Nicholas and Steele

Happy New Year!

2012-02-05T21:32:00.001Z

Just a quick hello, and to say Happy New Year to everyone! No, we haven't left the building. We have had a fantastic Christmas and New Year visiting our family in South Africa and celebrating a certain big birthday. Now that we are back in old Blighty, life has resumed as normal and we had a great spring clean in the shop after having sold a couple of key pieces of furniture.

Roses to remember my Granny, who sadly passed away last month after a wonderful 93 years. RIP Granny.

Boxes of handmade natural soaps wrapped in vintage paper and trimmings.

last week we also had a fashion shoot in our shop. I will post photos when we receive them.

I will leave you with a few of my favourite memories made this christmas in South Africa. Thanks for looking everyone and great to be back.

Hollyxx

The Waterfront, Cape Town

Rhode's Memorial, and below one of my favourite sculptures "Energy" by G.F. Watts.

Birthday tea at the famous Mount Nelson Hotel.

My Dad and I.

Car of my dreams.

New Year at Montague

Revisiting the church we were married in Genadendaal near Greyton, Overberg.

The outside of Moravian Church Genadendaal.

Leading him down the garden path...

Proteas, my favourites.

Damn swimming in Montague

Seeing the daisies I painted on a tractor tyre for my sister's wedding 10 years ago, still on the hub.

Paternoster bay

Langebaan Kite surfing regatta

Keeping Faith...Keeping warm

2011-10-26T22:54:00.004+01:00

We have had no heating or hot water for exactly one week, two days, eleven hours and thirty-eight minutes. We need a new boiler, or so our jolly- spirited plumber tells us. We can't afford one so a part has been ordered which apparently takes longer to source than it took for Otto von Guericke to invent the first electrostatic generator back in 1660. The material point being; what is the point of putting men on the moon if it takes two weeks to fit a tiny little part in a boiler? On the plus side I have enjoyed having my own personal hair stylist and general bathing assistant (Steve) and felt positively Downton Abbeyish having a bath drawn for me....what I have not enjoyed is the ghastly head cold I have developed from standing around in cold drafty bathrooms with nothing but a flanel and a bucket of warmish water for comfort. Bah humbug.

This week our favourite West Wimbledon baby and mummy popped in to buy a little hat to keep out the chill. Isn't she so sweet? Sue's hats have been selling very nicely now that the Autumn has arrived.

This ottoman arrived in the shop but needed a little make over. I had some pretty floral fabrics left over from the piano stool project from a couple of weeks ago so first I had to strip off the various layers of fabric. It is interesting to find what previous owners have covered it in. I feel like an archaeologist, uncovering the layers of social history. Once that is complete, the repaint can begin.

After a few days the ottoman was taking shape. It was an unusual one as it had a foam pad to the lid which had been added. I also was determined to reuse the lovely original whicker braiding but had to paint it white first before I could attach it.

Finally, it took its place in the shop. Happily, it found a new home the following morning.

Another project I am busy with is this lovely little French glass display case.

I have kept the original wallpaper which is a pretty floral and butterflies. More on this project next time.

This pine storage box has been painted in a colour I mixed myself. It will make a good toy box or blanket box. (sold)

I have also been busy with more glass up cycles and cake stands. Smaller bowls will make butter dishes, larger ones, cake domes.

A vintage rabbit jelly mould butter or pate dish (sold)

A Lalique style butter dish

A Victorian glass cover

A larger cheese dish

Mix 'n match three tier cake stands

More vintage teacup vanilla scented candles

TG Green Cornishware mugs with Tea towel gift sets

Last week we traveled up to Warwickshire to meet our new great niece, Ava Rose. To welcome her to the world we asked the lovely Chrissie, one of our customers, to crochet a very special cashmerino cot blanket for her. We loved it so much that we placed an order for the shop and so have introduced the 'Millie Rose' and the 'Ava Rose'.

A Plant Tuscan breakfast set for two

1940's Maling lustre sundae or grape fruit dishes

Tuscan pink tea set

Carlotta Edwards Ballet print from the 50's (sold)

AND NOW FOR SOME BLING

A silver plate christening set

A huge champagne bowl (sold) and below some sweet little silver plate dishes

A selection of vesta cases, snuff boxes and other man-tiques (especially with the gents in mind this Christmas)

Well, as you can see things are heating up for a busy Christmas in the shop. Let's hope our house does the same and soon otherwise I'll be writing to Santa with just one thing on my wish list: a new boiler.

Hx

Highlights from the studio

2011-10-23T19:47:00.001+01:00

This term has been colourful! For me Autumn always means drawing...and lots of it, so after several observational classes we let our hair down a bit with these fabulous Hundertwasser- inspired plates using ceramic pens on white ceramic plates.

Sam had tried this class before so pressed on with a ceramic paint technique. Her butterflies really turned out beautifully.

I think it's a combination of great company and a little wine to grease the works but, what fun we have had this half term.

My after school club tried a little observational work too and created these striking abstracts called Froggy pond.

Three clever muskateers.

Another highlight would have to be the Pop Art chalk pastel studies on black paper, created by my brilliant Adult students. Andy, eat your heart out.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you found these works as exciting and inspiring as I did. Autumn always feels like a good time to start a hobby or dust off some old skills. It was great inviting several new students to class and I am looking forward to the new students who have signed up for next term.

Hx

Bank for a Rainy Day

2011-10-10T21:00:00.004+01:00

With the past few weeks feeling fairly gloomy with the world economic slow down, I have been thinking a lot about what has value to me. I remember once asking children in a year four class to bring their most valuable possession to school. What arrived was both fascinating and touching. Many bought their teddy, a coin dug out of the garden, a valuable heirloom or christening gift (one even bought an original Andy Warhol painting) but what everyone bought was a photo, either of a pet, a brother or sister, grandparents and of course Mummy and Daddy. I think we all know that if our houses were on fire we would grab the , kids, husband, cat, dog (not always in that order) then maybe your Cliff Richard CD collection, but I think we all agree, all we need is love..... so have no fear folks, even if we lose it all in the double dip recession we will be rich in love indeed. Tax that, Mr. Cameron!

So, as we are counting our blessings, we would like to say a hearty thank you to our customers, both new and old alike for continuing to support us in these difficult times.

New in the shop this week

An original 1960's oil painting of roses

This beauty is currently residing with us at home until I can bare to part with it.


A new chest of drawers by Steve

Sandersen wallpaper detail

A busy day at work, Steve enjoys a sticky bun in my Sophie Smith apron.

A nursery print by Molly Brett (sold)

Elegant drink ware for the coming festive season

Treen sock darners

Royal Albert cup and saucers

The weather has been a bit up and down so we have been playing the hokey cokey again with the furniture.

A pretty chest of drawers

Vintage pressed glass pieces

An egg storer

Several white washed boxes

I have also been busy with a few of my own projects this week in the shop.

Paper flower garlands

Glass lampwork heart token necklaces

A Lloyd Loom corner laundry basket which had a repaint (sold)

and this old piano stool which had a repaint and a reupholster in some of my favourite prints.

Pretty florals are my favourite. (sold)

Other finds....


This fabulous panel from Fontwell Racecourse which we found at a fair in Surrey. (sold)

A little clean up...and......

A wonderful prop for our window display.

I couldn't resist this little battered garden ornament. I have such a 'thing' for birds at the moment.

A Japanese mother of pearl Panel

A pair of Deco glass lampshades upcycled to be candle holders.

Various small bits of storage items

A fantastic selection of 60's and 70's Children's Library story books by Enid Blyton

A 50's ottoman

A huge crystal bowl

A painted trunk

A two seater bench (sold)

Finally, It isn't quite time to bring out the Christmas decorations. However I couldn't resist hanging out a lovely little hand knitted advent calender. Perfect for hiding little treats and gifts in.

It is difficult, when you look around the shops, not to feel the pressure to get on with putting out the Christmas stock but we are going to resist and wait till it feels more appropriate. We have some special little beauties in mind but will keep those under wraps for now.

Till next time,
Hx

Autumn in the Shop

2011-09-25T15:05:00.008+01:00

It's not just the squirrels who become frantic come Autumn. The foraging, the nesting, and frenetic preparation for the long cold winter which lies ahead. In their little minds they are hoping they have enough in their stores to see them through the winter. They feather their nests for extra comfort in their hibernation and pack on extra weight to ensure a safe and happy winter. We humans seem to feel the same and we notice the buying habits of our customers become a little more driven. With Christmas breathing down our necks, once again (is it just me or do they seem to come around quicker and quicker each year?) and the prospect of longer hours spent indoors, it is time to pack away the bunting for another year, and bring out the cosy blankets, sort out the guest room for those extra Christmas visitors and generally create a beautiful space for you and your families to happily see out another winter.

Silver plate Deco nut dish. (sold)

Here at the shop, we start to prepare for our busy season. The displays change almost daily as new things are added and things are sold. We bring out more furniture and items which will cheer our customers up and bring fun and character to their lives.

Beautiful Plant Tuscan Pink tea set with blue bird. (sold)

There's nothing like a bit of bling to raise the spirits.

This beautiful Mappin and Webb set makes a very special christening gift. (sold)

Beautiful silver spoons.

An Elkington silver plate tea pot and pair of salad servers.

These beautiful Edwardian silver baskets are ideal for that perfect, elegant Christmas table.

This gorgeous drinks trolley loaded with elegant crystal champagne saucers and decanters would surely make a superb statement for the perfect Art Deco home.

Sue Board Hats are back in stock and already several have found happy homes for those chilly Autumn days.

A warm and cosy pew which makes a lovely little breakfast nook in a kitchen or a lovely piece for the entrance Hall. (sold)

Beautiful demilune console table (sold) with Noritake dinner ware.

A fine restored victorian trunk. (Sold)

A 1950's play pen.

A lovely 1930's bureau (on casters) (sold)- the perfect solution for a portable office with writing slope, cubby holes, lockable front and drawers for paper, leads and all those unsightly bits that we seem to have so much of in our modern lives)

We also make sure we have plenty of other storage solution bits as we know how Londoners need to make use of every little nook and cranny.

More of our luxurious down- filled squishy floral pillows to soften a sofa/chair or bed.

A heavenly 1930's dinner service in florals and soft sage green.

A very pretty pink tea set for warm cuppas and too many chocolate digestives shared with a friend.

A 1950's miniature book for children with illustartions.

The prettiest forget-me-not teaset, a beautiful gift for that special one in your life.

Victorian viola teacup and saucers.

A wonderful Lloyd Loom style hamper in original condition.

I love ephemera and a selection of beautiful vintage postcards can really cheer one up.

Our growing selection of delicious vanilla scented teacup candles are very popular as always.

Could this be the prettiest tea set yet? A wonderfully sumptuous pink with gold gilt 21 piece tea set.

Vintage three tier cake stands hot off the press. Still a very popular gift idea.

A new mix 'n match trio corner for those who prefer to make up their own tea set!

A sweet little pair of bookends for that bookworm in your life.

A stunning 1920's harlequin teaset (sold) and glass upcycled butter dishes and cake covers.

While we are enjoying some very welcome crisp and sunny Autumn days, our forecourt has been well utilised to handle the over-spill from a very full shop.

Sweet little lemon stool in original vintage condition with upcycled silver spoon coat hooks.

A fabulous find. Burkins Circus bookshelf with drawer. A vintage home made shelf which was once upon a time, a gift from a Grandad to a very special grandson.

When the weather allows, we shoot off for weekend buying trips to the country and last weekend was an exceptional day. We headed off to West Sussex and Arundel for a snoop around and what a lovely day it was indeed! These photos were taken by my hubby on his hipstamatic.

Finally, a new term has started at the Nicholas & Steele School of Art. We have been looking at developing drawing technique and so, a multi- media series of botanical drawings are emerging from the studio, each meeting with many compliments from customers and fellow students alike.

There is a silver lining to every cloud and although cupcake week was accompanied by some rather awful weather, the lovely Dawn from Cupcakes to go delivered these two little scrummies for us to enjoy.

Our latest article in Darling magazine was published and has met with many positive and supportive comments. It is always difficult to write a journalistic piece when one's emotions are involved and so I threw that idea out and simply wrote from the heart. For those of you struggling to keep your independent shops growing, I hope this will encourage you and at least allow you to rest in the knowledge that you are not alone.
http://issuu.com/darlingmagazine/docs/darling-autumn-2011/13

Meanwhile, our laptop (and lapdog) have been working overtime getting to grips with our first year of accounts. Thanks Mark for your help.

We wish all of our friends and followers a very happy Autumn and a calm scurry as you start to hunker down for the season ahead.

We're For Dogs

2011-09-11T11:00:00.009+01:00

We keep a four legged art deco crystal bowl of water for our four legged customers. We love our client's 'woofers' and regularly find ourselves engaged in canine conversations. Those without dogs are mostly horrified at the decadence but to us, a dog is nothing short of a walking miracle.

It has been said that it is difficult to live with a dog but impossible to live without one and our latest trip to the Isle of Wight really drove this point home.

Our pooch is less of a " heartbeat at our feet" (Edith Wharton) and more of a public liability suit in the making but, love her we do.

This got me to thinking about dogs in art and more specifically, objets we decorate our homes with.

Last week, I took a few minutes out to capture a few images of canine themed pieces in our shop. It was both surprising and fun to follow the trail and gather an album of 'dogs' which I thought might be fun to share with you. Apologies to the cat people.

1950's puzzle

Ladybird Peter a Jane with Pat the dog

a 1940's fairling

1920's Scotty dog bookends

1930's playing cards

1950's Noddy Book

Sylvac terrier dog

Vintage Tri Ang pushalong

Alsatian bookends

1950's kitch

1930's terrier bookends

Victorian oil painting

Noddy Book

Upcycled cake stand

Fabric scotty

Large China Scotty

Famous Five and their dog Timothy

Stanley dog bunting

Staffordshire pair of fire place dogs

Last Month was our dog's fourth birthday. Four years of sharing our space with a creature who has reminded us that life is too short to take things too seriously. Yes, she has made us mad but we have laughed too. Take a look at some of these moments.

Today, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 let's not only remember the folks who lost their loved ones but also the dogs who bravely risked their lives and who are mostly in retirement or passed on now.

You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

True Blue and Wight

2011-08-30T22:53:00.005+01:00

As promised a quick blog about my new found love affair with blue and white china. Last weekend we packed up our dog and a bag and raced off to Portsmouth to catch a car ferry to the Isle of Wight for a surprise overnight stay for Steve's birthday.

We stayed at Brightstone holiday camp in a fabulous 1950s Mayflower caravan owned by the fabulous
Vintage Vacations. Mabel was home away from home. What fun we had staying in a camping site that time forgot about.

We were perched on the top of a cliff top with a gorgeous fossil beach which we had lovely walks along.

With no telly we settled in for a night of proper ginger beer and a rather competitive round of "The Merry Game of Floundering"

We drifted off to sleep dreaming strange dreams of aran knits. Hmmmm??

The next day we packed up our goods and headed off to explore a little bit of the island. We discovered a cove called Steephill Cove. If ever I felt I was one of the five in Enid Blyton's Famous bunch it was here.

I had been told about a curious carboot sale that happened every Monday Afternoon at 5pm. Apparently a good pair of elbows were required. Thinking I was quite a seasoned booter I thought I would have no problems. I should have known it would be a bun fight by the fact that the queue began two hours before the fair! There were around 1000 in the queue by the time it opened.

When the gates opened it was every man for himself. I felt like a rabbit in the headlights. I headed straight for a quieter far corner of the sale and bumped straight into a large box which made a sound I am very familiar with. The sound of chinking china. I lifted the lid and there, in stack upon stacks, of beauty lay dozens of lovely blue and white china plates, each in pristine condition, some patterns I recognized, some not but what I did know was, I had to have the box whatever the cost. After a chat the gentleman explained he had recently sold an antique furniture shop and had used the plates to add colour to the sale room. We came to an arrangement and the plates were mine.

The sale was crazy and although I did manage to find a few more lovelies, the plates were my find of the day. Once we got back to London I gave them a good wash and we set about turning them into cake stands. Although my real soft spot is for the pretty pinks and pastels, I am smitten by the fresh and striking nature of the blues. They remind me of china my granny used to serve homemade chicken soup in when we were kids.

I love how the willow patterns and Cornishware work so well together. Somewhere deep in each of our memories lies a pattern in blue and white and nothing to me speaks more of pure nostalgia then grannie's china.

I then looked around the shop and realised quite a few blue bits have been creeping in without me noticing.

So here's to the blues. Long may they continue to bring a splash of colour and nostalgia to any kitchen.
Today in their first day in the shop we found homes for three blue and white cake stands. One a wedding gift, one going off to Australia and another for a brand new kitchen which has just been refitted. Another has been reserved for a birthday gift so I think it is fair to say, the blue china is a hit.

A few other bits we found on the Isle Of Wight

Our very happy weekend was a great escape. We will definitely be returning to a little corner of England that feels truly unspoilt, a slice of paradise to us.

Happy Birthday to us....

2011-08-28T15:17:00.001+01:00

A first birthday passes most humans by without them even realising it. It's more about the parents celebrating that they have survived the first year of parenthood and are still sane? (semi-sane will do) The first birthday of a shop is no different. Remarkably our first birthday occurred on 7th August 2011. It has been a year of late nights, sleepless nights, early mornings, many changes, headaches, teething problems and lots of readjusting to living a life that revolves around the newest arrival in one's life. We are a year older, a year wiser and a year into this adventure.

It therefore seemed fit to reflect on all that we have achieved. Most things are the same. Steve still hauls large bits of furniture around our neighbourhood on impossibly tiny sack barrows, this time it was the turn of my much loved (dare I say it?) Ikea dresser. It had served its purpose and so I made the brave decision to exchange it with a teeny tiny but tasty little vintage dresser from the shop.

It has been a fantastic addition to the shop and I could have sold it twenty times over... doh! But, I have decided it is a great display item and so for now it will stay with us.
.

Meanwhile, at home I have had the terrible task of downsizing my china collection. You might remember my dismay at the prospect a few months ago in my blog. We are trying to adopt the one in; one out rule but lately even that has been challenged as we have been using a one in, ten out sort of ratio in order to simplify our lives at home.

That said, I still have managed to shoe horn as much of my china as possible into this teeny tiny dresser.

One day I will live in a big farm house and we will have space for all my beauties to breathe but for now, in our little Victorian garden flat in London, this will have to do.

The shop still has a decidedly 'pink' feel about it although lately I have been enjoying the blue and whites again (more about this in a later blog).

Our new line of vintage children's clothing has been widely admired.

There is a greater presence of silver plated goods which I love and make fabulous wedding, christening and special occassion gifts.

The Upcycled glass has been a brilliant and very popular addition to our stock.

Small 50's pieces are more popular than ever.

Vintage Textiles have definitely enjoyed a revival and more and more people are favouring upcycled pieces over new designs.

Victoriana is enjoying a revival too

Upcycled Lloyd Loom pieces are very desirable.

Basically, nostalgia is in! Hallelujah!

We are grateful to everyone who has supported us in our first year, those who have kept our spirits up from both near and afar, those who have supported us with their custom, the surprise pop- ins from friends who we know are busy juggling busy lives but always find time for a cuppa and a catch up.

We are mindful of how blessed we are to have a business in difficult times, a business that has held its own and hopefully will continue to do so. Our lives will never be the same and at times it's hard to remember just how tough our lives were before we left it behind to follow a dream. There are definitely rough waters ahead and we hope we will make it through.

A year ago our shop was a brown unloved empty property.

Today, it is full of life, it is a community, a hub, a place were a warm welcome and cup of tea are always on offer.

We may never become millionaires doing what we do but we love it all the same. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has been a friend to Nicholas &Steele. Here's to a great second year!

Holly and Steven xx

The gig, a holiday and a carboot sale.

2011-07-24T21:45:00.000+01:00

Firstly, an apology for my extended absence from the blog. Life has been full of lovely surprises and good times and not enough time!

We took part in a carboot sale a couple of weeks ago a) to clear some old shop stock b) to raise a little capital for our holiday c) to kick start our sun tan before our trip to Greece.

We were not disappointed. I had forgotten what fun it is to sell at a car boot. The day had not begun well. We set off early on a Sunday morning and headed to Nuthill farm carboot sale in Guildford (a 30 min drive) only to discover as we pulled in we'd forgotten half the things, so turned around to collect them. Having gone a whole two years without a holiday, Steve and I had started doing this sort of thing a lot so the air was blue in the car as we broke all kinds of speed laws returning to Wimbledon for the cash tin and tables. Finally we arrived an hour late and set up our table in the last row. The dealers circled as we unpacked and we sold the bulk of our valuable goods in the first 15 mins the rest of the day was spent tweaking our stall and seeing who could sell the worst object for the most (I won - a bombed out kettle fetched a whole earth pound from a rather gullible gent..oops have I said too much.) All in all we had a great morning and went home tired but smiling.

Now here's a sign you don't see that often so when Steve and I set off for a day of music and sunshine at the Milton Keynes Bowl this raised a giggle or two.

The Foo Fighters, Steve's favourite band and his Christmas present- tickets to their 130 000 ticket sell out concert. An awesome evening.

Now for the holiday. Yes, you guessed it, we went to Santorini, Greece. A few years ago in another life a friend and I spent the summer Island hopping. The trip culminated in a two night stay on Santorini Island.

I was impressed by the sheer beauty of the vista over the caldera. Surely nowhere in the world could boast such an awe inspiring view.

So when a lucky three year overpayment on an electricity and gas bill ended in a refund we decided to head back to Santorini for a bit of sun and soul searching. Again, we were not disappointed.

Tomatoes. Fruits of the Gods. Strangely I do not eat tomatoes except when I am in Greece. They taste wonderful, like sunshine.

Kittens. Everywhere. Racing snake thin but each one with an owner who knows them by name.

Cuban Cigars. On lamposts advertising the open air cinema.

Bougainvillea. The fuschia against the sky blue an iconic Greek marriage.

Gates. Peeling and forlorn. Oh how I wished I could put one in my suitcase and take it home.

Repurposed. Nothing in Greece is thrown away. Oil cans brilliantly painted and planted up with hot coloured Geraniums.

Views. Views, views views.

Churches. Pagan sites were replaced by churches and shrines. Being a very superstitious island there are more of these than people.

Serendipity. Speaks for itself.

Fishermen. Santorini still supports a thriving community of fishermen.

Transport. Mules for the hills.

Transport. Our mule.

Dogs. To warn the locals of coming earthquakes.

Tourists. Clambering in the impossibly romantic town of Oia to see the world's best sunset.

Bliss. The view from our cave room in the caldera.

Chihuahua. It was love. Steve found a friend who greeted him each night on our way out to dinner.

Sunset. The reason Santorini is believed to be the most romantic place on earth.

Food. Surprising, inventive, delicious.

Volcano. One of three craters dormant, but a huge active one lies just beneath the surface of the ocean 6 kms off shore. It's overdue.

Prayer. Leaving a stone stack behind on the top of the volcano as an act of prayer and reverence.

Budgie smugglers. Too many on Santorini!

Oasis. Our villa in Imerovigli.

Stand off. The photo says it all.

Smiles. Thanks Santorini for your restorative power and space to live, laugh and love.

Deuce!

2011-07-01T09:02:00.001+01:00

This week has been the second week at the Championships at Wimbledon and a furniture heavy one with lots of little projects finally getting their lick of paint and/or makeover. This little chair was painted to replace the chair we sold last week. These cane chairs are so versatile and easily fit in to so many different styles of decor.

The chair was quite fiddly to paint but it's very satisfying covering the many layers of paint which have been applied over decades to suite the taste of the previous owners.

This old beast has been maligned by my husband from day one, but I was determined to show him that it had good bones and just needed a paint job so....

before

A very tired old lion arm rest

After a good sand, the first coat was applied and already he looked better.

Finally the 1930's storage bench takes its place in the shop. Lovely!

This chair had a green velvet seat which I reupholstered with this fantastic newsprint fabric.

A vintage Rupert the Bear toy has taken a shine to it.

Another lovely little Lloyd Loom piece which had a makeover this week.

Meanwhile, another 1950's telephone bench was repainted by Steve for a customer

Other new makes in the shop....

More Peter and Jane 1960's book print cards

Roses cigarette card notelets

More up-cycled cheese dishes

Cakes stands with some lovely new fittings which are good and sturdy.

Bunting...more bunting........

Bundles of pretty tea towels

New items which found their way onto our shelves

My art class also had a day out! We went watercolouring on a hot Sunday in Cannizaro park.

Also, a treat. This year we were fortunate enough to get tickets for Wimbledon Tennis in the public ballot so off we went on Middle Monday for a day of play and sunshine on Court one.

It was 32 degrees in the shade but what a day. A great time to relax and unwind after a busy few weeks.

What has been a week of doom and gloom on the high street has left us feeling a little shaken. With buyer confidence at an all time low we are facing the dilemma of knowing we need to broaden our net to include online sales but we feel passionate about our little shop and the community that it has already created. I worry that in time we will be made redundant in a falling footfall market, we desperately need support in this time. Please support your local shops. You will miss them when they are gone.

Pays your money takes your chances...

2011-06-20T19:32:00.001+01:00

This Saturday we wombled on up to Wimbledon common to take a last minute table at the Wimbledon Village Fair for the third year in a row. We hired a large van and filled it to the rafters with a large selection of our stock.

The met office 5 day weather forecast had been about as optimistic as a Greek spreadsheet and we knew we were facing a windy and wet one, needless to say we were totally unprepared for what was to follow. After all, who would expect anything other than inclement weather the weekend before Wimbledon Championships?

We arrived at 7.30am and by 10.30am trading began. Around 10.35am the rain began.

Inside, everything was bright and happy and dry....

a while later our original WWI Union Jack bunting was looking decidedly soggy!

The day turned into a game of musical chairs as our beautiful Kelly Swallows piece did the hokey cokey being in the gazebo one minute out the gazebo next while we 'shook it all about' in the rain. (chair or us? Both couldn't fit). Am still recovering from the chill, but the chair is perfect and wonderful (and still begging to come and live with us.)

The sun made an appearance briefly as did sky-blu-pink , a wonderful follower of our blog. It was so lovely to meet Geraldine, also a teacher and crafter of beautiful things. She re-homed one of our pretty tins and truly bought a ray of sunshine with her. Thanks Geraldine. In spite of the brief sunny spell, moments later the heavens opened but this time it meant business and our gazebo sprung a leak.

At lunch time a particularly cheeky gust of wind blew all the bits off the top of our dresser and broke several of our pieces......sniff.

The day got worse and worse until eventually the rain got so bad we all huddled together in our gazebo catching up with friends who we hadn't seen for a while....a great bonus.

At the end of the day it all began to feel like a Greek tragedy. Sadly we had only made a handful of sales and lost more in damage and breakages than we had made. It became clear that had we spent a day in bed, we might have made more money, but we made some great contacts, caught up with friends and handed out many cards which hopefully will lead to new visitors to our shop.

It behoves a Wimbledonian to have their photo taken with their hero and inspiration - The Wombles! We have a lot in common (ha ha) after all; "Making good use of the things that we find, things that the everyday folks leave behind" so when Steve saw Haydon, The AFC Wimbledon mascot, walking along he hailed him over to pose for a family snapshot......aaahhhhh.

And so our day ended and we skulked home wet, cold and slightly dejected but determined to keep our chins up. It worried us that in a crowd of around 10 000 there were absolutely no signs of shopping bags just foody things. In years past we would have cleared most of our stock. I hope we make it out of the woods intact and like our Wimbledon AFC friends, make a big come back next year at the fair... in the meantime we spent today putting the shop back together and ourselves. We know that we are on the right track just perhaps at a difficult time which requires a strong nerve and a determination not to let it get to us and so it was great that we had a successful and profitable day in the shop today...phew, thanks for listening and keep the faith...we have fight in us yet.

Happy Fathers Day to our Dad

2011-06-19T09:36:00.000+01:00

Life Lessons
You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word. Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart. Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away. I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid. By Joanna Fuchs

Weather for Ducks...

2011-06-12T16:12:00.003+01:00

This morning I caught a chill at the fair. I awoke to clear skies and so walked around to our local fair for a mooch with nothing but a cardi on for warmth. Within half an hour the heavens had opened and it was rained off....boo. Happily my thoughtful other half came to my rescue and found me hiding under a great big tree sheltering from the downpour.

Nevertheless, I had enough time to fill two shoppers with a few sweet bits. Take a look;

a 1930's pottery jug and a large scotty dog

a set of beautiful bowls

A TG Green mixing bowl

a pretty floral pottery dish and a set of six blue ice cream dishes

A selection of vintage jewellery including a rare Charles horner silver christening bangle.

Pretty plates for cake stands, a green glass vase and a pin tray

a 1950's large matchbox cover by Lesney

A 1950's pewter Cigar box made in Stratford-upon-Avon

A glorious 1950's Italian painted vase and a mini glass cake stand

A pretty biscuit tin

As I set off this morning with the streets to myself, a few pounds in my pocket, my shopper to the ready I thought how happy I felt. I know that times are tough and all of us are having to tighten our belts, but in the last few years Steve and I have been through the mill with a few life challenges and we have learnt that all the things that we thought made us happy were just that... things! We never really needed them. So I don't miss my days of shoe shopping in Wimbledon village or scouring the many sales on the High street. These days all I need to feel happy are a few bucks in my pocket and the prospect of a good day of scouting out lost treasures. Pass me the anorak! I have also learned that generally all these things actually do pass and that the real skill in life isn't what to do about the difficult times but what to do through the difficult times because we do eventually come out the other end, it's the manner that we get through them that matters.

So when this week looked set to be a quiet one in the shop, we determined to keep upbeat and so busied ourselves with a combination of business 'housekeeping' if you like, with a few new projects thrown in for good measure.

We had a few 'odds and sods' hanging about in the back room including pottery cups and saucers which although pretty are not fine enough to add to the china hire so I set about re-purposing them.

Firstly the cups became pretty three tier candle holders for a shabby chic dinner table. Tall taper candles also look great in these.

While I squirreled away with the upcycles, Steve was very busy doing our accounts- a job neither of us enjoy doing, both being of artistic temperaments but Steve soldiered on and made a large dent in the paperwork. Excellent Moneypenny!

I then set about making cake stands from pieces that had slight damage to them but were too pretty to discard. We began making these three years ago and have found they are still favourites with our customers.

This Ianthe silver plate candle stand had lost its little sconces which held the candles in place so I found these two tiny cups which I thought were quite sweet and attached them in their place.

I also made these biscuit plates combining plates and glasses then embellishing them with porcelain pin cushion dolls.

These adorable Kewpie doll figurines looked so sweet perched on these baby shower biscuit trays.

These biscuit trays were made from Cornish Blue plates and Staffordshire egg cups.

During the week, I tucked into my copy of Mrs. Beeton's Good Housekeeping book and found so many hilarious 'gems' of wisdom I wanted to find a way of presenting them as fun quirky pieces for the modern home so I found a collection of odd plates and set about scribing some of my favourite quotes.

A couple of weeks ago we supplied several vintage pieces for Julia Boggio's newborn baby shoot. The results were posted on her blog I Carried a Watermelon. I am sure you will agree a rather scrummy combination.

With a week to go till the Wimbledon Village Fair, I feel a little like lovely Gwyneth above.

It's always a great day out with loads to see and do and a good opportunity to let people know what we are about. With this in mind we have decided to go quite big with the upcycle theme and see what sort of response we get. Finger's crossed.

For now, I will just be happy with a day minus the ducks!

Upcycle my Dog

2011-06-07T00:03:00.000+01:00

Every Friday our dog, Roxy comes with us to work for the morning. She sits patiently in the art room, waiting for a pat, a treat, a cuddle...she's just happy to be with us but when Steve and I were having a particularly quiet day, Roxy was up cycled.

With time on our hands it gives us space to think, and imagine and create (the upside of the slow down) so this blog is all about our latest up cycles.

Project One

Up cycled glass pieces - I had been saving these bowls of various sizes, designs, some glass some crystal. Although beautiful, our customers told us they had little use for bowls so we re- purposed them combining them with cake stands, dishes etc added ceramic painted handles and created stunning cake domes and cheese covers. These are marching out the shop which is great!

After running out of bowls I turned to vintage glass jelly moulds and gravy boat dishes to create butter dishes.

Project Two

A Lloyd Loom unloved chair

I found this and another chair a few weeks ago at a fair, looking rather forlorn and unloved but I have learnt to look past the surface to see the 'bones' and I liked the bones on this one! I chose a lovely Farrow and Ball Estate eggshell and covered the 1980's Lilac paint job

Outside in the sun, re-purposed, re-loved and looking rather more-ish

Meanwhile, back at Steve's painting studio in our garden.....

Project Three

Mel's dining room table

Mel dropped this off in a rather sorry state. She had won it on ebay. It was in two pieces, had no screws and about thirty years of dust held it together. What she did have was a dream and we set about making that dream a reality....

Before

During

After

A really lovely up-cycled funky gate leg table that would probably have gone into landfill.

Well done Mel for believing!

Project Four

Pink Rose boudoir drawers

This sweet little number was also headed for a landfill when I spied it in the back of a house clearance Lorry at a fair. I loved the curvy detail and stubborn little legs and really wanted to see this restored.
(Steve normally groans at this point but look what he did!)

Project Five

A charming winged dressing table 'vanity' mirror

Every now and then I buy something which even I Lose faith in but, after several months hidden in the back room I decided to drag this rather sad golden relic from the 50's out and give it a paint. Farrow and Ball purchased at the lovely Forest Bailiff again to the rescue. This time a lovely white called "Pointing." I have to say, Had I the space it would come and live with me. I think every woman should have a vanity mirror in their lives.

Project Six

My favourite, Steve's latest Annie Sloan piece - a linen cupboard. Currently we are experiencing a slight disturbance with the redevelopment of the adjoining warehouse. The upside is that we are soon to have a lovely little Italian Deli and coffee shop next to us, but the noise, dust, shaking building have all contributed to a few moments were I have thought very dark thoughts....but a couple of weeks ago the project manager came over and asked if we would be interested in purchasing a few pieces they had in storage. We both fell in love with this the moment we clapped eyes on it, a lovely 1930's linen cupboard. Again, it had good bones but a terrible exterior.

Steve set to work being inspired by a recent visit to Petersham Nurseries. We had seen the most fabulous French dresser and loved the colour scheme so Steve chose Old White and teamed it with Provence blue then hand waxed it. We kept the original handles as they were so lovely. Finally it had a pink pin stripe added around the top then partly removed. The photos really don't do this piece justice.

Displayed in the shop with some of our Lloyd Loom pieces and Carlotta Edwards vintage ballet prints.

Project Seven

Doily Bunting

I have been collecting various doilies and antimacassars for ages not knowing entirely what to do with them. As we have been clearing out the back room, several bags of 'lost' fabrics, scraps etc have emerged and I found a whole collection of really lovely, vivid doilies made by the same crafter. I had been given these by someone who had no use for them but didn't want to throw them away. Each one was split in two then I tea stained bias binding to get the vintage look. The bunting will be used for the vintage hire stock.

Project Eight, Nine and Ten

A huge framed WWII Spitfire print which I painted red.

A Triang push along horse which had straw sticking out of its back seem was given a saddle made from an antimacassar, a polkadot bow and a rose 'rosette'.

and finally a teddy which got a new pink ribbon..ahhhhh!

We also added a Kelly Swallow piece which has resulted in a break out of serious chair envy in the general Wimbledon area. Each piece is made from up-cycled wing back chairs and gorgeous patchwork fabrics. Not only is this beautiful but exceptionally comfortable and functional.

Our dear friend and life coach Sarah continues to supply us with beautiful flowers from her garden which never fail to bring smiles to mu face every time I see the random bunches appearing (I say 'appearing' because sometimes Sarah arrives while I am serving customers and quietly plonks flowers in various receptacles scattered around the shop) Oh what I wouldn't do to have her green fingers! Thanks Sarah.

Today we used a piece of fake lawn to create a fun corner for the Maileg toys and the picnic hampers we have. Naturally as we finished, an electrician arrived and needed to view the fuse box which was located in the cupboard behind the rack of bunnies grrrrrrrr.....Steve stepped in and did the honors as he could tell I was about to tell the bloke to 'do one'.

and last but not least..... a few parties have occurred with lovely results;
clay cupcakes were made at Mimi's party and......

sweet clay angels at Maisie's.

Our work:life balance has been a bit off- kilter lately and so it was fantastic to have a visit from Steve's sister, brother-in-law and niece and nephew over the bank holiday weekend. We spotted these spotty numbers in Richmond park... altogether now......."aaaaahhhhhhh"

What a great view of our home town from Richmond Park. Here's to a long warm summer and lots of happy days.....
Hxx

Guilty Pleasures....

2011-05-15T16:02:00.002+01:00

It is no secret that I suffer from a condition recognised by many fellow bloggers, as a full blown double dose, china fetish. The only cure seems to be more china. So when so many of you ask about my own collection I find myself changing the subject or telling them the story of how my husband said; "either stop buying china or open a shop".....I will leave the rest for you to figure out. So when my latest tea set was shoe-horned into my bulging dresser at home, I realised something had to give. I have therefore introduced a new rule. It is called "The one in, one out by law of 2011". I am allowed to indulge my fetish ( it could be worse..dolls or royal memorabilia spring to mind) so long as I abide by this rule. However, I stood in front of my dresser, frown deeply etched on my forehead. Asking me to choose a set to cull is like asking a parent which of their children they would like to give away...Do I choose the 1920's black and pastel tea set I had on lay by for 3 months when I had my first job in the 90's or the Paragon World Famous Roses I had at our wedding or how about the one off, hand painted thirties set with flowers of the month on each piece. I could give up my pink Tucan 1930's set but which one as I actually have two that intermingle perfectly and one is an exact copy of the set that we sold our A-list fashion designer while the other a similar to the perfect pink set that went to his A-list fashion designer friend, and anyway, I had them first( I like to think of myself as a trend setter when it comes to china) Grrrrrrr. I pondered this situation and decided the best thing to do would be to make myself a cup of tea and to think it over. So I did and as the balm of ritual and caffeine calmed my soul a deep calm and a knowing smile crossed my lips. The solution was right before my eyes: I am going to need a bigger dresser.

This tea pot is asking me to come home with me but for now it is for sale in the shop

A pretty set also calling to me from the giant dresser in the shop

I can't resist pink Tuscan china

Luckily this set sold yesterday

my bulging dresser

a new teapot which snuck into our home while we were asleep!

Famous Roses wedding set

My growing 1930's Yee daintee Lady teapot collection

It's not just china look at my growing vintage champagne coupe collection.

It's not just tea sets that have been whiling their way into our home. Take a look at some of my recent finds that have come to live with us...for now. I say "for now" as I am able to give these sort of things up much easier than my china.

a swan themed Victorian Giant vase

A stunning Crown Devon 30's art pottery piece with a stag

A vintage hand held school bell

A railway lamp from the South African Railway services found in London.

A Georgian looking bronze Lurcher desk ornament

a pair of original Royal portraits

This little pair of Bookends really seduced me as I conducted a little research into them. They date from 1950 when a little Polar bear cub was born, unannounced at the London Zoo - the first ever to be born in captivity. It caused such a stir that the zoo has yet to match the record amount of visitors that flocked to see the cub. The cub was named Brumas after it's two keepers Bruce and Sam (spelt backwards). What followed can only be described as the mass production of tourist wares which were sold to commemorate the occasion and these hand painted bookends are an example. These items are now hugely collectible and desirable and hark back to what I think was an age of innocence when something we take for granted nowadays, was still news. So very sweet.

An original newspaper article with photos

Another terrible guilty pleasure is this pair of reupholstered 1920's Cane Berger chairs which I got for a bargain at auction and were intended for the shop. For now I have decided to keep them at the lock up because we don't have space for them in the shop. (Under a dust sheet, there is a very real chance they may be forgotten about and one day, I can see them working perfectly in our forever home).

Another guilty pleasure is this printers tray. I have always wanted one and so couldn't resist this chappy a few weeks ago at a fair. I intend to use it to display unusual vintage and antique odds and sods I come across which are teeny or might get lost elsewhere.

and lastly, this week my long suffering husband went down to the famous The Forest Bailif shop on Durham Road to buy paint and came back with a very special surprise gift for me, this stunning lamp made from porcelain. What a great styled item. I love the vintage look, including the flex which is made in the old style cotton braided flex. The base is also ceramic and the shade a gorgeous warm hue when the light is on. Thank you Roxy and Steve XX

Another, and on a slightly different tack, guilty pleasure of mine is vintage clothing. Of course it was never going to escape my attention that Catherine's dress was vintage vintage vintage in style and I knew the Grace Kelly connection immediately but there was something else...almost like ghostly fingers nagging at the corners of my mind, where I had seen that dress before and then, in the middle of a slow afternoon at the shop it came to me.....

Grace Kelly for the lace sleeves and sweetheart neckline

Grace Kelly again for the train and tiny waist

Ahaaaa! Maria in the sound of music!!! That was it. I think the pleats of silk in the gown the pointy bustier V-necked style bodice and sleevesowed much to this famous wedding dress.

Someone else who clearly indulges her guilty pleasure of a love for iconic vintage brides

And so, as all good girls say their prayers at night and ask for kindness, patience and forgiveness I'm asking for all those things too but also, please dear Lord, if I promise to lay off the china, may I have a new dresser? Hx

Brides, Bunting and Bunnies

2011-05-02T12:03:00.002+01:00

What a wonderful yet challenging month April has been. The weather has been unseasonably warm and we have enjoyed long, balmy days in the shop. Of course, we have had to accept the down side to the combination of a long school holiday, loads of bank holidays and great weather..everyone flees London for the coast or a rural getaway and who could blame them? We have got on preparing for the busier times which usually follow the holidays. It has not been a full year yet for us at the shop so each month is news to us. We will keep you all posted but holding ones nerve seems to be a skill necessary in retail so when we had our quietest three weeks ever over the holiday, I won't lie to you, we had more than our fair share of sleepless nights and we certainly aren't out of the woods however such wonderful events and celebrations have more than made up for it.

Easter in the shop involved many Maileg bunnies finding new homes.

Our Easter tree was met with delight as we tied teacups, pearls, chocolates and bunnies in the branches taken from our Wisteria.

We saw a trend for Easter gifts for the calorie conscious and had several vintage finds on offer which had a decidedly spring feel to them.

These cutesy Maileg Easter tree decorations lasted three days in the shop and were sold out.

I love these 1930s name place holders fashioned after Beatrix Potter characters which have become useful for shop display.

I also set about making bunting which has been very popular for all the outdoor celebrations planned for this month.

Meanwhile in the jewellery case, many trinkets and pieces of silver have been added including a fabulous collection of sugar sifter spoons useful for strawberry season.

A gorgeous Victorian styled pin cushion and salt and pepper set

Stunning reconditioned 1930's Bridal hair slides, Charles Horner silver thimbles, and various deco brooches.

A lovely silver plate vintage wedding cake knife and lifter.


A beautiful silver plate cut work bon bon dish

A huge 1950's red Riding hood Teapot lid

1940's spring bouquet oil painting

Meanwhile back at home at Steve's paint studio, a little console table had a bit of renovation and a make- over using a piece of Cath Kidston oil cloth.

Tadaaa! Not bad for a table which was destined for landfill. Good on ya Steve!

A wonderful Victorian wash bowl and jug set

I also found a matching teapot to this gorgeous teaset. (sold)

With the return of the glorious weather came my desire to hit the fairs. It's much more tempting getting up at 5am when the sun is out and there's no chance of having to plod through muddy fields. Some of my treasures awaiting sorting.

But, without a doubt, the most wonderful event in our shop ever has been the run up to the Royal Wedding. So many street parties were planned for the day and we really enjoyed helping people to plan and style their various parties from bunting to honey comb decorations to china and cake stands. We even sold a white line cricket pitch marker which a lovely lady bought her grandsons so they could mark up their own football pitch for the day.

Add caption

This wonderful union jack bunting was a rare find indeed. It is original street party bunting which was used at the first street parties held in England which marked the end of WWI.

An original print from the Queen's coronation.

In the shop our window display was clearly themed around the Union Jack.

The dresser held a vast collection of royal memorabilia which proved quite popular with the various foreign tourists who were visiting over Easter, some of it traveling as far as Canada, South Africa and China.

After all the great stories we had heard of everyone's party plans, Steve and I felt a little 'partied out' so we decided not to throw a party but to go into London and make our memories there and what memories we made!

We got up at 4am and took a train to Waterloo then walked to Westminster where we found a great vantage point outside the Abbey doors but then decided we wanted to be with the crowds on the Mall, so walked the route through St James' park up to Buckingham Palace.

The Mall was packed but what an atmosphere! We found a good spot close to the palace.

The bride on her way to the abbey.

Crowds on the Mall

The cavalry were so breathtakingly amazing. The horses were incredible.

'Man and wife' as BBC called them, in their carriage

The battery of cameras awaiting the kiss on the balcony

After a crowd crushing dash we managed to get a good vantage point and were lucky enough to see the kiss (both of them).

A family Photo

a flyover of a spitfire, a hurricane and a Lancaster bomber

The crowds on The Mall

Afterwards, we retreated to St James' park for a picnic.

It is hard to describe what one feels taking part in a day which is so obviously going to be a day remembered for generations to come. One feels a sense of pride, of privilege and a sense of having played a part in it. As a historian (teacher of history at least) you become accustomed to seeing photographs and reading people's accounts of what it was like to be there. One rarely gets the chance to take part in history as it is made and to know it. Life in London has it's ups and downs and many times it can all become too much but it is on days like these that I remember, no matter where I end up, days like this come along very rarely and I will never forget this one.

Art in West Wimbledon

2011-04-21T08:13:00.003+01:00

Just a quick blog to showcase some of the Easter term projects at the Art school. What a wonderful group of students we have had. Their vision and skill never cease to amaze me. So many laughs too. Great personalities have made it feel more like a social event than a class at times. This half term's theme was portraiture-a challenge for many who found looking at their own reflections in a mirror week after week a challenge. Strange how we are our own worse critics but with time everyone came to a comfortable agreement with their reflected image and an assortment of results ensued. Take a look.

Pottery project which introduced the medium to most students. Pinch pot jars with lids decorated with slip glaze.

Andy Warhol inspired self portraits

Black graphic self portraits

Gavin and Deborah are an engaged couple and joined the course together

Deborah's self portrait

Tonal values self portraits

Free form black Indian ink with sticks self portraits with brushed in ink work

Clay busts

Childrens class created papier mache Pop Art bowls

and finally, a party for a group of ladies was held in the studio in which chalk pastel drawings of spring flowers was the theme. Cupcakes to Go supplied us with bespoke, flower themed cakes for the occassion. They were absolutely delicious!

May looks set to be a busy month in the studio with most places on the art courses full and several parties in the diary. Thanks to all my students for another awesome term.

Happy Easter everybody.

When the world says "Give up," hope whispers, "Try it one more time"

2011-04-11T00:52:00.002+01:00

I am not entirely sure who said these words however, I am certain they knew their oats. It seems March has been a month of many trials and tribulations for people all over the globe. It's at times like these that you learn to be thankful for small mercies. In an age of uncertainty where the very foundations of the earth have shook it's been a time of testing and I am so mindful of everyone who has been affected by these events.

At Nicholas & Steele, we have had to adopt the old 'keep calm and carry on' motto as the nation continues to pay off its credit card. In that vain Steve has been busy with a few painting projects.


A 1930's bureau before restoration

and after

A matching chair upholstered by myself


Lovely little French antique-before

and after

Steve then set about decorating this set of drawers which we found on one of our buying trips to Whitstable. He used a lovely 1950's map of Cornwall and a decopage technique.

1930's drawers before...

After

pin stripe detail

drawers painted inside and hand waxed

A lovely piece to add to our shop stock

As March drew to a close, the weather drew a line under the winter and spring seems to have sprung. The shop is flooded with sunlight and our days seem not only sunnier but happier. It is a wonderful feeling leaving an English winter behind, especially one so long and cold. The sunlight seems to bring out all the pretty colours and the china sings on its shelves begging to be taken out and used in garden parties. With this in mind we have dressed the shop window with a display of samples of our china hire as well as pretty vintage linens.

A pretty Victorian tea set

Vintage embroidered hand towels

A beautiful cot sheet

Cotton tea towels

I finally had time t sew the little curtains for the dressers

100% cotton throws

A collection of silver

1950's set of children's encyclopaedias (I wonder if children know what an encyclopaedia is?)

Beautiful patchwork cushions made from out of print Cath Kidston cotton duck

Easter chicks

Lovely English daffodils


a selection of vintage napkins

Having quieter days meant I was able to get on with a few more projects the first of which was to make paper heart bunting for sale. Having made some for the Valentines window display, many people came in asking if it was for sale so I spent several afternoons between classes and serving customers cutting endless paper hearts and sewing them together. It has been very popular and makes a great alternative to fabric bunting.

We have had several bookings for children's parties and a very special customer commissioned us to make invitations for a clay cupcake party. I enjoyed this project.

The third project I embarked on were these lengths of floral bunting which I made from vintage and discontinued Cath Kidston print fabrics. They also look lovely displayed on the dressers.

Beautiful Lloyd Loom bedside cabinet

A favourite of mine - Paragon 1950's famous roses tea set

Pink Tuscan Tea set

Another pink Tuscan Tea set

Royal Doulton hand painted full tea set 1930's

Last summer, on a hot day trawling around a fair in Surrey I came across this chappy. He was a little unloved and I simply had to rescue him so he came home with me, much to everyone's amusement. However, a little bath and a new pink ribbon has transformed him and he is now stealing the show in our Easter display.

Easter gifts and cards

The ducklings have sold

Remember Kewpie doll?

My constantly dwindling stash of mini eggs (thanks to my chocaholic other half)

Various glass storage jars

I love these fake eggs, they surprise everyone

A Victorian Sowersby milk glass basket

German pin cushion dolls also great for a cake topper.

I love these hand embroidered 1950's tea towels

New stock of ribbons

A beautiful Susie Cooper part dinner service

Nursary kitch pair of deer wall decorations.


More patchwork cushions

One of our best sellers are these gorgeous Maileg toys, made in Denmark. As this year is the year of the rabbit they are proving popular as gifts for newborns and we have been doing a brisk trade. With Easter just a few weeks away we popped off to our suppliers for a new supply. They are kept in a huge ancient barn on a lovely farm.

I am not making this up. It is impossible to leave without a huge smile on your face. My favourite bit is unpacking them all once we are back in the shop. (I often catch myself talking to these toys, a worrying habit.)


I love the mice in the matchboxes. They have little pillows, a mattress and a crochet blanket.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.....

a rare sunny March Day saw us shutting up shop for an hour or two to photograph an impromptu Royal Wedding photo shoot for the April edition of Darling Magazine. This was right up my alley and we had fun transforming our garden into a fun street party Style garden party. I wrote an article too, to accompany the photos on the history of street parties. Check it out on www.darlingmagazine.co.uk

In the shop our royal memorabilia shelf is full of a variety of exciting finds including this Corgi coach and original union Jack flag from the 1952 coronation of the Queen.

Union Jack Cocktail flags

The most exciting news is the nearly completed Nicholas & Steele website www.nicholasandsteele.co.uk We hope it will be a great way for our customers to keep abreast of what we are up to and we will be opening our online sales soon. In the meantime, all objects listed on these blogs are for sale and can be posted or shipped in the UK and internationally. We are aware that many of you from all over enquire about how to get your hands on some of our wares. Please feel free to email us at info@nicholasandsteele.co.uk to reserve and purchase items for sale.

For those of you interested in the Art school or currently attending our courses, I will shortly be posting a blog on the latest projects coming out of the studio so watch this space.

I would like to thank all of our followers for encouraging and supporting us during these quieter months. It is an ongoing struggle for small businesses to navigate the mirky waters of this current financial dispensation. Please continue to use your local independent shops in your neighbourhoods as much as possible. Not only will you have a hand at keeping your neighbourhood real, but you will also enjoy the benefits of unique products and friendly services.

It would seem that in an age where 250 000 people can march into London in protest to what the government is doing and have a blind eye turned to it while at the same time that same government is waging a war against a dictator in Libya for doing the same thing! Hmmmm???? (off the soap box Holly!)

Enough with the blankets, cuts and the cold! Roll on summer and happier times, that's what I say.

Hxx

In No Particular Order - Hipstamatic vintage pics or (how to keep your husband amused forever)

2011-03-17T23:28:00.001Z

A quick photographic log of life at Nicholas & Steele taken on the Hipstamatic app on Steve's iphone.


A sour clementine

Minton coffee set

lovely french bistro chairs

Spring daffodils

Vintage Easter display bunny

New cushions

Love these Staffordshire Chick egg cups

Lovely sun, sun sun!

Steve takes his revenge