Friday 9 December 2011

Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year

I have already made one New Year resolution.  That is to do more blogging and many more photographs to go with it.  I am really bad at taking photos.  I have such lovely things in the shop and really need to show poeple and I hav'nt change the furniture on the website for so long and most of it was sold ages ago.  No business woman am I!!!
Have two absolutely gorgeous little french chairs recovered in Kate Forman red roses - which I adore.  The backs are buttoned and they are painted old white. £130 each or £250 the pair. 
Just bought a lovely oak table with readed legs which I will lime.  After Christmas! Also a pretty nursing chair.
Have some great cut glass glasses, some sets of six or some fives at very reasonable prices it you are looking for your christmas table.  Also some lovely pieces of glass ware.  Pretty little comport which will look great with baubles or flowers in.
The mantelpiece in the shop has now wilted after the opening, lasted really well so will rescure the little partridge and have in the house.
Can't wait to do the mantlepiece in the garden room, think it will be lots of moss and antlers with mercury candlesticks and tealights. 
Have a great holiday. 

Monday 28 November 2011

Garden Room open again 7th December

We had an amazing Christmas opening and just doing some sorting and opening on 7th December 10-4 as usual.

Monday 24 October 2011

Catching up????

Busy with workshops at moment, two this week and three next and then all finished until the Spring.  I can't beleive how quickly it has gone and lovely people.  Some local and lots coming a distance. Then to get ready for the Christmas opening which is November,17th 6-9 and 18th and 19th 10 -4.  Doing some ordering and also trying to fit in lots of painting.  Really pretty chairs at Ella's  - Vivienne is going to help me do egg racks, trays and some great match box covers which will make a great pressy.  I also have some great bits of furniture to paint ready just done a lovely corner table, have some pretty shelves to do.  Lots lots more.  Will be having some new cushions, lovely large tablets of french soap, fabulous candles.  Also Tina is making fantastic natural wreaths for ordering and Cathi making her lovely glass angels.
Lots to do but really exciting. 
New room - hav'nt a better name yet - almost finished.  Just bought a great large log basket from Uppingham awaiting coffee table from metal man in village - Darren.  It does look fantastic and really thrilled with it.  Wood burner great success.
Will be around on Wednesday later in the day to open shop.  Paint brush in hand. Really must stopped hitting the pics button twice!!!!!!

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Newark tomorrow

Off to Newark Antique Fair tomorrow, hoping the wind drops or there is going to be some unhappy stall holders.  You can cope with the rain but its so difficult when its so windy, things do get broken.  I am really excited as I am going to collect a pond yacht from a chap who renovates them from Hebden Bridge.  I have wanted one for years and now we have room in the garden room.  He has kindly sent me some pictures to chose from and I am hoping I have chosen right.  Also going to pick up a chair that I bought from dealers from Norfolk to go in dining room.  Lovely georgian armchair with upholstered back and seat.  Will go with our dining chairs brilliantly.
Had a very busy day in the shop today so need to find some more round tables.  You never know what you might find in Newark so really exciting. 
Two workshops done now and both really lovely days, great girls and all went away keen to get some painting done. 
Garden room almost finished need to move sofa in now and waiting for the coffee table to be finished.  Ella has worked her magic on some chairs and fabulous mirror which I have limed from Swans at Oakham.  Will take some pics and post, really thrilled with the space. 

Monday 12 September 2011

Slow Progress!!

Things are progress quite slowly but enjoying spending some time here sorting things out etc.  Have really decided I love limed oak.  Have done one or two pieces to go in our new sitting room.  Also have been madly sticking on shells!! I have repainted a lovely old pine blanket chest which we have had for many years.  The inside is covered in a Stamford newspaper from 1867.  Have painted in Hardwick White and covered in black and white shells which I am now crackling.  Can't wait to see finished.  Have now painted the outside again with the brilliant Marston paint - so easy to paint with.  Going to blitz the workshop tomorrow and start getting ready for courses.  Have some new mdf bits for students to try from The MDF Man - do try his website.  Swinderby today - it is getting better but several dealers did't come today due to weather forcast.  Can't blame them.  One poor chap had a cabinet blow over his table and smash several things.  Bought a couple of pretty tables and lovely mirrors and another pretty french chair (more work for Ella).  Will take some new photos to post tomorrow. 

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Closed this Wednesday

I am afraid I will be closed for the next few weeks due to building etc.  Have a lot of goodies to paint for the shop.  Some lovely tables, pretty shelves.  Also have Swinderby next week so possibility of some new things from there. Start workshops at the end of September so hopefully will be up and running by then. 

Monday 22 August 2011

Closed Wednesday

Unheaveal this week with having a wood burning stove fitted and needing to go through the shop.  So unfortunately will be closed this week. 

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Garden Room open tomorrow

Have been making wastebins and trays etc. for Burnham Market craft fair on Saturday.  Have had a very bored dog and a headache so will be pleased to be finished varnishing tomorrow.  Some lovely new images of wading birds, iris, columbines, roses.  Will be taking furniture as well and lamps, cushions etc.  We had an excellent day last year lovely committee organising the event and apart from an absolute downpour just as we were packing up a great day.  Well worth a visit and all those fabulous shops in Burnham. 

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Open Today

Just off to fetch milk.  Garden Room open today.  Vivienne and I here painting away trying to get goodies done for Burnham Market Fair on the 20th.  Really lovely fair right in the middle of Burnham - with all those fabulous shops as well.

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Not quite as computer literate as I think - double pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Workshop Dates

Taff, who changes things on the website, is off on hols at the moment so until he gets back to change workshop details here are the autumn dates.
Furniture Painting Workshop - Thursday, 29th September, Tuesday, 4th October, Tuesday, 18th October, Friday, 28th October and Saturday, 5th November
Painting Workshop (follow on course) - Friday, 7th October, Tuesday, 11th October, Thursday, 20th October, Tuesday, 25th October and Thursday, 3rd November.
Will be having cards printed over the next week and posting shortly but it you would like to secure a date do give me a call.  This year, reluctantly, I am having to take full payment to secure your place.  Look forward to hearing from you.

Sunday 24 July 2011

Building work!!!!!

Thought things were going too well.  Today I have had a disaster on some paint mixing and spoilt a rather large tin of expensive paint and a mirror I put up yesterday fell and broke a rather nice bowl so not a very good weekend!!  The building work which has involved the Garden Room has caused rather more disruption than I thought so certainly going to have to be closed this week. 
On a nicer note have had delivered some of Kate Forman's lovely fabrics to use in the house.  In Charlotte's bedroom I have her blue roses fabric so ordered some lovely co-ordinately fabric to make some cushions for the day bed in there.  Also some or her red roses which looks great with the red and white toile I have in the hall and stairs.  I have just repainted some pretty french chairs in a black distressed finish so will have some seat pads made and looking for another chair for the landing which can be recovered in the roses.  I have my old teddy bears sitting upstairs but Hattie took a likely to Little Ted so he is in need of repair.  They are both teddy bears that my father and aunt had so quite elderly but I love them so he will have to go to hospital. Do check out http://www.kateforman.co.uk/ fabulous. 
Lynne, who has the lovely fabric stall on Stamford Market is going to make them and bringing the Cabbages and Roses sample book to have a look through.
Not sure why I have 2 pictures the same.  I will get to grips with this one day??  These are stunning lamps, lovely weather limed wood.

Monday 18 July 2011

May not be able to open on Wednesday!!

Richard has made a large hole in the shop wall to house the woodburning stove and inevitably there is a lot of dust.  Not sure will get clear in time so do give me a call if you where coming this way on Wednesday.  May have to give it a miss this week.  Sorry.

Sunday 17 July 2011

Will be open on Wednesday

Thoroughly inspired by my few days in Norfolk.  Really would love to live by the sea - my cancerian traits coming out and a family history of all things sea!!  Went to a lovely shop in Thornham - all sorts of nice things to buy.  Bought another interior book for the workshop for you painting girls to have a look through. Always such a good way when you are re-thinking a room scheme to have a good look through magazines and books it really makes you look at things in a different way.  Had a day in Holt which I love.  Had some birthday money so treated myself to a fabulous jug from A&J Young pottery.  Fabulous shop and I first bought some of their pottery over 20 years ago when I saw them at the Country Living Fair and I still love it.
Windows etc. now in place in the new garden room so hoping to start painting this week.  Think I am going to have Elephants Breath on the doors and windows inside to continue the colours from the kitchen etc. I do so love Farrow & Ball and the new estate eggshell is so easy to use (and no smell).
Shop in Thornham is The Blue Studio - Jo Griffiths - http://www.coastandcountryhome.co.uk/.  do give her a call if you are down there this summer.

Monday 11 July 2011

Garden Room not open this Wednesday

Having a very girly few days in Norfolk.  Hoping to do lots of shopping and walking on the beach, with tea and cakes definitely!!

Tuesday 28 June 2011

Open tomorrow

I am here tomorrow and the Garden Room will be open.  Hoping that the rain will stay away and intend to get some of the garden furniture painted.  Very boring but they do need smartening up.  After lots of disappointment with Farrow & Ball exterior paint I now have found Marston paint.  They have brilliant colours, really easy to use and lasts ages. Gradually catching up with the garden, it has looked very unruly for the last few weeks.  The roses have been fantastic and I am sure there is less black spot this year, whether that is due to the cold winter.  The clematis are lovely at the moment and stocks smelling wonderful. 

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Garden Room closed today

Sorry, but closed today, off to Wimbledon.  Will be in the garden the rest of the week, trying to catch up so do give me a call and pop in.

Thursday 9 June 2011

Newark withdrawal symptoms!!!!!

Did'nt go to Lincoln or Newark antique fairs this week so having withdrawal symptoms.  There is always that feeling that you have missed some absolutely exciting treasure.  I decided I had some rather nice things in the store which need painting for The Garden Room so would'nt go this time.  I have a great children's double desk with matching chairs to do and also a vintage high chair which will look brilliant.  Several really nice shaped tables and I think, a nice oak one which will strip and lime as I have sold the other pieces.  I think it is a fabulous look with a painted base and limed top.  Have some lovely cushions made from old french tea towels and linen which are waiting for me to put the old buttons on. 
Went over to the Herb Nursery at Thistleton this afternoon.  What a lovely calm quite place.  Super plants and herbs and just a nice place to be on a summer afternoon.
Ella is upholstering a lovely french chair for our bedroom and a curved stool.  I have chosen a faded mauve and off white check from Chelsea Textiles.  If you are not familiar with their shop in Walton Street it is well worth a visit.  Apart from exquisite embroidered fabrics and cushion the actual shop is divine with dragged panelling and aged and antique finishes.  I have some extra fabric to do some things for the shop, possibly a chair and some cushions.

Saturday 4 June 2011

workshop enquiry problem

I have had an enquiry from a Mandy who would like to join friends on a workshop in June.  Unfortunately she mentions having trouble with my website and I have tried to email back but my messages keep getting returned.  I presume there is a problem with her computer so am posting this just incase you look on here Mandy or one of your friends and you could probably give me a call on 01778 570952?

Tuesday 31 May 2011

Garden Room closed tomorrow

Unfortunately not open tomorrow as off on a garden trip and also some electrical work being done. 

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Open tomorrow

I am open in the Garden Room tomorrow.  Will be here painting with the coffee pot on so do call.  Just polishing a fabulous pestle and mortor(not sure of the spelling of that one!!!) that I bought at Swinderby yesterday.  Despite wind blowing and rain (did'nt seem to rain anywhere else) got a few treasures.  Went totally inappropriately dressed in sneakers and linen.  My dear friend who I go to the fairs with, Elizabeth, whose knowledge on antiques is endless purchased some plastic ponchos sometime ago for such occasions, I looked very glam, but was very grateful.

Monday 2 May 2011

Spring Fair at Irnham

We have had a weeks holiday in the sun, although I think it was probably hotter here, but wonderful to be able to sit and read umpteem books, lots of walking and not to have to worry about what to eat that evening, bliss!! 
We now have a new member of the family, Hattie, very cute, lots of puddles.  Also builders have been going mad and we now have part of a garden room, really exciting, already planning colours and furniture. 
The Garden Room won't be open this week as I am having a stall at Irnham Spring Fair.  Wednesday, and Thursday this week, open 10 - 4.30.  If you hav'nt been to the fair before it is lovely, set in beautiful grounds, all sorts of stalls, gardening, clothes, jewellery and interiors.  Wonderful food served, a lovely day out with girl friends.

Thursday 14 April 2011

The Garden Room will be closed for the day next Wednesday.  Sorry for any inconvience and look forward to seeing you soon. 

Sunday 10 April 2011

Pretty ladies writing desk

A few weeks ago I had a little time to have fun with some new colours and ideas for some of the furniture which was waiting to be painted.  I so enjoyed painting this little bureau.  It is black with some gilding showing through where it is distressed with this fabulous pink interior, it is such a pretty small piece.  The other desk I have painted in one of my favourite colours 'Stoney Ground and decoupaged some lovely birds on the front, the inside is painted 'Light Blue'. Started workshops in earnest last week.  Weather was so perfect and such a lovely group of girls it was great to get back in the swing again.  Vivienne was fantastic help and made a fabulous apricot and almond tart for our lunch, what a treat.  Two workshops this week, one with past students bringing furniture to paint and the other on Thursday, a new group.
The Garden Room will be open on Wednesday.  Gary and Steve the builders are starting tomorrow on the new project so could be an interesting week, lots going on.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Opening tomorrow

I will be open tomorrow but have to make a trip into Bourne about 10.15 - 11am to take my mother for a doctors appointment.  Excellent, but freezing cold day at the Lincolnshire Antique Fair yesterday.  I was looking for some french chairs which I managed to find.  A pretty little desk and several Vernon Ward prints which will look lovely when I have sorted their frames.  A lovely little bamboo effect french mirror - have to decide whether to paint or not?

Tuesday 29 March 2011

Garden Room open tomorrow

Will be open tomorrow opening packages of new stock.  Lovely silvered lampbases and mirrors.  Hope to see you tomorrow. 

Thursday 24 March 2011

Rest Day!!!!!

Had an unusual day doing very little!  Most of commission work now complete with workshops starting shortly.  Had a brilliant sort out in the workshop, clearly tins of paint with 1/2 in the bottom, box of things for the charity shop, new flooring etc.  can't wait to get started again and meet you all and catch up with previous students. Looking forward to doing some work in the garden, how long will this sunshine last? 
Meeting with builders today, Gary and Steve, the only builders I know who listen to Radio 4, starting garden room at the back in 2 weeks time.  Going to be interesting!  Builders, puppy, and workshops? 
Going to Country Living Fair tomorrow.  Always think it is so fantastic, lots of talented, interesting people doing different things.  Hav'nt been to the last 2 fairs due to work commitments so really looking forward to it.  Will report back.
Don't you just love toile fabric.  Workshops now mainly booked so will look in diary for a couple more dates.  Also having delivery of some new lamps and mirrors on Monday so will take some photos to post.  Have a good weekend.

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Big sort out in workshop!!!!!!

After the flood/burst pipe at Christmas we lost the coir matting in the workshop so the time has come to rethink with courses imminent.  Have spent the day with my dear friend  Cathi laying a laminate floor - me being more the labourer and Cathi  with the saw!!!! It looks brilliant, some finishing tomorrow with a quick burst at the auctions. I do keep an awful lot of rubbish probably this will spur me on to have a good clear out, need to do a car boot but no idea which one to do?
Workshops almost booked now but am probably going to do another day on 27th May. Still have a few spaces on the 2nd workshop (where you bring a piece of furniture).  Don't delay. 

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Sunday 27 February 2011

New ideas??

Hoping to try a few new ideas this week on some nice pieces of furniture I have.  I have a lovely small bureau and rather than doing a distressed paint finish I think I am going to do some decoupage and ageing crackle glaze.  I have a lovely book a friend has given me with beautiful images of birds in  which I am itching to try.  I have a pair of lamps that I would like to do something botanical on?  Its unusual for me to have time to experiment but we all need to try different ideas and move forward so I will thoroughly enjoy myself!!! Thought you might like to see a desk I have recently finished with a fabulous bright turquoise paint and a black distressed top with antique gold and pewter showing through, looks great.

How do you choose?????????????

Tuesday 22 February 2011

Opening tomorrow

I will be here tomorrow painting so the Garden Room will be open from 10am - 4pm. 

Monday 21 February 2011

Farrow & Ball's New Colours

How sad to be so excited about new paint colours!!!!! Can't wait to try Mizzle a fabulous looking grey/blue probably lighter than Blue Grey, will look great.  Two lovely grey/lilacs one Calluna and a darker Brassica, could look very smart and very french.  As I adore Charleston Grey and Elephant's Breath they have brought in another colour Dove Tale which I can't wait to use.

Friday 18 February 2011

Puppies!!!!!

The puppies were born yesterday, she had 7, what a clever girl and on the day they were due.  5 little girls and 2 boys.  We may be heading to the Midlands this weekend!!

Tuesday 15 February 2011

Painting, painting, painting!!!

Decided this week I would resist the temptation to go to the auctions as I really need to get down to some serious painting.  I have some lovely pieces to paint so Radio 4, sun shining in the window and coffee pot on, bliss.  Sent the new workshop dates out yesterday, hope you like the new design card, Gary did good.  Excitement this week, a lady who breeds cocker spaniels has one of her little ladies having a litter this week, due on Edward's birthday so if she has a little girl we will be heading for Mansfield to have a look.  Millie was such a special person its hard to think of another spaniel in our home.
Have a lovely Geogian oak drop leaf table in the shop at the moment.  I have stripped and limed the top and painted the base in Farrow & Ball Hardwick White.  I love this combination of wooden top with painted base and would make a great kitchen table. 
Shop will be open tomorrow but I might not be here but Cathi and Vivienne will be holding the fort.

Monday 7 February 2011

Spring re-opening of The Garden Room

Great to be opening on Wednesday again.  Been a busy time finding new goodies and painting some new pieces of furniture and have had a lovely time changing things round and displaying with spring flowers and bulbs.  I went to Lincoln and Newark fairs last week, wet at Lincoln thought I would end up on my bottom as did'nt go in wellies and then freezing wind at Newark but they were both brilliant.  Found some new dealers.  Lady selling lovely french toiles in really soft colours which will make great cushions and chair seats.  Chap with great selection of 50's paisley quilts which I will follow up.  Have bought a couple of stunning limed oak lampbases. 
Do come along and have a look, coffee pot will be on!!!

Sunday 30 January 2011

A Better Weekend

Much happier weekend, still missing Millie but alot more fruitful.  Been playing in the garden room styling to take some photos for the website and for new cards for workshop dates. 

I love spring flowers we have a lonicera near the back door that smells divine and spring bulbs look brilliant in old containers, galvanised buckets for outside and jelly moulds for the windowsill. 

Been painting some new furniture for the shop this week, a lovely regency chest of drawers in Hardwick White, an elegant detailed standard lamp and Ella has just reupholstered two pretty chairs one in a grey check the other in Sarah Hardacker's fabulous paisley linen.  So exciting to be setting the room up again!

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Millie


Really been a very grim couple of week as our dear Millie has been so poorly and died on Friday evening at the vet. hospital at Newmarket.  She was such a darling I miss her dreadfully. She had her basket in the workshop as well as the house so was with me whilst I was painting always with an eye on me just checking if it was time for that walk.  Hence painting has taken a back seat but hoping to get the Garden Room sorted for next week. It was the lovely decorative fair at Battersea last week but missed it this time, Lincoln and Newark fairs next week so hoping to find some new treasures.  Did'nt make the December fairs due to the snow so can't wait, the freezing blast of cold wind and early start does'nt deter its such great fun!!!! Never know what you're going to find.

Monday 17 January 2011

The Garden Room



Hi just to keep you updated on opening times for the Garden Room.  I think we will be closed until the end of the month. Unfortunately, Millie, our spaniel is very poorly so painting has been far from my mind this week.  I know alot of you know our Millie from workshop days so will keep you posted.  Really need to gets some pics on this blog so must start taking my camera with me.

Sunday 2 January 2011

Happy New Year


Hope you all had a brilliant Christmas and New Year and very best wishes for health and happiness for the coming year.

Just to keep you updated on the Garden Room, I will be closed this week as unfortunately we had a burst pipe in the workshop on christmas eve so we had to do some quick shifting of furniture etc. and then had a fantastic new years eve party in the shop!!!! Loads of greenery, lichen covered branches and candles everywhere set the scene for a great night.  We found 'spotify' in the summer so any excuse to play, it brings out the Disco Queen in me!!!!

Lots of great pieces of furniture to paint - picking up a fab dresser to do next week and pretty dressing table.  Also have a lovely georgian chest of drawers to do.  Excited about trying some new colours and a few new techniques.  Farrow & Ball are bringing some new colours out in early Feb. As you know I adore their muted off whites etc. but I think we might be looking at some brighter colours in our schemes in future, some bright rusty oranges or a splash of a bright turquoise even its a flash of colour inside a cupboard or drawer.  How brilliant it is that we can have a play with these colours with paint and don't have invest a huge amount. 
As soon as I have some painting done will put some pictures on the website and on here.

The Garden Room will be open in a couple of weeks with new goodies and some sale pieces do come and have a look, just give me a call. 

Hester