Sunday 29 April 2012

Some more decoupaged clocks and other things!!

So this is a collection of unloveds waiting for a makover!  The one on the right turned into my round the world clock as seen in an earlier post.  I am currently deciding what to do with the  tall one on the right- just waiting to find the right book/paper/ 
So this one I forgot to photograph before I took the ugly finials off it and replaced the face but gives you an idea of starting condition- the finished result is a bit further on in this post....

This large china cheese cover has been hanging around for ages waiting for the right paper to come along- I often find this actually.  I have an idea how I would like it to look and eventually it all works out!  So this lovely is very chipped and has lots of crazing and hairline cracks- I used the paper napkin technique to cover these blemishes and then lashings of varnish to cover and protect.  I really love it!


This was my first paper napkin decoupage project- an old sewing machine drawer.  I really love peacock design and this was so handy on the coffee table.  I painted the inside of the drawer with Annie Sloan and distressed it.

Here is my peacock beauty!  Such a change from the black one earlier.  

I added a lovely vintage style image to the inside.

I used Distress Ink to add an aged effect which I think really enhances this clock.



This little lovely is so rich and vintage looking  Again using paper napkin technique.  I really love using paper napkins, it is a challenge but there are so many lovely napkins to choose from and I love the texture they give.


And then there was this one!  I love this one again in peacock- I had to replace the movement and really overhaul this clock.  So far the sewing machine drawer, the large peacock clock the one above have sold on my Folksy shop- Houseofffion!  I do hope that the new owners are happy with their purchases as I love all my clocks.  What do you think?  Also I am always on the look out for vintage/old lovely new papers/images to use on my clocks, and always on the look out for clocks wanting a makeover! 

Monday 2 April 2012

Spring Time at Pratts Patch!

Coal bunker and log store designed and made by Gary - they are brilliant and I am so pleased with them!

Spring flowers






Well spring seems to have sprung and April is here!  We have been starting on the veggie patch once more rotating crops and planting more of what we like and were successful with last year.  Also protecting our valuable crops from our wild neighbours such as birds, mice, butterflies and others!

Tomatoes, cherry and ordinary planted.

Lettuce and salad leaves planted.

Celeriac ready to pull, rhubarb at the back with blueberries in raised trough.

Raspberry canes, gooseberry bushes, shallots in bed.


We have also extended the plot to include a trough on the  outer edge where we will plant carrots.  We are going with the plant as much as you can - do not follow spacing rules just go for it!!  Also co-planting, that is if there is a space put something in it!
Gary is also constructing the defence cages, so will post pics of these when finished.  Our poor gooseberries are always attacked by caterpillars a bit later in the year making them look so awful so we intent trying to protect them this year.  Mice have competed with me to eat our strawberries so will see if our defence strategy works this year.

We are planning on planting courgette again this year, potatoes in sacks, mange tout, dwarf beans , salad, parsnip and anything else we can fit in!