Vintage Shop Hopping...

Yesterday, while Luke was at a party Tim, Gus and I headed to Narrabeen to two of our favourite Vintage shops on the Northern Beaches. This is always Gus's worst nightmare as he thinks all shops selling old things give him allergies! I'm so hoping one day he'll appreciate vintage but so far, he's a big IKEA fan...

First stop was the Antiques General Store. I've posted about this fabulous shop before here. As you can see from these shots, you never leave here without feeling the love of vintage flow through you.

Px

Shot #1 - Gorgeous coloured enamel

Shot #2 - not sure what this is but it sure looks like 'kid heaven'

Shot #3 - just love the colours in these plates

Shot #4 - my love for all things nautical

Shot #5 - vibrant glass floats

Shot #6 - what a brilliant idea. Artist palates

Shot #7 - vintage shells

Shot #8 - so adorable! Little Indian dolls playing musical instruments. I so might go back and buy these...

Shot #9 - adore this old display cabinet. Love the old, worn paint

Shot #10 - display to die for. Vintage fishing nets

Next stop and just around the corner is Garden Street Bazaar. This is another inspiring visit. Over the years they've transformed this place wonderfully. I've noticed more nautical items popping up on each visit.

Shot #1 - isn't this fantastic!

Shot #2 - insane vintage fabrics

Shot #3 - Gus sitting on the front step playing his iPod Touch. Is he really my child??

Shot #4 - adorable vintage shell animals

Shot #5 - I'm in love with this orange glass and so wish I'd been able to keep my Grandma's set (that's another story)

Shot #6 - a tray of shells

Shot #7 - stunning plate

Shot #8 - enamel silver plated spoons featuring Australian Wildflowers. I bought these for my Mum. They are even more divine in real life. Each spoon has the name of the flower engraved on the back. An incredible purchase at $25.

Shot #9 - love this vintage coat hanger

Shot #10 - I was able to entice Gus with this old bike. Aaah, he cracked finally... Maybe he is my son after all.

Shot #11 - really haunting print. Giorgio Salmoiraghi Canvas Transfer Print C1972. "Eva" Original copper frame. $260

Shot #12 - love the colour of these vases. Turquoise, a huge favourite of mine

Shot #13 - more nautical goodies

Shot #14 - I just adored this! Beswick #926. Baltimore Orioles by Arthur Gredington. $245

Shot #15 - Gus waiting patiently...

Shot #16 - such a good boy he got this Easter Bunny meringue from the cake shop on the way home.

My Creative Space...

I made this 'Nature Wall Hanging' while up at the caravan over our Christmas holiday. I'd been wanting to make one for ages since I discovered this fabulous book at our local library. The problem was that I never seemed to have the right elements. The wonderful driftwood and flotsam washed up on the beach gave me the perfect inspiration.

To see my driftwood heart I made while at the caravan recently too take a look here.

I'm now heading across to Kristy at Kootoyoo for more creative daydreaming. Pxxx

Happy Weekend...

Hoping you have a relaxing weekend. What are you up to?

We are heading up to the Blue Mountains. Px

From the farm in Missabotti where 'Baz' (our tabby cat) boards while we are at the caravan

These two are from Scotts Head headland

Bower Street, Manly. Adore these colours together. A little different from the classic Frangipani

On the way to Freshwater Beach. Just love these colours

In our front yard

Another Cottage Obsession...

Every Saturday morning I love looking through the property section of our local newspaper "The Manly Daily". I do this because I'm a sticky-beak and also to look for ideas for when one day we do something to our much loved but over-flowing, falling apart fibro shack. "One day" is one day in the very distant future I might add.

The problem is that I NEVER see any new houses I actually like. My eye always go to the older houses that have so many quirky features and real character and that are made so, so well by proper craftsmen. My eyes really light up when the ad reveals "First time offered in nearly 50 years..." Here are two cottages that I adore.

For older posts on more cottage obsessions take a look here, here and here.

Hope you're having a good week. Px

Cottage #1: Clareville - AUD3,800,000
North facing, Art Deco, absolute frontage to sandy beachfront reserve











Cottage #2: Avalon - Auction
Unique and character filled