Country Classic Cushion

Living on the boarders of the Peak District my roots are firmly planted in the countryside. I've taken some inspiration from the wildlife here and created this cushion.  

I hand painted 2 cushion covers the first is a stag's head motif and the second a pheasant silhouette; a blend of English country tradition and Scottish heritage. 

If you're a country bumpkin or want to add more of an English country feel to your home they are the ideal accessory.  It is available on my Etsy store now. www.etsy.com/shop/bluebellsandbunting 

Ally

xxx

Tashtastic!!!

I have noticed over previous months that people have been going crazy for moustaches, some even going as far as getting them tattooed (onto the finger). I had an idea to make a range of moustache cushions, incorporating a classic style of cushion with a contemporary design, and this was the outcome.

I am currently deciding on the other moustache styles to add to the collection. I'm being inspired by the likes of Burt Reynolds, Tom Selleck and even Einstein.

I know I have a rather biased view, but I LOVE this cushion. It's the same soft cotton that I have been using on my other designs and I have hand painted the motif using permanent fabric paint, so the design won't wash off.

It is a design that can be enjoyed by men and women, on a bed, on the sofa or propped on a gentleman's armchair.

It's available now, on my Etsy store which you can access via the link on my blog page and I have included a link below.

Shipping worldwide.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluebellsandbunting

Ally

xxx

Christmas Inspiration for All

Everyone has their own individual take on Christmas. Me? I'm a traditionalist. However I do find something distinctly appealing about vivid purples contrasting against stark white.  Here is a selection of photographs to inspire, and I've tried to find something for everyone. 

Are you traditionalists or prefer something more modern when it comes to Christmas decorations?

Ally

xxx

Cushion Love

One of my friends recently celebrated her 21st. Some friends and I wanted to give her something special, something that would remain timeless, and tie in with any colour scheme so she would be able to treasure it for a long time.

We decided that I would make her a selection of 3 cushions that were all individual but co-ordinating. I don't know any girl who doesn't like cushions. On the bed, on the sofa, even scattered in the garden.
I picked out a gorgeously soft beige cotton and a cream embroidery thread which I used to embroider my friends name, date of birth and 21. 

I added some small silver glass beads to make it a little more special, they glisten beautifully as they catch the light.

I also made the roses by hand from satin ribbon as I couldn't find what I wanted in the shop.

Since making these first 3 I have been inundated with requests for more. I have decided to make a LOVE cushion and have started selling this on my Etsy shop, shipping worldwide.  I am also offering a personalisation service, so if want to get someone's name or a special date embroidered I can do this.
Pop on over to my shop, or feel free to send me a message for more information.

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/88341335/love-cushion-cover-pillow

Ally 

xxx 

New Pictures

If you're anything like me then you'll like having a good nosey around someone's house. I mentioned a while ago that after decorating the snug I'd upload some pics of the new sofas, and even further before that months ago, I said I'd show you the kitchen with a few extra pieces.

As always there still remain other things that need to be perfected but I have some pictures of the sofas in their new room, and a few little accessories that I've added to the kitchen. 

(Someone slap my wrists for taking so long)

I'm currently looking for a black and white print to place above the sofa.

As well as finding a picture for the wall the room also needs some new curtains. Any suggestions?

In the kitchen I've added a set of love heart hooks for the oven gloves and tea towels.

I also found this marmite print on the internet, that I fell in love with. It comes in a range of different retro colours but this one is the best (I think)...

Ally

xxx

Recent Bad Weather

Hi Everyone, It's been weeks since my last blog post, I've been itching for weeks to add new pics and show you what I've been up to but for the last fortnight we have been without internet!!!! This was meant to be only a short post but I thought you might be interested in my long little story...

We have had some fierce weather in the UK recently and the telephone company have been diabolical at sorting us out! We initially had an engineer come out a few hours after reporting the problem, great, I thought, the lines will be back on in a few hours. No! He made some half arsed attempt of an excuse that the telephone pole wasn't safe to climb on his own, all he could do was make the cable safe (it was split in half across the road) and that someone would come out the next day to reconnect us; but the following day no engineer materialised. Apparently we hadn't confirmed that we actually wanted the line reconnecting!!!! Really, where do they find these buffoon's that work in the call centres!!!! Do they think that I disconnected the line myself as a way of switching provider?!

 We did have one man who came out, had a look and said that his ladder wouldn't do and a cherry picker was needed (this however "...might take an hour or so to arrive..." and so he left). An hour or so has now turned into 5 days.
Despite the daily façade of calling the company, and hollow promises this arcane cherry picker is yet to materialise.
I know you must be thinking by now that we're dealing with some dodgy rogue telephone company?! What is this God awful company that we're dealing with I hear you ask. None other than BT, a company that prides itself on being the oldest tele-communications company in the country.

Well welcome to the 21 Century BT, it's about time you caught up with the rest of us!
Oh and I'm hoping for a refund of my mobile bill this month. Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Ally

Shower Power

Last month I was on a hunt for a new shower curtain. I hit the high street expecting to find a fashionable, affordable bargain in no time. 

I was utterly disappointed with the lacklustre, boring monotonous prints that were available in the shops. In utter despair I grabbed the first one that was simply the right size and have since turned to the internet for help. Even online, surprisingly,the choice isn't much greater. 

I questioned myself? Is this because people have converted their bathrooms to wetrooms or because they have converted to shower screens? Is it unfashionable to have shower curtains anymore?

Despite my thoughts I endeavoured to find a decent shower curtain.

These are the few that I found...

I'd love to hear if any of you have shower curtains or did you convert a long time ago?

Ally

xxx

Snug as a Bug

The new fire is in, and I've been working hard over the week to give the snug a freshen up and a new feel. 

I painted the walls a similar colour to the kitchen, but with more dark yellow undertones. This gives the room a warmer, cosier feel and helps to tie in the gold tones of the sofa. 

By the side of the fire we have a tin basket which holds cones and corks; they make ideal fire lighters, and look pretty sitting on the hearth.

I've still got the bookcase to dress and were going to move furniture around, but it's been so warm and cosy in the last few days.

I will update you with more photos once the new sofas are in. I can't wait.

Ally

xxx