Christmas Celebrations.....

This is the time of the year when we start decorating our homes and thinking more about entertaining....with friends and or family. Whether we live at opposite sides of the globe; some of us will be warming up besides a lovely open fire whilst others will be outdoors with the barbecue going. Either way its time....

These French cheese boards have been a great hit with entertaining; great for cheeses, breads dried fruit and nuts....whatever takes your fancy.

Don't forget the free wrapping for Christmas gifts in store.

More soaps arriving soon....they also make a great gift to take to someones home for a thank you for having us gift.

More marble pears are on their way...these look fantastic on the Christmas mantle with spruce or other greenery woven in between. Have a great weekend everyone and happy decorating.

Working in the garden....

Over the weekend i did some work out in the garden; some potting, fertilizing and trimming and a basic tidy up. Things are always a lot easier to keep under control if you do a little bit at a time....sometimes i let things get away and regret it down the track when i am up to my knees in weeds.

Next weekend i need to do some more pruning...now the frosts are completely gone its safe to prune my hedges. Happy gardening to all you fellow gardeners.

Dress forms at their finest.

I would love to find a dress form like the one in the above photo...dream on Amanda. I guess because i am a dress designer by trade i have always been fascinated with the vintage dress makers form, in fact anything to do with sewing.

These two beauties are simply gorgeous....yes i know you all think the same. I will post soon shots of all my new things that are shortly to arrive.

Christmas is just around the corner.

Our new Christmas trees that have just arrived. They sell for $69. each. Not enough time to sit in this very comfy chair.....cushion sells for $42.

Great storage baskets.....sell for $39.

We all need a groovy apron for over the Christmas period...these gorgeous linen ones sell for $39

A subtle Christmas window display.....lets all get festive.

Great gift ideas....

These bottles look gorgeous with just a single stem flower in them.

These zinc tea cup and saucers make great little planters...quite quirky.

Labels for the garden..you can use a chalk pen and it doesn't wash off.

Zinc gumboots also make great planters.

Beautiful Gardens.....

Yesterday i went to my brothers open garden with a couple of friends, featured in the above photo. It was a beautiful day, very inspiring.......i thought i would share some photos.

A old gate leading to another section of the garden.

The potting shed with the rose "Kookaburra."

Looking across towards the potting shed....simply beautiful.

At the back of the convicts barn...beautiful vistas and backdrops full of interesting antique urns
and other architectural features. At the end of our visit we stopped by Katherines garden featured in the first photo.....her and her husband have created the most amazing garden in such a short time. It was full of recycled and sustainable ideas amongst a beautiful array of plantings that would more than excite any avid gardener.....so amazing.

Shabby and pretty.

Fabrics certainly hold center stage in a lot of homes; some can make the room look pretty ,or maybe even glamorous. The umbrella hanging on the coat rack adds a pretty touch to the room, even a slight English feel.

This gorgeous pile of linen and cushions give a feeling of calm.

Don't you just love worn upholstery......this shot is simply beautiful

sewing,sewing,sewing.....

Over the weekend i have been sewing madly and as promised i am posting some shots of my designs. I have had vintage postcards and photos printed onto cotton and then i have stitched them onto burlap. On the underneath i have used the new French General fabrics which are just beautiful.

These stockings have taken me quite a bit of work. Each one is individual and has a combination of vintage inspired fabric with antique braids and buttons etc.

An overall shot of the stockings . I take my hat off to all you etsy creators; i am afraid running a store and trying to make things is like all too hard. I hope you like my creations.

More new stock

Loving these cute little frames which sell for only $25 such a great small gift for Christmas or simply a thank you gift for a friend.

Some new linen cushions have arrived this week and already are selling well. Cushions have been great this year.....they can add an element of difference to any room with little fuss or cost.

I have been sewing for Christmas in store.....i will post some photos tomorrow.

Loving sustainability

When you drive up and the sheep follow you up and the dogs start barking.......yes i am home. There is something warming about knowing that you are partially sustainable; growing your own veggies, collecting your own eggs and fattening your own meat. All of this makes for a great lifestyle especially if you can practice near organic methods.

This girl wont get the chop, she is my favourite.

Amy took this photo i am afraid i cannot take credit.....i think its a great shot.

I think i am a lazy blogger.......

You know sometimes its in your head...i must do a post....people will wonder where i have gone but honestly its making the time that i find hard. The last few weeks in store have been crazy and honestly as quick as i am unpacking stock it is selling. More stock is still on its way, so hopefully i will have enough for Christmas. This weekend i have to hide myself away and get some Christmas Stock made so the following week it will be all out on the floor. I will post you some shots. The crosses in the above shot have been featured in the latest copy of Inside; and yes they are available at The Vintage Rose.

These chair futons are just great...made from burlap and then printed. The vintage wire baskets would be just fine inside or out.

Another element of our displays.

Body products are such a great gift at Christmas time...these are all natural.

These cute little candles make a wonderful teachers gift from students at the end of the year.