I have a cottage filled with floral oil and watercolour paintings, they bring the garden inside and at this time of year it's nice to be surrounded by flowers!
However, one of my favourite paintings is a delightful oil painting of a little girl. It was painted in 1933 by Alix Jennings and written on the back is the name 'Alice Scatterbrook'. I have always wondered who she is. The surname sounds as though it originates from the North of England but I have no information on her.
I think she is adorable! The painting charms me every time I look at it! With those big blue eyes, her lovely rosy cheeks, pretty golden curls and wonderful pink dress, who can failed to be charmed by her?! Given the age of the painting, if the adult Alice is still around, then she would probably be in her late 70's or early 80's.
Does anyone else have something special they would like to know more about?
The impulse buy of the day was made just ten minues before the gates closed! On our way out, I spied a beautiful Victorian prie dieu - a French prayer chair (hope my spelling is correct!) Amongst many other things, I also collect vintage tapestries and embroideries and this just called out to me! Shown with it, are some of my old tapestry items, including a Victorian cushion with roses and a shell in the design. Now my main concern is how to deter my cat from exercising her claws on it..!
I had a lovely time on Saturday at the antiques fair at Shepton Mallet and came home with some gorgeous things! This is one of them; a pretty painted and glazed cupboard, intended for my bathroom. I may yet change the interior colour as my bathroom is painted in a Laura Ashley paint; 'pale crocus' - perhaps I should cover the interior in some vintage wallpaper - what do you think? Either way, it will be a new home for my growing collection of old talc tins!
Okay, so there's nothing vintage or crafty about this post, but I felt I had to tell you about the challenge my husband and our friend are about to embark on!
They are leaving on Saturday 23rd September '06 to ride twice the length of the UK, on their motorbikes. They hope to raise lots of money for a cancer charity - in fact they've done quite well so far and have collected £3,000 already!
Pete was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, aged only 38.
I think it will be quite a gruelling experience for them, as they have to ride for 5 hours a day to complete the challenge on time. They will be filming the ride and producing their own DVD of the journey!
The local newspapers and Central News have been following the story, and will film their departure on Saturday morning.
We have arranged a surprise for Pete - Ewan McGregor (Long Way Round, with Charley Boorman) has sent us a copy of their book about the road trip, with a personal, signed message to Pete. They were his inspiration for this ride so it will be a lovely surprise for him. Mike intends to present the book to him during the filmed interview on Saturday - should be a great moment!
Pete is married with a 4 year old son and is determined to leave a lasting memory for his little boy.
So, good luck both of you!
My husband overheard the neighbour telling his young son what he was cooking for Sunday lunch and decided it was high time that he too should get to grips with that strange appliance (the cooker!) in the kitchen and create something tasty (or at the very least edible!!!!) As I'd just got back from blackberry picking down the lane, and our apple tree is heavy with fruit, he decided it had to be an apple an blackberry crumble - not too complicated - but mixing the topping with crushed digestives and plenty of cinnamon ensured it was a really tasty pud! The only dilemma was whether to serve it with custard or icecream - or both!!!
Needless to say, it didn't last long - I've now looked out a few more adventurous recipes for him - watch out Jamie Oliver!!!
Of course, they'll all have to go back on the beds soon as it won't be the weather for taking them outdoors!
I'm sure this will get it out of my system once and for all! Although there's still many more hidden away in the cupboards etc!
Phew, all that lugging eiderdowns around has worn me out - time for a nap! This is what they're meant for after all!
Although I love all things vintage, I have a real passion for textiles and for me, the eiderdown has to be the ultimate ’must-have’ of vintage textiles. Not only are they beautiful to look at - but they’re useful too! 
I have quite a few I've lost count!) some are in use on the beds, some are rolled and folded, displayed on top of the wardrobes and tucked inside my armoire. Perhaps I shouldn’t mention the ones under the bed and in the wardrobes and in the linen cupboard and…! I’d better stop there, anyone would think I was obsessed, but I can’t help it - I love them! 
