BIRDCAGES & BUTTERFLIES

Belated wishes

2010-12-28T10:47:00.000Z

Hope you all had a lovely holiday season.....I have unfortunatly a poorly computer and have not figured out how to mobile blog from my blackberry yet???? All advice greatly appreciated!!!
BIG LOVE to ALL of uXXXX
Annie xxxx

Needless to say......

2010-12-08T11:26:00.000Z

......I'm LOVING this Advent swap.....NOM NOM!!! xxxx

Thanks Tracy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My advent swap!!!

2010-12-06T13:51:00.000Z

Hello!!

AS you all are I can imagine, life is pretty hectic and something has to give and I'm afraid its always my blogging time that ends up taking the brunt....sorry....

But...I did have time to sign up for La laas Advent swap!! I was partnered with Tracy from Mad about Bags and When this Massive parcel arrived on my doorstep my parcel started to feel very inadequate!!!!!

Tracy did such an amazing job of transforming this shelf into an advent dream!!!

Not only was each little parcel decorated so beautifully but inside every little section was too!!!!

These are the first 5 days worth of parcels......so pretty!!!

WOWWEEE!!! First day was a gorgeous pink & sparkly Lip balm...perfect for winter chapped lips! Then these gorgeous pretties, a birdcage Dec and a pink & sparkly nail polish Which I cannot get enough of!!!!

Tracy definitely did her research on me!!!!!

Well as Tracy's Mad about bags I did a bag 'flavoured' advent calendar as such where she could do a lucky dip .......

......or read the clues on the the labels as to what took her fancy according to her mood each day x x

She has done such a great job of blogging about each of her pressies as she opens them, which makes it all the more special to me....so a BIG HUGE THANK YOU TRACY!! I love this swap and really enjoying it lots....You can read them all HERE.....please go there for a visit..it really is a lovely blog x x

Thank you also for your lovely comments and support to my brave friend Talyena who donated her hair to be made into wigs for children who have lost their hair due to Cancer or terminal illnesses.

Will be back to post some pics of her big day x x

Until next time, off to open number 6.....

Annie x

Could you do it......????

2010-11-22T20:21:00.000Z

Hello!!
Well please excuse my rather longer than anticipated absence, its that time of year again where personal orders take over and along with a few personal issues...getting to the computer for some blog therapy hasn't been easy!
Thanks to you all for your comments and well wished for the safety of my Mother in Law, she has been evacuated from the Church they were originally sent to as there was more rainfall and storms, some of the pics we got sent were unbelievable. Just want to get her back here but in all honesty she doesn't want to leave her home behind x x

Well while I'm awaiting some news that may affect my new year I want to tell you all about my Friend...Talyena.

She has decided to donate her virtually waist long hair to a charity called The Little Princess Trust which is a charity that provides real hair wigs to children suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment.

Here is a Beautiful picture of her with her hair Straightened....when I combed it it fell all the way to her waist......

she is doing such a selfless thing and I couldn't do it personally, its such a huge sacrifice and yes Hair does grow but it took the best part of 15 years to get this long!
The official head shaving will be taking place in front of a crowd in the Mall in Luton Next Saturday 27th November at 1.00 pm, so if you are close then please feel free to come down to give her some moral support x x
This is her Page if you would like to donate a couple of pounds...every penny counts x
Thanks for your support and for reading, will be back soon x x
Annie x

Have a Blessed Weekend

2010-11-06T13:47:00.000Z

Hello!
Please keep in mind all those people who have been affected by the hurricane in the Carribean Islands including My Mother In Law and Family in St Lucia.....Some of who will have had their home taken away by the devastation. Some of who are Missing and those who have lost their lives. No running water and no Electricity, means life is pretty devastating right now.
The Landslide from the mountains behind them has meant Mud has swallowed entire storeys of houses...The Family home in Fond St Jacques has mud all the way to the balcony of the 1st floor.

Sending strength and Love to all over there who will be having tough times ahead of them x
I'm taking the time to look around me this weekend to be thankful for all my blessings......

Will leave you with a video that I hope will bring a smile to your face....my lil man performing his bestest Michael Jackson moves!!!

JUST FOR THE RECORD...he does not get his moves from me!!!!!!!x x x x
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND xxxxx

Celebrations and New product!

2010-11-01T13:17:00.000Z

Hello!!

Well a little catch up here!

My Lil mans surprise birthday celebrations went rather swimmingly for a very last minute affair!! It was lovely to see his little face when he saw his friends waiting there when he got back from watching his first football match with his Daddy!

Then we have Sundays Halloween happenings.....setting the scene.....

This was our Dinner today...West Indian style Pumpkin soup, Sticky Maple Sausages, crispy bacon, Brie and Crusty Tiger bread!!

After a spot of trick or treating at the neighbours we came back and watched Roald Dahls 'The witches!! Loved the movie...needless to say Aidy woke a few times with bad dreams....maybe a bit much for him!!!

Then another celebration not for me this time but a friend whose Mother was celebrating her 50th and wanted something special......

These will be appearing in the blogshop soon...Personalised blocks...makes a great gift x

Until next time x x

Annie x

RIGHT THATS IT!!!!!

2010-10-31T11:23:00.000Z

Hello!!
Well your lovely comments on my 'SCARY' Picture not only made me blush lots ut also inspire me to go a little further...so without further ado....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
MWAH HAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Annie x

Scary Faces & Last chances!!

2010-10-28T21:34:00.001+01:00

Hello!!
Just a quickie to show you my scary face!!!!!
At the mo on Picnik.com you can edit your photo with a whole host of scary halloween themed effects!!! This is the result....think I would make a GREAT Mrs Cullen!!!!

Also I will be closing the Giveaway a little earlier than planned and will draw a name tomorrow x x
Thanks to all who have entered and followed!! CLICK HERE TO VISIT!!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Happy Halloween!!
Annie x

One Perfect Autumn Sunday....

2010-10-24T18:31:00.000+01:00

Hello!
Well its half term already...how did that come around so quick???? With my lil 6 yr old hanging with me in the day I'll not get much computer time...so....
...As I said Recently I owe you some back posts!!! Heres one of a most perfect sunday with some of my besties after a sunday roast. It was Cool and crisp with the sun blaring down on us!!! Bliss!!
I'll let the pics do the talking...

Hope you've enjoyed this Autumn....Halloween will be upon us before we know it!!
back soon x Annie xx
P.s dont forget to Enter our mini Giveaway on the blogshop!!! Closing soon! x

Birdcage Veil fascinator Giveaway!!!

2010-10-21T10:23:00.000+01:00

Hello!!
Just a quick one before I pop into Town to let you know if you havnt seen it already that we are giving away in the BLOGSHOP the Handmade Vintage style Birdcage Fascinator used in the Vintage, Thrifted & Refashioned shoot with this Fab Dress!!

Still swooning over this dress...keeping my business head on though and not being tempted!!!

So this can be worn with the veil to the back or front and instantly vamps up any little black dress!!
So CLICK HERE to visit the Giveaway!!
Good Luck and Thanks for your support x x x
Annie x

Award!!! YAY! BIG CHEESY GRINS!!!

2010-10-19T23:25:00.000+01:00

Hello!
Well the Gorgeous Amy from Blighty Boutique has Kindly given me this great Versatile blogger Award which of course I'm chuffed to bits about!

The rules are to link to the blogger who sent you the award and to share 7 interesting facts about myself. EEEK!! Well, here Goes....erm....please forgive me if I have recycled these from my last blog award but Its been at least a year so I'll refresh your memory!!!

1. I am a Twilight Fan

I have in the last month just finished the Twilight saga ( pretty later than the rest of the world ) however I fell in love with the story and Characters and would just think it would be AMAZING if Stephanie Meyer wrote the saga from Edwards point of view...whether or not that happens remains to be seen!!! By the way I'm Team Edward...until Jacob takes his top off!!!

2. I used to dress Stores and Windows for Debenhams

I studied Fashion & Textiles in College and progressed from junior Visual Merchandiser to Top Level before jetting off to live in Australia for a year!! Loved my job EXCEPT for hanging those dreadful sales signs!!! DEF don't miss that!!

3 Pancake Wednesday

Every Wednesday I make these mini pancakes for My friends. We all chip in and play our parts ( everyone has a job) and we drink coffee, gossip and eat lots of pancakes with crispy bacon and Maple syrup!! Us women have to stick together and our little support network we have built up with each other is great as most of us don't have any grandparents that are close enough to watch kids when needed!

4 I am a Norah Jones fan

I Love her voice and could listen to her albums on repeat quite happily! I used to sing to her album all every day of my pregnancy and It was the only music that would soothe Aidy to sleep when he was a bubba...I used to sing 'Dont know why' all the time to him and when I went to see her in Concert a couple of years ago I was felt my eyes weel up and a big lump formed in my throat...I turned to my husband in awe and was faced with a mouth open, almost snoring Jonas fast asleep!!! Clearly not a fan!!!!

5 I Honeymooned in Montmarte...

This was the hotel we stayed in, it was next to the home of Van Gogh where he studied with other french artists and was a short walk to the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre- couer...Montmarte is beautiful and if you are not Familiar with it than the Film 'Amelie' has lots of beautiful scenery of it

6 My Wedding dress was pink!

..OK maybe not as pink as Cinderellas but this book was def an inspiration!!

Mine was more of a shell pink and was bespoke, made in Italy but was bought whilst in Australia!!!

7 With my Husband for 17 years

Yes this November it will be 17 years as a couple....I'm only 32!! This makes him my childhood sweetheart, we started dating at the age of 15......truth be known he used to really pick on me before we became friends, funnily enough this truce coincided at about the same time the booby fairy came to visit!!! hahhaha!!! This pic was taken of us on our 2 year anniversary when we were 17....ahh young love!!

I'm passing this on to 2 ladies who I have had the pleasure of getting to know better lately due to me using their stock on our latest Photo shoot. I hope you visit and enjoy their blogs x

Karen from Tilly Rose

Rose from Victoria Rose Crafts

Lastly just wanna say Thanks again to Amy and wish her all the best for the Vintage and Homemade fair in Northampton on Saturday...Wish I was going for this one to meet you all x x

Annie x

I.O.U......& Happy Birthday my lil Boy X X

2010-10-16T11:42:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Well As the title suggests I Owe you a load of posts that I have stored and waiting to go out but have been put back due to finishing the back log of orders, the photo shoots and Editing for Vintage Thrifted & Refashioned and a couple of Weddings too!!

But For now I am gonna go and start baking lots of goodies for My Sons Aidans 6th Birthday today x
Hes having a day out with his daddy and a surprise disco this evening!!!

I will post some party pics next time, in the mean time dont forget to grab a bargain in the new Autumn winter range HERE! Up to size 22 and sizes 8-10 will be posted in the week x x

Heres a few of me and my handsome fellow x x x

Cant remember life without him......Have a great weekend friends x x
Annie x

FURTHER REDUCTIONS!!!!

2010-10-04T20:34:00.000+01:00

For one week only!!!!!

Hello!!!
Just finishing up with the photo shoots for the next season of Vintage, Thrifted & Refashioned......I have had the privelige of Working with 2 fantastic designers products, Karen of Tilly Rose and Rose of Victorias Rose Crafts
Heres a sneaky peak of one of our jumpers adorned with a scalloped hat & scarf set from Victoria Rose crafts and a fab felt ring from Tilly Rose

They will be launched in the net couple of days but until then...Pop over to the SHOP to check out the bargains, with Prices starting from £2.99!!!!!!!
Until then...
Big love to all

Annie x

Lovely Surprise!!

2010-09-24T12:19:00.000+01:00

Hello!!

Well I was lucky enough to be drawn runner up in this Gorgeous lil giveaway!!

Just look at these lovely pressies above waiting to be ripped open!!!

cute heart clip holders....

Gorgeous lace Rose brooch....

this yummy mummy.....

and this lil lady!!! HOW CUTE IS SHE!!!!

What a lovely parcel of goodies, sending a big thankyou to Lovely Kandi x x x

If you havn't visited then please do, her blog is a lovely read

Autumn winter shoot for Vintage, Thrifted & Refashioned

2010-09-17T13:27:00.000+01:00

Just setting the scene and wanted to share!
Have a great weekend friends x x
Annie x x

My fave season is here!!!

2010-09-15T15:14:00.000+01:00

Hello!
just a quick post to celebrate my fave time of year!
Blankets piled up for cosy evenings, scarves and hats dusted off for walks in the woods, Pumpkin soup and fresh baked bread on Saturdays,being surrounded by beautiful shades of Orange yellow and red, watching scary movies with my sis while drinking hot chocolate....I could go on forever!!

Here's a few recent commissions I have made for a baby's nursery
will be posting more details in the blog shop so press the button on the sidebar on the right hand side to take you there!
This is the personalised shadowbox

And this is a deeper one with ornamental personalised blocks in!

Was thinking about making a children's version of these with maybe some plastic coating on them making them a bit more durable? I usually varnish the blocks a couple of times anyway but they really are ornamental.....would love to hear your opinion on what you would prefer if you were buying for a children's room?
Starting shooting for our Autumn collection of Vintage Thrifted & Refashioned on Friday so will hopefully be back soon with some thrifted treasures I have found recently!!
Until then, stay cosy!!
Annie x

She wore a Raspberry Beret.......

2010-09-14T11:14:00.000+01:00

Hello!!

Well Thought I'd get round to showing you a few of my pretty Birthday Pressies!! Seems a lot of my fellow bloggers are September Babies also (which probably explains a collective love for Autumn which I see so many posts celebrating!!) SO if you have recently Celebrated a birthday in September or are about to then Happy Birthday!!!!

My Darling Hubby bought me a Fantastic little digital Camera which I am finding my way around...My 5 yr old however seems to have got the hang of it pretty easily...he took the above picture when I was on the phone gossiping to my girly!! And the Beret I am wearing is from my friend the lovely Nana Maja who was actually listening rather more closley than I thought when I was telling her in passing one day that I always wanted a Raspberry beret...(the kind you find in the second hand store) Like the Prince song!! I also got my fave perfume from her also...wont tell you what it is but its sweet and smell like blackberries and vanilla!!

My Honorary Brother and his beautiful Girlfriend ( I do strongly suspect that actually she had more to do with the picking) bought this cutie patootie Hairdryer which is not only Cute as a button but the perfect size for my new fringe that my lil sis kindly cut for me!!!

My Sister got me this gorgeous monsoon bag which somehow goes with anything I'm wearing!!!!

My Newlywed Dad and his wife sent me this lovely bracelet which I'm sure I'll have fun collecting beads for!!!

I also got money from my Mum & Her fiance and also from my Cousin so I got myself a nice pair of boots and a checked shirt as a treat!! Some tickets to Swan Lake from my Girly, some gorgeous Lush goodies from another of my Girlies and My Sis in law bought me the last 2 books in the twilight series so that had me captured for a while there!! OMG!! Breaking DAWN is AMAZING!!!!!! Loved every single moment of it...did not want it to end!!

SO I also got more lovely pressies and cards too but If I post them all then you'll be here all day!!! But I am very Blessed!!

Will leave you with a picture of me and My soon to be 6 yr old lil man Aidy...who has started a new trend of making strange faces at the camera ( unbeknown to me) and then cracking up when he sees the result!! It kinda makes me giggle too!!!!

Back soon with some recent commisions x

Annie xx

Calling all crafters......keeping it in the handmade community

2010-09-07T13:51:00.000+01:00

Hello!!!
Just a quick post to let you know that we are after handmade sleeves, gloves, scarves, hats, legwarmers or even brooches that we can use on our Autumn winter Vintage,Thrifted & Refashioned photoshoot in the next couple of weeks.We will post a direct link to your shop website fanpage so that anyone visiting who would like to buy one of your items can do so! Hey its all FREE advertising!!! haha!!
We will only need to borrow them for a week or so till all clothing is shot and then send them back safely to you. If you are interested then please send a link or email to me and I can give you more details about colour etc x Would like to keep it handmade in our crafting family we have created x x
Please feel free to pass it on to someone you think may be interested!!
Thanks in advance x
Annie xx

SALE NOW ON!!!

2010-09-05T22:07:00.001+01:00

Hello!!
Well Summer hols are over!Aidy is back to school, I have a new painted blue kitchen, celebrated being another year older (32 on friday 3rd) minus an infected tooth,minus 5 little kitties and I finally have a new camera!!! ( oh and a fringe!!!)
Will catch you up on some pics and more details when I get my orders finished!!!
So until then pop over to the blog shop where you can grab yourself a bargain from as little as £2.99!!!!
AS you can guess from the title, the items are one offs so its run on a first emailed first served basis!!!
CLICK HERE to VISIT!
Seeya soon!!
Annie xx

Will leave you my lil man who has made me belly laugh, tired me out, ate me out of house and home and driven me crazy all at the same time over the last 6 weeks!!! will miss my Aidy now hes back to school...especially our deep and meaningful convos about Ben 10 and Peppa Pigs life over cocpops and pink milk xxxx

And the winner is....

2010-08-02T10:56:00.000+01:00

Hello!!
Well I have picked the winners!!!

However this time I did NOT write all the names down on little bits of paper ( learnt my lesson from last time) I did type the names as I went, into an excel sheet then put the numbers in a random number generator! Its a good thing too as there were over 250 entries!!!!!

So the first prize of the 'Queen' Vest top OR Transfer, Pair of Teal earrings and a discount voucher goes to........

ANNIE @ THE FELT FAIRY!!!!

Runners up picked for a pair of earrings and a discount voucher

ROSE @ VICTORIA ROSE CRAFTS

CHANTELLE SMART - FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBER

HELEN TIMMS - FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBER

VICTORIA @ FLORENCE & MARY

(Yes I know thats 4 but I pressed the button twice cause my computer was being slow and it generated 2 numbers for me...How could I discard it???!!!!)

I will be informing you guys by email or facebook if I havnt already so you have to start deciding what colour you would like your earrings made in!!!

CONGRATS to the winners and a HUGE Thanks to all who have entered, some had 8 entries!!!! For all your support and lovely comments I am so touched and very grateful x x x
Annie x

Giveaway Closing.....

2010-07-31T10:02:00.001+01:00

TOMORROW- SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST 6PM GMT

So if you haven't entered yet then feel free to leave me a comment on this post to enter and have a peek at how many other ways you can enter HERE

Heres a little reminder of the Prize......

You can also Buy some more Iron on transfer prints from as little as £3.99 on the blogshop as well as some more 'one offs' too!! CLICK HERE TO HAVE A NOSEY!!

I have also Opened a Facebook Shop which I'm adding stock to Every day...and SHH dont tell anyone but you get a little discount if you are a fan!!!

Right off to make some Saturday soup and bake some bread!
Good Luck to all those who have entered and Thanks for your support xx
Annie xx

6 WEEKS & Counting!!

2010-07-28T23:33:00.000+01:00

Hello!!
Well they have officially started! Summer holidays are here!! The school reports are in, The teachers gifts have been given, the tears have been shed and the 'MUM I'M BORED' phase has def started!!!!
Thankfully I have these little 10 day old cuties to keep us occupied!!! And loving the fact that we must handle them for a little bit of time every day!!! ( as long as Bumblebee the mummy doesn't mind too much of course)

There are 5 kitties, one set of Grey Tabby Twins, This half white and tabby in the pic above, a White cat with near identical patches to her mummy and a Dark Blue Grey boy with a white belly!
We haven't named them yet as I'm a bit scared of getting too attached before they set off for their new home when they ready to leave their mummy...but I'm sure some nicknames will spring up soon!!!
Please excuse my poor pic quality. I haven't got any pennies to buy a new camera yet so using my phone camera!!
Last weekend My sister had a Rare Saturday off so we jumped on the train to London and pottered around for the day around Covent Garden ( obviously via the Cath kidston Shop which was PACKED!!!) We had Lunch and then bought some Crushed Meringues with Strawberries and fresh cream while we sauntered off to Leicester Square to people watch..
...we then decided to something off the beaten track on a whim!! So spoke to the little tourist info guide there and found a Ghost bus tour for under £20 leaving from Trafalgar Square in an hour!
Booked that and had an iced coffee then headed off to Trafalgar Square where we watched a little bit of street dancing then took a pic...Hmm looking a bit serious there!!! LOL!!

We then headed towards our pick up point in Northumberland Ave when we noticed that this rather creepy looking chap was staring at us.....

( he did actually pose for this one!)

Then this Came into our view!!!! The NECROBUS!!!

Its history is a tad Macabre!
Here's the info from the website.....

Earth to earth…

The Necropolis Bus Company began in the 19th century as a private funeral bus service. The Necropolis vehicles or ‘Carcass Coaches’ as they were known to Londoners were able to convey the deceased, pall bearers and up to 50 mourners (no standing) to the final resting place. Each bus had an onboard conductor/chief mourner and a special siren or ‘mourning whistle’ to warn pedestrians of the bus’s approach. The sound of the whistle prompted gentlemen to remove their hats and bow their heads as a mark of passing respect.

Ashes to Ashes…

Regular service ran until 1967 when a tragic fire at the company depot in South Dulstead razed the building to the ground and destroyed almost the entire fleet of buses. Only one vehicle was salvaged from the ashes and was locked in a storage facility for 40 years. It has now been restored to its original design and is operated by NECROBUS as a sightseeing service in central London.

Bus to Bus

The bus is painted in the company’s traditional colour of midnight black. The interior seating is arranged in ‘railway style’ for comfort and so that passengers can grieve openly and offer condolences to each other. Decorative features include lamps and window curtains, which were always drawn if a coffin was stored in the vehicle overnight. This is based on the superstition that a departed spirit might be trapped by its own reflection in the glass and would be unable to pass on to the other world. It also helped to keep the bodies cool in the summer months.

So we decide to actually get on this Bus for a different kind of tour!! I wont spoil it for any of you who might want to go on this fab tour but let me tell you it was one of the Scariest/funniest /Coolest thing we have done in London!!And Under £20 too!!

There was a picture of me and sis with the Bus conductor standing on the back entrance however.....It Didnt come out very well...for some strange reason...........

Well Will be back soon with a reminder about the giveaway...soon to close

Bye for now xx

Annie x

Vintage Thrifted & Refashioned GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2010-07-19T20:17:00.001+01:00

Hello!!

Sorry a little later than expected ( due to the arrival of some VERY CUTE Kittens!!!) but here is the giveaway to celebrate the Launch of Vintage, Thrifted & Refashioned.....with Nana Maja and I have hit 200 followers!!

Now firstly let me tell you what the prize is.......This is our first print entitled Queen

This vest is size 14 BUT FEAR NOT....If you would prefer to have this on a top of your own you can opt to have it as an iron on transfer instead so that you can transform your own top!!!

Also with this comes a pair of Vintage Crystal pair of earrings in Teal to match and also a 10 % voucher for the blogshop!

3 runners up will get a pair of earrings and a 10% voucher for the blogshop!

So there are now even MORE ways to enter!!! You will get 1 seperate entry for each of these you do! Please do not feel obligated to do all of these!

Make a comment on this post
Follow The Blogshop
Follow this Blog
Become a fan of Facebook page
Follow the Blog Via Facebook ( networked blogs) see sidebar
Follow the Blogshop via Facebook ( networked blogs) see sidebar
Post a link to your sidebar
Post a link in a post

Thats up to 8 chances you could have of winning!!

There will be more stock added to the shop very soon....including the vintage prints and much more.... So make sure you click on the follow button on the blogshop too if you havn't already to catch some bargains! Once they're gone they gone!!!!

Thanks for all your lovely comments and support

Good Luck!

Annie x

Vintage, Thrifted & Refashioned...Launched Today!!!

2010-07-09T16:04:00.000+01:00

Hello!
So Finally you get to see what we have been working on!
Here's a sneak peek at some of the pics....Click HERE for the Collection and all info or click on the blog shop logo to your right on the sidebar!

Nana and I have picked some of the faves from our collection to sell online and the rest of our stock will be sold from our showroom locally.
We have online sizes catering from S-XL and as the title suggests all are pre-loved and have been given a new lease of life!

We have kept our prices reasonable and affordable we feel, you can get a whole outfit for under £20!!
I'll be launching a range of jewellery (refashioned and new) soon however if you see any in the pictures you would like to buy then drop me an email!

The stock we are selling are one offs so If you want it, buy it QUICK!! If you would like ANY more details or pics about it we will happily send you any extra pics or info before you commit to buy it.

I have to give a plug to Picnik for the photo editing software that allowed me to give the pics I took that vintage feel....if you don't know about it already then I would suggest you visit...ITS FREE AND its connected to Google so you can upload straight from your Picasa web albums and publish straight to your blog too!!
Here's a little Before and After Makeover for you!!!

Next week I'll be adding Vintage prints to the collection......these will be available on a wide variety of tops, on simple white vests or t-shirts of your choice or as an iron on transfer to add to your own clothing....AS a celebration of reaching 200 followers I thought it appropriate to have a giveaway and this will be going to one lucky recipient!!! I will post more details next week!!!
In the meantime feel free to post constructive comments or feedback about the new products as its a new venture it would be nice to be in the know!!

Have a great weekend peeps and thanks for reading and for all your lovely comments, I'm in desperate need of a catch up on all of your lovely blogs...I need more hours in the day!!!
Annie x

Introducing.......

2010-07-05T11:28:00.000+01:00

...watch this space for our new Range launching this week!

Annie xx

Paradise in England!

2010-06-25T08:30:00.006+01:00

Hello!
Well as promised here are the holiday pics! We had a fantastic time ( once we got there- car troubles set us back!) WE arrived in Cornwall and I had asked the universe for some Sunshine for us and you guys to think positve for us...and thats exactly what we got from Day 1!!! SO THANKYOU ALL!!
We were staying in Hayle and the beach was on our doorstep...this was taken at 7pm!!

We went for a walk and to fly a kite when Aidy decided to go for a paddle.....

........and then jump in fully clothed!!!

Hayle was not far from St Ives....heres a view from the train ride round the bay

St Ives is home to this little shop you may have heard of ??!!!!

Its shop used to be a cottage and is just too Cute!! ( fancy a little peek?)

Prettiness EVERYWHERE!

Heres the little crooked stairs leading to more loveliness...so cute

I found a few more gorgeous little shops with pretties in and I could have taken pics forever..however I'll show you what my fave object of desire was......

surprise surprise.....

I cant remember the name of this shop as I forgot to take a card but I left mine so if you are reading this please contact me so I can credit your lovely shop!

I found a little craft fair in the local community centre of Hayle and met this lovely woman called Maureen who painted the most lovely pictures and I bought this beautiful piece from her..

...I asked if she was local and she replied that she came here on her honeymoon 45 years ago and never went home!! I LOVE THAT!!!

Heres me and my (not so little any more) man

This is what I spent my last day Doing...

Sitting on the beach reading Twilight ( i'm hooked) and eating cherries...

until Sunset

Well I hope I didnt bore you too much...I have a lot of catching up to still do with my work so bear with me, I'll make it worth your while!!!!......Thanks to all for helping me reach over 200 followers in time for my 1 yr anniversary from blogging....Thankyou to all who read my ramblings now and over the last year....I'm BLESSED xxxx

Hello! Opinions please

2010-06-24T18:26:00.000+01:00

Hello!
I'm back and have lots of holiday snaps to bore you with soon enough!!! LOL!!!!
Just before I left I was playing with the new template designer and erased all of my background!!! So I took this as an opportunity to refresh my blog with a new design! With some graphics from The Graphics Fairy and some help from this very helpful post....I was able to apply it without having to fiddle around too much with Html codes( such a pain in the bum!)

I cant decide if the design on this blog is hard to read cause of the background...so I'll ask you what you think! This is the design on this blog

and this one is on the blog shop...click here

I'm personally leaning towards the design on the blog shop...but thought I'd get your opinion too!!

Right off to upload some sunny pics from Cornwall ( including Cath Kidston shop in St Ives!!)

See ya soon and Thanks in advance xx

Annie xxx

Sunny Days!

2010-06-11T09:29:00.001+01:00

Hello!
Sorry things have been hectic as usual this end....Lots of new ventures, new products and lots to show off but want to do things properly so waiting until we have things 100% First!
So just a quick one to let you know I'm off for a week to Cornwall with the fam...we needing a break so gonna make the most of it!

I spy 2 more followers to go till i reach 200! I sense a giveaway coming up, also a blogaversary...a new overhaul of the blog shop too.......Its all gonna be go!!!

Until next time, pray for some sunshine for me!!!!! ( will leave you with a pic of me and My hubby on the beach last year in Hayle...happy days! )
Big love
Annie x

The kindness of friends

2010-05-20T22:41:00.000+01:00

Hello!
Had a rough time of it lately but the kindness of my friends have put a smile back on my face and has made me realise How Blessed I am.

I made these for my friend Nadine who has recently got married....

She looked amazing in a vintage dress so these clips made from Vintage brooches and glass pearls from an old vintage necklace seemed appropriate!
So in the post this morning I was delighted to discover a box on my doorstep with some Beautifully wrapped packages in it!

It was a shame to open them but of course... I did!!!!

GORGEOUSNESS!!!!!

Some yummy Cherry Green & Black's ( I'll have you know!) chocolate bar, a pack of floral napkins that I actually stopped myself from buying the other day!, a cute cherry ring binder and a pretty teacup candle from her wedding that Nadine had made herself!!

Did you notice these pretties?

Nadine made these herself they smell all lavendery ( yes its a word!) and are in all my fave colours!

Keep a look out soon for her blog and website launching soon with her all of her sewing pretties!

Thanks so much for the present hunny, it put a big smile on my face this week xxx

Friends are the family you choose x

Until next time

Annie x

Buttons, Lace and Ribbon organiser

2010-05-17T20:46:00.002+01:00

Hello!
Well sorry a little later than promised here is the pics of our new Button, Lace and Ribbon organiser!
Er... I did actually forget to take a pic of the unpainted shelf that I bought for £1 at a car boot but it was a cheap oak and hardwood shelf which had a really terrible tile fixed to the middle of it which was a bit strange looking!
So Off it all came and on went a wash of white emulsion.That was wiped off with a wet rag then followed a pale green wash which was also wiped off then a blue and then a pink! After drying I sanded the edges down so that the natural wood came through.

I then loaded it all up with my stash of bits and bobs that will be playing a big part in the the new line of products coming soon to Birdcages & Butterflies!

hmmmmm still could do with more organising though....how about some labels??

and here are some for you to use on your button jars!!!!

With colours on.....

....Or without!!!!

These fit nicely on small spice ikea jars which we are storing our sorted buttons it. But they would also be great on jam jars too! Just enlarge the size if you are an avid collector and have BIG storage jars full of buttons like some peeps in blog land I know!!!!!!!

When we have some finished products from our new line then I will give you a sneak preview before the launch of our products and the giveaway! Will be back maybe with some pics of our little summer showroom tucked away in Nana's old brick outhouse.....at the moment its really just an old space but It will be transformed by the time we are finished with it.......with chandeliers included!!!

Thanks for all your lovely comments on my last post too!!! I will probably be posting this to the usual makeover linky parties which I Love reading for inspiration!!! I will add the links soon xx
Linked to Metamorphis monday , Trash to treasure tuesday, DIY DAY,
Until next time
Annie x

Storage jar prettiness!

2010-05-10T16:56:00.005+01:00

Hello!
As I have been organising my crafting room and making room for Nana to work here too I thought I'd show you some little makeovers....
I'll start with some Ikea Jars prettied up!
With help from this Great blog The graphics fairy I downloaded some labels to pretty up some plain jars that are currently holding my sparklies broken, odd, or just looking for a new lease of life AND a Jar of random tidbits that don't necessarily have somewhere to live!

So here's the before

Then after adding a cross stitch style font title to the label I printed it off and aged it up a bit with brown and black stamp pads and my trusty blender!!!! ( read here for more details)

Bit of glue and careful positioning and VOILA!!! (Shimples!)

I'm gonna link up to The Graphics Fairy's linky party 'BRAG MONDAY' for the first time today and hopefully make more of an effort to do so seeing as the BEST graphics I have ever used has come from there.
And actually probably a few in my sidebar also Metamorphosis Monday , Do it yourself Day, Trash to treasure Tuesday , Transformation Thursday, Show off your stuff Party , Show & Tell Friday
....Have a look at the sidebar for linky parties permanently displayed there, every day theres a whole host of fantastic inspiration at your fingertips!!
Will be back soon showing off an old plate rack bought for £1 that I've transformed into braid, button and ribbon holder!
Until next time
Annie x

Coming soon...

2010-05-08T12:16:00.000+01:00

Hello!
Hope you have all been well! Thanks you for all the lovely comments on my last post and sorry if I didn't get round to replying to all personally...I've hardly been on the puta, been checking my emails by Phone and typing on such tiny keys is just not easy!! I'll suppose I'll get used to it!!!

So Followers of my Blog shop may see that I have not added any new stock lately....WELL There is a reason for that....There will be 'new' Products appearing soon ( New as in Re purposed new lease of life of course!!!) I have invited a designer Nana Maja (pronounced Na-na-Mya) to join me in a new venture we are undertaking. Of course there will still be Birdcages & Butterflies usual Vintage style items such as the home ware, Stationary line, wedding accessories etc but also a new line of Jewellery and MUCH MORE!!!!
Yes I'm being a Tad Cryptic but as we are still in Embryo stages I don't really want to reveal too much yet!!

Nana Maja has great style which I love and we share a common interest of Love for Vintage and an eye for 'seeing the potential' which is a gift that us creatives seem to share!!!!! I know that our different tastes along with the Danish and British influences will compliment each other and fuse into something that will cater for all!!!!

SO at this moment in time I am clearing my craft room and making space as Nana is with the space that she has and we will be 'hopefully' kicking off by the 1st weekend in July.We will more than likely be celebrating with a Giveaway with a gift from our new range.

I will be keeping you updated with our progress of course so you can come along on our little journey!!

Right off to try to find homes for the millions of buttons, trims and bits and bobs I have here in the craft space!!!! Enjoy your weekend!
Annie xxx

Organisation and declutter needed!!!!

2010-05-01T13:01:00.000+01:00

Hello Lovely peeps!!
Please excuse that rather long disappearing act...it really wasn't planned....illness, school holidays, gardening, friends....well basically LIFE!!!
Have taken a little break from work and getting my house in order!! You know I have paint that has been siting there for a good year ready to use cause we just haven't had time to do it....Well I think its high time that we do something about it!!!!!
Also Car boot season has started and I'm finding lots of treasures to revamp and show you!!!
SO fancy a photo catch up??
Firstly I have to show you these Lil gorgeous birdies that have now resided in my Birdcage from the lovely Alison from Vintage Amethyst... They have been called Sweet and Pea x Thanks Alison xx

My Girly Terri has recently chosen to become a Christian which I was Most pleased about! She chose me to be the one to Embrace her with a warm towel after she went for her dunk! I was the first person to hug her in her rebirth...I was overwhelmed...oh and very wet after a big bear hug...did not think that one through fully!!! LOL!! The day was amazing as was her church and its parishioners....it was a very Emotional day and I was fighting back the HUGE lump in my throat, but broke after a very heartfelt and beautiful version of Carole Kings 'you got a friend'...so proud of you Terri x x x

Then Easter came as well as family friends and LOTS of Chocolate!!!!!

The Easter Sunday Table

Handmade Easter wreath.

pretty pink flowers

...even if they are a bit shabby!!

Here are a few of my Car boot finds do far...I will be back soon for a more detailed post when I have completed some trash to treasure makeovers!!!!!

a great tall candelabra and something that resembled a birdcage so HAD to to have it of course!!!

This FAB teapot from a well known website which I have been hankering after for ages!!! and a cute dumpy little jug both found at the carboot for £1 Only!!!!

These heavy Beautiful Vintage Curtains bought for £5!!!!

And this set My friend bought for you'll never believe it...£2!!!!!!

It has lots more Cups, a coffee pot and teapot with all the trimmings!!! And Coffee tastes SO good from those cups too!!!!!

This other little set was Another bargain that she bought....All this for £2!! It was missing a blue jug.....Guess what Annie had in her collection??? Of course It deserved to go back to where it belonged!!!

So after both me and Aidy being Ill with Flu for the Majority of the Easter holidays I promised to get better in time to take him out for a day trip to London before he went back to school...so off we went to the Natural History and Science Museum...unfortunately my camera ran out of batteries but I did manage to get these few pics x

Aidy recording his findings!!

Love his attempt at spelling diplodocus!!!

and me and Aidy exhausted after a long day

Not sure when I'll pop back..got me some decluttering and organising to get done!!! Enjoy the sun hunnies xx
Until next time
A

Happy Easter and a Spring Freebie!

2010-04-03T13:36:00.001+01:00

Hello!
Please excuse my absence yet again I keep on doing these disappearing acts don't I? I did actually schedule the Vintage fair part 2 post for last week but it seems to have disappeared completely and didn't even publish?? ( Last time I try Scheduled posting!)
I have been enjoying the glimpses of sunshine we have been having and catching up with House work and friends that were neglected during my mad work schedule!
I am having some of my fave people over for Easter Sunday so will try and take lots of pics and will see you after the mini break......Me and Aidy have got some gardening and visiting in store for the hols!
Meanwhile for those who are revelling in the fact that SPRING IS HERE, I have added a little freebie for your personal use!
I have bought a mini blossom for my garden so would love to hear any tips or traditions / experiences you may have before I do so..I am very new at this gardening lark and not a natural AT ALL!!!!!
So here's wishing you ALL a VERY Happy Easter Weekend xx
Annie xx

The Vintage & Homemade Easter Fair- Part 1

2010-03-21T11:55:00.000Z

Hello!!
Yes I know I've been Missing but with all the preparing for the big day My plans to sneak preview the stock were pushed back and back until there wasnt even time to take any pictures at home!! So would you like to come to the fair with me?????
( Please dont expect to see any people fom blogland by the way...EVERYONE saw the camera and HID!!!!)

We'll start with my stall ....

Hmm bit jumbly looking butI had lots of bargains to clear!!

Take a closer look...

I had lots of little easter/spring themed pretties

such as these Handpinted Eggs

Which are available to buy HERE ( also with a multibuy discount too!)

and this too..

Only 1 left now so if you wanna grab it click on HERE

Will be adding the Easter cards later too, at £1.50 they are a steal!!

All the shelves bar one sold ( which of course was Fantastic and will clear some space ) but still have a few smaller pretties left but they are all mainly one off originals so If you see something you like then feel free to email me with any questions!!

The Apocathary vignette came home with me ( £6.99)

as did this metal candle holder ( £3.99)

a decoupaged tin jug ( 4.99)

Shadow box with vintage bike and Vintage milinary flowers ( £5.99)

and this Spring shadow box ( £5.99)

However the Miscellaneous rummage boxes were a hit and also the vintage nursery and ladybird pictures too!!

I have more of these which will be going into my blogshop soon!!

SO let s move on there are SO many pretty stalls to see yet!!

Lets go to Sharons shall we....

This was her first time at the fair but I think her stall looked Beautiful and her lovley character went down Very well with her customers!! Well done Sharon!

Lovely huh?

The beautiful large notebook made its way back home with me too!!

Here is Lindsey's stall

Elsie Sparrow's stock is STUNNING!!!

All set around a vintage bicycle!

Take a closer look!

Now at this point my camera starts to play up so please forgive any blurriness....

Beautifully packaged handmade pretty jewellery from Hannah of Ivory faces

I think right now would be a great time to go and have a lovely cup of tea and a slice of handmade cake!

Be back soon with more pics and Links

Annie x

Happy Mothers day + Freebie

2010-03-13T11:24:00.001Z

Hello!

Still busy busy busy getting ready for the Vintage fair next Saturday so please excuse my absence from Blog land!!!

Here's a Digital Art freebie for your own personal use

Wishing all my fellow Mummies out there a Happy Mothers day

Have a Lovely day and hope you get spoilt rotten!!!

Annie xx

Mothers day Brights & Award!

2010-02-28T14:33:00.000Z

Hello!!

So this last week I have been preparing for Mothers day! I imagined when starting the designs in my head that I would go for pastels and sugary tones but ACTUALLY ended up with brights and vibrant hues instead!

THE CARD DESIGNS

These are on Ivory or white card and are a6 sized, I've left them blank for personal messages

I'll be selling these in the blogshop for £2.50 each

CRYSTAL & GLASS EARRINGS

Just a few examples of the earrings that have been flying out! These can be made in a whole variety of colours and at Only £3.50 a pair is a bargain!

VINTAGE STYLE PLAQUES

The plaques are 6x3 inches and can be personalised with a message of your own too!!!

They are £4.50 each

I'll be adding these to my blogshop so Click here to see the full range and send me an email to purchase!

I'll be having a limited offer on Facebook too where you can buy

HANDMADE CARD & EARRINGS FOR £5 ONLY!!!

HANDMADE CARD & PLAQUE FOR £6 ONLY!!!

Ok enough business!! I have taken up a new hobby! BRAIN TRAINING!!!

I usually avoid computer games as I do have the tendancy to sit in an addictive manner forget everything around me and play for hours!!!!

But after my first brain test ( partly due to the fact that it didnt recognise my voice) I ended with a brain age of 80!!!!!HAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!!!

Ok so after a whole week of training I am at 30 which a year younger than my actual age but apparantly I need to be at 20...so I have along way to go!!!!!!!

I cant wait for Spring!!! I'm itching to get in the garden!! We also share an allotment with Friends which is in the very early stages at the mo....so we will be growing all sorts of Veggies there this year..which is a much better idea than growing them in my garden as my pumpkin vines were squashed by football play last year!!

So I'm going to be pretty busy over the next 2-3 weeks as I will be preparing for the Vintage and homemad fair in Northamptonshire.... As you may or may not know we are trying for a another baby so I will be eventually losing my craft room to a nursery!!! I have so many shelves, frames and lots of home accessories to make over so they will be selling for a song!!! If you can get up there come an grab a bargain!!!!

I got the following award a couple of weeks ago from the LOVELY LISSYLOU!!!

Thankyou hunny xx

The condition of accepting the award is to pass it on to 5 people and to list 5 things I like doing;

1. Treasure hunting

No not for buried Gold with Maps but in Old junk shops, Markets, Car boots, charity shops.....the joy of finding that one treasure in a pile of old rubbish is heavenly!!!

2.Cuddling!

I love hugs with my Little Boy and hubby...or anyone else who comes along to my house! No one leaves without a big hug from me....except maybe the guy who reads the gas meter!!!

3.Crafting

As my profile states I LOVE TO CREATE!!!

I dont have a favourite craft really, I'm lucky to be able to make a wide range of crafts, Jewellery, painting, drawing, paper crafts...etc Whatever I am in the mood for is my favourite for that day!

4.Being with my Friends

I'm SOOO Blessed with my friends I try to be the best friend I can be and in return get the loyalest, kindest generous people in my life...who would be there for me in a heartbeat as they know I will be for them. In my house every Wednesday is 'PANCAKE WEDNESDAY' Where I make fluffy american style pancakes, bacon and maple syrup and have my girlies round who make coffee and sit and talk about everything and anything! Its Tradition now!

5.( this may sound weird)

Taking a Mental photo

I will explain! So you know when you Stop and pause to really remember what you are doing in that moment because are really enjoying something! In my case it might be.....

Reading a great book in a squashy bed with freshly washed linen, sitting and drooling over cooking programmes and drinking coffee with my friend, Watching your Son bond with family members whilst they try to put lego sets together! Watching someone open a gift that you really put a lot of thought into buying and they LOVE IT!!

I'm gonna pass this award onto the following people who I either love to hear about or would like to know more about!

Ann

Mel

Gemma

Sue

Debbie

So please excuse me if I posts are scarce but I'm planning hard to be ultra organised so I can take lots of pictures of the fair this time!!
Until next time...
MWAH!!
Annie x

Mixed Bag

2010-02-17T23:07:00.000Z

Hello,
Firstly Thanks for all of your lovely comments on my past couple of posts I havn't had much of a chance to reply to each one but I do read all of them and they ALWAYS bring a smile to my face xxx
Well now that I'm back on form I can show you a few pics and update you about some of the things I have been up to!
At the moment Aidy is on half term and hes just got to a stage where we are really clicking and as he has got a bit older he has found his independance we seem to be having lovely days where we go and do our own thing for a while and then 'meet' up for a drink and a snack ( all under the same roof of course) where we'll play a game or do some colouring in etc....He is also learning to read and write so I get these Fantastic little notes which he pops on my pillow and I find before i go to bed! Just random little messages like ' I Luv Mume' or 'I am Fiv' Make my day xx

The shop I supply in St Albans have ordered some more of these window clings....they are around 5inches high and are suitable for mirrors and all types of glass...I sell them in a pack of 4...was thinking of putting them in the blogshop...I also paint butterflies and angels also.....heres a few examples...

I finally finished making all the gifts for the giveaway prizes...somewhat delayed by my sickness! But they are now travelling and on their way to their recipients!!!! Here's a sneak peek

Also made a few little wooden signs to cheer a few friends up whos been having a rough time of it lately...

I now have to make some stock for Mothers day as I am joining an avon home party on Friday week so need lots of little pressies...any gift suggestions? I have designed a set of Mothers day blocks so I'll be back soon to show you them...Then it will be all go for the Vintage and Homemade Easter fair!! LOADS of Stock clearance from me so make sure if you are near enough to come and grab a bargain!!

Until next time my Lovelies

Annie xxx

Wishing you all a Happy Valentines day!

2010-02-13T13:41:00.000Z

Heres to a weekend filled with holding hands, snogs and Passion!

....And if theres ever a need for an excuse, use Valentines day to show Love to your family and friends too.

I have so much love in heart to give to ANYONE who wants it!!!!

So here take it......I LOVE YOU!!!

Annie x

COVET...To wish for Longingly.....

2010-02-06T17:32:00.000Z

Hello,

I just had to share with you something......Something which I have wanted so much for a while now. The Title is a word which has been brought to my Attention by Liz..a most wonderful person who I have been most fortunate to meet through blog land! After she said that she Coveted the Giveaway prizes which made me giggle of course!!!

Anyone reading may know I have a Birdcage addiction...and you may have also seen pictures of these beautiful items in blog land already! They are stunning!

I still COVET them!!....However until I can afford it...I managed to find...

THIS

In MATALAN!!! for £25!!!

I have to say I do love the home ware range there...and the Influence range have got a range by some great designers....this is from Laurence- Llewelyn Bowen influence he has a lot of opulent Black, Mercury, sumptuous accessories, Linda barker is very similar to her website very vintage chic style, Justin and Colin are more kitschy class and Anthea turner range is very pastels and pretty prissy!

If you haven't been recently then I would def suggest taking a trip there soon as there's lots of patchwork style cushions and Lovely tableware for very reasonable prices!!!

Back soon

Annie x

Just a little note to say..

2010-02-04T22:00:00.001Z

..I've given in to a head cold :~( I am the worlds worst patient and would like to believe that illness is a state of mind so I try and carry on with the school run and work and housework etc etc...but this head cold has kicked my arse and I have had to stop and actually lie down today and take the most disgusting tasting medicine ever made! I swear it was like the scene of Nanny Mcphee when she administered the foul liquid to the children!

BUT....It worked, I can actually lift my head now, also the fact that My Mum had been visiting and did the school run for me today so I could fully rest was a godsend!!

So please forgive me if you are waiting for orders from me or your E-mails have been unanswered....I will be on it as soon as my head stops spinning xxx Much love
Annie xxxxx

Digital Art collections

2010-01-31T21:50:00.000Z

Hello!!
Well I've been kinda busy with making Birthday pressies and cards and making some personalised Giveaway gifts!!!!
I have really enjoyed designing little buttons and pics on the computer so I thought I would showcase a few...If you would like me to design one for you I am thinking of adding it as a purchase in my shop eventually but until I get to design a few more I will gladly be happy to 'trade' for a swap of some sort!!!! Drop me a comment or E'mail if you are interested!!!
You may have noticed a little blog Button to grab for your sidebar to the right!! Making it was a doddle, but puttin it in the sidebar with the scroll box was TORTURE!!! It took nearly 2 hours to get the HTML code right but think I got there in the end!! Let me know if you do post it to your sidebar so I could thankyou xx

SO heres the Birdcages & Butterflies button

The Blog shop Button

The Halfway Giveaway

100 Followers Giveaway

Business logo design for Sew Lolly

Heres a button just designed for Cupcakes & Corsets

Button For My Vintage Party

Feel Free to use this one!!

and this...

and this..

or this....

A few of my fave images revamped by moi!... Liz T

The motto of my life!!!

Ooh La la!!!

One of my Fave ever Actresses Leslie Caron

And last but not least my Love of Birdcages!!

Sorry if I have bored you with my pics!! But please let me know if you ever want a giveaway button made for your blog! And feel free to use the above images for personal use only and please link back to me if you do!! Thanks guys..will be back soon with some pics of the giveaway prizes and hopefully some new editions of the blocks in time for Valentines and Mothers day!!

Take care

Annie x

And the Winners are........

2010-01-25T20:11:00.003Z

Hello peeps!
Sorry if this is short and sweet but I've had a Migraine today and the yucky feeling that comes along with it still has not left me....Early night for me!!!
So Before then I better tell you who's names were picked out of the old sweety tin!!

SO the 1st name drawn is......Koralee from Bluebird Notes
A set of Vintage style blocks AND a handmade 'seamstress' necklace in the colour of your choice will be coming your way!! Congrats hun x

Ok 2nd name Drawn is....

Little Gem!! Congrats hun!
You have a choice of the seamstress necklace made in the colour of your choice OR a set of Vintage style blocks!

So the runners up I picked next are...

Tania Deutrom
Teresa Clayton Sanderson
Linda Q
Kimberley @ sweet holly cottage
Leann @ the Old parsonage
You will all be receiving a handmade pair of Crystal earrings in the colour of your choice!
Oh erm...the next name fell out when I picked out the last name and I couldn't decide on who's name was to be opened so I decided to open it and award another prize...

Liz!

Congrats hun..you have the choice of a handmade pair of crystal earrings OR a little Craft surprise package...

I will be E-mailing you all tomorrow with all details as I need to have a bath and then an early night to get rid of this yucky feeling!
Thanks to all for entering! It means a lot that you all entered...I am giving all entrants a 10% Voucher for my Blog shop......As a little thank you...sorry if this is not much but if I had my way I'd try to give you all a little prize...and with nearly 400 entries this would be a VERY hard task!!!!
This is valid for 6 months so keep it and store it for a special occasion if you wish!

I have designed some more special editions of the vintage blocks with personalised sides....a couples edition including photos of the happy couple and meaningful pictures like a fave flower, or landmarks . e.g the Eiffel tower to remind you of that romantic trip to Paris you took....significant dates you get the picture!!! These are great for an anniversary, wedding or valentines pressie!!!

Also the Mother edition with similar themes...all personalised for the individual....Of course these special editions will be designed from scratch so they will be £14.99 for a set of 3 but a personalised pressie under £20 I think is not a bad price to pay!!

I've been tagged so will be back soon with more details!!!
BIG LOVE to ALL!!!
Annie xx

WOWEEE!!!!

2010-01-22T12:31:00.000Z

Hello!!
Well as the title says..WOWEE!! What a response! The giveaway has had an overwhelming amount of entrants this time..with around 3/4's of the 300 odd members entering from my facebook group and as you can see well over 100 peeps from blogland too!!
In hindsight I might have copied and paste the name into a spread sheet rather than write out each name up to 3 times on little bits of paper!! But alas I started this way so I intend to finish it this way!!
I have tried wherever possible to respond with a little personal thankyou to each entrant and try to visit their blog in return...sometimes this has not been possible as some profiles are restricted :~( But the Blogs that I have discovered are FANTASTIC!!!
I really believe that Giving something away brings SO much more into your life than the actual treasure you give...I have Loved finding hidden blogs showing wonderful peeks into strangers lives!! and I tell you having so many positive comments is just so Amazing!!!! SO Thanks to all for Participating! I am going to close this on Saturday Evening and announce the winner Monday morning!
So If you havn't entered yet the please feel free to do so now!!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT GIVEAWAY POST

OK Before I go a few questions answered...
CHUFFED = Very Happy!!!! Sorry to all my American friends for using a very British word without Explaination!!-

The Crown will move around my house for the rest of the year until it will find its true home in December on the top of my tree!!!

You can find my shop by clicking on the black and white button in the sidebar..Working on some new stock to be sold soon!!

Oh and If you are the 'anonymous' poster with no email address than please send me it so I can make sure that If you are picked then I know how to contact you!!!! Thanks!!

Until Monday Morning.....BYEEEEE!!!!
Annie xxx

100 Followers Giveaway!! ( & a crown makeover!)

2010-01-14T21:00:00.002Z

Hello!
Well Sorry I've been Gone so long but with the Snow days that fell upon us, between entertaining a 5 yr old and getting the house back in order after Christmas, there has been little time for finishing up my projects!
So now my lil man is back in school I can move forward with things..starting with the 100 Followers Giveaway!!
Thankyou to all of who have followed my ramblings over the last 6 months! It means so much that you take the time to comment and wish me well and to have got to know so many wonderful peeps in such a short space of time. I hope our friendship grows and thrives. x
So I have opened this giveaway to the members of my facebook group and you all here in Blog land!! There are currently just over 300 members there and on the halfway giveaway I had well over 250 entries so I have decided to give away the following prizes...

1st name Drawn

1 set of 4 seasons Vintage style blocks,

1 Seamstress Necklace in the crystal colour of their choice and

some surprise vintage and crafty goodies!

2nd name Drawn

A set of 4 seasons Vintage style blocks

1 Seamstress Necklace in the crystal colour of their choice.

Next 5 Names drawn

A pair of Handmade Crystal earrings in the colour of their choice

Of course there will be more than one way to enter so you can have multiple entries!!

SO this is how it works.....
1 entry = reply to Facebook group OR Comment on this post
1 entry = posting a link to this blog on your Facebook wall OR Posting a link to your blog
1 entry = becoming a follower of my blog or join my Facebook group- link in side bar

I can see who has replied or commented on Fb and here but if you have posted a link or followed me then please let me know by e-mail annmarie_vaughan@yahoo.co.uk and i will add your extra entries in the hat!
If you are already a follower then let me know when you leave a comment and I will automatically put an extra entry in for you xxxx
P.S This giveaway is open to readers overseas too!!

GOOD LUCK!!

SO heres the Makeover! I bought this erm rather yellow gold Crown tree topper in the January sales and it wasnt really to my taste or matched any of my tree decorations so it needed a new look!
( please excuse the poor quality of pics)

BEFORE

AFTER

I will be Linking this post in the makeover parties displayed in my side bar, the people who participate always amaze me with their creations...def worth a visit for fantastic Inspiration!! If you click on any of the buttons in the sidebar it will take you to the blog hosting the party!

If you are visiting from one of them then please feel free to comment and enter the giveaway..I would be chuffed!

Until next time

Annie x

UPDATE: NOW CLOSED..thanks SO MUCH to all who entered!!

My Makes of 2009!!

2010-01-04T21:25:00.001Z

Hello!
Well before I move on to 2010 I thought I would show you some of my work from 2009....I have seen a lot of these posts and thought Hey why not jump on the Bandwagon??!!!
I only started this blog in July so I might sneak in a few from the pre blog days!!!

Wonder what Makes I will create this year??.......A Crown will be my next project...not for a bride though....Keep your eyes peeled!!

Thanks for viewing!

Annie x
P.S Feel free to carry on making suggestions for the Giveaway..getting a better idea now...looks like the blocks will be making a comeback...as well as Jewellery it seems!

Catching up on 2009!!

2010-01-02T14:35:00.001Z

Hello! Happy New Year!

Well just thought I would say Thankyou for all your lovely comments and hope that you all saw the New Year in with your Loved ones and had a great time x

Heres a few of the Gorgeous pressies I got..theres lots more but I wouldn't want to bore you!!!

Well lets start with the Sparklies shall we...

These Gorgeous Vintage Brooches from Australia..

A pretty Trinket box to put them in!...With Benefit make up kit in the back...love it!

some prettie Pj's and Norah Jones new Album

A pretty box full of goodies,

My friend bought the box ages ago as she thought of me when she saw it...maybe because it has the best piece of advice ever on it..

Some gorgeous make up bags( much needed) and yummy biccies in a pretty tin!

A gorgeous Birdcage style Shelf, which will be holding my Jug collection soon

Remember my Dream Christmas Cottage?....

Look what my Mum made! It will be treasured and bought out for many Christmasses to come...

Look at the gorgeous detail on it....Speaking of My mums makes......

My Mum made me a Crochet blanket from some wool I found ages ago and I bought.....

.....this from her too!

Thats it for now!!

I'll leave you with the View from my office I had in the run up to Christmas...

Be Back soon with the Giveaway plans!!! It will be have to be a double lot of gifts to top the halfway giveaway and there will be multiples ways of entering for more chances of winning..just like last time!

P.S Thanks to Silken Purse who became my 100th Follower after the total dropped down to 99 :~(

Could not find an e-mail addy for you so just to let you know you will get 2 extra entries as little prize xxxx

Until next time...

Annie x

Looking forward to the New Year!

2009-12-29T12:58:00.000Z

Hello!

Well 2010 is fast approaching...For once I have no Expectations! I only hope to be doing a lot of new things and hoping that a lot of new opportunities and people arrive into my Life....Maybe a new addition to the family? Will have to work on that one?!!!

I am keeping myself Open to whatever comes my way!

I would like to say a big Thankyou to you for Reading my ramblings this year...My stray into posting in Blog land has been successful for me and the blog shop have been well received....Thanks so much for your support x

I was thinking of prizes for the 100 Followers giveaway and gonna have to make it a biggun i think....without it weighing a huge amount as I always think it fair to open it to Followers from across the seas as well as the UK! But ALAS!!! AS I went to write this post to wish you all well...I saw that I now only have 99 Followers! BOOOHOOOO!! Hopefully someone else will decide to click on follow and the Giveaway can go ahead in the New Year!!!!

Please please E-mail me with some suggestions in regards to Prizes....Would one of the Vintage style Necklaces go down well? How about the blocks? ( or are you sick of em now??) LOL!!!

My camera needs batteries so will post some pics of the fab pressies I got in the New year xxx

Until then.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Annie x

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T00:00:00.002Z

Just a little note to say a huge Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Thought this Picture summed up what I wish for you all...No not a Cheeky 5 yr old sticking his tongue out...but being so excited playing in the snow that all your worries disappear and Sticking your tongue out to the people who only wish to bring you down! ENJOY!
Love to all
Annie xx

Christmas time in London

2009-12-23T10:00:00.000Z

Hello!
Thanks for Joining me this Christmas on our annual trip to London! Its become a tradition for Me and my Lil Sis ( yes I will be still calling her this even when we are old and grey!) to take the Day off, wrap up warm and jump on a train to 'The Big Smoke'!!
So we start our day in Covent Garden....this is what you see first as you jump off the Tube...

ITS A HUGE REINDEER!! oh and twinkling too!!

Take a couple of Cheesy pics acting like complete tourists!

Then head off to the beautifully decorated Market where you find some beautiful treasures and little shops with novelty items and handmade pretties....

...like these gorgeous handpainted glass decorations

Heres the link to the Website its called Aramica and has lots of great gifts on there!! Def worth a visit!

Right peeps time to fuel up on Lunch, something hearty we have a long day ahead of us...What better than...

PIE AND MASH!

To be precise the most tastiest chicken and Bacon pie, with buttery mash and Sweet spiced red cabbage...Dont mention Calories..we will be burning those off oh and adding more of them too !!

Now its starting to Snow heavily so we have to jump on the tube and walk to get to..

CARNABY ST!!!

A quick visit to the Mac shop to look at the sparkly make up oh and if you are my sis buy one too!!

Off to have a look in Libertys to the 4th floor Christmas Dept then down to have a look at the cutest Christmas windows!

The theme for this one is defintely patriotic! GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

( I'm a secret big fan of the royals..Tiara envy!)

Feel free to press your nose against the glass for a closer look...or just Click on the pics!!

The Fantastic Mr Fox..

The good old Days.... a British retro feel..

and the British Panto!

I believe these are the 2 ugly sisters?

Right Now off to Hamleys to play with the toys...

The stairwell is decorated with scenes from the magical world of Narnia with trees growing out of the walls!!

And thats my sister Laura that Mr Tumnas is talking to!!

Right now its time for a Gingerbread Latte in Starbucks, resting our legs and relaxing on the squashy sofas in the basement sitting room there away form the hustle and bustle of the Crowd

After playing with a few Glittery Mac Eyeshadows we'll head off down...

OXFORD ST!

How Pretty are those Christmas lights?? Weaving in and out of the odd store we arrive for the finale in...

LEICESTER SQUARE

To find this magical scene awaiting us!!

Can you take a picture of us please?.......

EVERY Branch was lit up..wow

And we shunned the Carousel..as pretty as it was to Scream like Kids and make ourselves ill on the Waltzer instead!!!! HAHAHA!!

We now reach the conclusion of our Day out all we have left to do is the tradition of watching a Christmas Movie..In the past we have watched on the big screen..Love Actually, Christmas with the Cranks, The Holiday but this year we were watching this...

Definately worth watching..its very unscripted and real and we giggled all the way through!!

This is what we came back to....

LOTS OF SNOW!!

Merry Christmas to all hope you join us again next year!!

Annie x

Swap goodies & Thrifty finds!!!

2009-12-22T12:44:00.000Z

Hello!
Well I'm still not even close to finished yet! There's still presents to be wrapped, food to be bought and pressies to be swapped!
But I thought I would show you my Christmas gifts that have been sent to me, some that I thrifted and some I have outright just bought for myself!!
Firstly Yes that Is a Beautiful Laura Ashley Birdcage in the picture above...The most generous Secret Santa sent it to me....as if that wasn't enough...look at what was hidden inside...

The most Gorgeous goodies all Butterfly themed!

Thankyou SO SO MUCH..Kelly...you are naughty for sending me goodies over the Limit..but It made my Day I tell you..Christmas came early for me!!!

I unfortunatly didnt take pics of the goodies I sent to Karen but she was enquiring after buying some blocks from me and I had already made some for her to send in the swap as she had entered my giveaway a few times..so I had to pull a sneaky and tell her I was waiting on a delivery of them!! TEEHEEE!! I put a few little vintage crafty bits in also and some chandelier crystals too.

So Onto the Thrifted treasures...I took my friend to My secret Aladdins cave of treasures and we found some Bargains! She got a Fab heavy Jade green Colander for 10p! a 60's style magazine rack for 75p and sewing treasures in a gorgeous old tin for 50p!!
....I bought 2 of these handmade Cushions with zips for wait for it...50p each!! They were in fab condition and when I took them off the cushion I found ..

these inside..Hand crocheted slip covers! they were in a dusky shell pink and GORGEOUS!

I then found this old box whilst rummaging and happened to peek in and saw that it was full of buttons and bits and bobs! here are just some of them....

When asking how much they were they told us er you can have the lot for a pound! £1.00 Yep you read it right!! After sorting through we found some real pretty ones too including some mother of pearl pretties!

I also decided to bag myself a bargain from Ebay..this gorgeous Fair isle Cardigan was under a Tenner!!! Its brand new with tags too and arrived within 2 days with NO postage to pay!!!

ITS TOO COMFY!!!!!

So that my treasures...Come visit with me tomorrow and I'll take you on a a day out to London at Christmas Time! Until then..BYEEE XXXXX

100 Followers!!

2009-12-16T08:53:00.001Z

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

As promised a giveaway is due...now all I need is your suggestions for a prize....nothing too big (size wise) as I would like to keep open for all overseas friends too! So something postable!!
all suggestions welcome please....I'll go with the general consensus!!!
Be back soon with a few thrifty finds and the mother of all Secret Santa gifts!! I hit the jackpot!!!
until then..lots of suggestions pretty pretty please!!
THANKYOU X
Annie xxxxxxxxxxxx
P.s Heres a pic of my little innkeeper..so proud of him..unfortunatly Mummy was blubbing from the first prayer!!

Decs are up!!!

2009-12-10T21:20:00.002Z

Hello!
Well Thought I'd better do my show and tell christmas decoration post!!
We put up our Decs over the weekend just gone and had some friends over, watched Miracle on 34th St while crawling under the Narnia tree to decorate the back too...this is where Santas little 5 yr old helpers ( Aidy and his Friend Aisha) came in handy!!!
Growing up we always had fun picking a real tree out every year which 9 times out of 10 ended up with my Lil Sis having a tree fall on her!!! Good times!

When we lived in our flat I fell in love with an artificial tree which was a 7 footer!! I bought it with the viewpoint that we would have a house the next year we opened it...Needless to say it went up for 2 years in our flat before it found its way to our house. When it was in our flat I would have to leave the back branches off and take the bottom layer off too so that we could fit any pressies under it!!
So now this the 3rd Christmas in our Century old little house and my Tree is allowed all its bottom branches on and thanks to our lovely high ceilings we can put him on a little footstool and still have rooom for the star so that Aidy's santa train track can make its way around the bottom...until the noise drives me crazy that is!
So OK heres the pics..

BEFORE

LIGHTS ON.....

AFTER

LIGHTS OFF AROUND THE HOUSE...

AND OF COURSE A BIRDCAGE!!!

THE FRONT OF OUR LITTLE VICTORIAN HOUSE

I hope you've enjoyed putting your decs up! Can't wait to see all of your finished pretty houses too!

It does the make the sitting room a lot more cosy and enjoyable to sit in...Havn't done that in a while actually...going to enjoy it!!

Hugs to all

Annie x

Thanks for Visiting!!

2009-12-08T20:16:00.000Z

Hello peeps!
Just a quickie to say THANKYOU to all of you who have visited, commented and purchased from my Blogshop!
Surprisingly only one ONE -OFF item was sold but had LOTS of other Orders!!! YAY! Will be adding some little crystal earrings for £2.99 end of this week so might be an idea to add to a Christmas card for friends that you are not getting a main pressie for. ( ahem Lots of my friends are used to the earrings sent with their Greetings cards!! ) But hey you can never have enough earrings, I think!!!
Guess what sold the best??........TEEHEE!

So thanks again, will be back with some Chrimbo tree pics!!
Annie xx

Opening Weekend!!

2009-12-04T18:44:00.000Z

Hello!!
Well I have Finally built up enough stock to open my blog shop! Please Go and have a nosey and let me know what you think..Your opinions would be MUCH appreciated! There are lots of reasonable pretties available some of which are ONE-OFFS! So will have to handle it on a first come first served basis I suppose?? I think thats how these things work?
Theres quite a wide variety of styles and types of gifts being sold so thought I would show you a few examples here!

CHRISTMAS DECORATION

KEYRINGS AND CHARMS

HAND PAINTED NAME ART

VINTAGE GOODIES

JEWELLERY

AND LOTS MORE!!!!!!

DON'T FORGET......

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE SHOP

Thanks for all who have encouraged me to do this I hope you enjoy Visiting!!

Right I can Start decorating for Christmas FINALLY!!!! Will be back with Pics!

Enjoy your weekend

Annie xxxxx

Free Gift offer for Blogshop orders!

2009-11-30T22:42:00.003Z

Hello!! Well haven't been gone that long but its the time of year to be swamped with endless jobs, cleaning, volunteering, orders, designs ...blah blah blah!!!

So I've still got lots to add to the blogshop ( the photo editing is really killing me!!) but thought I would give you a heads up that I am hoping to have all of the stock added by the Weekend and to celebrate my opening I thought I would have a little offer too!!

I still have Vintage Lace to add and also mini digital art designs in charm and Keyring form ( great little stocking filler or teachers gift!!) I also have some very reasonable charm style pendants teamed with Swarovski Crystals Starting from as Little as £8.00!!!!!

So if you spend more than £5 I will be adding one of these little decoupaged Pretties too!

They hang on Clear elastic and have a lovely weight to them also!

You are welcome to visit the blog shop now but keep your eyes peeled for more stock to be added towards the end of the week!

Thanks for reading guys! and BIG LOVE TO ALL!!

Annie x

Little Break..not for long

2009-11-22T18:22:00.000Z

Just a quick note to you lovely peeps that I am taking a short break from blogging for a week or so so I can catch up with Orders, Swaps and work on the blogshop...feel free to visit through my profile although I will be having a grand opening day with an opening discount just in time for payday!!! I'm still contactable through Facebook and E-mail so please feel free to contact me with any orders or queries

I'll leave you with my dream Christmas Cottage

Seeya soon xx
Annie x

Watermill Antiques- LOTS of pretties

2009-11-19T09:22:00.000Z

Hello Again!

LOTS of pics in this post! This is Watermill Antiques, Set in Barton Le Clay in Bedfordshire with a surrounding Duck pond and shopping village with fab restaraunt..its a lovely place to visit!
Something keeps drawing me back to this place as I have been connected to it in some form or other.

I used to love to visit and the first place I ever rented to sell my Handmade gifts were in the gallery just by the top hand right window at the top front of the mill....I then worked in the Fantasy Crafts who were at the time in there...then they moved just down the road and Watermill Antiques moved in and I now stock some of my products in there! I was once told by a very spiritual person that it would feature in my future and that it has!!

So heres some pics of the lovely treasures in there....( some you may recognise!!!!)

Pretty sparklies!!

hmmm seen those before...can't think where???!!!

Fine looking Top hat...

A trunk full of vintage eiderdowns and Quilts...

Stacks of suitcases...

Birdcage and Chairs...

Blocks Against a Gorgeous Chandelier that...

...Looks Amazing when Lit!!.

A Beautiful painted glass screen..swoon...

My little decoupaged box holding some pearly treasures...

And My FAVE, the french enamel Chandelier...SO PRETTY!!!

And thats just downstairs...Upstairs hold Emmas sparkly Vintage and retro Boutique, the most glittery and spangly collection with some amazing Vintage hats and Accessories too!

LOVE LOV E LOVE these Sparkly shoes

( did I ever mention that I had pale pink glittered 7 inch platforms under my Wedding dress??)

And then theres also Dawn with Vintage Delightz

some fab lil numbers and Accessories

How much would you love to rummage through that Rail??

So lots of yumminess under one roof...If you ever in the area please pop in for a visit and tell them Annie sent ya! Heres the link to the Olde Watermill Shopping Village and when you've finished then pop into Fantasy Crafts to have a play and a cuppa while you are in the area!!

Back to work on my blog shop now!! Back with more details!!

Annie x

Festive lights & Fellow Crafters

2009-11-17T21:02:00.000Z

Hello!
Well thought I would post some pics of the switching of the lights in our Town..nothing spectacular but Aidy and his friend loved sitting on their daddies shoulders and Screaming for their superstar...the Honey monster!! needless to say I was nowhere to be seen when he was about ( see here for explanation) Stavros Flatley from Britains got talent fame were also there..although all we could see of them looking up to the Town hall window were their Bare bellies!! Tee hee!!

There was also a little craft fair there which was ..erm interesting to say the least ( lots of cheap cards, wood turning products and Tombolas)..there was one GREAT stall however which compensated completely!

Naomi had a lovely stall and a business with the BEST name!!

How cool is that!!

She had made some Fab Button Earrings which were displayed so Cutely...Is that a word?

and some GORGEOUS handmade Bunnies in the cutest fabrics!

And how reasonable are her prices too? I had to of course bag me a bargain in the form of...

She has a great website and I wanted to to support a fellow local Bedfordshire Crafter!

Will be back soon with a LOT of pictures from the Watermill Antiques where some of my stock is sold

I have also decided to open a blogshop until I get my website sorted next year...Thanks to all for your orders and all of your helpful advice and best wishes..MUCHLY appreciated!!

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

Until next time x

Annie x

Vintage Blocks- Christmas edition

2009-11-14T23:21:00.002Z

Hello!!
Been another busy week catching up with outstanding orders and making stock for shops etc! Finally sending out the prizewinners gifts too!!
This week I have also designed a Christmas themed version of the Vintage blocks to count down the days in December!
These are made to order and are £9.99 the same price as the other style..

Here's some pics!!

I was thinking about opening a temporary blog shop to make it easier to sell goods from until my Website is ready...what d'ya think? I would appreciate any advice that experienced blog sellers can give me...please feel Free to comment or E-mail me peeps x

Oh and can I also apologise for my lack of commenting on all your lovely blogs..I do get to have a quick scan but I really need to sit down and have a Proper Catch up so I can give my full attention to them x ( I haven't even opened my subscribed copy of country living yet!!) Will def put some time aside with a cuppa to catch up next week...ITS A DATE!!

Thanks for all your lovely comments and will be back soon xx

Annie x

Success at the Vintage Fair!

2009-11-09T11:47:00.002Z

Hello!
Well I have had a busy weekend!! So this is the first chance for me to post about the Fantastic Vintage Fair Saturday.
After a slight delay we Got there and set up stall!! The time flew away and before I knew it. 12 noon had arrived and there was a queue of people waiting to come and see all of our treasures!
I didn't STOP!! I was waiting for a lull to go and scan everyone else's treasures but it didn't come!! I managed to sneak away for a scan of the stalls at about 3.20pm!! It was so BUSY!!
SO I didn't even get a chance to take pics! Luckily my mum managed to take a few but I hadn't finished setting up properly yet but you can get the idea!!

Birdcages and Butterflies.....

Well that was my stall and as you can see I still had more to put on!! This was my Mums Sew Lolly..It looked fantastic!

I love the embroidered things..and have just ordered a Christmas cushion from her in duck egg blue and Red cottage scene with Pickett fencing! Cant wait to see it!!

The Whole day was buzzing and I was so impressed by the efforts that Ann and Debbie had put into the day, the success is really down to their hard work and I tell you it really did pay off!

So as I didn't get a chance to take any pics at all but managed to arrange a lovely lil swap to get a gorgeous button heart decoration from 2 lovely ladies who had a stall there their company was called Spots and Stripes...time to get a blog ladies to show off those gorgeous treasures you make!!! Their e-mail address is spotsandstripes@live.com

Sharon from Clover Cottage was an Absolute sweetheart and lovely to talk to! She took some great pics of all the stalls so go and have a nosey as she has details of most of the traders there..Including Lindsey of Elsie Sparrow who's stall was just FANTASTIC!! ( I bought some Gorgeous Mirrors and a Spud gun as a stocking filler for Aidy too ( Which i may live to regret just yet!!)

What was also Fantastic was meeting some lovely peeps from Blog land! There was Lovely Wendy from Ticking Stripes who gave me some dried Hydrangeas from her mothers garden which I will be including in a future project! Ann was amazing and did work so hard as well as Debbie did also they were both Fantastic and I felt as if I had known them for years!! Lovely Family too!!

Thanks so much for all your hard work x

SO a huge Success and a really lovely Day...Hope you are hosting another in the spring...I'll definately be there!!

Annie xx

P.S If you are the Lady who bought the printers tray please E-mail with your address because the Large O tile was hiding on the table and came home with me!

10% Discount Voucher!!

2009-11-06T09:35:00.000Z

See the Post below for more details!!

Hope to see you there!

Annie x

New stock for a Vintage fair!

2009-11-06T00:20:00.000Z

Hello!
Well as you can see there is a reason for my absence in Blogland....I have been a busy bee finishing up stock for the Vintage and Homemade Fair in Northamptonshire this Saturday!
SO here's a sneak preview....
...Enamel pitcher decoupaged with vintage flowers and a shelf with an 'R' for Rusty and a little bit Random!!

Vintage Lace wound tightly round card..waiting for someone to come and use it for their sewing pretties...

An Old bevelled Mirror and ornate one too! Alongside a Great set of pins from Paris sneaking into the pic!!

A nice sized revamped printers tray with Cute as a button paper backing that can be hung Portrait or Landscape....

....With removable tiles and....

...an array of Little treasures to display...just to get you started until you find some of your own!

And some great little Stocking fillers! Some of my Digital Art made minitaure to add to your bracelet, Keyrings, necklace or Wherever you desire!!

Ok if you want to see more then you MUST try and Visit us....Northamptonshire is a great Central location..so not too far from anyone!!

Read more about the sellers confirmed for the fair on Anns lovely Blog!

I will also be posting a 10% discount voucher for my stall that people are welcome to print off and bring to redeem against any goodies you might want to buy!! Will be meeting up with a few peeps that I have met in blogland and I must say I am really looking forward to it!!

Back soon with that voucher!

Big love to all

Annie x

AND THE WINNERS ARE.....

2009-11-03T13:48:00.000Z

Hello!
I'm sure you are dying to find out who has won a set of vintage style blocks....But please let me firstly thanks all of you for the huge response I have had and for taking the time to enter.
So the first set of Blocks goes to.....

CINDY FROM COTTAGE INSTINCTS..Well done for being first picked Cindy!
and the second set of Blocks goes to......

COCO ROSE!! Well done hunny!!

The 5 runners up winning a hand made scented Christmas decoration each are...

MICHELLE MONCRIEFFE -FB

MARY ELLEN @MARY'S MEANDERINGS BLOG

KELLY @ A PLACE OF MY OWN BLOG

SIERRA @CREATIVE K DESIGNS

FIONA WEBB-FB

Congratulations to all! I will be posting out all your goodies next week to avoid any lost contents in the unfortunate postal strikes that we may or may not be having!!

THANKS TO ALL who have entered and as I feel so bad that all of you couldn't have a prize I am giving all who have entered a 10% Discount off any orders made in November ( applies for one transaction only)

So get your Chrimbo orders in soon!!

I'll leave you with our Pumpkin offerings from the weekends Halloween antics!

( Edited to add...forgot to add the pumpkin pics!...DOH!.. here you go!!)

BIG LOVE to you all x

Annie xx

Sew Lolly..new stock!

2009-11-01T21:27:00.005Z

Hello!
Its all go here! the Vintage and Home Made Fair is soon upon us so while I am collecting all finishing up making new stock to take I'll show you some pics of some of the sewing pretties that my Mum Lorraine has made..they are fab!!
Here's the larger cushions..

Mini Versions...

Beautiful hand embroidered large cushion with vintage button

A sneak peek of a boys Quilt! ( I want this for Aidy's room!!) there also cushions to match this!!

also some Christmas stuffed hearts!

That's it for now...Here's some more of her work if you wanna have a nosey but this will all be for sale on Sew Lolly's stall on the 7th November at the fair in Northamptonshire and all at very reasonable prices too!!Please feel free to email her for any further details! Back soon with an announcement of some giveaway winners!!

Annie x

Reminder...Giveaway closing Monday Evening

2009-10-29T10:36:00.005Z

Just a quickie to remind anyone who would like to enter the Halfway giveaway but hasn't done so already to do so ASAP as I will be closing this on Monday evening- ( English time!)
Feel free to reply to this post to enter and click here to read how to gain more entries!
Thanks to all who have entered my first Giveaway linking my Blog to my Facebook group...I am taken aback by all of your support with posting links, joining the group and following too..I now have well over 300 members of my Facebook group and getting close to 80 followers on here! I'm hoping to open my website and shop in the New Year..as soon as I hit that 100 target!! ;~)
Thanks Again
Annie x

I've been Featured!!

2009-10-28T10:41:00.006Z

Hello!
Just a boast post...teehee!!
Better After blog showcases some Wonderful Makeovers and I am chuffed to bits that my birdcage makeover made it onto there this week!
Lindsey picks some really fantastic transformations so to have mine featured is a real honour x
if you haven't visited and love seeing the mundane turned into fabulous then it really is worth a visit! Thanks Lindsey x
Also while I'm here I had a lot of compliments on the paper I used in the trays of the birdcage...I have to tell you that they were paper napkins from Sainsburys!! but..designer ones!!
They are by Nina Campbell and so I came across her website and WOW!!! Its just LOVELY!!!
With pics like these.....Its well worth a visit! Lots and lots to see and buy!! ( also a wishlist on there too!)
Be back soon with some new handmade pretties from Sew Lolly!
Byeeee xxx

Over whelmed and 7 random facts about me....

2009-10-26T09:38:00.003Z

Hello!!
Well WOW Blog and Net friends!! can't believe how many of you have entered my giveaway!! Thanks so much!!It blows me away that you even wanna enter to win my lil ole blocks!! Had tons of entries so far and my little vintage tin of entries is filling up fast!!

The thing I am MOST chuffed about is the fact that I have felt a warmth of loyalty from my blog friends and found new peeps and blogs that I may have never found before now...I do try to reply to all who comment or if its from a no reply email than try to visit your blog to 'have a nosey'!!
SO there is one week left to enter! I have decided to close this on Monday evening (Edited to add: this means Monday the 2nd November) so if you haven't already then don't be shy, please go and visit the post!!
So I have been busy making stock to take to the Vintage and Homemade fair in November! there will be a preview post with some advanced look at stock that you may want to buy before hand and collect on the day and also will be posting a 10% voucher for my stall to print off for anyone who decides to come and visit us!! My Mum has been very busy too for her stall- Sew Lolly designs and she has some gorgeous gifts and goodies for the home at very reasonable prices too...I have sneaked some pictures so will show you some of that soon too!!
I also have an award to collect!!
Thanks to this lovely lady Kelly from Recipes For Life who has kindly awarded me this

The rules of the award are:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you

2. Copy the logo and post it on your blog

3. Link to the person that nominated you

4. Name 7 things about you that no one would really know

OK so 7 things that no one will really know..hmmmmm I'm pretty much an open book so I'll try and be a bit more random!!

1)OK....I lived in Australia for a year when I was 21-22.....
It was the best thing I ever did as I am a real home girl but seeing that side of the world opened my eyes to how beautiful new places could be

2) I am scared of Spiders and...people dressed up in those big character costumes!!

I know a bit random but they freak me out completely..even pudsey bear...if I see one my hands go clammy and my heart starts racing!! funnily enough though Disney characters would be fine!!

3) I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan!!

This has now been transferred to my son also who loves Harry too! I am saving my pennies to visit the new Potter theme park in America!! Sigh... one day Annie!!

4 ) I am United Nations!

With my colouring and eye/hair colour I often get mistaken for Asian ( Indian) but Actually in my family I have...Dutch, Portuguese, French, Scottish, English and a lil German blood too! unfortunately I only speak English..what a shame :~(

5) I had a pierced tongue!!!

When I was 19 I decided to have my tongue pierced...very random for me but I loved it and had to take it out for my job as it just wasn't 'professional' enough! I used to change the ball to different coloured jewels to match my outfit!!

6) My wedding Dress was PINK!!

I had my wedding dress made for me in Australia by the most kind and lovely designer called Lesley, she made it in a pale shell pink for me and even dyed the tulle for my veil the slightest shade of pink to match....when I got back to England My mum and I beaded and adorned the dress with crystal and glass beads while we sat on her bed catching up about the year we had been apart.

7) OK another piercing confession.....

I had both my tregus pierced..they are the nobbly bit in between your face and ear! I got it done as my best friend just trained as a piercer and I wanted her to pierce me...It hurt like Hell!! I don't wear the bars in them any more but still have the holes..

Nothing too shocking I hope!!
I have decided not to pass this on but give it to all of you I really can't pick at the mo cause you all are amazing x
Take care and back with some stock previews!
Annie x

Giant Birdcage Makeover!!

2009-10-20T18:23:00.003+01:00

Hello!!
Ok Finally heres the Birdcage Makeover I have been talking about for ages!! The weather has delayed things somewhat!! But heres the before.....

Hmmm...bit shabby looking and the gold and black not looking too classy....So Antique White Spray Paint, some elbow grease, ageing techniques and some imagination........... you get this!!

The stand has a revolving tray attached now..

...and Decoupaged some gorgeous birdcage paper onto the tray and...

in the bottom of the cage on the removable trays!!

Adorned with a few shabby roses, Crystals and a sweet lil birdie and we have a finished makeover!!

Will be featuring this makeover in a few places such as...

So if you are visitng from here then Thanks for taking the time to visit and make sure to click on the giveaway button on the right Or here for a chance to enter my Halfway giveaway to win some Vintage blocks!! Everyone's welcome!!!

Until next time..Take care

Annie xx

Halfway point giveaway!!

2009-10-20T11:22:00.002+01:00

Hello!!
So as promised if I got to 50 I would have a halfway point giveaway! I usually have a seasonal giveaway on my Facebook group but this will be my first on my blog...so Instead of having seperate one for each site....I'm going to mix it up a bit!!
Ok so I have around 250 members of my fb group and now 55 followers here....I know thats a lot of peeps so I'm gonna give you more options to enter more than once to boost your chances of winning!
SO this is how it works.....
1 entry = reply to Facebook group OR Comment on this post
1 entry = posting a link to this blog on your Facebook wall OR Posting a link to your blog
1 entry = becoming a follower of my blog or join my Facebook group- link in side bar

I can see who has replied or commented on Fb and here but if you have posted a link or followed me then please let me know by e-mail annmarie_vaughan@yahoo.co.uk and i will add your extra entries in the hat!
Maybe I should tell you what you can win eh? Well the general opinion was that the Vintage style blocks would be a good prize....

so I have 2 sets to giveaway and a cinnamon scented decoration for 5 runners up

The giveaway is open to international visitors too! I will be closing this in approx 2 weeks!

Good luck everyone and thanks for your support.....

EDITED TO ADD: This Giveaway is now closed..Thanks so much to everyone who visited and entered...It was great fun!
Annie x

Feeling Thankful!

2009-10-17T22:52:00.001+01:00

Hello!

Yes I know you have heard this before but I have been busy!! Hence the lack of regular posts but unfortunately its the same every year in the run up to Christmas! So before I make my Giant Birdcage Makeover post I just wanna take the time to tell you what I'm thankful for at the moment!

Firstly Thanks to the Lovely Sharon from Clover Cottage for unwittingly picking my name from the hat for her Fab giveaway! This Gorgeous little handmade bag ( above) full of goodies arrived on my doorstep!!

There was the most gorgeous shade of purple beads, a scrummy smelling yankee candle tart, a gorgeous angel decoration and a beautifully scented handmade soap...Oh not forgetting some choccies for my lil boy Aidan which clocked in nicely in time for his birthday!! Thanks so much again Sharon!! xxx

Speaking of my lil boy...~~Ben 10~~ I mean Aidan, turned 5 on Friday!!! So I am Thankful for my baby boy and the wonderful friends and family that gave him beautiful cards, presents and helped us celebrate this special day!

I'm thankful for the vintage goodies that get sent my way from Kaye in Aus...these lil goodies came with the fab pressies she sent for Aidy! I'm a lucky gal xx

Thankful for the lovely lil catalogues that are in my magazine rack and that I find on my doormat when I get in from the school run, just in time to be read in my comfy chair with a coffee before I start my work!

Thankful for my Lovely hubby who took the hint and made it so that this great read drops onto my doorstep every month...AND.......

...That its addressed to 'MR' Annmarie Vaughan because it make me giggle every time I see it!!

Thankful that someone thinks my blog is worthy of this Award! Thank you Lucy from Vanilla Ivy

I love reading her blog and often identify to her as both of our lil boys started big school this year and I just find her blog is always so honest and warm...please pay her visit and see for yourself xx

The Splash Award is given to "alluring, amusing, inspiring, bewitching, and impressive blogs"

Suggested rules are:

1. Post the award on your blog.
2. Nominate up to 9 blogs.
3. Let your nominees know they've won.
4. Link back to the person who gave it to you.

EDITED TO ADD......

I cant beleive it but I have somehow managed to bag myself another award??? Still amazes me that anyone actually reads!! I owe Wendy from this Fantastic blog a HUGE thankyou!!!

Feeling very chuffed and very honoured..BLUSH

Although I am addicted to blog reading and jumping I fall in love with different blogs every month!!I’d like to pass this to the blogs I have enjoyed reading the most this month.

Sharon at CLOVER COTTAGE

I loved reading about Sharon's trips out and her latest projects!!

Lindsay at BETTER AFTER

This blog is Fantastic for inspiration and a fave if like me you are a fan of makeovers!!

Lajoni at PAINTING NEW MEMORIES

This lady is TALENTED!! Go and check out her makeovers!!

Felicity at JOSHY AND BELLE

This blog is so Enjoyable to read... the way this Lady posts...its so Poetic!!

Cindy at COTTAGE INSTINCTS

A new read for me which I have to say found myself going back to the archives and Reading ( a sign of a great blog )

Thankful for the visitors from overseas that have visited my blog recently who have found me due to my participation in the days that the above blogs host! You can go there directly through the pictures in my side bar...there are some inspired makeovers there and you can find some really great blogs too! Thanks for clicking on my link ladies, you make my day when I see your flag on my visitor bar xx

AND LASTLY but certainly not LEAST...THANKYOU!!!

I have now hit over my halfway target to get to 100 followers!! When I do that I will have a HUGE giveaway and be opening my own website online shop! Please help me get there by clicking on the follow button xx

I really really do appreciate that you take the time to visit and read my ramblings!! YOU make me feel very blessed x

Will be back after the weekend with the GIANT birdcage Makeover---finally!! and details of the halfway giveaway!!

Look after yourselves and loved ones...back soon...I promise!!

Annie x

Sparklies and spray paint...the makeover begins!

2009-10-06T14:39:00.006+01:00

Hello!
I have been a busy bee....My collections of little frilly bits have got a tad outta hand so had myself a little organisation session starting with my crystals!! (My beads are another matter completely!!!) also amongst the 'rubble' I found some vintage necklaces and a blue flower crystal necklace that I had made awhile ago..so hung them by the side of the window so I could see them sparkle!!

So after hoping for a 'nice' day to spray my birdcage I have given up waiting and decided that today was the day!! bit damp and windy..( not ideal conditions ) but hey a girls gotta do... so this is the before....It consists of an old Giant birdcage ( well to my standards anyways!!) an old candle stand and revolving tea tray!! UM Kinda decorated the patio as well....DOH!!! I'm not finished the Make over yet due to lots of these to transform....

But here's a tiny little peek!!Be back soon...ish!
Annie x

freebie..

2009-10-04T10:17:00.000+01:00

just in case you missed it as it was on the end of my last post! For your personal use..you can swap it about for patterns of your choice you can see what the finshed card looks like here. Thanks to all who have followed me...please please keep spreading the word for me as I will be having my first giveaway when I reach 50 followers maybe for some of these???
Hopefully I'll reach 100 soon but only 20 odd more peeps before I reach the halfway point!!! TEE HEEE I'll probably get it done soon anyway but now its down to principal!!! LOL!
Will be back with some thrifty finds and that giant birdcage.....
Annie x

Catching up!!!

2009-09-29T12:15:00.008+01:00

Hello!!

Well its been a while! Please excuse my absence...I have no excuse though I'm afraid!! Just been enjoying life really, with all of its highs and lows it really does keep you busy! Although I really could have put together a post I feel it would have been half hearted and that's not good enough for my friends in blogland really now is it?

Well firstly A HUGE thank you to all of you who read and also commented on my vintage blocks post...I had such great feedback and orders!! I also had a lovely lady Susan Ashman
Enquire about wanting a set to go into the Children's attic playroom for a place that she is currently involved in the refurbishment of. It's a beautiful country house in Somerset that's grade 1 listed...make sure to visit her blog for more info, Its an interesting read!!

I taught a crafting class on Sunday and had a lovely afternoon with them...there are preparing for a wedding with a vintage style ( a girly after my own heart!!)
They made some Cupcake cards and did a fantastic job of them! Heads down all working hard!!Chloe making the smallest paper flowers..fiddly!!!!WE also made some paper flowers and threw around some wedding decor and invitation ideas! Can def see some production lines being started in time for the wedding next September!!
Thank you all so much ladies it was lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon...you were all a pleasure to teach!

As you can see from the 1st pic of the card It was my nephews 13th birthday this month but I always seem to struggle with designs for males whilst keeping true to my style!! So I came up with this design as He ALWAYS seems to win anything we play..especially cards!!!
Lots of monopoly money signifying the masses of times he has whooped us at games!!

Also I have a friend who teased me to say that no one would read my blog! He is now eating his words HA HA but has said to me that if I get close 100 followers he would build my website Birdcages and Butterflies for me! I hope to open a shop on there so I can sell some of my products online. SO I'm begging you who hasn't already please please please please please with tons of cherries on top so I can get my website up and running!!!
As a little thanks, here's the layout I used for the game card for your personal use!
This was made to fit an a5 card but of course feel free to add cut and use as template for your own patterns papers etc. Will be doing a giveaway when I hit 50 followers too...feel free to send me suggestions as a prize..was thinking a set of blocks maybe? Let me know, as always would love your feedback!! Oh and some pics and a link if you do make it too!! TA!
Enjoy!!
Annie xx
P.S Next time I'll tell you all about the giant Birdcage I'm transforming!!!

Building prettiness!!

2009-09-17T23:38:00.005+01:00

Hello!
Well please excuse my absence this week..obviously if you read the last post you will know that My baby has made his way to BIG school and has been doing afternoons all this week and then Monday he does ALL DAY!! EEK!! I have also had my Hubby at home for the week before he starts his new Job so we been making the most of some child free hours every day by hanging out, shopping and drinking coffee and eating cake in Cafes!! So again not much work done again!! But have designed a new product which I think would make a lovely Christmas or birthday gift for somebody to display on their dresser or mantle.
They are Vintage style Building blocks that I have made to display the 4 seasons and some words to inspire appreciation of your surroundings!!
Well lets start with....

HOME SWEET HOME
Take a step back wherever your home should be and admire your surroundings... this is the place you come back to every day, the place that protects you and keeps you warm.

SPRING
Easter eggs, beautiful flowers, new beginnings and arrivals

SUMMER
Sunny days, light evenings, blue skies, juicy strawberries,scented roses and easy living

AUTUMN
Hazy days, cosy evenings, Harvest moons, Pumpkin patches and ghostly Fun and frolics!

WINTER
Family gatherings, counting down to happy days, pretty sparklies everywhere, fairy lights glowing and a visit from Father Christmas!!

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Live each day with Laughter and Love

SO all of the above pictures are on one set of blocks ( 3 in a set) I will be pricing them at £9.99 a set.. main reason being that they take a long time to design and make 18 faces of the block. ( Let me know your opinion on the price please..all feedback will be welcome!)
A close up of the Halloween side of the block

So Will be selling this set and others designs soon. Please feel free to E-mail me with any enquiries on annmarie_vaughan@yahoo.co.uk
I can make them personalised for you too...there are endless possibilities!
Well thanks for reading and welcome to any new followers!! LOVE all your lovely comments too..need to catch up on all of your lovely blogs and see what you have all been up to!! Until next time, have a great weekend!
Annie X