Operation Transformation

Before

After

I came across this fantastic transformation by Sarah recently and couldn't believe how much of a dramatic difference she made. This piece is hardly recognisable and doesn't it look so amazing ... that's recycle chic at it's best!

You can visit Sarah's blog here.

Take Cover

Well, I finally ordered the fabrics for my chair restorations from Hawthorne Threads. I have searched high and lo and was really undecided for a long time as to whether I wanted a traditional upholstery fabric with a funky twist or whether I wanted to really go out there with it and choose a sturdy yet light printed fabric. I decided on the latter because there was just so much more choice when it came to the type of fabric. I love Etsuko Furuya's range of fabrics, they're so fantastically colourful and funky. So, above you can see the two fabrics, the Etsuko Furuya's green I'm going to use on my wingback and the floral fabric by Lecien is being used on the other chair. I just have to wait for it to be delivered before I send them off to the upholsterers! You can visit Hawthrone Threads online store here.

Bag Lady

I stumbled across this fantastic bag creation by CERIosities recently and isn't it wonderful? The bag is made from an old book spine and even uses a fab old belt as the handle. It's a really striking piece. You can visit the CERIosities store here to see lots more fantastic upcycled pieces.

Back for Good

So sorry that I haven't posted in a while ... I changed jobs and am coming to the final few weeks of my house build so I've been totally consumed with all things home ... without paying any attention to the blog. But things have calmed down a little so I've been able to put some thoughts together again!

I'm still ignoring the two chairs that I've got to reupholster ... not intentionally of course! Because of time issues I may have to send them out to a professional instead now but I might be able to do one. I've been on the hunt for some suitable fabric for a long time and came across this beautiful restoration project on my internet travels. Doug found this sad looking wicker rocking chair sitting by the garbage and knew he could transform it. A lot of work has gone into this project but isn't the end result worth it? After dismantling the chair, piece by piece, he sanded every piece down by hand then created a new seat cushion to replace the broken wicker. Well done Doug, I really love the side profile ... the detail is just gorgeous!

Country Glamour

Add a touch of country glamour to your front door with a fantastic fabric wreath like this one by Anna. Everything in Anna's store is handmade and handpainted and I really love her beautiful blue dotty Christmas stars too. If you're looking for a very special Christmas gift why not check out Anna's store Half an Acre here.

Sending something Special

Receiving a handmade Christmas card is something that's very special to me. It's so easy these days to buy stacks of printed cards so when somebody goes to the effort of making one it's just that bit more memorable. These fabulous handmade cards by designer Alexia Abegg are just beautiful. Made from recycled wrapping paper, which all of us most definately have hanging around the house so there's really no excuse ... well not for me anyway : )

You can visit Alexia's blog here.

Sleighbells ring (finally!)

Seeing as today is the official launch of my favourite time of year I can finally post up all things Crimbo. It took a lot to hold back when it came to the end of November because I was really excited about lots of the things that I came across. These Christmas Trees made by Dutch designer Ingrid are the essence of simple beauty. Made from recycled wood, the idea of decorating with your own funky accessories, ensuring each one is truly unique and individual to the buyer is just inspired. Even though I love the sparkley magic usually associated with Christmas and all the glittering accessories, these rustic trees are the absolute opposite of that ... maybe that's the reason that I was so attracted to them!

You can visit Ingrid blog here or her Etsy store here.