Thursday Theme: Bloomin' Flowers

Thursday Theme: Bloomin’ Flowers

I love this time of year..... Ok so it’s not as sunny or hot as I want yet! But there is still plenty of time for that lovely weather to come upon us.

But what I really love is true evidence of new growth and life springing up, and after a very long and cold winter it is somewhat a spectacular sight see a lush red tulip bopping about, the yellow daffodils sun gazing and my favourite the bluebells carpeting our woodlands.

Just the other day while walking the dogs in the woods, the bluebells were happily dancing in the wind.

This particular beautiful English wild flower and was first introduced to me when I was back home (Australia) in the sun reading the book ‘I Capture the Castle’ by Dodie Smith.

Bluebells was mentioned throughout the book and I was intrigued to catch a glimpse of their true beauty and scent, however I never knew at that time that my life’s pathway would lead me here, to the beautiful UK.

So my Thursday theme is all things floral, handmade or vintage.......

Starting off with crocheted floral brooches...

Made with Vintage buttons or Czech glass and they are £7 each.

https://www.facebook.com/UpcycleRecycleMakeDoMend?fref=ts

Water Colour painting by Cherry Tree Handmade:

 Watercolour and ink drawings of dandelions and daisies 5 inches x 5 inches. £12.50 with FREE postage in the UK  

https://www.facebook.com/cherrytreemakes

Perfect for a summer wedding floral handbag and good luck Horse shoe by Blue Lily Vintage:
 

Blue Lily Vintage lovingly hand made goods; from cushions, handbags and home decorations to hand crafted vintage wedding horse shoes and gifts.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BlueLilyVintage 
Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueLilyVintage

If you know me well I love Vintage Tea cups- This collection is from Finer China.....

Finer China FB page 

And finally some floral fancy from forage in the form of Vintage fabric wall hangings.

 

1960's fabric wall hangings- purchase here

1950's Vintage Fabric wall hanging- purchase here

Pop a visit to our Facebook Page to see regualr updates.

What is your favourite English flower???

Friday Feature: Finer China

Friday  Feature

Friday feature is where we get a chance to find out that little bit more about a small business and the people behind it, this week’s feature is Finer China.

What is your business name and give a brief description of your business?

Finer China is a vintage china hire service & sales based in Swansea South Wales, which is a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Gower coastline

What inspired you to start your business?

After being given a vintage tea set for a gift I fell in love with it and started out collecting and selling vintage china on EBay, A friend suggested hiring my growing collection so after much thought and ifs and buts I took the plunge and haven't looked back.

How do you continue to have passion during slow periods?

It's hard not to feel deflated during quiet times but I keep just keep at it by improving on our website and constant networking.

Where do you sell your products?

I sell mainly online via Facebook & ETSY. Offline I sell in a local garden centre and attend craft and vintage fairs in and around Swansea.

What do you enjoy the most about your work?

I love the networking and meeting like minded people online who share a similar passion for anything vintage. The best part for me is finding that special piece of china.

How long have you been running your own business?

Finer china is coming up to its first year but I've been selling online for many years via eBay or websites.

What are your contact details and where people can find you?

You can contact us via email or phone (07724854307)  info@finer-china.com.
We are active on Facebook / Twitter / Etsy/ Online store

and can also be contacted via the message tabs on either site.

What do you do for fun- when not running your business?

I enjoy a glass of Baileys, a nice meal cooked by hubby and spending quality time with my family.

Biography

Tracy was born in London to an American Father and Welsh Mother. By the age of 8 months had travelled, lived in Utah and Las Vegas finally settling in Wales where she has now been for most of her life.

She began her career as a social carer but found out she was expecting and gave up her career prospects to bring up a child as a single mum. She later married and had another child and in 1999 she and her husband bought their first home together. It was a very proud moment.

In 2007 a family crisis meant that she had to move from the home she loved. However with a little bit of a windfall she bought a new computer and plunged into the internet world. It was here she discovered eBay and online selling and began like most of us by selling unwanted gifts and household items.

The internet had opened up a new world for her and soon she was building websites in which to sell her wares. Very quickly she plunged into the wonderful vintage scene and now hires and sells vintage china to customers worldwide.

Thursday Theme: Upcycling Day's

You all probably know by now we are big fans of Upcycling, reusing and recycling......

Thursday Theme is all about transformation of something old into something new and like all Thursday Theme Blogs I will be showing wares from small home business.

Here is a great way of recycling!

The above image is by a small business and appropriatley named Upcycle, Recycle, Make Do, Mend.

They have fabulous range of products that were once un-loved/un-used and unpractical items then reignited with a little love and care they are transformed into beautiful products worth displaying for all to see. Just check out her drift wood collection. The wood is appropriately dried, treated and waxed ready for safe use within the home.

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Amazing Recycled Jewellery by Sara Lou's handmade Jewellery.

Items can be purchased here http://www.slhjewellery.com/

FB page

Top left: Paper butterfly earrings - £6

Top right : Necklace made from old watch parts - £18

Bottom left: Necklace made from pages of magazine - £16

Bottom Right: Paper Pandora bead made from an old map - £2 

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For all you book lovers-  upcyled/re purposed books! 

Could be used as a beautiful decor piece for wedding or for a homely home.

To purchase visit DoryLindaDesigns Etsy page http://www.etsy.com/shop/DoryLindaDesigns 

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1VintageLady has created these upcycled vintage style tea cosies, made from original vintage patterns, and decorated with actual vintage costume jewellery and/or buttons. 

Made to order in any colour/s. 

Each unique as different jewellery/buttons used each time.

Cost approximately £16, depending on yarn, colour and jewellery used.

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This card is vintage inspired and created from an original wedding card circa 1950. 'Wedding cards seemed to have been much more vibrant in colour than those which are currently in vogue. Dare to be different'  Buy here

Paper and Clay Creationz FB page

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All That Jazz Mcr have transformed broken vintage china into beautiful coaster's. 

£5 plus p&p. 

And dribble bibs made from vintage and re-purposed materials. 

These bibs are a newborn size can be made to 18 months.

£5.00 Plus p&p

Visit All That Jazz Etsy store

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We here at Forage headquarters love finding scraps and making beautiful new items, for example our leather accessories are all made from scrap bits of leather.

Purchase here

Also a fan of vintage and reusing- we have now created some new wall art/hangings from vintage fabric.

Purchase here

And as most of you aware our entire River Treasure's Collection are found Victorian pottery made into unique staement piece of jewellery.

There is nothing like having something old with a story and life before we new it, transformed into something new and living again.