty chinoiserie paper from Graham and Browns V&A collection.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All this romance calls for candles and cake!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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This new discovery about me has been quite liberating.I hope to move on to my clothing style, which has suffered badly this last lot of years, and add a little romance to my wardrobe.<br />
If someone could sum up your style in one word, what would it be, I would love to know, leave me a message! Wishing you all a 'romantic' weekend, with love, Linda xflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-87396925218284966092014-07-26T16:19:00.000-07:002014-07-26T16:19:37.041-07:00'Natural Calico'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlpCO09C8pI/U9QwvyZhaQI/AAAAAAAAELc/MHWMtq1QmUg/s1600/Natural-172333_456ae65e-1c69-49f5-a756-bab276b11f29_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlpCO09C8pI/U9QwvyZhaQI/AAAAAAAAELc/MHWMtq1QmUg/s1600/Natural-172333_456ae65e-1c69-49f5-a756-bab276b11f29_medium.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
I have a talented friend, Marie McMillen, who is a stylist, an Interior Designer, and now owner of an online shop Natural Calico, selling lovely things for the home. Her blog has lots of really useful tips and advice on setting up home, how best to display things, as well as a 'look book' containing lots of snippets of some of the beautiful homes she has styled and her business partner Ashley Morrison has photographed. You may even have come across their work on Pinterest. You can find her website here: <a href="http://www.naturalcalico.com/" target="_blank">www.naturalcalico.com</a>. Here are some pictures of the sort of things she sells.<br />
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Her shop has a certain cool, elegant look as indeed Marie herself has. I hope you will find the time to pop in and visit her. She also has a facebook page.<br />
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I was frantically painting a large mahogany desk this week, which is now finished and in the shop, I was really pleased with the colour (Aubergine) which I hadn't used before, and it seems to be really popular with the customers too, as there has been an influx of orders of this colour.<br />
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I am planning to exhibit at a Craft Fair next Sunday, so will have a busy week ahead getting things ready, it is a new departure for me and I am excited about it.<br />
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Wishing you all a lovely weekend, with love, Linda xflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-40634683059650396392014-07-16T08:41:00.000-07:002014-07-16T08:41:14.290-07:00Lucky Buggers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Dear readers, I hope you are not offended by the title of my post? Let me explain....my sister-in-law has some good friends who have a family motto 'aren't we lucky buggers!' When they sit down to a lovingly prepared meal they raise their glasses and proclaim how lucky they are. This has always amused me, and greatly appealed to me. I think the family that can be grateful for small mercies and simple pleasures, is a long way towards making the most of life, and surely that is what it is all about?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I feel very much the 'lucky bugger', in having just returned from a lovely relaxing week in Corfu. My husband saw the holiday on Trip Advisor. I normally feel the urge to get my oar in, to be quality controller, researcher and general pain in the ass. This time I decided I would trust my man and to take 'whatever' comes and be grateful for it. It paid off big time! This year I was able to relax from day one, which NEVER happens. We all enjoyed the relaxed manner of the Greek people, the beauty and authenticity of the island and great food at sensible prices. We loved where we stayed, which was small and family run, clean and very friendly. I think we may go back. I am back feeling refreshed and ready to go again.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A beautiful looking hotel or villa we spied whilst out walking.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A monastery with Mouse Island behind.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very beautiful statue of Achilles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouganvillea in a beautiful Monastery.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning views after a slightly scary coach journey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul enjoying a beer!<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's good to be back. I am looking forward to catching up with you all . With love, Linda xx</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite snapshot, Allium growing wild.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-19111136449864404722014-07-02T07:06:00.000-07:002014-07-02T07:06:35.458-07:00Romantic Wedding Part Two.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Reception of Kara and Niall's Wedding was held <a href="http://www.drenagh.com/">here</a> , a beautiful Georgian Estate in Limavady, in a pretty white marquee in the old walled garden.<br />
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The entrance to the walled garden flanked by roses. Although the owners of this beautiful place still live here, a party of 16 fortunate guests can stay in the main house. I sadly didn't get to see inside, but if you click on the link above you will see how special it is. The mother of the bride told me that the Housekeeper really took special care of them, and they felt really pampered. (So much more personal than a hotel).<br />
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The marquee is all white and looks lovely even before the finishing touches. Kara had a 'World' theme for the tables, with a lovely big map at the entrance to show guests where they are to be seated. She had a sweet table for children and the young at heart with cute little bags as keepsakes. There was a Wishing tree so that guests could write a little message on a paper heart and hang it on the tree, and afterwards they will be put into a book to keep. There was a photo booth with fun props, to make fun and memorable photos. All very well thought out by the bride and groom, but I am sure worth the extra effort.<br />
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The flowers for the tables were simple hand-tied arrangements placed in jugs and matched the brides bouquet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old milk churn from my garden with a chalkboard added and some amazing blue delphiniums.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White hydrangea in a tole planter decorate the prop table.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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My flower cart from the shop had a little wedding makeover, doesn't she look lovely?<br />
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A few props from home and the shop to help set the scene.</div>
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The quotes you see scattered about where from Leigh and Stuart's Wedding, where they were part of the table numbers, but it was great to see them being used again as they are so romantic and fitting.<br />
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A little posy and scented candle for the bathrooms.<br />
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Finally, this is nothing to do with the wedding, but I thought you would like it. A beautiful old table, on it's way somewhere. It is probably yew or sycamore and was perhaps made on the estate, isn't it gorgeous?<br />
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Thank you dear readers for stopping by. This may be the last post for a week or two as I am off to Corfu, seeking rest and relaxation! Love Linda xflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-52790385379352410622014-06-27T05:09:00.000-07:002014-06-27T05:09:37.570-07:00A little posy...fit for a Queen?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just couldn't wait to tell you this! A friend of mine was going to Hillsborough Castle for a Garden Party, to meet the Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. She rang asking me was there any possibility I could do her a little posy, to present to the Queen. I had no car, very little time,...(think)... thank goodness for my garden and my mum's beautiful scented yellow roses, a colour we know the Queen is partial to.<br />
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I added some lovely pale pink roses called Capitain John Ingram and a darker pink one called Zephrine Drouhin, sadly I do not know what variety my mum's rose is. I put a little bit of hydrangea in there, campanula for colour, and lavender, sage and jasmine for fragrance.<br />
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My friend did not know if she would be able to give them to the Queen or not, because of security issues etc. Because I have been busy with a wedding I hadn't heard if she had managed to present them or not.<br />
Joy of joys the Queen eventually got the posy and was heard to remark on the beautiful fragrance.<br />
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Well, I am cock a hoop, over the moon and so very chuffed, this has made my day!!!!flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-42832315307634833312014-06-26T14:53:00.000-07:002014-06-26T14:53:09.040-07:00Romantic Wedding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So the Wedding Day has finally arrived! This photo was taken at the place the reception is to be held the day before and as you can see it's raining! I was hoping and praying that the clouds would get it all out of their system on Wednesday and give us a lovely sunny day Thursday, but sadly that was not to be. However, although windy and cloudy, it didn't rain.<br />
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As promised I will let you see the work I did and the flowers we chose. When Kara first came to see me, she was quite clear that she did not want formal flowers, no roses, no lillies. She liked a simple hand-tied arrangement, that looked as though it had just been picked from the garden. We were on the same wavelength straight away. Kara had been to another wedding I had done for Leigh and Stuart, and she loved the quirkiness of Leigh's wedding, all her personal touches and vintage vignettes. We were actually able to use some of Leigh's lovely quotes, which she had as table numbers, in a different way.<br />
She also knew what colours she wanted, which is a big help when planning what flowers to use. She wanted a mix of purple, blue and pink.<br />
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When I go to the wholesaler to pick up my order I always feel a little nervous and also excited about the choice of flowers, but when I go in and can pick my order out from all the others, a sense of relief floods over me. I bring them home, strip the stems and condition the flowers by placing up to their necks in buckets of water. This makes sure that the flowers get a good long drink and therefore last longer. I have to say, when I see them all in the buckets, I wish I could just place buckets around the wedding, and not arrange them at all, because they look so perfect to me as they are.<br />
I have blue hydrangea. purple delphiniums, lavender, lilac stock, pink astilbe, astrantia ,palest pink sweetpea,<br />
lilac freesia, pink peonies, blue nigella, ammi, ferns, rosemary, purple eustoma, blue agapanthus and pink gypsophila. The gardeners and flower lovers among you will know that these flowers together will create an intoxicating scent. It really did, my car smelt like heaven when I was transporting them. The only thing missing to my mind was some old-fashioned roses. I love to use flowers and leaves that smell good enough to eat.<br />
It gave me great joy as the bride was getting out of the car and her driver was getting her bouquet, that he put it to his nose and took a long breath in.<br />
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Button holes were done a little differently, and I love the simplicity of these little wreaths, made from rosemary or thyme and lavender, and finished with a little bow.<br />
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And some larger wreaths for the double doors of Mussenden temple. I had suggested moss wreaths for the doors and had shown Kara various versions, she chose the version that was slightly wild, and I just love how these look, I think they are very 'Wuthering Heights'. I used a copper wreath ring unto which I bound some hay, using reel wire, and then sheet moss, and finally Asparagus Fern, which gives it that lovely ethereal quality.<br />
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I think if you don't mind kind reader, that I will stop there for today, and show you the reception another day, it has been a very busy couple of days, I think I need an assistant, and a good sleep!<br />
I do hope you have enjoyed what you have seen so far. Thank you for visiting, and commenting, it really makes my day! With much love, Linda xflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-79224027442522256402014-06-21T12:17:00.001-07:002014-06-21T12:17:45.969-07:00Romance is not dead.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I am so excited as I am doing the flowers for a wedding next week, to be held in the most romantic building, Mussenden Temple, perched on a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with views of Downhill Strand.<br />
Built in the late 1700's by the Bishop of Derry as a summer library.<br />
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In 1996 engineers declared that it was in danger of falling into the sea and being lost forever. The National Trust took on the task of reinforcing it with iron rods to prevent further erosion.Due to damp and salty conditions the interior plaster work has all fallen off, leaving it very plain and simple.<br />
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The lovely couple who are to be married have spent many happy times here throughout their courtship, and were determined that this was the place to exchange their vows. It can be very blustery and wild, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed that they get a perfect day.<br />
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I shall do my very best to take as many photos as I can before the event, and hope that I will get a few of the bride and groom afterwards.<br />
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Hoping you all have a great weekend, love Linda x.flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-14891621152974912082014-05-26T13:29:00.000-07:002014-05-26T13:29:11.306-07:00Bank holiday day out.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen's University Belfast, designed by Charles Lanyon.</td></tr>
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We were all off work and school today and decided to get in the car and go somewhere. My favourite place to go are the beaches of Cushendall or Cushendun on the north coast, but the weather was pretty wet and dismal, so it was agreed a visit to the Ulster museum would be more agreeable.<br />
We parked nearby and walked and I couldn't resist a photograph of the university, which is such a handsome building.<br />
Entrance to the museum is free and so it is always pretty packed on high days and holidays. Some complain that it isn't very good, but I always find something to interest me.<br />
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Some lovely early delftware and creamware caught my eye today. Although Paul and Lois were more in to the stuffed animals and birds.<br />
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We ate our pic-nic in the car, some sandwiches and home made buns, washed down with flask coffee, you couldn't beat it with a big stick! Then we venture into Botanic Gardens for a mooch in the hothouse.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Palm House, designed by Charles Lanyon and built by Richard Turner of Dublin (who went on to build the great Palm House at Kew.) Built in 1800's it is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast iron greenhouse. (Pretty fancy huh!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enormous cactii and ferns. My husband just couldn't get over how small the containers were holding these giants.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was most astounded to find a lovely Frangipani tree in the greenhouse, we have always admired these on holiday in Madeira.<br />We all had a great day out and it was free! Sometimes these unplanned days can be the best.<br /><br />I hope you all had a lovely day too. Love Linda x<br /></td></tr>
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<br />flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-67826529468874134242014-05-20T18:27:00.000-07:002014-05-20T18:27:26.864-07:00Sweet old-fashioned violets.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been painting a corner cupboard for the shop, and was inspired by the way it looks to make it <br />
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very old-fashioned, by painting the inside with stripes and violets, to look like wallpaper and line the edge of the shelves with antique lace. I think it would look pretty in any room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry about the plug, I should have got rid of that!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bottom doors on these cupboards are often very flat and featureless so I added a painted line and a vintage looking tin soap sign.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little posy of mixed flowers from the garden, very fragrant with the lavender, sage and old fashioned roses.</td></tr>
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The cupboard is painted using Autentico chalk paint in Lavender. I have taken to rubbing a little essential oil on the back of cupboards or underneath drawers on old pieces, as they often have a bit of an 'old furniture' smell, which I find offensive. I would love to have had some violet oil, but lavender worked quite nicely.<br />
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I am very pleased to have found a purple poppy for my garden, after lusting after it when I saw it on Pinterest, mine is actually more of a plum colour.<br />
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Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday, with love, Linda xflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-29761932079279482062014-05-04T10:29:00.000-07:002014-05-04T10:29:10.274-07:00Before and After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My newest addition to the shop is a beautiful mahogany tilt-top breakfast table and chairs. I know some of you will be horrified that I painted them, when they are antique. The thing is, the table had been refinished badly and was a bit unloved, so I caressed it and loved it and painted it!<br />
For once in my life I actually remembered to photograph it before and after, but the quality of picture is not great...sorry!<br />
The chairs are beech, stained to like like mahogany, and although the velvet seat pads were in very good nick, I decided they needed updating and covered them in a natural linen.<br />
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Apologies for my long absence....balance, balance, I need to find you!<br />
Wishing you all a happy week ahead, with love, Linda xxflowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3304388415638240944.post-12239816275666644312014-03-23T08:42:00.000-07:002014-03-23T08:42:16.134-07:00Four Wheels On My Wagon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I'm still rolling along!</td></tr>
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So sorry for my lack of posts lately, my little booth, and workshops are taking up a lot of my time, but it's all good. I found this little cart for outside the shop to put my plants in, I painted it up and am rather pleased with it.<br />
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It may be a little early for some of these plants as it is still a little cold here, but I couldn't resist a splash of colour.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A recent view of my booth.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Spring must be in the air as I have been selling furniture at the moment, a little nest building going on.<div>
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This is my new area at the front of the shop.</div>
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<br />The furniture painting workshops are proving very popular. These were taken at our last class.</div>
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My niece had her baby a little girl called Emili Ann, she is just gorgeous, and we are all a little bit in love.</div>
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I just wanted to let you know what I've been up to. Now I am off to see what you have all been up to. I hope you all have a wonderful week, love Linda x.<br /><br /><br /></div>
flowers on my tablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134447944633072349noreply@blogger.com15