Twinkle Pink

Make a Christmas Wish !

2011-12-09T17:15:00.003Z

This Christmas all my decorations are coming out, all my children will be home for Christmas and the little un is now 4 years old and she is now very inquisitive about Santa!

She has asked if Santa will get stuck up the chimney ummm .... and what will happen when I light the fire .... ouch ... umm !

Back soon with some more pics to share.

Wedding Fever

2011-04-12T14:47:00.005+01:00

Dress by Alice Temperly named "The long Twinkle Dress"

I do love a wedding and there is a biggie on the horizon, the dress is all but ready, there are 2 cakes,the guest list is huge, the flowers are just gorgeous. All the children of the land have the day off from school, street parties are planned, dance nights are themed. The Union Jacks and bunting are coming out, it could be a lot of fun !

Kate Middleton soon to be Princess Catherine is going to make a beautiful bride, not only is she a bright well educated girl she has excellent taste in clothes, which can only be a good thing for the fashion world. Prince William has certainly picked a lovely lady and no doubt his mother the late Princess Diana would be very proud of them both.

I know its not to everyone's cup of tea but I do love a wedding especially a Royal Wedding. I love the pageantry, the BBC reporting on every little detail, historical coaches polished up and taken out

as they would have done for kings and queens of a bygone era.

Then there is the cake - what lucky Bakers received the commission of a lifetime -

I heard Mcvities the Biscuit makers got the order.

Well maybe this one is a bit over the top - but hey a Prince IS getting married.

So the biggest most exciting thing for me is THE DRESS .... Well who is designing the dress !

The British designers are at the top of the list for this commission, though I heard

Vivienne Westward thinks Kate is not ready for her yet, so maybe we should rule this one out.

Or will it be something of the feather variety from Sarah Burton.

Well not if your a little allergic :-(

How about Ruffles like this from the designers at Alexander Mcqueen.

I love ruffles !

Designed at Atelier Versace - I LOVE this ! If I had to choose I might like this.

Or this one by Alice Temperley

I love the body skimming fluidity of this one with delicate ruffles fluting out below.

Or maybe a more traditional style with sweeping ruffles in satin and organza by Conceptual.

But this one with the popular pleating is just beautiful by Blumarine ... maybe this one

Or how about this one from the Atelier Versace

I mean with all this choice does it have to be white.

Well Yes, I have made my decision I am wearing this one by Ralph Lauren ....

Oooops its not me getting married is it ... right what to wear as a guest then..

I love the way this fits - smooth tight lines like a corset.

Then who could resist pink ruffles from Alice Temperley,

However I could resist the high price tag

I think I could settle for this pale blue little number from Wraponline, and maybe ruffle up a pair of shoes to match,

Yes there is one little hitch ..... WHAT ! ..... I am not invited to the wedding,...... ooooh poo

Ok me and the hat will just have to sit in front of the TV.

with the biscuits !!

A limited Edition Biscuit Tin filled with iced biscuits. Priced at £40.00 from Biscuiteers

So roll on 29th April - I am setting the tea table buffet party style so that the family can help themselves to any food, or drink as I am unavailable (yes you all heard) ... I am watching TV all day (and not answering the phone !) ... yes some might say "how sad" , I really don't care !!

I do love a Royal Wedding !!!

Designer Alice Temperley ~ fit for a Princess

VOGUE ~ on the Cover of a Magazine - NO Just homework actually.

2011-01-19T21:45:00.001Z

My youngest is growing up fast and this little number is all put together for her latest media studies project.
She had to create a fashion look which could work for a cover of a magazine... Well apart from the front door in the background I quite like the bohemian hair and little french hat ...
This post could have been entitled ... Let me out I am going out JUST like this !

I am actually loving the hat, I want it, Oh I forgot it is mine :-))

Just a thought but ...

2011-01-01T01:20:00.000Z

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth."

by William W. Purkey

alternatively this sounds like good advice too

Happiness

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time to still be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time … and remember that time waits for no one…

So stop waiting
until you finish school,
until you go back to school,
until you lose ten pounds,
until you gain ten pounds,

until you have kids,

until your kids leave the house,

until you start work,

until you retire,
until you get married,

until you get divorced,

until Friday night,
until Sunday morning,
until you get a new car or home,
until your car or home is paid off,
until spring,
until summer,
until fall,
until winter,
until you are off welfare,
until the first or fifteenth,
until your song comes on,
until you've had a drink,
until you've sobered up,
until you die,
until you are born again
to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy…

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

written by

by Alfred D. Souza

Digesting it all in .... I think to myself, I should have taken up Tango last year like I said I was going to do !

HAPPY NEW YEAR

LOVE GINNY X

Viva La Vintage at Vintage Goodwood

2010-09-20T21:26:00.002+01:00

If you landed from another planet you might be forgiven for wandering what time you had arrived in.
Everything that is vintage in the world was happening right here and now. Where ????
Well not far from here in the beautiful South downs of England, a stones through from the historical Roman city of Chichester there lies a country estate of great beauty, and on this estate lives a typical English Gent. We might call him an entrepreneur or just a plain clever chap, to the locals he is just called Lord March. You know the type, makes things happen kind of guy, knows the right people etc. The mastermind behind the internationally acclaimed Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, (of all classic cars and planes) and proprietor of one of the largest organic farms in the south of England.
Well this summer Lord March, together with designers Gerardine and Wayne Hemingway created a Festival like no other,celebrating 5 decades of the best of British culture from the 1940's to 1980's to include Music, Fashion, Dance, Entertainment, Food and transport.
So come on lets go back in time -
Hop on the bus for a ride back in time to a place called Vintage Goodwood.

We caught the bus from the station ON TIME .. oh i remember going to school on one of these , (amazing, they have never been on time … not back in my day anyway ;-) ….. This lovely old vintage Bus came from the Stratford Blue Fleet.
We were encouraged to dress up vintage style and the girls chose a 40’s flavour

Jump on, and hang on -

On arrival you check in and set off on a short walk through a forest on a wood chip road, as you get to the clearing you are welcomed by a huge entrance, a red carpet and paparazzi.

Once inside you see before you a film set style shopping street,

an ambitious project

Oooh here are the girls again …. outside a beautifully designed vintage clothes shop.
Beauty parlour and hair stylists were on hand to recreate your image for the day.
Stop for tea at one of the many tea and coffee shops

or the good old British pub
with over 30 bars and restaurants, there was plenty of choice.

a fab cocktail lounge.
70 Art and Design workshops

dresses recreated out of scraps is just my thing.

Knitting bee’s

The company Cloth kits has re- launched - i loved making clothes for my children from there fabric/pattern kits, glad to see they are back on the market with some trendy styles -
Along the way was the Torch Club a war time style Night club with a dance floor and stage and live bands like the Miller band. The Tea Dance was popular, including swing, jive and ballroom dancing, and dance lessons for the uninitiated, also variety of vintage performances from stand up comedy to Burlesque.
A real deal … a Spiv – just like the Black market dealers of the 1940’s – with watches up his arms and his legs, and plenty of nylons for the ladies, he must have got them from the GI’s …. oooh wonder if he has any chocolate !

The Cinema was very popular with 34 classical movies being shown over the 3 day event.
200 classic cars, caravans and bikes

   ,

“sisters sisters there were never such devoted sisters “
Lets not forget the music with 80 bands covering all the era's, 85 DJ's, 6 nightclubs, even a 70’s style Disco at the Soul Casino.
There were numerous children's attractions
Including Butlins the masters of the quintessential English family holidays since the 1940s, the red coats celebrated their rich cultural heritage by recreating a Butlin's resort in the heart of Vintage Goodwood from there Baby love disco to there children's cinema and character Olympics, all ages were entertained, there was even a sandy beach to play on with deck chairs for the parents.
OH and DRUM ROLL last but not least .. my favourite – the Vintage Fashion tents ….   With 30,000 items of vintage apparel,12 catwalk shows, there was plenty of inspiration.

Note the very handsome presenter George Lamb, presenting in his wellies … where else in the world would you see that. Unless you know different of course ?


I seem to be favouring vintage pink* ;-) don’t I.
Or maybe not so pink, I love this ivory twinkle gown.

Many family groups were kitted out right down to the vintage pram ....
which i have to say is definitely a must accessory for the next time,

noooo not baby, the PRAM !

Well there is plenty of inspiration for next year …. right girls.

The good news it that Vintage Goodwood was a roaring first year success and is coming back in August 2011. I fancy coming back as a 40’s gal, with a snood for the hair and wiggle dress. Hmm food for thought.

See you there !.

On Days like these ~ Italia !

2010-08-01T13:41:00.003+01:00

I was thinking about this place the other day.

The July issue of Country Homes evoked memories of a holiday we had spent in Italy .
As I flicked through the pages of this magazine I was thrilled to discover that the very house we had spent our summer of 2006 was actually featured within. We had been there and way before any magazine had found it…

I used to research long and hard for the perfect summer holiday for my family to enjoy. I would start researching from January and booked early. The critiea had to be home comforts - beautiful house - space - beautiful views - swimming pool and places of historical interest. My radar was set on Tuscany, Italy …. the year was 2006
O M Gosh   did i pick one !
A pretty house in a hamlet up in the mountains of Northern Italy.

Here is the family, enjoying a meal at that very same place.
The Apuan Alps (the white of the marble at the very top of the mountains illuminated as dusk fell, leaving a beautiful pale pink hue.
This was our first night in Italy you can tell from my daughters face that the view was breathtaking.
The pizza oven in the background on the terrace was an original feature of the ancient house.
The kitchen was beautiful.
The fact that not only the kitchen worktops were made from the local marble bought from those very mountains we admired so much but the cooker splash back and sink too was quite impressive.

The magazine did not show the best bedroom /ensuite in my opinion -
The Master bedroom was lovely big size and even lying on the bed you can see the mountains beyond. At night I witnessed some spectacular sheet lightning across the mountains … It was so far away and you heard nothing, just experienced a fantastic light show.

   The swimming pool was nestled on a plataeu just below the house and yet again looked over at the spectacular views of the mountains
These additional pics taken of the swimming pool area in 2010 show new decking and a sun canopy – it looks lovely.
Some of the tools of the trade of a bygone era - an olive press – we were surrounded by olive trees and vineyards
Oh and one last thing - (and something i should have thought about der … it is a mountain top … ) To get to such a magical place, you drive right up a mountain, expect L shaped bends – with rocks hanging over you, bends on sheer drop mountains, barriers with gaps in them and rattly bridges -
Driving from England across France and then to Italy is by all accounts adventurous to start with.   But once in mountain country, being a left hand drive car did not help, especially getting round bends on winding mountains, 2 miles an hour up and down the mountain was too fast for me … once on the motorways … well …. Italian drivers take no prisoners.
You see historically in England we tootal along, and when it comes to getting on the motorway, someone will flash to say …” your very welcome to move on to the road in front ” , you raise your hand or give them the lights to say thank you and off we all go, toodle pips … but in Italy :-Oh NO !!!!!!    if someone flashes you in Italy they are warning you that they do not want you to come in as they do not want to slow down… well of course we didn't know that … they actually drive faster at you, so this would suggest that you should NOT attempt to move in on the motorway ever … well not until it is completely empty of motorists – ( yawn)
So it would seem that flashing means - “get the hell out of my way i am coming though and i am not stopping for anyone even if a major accident may occur” ok got it we are fast learners !!!!
So swift learning curve, we learnt to take the roads to Tuscany very carefully, and that means faster and quicker.
My heart was in my mouth the entire time we were on the roads.
So all in all beautiful gorgeous romantic place.
But leave the driving to the locals .. not unless you have nerves of steel.
If you do drive some fab cities like Florence and Pisa are within an easy drive and the train is on hand to places like Venice. Unfortunately i have still not made it to Venice … maybe one day.

Where ever you happen to be this summer be safe and enjoy!

This beautiful place is for holiday rent by -

some pics of the pool came from the website of

MerrionCharles.com

My Hero

2010-05-23T19:57:00.004+01:00

They were together in the House.
Just the two of them.
It was a cold, dark, stormy night. The storm had come quickly
and each time the thunder boomed he watched her jump.
She looked across the room and admired his strong appearance and wished that he would take her in his arms, comfort her and protect her from the storm.

Suddenly, with a pop, the power went out.... She screamed.
He raced to the sofa where she was cowering.
He didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms.
He knew this was a forbidden union and expected her to pull back.
He was surprised when she didn't resist but instead clung to him.
The storm raged on....

They knew it was wrong...
Their families would never understand... So consumed were they in their FEAR that they heard no opening of doors... just the faint click of a camera......
?
?

The only way forward my dear

2010-04-29T14:15:00.000+01:00

Well D you asked me to post something and this is what i came up with .... don't tell me it didn't make you smile now :-)

There are some knickers and then there are some ….

2010-02-14T07:49:00.002Z

Who would have thought it … millinery on your knickers.
You may have come across these already but I didn’t think i would ever come on here and start talking about underwear so when I came across this company
Strumpet and Pink the other day, I just had to shout about it WOW ~ and what a fab name for a company …. and soooo gorgeous expensive creations they are too …

grandma’s knitting seen in a whole new light ;-)

or a corsage … not where you would expect :-o

ooooh but my absolute fav pair are the ruffles ~ so so elegant.
You will find these and lots more online at
Faire Frou Frou
Well now off i trot to M&S for some ole reliables or maybe not ha ha.
All photo’s are from the online catalogue at Strumpet and Pink (see link at top of post )

I heart this

2010-01-27T10:49:00.002Z

The hearts are coming out all over the blogosphere. i love hearts just as much as christmas decorations. This is one of my favourites that i made for a lady on blog a few years ago, it was made using the lovely high quality vintage cotton from the feather eiderdowns of the 1930’ with the lovely delicate floral hues that were so popular at that time. I have made quite a few in the past…. we do all love making our hearts… am thinking maybe a big heart next.

Happy Heart making

Ginny x

Snow Away !!

2010-01-11T13:52:00.000Z

Winter Wonderland – ok we have had lots of fun, now will you please go so that we can get on with our life. :-)

It didn’t help that i happened to be travelling home in the worst snowfall in 30 years. My friend and i had been visiting the historic town of Bath and the snow fall was so bad we had to abandon the car and walk back to the nearest town, so eerie walking through deserted streets looking for a place to stay … all the pubs were like the Marie Celeste – the poor landlords making no money that night. The places to be where it was all happening were the hotels … and the church halls – the hotels were all booked up with fellow travellers … we finally got a room on the edge of the town We were so grateful to get a room and the view from our bedroom was pure picture postcard.

However we still had to get home the roads were impassable – so headed off to get a train.

Was it ever going to come, we managed to catch one of the few trains going our way – there was a lot of hold ups and at one point we hit a tree but all was ok and we continued on with the journey, there were some great views

trees creaking with heavy snow

sitting in one station what a beautiful photo opportunity finally back home little un was most impressed with Mr Russki

But a few days later was surprised to find that Mr Russki was half blinking and had no hat or scarf and then found out that the stone lady in the garden that usually looks like this

was apparently feeling a little cold …

so little un sorted her out :-)

Walk the Walk

2010-01-06T20:12:00.006Z

Walk the walk and talk the talk but careful you don't miouw ...... they might be on to you ;-)

Yes Virginia there really is a Santa Claus

2009-12-23T00:14:00.016Z

The power of blog and all the little santa's can read blog too - so thank you 2 u , thank you 2 u 2, thank you, and thank you xxxx .... i shall smell plesureable for ever more thank goodness ha ha The tree takes the theme of the Snow Queen - with clear glass, silver and rhinstone ornaments.

Old favorites - Holly from HollyDoodles made this Crown for me a couple of years ago and it stands proud on top of my tree

a new pink fluffy wreath and i have added sadie lou's gorgeous betseys

this one looks so peaceful

and below more betseys have been added to this wreath Wouldn't be Christmas with out Rudolph

back soon with some christmas vignettes.

Merry Christmas

Ginny x

The bets are on for a White Christmas

2009-12-18T09:49:00.009Z

The bets are on for a white christmas here in the UK. One man has bet £1 million that it does snow on Christmas Day and if he wins he gets £14 million. hmmmm I don't think so ... we may be faking it like the pic above (from Vakre magazine).

WELL IT DID SNOW HERE

..... but its not Christmas yet and so can't count.

I came back from dancing last night in a flurry of snow - and by the morning there was a thick blanket of beautiful white snow. So as the British always say it won't last though .

Anyway thought i would share this gorgeous magazine with you - yes its is a Scandinavian magazine and i cannot understand a thing in it LOL - but the pictures of interior homes and ideas in this magazine are always beautiful and inspiring - they are predominantly white and grey interiors with a splash of colour -

the christmas stockings trimmed in fur are very festive and popular this season

and love the image and the script on this cushion

I love the fur trimmed cones - i must do one like this

slip covered tub chairs make this scene look so cosy

silvered balls all grouped together

I love all these festive images

Vakre is one my favorite magazines i wish they would translate it so i could actually read it too (blush :-0)
Oh well off i must go and creative some of my own

Ginny x

This Christmas

2009-12-06T09:36:00.009Z

It'll probably be raining here .... again.
But my daughter and her young family have jetted off to sunny South Africa for 4 weeks -

its summer there, but this autumn and before the rain put a damper on things we were able to spend some days out together and that included trying out the new bike that little un got for her birthday.

This stately home is on my doorstep.

and has lots of lovely walks all around it which you can enjoy for free.

Walled gardens - you can imagine how this garden would have looked in the 19th Century - stocked to the gunnels with vegetables and flowers - the trees beyond are where the fairy rings can be found. However nosey parker thought maybe this was her new home and wanted to explore so off she went its a pity she can't read yet ;-)

Yes that means you too!

be back soon with a visions of lovely ness - well my christmas nest - (what's left of it) :-)

Love Ginny xx

The Blatent Pleasure of it all

2009-11-11T20:22:00.012Z

Christmas is in the air and talk of christmas lists has made me thinking about what I would really like for Christmas. There will be no Diamonds or trinkets ... Top of my list would be my close family and friends sharing Christmas with me. Thats all I want ~ The mulled wine, the roaring fire, laughter smiles hugs and kisses, twinkling candles, rooms filled with twinkling lights and the smell of good cooking.

Christmas past - but you get the idea :-)

But if there was one thing that could maybe squeeze in the stocking it would have to be this.

One of life's simple PLEASURES.Fresh as flowers after rain, this sheer,
shimmering floral is a spirited blend of Lilies,Peonies and Jasmine, all tingling with the rare essence of exotic Baie Rose

For the first time ever I have run out !! I've not had a standby bottle of this on hand. I have always had some in my bag or on my dresser. But now I found not a drop was left ~ i was desperate !! Well could I find it anywhere ~ i couldn't believe how difficult this was to find, non of the big supermarkets stocked it, non of the high street chemists did and the only place left was into the big city to the big dept store.

Well having found it eventually I also noticed this WONDERFUL offer too!!!! very reasonable price if you buy an estee lauder product .... ooooh now that would make a great Christmas present wouldn't it. JUST LOOK !!!!!

Well this WAS (as in past tense) last ditch chance of making sure the kiddie winkies see what I am moaning and hinting about, so has been all for nothing as have been told too late they have already got me a Xmas present.

Whats a girl to do!

Yes it is blantently obvious, I would LOVE some Pleasures this Christmas ... but

ooooh I wonder what they got me instead hmmmm ????

Anyway off to pull out all the decorations and see what i need to keep and what i need to part with. May create a few pretties too.

Catch you soon ;-)

At the going down of the sun and in the morning - We will Remember them

2009-11-08T14:14:00.016Z

Remembrance Day and a poppy. Recorded for this journal for the education of younger members of my family and anyone else who wondered why we wear a poppy. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Two Minute Silence is observed on Armistice Day, the day which marks the end of the First World War.
When we bow our heads in reflection, we remember those who fought for our freedom during both World Wars. But now we also mourn and honour those who have lost their lives in more recent conflicts. Today, with troops on duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other trouble spots around the world, Remembrance, and this two minute tribute, are as important as it has ever been.

So what was Armistice Day and why do we wear a poppy? Well this is why.

Armistice 1918
On 11 November 1918 the Armistice was signed between the Allied and German armies, ending the First World War – a global war that lasted four years with the total human cost to Britain and the Empire of 3,049,972 casualties, including 658,705 dead.

Of all the millions of men who joined up to serve and defend the country, there are now no survivors in the UK left.

The last three stalwarts of the Great War. Harry Patch, Bill Stone and Henry Allingham all died during 2009. With their passing, the Great War has finally moved from living human memory to history.
Henry Allingham said: "These hellish memories of war are ones I'd rather forget.
But never my comrades !
Never the men who gave their everything.

" During a visit to a war cemetery in France, he was quoted as saying,

"All of us must remember them, always " and so we do.

So why do we wear a poppy?
Doctor John McCrae, a Canadian wrote a poem in 1915 called

“In Flanders Fields”

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses,

row on row

That mark our place;

and in the sky The larks,

still bravely singing,

fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.

Short days ago We lived, felt dawn,

saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved,

and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

these were the battlefields where many thousands lost their lives and the only thing that continued to grow in the aftermath of the devastation was the Poppy. Moira Michael, an American was so moved by the poem, she sold some poppies to her friends and donated the money she raised to servicemen in need. In 1918 Moira wrote a poem in reply to “In Flanders Fields” entitled “We Shall Keep Faith”. According to her Poem, she promised to wear a Poppy in “memory of our dead” and so the tradition of wearing a poppy on Remembrance Day was born.

The poet Moira Michael wrote this poem in 1918

We Shall Keep the Faith
Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the FaithWith All who died.
We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the deadIn Flanders Fields.
And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.

The Poppy is used in memorial of war time loss all over the world.

For example within Australasia, Anzac came to stand not just for the troops in World War I, but for Australian and New Zealand soldiers in time of war more generally. Anzac Day is observed annually in memory of those soldiers who died in war. It is commemorated each year by both countries on 25 April, the date of the first landing at Gallipoli in 1915 on a beach known as Anzac Cove. It is similar to days such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Armistice Day our Remembrance Day

Lest We Forget

Banner was created for free use by http://flossiebellebags.blogspot.com/
extracts taken from The Royal British Legion with LINK
and the Seaford Club British Legion. LINK

The Haunted Masqeurade - Halloween Ball

2009-10-23T21:48:00.021+01:00

Such a lovely event took place over at Cassandra's blog at

My Artful Adventures.

A beautiful and glamorous Masquerade party in readiness for Halloween.

I am not really into Halloween so much but this seemed just the sort of thing I could be into.
Well first I have to decide what to wear

- how about this maskthis one from Jean Paul Gautier

or the first pic of the Black one I love love love !! beautiful Silk, Organza, & Ostrich Orchid Hat by Philip Treacy
i'll settle for this one below created by Chantelle designs
i love twinkle ... it suits ;-)

What a Gown !!
Maria Luisa Black Silk Taffeta Gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior yes

this will just have to do :-) and shoes
I fancy velvet slippers

RED devil shoes ... gorgeous .
in fact I have exactly these shoes at home in black but I dooo like the red too, very vampish.

vintage costume jewellery made from all kinds of findings created by Kari Beth (more of her in my next post) - a birthday present for me that just suits this post and is just gob smacking gorgeous and that includes the packaging too - a complete high end artist.

I think I have my outfit together now.
Oooops my hair .... I need help though

c'mon fella's hurry up - bit to the left ... bit to the right ... now lets move it
Think I'm ready now.

So what is everyone else wearing then??

Oooh Marie very Orange - where's your mask?

little help from the in house designer ;-)
Over in the Marie Antoinette Mail art group that I belong to there are a variety of swaps going on and I decided to be involved in The Marie Halloween Banner - with a little Haunting Masquerade feel about it so that it all gels well with the blog event today.

This last one designed and created by my daughter. Love the spider with the bejewelled web.

Happy Haunting Masquarade Halloween to you all !!!

Little Giggle moment ~ humour me

2009-10-08T09:53:00.004+01:00

A friend of mine sent this to me for a smile and had to share with you.

(as seen in a US news paper)
This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal. ...

Read more:

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire.
Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me.
Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....

This is Daisy.

Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh I hope she found her man :-))

There are some dancers and then there are some ...

2009-09-07T06:48:00.016+01:00

Personalized Glitter Graphics
If you have followed my blog over the last 6 months you will have noticed that I have taken up dancing ~ well it is called Ceroc ~ ( a mix of modern jive, and latin), well my friend and I have come across some unusual dancers in this time.
There are some and .........

and then there are some

and if your foot is on the floor ... as so ....

you do have a better chance of survival from this position (known as a drop lol) ,
though I will avoid this type of dancer at all cost (i'm just not ready lol)

preferring Feet firmly on the floor (Rumba).However I could maybe stretch to this (Tango)

Any way lol !!

My birthday is looming up fast and my girls have clubbed together to send me off to a dance weekend full to the brim of workshops on modern jive, salsa, tango, pole dancing

ooops yes you heard me right

This new exercise craze is sweeping the nation you may have already discovered it yourself. Apparently pole dancing is the newest fitness activity,not relegated for the sheer pleasure of gentleman anymore.Yes POLE dancing is supposed to provide you with great posture, strength and style which all aids to the perfect dancing.

;-) oh yes

Yes it can keep you fit, but boy you need to be fit just to get a hold of the pole while you slowly slither to a heap on the floor.

note how I keep trying to justify pole dancing hmmm cough cough . Should I have trained for this maybe???

Am sure I will enjoy it.

glitter-graphics.com

And with strictly dancing returning to British screens soon

Keep Dancing :)))

Catch you soon

Ginny x

This 'll make you smile

2009-08-10T10:21:00.003+01:00

My friend knows how to make me laugh (wink) ~ do you notice the odd one out. Purrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Frou Frou and frills ~ its a Christening !

2009-08-03T12:07:00.021+01:00

The Lil miss had a beautiful dress made for her it was a huge frou frou ball of loveliness with a bodice of peach velvet flowers, butterflies on the hem and little bells in the inner skirt But lil miss was late for her own christening ~ she refused to put the dress on ! took 10 minutes !! She ran around the church yard like a right little tom boy getting caught on all the rose bushes.
Swift left arm action and frou frou dress is saved and so are the rose bushes.Ooooooh ducky .... ooops whats he doing with that water ??

Slightly alarmed when the pardre came out with a flask of steaming water ~ was he about to take off for a cuppa ~ after all the little un had dropped quite a few hymm books on the stone floor of the beautiful ancient church enjoying all the echoes, not to mention running up and down the aisle and throwing her self down in front of the alter enjoying the layers of petticoat parachuting around her .... hmmm but all was revealed when he took the flask to the font
The point at which water meets head ~ but take a close look ~ in little hand sits little duck ~ little duck used to live in the font ~ oooops Mum and Dad make this quick I've got places to go people to see

at last got rid of the gown and now i can relax

Well it wasn't long before one too many obstacles got in the way and dress gave way to comfort, now what would everyone think if we all decided to take this stance at gatherings. Toddlers just have way too much confidence sometimes. lol.
OK You get the drink (whats left of it) if I get my ball back ~ otherwise no deal ~ now don't mess with me ok ~ I may look cute but I have power !!

the cutest cake

They came from far and wide, as far as South Africa and America to attend the christening of little miss. The hardend godfathers sat back with a drink or 2 and shared tips with the newly appointed god parents, and all the while waited on by all the ladieeeees lol.
one of the long standing godfathers ~ ;-)) finishing the tirimsu

Four Generations of us females ~ :0)) Yes what a handful LOL

And the really good thing about this dress ~ Once it was way too small.

Sat in my wardrobe with its labels on for a few years much to the displeasure of all, that I should even keep something that doesn't fit all this time, Now I find it is toooo big but soooo pretty, I wore it anyway and although baggy at the back I love it. So glad I held on to it all those years.

( heavily trimmed with sequins and stones in pink and green)

Twinkle Pink ;-)

be back soon Ginny x

Hot Pink ~ Good causes and goodbyes xx

2009-07-06T13:07:00.014+01:00

Well Done

so proud of my 2 eldest girlies for taking part in the Ribbon Walk. Such a great cause,

And as seen on the website of

Woman and Home Magazine Website

They walked 10 miles in aid of the Breast Cancer Fund. They have had to raise quite a large amount of money and pay out for a participation fee too, just to take part. I thought that was quite a feat to handle, especially in this present economic climate, so well done for undertaking all of this girls. They are still taking donations if you are interested in adding to the fund you can donate here JUSTGIVING paypal options for overseas donations too.
Hundreds set off across the beautiful West Sussex Downs on a gorgeous sunny hot hot day, all bedecked in Hot Pink. Some walking 20 miles and others 10. A see of pink meandering across the country side. Well done. They all looked pretty pink at the end of the walk :0))

Was so so sad and sorry to hear the wonderful Charlies Angel star Farrah Fawcett passed away this month.

I will always remember the halo of golden tresses, I have to say she was a big influence in my life at 14 , the hair, OMG THE HOURS SPENT DOING MY LONG HAIR ~ yes the flick had to be right and could not go off to school until I had the look. So will always have the fondest memories of our wonderful Farrah.

And last but not least Michael ~ what a week ~ I can't bear it ~ I loved his music, grew up on it, like many others. No one can bring a performance to the stage like he did.

May they both rest in place though there memory lives on.

Oh and minor problem here on blog .... my music on playlist has stopped ~ apparently copyright in my country ~ but I wear my HEART in my music so I miss having it on here. Though I have my own cd's of the music I liked my playlist :0((

Finally thinking ahead I have joined up for a Blog Party for Halloween ~ yes thinking ahead :0))

A Masquerade

If you want to take part go along to get the button here think of the glamour, the cobwebs, the gowns LOL. Not usually into Halloween but I could have some fun with this one.

Ginny xx

Cakes for you Roses for me.

2009-06-17T22:04:00.003+01:00

For my Dad ~ Happy Birthday ~ how old Dad ..... hmmm

No this isn't a get out, you will get your card :0)

But you like your cake so take your pick and just think you won't put on an ounce with these.

No the flowers are for me :o)

I love roses especially pink.

My daughters know the way to my heart.

catch you soon Ginny x

Back in Step Again ~ Vintage forever

2009-06-04T09:08:00.024+01:00

Isn't she lovely

oops hang on missy thats my vintage millinery

watching the tv while adorned in vintage
ok ok easily distracted now back to business
It must be 2 years since I went to any kind of fair, now that is shocking ~ considering it used to be my business ~ I used to do antique fairs all over the south of England including regularly attending vintage textile fairs in London. I do miss doing them.
Well last Saturday I felt the call to visit one, I set off to the Vintage and Handmade Fair
and it felt really good to be back in step again.I took my eldest, youngest and little'un to a sweet olde worlde place called Chipping Sodbury (what a name) . Situated between Bath and Bristol
It was the most beautiful hot gorgeous day and the drive up to this place was a breeze and FREE parking ... unheard of!!

I have to say I have my favorite stall holder and I am completely blinkered ~ couldn't even look at anyone else until I got to Niki . The little' un loved this decorative rag doll made with love by Niki ~ she is called Mae.

She has such lovely gift idea's and ideal presents for special occasions, especially wedding and christening present ideas. Also beautiful and still practical vintage homely decorative stuff.

I love all Niki's creations, she never fails to totally impress.
Found some other great stalls too. Loved looking through some fine vintage laces and trims and fabrics, buttons, old shop stock (and I mean old, just perfect condition too) .
Isn't she sweet. Found her on Lizzie's stall. (aka Washerwomen ) Lizzie sells a large collection of vintage textiles and other related goodies and does a lot of fairs.

Samples of pristine 19th C fabrics from another fabulous stall Vintage to Victorian Sue has a shop too, which I will defo visit soon ~ see her link.

Millinery and Ribbon work

I am so glad I came across this beautiful ribbon work.
I will be using it for reference ~ I plan to create my own ribbon work

I have to say that every stall at the Vintage and Handmade Fair was beautiful . There was something for everyone, my daughter particularly liked

Lucy Bloom

Cowboys and Custard and County Cottage Chic . (see the link for Vintage and Handmade above for these and all lovely stalls that took part, they mostly have web shops too)

Next Fair is the Christmas Fair November 14th

By the way thank you to Becs of Rebecca Rose Designs who has a beautiful blog.

I am so happy to be one of your top ten fav blogs and make you smile :0) , and considering my blogging has dipped hugely in the last year this really means a lot to me so thank you so much.

and so apt .... a pretty little ladybird ...... I do love them.
catch up soon Ginny xx

Wishing for summer sun

2009-05-27T18:03:00.006+01:00

Reminiscing on our last summer hols in Greece we are all just willing the sun to come out over here

So you can imagine when the Sun reared its head over here in England this bank holiday, well mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun ( old English joke ~ sorry lost on some of you I am sure) LOL.

Anyway the whole British nation head out and do as much as they can. Well if its not the beach then it has to be the BBQ ~ so the boys came over and commandered the barbie

.
strike a pose girls
best thing about BBQ's are that the girls can put there feet up.
what you see here is South African sausage ~ bultong ?? (spelling :0)

lovely.

Well now the smiles can go back in there box cos another day and it is raining again ~ would you believe it !

The only place I think will put a smile back on my face is on the dance floor, so tommorrow night I will be dancing like I never danced before and as they say like no one is watching.

Hope the sun come out for you.

Ginny xx

Saturday Night is the BIG dance night ~ but am I ready for the freestyle LOL

2009-05-04T14:11:00.015+01:00

Advanced Freestyle ~ Am I ready for this

nooooooooooo

I have been learning Ceroc for a few months and this Saturday will be my first freestyle night ~ no teacher, no help, just dance.
( Ceroc is named from the french name le roc) ~ as in jive and swing but with a twist ~ there are quite a few latin moves too and am just not ready for some of those moves ;0)

Well I have earrings ~ thats a start

my daughter bought me the biggest pair she could find for a mothers day present and they are officially my Ceroc earrings.

I even have the shoes, special dance shoes with the flared heel and the suede sole, ankle strap and glittery too, they are fab and really comfortable!

Oh Please ~ Noooooooooo ~ watch ya back ~ see what I mean any one for Tango LOL

gulp
Have a good weekend
Ginny

Altered Apron Part 2 ~ THE REVEAL

2009-04-27T20:02:00.009+01:00

Stephanie of Just a little bit Pink has received her Apron that I made for her for the Altered Apron swap that was organised by Heather and Stephanie ~( see my previous post) I was so honoured to be chosen to make an apron for Stephanies first swap on blog ~ it had to be special but it also had to suit her taste too.
So after a bit of detective work I think I came up with something that might just suit.
Here it is.

I did have a look at making something from scratch cos i do sew LOL.

But actually I had the perfect thing ~ a vintage french maids apron that I have had for a few years and always wondered what I would do with.

So I took some vintage roses fabric

and started the frou frou business lol.

Which included 2 layers of tightly gathered netting. Then I attached some pink velvet to the waitstband and made a large detachable corsage for the waistband.

and then created a rather long rectangular brooch for the pocket

(both corsage and pocket brooch can be removed so that the apron can be washed if need be)

Of course my detective work revealed a love for butterflies :0)))

Thank you Stephanie and Heather for asking me to create for this swap I loved taking part.

Best wishes Ginny xx

Sweet Southern Style

2009-04-20T07:40:00.016+01:00

Altered Apron Part 1.

It is always fun to have a little bit of escapism from our day to day lives.

So just lately I have been participating in an Altered Apron Swap.

The idea originated from my round robin pal Heather and her friend Stephanie .

I was so glad to be asked to participate because I have missed doing these swaps and the good thing was that Heather and Stephanie put a collection of bloggers together that all had similar taste therefore we were all matched very well. I SURE WAS !!!!

I was practically hitting the ceiling with excitement when I heard

Jenn of Sweet Candy Creations was making an apron for me ~

I had always wanted to have Jenn in a partner swap for a long time. So I was extremely excited when I found out it was her. I was equally honoured to find out I was making for Stephanie ~she is new to blogging and one of the organisers of the swap so I wanted to do something extra special for her.

I was squealing with delight when I saw the postman coming up my path with my parcel. There was no mistaking who it was from ! :0)))

wrapped up in beautiful streamers and tissue

and tied with beautiful ribbon ~ what a colour ~ and the rose too.

I will keep these just like this.

Jenn had asked me what sort of thing I would like and of course I wanted something uniquely Jenn ~ I wanted her to have fun and not worry. I know what she is capable of and wanted all the whimsical, fun, innocent, frou frou, blingee Southern Charm that she could muster up.

She did not disappoint me. A beautiful Southern belle, white picket fence pocket, frou frou in the prettiest colours and bling. It is all sooo stunning and everything that I wanted ~ see my link to Jenn above because her photo's are just gorgeous and way way better than what I was able to do.

Jenn you really did make the most gorgeous apron for me, I will always remember you and all your Super Sweet Southern Style.

I promise to wear it everywhere except in the Kitchen ..... ha ha

For the apron I was making for Stephenie ...... well you will just have to wait .

ruffled and frou frou'd it with a dash of bling . Sorry just peeks at the moment.

Come back for part 2.

best wishes Ginny x

Marie Day ~ 1st April ~ Celebrate The Year that was Marie Antoinette ~AND JOIN IN FOR MY FIRST EVER GIVE A WAY TOO !!!

2009-03-03T09:48:00.050Z

Well today marks the day that Marie is out.
A magazine filled with all art dedicated to Marie Antoinette ~ and if you didn't know by now ~ though you must do ~ she was the beautiful, lavish and highly stylish Last Queen of France.

Back in 2007 (seems a life time ago now) I embarked on a beautiful project along with 3 other talented women Heather Holly and Natasha - see this POST .
it was an International Round Robin on the theme Marie Antoinette ~

Well we submitted our books to Stampington in the hope that they might feature our work. So when they told us one small feature would not be enough and that they wanted to use our work and another group effort to put into a new publication called Marie we were thrilled. A call for more Marie inspired work and months of eye candy later Marie is born!!

So we are celebrating by having a Marie Day, and each of us have a giveaway too ~ so please go visit the other 3 girls - see their links in red white and blue, and if you have come from them thank you for visiting !!!!

Holly's and Heathers Covers were featured in all their glory ~ gorgeous work .

Natasha created equally stunning work, embellishing her work with the most beautiful and exotic trims

However my corset page photographed by me below shows the true colour. But I have to be honest and say the Magazine page above is looking a bit smashed up and bleached out.

My Marie page ~

looks bleached out too. Both seem void of detail, which is a shame.

How I remember her.

Marie with a little more detail, all these petticoats lift up to reveal an embellished shoe underneath.

I thought it might be nice to show you how I came to create my Marie page before it was submitted and share with you some of the inspirational historical art and film that inspired my round robin page

Original portraits of Marie and costume from the film Marie Antoinette by Sofia Copolla served to be good inspiration.

the blue corset went in Heathers book.

I created a few hairpieces for this project too and loved all the twisting and coiffuring LOL.

and talking hair do's ~ my favorite part ha ha
my own daughter got a make over :0) of a whimsical kind ~
she went from this, to this,

Then finally this.

thank you for being game for it sweetie xxx and look you got in a magazine toooooo !! :0)) X not how you expected to be ~ as Marie Antoinette lol

The pocket page ( featured) shows one side a pocket page to house info about all 4 girls who took part in the round robin. The other side is Marie ( a paper doll) arriving at Versailles carrying her packages ~ this particular package unfolded provides the story of Marie Antonia of Austria at age 14 travelling to France to marry the young dauphin of France (uncrowned king of France in waiting).

This beautiful candelabra on the left similar from the era is installed in the Palace of Versailles and originally owned by the Duchess of Windsor. The sweet shape inspired this bird cage for my first Marie page -

I found that researching the historical archives on Marie quite eye opening and extremely interesting. I tried to bring this emotion through on to the pages.

Even while participating in a swap last year I could not resist doing up this little china figurine
re -doing her into a Marie Antoinette image. This little lady went to Cheryl of Rosy Posy Confections

In the Marie Publication you will find many more talented artists all creating some incredible work all in the name of Marie Antoinette. So if you have not bought the magazine do so.

So to celebrate the publication of Marie, Holly, Heather Natasha and me Ginny are all doing a giveaway. This will be my first GIVE AWAY . I have decided to put together a collection of trims, fabrics and embellishments ~ many of which were used in the round robin.

Vintage and modern millinery including some beautiful velvet blooms.

Opulent Embellishments, silk antique buttons, silky bobble trim, beaded trim.

A gorgeous antique french tassel

and TWINKLE* that's PINK

beautiful Blue hand dyed silk velvet,

French Fabrics ~ this one ideal for book covers. Strong and hardy

french Embellishments

Blue Millinenery and ribbons

Lace

English Roses and florals.

So please come by and leave a comment here ~ (open to the entire world) I will draw a name on the 14th April .

I hope that all my visitors that might just look will leave a comment on this occasion ~ you might get lucky you never know.

Well even though I had a few critisisms of my own work, I am still thrilled to have been included with so many like minded women within these pages of Marie and will never forget the fun I had with my 3 girls across the continents creating our round robin.

I enjoyed the experience of doing this project so much and just recently was invited to join a Marie Art Group ( see the side bar). So I look forward to creating many more cakes and dresses and whatever else comes into my mind all in the name of Marie Antointette Last Queen of France.

This my final post on our international round robin will serve to be a reminder of the year that was most definitely Marie Antoinette.

xxx to Heather, Holly and Natasha because without you we wouldn't have these beautiful books. Thank you

And thanks to you all for coming by. xx

Snow and Valentines

2009-01-15T11:13:00.022Z

First the snow. First look out of the morning .... unbelieveable!

For posterity
I want to randomly
add some pictures
here for family
that didn't get to share
in our hilarity,
IT SNOWED !

Would like to add that it rarely snows down here on the South Coast,

around 2 whole days with blizzards galore sent over by the Russians. So this is our little siberian photo log of the last few days.

Any cars that ventured on the hill ... well more fool them. They came they saw and they slide right back down the hill again.

SNOW ANGEL

first timer to snow and she's not having ANY OF IT!!

Don't you people get it NO!!!!

no no no no no no no NO!

DON'T LIKE SNOW!

Ahhh thats better, all smiles again.

Strike a pose.

With Valentines Day just around the corner, thought I would share my heart .... or hearts .

It is ok I am nodding the day in with respect even though it gets completely over commercialised, with expensive cards, flowers and chocolates.

But remembering the credit crunch and homemade is best I thought I would share a few hearts with you that I have created over the last couple of blog years.

Last year I made 21 tags for a swap .... phew now that was hard going, but if you are inspired - click here for that post

Happy Valentines Day All!

2009 Your Year !!

2008-12-30T15:48:00.015Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2009 !

A Pretty Little Christmas in England

2008-12-13T14:35:00.013Z

Well I thought I would join Heather of Pretty Petals for a Pretty Little Christmas as my blogging has been so appalling this year I think Christmas is as good a time as any to get back in here again.

This was the tree last Christmas we had a real tree dripping with alsorts of beauty.

Well Christmas will be a little different for us this year, my eldest daughter and her young family are spending Christmas in South Africa - they left me some beautiful christmas cards and I will miss them sooooo much.

So I am taking the rest of my brood to Wales to spend christmas with my sister and all the family. We have it well organised her eldest is cooking and we are both putting our feet up over a glass of something special. It will be bliss. However I have still put a few things special out for Christmas in my own house. I had to put out all the sweeties - my children would not forgive me if I had left the dresser bare :0)The tree is fake this year - with not extra special about it ..... but still took out a few fav ornaments.
Put some lights upLight the candles - and would never go without this winter candle from the White Company ~ the best ever.

I love these christmas cones that my round robin pal created last christmas ~ Holly of Holly Doodle makes no end of treasures and christmas would not be the same with out them around my home.

This Snow Queen Crown by Holly sits upon my dressing table.

And of course my beautiful cone created by Heather of Pretty Petals herself fits in beautifully in my bedroom ~ I might keep it there all year.
Well 2 things that you should really consider for your Christmas stocking this year should be a book by Twiggy (first ever super model and don't let anyone tell you other wise ... wink) she wrote a book about 20 years ago about how to look after yourself and it seems only fitting that I should get the next instalment - for anyone heading towards there 40's in there 40's or older you will LOVE this book.

Feel fabulous and smell wonderful ~ I love this smell and everyone should have princess cos aren't we all one. :0)
The last thing I had to have by my side was the christmas romantic homes. As I am a complete romantic it suits me just fine.

So to everyone out there, I wish you all a very merry Christmas from my home to yours

Love Ginny XXXX

SUMMER SUN ~ no not England lol ~ CORFU GREECE

2008-08-21T18:36:00.016+01:00

Have been to a few Greek Islands in my time ~and fond memories, my first love was Greek too.

Anyway years and years later this summer I have returned with my family back to a Greek island, this time Corfu . Everyday was beautiful sunshine while back home was the worst August ever. I am soooo glad that I went away.

We had plenty to do, the hotel complex that we stayed at had everything - the view from the balcony made the sea so inviting.A lovely beach , swimming pools ,water sports.
hold on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had trips too, we went out all day on a boat shadowed by 2 others whose company would be obvious later on.Yep water fights with neighbouring boats - zambouka competitions and lots of Greek dancing. jumping from the top of the boat

had a great beach barbecue too -

it was so great that we took another boat trip a quieter affair visiting more coves, sailing into caves and lagoons, stopping at tavernas, diving off the boat into beautiful clear aqua water, One evening we visited old Corfu Town .
with musicians
church processions

and a beautiful church with icons filling the walls with beauty all adding to the magic.
and lovely meal too.
Back at the hotel we enjoyed all the activities

happy hour in the cocktail bar- :))))

and were dragged up to do some Greek Dancing - I won't show those pictures lol

even the youngest joined us -

my son found lots to do - he is a great swimmer and swims for a club but he spent most of his time in the games room - playing pool and other games LOL

Mind you he made a few friends there including Dutch and Belgium, German, Italian and of course the English too .
And this little one had a fine time, I tell you what this little darling fluttered her eyelashes at all the gentleman - all cooing over her.

-LOL and even our Greek maitre'd made sure she had plenty of chocolate spread everyday -

he spread it all over her lips , dummy and bottle - much to her mother's annoyance - then proceeded to make sure she always had plenty of ice cream LOL.
- but thank you Christos you looked after us very well and so did all your staff. We felt very special xx

The final round of the International Round Robin with Natasha, Heather, Holly and Me

2008-07-10T06:29:00.011+01:00

Well Holly, Heather and Natasha I can't believe that this has come to an end, I have finished and posted off the last of the round robin books.

This lovely project started a whole year ago with an idea from Heather

The story started HERE and pics from all the books on flickr.

An International round robin that would travel 3 continents - well we did it and the added bonus I have 3 best friends too (sisters really - me the oldest).

The first 4 pages here are for Holly's book ~ we start with ~

A New Queen for the People of France

Page 2 ~ Rumours and lies

Page 3 ~ misunderstandings lead to loss of faith in Marie Antoinette ~

No one to protect her

4th Page ~
Memorial Garden for Marie Antoinette

And now Heathers Pages
We start with

The Gallery ~ A Portrait of Marie Antoinette the Last Queen of France ~ cost ~ priceless!

The 2nd page ~misunderstandings ~

Don't eat the Cake ~ have an Ice Cream!

The ice cream was made with real silk cocoon waste, with pink dyed silk cap winding across the front, and then sprinkled with glass glitter and beads.

3rd Page ~ Dangerous Liaisons in the shadow of night.

I have created a boned corset, covered in lace and blue velvet ribbon corseting against hand dyed blue velvet ~ you can't actually see the varying colours in this picture of the background velvet but it is a gorgeous blue.

And the final page ~ requested by Heather ~ a Memorial wreath, which has a little crown to show the position Marie had in the court of Versailles, a ribbon with the writing ~ mon amie for my friend Heather and also for Marie who regarded her people as her friends. A butterfly ~ new life (life goes on), and dangling below, stripped fabrics depicting what was left of the lavish lifestyle she had, a diamond ring for the marriage into the family of Louis XVI of France, a heart for the love she had for her family and her people and then of course the monogram MA in gold depicting the royal status ~

Marie Antoinette Queen of France

Well that is it, and I have to say a wonderful experience for all of us and when we eventually receive all our books we can enjoy each othes art for years to come.

and a message to my girls Holly, Heather and Natasha

AU REVOIR A BEINTOT (wink)
Love Ginny x

Yes Son ~ your my TOP GUN

2008-06-21T22:13:00.006+01:00

For the first time ever I think I have just spent an evening home with my young son, just us, all alone, everyone was staying over someone elses, he had just come back from a busy day of competitive swimming, I cooked him his dinner, we curled up on the sofa and then he announced that we must watch TOP GUN - oK - i'm up for anything nowadays so lets watch.

Apparently it is his favourite film and he says he MUST have a pair of shades just like the pilots- and he MUST have the music too - LOL he is only 11.

Mind you I like the shades too and of course a man in uniform helps the image along and of course Tom has to be in the mix too.

He's not wanting a career flying the skys me wonders ?

xxxxx

Queen Bee

2008-06-04T11:59:00.008+01:00

With all the gorgeous weather and a glorious garden to enjoy we seem to head out to have a BBQ quite regularly now.

Well it has been a bit hit and miss but here we have the newly crowned BBQ Queen. Yes it all happened here, after a couple of trys I have to admit that I had the best BBQ in 3 years. Getting the fire right was a bit of a hit and miss, smoking out the neigbours not to mention the birds nesting in the hedges LOL
But with a little help from Uncle E and Grand pa pa this latest Barbie has to be magnifico!!

Yes I think youngest agree with the oldest here ~ Super!!

And the Deck which was remodelled last year with a little help can finally be used to its full capacity.

Last year the weather was so bad to even get a chance to use the deck properly

so finally it gets a christening.

SHE ~ me way back when

2008-05-28T12:54:00.011+01:00

As my round robin takes on a frantic pace to reach deadlines for the end of July, I turn to Marie Antoinette once again and thoughts of beautiful France and in particular memories of Paris, not everyone likes such a busy city but there is so much to see and Paris has a little je ne c'est qui, je pense ~ magic.

20 years ago today I set off to France with my new husband to see all the sights of Paris and explore Versailles, we had a candle lit dinner on the Seine, visited the moulin rouge - Formidable!! and of course I shopped til I dropped. The weather was not so good, little windy an oohh la la my skirt blew up much to the amazement of the Paris traffic.

(excuse the quality of pictures and me )

I was particularly taken by Versailles and the poignant story of Marie Antoinette and the french revolution. Who would have thought all these years later I am creating all in the name of Marie Antoinette. To me it was a beautiful palace although some what empty of original furniture from the time. I hear that more furniture of the era is now in situ and more rooms to visit.

(this is a new room that I have not seen yet)

I would love to go back to see it again and I would definitely walk the long walk around the grounds and the tuilleries

I cherish my memories of this time, I am such a romantic but one day I shall return.

Here's Looking at you Kid !

2008-05-11T22:52:00.025+01:00

Monitoring the stats at the bottom of my post I can see I have more than 45,166 visitors to my blog since I started it just over a year ago. It is interesting to see how many people visit my little English blog from literally all over the globe, I try to put great pictures up on here as you probably don't all understand English being as far away as Brazil, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan to Australia , lots from Sweden and Norway, and the USA. I have to say my biggest fans seem to be in the USA may be I was meant to be a US gal.

But you know apart from my own close family I don't tell anyone about my blog, except you lot and flickr. I wonder why that is, well I suppose it is a private and personal space that appeals to certain types looking for a little bit of artful whimsy, beauty, innocents, escapism, inspiration, and I would rather you found me on blog because you liked what I do.

Lots of you show pictures of yourselves but I never have and many of you have wondered who it is that produces all this creative stuff. Well today I am going to reveal me and the family that inspires me and makes me keep going against all the odds.

I am a mother of 4 and just have my last 2 youngsters - my twins - to see through to adulthood ~, and when my work is done I can sit back and let them all look out for me.
Funny how life revolves

Me and the cubs today ~:0))) (say what ??) HA HA

Well if I ever got reincarnated I would come back as a tigress!! Some say I am one already :)))

This beautiful tigress sits with her sweet little ligers - imagine that ~ crossbred with a lion.

and here's the Daddy ~ oooh I could hug him all day, what a gorgeous Daddy to watch out for them.

Any way I wouldn't tease you that much - so this is my brood today, and we are doing ok.

who's that Baby in every frame ?

Well here is my son-in-law with my beautiful baby granddaughter ~ you can see she takes up all our time ~ and is adored as she deserves to be and we wouldn't have it any other way.

and NEW FLASH her bunny is doing ok too :0))

(picture courtesy of Jenn at Sweet Eye Candy Creations)

By the way, ALL my music from my playlist is dedicated to my children (who have chosen some of it anyway) and the wonderful human beings who have literally come out of the woodwork to raise me up to a brighter place - XX

Ok this is me today - I might smile tomorrow - well it's another day LOL

squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel !!!!!!

The Kentucky Derby Hat Swap and Junque in my Trunk Swap finale

2008-05-01T21:33:00.019+01:00

Presenting my final whimsical Swaps

News Flash - I came in 3rd at the Kentucky Derby - Ya Hayyyyy!!!!

The Kentucky Derby Hat Swap

The back

I think she approves
The Kentucky Derby Hat Swap was the great idea of Bristol of Cottage by the River go over to her blog and see links to all the other contestants, there is sure to be a load of inspiring hats.My partner was the very talented Adla of Vintage Delights - Hope you like it Adla
~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Junque in my Trunk Swap

The Junque in the trunk swap was hosted by the wonderful Heather of Pretty Petals and I was so very pleased to find out that my partner was Cheryl of Rosy Posy Confections

Cheryl you have been so patient with me, thank you for that x.

My inspiration came from the film Spiderwick.

Having just seen the film Spiderwick with my children, the family in the film were a little to close to reality, but the bond that kicked in when I shared a loving, knowing, look to my son warmed my heart so much and we all laughed at the similarities. It is a lovely film and don't we always have goblins around to mess up everything, however the fairies saved the day and inspired by them, I thought a magical flowering sewing box would be just the treat for Cheryl.

Here is the Cheryl's magical flowering trunk ~

The box is covered in vintage roses fabricribbon and tassels around the lida twinkle butterflyvintage millinery and tule and big velvet pink pad pin cushion attached and filled with lavender

Cheryl sent me this gorgeous painted trunk with G on the front especially for me
lots of wonderful trimmings, buttons, flowers.Even the inside is decorated.

We were an easy couple to match because everything Cheryl liked I did too. I hope she likes the sewing trunk. I will keep the goodies hidden for the moment ;0)

I can't wait to show you a very special item but will wait until Cheryl has seen it first.It's on it's way to you and thank you for your patience.

So that's all Folks

- I am bringing the curtain down on my swaps now, I have done a few over the year and thoroughly enjoyed them all and am so glad that I ended with 2 that were just up my street.

I have a few commissions to do now and will still be creating with my round robin pals either here or on flickr - so make sure you pop by again.

Just say hello, whatever language I know you are all out there X

For My Children

2008-04-07T01:26:00.002+01:00

It snowed today ~ a white blanket of new snow ~ it was symbolic ~ a new page.

This is for my children.
I love you X

glitter-graphics.com

Remember Me

2008-03-17T15:27:00.010Z

Well you might wonder where in the world I have been lately. .

This mug definitely prompted this post ~

Thank you to Lidy of The French garden house for stocking such pretty stuff oh and the sweet little bird nest is just in time for Easter thank you for including it!!

Well everything is happening all at once here and as the saying goes ~ you can wait for a bus all day and then 2 turn up at once or 3 or 4 LOL. I have 2 weddings imminent, a house upside down with decorating (that has been on going since September :0((( family visiting, new school for the kids to sort out for September. Oh and browsing websites and Etsy ~ that all takes time you know LOL.

I asked my sweet round robin friend Holly of Holly Doodle Designs to recreate one of her fabulous 'love lives here' nesting boxes.

She creates such magic and the colours are just beautiful, well she even included some extra millinery for me as I find it so difficult to get hold of. I know this stuff is as precious to you Holly so thank you so much for sharing ~ you have a wonderful heart!
Rhea from Miss Rhea creates some beautiful little creations too, I bought a little ballerina in a tea cup and this little box below, not to mention some cute little domes that will be put with my whimsical Easter display.

In fact I had to check what I had ordered as I could not believe all the extras, just look at it all. I think she must be physic as I have been looking for paper bells all over the place and the cards and ruffle are just gorgeous. LOOK at the little tag too!Thank you so much, you have a huge generous heart.
The Easter Bunny has arrived!!

Oooooo Sadie Lou where would I be without yooooooou!
see all Sadie's lovely creations HERE

This package arrived the other day, it seems a shame to open it.
Heather at Pretty Petals Boutique has some great hats for sale ~ well just in time for the Easter Bonnet parade I choose this beautiful pale blue creation ~ I love the ruffle round the edge.You might be wondering if I have been creating of late ~ well a sweet lady on the blog asked me to create a framed collage of Marie Antoinette in a paper doll style for her.

More detail here on FLICKR

Lets hope I don't leave it too long for the next post ;0)

Send a little note to your Mum ......

2008-02-29T06:14:00.009Z

My eldest daughter sent me a text on my phone the other day .....
it made me cry.

A woman has strengths that amaze men.
She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens.

She holds happiness love and opinions.

She smiles when she feels like screaming.

She sings when she feels like crying,

cries when she's happy and laughs when shes afraid.
Her love is unconditional.

There's only one thing wrong with her, she sometimes forgets what she is worth.....

Pass this on to every beautiful woman u know.

I just did x

*****************

Ditto ~so did I ~ feel free to pass it on.

and if you celebrate Mothers day

A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TOO !!

Sharing Hearts ~

2008-02-11T08:44:00.008Z

Peek a boo ~ first clue

the game is afoot

The aim of the game is to send out a secret package of hearts and chocolate to a person (or persons in my case) without saying who you are, they have to find you on the blog with the help of the organisers Jenn and Cheryl. So without further ado-

One little cherub swinging on a roses swing

Second peek ~ you will soon find what you seek2 little cherubs ~ who are they for?
A valentine box filled with goodies
and a shabby heart
2 hearts
filled with chocolates and sweets
have gone down under
This package of goodies is for Jenn and Jaquie of the Bowerbird Nest - All the way over in Australia -I went across to your blog to get the link and looks like I've been rumbled.

I'm glad it got through customs, Happy Valentines Day girls! hope you like them.

A Happy Valentines Day to all of you out there who enjoy all of this too, I certainly do, but if you don't you could just hide under the duvet

for a day just to let the hearts settle.

I received a package too ~ I wonder who it is?

The clue is Australia I think. LOL. The cutest little Koala bear, the chocolate has already been eaten and a sweet handpainted heart with a matching cupid thank you whoever you are:0)

I have found some wonderful Valentines goodies just lately.

You may have come across Sadie Lou - but if not find her here

I LOVE her little Betsy's and they come in different sizes, colours, themes - they are magnificent!

Thank you so much for all my valentine creations and this lovely opulent V I love it!

And this adorable little Betsy escaped to the kitchen and I think she will stay there, she looks quite at home. I think I might want one of your cupcake Betsy's too Sadie.

Valentine tags 21 of them .......

2008-01-26T15:24:00.001Z

Instead of seeing stars I am now officially seeing hearts .... I love hearts, who doesn't , but I feel like I have had an overload of sugar this last week :)) I have been creating 21 tags for a Valentine Tag swap.

My fav tag is the one in the middle below, it was the penultimate tag and a great feeling of euphoria swept over me as I raced for the finish line.

Some close-ups of a few more.

The tags will be heading off to Heather of Speckled Egg who will share them out amoung 2o other keen tag swappers. Then Heather will be creating 21 little tag books and sending on off to each of us. Sharing other peoples creative work is the best part of all.

Ye Olde Worlde. ~ and other such matters

2008-01-17T15:09:00.000Z

Well this has just flown in from America, and has whisked me back to the 18th century when words were said a little different and spellings very old English.
Late last year I thought it might be fun to subscribe to this olde worlde paper called 'A Goode Ladye's Press ' created by Kate at Sparrows Cottage. The little paper is filled with 18th Century matters, receipe's of the day, historical news, fashion and such like. In fact just reading it makes you want to go find a rather tight corset and gown and sit proper like ....... you know... like one does :))

I shall receive 6 papers throughout the year with little coloured tags, patterns and presents and even my own little paper doll (how old am I .... Oh I don't care LOL) with different outfits and accessories throughout the year. Would you believe it, she is called Ginny .... how apt. I think I might be fighting my youngest over this one.

Interestingly there are some useful snippets related to my latest project on Marie Antoinette . Well I always knew that mice would sometimes live in the ladies hair do's - as the intricate hairstyles took ages to create and so were kept in place for weeks and weeks,What I didn't know was that the creations were held in place by lard and flour, this made the hair-do's a veritable feast for rats and mice YUCK !!

Well this year the ladye's press is full of related topics, Babies, children, Weddings, myths and fairy tales ~ looks like it was made for me. Can't wait.

Wish I may wish I might ~ wish you all the best for 2008

2007-12-27T20:40:00.000Z

This angelic fairy in all her antique finery arrived this Christmas from my friend
Niki in a private swap. Niki asked if I would make her one of my ballet boot lavender sachets in exchange for one of her special fairies.

WELL I was absolutely thrilled and anyone who has followed my blog over the last year can see that Niki's fairies and dolls are a big favourite in our home and I was over the moon that she would make me one of these special Christmas fairies in a swap for me.
She also sent me a lovely little rosy pot filled with trims, laces, the most beautiful buttons and the most adorable blue bird card that a girl could ever wish for. Thank you Niki!

Well just before it all gets put away until next year here are the last things I have created in 2007, these 3 wreaths.

I don't know where I found the time but anyway I managed to make some things just for me this Christmas. I love wreaths and made 2 large white wreaths and a smaller one. This first one is my winter ice wreath and has lots of pale blue and white baubles and some magnificent 3D snowflakes.
The next one was for my eldest daughter, she wanted white and silver (sorry not the greatest of photo's - will try again and put the pic on flickr)

This next one is very quick and easy to do. This is my ice queen wreath, and holds all my fav rhinestone pins.

All you do is buy a polystyrene wreath cover it in your fav ribbon (I have silky snowflake ribbon), wrapping it around evenly, gluing at the bottom. Make yourself some cute bows and a streamer and then put your fav rhinestone pins in.

Hey presto - one opulent wreath. I might keep this one up long after Christmas.

Well all that's left to say now is:-

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE AND LOOK FORWARD TO MORE CREATIVE WONDERMENT IN 2008!

A Very English Christmas

2007-12-11T22:20:00.000Z

What do you love about your Home at Christmas?
Karla is asking the question - she is hosting a virtual Christmas house party on her blog today (see the side bar).

Well first off we love our lounge and the fireplace with the roaring fire is the hub of the home, so cosy in winter and made extra special at Christmas.
December is the month of year when the house is filled with light, sweet treats and lots of cheer.
We start with a real Christmas tree which comes from Norway, this particular one does not loose it's needles and smells lovely.
I have collected lots of decorations over the years but my taste does change and for the last few I have preferred delicate whites snowflakes, hearts, rhinestones and glass baubles. I like to see the green on my tree and so leave the tinsel off, instead I add sheer ribbon .
I have lots of new ornaments this year- the rhinestone ones are from The Hope Jar - a lovely website. I have more hearts which are similar to the one below and baubles from Green Gate (sourced from Sophie Perks -Ward - ).
Just lately I have bought quite a collection of handmade ornaments from our very own Carol of Boxwood Cottage. This one below is Marie Antoinette and was wrapped soooo beautifully.
You can just catch a peak of the Marie Antoinette one in the tree - as I will be working hard on my round robin over the Christmas holiday it will serve to inspire me:)
- I just think they are so elegant.This one below is hanging from the chandelier in the dining room -bestowing German greetings on us and appropriately the little girl is sounding the horn - (calling us for dinner I think:)) Enchanting. Thank you Carol x.Well to add to the festivities I bought these gorgeous cones above from my sweet round robin friend Holly at Holly Doodle Designs. These are called 'Let it snow' cones and I love them. I have never had cones before although going by many blogs especially the Scandinavian blogs and of course Germany, these have been used for special treats for many, many, years. I love the idea of them and Holly really does come up with the most original and beautiful idea's, not to mention all the eye candy actually inside. I might even keep these out all winter. They hang with pride on my mirror in the lounge and you can just see the glass chandelier drops hanging below that came in the lovely cones.
I bought this wreath a few years ago from a very talented lady on ebay called Renee- I can't find her anymore on ebay but she knew how to create:) - she went to so much effort to make it right for me using vintage baubles of the particular colour that I wanted and shipped it in the most magnificent box that could probably withstand a crane landing on it. It arrived in excellent condition with no breaks. I really love it and could keep this out all year too. I recently received a gorgeous wreath with some lovely ballerina's and snowflakes in a swap from Tamy at Simply Mein.
I adore it and look at all the gorgeous pink!! It fits in very well with my decorations in the dining room.
I've put it on the dresser with other glorious eye candy, including little houses from Cody Foster and Miss Duffy and even Christmas goodies from the local garden centre.

And if you look closer

The pink wreath looks quite comfortable alongside my beautiful Christmas bunny box from Jenn at Sweet Eye Candy Creations. Jenn can come up with the most gorgeous and utterly whimsical original one of a kind bunny boxes. I love everything she makes!
But no Christmas would be complete without a beautiful crown and this snow queen crown from Holly is one of the most magnificent crowns I have ever seen - bring on the snow! I hear your iced in at the moment Holly with ice storms no less - what happened to the snow:(

Scanning around the dining room you may have caught site of some little bottle brush tree's and a wish sign - well these are all thanks to Heather who caught herself a bargain after thanksgiving. I wish our sales started before Christmas - it makes much more sense. Anyway she offered to find me a bargain or 2. Well I was so pleased that she did and they really are gorgeous in flesh. We don't have these here .... but we should - the signs are chunky and can sit quite comfortably anywhere.
Well we are not quite ready for decorating our table yet - but this is how it looked last year.

We are still painting and decorating at the moment and believe it or not the kitchen will be turned upside down on Monday - we are having new tiled flooring in the kitchen - talk about he 11th hour! Anyway this is all that is fit to be seen just yet.

Come back soon and see if it all got finished in time.

But in the meantime ~ HAPPY CHRISTMAS ~

bottoms up - cheer - chink chink ............ oops

Oooooh dear!

Well actually that's quite arty ... I like it!

Well for those that don't

Arrrh that's better:))

Garlands and stockings Swaps ~ all finished.

2007-11-23T07:57:00.000Z

I have taken part in a few swaps this year and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Though to some it may seem quite daft to spend so much time making and sending out swaps to complete strangers. I've found it to be a great pleasure to be giving and then receiving and it has given me a chance to push my creativeness into area's I may not have wandered before. I am predominantly a textile artist but seem to have found myself working quite comfortably in the paper and altered art collage arena....... I love it!

I have just completed a garland for the Ga Ga Garlands Swap at Simply mein. Tamy the host is my partner and the brief was HO HO HO ...... so :)))

I found some of my most favoured vintage Christmas cards , took images and made a collage for each banner , I decided the theme was ~ The Night before Christmas ~

Of course it was a complete glitter fest! Not one bit of sewing

Then from paper back to sewing again I created this Christmas stocking.

for the Vintage Christmas stocking swap and we had what you might call a tag swap, one person sends to me I send to the next person and so on. Lucky for me the lady sending to me was no other than the host herself - Mary Ann at Follow your Bliss

I sent off a stocking to a lady in the USA on flickr - this is it. She loves art deco so staying well clear of all the lace and frou frou I might have used I decided to use some antique crazy patchwork for a cone pocket instead.
I ironed some image transfer of vintage cards on to heavy old french linen and highlighted the pictures with glitter then added an art deco rhinestone twinkle to decorate (I've got to have the bling).
Hope Jennifer likes it.

Well Mary Ann the host sent me a wonderful stocking packed to bursting!
This is what came in from her. Look at that doodle below delivered on my swap package. It's adorable!

She filled that stocking to the rim and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. Look at the gorgeous blue colours and the wrapping, gauzy bags, beautiful glitzy net!

and what she gave me left me on cloud nine. Bling, bling treasures and millinery!
Look at this pin cushion soooo cute!
A beautifully decorated matchbox decorated inside and out, filled to the brim with lots of great stuff that I can use in my creations.

Chocolate - I've eaten it:) and some Christmas coffee to try as well, sweet smelling candle, cute figurine and these lovely vintage cards!

Thank you Mary Ann for going to the trouble of organising the swap and for sending me such a gorgeous parcel of goodies. I thoroughly enjoyed opening it all, even though I should have been saving it for Christmas:)

Prom Party at Natasha's

2007-11-20T10:13:00.000Z

Natasha is having a virtual prom -

you know there will be beautiful people there!

I decided that I wasn't going to the prom, I had nothing to wear:((((

My prom dress is beautiful I even have tiara!!!

........ it doesn't fit !!!!!:((

hang on in there who's turned up ....

Alright take me as I am

Oh my giddy oh .... and if you don't go to the prom stay in and watch this ...... you won't be disappointed. Swoon

Kick in the POWER BALLAD :)

Yes me ..... it was the 80's ....... check out the shoulder pads! Hee Hee! :)))))))

Enjoy the Prom everyone!

Marie Antointette ~ An international round robin

2007-10-22T14:52:00.002+01:00

Back in early July 2007 I was invited to join a round robin art journal on the theme of Marie Antoinette with 3 lovely girls from across the oceans. Natasha in Australia, Holly and Heather from America and me in England making the group of 4 girls. The essence of the round robin would be that unlike other journals this one would travel 3 continents, Europe, America and Australasia. Each girl will fill in 4 pages of their journal and then send off to the next girl. We will all end up with our own art journals featuring all 4 girls work, showing our interpretation of the life and loves of Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France.

The journal has a luxurious silk velvet bow, a Fleur De lye's motif on the front of the journal represents the french royal family and is covered in real silver, and the journal is aptly tied with silky ribbon with a crown motif. This picture represents us 4 girls in the court of Versailles, dressed in our finery. I've created a pocket to house 4 cards which will hold information about each of us. Marie Antonia was born in Austria 1755 to Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary and Bohemia, and Holy Roman Emperor Francis I. She came from a large happy family.

Our story begins in 1770, at age 14, Marie Antoinette (renamed by the french) left her homeland and travelled to the extremely formal French palace of Versailles to be married to the shy 15 year old Dauphin (crown prince) of France to cement an alliance between Austria and France. I have created Marie Antoinette in a doll like appearance for this first page. An innocent girl wearing her sweet Austrian fashions. She looks across to the pretty bluebird in the gold gilded cage. She admires the beauty of this little bird unaware of the similarities between them.
She wears delicate french linen embellished with dainty jewels and has silky hair tied up with pink bows. Her hat is made from sweet pink velvet, with Japanese papers to imitate the feathers that should have been there (Australian customs rules interfered with my original hat full of feathers and swans down - oh the do's and don'ts with customs lol).Under her skirt are some pretty little velvet shoes with jewels atop. Rumours but are they true? Pages 2 & 3 reflect Marie Antoinette’s lavish lifestyle with rumours of indiscreet liaisons, parties and extravagant spending resulting in a growing resentment among the French people.
The 1785-86 ‘Affair of the Diamond Necklace’, a scandal in which she was accused of having an affair with a cardinal in order to obtain a costly diamond necklace, further discredited her and reflected on the monarchy. Although the queen did not purchase the necklace her name was vilified all over France and led to her downfall.

I have dyed velvet in pale and dark greys and embellished with vintage black jet from old costumes to highlight the dark mood of public opinion towards Marie. The lavish fabrics, papers and jewels highlight the extravagant nature of the court of Versailles.
Marie Antointette was quoted as saying to the starving “if they have no bread let them eat cake” this was not true. For page 3 I have created a lavish display of cakes using creative embroidery techniques, fusing fabric, burning and foiling, using velvets and sheer fabrics and for the cake stand a decadent real silver glitter.
This last page is quite a poignant one, it is the time of the French Revolution.Marie Antoinette was a devoted mother, and of the 4 children that she bared only 2 survived. As Marie matured she became less extravagant softening her image by wearing simple gowns and posing for portraits with her children, but her efforts had little effect on the unforgiving public. Her unpopularity helped lead to the overthrow of the monarchy when Parisian's stormed the Tuileries palace on Aug. 10, 1792. The family were imprisoned.
From being a doll like image arriving at Versailles, Marie Antoinette is now a real woman.

She is a devoted mother and clutches pictures of her 2 children, knowing her fate and that she will never see her children again. The red wax seal stamp depicts the Fleur De lye representing the royal house of France with the little crown indicating that this is the French queen who is being led to madam guillotine.
Louis XVI was executed in January 1793, and Marie Antoinette was executed on October 16 of that year. She was charged with aiding the enemy and inciting civil war. Her son died in prison of Tuberculosis and her daughter, the only survivor was married a French Duke.

The muse for this page is one of my daughters, posing with a skirt to give the flow of the dress, and embellished with vintage ribbon, lace and Japanese lacy paper with vintage french sheet music as a background reflecting the glad feelings of the French people (although the music translates as the cross king). The hair is curly sheep’s wool and I have deliberately kept it undecorated to emphasis the less extravagant image of the queen in this period of her life.
I chose to finish my pages with a memorial to Marie Antoinette. I have deliberately chosen torn scraps of pretty french fabric as a background symbolising the royalty stripped of their finery, with a floral wreath with vintage flowers and trim from a vintage petticoat, broken jewels a silver heart representing the loves that were lost and a little plaque to remember.Her initials hang below in gold to emphasise the importance of her position.

Marie Antoinette the last Queen of France.

(See Flickr on the side bar - you can enlarge pictures for better look)

Ribbons galore

2007-10-02T14:16:00.000+01:00

I went visiting a favorite haunt of mine that I had not visited in about 4 years. I wondered if the old favorite shops would still be there. Not all of them but lucky for me one shop was. I happened upon a suitcase full of beautiful ribbons, lots of them still on rolls. Look at the grey taffeta. I love it and will be using it in my round robin with Heather, Holly and Natasha, and that yellow taffeta has pinked edges. Reminds me of some of the beautiful dresses that I saw in a museum in Bath.

I thought this ribbon was apt considering Marie Antoinette is playing a big part in my creativeness at the moment.

I had to buy this hat, the velvet is so gorgeous to touch and the palest blue, one of my favourite

colours.

It orginally came from Bond Street in London, though I don't know what age it is - maybe someone out in blogland knows:)

Well to finish on - how about this for pure glitter heaven. Glass Glitter (do we sell it in England cos I can't find in anywhere - and the staff in Hobbycraft just look at me as if I have 2 heads when I ask for it? )

The taller bottles are real silver (pure decadence) If you don't already know by now you can get this from my sweet round robin friend Heather.

What do you love about your home?

2007-09-24T08:11:00.000+01:00

This was the question posed by Karla at Karla's Cottage. she is inviting everyone to post something about their home that they love and then pop over to make a comment on her blog- she also has a giveaway too.

Well I love lots of area's of my home but not at the same time, I'm really fickle about it. The minute I have made something look lovely then move on to the next area the previous area has been taken over by the lovable gang and is in shambles.

But I suppose the bedroom might be the most tranquil place most of the time.

The bed being the most comfortable place to be, piled with quilts and cushions (which I change around all the time). But the minute I need to look for something and time is limited the whole room is turned upside down again, with the bed piled high with half the wardrobe, and anything else that got in the way.
Yep behind these curtains is my wardrobe. These linen curtains were originally sheets. I love the embroidery and especially the monogrammes, and it is always nice to pull the curtains closed so that I don't have to be reminded of the bedlam behind:)

I love this old french mirror with all the black lines where the mirror has oxidized.

Then there is the lounge, well once I have plumped up all the cushions
and arranged the throw pillows just so it can be a lovely place to sit, but then in come my lovable gang and throw themselves amongst them.
The bathroom - such a delightful place to soak away the hours, candlelight, beautiful aroma's .... oh that's if you don't have a que waiting outside the door, desperate for the loo. Yes we don't have an en suite, this house was built before the British understood the need for such luxury, ooh by gum those were the days, outside loo and tin bath by the fire. Oh how we have all moved on. Well some of us have and I'm not complaining. We do have a bathroom with a lockable door, I just have a que outside every time I want to pamper myself.
How I imagine bathtime but often isn't:) card handmade by The Wright Little Card Company....... on ebay.)

The dining room is such a dark inner room that is walked through to get to the other rooms. So dear dining room I only love you at Christmas (I'm so fickle).

The kitchen, well you will be loved soon don't fret.

New floor,new ceiling, work surface and sink what more could a kitchen want. But in the meantime don't even go there!

Well moving swiftly on, my workroom.. eeuuuw ... too bad to be photographed, but it looks out on my garden deck which I love..... so it's not all bad :)

But I suppose once the dark nights set in and the candles are lit, probably my most favourite place to be is curled up on the sofa and the phrase ~ there's no place like home ~ finally rings true.

Well what do you love about your home:)))))) XX

ROSES come in all forms!!

2007-09-18T13:27:00.000+01:00

I particularly love ribbon work roses, I find it difficult to get hold of the vintage variety so I have decided to learn the craft. This skirt is so inspirational with all the lovely big colourful roses. I think I will start big. Millinery Roses - I have finally been able to get hold of loads of velvet roses at a reasonable price.
This beauty arrived from a favourite web store - http://onehundredwishes.com/

Pure eye candy for the eyes and the mouth - thank you :)
Paper roses - thank you Lidy of http://frenchgardenhouse.com/

the little book inside this beautifully wrapped package was gorgeous but equally beautiful is the Roses Birthday card - I bet you didn't know it was my birthday - but how apt:) thank you - x

and then DRUM ROLL !!!

COR!! LOOK AT THESE ~ just got these delivered~ no note?

taking a closer look there is one white rose ~ I know who it is:) XXXX

It used to get the flower shop talking but they know who it is now.

Sweet hubby is known as the roses man who always leaves his message of 1 white rose:)

Only thing is the sweet delivery man ( who looks like Santa Claus) said we know your secret now giving me a wink. Wondering if he was meaning the signature white rose I smiled but Hubby bought as many pink roses as my age. gulp ..... how nice dear:)

Happy Birthday to all you lovely girls celebrating this month - you know who you are :)

V for Virgo

2007-09-09T19:20:00.000+01:00

I love September, and it's my birthday month too!

I thought it might be fun to find out what Virgo's are supposed to be like. I googled this:-

The Virgo motto could be "Perfect is almost good enough." On one hand, this trait makes you very employable, for you're not likely to do shabby work. On the other hand, you can be so finicky that you put limitations on your interactions and experiences before they happen. You'll be happier if you can learn to be selectively less critical, both of others and yourself.
Actually I agree with reference to my arts and crafts as I spend so much time trying to make something perfect that others have created a hundred and one things compared to my one. However I disagree about the not likely to do shabby work - I love SHABBY!! :)) And of course no one is perfect. But this image below always makes me smile:)))

Endless patience is required to reach perfection ...:)))

This part of the year seems to be filled with birthdays in this household and in fact I share my birthday month with 2 of my children and so we seem to have a dining room filled with the remnants of parties all the way up to December. This is the way our dining room chandelier looked last September and it stays like that all through autumn up to Christmas.

I must just say a BIG Congratulations to Holly of http://hollydoodledesigns.com/ on the launch of her revamped website. If you don't know her go take a look and if you already know of her you will know she has a knack of creating the most beautiful creations and presenting them in a way that can only be described as pure eye candy. She seems to include everything I like in beautiful creations with vintage millinery and costume jewellery literally oozing out from everywhere. This picture above was a bundle of vintage wallpaper but you wouldn't know it from all the ribbon and the sweet little bird and buttons. I LOVE it!!
Now you must all know Niki by now of http://nostalgiaatthestonehouse.blogspot.com/
She has the most gorgeous selection of dolls and in particular some really enchanting hatstands with little heads on. The ones I particularly like are 1920 hatstands with a flapper head made in Germany

This inspired me to look out for one on eBay, like the one below. Well I was shocked to see what high prices they go for - nearly £100.00

Well Niki makes some of hers and decorates them in completely unique way, like this one below. She encouraged me to have a go and I was completely surprised to receive this lovely little package from her.

Such a sweet hatstand and beautiful little french card. Thank you so much for it Niki.

Well suppose I better get to work then.

Samsung Customer Care (uk) - DON'T CARE AT ALL !!!

2007-09-05T17:43:00.001+01:00

Sugar and Spice n everthing nice. WELL NOT TO DAY!!!

Yep the day has turned pretty grey and it's not the weather!!

It comes in the shape of this.

Yes my lovely new fridge that I have treated like gold dust ever since it graced my world.

I bought it from a respected shop that will not be named or used in the same breath as SAMSUNG.

Well the most important feature of my lovely fridge is the icemaking feature. I only bought a fridge like this for that reason. My only crime is to have bought it straight off the shop floor ie: slight scratch marks on the handles, bit of dust etc ( bit of money off but not much - that'll teach me ).

Well I had one day of happiness with the ice making part but then a small part similar to a washer came away within the ice box (not the lever on the outside ) which meant condensation got into this section and froze over the exit for the ice cubes - a job that could have cost about 50p ($1.00) to replace.

BUT OH NO!! according to the customer care man they didn't cover shop soiled goods with broken levers that were sold in the shop as is...... (?) Did I mention broken lever? Well we didn't have a broken lever and everything was absolutely great for 1 day AND

AND why oh why would I buy a fridge with a broken ice making feature (????) I wanted the fridge because of the ice maker!

Well our conversation escalated to the hierarchy of the customer care and then spiralled downwards into the darkest area's of the deep blue where the sharks hover :(((

Rules for customer care - how to keep your customer calm and collected -

1. The customer is always right - well not in Samsung UK?

and if (not on this occasion) their not right don't proceed to tell them in sarcastic manner that they are wrong, it puts their back up.

2. When the customer is really upset and will never buy from them again .... please oh please don't tell them that Samsung corner the market by 80% and you don't really have a choice.

3. When the customer says they will take the problem higher. Don't say it doesn't really make a difference.

You are only undermining the top guys ie: the Company Director who worked so hard to get the product out to the customer and also pay your wages :)

NO STOP right there .... I the customer pay your wages and without me none of you would be paid each month and Samsung wouldn't even exist either.

YEAH!

and if you are in a job that you don't really care about why don't you get yourself out of there and give the job to someone who does care !!!

Well we made one good decision we took out a ' what ever happens insurance' with the shop we bought the item from,

They are going to replace the fridge and speak to Samsung UK - I am NEVER going to buy SAMSUNG again not that the customer care CARED AT ALL!