It's a Sign......no really it is.

I thought we needed a better sign to our house - more so now, as we are starting to invite people over - and we are tucked away a bit. Below was our current sign - one we inherited - barely visible. I decided anything would be better than this so with little patience or time, set about knocking one together.

A while ago I looked online for some apple transfers, but the only ones I could find were ceramic transfers (and I'm not even sure they are apples!!!!) I decided to give them ago anyway- unfortunately they didn't come with any instructions - so I had to wing it.I used an old cupboard door from the kitchen and painted it white. (very quickly and very badly)

Then the transfers.....and by trial and lots of error, discovered if I soaked them in boiling water, they lifted from the paper and then I just stuck them in place. Unfortunately, I now realise I put this one on backwards. Nevermind - who'll notice?Then what I should have done is traced some lovely typeface, but I didn't I free-handed it (mainly due to broken printer). This sign was going to be VERY shabby - maybe not even chic with it!
A few more transfers and Hey Presto! A house sign!!! Not perfect, but neither's the house.

Slightly more welcoming?

TTFN
Fleur
xxx

Kitsch In Sink.

Oh I am a happy lady and all because of my kitchen sink (truly pathetic I know). The first thing I bought for Appletree Cottage, many moons ago, seen back in this post- and my vision has been realised. I know it's basic, but I love it.

I really wanted this kitchen to be 1950's fresh - bright whites and bold primaries. It seems my favourite colours are beginning to reveal themselves as reds, whites and blues - how Regal! Well it is the Queen's birthday today.

Husband did all the cladding and I painted it white - but it was a little to clinical. So, I decided to use some of my vintage transfers on the cladding, just to take the edge off the white- and I love the results.

Tiny little roses......

I LOVE them - just what I envisaged and something pretty to wash to whilst I live without a dishwasher (vintage living!). Now I'm wondering - should I add anymore? I'm also thinking of replacing the handles (which are replacements) with original red ones - just wondering where to source them?

You can just see the floor I have put in - I'm thinking I will gradually reveal the kitchen in stages as it all comes together - or falls apart - either way.

TTFN

Fleur
xxxx

What Happned Next?

Firstly, let me apologise whole heartily for my sudden disappearance. Life just got so difficult and so bad and more than anything I no longer had the Internet. So time to bring you up to speed.

The floors were put in and screened. Layers and layers of rubble, concrete, plastic screening and polystyrene.

But we had a problem - and still do actually. By lowering the foundations to the house we have basically dug a big hole and water is pouring in from the surrounding land. We dealt with this by digging a drain on one side of the house. The moment we opened said drain the water just gushed out. It was amazing and rather frightening to see the effects of our plans.

The water that came from under the house.

So with concrete floors put in we had two days for it to dry before the carpets and vinyl arrived. However it did not dry and we had to move in. The carpets and vinyl in the kitchen could not be laid and so the downstairs furniture went into the garage and stables and we lived in the our small sitting room and conservatory for three weeks, whilst an industrial dehumidifier did its work day and night. It was a nightmare and I hit an all time low.

This was our kitchen. No oven, no taps - we used the outdoor tap - the weather was cold and we were all pretty miserable.

The Horror

Complete Horror. Three weeks people!

But...but but but but - time moved on and the floor dried enough to put the carpets and vinyl in and finally move the furniture in.
Then we had to deal with the plumbing.......

then the electrics......


Then last week we got our oven - no more microwave meals!!!!!

Finally it was starting to feel like home and things settled until we discovered last week that the concrete floor is becoming very wet again, which we cannot ignore and will soon start to rot the kitchen vinyl - the builder returned and we think we are going to have to put in at least two more big drains away from the house. So more disruption, more builders' bums, more "make that 2 sugars love".

This hasn't really dampened our mood though - just our floor. The sun is shining finally and the house and garden are being made prettier by the day.
So from this point onwards - lots of prettifying pics I think......no more ugliness - it's time for the fun part.

Good to be back my friends. You never left my mind. So much to show you!

TTFN
xxx