The Discovery of a Local Flea

Last week I was SUPER excited to discover that my home town holds a flea market every Wednesday night, so this week I made it my mission to head down and snap up some bargains! I'd heard that the locals are on-the-ball so I headed down early to join the 200-strong queue that were waiting for opening time. I can see why there was such a huge queue as there were some real bargains to be had. Everything was so cheap that some stalls were cleared within half an hour!

Here's a couple of snaps of what I picked up:

I found a lovely cream crotchet throw with gorgeous scalloped edges, a red velvet cushion cover, a beautiful old brass photo frame, some doilies, buttons and these two amazing sugar shakers. No photo would do these glass shakers justice as they are so so lovely. They have striped bases topped with a diamond-cut pattern and are in such good condition.

I also found a copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady (a print of which is in the photo frame above and below). I plan on using tear sheets from this book to frame.

Here's a couple more pages from the book that I will frame:

Here's hoping that I can snap up something just as good next week.

{Images: Laura Blanksby for High Street Home}

Geometric Crush

The geometric trend is in full swing and I couldn't be happier. I love the pattern (and often colour) this trend brings into a living space. It really lifts a room! Below is an image I found on the fantastic blog, SF Girl By Bay, and while I adore everything about this room (the oil portrait, the mid-century-modern headboard, plump white pillows) it is the geometric throw that really gets me going. I just HAVE to have it!

However, a one-off piece like this may take years to find, so in the meantime I'm opting for one of these soft blankets from the Human Empire shop.

Don't they look just super cosy? The blankets are 100% wool and come in all the pretty colours shown above. You can find Human Empire on-line here where there are lots of other contemporary accessories for your home. Be sure to check out these coasters if the geometric bug has got you too!

{Images: SF Girl By Bay; Human Empire}

Beg Bicycles

Beg Bicycles, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

1) You sell pretty bikes
2) You sell pretty bikes that are vintage-inspired
3) You sell pretty bikes that are vintage-inspired and have baskets on the front

Now, get ready to be 'wow-ed' guys, these bikes are seriously beautiful...

How pretty!

If you haven't heard of Beg Bicycles before, here's what you need to know: They are a Cambridge-based classic bike seller, launched in March this year. They offer four core designs, two for ladies and two for men, and also provide a bespoke service, where their hand-builders in Belgium will tailor a piece to your specific needs. The bikes come in a nice selection of muted shades including Flirty 30's Green (top and above) and Chalk (centre). AND they do a nice little selection of accessories to keep you and your new bike happy. Think checked blankets, tan satchels and wicker baskets.

Below are the four core designs on offer:

                                                                                                           
1. BELLA, in Persephone Pink
2. BETTY, in Flirty 30's Green
3. BILLY, in Lamp Post Grey
4. BERTIE, in Toad

I think Betty in the pink shade is my favourite. What about you? Here's a look at all those cute accessories I was telling you about.

If the gorgeous leather saddle and matching handlebars weren't enough to please you, the beautiful hand-crafted blankets and satchels certainly should. I'm in serious swoon mode right now!
There are more products available on their website too, so why not have a look.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend. I've been inspired to go for a bike ride and a picnic, lets hope the weather holds out! x

{All images: Beg Bicycles}

Wood and Wool Stool

Damn, I wish I could crochet! After discovering Netherlands-based Ingrid Jansen and her company Wood and Wool Stool, it has completely re-ignited my creative spirit. Ingrid started her company in 2008 after a crochet stool she made for her home became increasingly popular. She began making custom-made stools for other people, and this eventually grew into an international business. The product list has been steadily increasing and now includes pillows, blankets, clothes-hangers, garlands, wooden signs and wooden Christmas trees. All of the wood Ingrid uses is recycled, giving the stools a nice distressed, lived-in feel which contrasts beautifully with the crochet wool on the top, especially on the delicate white ones.

These white ones below are my favourites. The photos are so beautiful too!

If you're more of a colourful type there are so many for you to choose from. There is literally every colour you could hope for!

Don't you just love the fact that the wood is so worn? The peeling paint, holes, and mix-matched coloured planks really give the stool great character.
 
Below is a selection of Wood and Wool Stool's other products.

The wooden Christmas tree is really novel don't you think? Such a great idea if you are short of space in your living room. They come in all sizes too if you prefer a larger one.
Ingrid's website can be found here, and why not check out her blog too for all the latest news and pics!

Right, I'm off to ask my mum to teach me this lovely craft, I will let you know how I'm getting on!

{Images: Wood and Wool Stool}