Free As A Bird

I made a bird! And it actually worked!!

 

When I first set out to make it, I wasn’t really expecting it to work out very well…

 

 

 

I stole the idea from Cath Kidston’s Make book, and despite not following the instructions (!) I’m actually rather proud of it! I chose two bits of lovely floral fabric and a wonderful piece of velvet ribbon to give it a fabulous vintage feel. Although it’s not very Christmassy I can see it fitting perfectly onto my Christmas tree.

 

 

 

 

 

...Miss Jones...

Having My Cake And Making It Too

 

 

 

So after a ridiculous amount of time spent procrastinating, I have finally finished something! I honestly can’t believe it’s taken me so long – but you know what it’s like; you start something, abandon it, start something else, abandon that, go back to the first thing, get bored and do other ‘important’ things instead!

This was inspired by (well, I’m sure you can tell) cake! Because who doesn’t love a huge slice of cake, a dainty cupcake or a delicious biscuit? The cupcake was definitely missing that elusive ‘something’ that brings everything together, so I decided to experiment with some beads. And I now love the finished project; just a sprinkling of beads has livened up the whole thing!

 

The frame definitely had to be painted in one of my favourite colours – Cranberry from Laura Ashley – I just love how bold it is! A carefully chosen piece of faded sheet music to cover the ugly board behind completed my project.

 

...Miss Jones...

Alice's Temporary Wonderland

Being a slightly mad bunch of friends, we decided that an Alice in Wonderland themed birthday party for our friend Alice was a definite must. It was also decided that this was to be a surprise, but that didn’t work out quite so well…

Planning this fabulous event was definitely a lot of fun. I had given myself permission to drift off into the land of make believe and dream of whimsical, and often impossible, ideas! I set aside a notebook and began planning menus, decorations, outfits – everything that goes hand in hand with a party. I soon had a rough idea of how the day was to commence, and just a week before I set about creating the decorations.

First there were paper chains. Hand cut from the pages of an old Alice in Wonderland book they were glued together and stored carefully away. Then there were placemats. Full pages from the same Alice in Wonderland book featuring lovely colour illustrations (these also later hung from the backs of chairs). Then there was card bunting. A length of string, a pack of cards, scissors and a hole punch was all that was needed to create this. Then I set about to make some tiny ‘eat me’ cards designed to be stuck into the delightful delicacies.  And then it was the long process of cutting out hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs – all also to be stuck into cakes.

And then the day of the party arrived, and it was into the kitchen for me. Slaving away, with a little bit of help, I created mini quiche, sandwiches, cupcakes, mini cupcakes, jam tarts, a birthday tart and scones – all before 5 o clock! Luckily the guests were late so there was ample time to get changed into a fabulous dress, heels and hat, and carefully transfer everything outside! No accidents occurred and the table looked wonderful! Cocktails were served to everyone upon arrival. Poured from teapots into quaint, mismatched teacups and garnished with a slice of lemon and umbrella, they were picture perfect!

 

...Miss Jones...

A Little Slice of London

I apologise for the shockingly long break from blogging; I have started and abandoned many sewing projects before finally settling down to finish this one!

Instead of the delightfully rustic embroidery fabric I usually use, I decided to choose a slightly more stark white, so that the black thread stands out more against the distressed turquoise frame. I was slightly worried that the scale of London Bridge and The London Eye would not be right - which it probably isn't - but I love it anyway! Definately not perfect by any means but delightfully handmade and quintessentially British!

Perhaps I will next undertake a New York or Paris skyline - wish me luck!

...Miss Jones...

'Odds and Ends'

Searching around for something to create I finally remembered something I'd seen at an Antiques Fair - a lovely little label; reading 'Odds and Ends'.

I decided to embroider the words as I have yet to get bored/annoyed with this particular method of creating! I found a nicely contrasting fabric and set about sewing it all together! Not too many mishaps occurred along the way, but I do quite like the result!

My chosen 'odds and ends' are treasures that have been found in the garden; a glass bottle top, ink bottles, pennies, keys, and lots more tiny treasures!

...Miss Jones...

Angel Masquerading as a Russian Doll

With the offcut from my 'Silence' sign I decided to do something creative and (not entirely) useful. So, this is what I came up with! Inspired by the russian doll I found the other day I created my own design.

Not sure I quite like the gold hair - makes her look like something of an angel! But, unfortunately, no black paint could be found anywhere! Still, not bad for an offcut!!

...Miss Jones...

'Silence'

Another day off and another achievement! The wood was cut and drilled by yours truly, with only a tiny bit of guidance!

I love the elegant slant of the letters, the contrast between the dark polished wood and rich painted lettering. But most of all, I love how smooth the wood is now that I've polished it!

Ideal to be hung with a piece of ribbon or attached to a wall I can see this placed above a wonderfully ornate bed in a fabulously cosy and chintzy bedroom.




...Miss Jones...

Open for Business

Usually on rainy days, such as these, I accomplish very little - if anything! But today I am happy to report I have actually achieved something!! And for once, despite the fact I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, it has turned out quite well!

I love how rustic it has turned out; the (not quite perfect) embroidery, spotted ribbon and delicately patterned fabric.

 In one brief period of sun I managed to place it against the beautifully summery background of a shepherd's hut for my mini photo shoot!!

...Miss Jones...

'Kiss Me Quick'

I have a fabulous vintage poster hanging on my bedroom wall which inspired me to create this sweet piece of embroidery.

With all the wet weather we've been having recently I've had a lot of sewing opportunities! However, by the time I'd finished this I am definitely never sewing any french knots again!!

I love the old, ornate script - the perfect curving of the letter 'K' and the delicate flicks of the 'i'. Hope you enjoy it too!

...Miss Jones...

All In Their Rows

I bought this sweet little Russian Doll recently and am in love with it! The way they decrease in size so perfectly is just lovely!

The 'gold leaf' details are just charming and add just the right amount of sparkle!

...Miss Jones...

The Brightest Star

My favourite stall at a nearby antiques centre always has inspiring items, and I have admired a large wooden star there for quite a while now. I acquired some wood which I thought would be suitable and after work one day set about with a hammer, some nails and a saw to create a masterpiece!

It was definitely easier than I expected and I think the result is just the right combination of rustic chic, especially after I painted it with a whitewash!!

...Miss Jones...

British is Best

It started off as just a passing interest, but I've developed quite a love for all things Royal. I think it was Rachel Ashwell that started it - her gorgeous book is full of wonderful pictures, many of which reveal her fondness for a bit of Royalty.

Pretty soon, whilst out rummaging, I would reference things as 'very Rachel Ashwell'.

And now I've started making things as well!

I was given some make-your-own Union Jack paper chains which were easy enough to stick to together and look lovely displayed on my wall!! (See Above)

But I wanted more, and with the Jubilee approaching I decided to take the plunge...

Taking the pages of a delightfully old and tattered copy of 'Cranford' I began inking on the Union Jack motif. And after a few days of patience, as I waited for various sections to dry, I had created a masterpiece! (In my eyes anyway!)

 

...Miss Jones...

 

P.S. I dedicate this to my good friend Mother Goose who has helped to fuel this Royal obsession x

Getting Ready for the Sun

When I found this material I knew it would make the most perfect bunting! And now, after a lot of procrastinating, I have finally finished it!!

I can't wait for the (hopefully) balmy summer evenings when I can sit in the garden, surrounded by flickering candles and gently swaying bunting, sipping on pimms from beautiful vintage glasses.

...Miss Jones...

Something Special

I have always had a passion for things in miniature; as a child I was obsessed with doll houses and the act of furnishing them, and now, having grown-up (just a little!!), I love anything tiny and sweet!

The box is lovely anyway - like a hat box for a child - but the contents are even more fabulous!

Nestled in the beautifully crispy tissue is a miniature crown, tiara or fascinator - I'm not quite sure what to call it!

It was like love at first sight, all I needed was a glimpse of the beads and I was in heaven! They have been fastened into perfect little points and are oh so sparkly! There is a tiny piece of net, and a piece of (sadly stretched) elastic so I can actually wear it!

Sadly I don't think I shall be doing this very often, so, for now, it shall sit in its adorable little box until I find someone to walk down the aisle with in a long white dress...

...Miss Jones...

Full of Colour

Catching site of this lovely flower on my bedside table I realised what a perfect photograph it would make!

The angle of the light makes the colour of the camellia just amazing! The slightly unfocused colour reminds me slightly of Andy Warhol's screen prints. I love the bright, focused detail of the stamen in contrast to the dull, slightly blurry, background.

 

...Miss Jones...

All Sewn Up

Pretty things on a beautiful day. The bright sunshine and clear blue skies have infected me with a desire to take lovely photographs!

I recently bought this lovely pink bowl, sadly crazed on the inside but perfect for storing lovely vintage wooden cotton reels. Inspired by the reels I decided to make a necklace, using a vintage button to attach it to the chain. On its first outing it was declared the next new trend, so keep your eyes peeled!!

...Miss Jones...

Tea for Two

 

Here are a few photos of some lovely cups and saucers I purchased a while ago.

I can't quite decide which one is my favourite ... or what to do with them! I'm gathering quite a collection but still don't have anywhere to display them!!

...Miss Jones...

Full of Holes

This weekend I'm helping my mother hold a jumble sale in aid of Cancer Research; as all the donated items have been arriving I've been carefully sifting through them for little goodies. I discovered this wonderful cashmere jumper, of which the prominent feature was, sadly, moth holes.

I decided this was too good an oppurtunity to be missed and handily crafted little vintage floral patches to cover up those pesky holes! I am rather pleased with the result, and the choice of fabric, which has just a hint of the jumper's beige in the detail!

I think I shall wear this (in the winter) with some black skinny jeans, beautiful boots and some ravishing red lipstick.

...Miss Jones...

Alice in Wonderland

Finally an Alice in Wonderland related post! Flipping through this weeks copy of the Waitrose Weekend I saw a fabulous photograph of cupcakes made from book pages. They were credited to the wonderful Su Blackwell, who I had actually previously discovered whilst studying art. She does the most incredible cut outs from books, stage sets, adverts, anything really. The detail on her installations is sublime and makes me wish I was just as talented!!

...Miss Jones...

Collar Me Pretty

I have a tiny obsession with peter pan collars. I love the symmetry of them, the delicate ties at the back of your neck and the fact that they suit virtually anything and can be floral, embellished or just plain.

I found a vintage lace collar and used it to make a pattern so I could experiment with them myself. this was one of the results. I love the old vintage fabric, so fine and pretty. I found a lovely piece of contrasting lace ribbon to fasten the collar. I love the elegant image of the ribbon tied at the nape of my neck with a few loose curls of hair.

...Miss Jones...

Daydreams

Cuddled up in front of a roaring log fire I can only imagine the, hopefully, warm days to come. I dream of tea parties under the stars; drinking pimms from tea cups and eating delightful cakes from delicate floral china. I want to decorate the garden with bunting and candles, and lay on the grass just watching the clouds float by. Unfortunately February seems destined to be a cold month and so despite the clear blue skies I am doomed to sit inside just that little bit longer while I wait for Spring to appear!

...Miss Jones...

Birthday Flowers

 

Tuesday was my birthday and one of the lovely presents I received was this gorgeous bunch of tulips.

 

 

The shapely buds are such a lovely shade of pink in this gloomy month, and definitely brightened up my day, and room!

The tulips also make the perfect display for another heart I recently made. This composition just reinforces the uniqueness of the heart and its quaint rustic feel.

I really love this old-fashioned font; so elaborate and curled. I would love to be able to write like that!!

...Miss Jones...