New Fair News!

We are pleased to announce the launch of a *New* Vintage & Handmade Textile Fair - please read all about it on the V&H Blog!

Shop Update

My shop has been a bit neglected of late so I thought it was time to add a few new goodies & Mr Cottage has obliged by doing all the work!

Vintage kitchenalia tends to fly off the shelves - there is something very homely about having vintage lovelies in the kitchen. This doggie string holder is an example - I have to admit that I was sorely tempted to keep him!

I have also added these gorgeously springlike egg cups which would be perfect for Easter.


Sets of knives are always very useful.




I think these little wooden folk art perfume dolls are just adorable! They are in the Boudoir section of my shop.


This 1950's 'Ballet' cake or sandwich plate by Royal Stafford is perfect for an afternoon tea.

These are just a handful of the delightful goodies that I like to find for my shop, so why not pop in for a browse while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee?

Make Do & Mend

Yesterday Mr Cottage, Miss Cottage & I visited the "Make Do & Mend" exhibition at The Museum In The Park in Stroud. It is well worth a visit if you are nearby.
The giant red coat forms the doorway where you enter.


Inspired by the local textile heritage of the Stroud valleys, this installation focuses on the themes of weavers and weaving, woollen mills, the use of Stroud Scarlet cloth for military uniforms, women working in industry during wartime, and the ethos of 'make do and mend'. These thematic threads are brought together by the seven artists into a unified world of images and ideas which the audience is invited to explore.

The seven artists are: Liz Lippiatt, Kathryn Clarke, Jenny Bicât, Anne Rogers, Sarah Cant, Sarah Cooke, Corinne Hockley.

We asked permission to take photos, so here they are for your viewing pleasure!
Click on the photos for larger images.






Miss C trying out the giant knitting.

I love this cupboard.

The "skirt" of this dress is made from a parachute!

Don't you wish you were a dog...

...or a cat...

..and all you had to do all day...

...is find a warm...

...and cosy...

...place to sleep?

Furry, Fluffy, Fat Ponies

Today I thought I'd show you some photos of the Shetland pony herd which lives in a field near us.
They may look all sweet & cuddly but they can be quite a handful as they are half wild & will mob you for a carrot...but they do look cute!

Daffadown-Dilly

Daffodils are one of my most favourite flowers - their bright yellowness really cheers up grey days with the promise of spring. Cheap & very cheerful!

The egg cups in the picture above are lovely aren't they? They are going to be appearing in my shop one of these days - very Cath Kidston colours don't you think?
Eggs are courtesy of my hens.

Vintage sugar bowls make lovely little planters for spring bulbs.



"Daffodown-dilly" in the title refers to the old rhyme describing a daffodil which I loved as a child.

"Daffadown-dilly is come up to town,
In a yellow petticoat and a green gown"

The photo below was taken last year - a reminder of things to come.

Which is your favourite spring flower?

		DAFFODILS BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced, but they Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee; A poet could not be but gay, In such a jocund company! I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

Vintage & Handmade Spring Fair

I have updated the website & blog with a full list of exhibitors at the Spring Fair:
http://vintageandhandmade.blogspot.com

We have popular regulars & some exciting new stallholders so take a peek & add the date to your diary!

Dishy Dollies

I just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you for the healing thoughts for my finger & the birthday wishes too!


One of the difficulties I am having is listing new treasures in my shop, but dear Mr Cottage has come to the rescue so there are finally a few new things.
Among them are these dear little wooden dolls looking for new homes.


Greta is in sweet pale blue shorts & Heidi is wearing a pretty pink dress with apron.
Sorry - Heidi is sold.

They can be found in my shop here.



Just had to show you my birthday boots - these are "country" boots intended for wearing out & about & for mucking out stables & around the yard but they are almost too lovely for that!

Finger Update

Just a quick update on me - I had my finger x-rayed today and the doctor said it was looking good as it hadn't moved. It has to be splinted for another 2 weeks or so and I have to have physio after that and back to the hospital again in a month, so I am pretty much out of action for another month.
It is what they call a spiral fracture & often has to be pinned, but as it seems stable it shouldn't need it hopefully!

As you can see, Toby and I have been keeping up with your blogs and I've become quite nifty with left hand computing!

It was my birthday yesterday and I was spoiled with lovely gifts including a new camera and was treated to a large slice of chocolate cake at Cafe Valerie!