Archive | May, 2012

Moving and improving

24 May

Creativity has had to make way for practicality these past couple of weeks. We’re moving house – or at least that’s the plan – and so my life has become a stifling spiral of paperwork and phone calls and decluttering and nervous nail chewing.

I did, however, manage to make it along to my first car boot sale of the season on Sunday morning. Yes, they run all year round {although only for the hardcore}, but this first trip marked a welcome return to some serious treasure hunting in the sunshine.

I had a particular eye out for picture frames, and although I always hope for the odd unexpectedly random discovery I also like to have a plan in mind. These three frames are perfect examples of what makes a great starting point for revamping. Texture or detail will always be brought to life by a lick of paint. It doesn’t matter what colour or material the frame is to start with, good paint {and you know I love Annie Sloan} will cover any surface and imperfection. Come back soon to see this trio’s transformation.

I also couldn’t resist this pretty pressed glass cake stand. Purchased for a tidy little sum, and destined for a life displaying delicious mountains of cupcakes!

This weekend’s adventures will include a trip to Tweseldown Artisan Market {details here}.  It’s a brand new monthly event in my area showcasing local makers, bakers, creatives and crafters. With vintage stalls and retro sellers promised too it sounds right up my street. And perhaps yours too?

Free ‘Spirit of Summer’ tickets

13 May

I’m always on the hunt for inspiration. Whether it’s online, in magazines, at the shops or at other people’s houses, I love snooping around and discovering interesting ideas that give me my own starburst moments.

One of the most bountiful places for brainstorming is a show or exhibition. Last weekend I visited the Vintage Fair at the Maltings in Farnham. Stacked full of an assortment of eras and idiosyncracies, but with each stall setting out its own style, it was a real lesson in the importance of identity. ‘Vintage’ has become a catch-all term, but can mean so many different things.

On Friday, I received an invitation to the Spirit of Summer Fair 2012, in association with House & Garden. Running over four days from the 16th-19th May at Olympia, you can find out more about it here. Covering new trends for summer 2012 and creative ideas for indoors, outdoors and pure unadulterated indulgence, it sounds like a handpicked heaven of lovely things.

Here are some of the highlights that have already caught my eye…

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White Cloud wool bedding {www.whitecloud.co.uk}

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Cissy Cook Designs {www.cissycook designs.co.uk}

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Sophie Allport {www.sophieallport.com}

If you fancy a trip along, Spirit of Summer is offering one Create Vintage follower a free pair of tickets for any of the days of the show. Just email your name and phone number along with which day you’d like to attend to Samantha@smithandmonger.com by 12pm on Tuesday 15th May, stating ‘CreateVintage competition’ in the subject line. One entry will be selected at random when the competition closes.

Good luck – just don’t blame me if your bank balance takes a bruising!

All in the detail

3 May

The view from Calcot Manor’s ‘Trim Trail’

Just back from a couple of gorgeously relaxing and recharging days away in the Cotswolds. Feel utterly revived by a spell soaking up the Great Outdoors {in a steamy, rainswept hot tub, no less}. But also exhilarated by some great indoors inspiration too.

Highlights included a rather wet wander around the pretty antique-stacked town of Tetbury, spa treatments at the divine Calcot Manor, and a spot of chill time and pub grub at The Rectory hotel and The Potting Shed pub, near Malmesbury.

Don’t you just love the décor details that exclusive little hotels do effortlessly? Both our destinations excelled at the right kind of homely touch that succeeded in settling us in with a very contented sigh. Here are some snaps of my favourite features…

Unusual, but gorgeous French-style sofa / bench tucked in a corridor at Calcot Manor

Oriental-style birds painted on canvas. Stunning!

Lovely desk chair in the Gatcombe suite at Calcot Manor

Good hotel bedlinen – can’t beat it! This creamy monogrammed pillow is just so pretty.

Door handles and tassles at Calcot Manor

Couldn’t resist a pitstop in this comfy-looking armchair at our second destination, The Rectory at Crudwell.

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