Inspiring Weekend For Us All!!

3 Fine Grains

This week has been a blur really and the weekend should be the same. Mic is off to the annual Toy Run while I am home looking after a still poorly Mason (3yrs) and trying to sew like mad for the markets next Sunday.

This image above, which I spied recently over at Willow Decor, has become my inspiration for creative-ness this weekend....the tree is amazing and all out of jute webbing for ribbon garland, offcuts of grain sacks for decorations (like my own) and vintage ornaments - love!

3 Fine Grains
More inspiration for me!! I have a mountain of my stockings to sew, thanks to my trusty friends, Krista and Jolee for helping me cut them all out...now all I have to do is sew!

I am going to try and make up our own stockings while I am at it (time permitting as always) with some beautiful old Irish Linen pillowcases that are beyond repair. They have the most gorgeous embroidery on them and the linen is the softest I have felt...ever.

Country Living
Other than that I am just going to try and take in the season and enjoy my festive sewing with a little Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Mariah all crooning about Christmas in the background.

Whatever you have planned, I hope you enjoy it!

Ness xx

M&L at Tuliptree & Saga!!

I am pleased to let you all know that Marley & Lockyer's clay tags can be found nestled in amongst all of the beautiful items at Tuliptree & Saga.
This Canadian delight is owned by the very lovely Rita, who fills the store with all manner of French and Scandinavian treasures in stunning colour ways and link all the gorgeous things together.

If you aren't very good at this sort of thing...don't worry, they will sort this out for you with a one of there wonderful gift baskets, customised to the recipients taste...easy!!

Tuliptree & Saga sell everything beautiful for your home...

and garden. To see more eye candy at this delicious store, CLICK HERE,

and have a great day!

Ness xx

Statement Pieces - Old Shop Fittings

A statement piece is something that should not be hunted for, in my opinion, because you will never find what you want. It is only when you happen to be in the little country old wares that such pieces will find you...and that's just it - they find you!!

I have found many wonderful, and cheap, pieces this way. The following beautiful pieces make statements for all sorts of reasons.

inside out
This gorgeous old ex shop fitting, which is in the current Inside Out magazine, is something on the top of my 'statement piece' list. This owner travels a lot as the make up master for YSL, and doing so has been extremely fortunate to have found 2 in the best condition!!!
We have an old Ambulance cabinet in our hallway that is as close to this beauty as I have ever found...and no where near as whimsical as this.

home beautiful

This one is so quirky and looks brilliant against these crisp white walls alongside the red chairs and stools. I don't think we will look at the shop fittings of our era with the same love...all plastic and minimal.

Cupboards like these can do well in any room. It goes with out saying that the first place you would think to put them would be the kitchen and/or dining, but I think it would do just as well in a bedroom, office, porch or kids room.

pottery barn
Forever I have loved the apothecary drawers. Although this one is new, it still has the aged appearance of something from the old corner store...
marie claire
...but you can't beat the real thing. Especially if they have original handles etc. My Dad has a beautiful set of sage green ones in his woodworking shed. Every time I am there I shudder that it is holding nuts, bolts, sandpaper and the like instead of MY silk ribbons, twine, stamps and thread. He has promised to bring them down to me next time they visit...can't wait.
via Reece & Marie
How could you not ask the owner where they have scored such a piece from and what it was originally used for? The applications of old shop fittings are enormous...an old cupboard can become a entertainment unit without too much fuss.

via Brooke Giannetti
Now, I don't know if this stunning piece actually came from an old shop, but I would love to imagine that it was in some stunning Ateliers store with stunning old lace Wedding and evening gowns hanging from the doors. In the drawers would be feathers, jewels, crystal etc and through the stunning reflection a Fairytale Princess would be made...that's my take anyway!

So, next time you think I would love an old shop cupboard to put over there, don't because it will have to find you. Happy hunting!

Ness xx

Lovelies and 6 things....

As you may be aware, I am always looking for inspiration, beautiful things and possible supplies. So, I have been looking through some of the new finds I have stored in my Computer and thought I would show you these beauties...

De beaux souvenirs

I think these whimsical wire creations are just lovely.

Hand made in France, and some come with the little lights!!!

Comtoirfamile

These stunning wicker lined baskets I am sending out mental wishes for . It would make a superb laundry basket.

Comtoirfamile
...along with these stunning cushions for an outdoor space would be lovely.

Flax and Spindle
These cushions are just beautiful. I especially adore this hot air balloon one, which reminds me of a lovely old vintage advertisement. Their Postcard cushions are just as lovely. Now, I have been asked to tell you 6 things about me by the lovely Lee from Glimpse Of Style. I am sorry it has taken me so long to get to it Lee!

I am not very interesting, here goes....

1. I am the only one in our family born in Australia and with blue eyes.....I wonder where the Milk Man lived when I was conceived! =0

2. I have always hated Op Shops/ Second Hand stores and used to whinge at Mum not to take me with her. Now I love them, the hunt and the feel of satisfaction when you get a bargain. Like today I bought 2 lounge chairs that need recovering for $10 ea for Mics slot car room!!!

3. I am a ring FANATIC! Seriously, I have more rings than I have fingers and toes, and the chunkier the better! I only wear one at a time though.

4. I would love a black Lexus, or failing that, a BWM 308i (I think)...black too! or a Mini with a St Andrews cross on top...hehe

5. I am about to embark on a major decorating move...stay tuned!!!

6. I hate feet! really...don't like them, handy, but ugly!

Sorry, I told you I'm not interesting.
Ness xx

Lovely Bianca Lorenne...

I have just received my new catalogue from New Zealand fine linen company, Bianca Lorenne who, if we ever get this shop going, will become a supplier of their stunning range of linens. I adored the photos so much in their catalogue, I just had to show you all...

This is a hand quilted, ice blue cotton set. Which has this superb detailing of French knots and running stitch. The Euro shams look stunning.

This comforter on top caught my eye in a huge way. The layered strips with raw edges for the borders and flowers, which reverse from grey blue to icy blue...brilliant!

The grey section is lovely with many items that would feel at home in the most manly of rooms. Like this hand quilted, stripe number, which has a nautical feel to it. Who says Men's bedrooms are bland??

Detail on all of their stunning linens is amazing. Like this, floral quilted bedspread, which has been hand finished with thousands of French knots...and it is pure white...dreamy.

This stunner is a 100% Merino, black woolen throw. The embroidery is beautiful. Their range of cot quilts are divine, and also feature the hand running stitch design with the French knots...bliss! The scarves and Italian sheets are gorgeous too.

This bedhead, although unavailable in Australia, is inspired by French Industrial furniture in aged polished steel, and finished with antique bronze studs.

Best be getting a shipping container me thinks!! ;-)

Being the lover of beautiful linens, I had to show you Bianca Lorenne's beauties. let me know what you think. Ness xx

images - Bianca Lorenne

Red!

For those of you who read regularly, you know I am a devoted white lover, but I do have a soft spot for a hint of red. So, today I thought I would show you some of my red loves and what can be done with this primary lovely...

I really like this room, especially the painting of jars of lollies, Humbugs and those all red ones. The little hints of red are picked up throughout this room in the soft furnishings to great effect...and it is not overwhelming.

Chic Shack
I really love red along side white and denim blue in a boys room. We are thinking that the boys rooms will be due for a makeover soon, and I have always loved this combination...especially with stars as a common theme.

Marley & Lockyer
...now lets not forget my little tags, which have now shown there heads on my shop again. These ones are new - and very cute.

Marley & Lockyer
A lovely little gift tag (set of 2), also available now.

Who doesn't like red and white Bakers Twine??? and with a multitude of uses and Kitchen and craft room staple I think.

Marley & Lockyer

As a punch of colour in amongst white cushions, this new design in my shop looks great.

Ivory House
A grain sack runner with red ticking stripe is a favourite that will never go out of style.

Vintage iron beds painted white and snowy white linen are a perfect canvas for red sheets, bear and little stool. I would love beaded walls.

Marley & Lockyer
So, you can see why I love a hint of red here and there. I will always love blues and greens, but every now and then the red part of my brain kicks in and takes over....never over the white part though ;)

Ness xx

Born from an obsession....

While we are on the subject of my linen and grain sack obsession, I thought I would show you something I made today which incorporates these loves...this little pillow.
I made it while I was doing some other cushions for the shop.

It has a plain back in stone coloured linen / cotton mix (60/40)

...and includes another favourite - ladder stitching in the form of this linen ribbon.
The printed panel is on a putty coloured linen with chocolate brown print.
This little sweetie is available through my store Marley & Lockyer, or you can email me.
I would love to know what you think.

Ness xx

Emporium Therapy...

Today was another day filled with stress, so we went off to buy some urns not expecting too much....then we walked into The Antique Emporium at Devonport.

I was amazed by the wonderful, whimsical treasures that John Cole and his team of 40 stall holders (over 4 levels) had to offer. I thought I would take you for a look too.

This was on the second level where the urns are. It is a huge iron candelabra, about shoulder height (I am from the Hobbits though!). I fell in love, then I spotted the white sideboard in the corner, the bell light, little yellowed unit. Then I spotted this...

glorious table and chairs, rusty patina and fabulous detailing, weathered top...

gorgeous Spanish style scrolled legs (John did say where it was from, Rajahstan I think). I have instantly fallen in love with this setting. For the whole set you are looking at $1995.00!! A bargain for such a stunning piece.

Up on the third level I eyed this from across the room. I think that would look lovely in my own home filled with my white ironstone pieces.

Love this original Medical Certificate from a long, long time ago. Being a Calligrapher, I was instantly taken by the beauty of such a certificate, now printed on a computer these days.

This was back on the first level as you walked in. I loved these little wicker drawers, and found it tucked in a corner. My Sister would love the boat.

Every nook and cranny is packed with some sort of treasure, and Dad, Mum loved this (hint, hint). I found some more old suitcases for $8 each. I may have to get some of those when we go back.

Mic and I have always loved original old signs from either shops, advertisements etc...especially on wood like this piece.

Declan and Mason loved this and it is about as long as me (again Hobbits). After all of that I never got to buy my urns, but know which ones I want. We had to leave in a bit of a hurry, so never got to fully explore this wonderland. On our next visit I will get some more photos to share.

The boys had a ball by the way. Maybe we have 2 little collectors on our hands. Ness xx

If you would like details for this shop (also a wholesaler) please email me at marleyandlockyer@gmail.com

Happy New Year + update

Hi All! I thought I would do a post to say thank you and to wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. It is also an opportunity to give you an update on what I have been up to since Christmas Eve....

I received a screen printing kit from Mic (among other things) for Christmas, which I made these little cushions with. The little birds are grey on stone linen with a white border. I think they worked out well for my first go at the kit.

While I was in the mood, I made this one too (which is standard size) of an old bus scroll from Sydney...in reverse. I tried it the other way, but liked it in reverse for something a bit different. Both of these can be purchased at my shop by clicking HERE. I would love to know what you think of them.

We had a very laid back Christmas day with water guns and bikes etc and a lovely bar-b-que.

I made this wreath, which I stringed with white lights (that you can''t really see cause I forgot to switch them on for the shot), out of branches of a native we have on our property.

It turned out really well, so I will make one for the front door next year.

Our wrapping was simple this year. We had such a lovely time watching the boys tear into their gifts from Santa...it is moments like these I truly cherish.
Then we had to build all of the toys!!

On Christmas Eve we had a small convoy of 3 horse drawn carts past by while we were painting
...and one of then had Santa and Mrs Claus on throwing lollies in bags to the kids.
Oh yeah, we are still going with the painting. I will have some shots for you soon.
I hope you have a wonderful time tonight and I will see you next year.
That sounds so strange seeing it's tomorrow.
Ness xx
all images - Ness Lockyer