Project Day - Laying New Wallpaper

Remember my dilemma early this month trying to decide which wallpaper to buy for a project I had going? Well I made my decision and guess what? With the help of my sister, we put it up last Sunday. I had never attempted it before. It took us 4 hours to do this little section at the back of the new shop. It was hard work. And you really have to concentrate at all times. But it was fun and I would recommend anyone giving it a go. What do you think?
Hope your weekend is filled with greatness. I am exhausted !
Simone xx

~ Imagine & Then Do It ~

I have been working on a few things lately. As if I need more to do! You see sometimes, in the middle of the night, I wake up and can't get back to sleep. I think about things. Creative things. And lately I have been thinking about starting my own range of soaps and candles - under the Beach Vintage label. So I started doing some research, and some more research. And now they are being made. In Australia, by Australians [ I am a little patriotic]. You see I truly believe that if you can imagine something, see it in your mind, the finished object or desire, you can do it. But it all starts with that first thought [and what you do with it]. I hope you have these thoughts. And I hope you work towards making them real.

~ Around my Place ~

Although my weekend was filled with wallpaper paste, paint and sandpaper I did get a chance to sneak in a few hours with my family around home over the weekend. It is always the little things that get me every time. Here a few of those "little things" that made me smile. Fresh towels, swinging on the swing with Charli, fresh flowers and vegetables from my garden and of course the water, which calms me every time!
PS: Thanks for all the beautifully encouraging comments last Friday xx

Project day: My Biggest Project Yet

Well, this is what I have got myself into. A blank canvas. An empty shop. Yes, I am opening up my own store in Brisbane. It is located in bustling Oxford Street at Bulimba. I have been negotiating for about a month and today I got the keys. And here it is......completely empty! I am standing here right now inside, staring at the walls. What to do next? So this is by far my biggest project yet. I am nervous and excited at the same time. I think champagne is in order. Right now!
Have a great weekend....I will be cleaning and painting. Simone xx

~ New Sponsor New Giveaway ~

Genuine vintage Vogue giveaway my friends. Yes, this weeks new sponsor is Atomic Cafe. Atomic Café specializes in Vintage movie posters, lobby cards, signatures, ads and memorabilia mostly from the 50’s and 60’s. Visit them at the Woolloongabba Antique Centre [ open 9am-5pm 7 days a week ] or visit anytime online in the webstore. Leave a comment on todays post to win this genuine vintage vogue advertisement. It is ready to frame and measures 35cm x 26cm. We will post anywhere in the world. Good luck!

winner drawn thurs 29.07.10

~ Its in the Mail ~

I can't remember the last time I sat down and wrote a letter or message on a card and sent it to a friend or relative. Terrible isn't it. These wonderful cards from larkmade are just making me sing today. They are also giving me some inspiration to get my pen out and make some time for this sometimes forgotten ritual.

~ Cakearina ~

Pretty pretty cake stands. I have a few of them at home. Not as pretty as some of these though. But always an excuse to bake and share more cakes don't you think?
image 1: via Clara French image # 2: via vintagefilm.typepad image 3: via Decorative Country Living image #4: via UK Wedding Magazine

~ Sweet Treats ~

Happy Monday peoples! These beautiful vintage inspired gift tags and postcards are so pretty. Topped with silver glitter I could not resist them. Just like real life sweets they are irresistible to me! Available now in at Beach Vintage Home.

Project Day: Vintage Wallpaper Coasters

I got inspired by"Frankie" magazine to create some unique coasters of my own. But instead of using vintage storybook pages I used vintage wallpaper samples. Remember my cupboard doors I created? Well there were a few offcuts left. Here's what you need:

• 4 wooden blank coasters [ from craft stores ]
• Spray adhesive
• Wallpaper offcuts/samples [ try Ebay ]
• Clear nail polish varnish
• Stanley knife
  

* Trace the shape of the coaster on the reverse side of the wallpaper offcuts.
* Cut out each shape carefully and try and cut a little on the inside of the trace [ this will make it fit nicer].
* Spray the adhesive on both the top of the coaster and the underside of the paper. Let them sit for a minute.
* Stick the two together.
* Trim off any excess with a Stanley knife.
* Apply the clear varnish all over the coasters [ you can use spray varnish if you have some, this is loads quicker].

Thanks for all your understanding this week. I have lots going on at the moment and may not have visited you much this week. Sorry lovelies.
Have a great weekend.
Simone xx

~ My Busy Life ~

People get busy. I know. I hear it all the time. "I am so busy Simone, I just haven't had the time". Mostly it has been others saying this to me. But now the tables have turned and I am saying it to them. My life at the moment is so busy. I have taken on a new business venture and it is draining all of my time! I am so excited and will reveal all next week. Meantime please be patient with me as I get on top of it all. Here are some nice images from Nostalgia Organics. One of my favourite online stores. How cute is this.

~ Creative Inspiration ~

I would love to have a craft room like this. It screams creative. I am always amazed when I come across a talented and creative person who also happens to be a sweetie as well. This is the case with Tracey. A lovely crafty lady from Brisbane who makes wonderful "wearables" from denim, vintage fabrics and notions. Her label is named "Denim Days". I was taken by Tracey's craft room and thought I would share it with you today. I adore all the vintage collectables within her space. This would keep the inspiration going for me, always! You can check out more of Tracey' beautiful things here.
all photos taken by me

~ Great Way to Start The Week ~

Here's what I did yesterday afternoon. Went shopping for fresh roses and miniature Neenish cream tarts. Perfect way to start the new week don't you think?
photo taken in my house by me !

Project Day: My Heart Exposed Brooch

This week has been a 'big' one for me. Lots happening. So I decided to wear my heart on the outside this weekend. Just to show everyone all the things I have "felt" this week [excuse the pun].

• You will need 2 pieces of felt cut in squares, odd and ends buttons in all sizes, brooch pin back [available from good craft stores] , ribbon, needle and thread.
• Fold the felt squares over and cut out a love heart shape [free hand, ill shaped and all!].
• Sew the 2 pieces together to form one 'heart' piece.
• Arrange your buttons how you like and sew them on.
• Make a bow with some ribbon and sew on wherever.
• Sew your brooch pin on the back.

You know that Friday afternoon usually means champagne and roses for me! I'm off. Have a great weekend.
Simone xx

~ New Day New Treasures ~

Here are some recent finds that will shortly be making their way to my online store. I am always amazed and excited every time I walk into a thrift store. Never knowing what I will find next. This kind of shopping keeps me sane!
#1. Vintage Vase #2. Hand Cross Stitched Cushion # 3. Sanderson Style Fabric