New Item Friday

They look the same but one small and one large pyrex bowl
Head over to the shop HERE

Happy Good Friday!
I am currently eating my easter egg (I realise I am probably meant to wait until Sunday but I just couldn't resist) and enjoying some quality time with my hubby. A stew is in the slow cooker and I am flicking through old magazines, it feels nice to have a proper weekend relaxing.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend with your families and plenty of chocolate.
xx

Egg Cups

Do you have any plans for this Easter weekend? I am working for the majority of it (but I'm sure I will manage to fit in eating the raspberry and pecan chocolate Easter egg that is currently sat on the side staring at me!). I wanted to do an Easter related post but I realise I have probably left it too late to give you tips on decorating your home. Instead I have decided to show you some items that are perfect all your round, but could be dressed up for Easter.....the humble egg cup.

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6

For Easter you can fill them with painted eggs or why not try some miniature flowers as a centre piece at your Easter Sunday meal (although with this weather any flowers will probably be hibernating until summer). The rest of the year they can be used for that fantastic breakfast/brunch of boiled eggs and soldiers.
xx

Windows of New York and Drain Covers of Wiltshire

As you are all well aware I love blogs. I have a big long list saved on my browser of sites that I like to check out whenever I get the chance. One of the new additions is thebeatthatmyheartskipped. This blog was drawn to my attention by an article in the guardian about the top rated design blogs. They certainly talk about a great variety of inspirational things but the post that drew my attention today was about a blog all of its own.

Windows of New York is Graphic Designer Jose Guizar's personal project observing and recording different windows that catch his attention as he travels about his life in New York City. Apart from producing some fantastic architectural images, this project also reminds us not to over look the every day things that we pass by. I remember when my Mum was studying for her degree (that's right, my Mum went back to school as a mature student - very Proud!) and she did a project on drain covers. If you take the time to look, you will actually find that there are various beautiful designs out there but it is something we over look, literally treading over them every day.

When you next head outside your front door take some time to actually look at the things around you. The colour and style of the lamp posts, the pattern of the tiles on the roofs of houses, the style of windows and the drain covers right under your feet. Who knows when inspiration may strike you.
xx

Tutorial: Belt and Accessory Holder

Image sourced from HERE

I saw this fantastic DIY over at Oh So Lovely Vintage and I just had to share it with you all. I think a peg board is the perfect accompaniment to any office, studio or workshop, and now it can be an essential item for your bedroom or dressing room. I think the key to a great peg board has to be the colour you choose. The ladies at Oh So Lovely Vintage really know how to pick fantastic retro colours! For the full tutorial head over to the blog post HERE.

xx

Art Deco Stoves

Myself and the hubby have been dreaming of one day having a wood burning stove when we finally get a house of our own, and with this cold weather the want is getting greater and greater. They are meant to be really energy efficient and lets be honest look fab in a fire place. But as is usual with myself and the hubby we are always looking for something that bit different from the norm.

That's when we found The French Antique Stove Co. Living and working in France this company supplies restored stoves to the UK market. And if the beauties above are anything to go by then we will definitely be contacting them in the future.
xx

New Item Friday

Head over to the shop HERE

I have had a lovely day but it has been completely unproductive. I have spent it in Salisbury with my folks chatting about everything under the sun - it was great! I feel very blessed that I have parents that I can talk to, who are interesting people in their own right and who I enjoy spending time with.

I have a full packed weekend ahead of me, a family party on Saturday and a market in Bristol (Ashton Gate Stadium) on Sunday. I hope you all have nice weekends ahead of you and come and visit me in Bristol if you have the time.
xx

57 Years Ago Today

Another Hobbies Weekly for you today.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE:

• Make your own Run About Stool for Children
• Make a Cotton Reel Table Lamp
• Make a Tile Fire Surround
• Make your own Loose Leaf Pad

P.S. Please remember that this is a vintage magazine so some of the materials used may no longer be suitable or comply with current heath and safety regulations. Please be careful and check out all materials for modern equivalents. We can not be held liable for any injuries incurred, but please don't injure yourself!

Saturday Food and Flowers

I don't really feel that my feet have hit the ground since we got married back in January. Over these last couple of months alone we have invested in a card system, re-designed the website, had Springy Beard's 1 year anniversary and I have got myself another part-time job. Plus there is so much more to come over the next few months. As myself and the hubby had some errands to run on Saturday morning we took the opportunity to relax among the cobbled streets of Frome.

At a local flower shop I was seduced by the stunning flowers outside - Ranunculus. The beautiful and complicated petals are stunning and a gorgeous yellow bud just had to make its way home with me to sit in our bedroom window. This really must mean spring is here and I can't wait to start filling the house with light and flowers.

We also dropped into a little oriental shop and treated ourselves to a lunch of thai curry and jasmine tea. It was really an opportunity for us to enjoy the last nip that's in the air, staring out the window as the world passed us by. Hopefully soon we can start stripping ourselves of think winter coats, furry boats and knitted hats. I can see spring approaching and it is very exciting. What could make my day even better? Well, my fortunes looking up!

xx

57 Year Ago Today....plus 4 days (oops!)

Ok, I forgot about my beloved Hobbies Weekly. I meant to post this particular issue last Thursday but, in my defence, I have been a bit distracted lately with (fingers crossed) some exciting news. To make up for my memory laps....maybe it is because I am getting old, do you normally start forgetting things at 27?!...I have posted the issue today for you.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS ISSUE:

• Toy Rocking Duck (see blue prints - image above)
• First Aid for Tables
• Try Your Hand at Stick Printing
• Making Window Boxes
• Making a Garden Path
• Identifying Bolts and Screws

P.S. Please remember that this is a vintage magazine so some of the materials used may no longer be suitable or comply with current heath and safety regulations. Please be careful and check out all materials for modern equivalents. We can not be held liable for any injuries incurred, but please don't injure yourself!

New Item Friday

I am all about the sugar today and the 3 new items I have added into the shop would be perfect companions to a tea pot, milk jug and mugs.

Head over to the shop HERE

This weekend should be a quite one and I am thinking it is the perfect opportunity to check out a new cafe I have discovered. The hubby has been working very hard lately so I am thinking a nice little treat of brunch out is deserved.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
xx

Before & After: Laundry Box

I acquired myself another laundry box, this time it was instantly clear that the box needed a complete renovation.

I started by giving everything a good clean. I removed the lid and painting all the wood work. The interior was done first and then the outside and feet. I then covered the top in a fantastic bit of fabric and put everything back together.

I think the box looks great, I particularly think the little black legs set it off to a tea. We'll have to see what reaction it gets at our next market!
xx

Tutorial: Butterfly Lamp Mobile

I got very inspired today over at Apartment Therapy when I saw this image

Check out the full post HERE

I just had to try this out on my own lampshade at home and I think you should to.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Coloured paper
• Needle
• Fishing wire
• Scissors

METHOD:
1. Start by cutting out lots of little butterflies. I think this is a great activity to do in front of the tele.

2. Once you have a nice pile of butterflies cut a length of fishing wire about 50-100cm long. String the fishing wire on to the needle and start sewing on your butterflies. You might need to loop them on to the wire as some may just slide straight off.
3. Once you have a few butterflies on your wire cut a new length and do the same.

4. Once you have a few lengths of wired butterflies you can sew them or tie them on to your lampshade. Sew them around the bottom edge attaching the ends on opposite sides. I actually tied mine on to the metal bar that runs across the centre.

Before....

After!

What do you think of my attempt at home? I think it adds a nice little romance to the room and helps tie in all the different colours that I have in my picture and fabrics.
xx

Corner Shelving Inspiration

I saw a fantastic post over at Apartment Therapy today all about corner shelving.

Image sourced from Apartmenttherapy.com

I have to agree with them that corners can often go to waist. But no more! Head over to the post HERE to get some inspiration.
xx

New Item Friday

A Vase for your Mother Day flowers - check out it out HERE

I have another busy weekend ahead of me. On Saturday I will be in Cardiff as part of a belated Christmas present/mothers day event. Myself, my Mum and the mother and sister in law are all going to see the ballet Sleeping Beauty at Cardiff Millennium centre. It will be the first time I have ever seen the ballet and I'm really looking forward to spending time in Cardiff with my Mum.

On Sunday I will be working at Stourhead all day, and for anyone that has forgotten, it will be Mothers Day! I won't get the opportunity to spent much time with my Mum (I'm hoping the Saturday will make up for it) but don't forget to send a little love their way.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
xx

Before & After: Metal Frame Chair

This is another example where stripping back the layers slowly can bring up some fantastic surprises.

I bought this simple metal framed chair because I felt it had simple charm. But I confess, I did not like the material on the back and seat. Although its orange, and I love orange, I felt it needed something a bit more colourful.

With the intention of re-covering it, I started by slowly removing the layers of fabric on the seat and back, and what did I discover underneath? A gorgeous original red fabric!

Unfortunately, there was a sticky residue on the surface and some small holes, so it was decided that the chair would need to be recovered.

I removed the seat and the back rest and took off all the old layers and stuffing. I recovered everything with a modern fabric in a lovely retro print. I sanded down the metal frame and repainted it. I put everything back together and we have a gorgeous little chair.

I took it to a market the other weekend and it got a great response. Fingers crossed it will find a lovely new home soon.
xx

Shade on Shape

I have discovered a lovely little shop on etsy that has some very eye catching things for sale.

Shade on Shape have gone for a very bold design style with that touch of retro and vintage which I just can't resist. Their choice of colour combinations is gorgeous! Their range is small at the moment, but I will be very interested in seeing how their products grow in the future. In the mean time, $19 for that Home Sweet Home print is looking very tempting!
xx

Hobbies Weekly

I have had a very busy weekend - a market on Saturday and work with the National Trust on Sunday. By Sunday evening I had talked so much that my throat was starting to feel a little scratchy. A good lie in this morning did me the world of good and I feel fighting fit to face all the challenges that are being thrown at me. I meant to post this particular blog last week but, as usual, time got away from me, but before I go into details let me give you the background first.

 A few months ago I went to an auction house here in Frome and found a card board box hidden in the back filled with hundreds of copies of an old pamphlet/magazine called Hobbies Weekly. I had never seen the magazine before but it was filled with the most wonderful content about making things for your home and things like house hold maintenance and tips. On the off chance, I left a bid and actually won!

So, what to do with hundreds of magazines? Well, I have decided to digitise them to share with you all! This will become a regular feature here at Springy Beard and I've decided to call it '57 years ago today'. Our first instalment is actually dated from the 29th February 1956 (hence, I should have listed it last week and possibly started this whole thing on a leap year!). Each issue is full of the most amazing projects, handy tips and also some very nostalgic adverts and advice. I hope you enjoy flicking through them as much as I do and please let me know if you manage to complete any of the projects.

P.S. Please remember that this is a vintage magazine so some of the materials used may no longer be suitable or comply with current heath and safety regulations. Please be careful and check out all materials for modern equivalents. We can not be held liable for any injuries incurred, but please don't injure yourself!

New Item Friday

Head over to the shop HERE to check out these lovely tea and sugar pots

I am in need of a very strong cup of tea with something chocolate related. I have just received my new phone through - Yay!!! - but have just spent the last 2 hours trying to set it up and get my number transferred. Two hours! I'm not even changing provider, I just wanted a new shiny phone! I had one guy who was so utterly useless I actually said 'can you just pass me on to someone else'.

I'm exhausted, flustered, angry.......need chocolate.

Tomorrow we will be at a new market in Bristol with Retrolex. I haven't done a Saturday market before (I've done a weekend fair but haven't heard of many markets on a Saturday?) so it will be interesting to see how this goes.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
xx