Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Fossicking

                                                  




I really feel like having a good fossick this weekend, not for anything in particular but just to scratch an itch.

  There are always great local garage sales, antique markets like the Dirty Jane Emporium and Market and stores, the local farmers markets, Orange Antiques and Collectibles are having an auction this weekend.  I might just cruise auction house websites like Raffan, Kelaher and Thomas or hit the high end stuff of Bonhams, Christie's and Sotheby's.

A trip to Peppergreens in Berrima is definitely on the cards. I've been inspired by a friend Sara, who has made a wonderful woollen patched blanket from Ralph Lauren tweeds and checks she found there. Could I be lucky enough that there still might be a bountiful booty of fabrics for me?
     

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Dash & Albert's - Gypsy Rose



On a whim I happened to take a Dash & Albert, Gypsy Rose woollen rug 
to the trade show and to my surprise it was extremely popular.  
 I personally love the rug but I've always thought my taste was
a little different from the popular trends.......
I was so wrong!

Debbie & Sarah @ Calico & Ivy in Balmain, NSW & Mosman Park, WA 
currently have stock of the Gypsy Rose if you're interested in purchasing one
(two women ahead of the curve)

www.calicoandivy.com

Don't worry there are more coming, the order was delayed out of the warehouse
 in the US but it's on the water and heading to Australia!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Patchwork Chair























Got a Spare Chair!

I just love a patchwork chair, I found that I had an abundance of needlepoint cushions on our return from the US.  I couldn't get rid of them too many memories.   The gorgeous floral I'd purchased with Bronte in Greenwich, CT and the aubusson weave lion rampant shield a bargain find and a little English cross-stitch cottage that I'd done many years ago, all too precious to throw away.

The solution was to easy once I'd seen the wonderful bespoke patchwork chairs that 
Michelle and Jasper Foggo, of Crystal Palace in Bowral create.  The chairs are totally unique and each client receives a chair as individual as they are.  I'd love another, a masculine version in charcoal, rich brown, tweeds and checks........
is winter coming! 

Crystal Palace, Merrigang Street, Bowral Nsw 2576
Phone: 02 4861 1836


Don't you love the Dash & Albert Plain Tin Charcoal rug!

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Chestnut Tree

Chestnuts by Kim Shannon 



























There's a wonderful old Chestnut tree, actually two, in Edward Street, Bowral.  I absolutely love these trees throughout the seasons.   
At the moment the chestnuts are being well protected from the birds in their prickly, burr-like husks.  The nuts will open and drop sooner or later, the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo's and Galah's and Corella's will be feasting.  
The trees look just as beautiful dressed in their leaves as they do naked with their beautiful winter filigree.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Moss Vale Agricultural Show


17-19th March 2011

Held every March at the Moss Vale Showgrounds over 3 days, the Moss Vale Agricultural Show is one of NSW's largest country shows.
Attractions include: cattle and horse parades; flag racing and showjumping; cattle and poultry pavilions; arts, crafts, needlework, handcraft exhibits; photography; preserves and cooking; porcelain and wool weaving; flowers, fruit & vegetable displays; home brewing & winemaking.

In the main arena:

Friday: horse events; dairy cattle judging; skateboard competition; bobcat races; motorcrosse; ladies' driving challenge; ute barrel race; demolition derby; fireworks


Saturday: Official Opening at 2.15pm; NSW Police Band; Police Mounted Troop; horse events; showjumping; beef cattle judging; dog jumping; team penning; vaulting; reining; polocrosse; builder's barrow race; Wizard of Oz stage show; fireworks; talent quest.

Sunday: showjumping; heavy horse pull; horse events; Sunday school; pet show & teddy bear's picnic; .
Other entertainment includes: side show alley; rides; woodchopping; chainsaw teams; horse breaking demo; whip cracking; farmyard nursery; farm machinery exhibits; judge the weight of a cow.
In short: all the fun of an old-time country show, held over three days: traditionally the last before the Grand Easter Show in Sydney.

For more information phone 4868 1869.

Moss Vale Showground, Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale




We're really looking forward to the coming weekend at the Mossy Show.  In Fort Worth, Texas we frequented the Fort Worth Stock Show every year so, it will be wonderful for Isabella to experience a local agricultural show. 
Watching events, sideshow games, exhibits and fairy floss, 
yep sounds like fun to me!  

Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Merchant of Welby


                   
The Merchant of Welby Antiques is situated in the New South Wales 
Southern Highlands village of Welby, 3km west of Mittagong. 
72 Old Hume Hwy, Welby NSW 2575
Phone 02 4871 2158

The Merchant of Welby specialises in 19th Century Australian Cedar Furniture. The warmth & beauty of Australian Cedar is equal to the finest cabinet timbers in the world. The unique & distinctive design of Antique Australian Cedar furniture and its scarcity ensures its investment value.
Geoff's Australian Cedar Partners Desk Circa 1878
Ex Australian Museum, Sydney & bears a government inventory stamp for 1878
This is on my wishlist.....
Australian Antiques helping preserve our Heritage!
Great Reason to Buy One 
I truly believe every home can have an eclectic mix antiques, vintage and modern pieces, throw in a little French and Asian just for good measure!  
A Home with Soul!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Pure Joy



























We live on a small block in town. Yes, we might live in the Southern Highlands but we're townies!  So everything I plant in the garden has to be gorgeous and of course pickable!   
The garden brings me so much joy, everything from shaping buxus, dead heading rosehips, watering
and gathering flowers for the house, even spent scabiosa.  

Summer is drawing to an end, the amenones hupehensis are flowering, I'm thankful that throughout the season I have collected seeds for next Spring. 

Autumn will be here soon with its riot of colour and I can't wait!  

Feeling Blessed