Refinished large antique wood frame

When I bought this wooden frame it was in its natural state and came complete with a  photograph of a rather serious looking gentleman, possibly a local Maire. 
I have brought it up to date with a modern paint finish -  Farrow Ball Pointing - but it still retains all its original character, even the old woodworm holes to prove authenticity!
The carved bow at the top is typical of the 1920's romantic era and this style is much copied today. How much nicer to have the real thing with original glass. If not used to house a photograph it could easily be made into a mirror, perfect for a bedroom.

Vintage cushions

I would like to share these gorgeous cushions with you all. Crafted by my friend Annie with some of my beautiful French vintage fabrics - ticking stripes and romantic florals. Annie combines traditional textiles in a unique way to produce original designs with a personal touch. She sells through small boutiques and will make to order.

Frappez Chiens Dangereux

I was delighted to receive this photo from a happy client. She was getting a Cocker Spaniel "Rum Truffle", a 7-year old chocolate Liver Roan. Not dangerous but a good companion for her other sign 'Chien Bizarre'! 

“When fate hands you a lemon, make lemonade.”

As Dale Carnegie rightly said we should make the best use of what we have...

At a local brocante last week an elderly gentleman had set up a modest stall selling some of his home grown produce - leeks ( as always), onions and these incredible lemons. Complete with leaves and stalks ( and very spiky thorns) he told me how he had brought the potted up lemon trees indoors in the autumn and let the fruits develop in his lean to. They were without doubt a taste sensation - putting the scrawny, waxed supermarket lemon to shame. Plump, juicy and with a tropical aroma that filled the room - just as nature intended. I did get a little carried away and bought 4 kilos of them but just the sight of them in the fruit bowl was enough to send the winter blues packing.

So, what did I do when fate handed me lemons? Why, made lemonade of course!

Gin and tonic anyone?

Is it a trunk or is it a coffee table?

                Well, it's both and it could also be a blanket box of course.

These old trunks are capacious enough to store magazines, books and toys and look very stylish as coffee tables. This one is extra large in size and character with it's sepia coloured outer with chunky leather handles either side. My husband who has lovingly restored it, describes it as 'a real corker' and now it would sit comfortably in any room. See more photos at Chateau Chic Direct

Find of the week! Beautiful vintage wallpapers...

I found these gorgeous original 1930's wallpapers at a fair last week and have been thinking of reasons to keep them ( of which there are many!). They would be perfect for covering notebooks and boxes but would look stunning  set within frames or used to cover canvases. 

The paint has a matt,chalky finish and as they are hand printed the paper takes on a unique layered, almost 3D effect. The bouquet design is by Paul Gruin who work is archived in the Victoria and Albert Museum collections.

Twinkle, twinkle...

I bought 2 delicious cage chandeliers this week. Dripping in beautiful twinkly drops they bring drama and romance to a room. Although not an identical pair, they make perfect partners.
   

This fabulous photo app takes us back a hundred years!