All change in 2014

I can't keep apologizing for my lack of blogging, it was a New Year resolution that I would remedy that and keep everyone upto date with whats going on here, promise.

2013 was a brilliant year in the Garden Room.  We had a fantastic spring fair, despite the cold weather and the same in November, Christmas fair, think the weather was only slightly colder than in May!!!  Thank you all for supporting us.  We have developed into a great bunch and work together really well and think compliment each other's businesses.  It's also an opportunity to raise some charity money and you are so generous, thank you.
We have lots of new plans for this year.  Not sure when we will ever stop thinking of new projects?  I have decided not to do workshops this year.  I can't believe I have been doing them for so long.  I have met so many lovely people over the years and some have become friends.  I am sure I will miss it but  probably time to have a change. I will turn the shop into my workshop and leave Richard the garage so he can fulfill a dream of having another classic sports car (did have a MGA years ago), managed to wrap it around a give way sign!!
We are, at the moment, redecorating and refitting my mother's house ready to sell this spring.  Taking far longer than we hoped but getting there.  Then we have decided to renovate the little chapel that sits in the front garden.  It is a lovely building, small, with a balcony on both sides, but is damp and needs a lot of tlc  and listed so we are limited as to what we can alter.  We are going to move the Garden Room into there.  It will give more room and opportunities and know it can look fabulous.  New wooden floor, lots of new lighting, and lots of Farrow & Ball magic.  We are going to ask for permission to put a door in the side from the garden. 

 We are aiming to open, probably twice a week, and Tina, who does the amazing wreaths and plants, I am hoping, is going to be here with fresh flowers and plants, those lovely seasonal bunches that we don't seem to be able to get around here.  All really exciting but lots of work to do before then.
We are also in the process of buying a little cottage in Norfolk.  Listed, traditional, we can use as it is but can't wait to do what Richard calls 'a Hester' on it.  Think I have planned every room in my head, all a mix of French, Swedish and New England?  Might do a separate blog when we start the work.
The Garden Room is looking lovely after a refresh from before Christmas, do give me a call if you would like to have a browse. 

Antique fairs

Back into antique fair hunting again.  Swinderby was a bit disappointing the other week.  Always at this time of year there are dealers missing with holidays etc. but it just wasn't quite as good.  I did manage to buy a couple of piece of furniture but little else.  Lincoln this week, which I hadn't been to for probably 18 months.  Really enjoyed it and certainly will be going back again.  It is so easy to collect, unlike Newark, and some good dealers.  Bought a very pretty little side table/desk, will get painted for the shop next week.  One or two more of ' spotty jugs' which go so well.  A collection of small antlers which I can't get enough of.  Some I will paint their bases.  They do look stunning in groups of 3/5/7. 
Had a blitz in the shop on Saturday.  It was completely upside down and really didn't know where to start but looks brilliant again, Lots of lovely things.  New bits of furniture and accessories I am gradually painting and putting in there.
Having a bit of a party this week so will enjoy playing with the tables and flowers, don't enjoy the cooking quite so much but its always different cooking for friends than everyday cooking so looking through my books for ideas. 
Newark next week.  Looking for some more French window mirrors, lamp bases and shades. 
Returners workshops fully booked now but have some spaces for new students on the last two dates.
Had lovely feed back from the English Home feature, many thanks for all the messages.
 

Summer and catching up

It has been so long since I posted anything on here and am feeling very guilty.  It has really been quite a year. 
Spring workshops were buzzing and having a job to fit everyone in and enjoyable as ever with some lovely new students.  Richard had done a brilliant job of putting a ceiling in the workshop and we then had new lighting fitted.  It has made such a difference to the temperature and the light.  We had a fantastic spring opening in May.  Kath, Lyn, Tina and Cathi joined us and we had loads of help from Vivienne, Elizabeth, Di, Karen and Trish, I was so grateful.  The weather wasn't brilliant but so many people turned out and bought so much and were so generous and we raised £700 to be split between St. Barnabas Hospice and Marie Curie. 
I was exhausted when we had finished but we were off for a sailing holiday in Turkey and that really re-charged my batteries and I must admit I have had several weeks off since and enjoyed this wonderful weather. 
As you probably will have seen I have a new fabulous website designed by Ade Rowbottom and photographs by his lovely wife Rachael Smith.  If you are looking to have any promotional work done do contact this talented couple.  We are so lucky to have them living so near. 
Rachael also did a photoshoot on the house before Christmas and it is in The English Home this month (September issue)  Even on the front page, can't believe it is our home!!  It is so lovely as this is one of my all time favourite magazines. 
I have also added furniture for sale from the showroom on the website now so do have a browse.
There is still some availability on the autumn painting workshops but most of the follow on days have now gone.

New furniture for The Garden Room

It is lovely to be painting again.  I have been doing a large cupboard on chest for a really great dining room.  Painted and very distressed in Charleston Grey and the base of the large dining table the same.  The top of the table is fabulously weathered and grey.  Amazing curtain fabric with a dull turquoise and orange in it so we have done the chairs in these colours.   Great to do something different.
Lots of commission work to catch up with but just done a couple of chest of drawers for the shop.  One fabulous oak chest which I have stripped and limed.  Photo below.  Also doing a oak table the same. The Garden Room starting to look more like spring.  I have some beautiful long stems of faux magnolia, look so good.  Start doing auctions again as, even though lots of stock at the moment, can't miss that bargain!!!
I have some lovely mirrors of all shapes and sizes.
Home &Antiques have featured the workshops in their great articles on Courses for 2013.  I do love their magazine, they feature fabulous homes and you always learn something and its so great for dates and venues of antique fairs and shows.
I have another pair of hands now, hubby taken early retirement, sanding my furniture, its brilliant and saves me such alot of hard work.
Course dates now on the website and I have sorted out dates for the follow on course so do give me a call if you want to come along as be a few days before I get the cards printed and sent out.  Always a rush for these as can only take 5 of you at a time due to space.  Happy painting.

Catching Up

Hi to you all.  It has been so long since I posted anything on here.  It has been a complicated time.  We were really busy with workshops and had some absolutely lovely days.  Weather was'nt on our side and it was wet on quite a few of the days but then it was like that during the spring workshops.  We had a lovely girl called Anna Tobin who came to assess the course for Homes and Antiques magazine and we will be in the next issue under 'Courses for 2013.  So exciting I love the magazine.
Have also had the house photographed by a fabulous photographer called Rachael Smith, do look at her website, the photographs are amazing, and when she showed me them I really thought 'is this my home' Think they are going in The English Home next year, not sure when, another magazine that I think is so good.
Then it was time to get ready for the Christmas Opening and found some fabulous things.  Restocked from Thornback and Peel and gorgeous soaps from Fickkets, all british made.  The girls were ready to come with their stall so it was with such regret that I had to cancel as my Mum became very poorly and sadly died.  I am sure some of you will remember her from previous open days and also her wonderful cakes on workshop days.  I really hope no one had a wasted journey, I tried to get around everyone with phone calls, letters and emails so I do apologise if anyone was inconvenienced.
I have sorted out the shop again now so if anyone wants to pop along for some christmas shopping do give me call. If anyone is looking for an amazing christmas wreath Tina Lovesey does fabulous ones with all fresh greenery etc.  just so different.  Her number is 01778 393068.  Also if you are looking for jewellery and remember Kate's fabulous selection at the summer fair just click onto www.katiane.co.uk.  Lyn has such a great selection of fabrics, all so tempting, find her on Stamford or Newark markets or give her a call on 07961 154948.
We will do a Spring Fair so watch this space. 
I have 2 super nursing chairs covered in Cabbages and Roses fabric and also just waiting for Ella to finish off 2 french armchairs covered in a dark grey/blue linen, fabulous.
Think next year will be a busy time as I have so many pieces of furniture that I can't wait to paint.

Very best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year. 

Summer catch up

Hi, I have to apologise for not writing on the blog for so long.  It has been a very sad time as a very dear friend of mine has died.  She was the most lovely person, funny, selfless, kind and warm and I miss her dreadfully.
The last time I posted on here we had been to France and since then I have been with family to Norfolk.  We had a lovely week in a house in West Runton which was owned by Amanda at Decorative Country Livings' mother.  It was delightful and can highly recommend it for a lovely break.  As you could expect furnished beautifully but also very relaxed.  We had Evan with us, 2 years old, funniest little chap, so we did things such as the steam train into Holt, sand castles on Holkham, things I had'nt done since the children were small.  The weather also kept fine for us.
Whilst we there we visited Felbrigg Hall, which was fabulous, with some excellent plant stalls as well, came back with the boot full.  There is so much to do in Norfolk, great places to have coffee and interesting shops.
We had a brilliant Summer Opening here in June and the weather although cold did stay fine.  It worked brilliantly, and all the other girls were really pleased with their sales and we had such a great mixture of things.  Coffee and cake was enjoyed in the house and we raised £320 for Cancer Research so a big thankyou to all of you that supported us.  We have plans for a similar event in November as it worked so well.  Tina has lots of ideas for Christmas decorations and demonstrations, Nicola with her willow and Kate is already sourcing jewellery.

Just a few pictures from the day.  The garden has suffered this summer as everyones.  I have alot of roses, David Austen, old fashioned roses and they have sadly been rotting on the stems.  Just bizarre weather?? Have had some successful days at auction for the shop, lovely french cheese pots and some good glass ware.  Now getting ready for Burhnam Market fair on Saturday, 18th August, a really great event in the centre of the village.  Lots of interesting stall.  I have just put the workshop dates for the autumn on the website as well so do book early if you are looking to come on the follow on course as it gets so full so quickly.

It 's been a long time since I posted any news.  Lots happening.  We have been to stay with friends in France.  Jane and Andrew live in the Limousin, absolutely beautiful area, very wooded and green.  No traffic, fantastic food and the sun shone.  We then travelled to the Charente Maritime to stay with more friends, vineyards and houses painted white with blue shutters just lovely.  We then had a couple of days on the Ile de Re.  Somewhere I have wanted to go to for years and it did'nt disappoint.  It was fantastic, deserted beaches, lovely harbours just blissful.  St. Martin, the main town was beautiful.  Went to a few trocs and a french 'car boot'.  Furniture is expensive but did find a few things that I would have like to bring back but this time we were with Mr. Ryanair!!!!!!

Garden seems to have gone 'whoosh' since being away a week.  Thought I had it in control but no.  So now it is full speed getting things ready for a Summer Fair on 13th and 14th June here at the Garden Room.  This time I am being joined by Kate and her jewellery, Lyn with fabulous rolls of fabric, Tina selling all the plants you need for a 'cutting garden' and Nicola with her fabulous willow sculpture.  I have lots of lovely new things in the shop and am busy painting furniture ready.  Hope you can come, just email for times etc. will be tweeting info as well. Hoping to have dry weather and we can have drinks in the garden.

Spring, Swinderby and painting.

Started the week at Swinderby Antique Fair, very cold day but now go with clothes for every possible eventuality as you can have all 4 seasons in one day on that airfield.  Lots of dealers from all over the country but as always some brilliant and some no more than car boot but found some great buys.  A lovely bureau very pretty shape which will look great, probably paint in 'Old White' or ' Hardwick White' with a bluey grey inside.  Some more small antelope antlers on sheilds, look brilliant in 3's or 5's.  A grain sack to cut for a oak stool I bought at auction last week, will lime it.  I also bought a pretty small dresser from the auction.  So busy week coming up getting them painted for the shop. 
Next week I am helping a dear friend Ruth to do a sale of things she has from downsizing 2 houses.  We are holding it in Mary and John Richardson's lovely barn at The Grange, Morton on Friday, 10-5 and Sat.10-3, lots of lovely bargains and I will be taking a few things from the shop to sell.  Do come along.
Just about to paint a chest of drawer for a young lady in a fab. raspberry pink, great, nice to do something different.
Trying to make some changes in the garden as it got very neglected last year with building at the back.  Am aiming to do 1hour a day!!!  I am not very good at doing things in stages, I am much more a do it until you drop and then can;t move next day!!!  We have a parterre garden at the back and some of the shrubs are now taking over so have taken some of them out and will replace with more hebaceous and roses.  Love roses and because we started from scratch could have favourites, Mary Rose, Tuscany Superb, Geoff Hamilton, William Lobb.  
The follow on workshops filled up very quickly so have put 2 more dates on  and still have a few spaces, Tuesday, 24th April and Tuesday, 15th May.  

Initial workshops are filling, the Saturday is now full, but still have spaces on other dates.

Cuba and all that!

We have returned from the most amazing holiday in Cuba.  Cuba because our godson James and his girlfriend were dropping off there for a month on their expedition cycling from Alaska to the tip of South America down the west coast.  We stayed in Havana for 4 nights savouring the sights, music, cars and staying in casas ( Cuban homes) something we would never have been able to do without James speaking fluent spanish (very little english spoken).  We hired a car and travelled to Trinidad which we loved, the fabulous beaches, bars with cocktails and salsa in the evening, bird watching,  just so much to see, we will certainly go back.
When we left Havana last Thursday it was 35degrees and landed to this bitter weather, quite a shock to the system. It was so special spending time with James and Sarah and Trish and John, Sarah's Mum and Dad.
It has been quite a struggled to get back into work mode.  Have a nice job this week doing some wardrobes made by Mark Goodacre, beautifully made and will look fabulous, painting in String. Some more commission work to do next week and then need to get some new stock done for the shop, it is looking rather depleated.
Have some real gems to paint so can;t wait. 
The other bit of news on the Haconby front is that we have bought the little chapel in the front garden.  It is a listed chapel and the smallest in the country with a balcony, which because it is so small, you can shake hands with the other side.  It needs lots of work, and will be lovely and so unusual.  We are not sure what our plans are at the moment but watch this space. 
Can't wait to get in the garden again.  Lots of plans, think I need to take out some of the shrubs so I could have more room for more perenials and roses, think I might have lost one or two things in the frost already.

Eventually got my paperwork in some sort of order.  Real lesson for this year not to get it in such a mess, after all it should'nt be that difficult I am not John Lewis!!!!Started stock taking today and there are some lovely pieces of furniture in the shop.  Just forwarded photos and details to Taff of furniture to go for sale on the website as he says I can have more than the 6 I have been doing which is great news as can have cushions and more mirrors etc. on there. 
Had a good morning at the auctions last week. Bought a fabulous georgian table, about 4' with rounded ends and fluted legs with its casters, will look brilliant painted.  Also a pretty edwardian table and lovely pine wall corner cupboard, make a great bathroom cupboard or pretty in a sitting room or bedroom.
Really exciting news before Christmas was that we had bought the little chapel in the front of our garden.  It is a baptist chapel and over the years we have been here they have had occasional services but very few and they have a very good chapel in the next village.  It is listed and is the smallest chapel in the country with a balcony.  We are not sure what we will do with it at the moment and it does need quite alot of work doing.  Looking forward to getting out there with my paint brush and tidy the front as it looks very sad and unloved at the moment.

Had a very quiet couple of weeks and lots of walks with Hattie having time to visit my dear dear friend who is poorly at the moment.  Sorting out new dates for the workshops to start in the spring and will get those on the website asap.  Lots of lovely things to paint and having had a break really enthusiastic to get started again soon. The Garden Room is closed at the moment as I want to have lots of new things painted and a spring clean and fresh look so hope to open again beginning of March but do give me a call if you are looking for something specific and come over and have a browse. 

Nearly all over

I hav'nt taken the tree and decs down yet but will Friday morning as did'nt put anything up until christmas week so don't have that feeling of being up for ages. Had a brilliant holiday, relaxing with friends and family staying at various times.  The 'new room' worked fantastically - just such a great space. 
Trying to gain some sort of control over paperwork, have tax stuff etc to do.  Went to stationers to buy new notebooks and folders etc.  always makes me think I will be more organised??
Refresh the shop next week, do a stock take and bring some thoughts of spring in even a jug with tulips just makes you think of brighter times. Will be taking some new photographs I promise.

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. 

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.

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!!!!!!

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.