When I wear my vintage dresses I often have problems finding modern shoes that sit well alongside them. I do love “actual” vintage shoes but finding them in a size 7 is not easy, and some of the vintage reproduction…
I am such a fan of the designer Orla Kiely. My kitchen/diner looks like I am sponsored by her – with cushions, saucepans, planters, sugar bowls, tins, fruit bowls, place mats and, and, and. So when I was invited to…
It can be hard to find a vintage laundry basket in the right colour or even in good condition so why not upcyle your own and add a seat top too. Here I have created a distressed look basket and…
No matter if you’re fan of vintage items for their classic style or if you can’t stop upcycling pre-loved furniture, there is one thing you’re looking for and that is quality. Buying at auction can be a real treasure trove;…
“In the late 1960s robust plastic toys made by Fisher Price became popular. A favourite is the record player with lullaby records: turn the winder, move the stylus and listen to nursery rhymes. These are simple, mechanical and importantly, still…
10 years ago I was a design manager for a leading retailer, working on the launch of their catalogue shop. I worked with a creative design agency on the in store design and between us we created a section that…
Create your own succulent or herb planter this spring, to add some colour and interest to your kitchen wall by upcycling a chopping board and jelly mould. Hang it above your work space so you can easily grab some leaves…
Pressed coloured glass dressing table sets were popular in the 1920s and 1930s, often made in Czechoslovakia. Comprising of a glass tray in a pastel colourway alongside candle sticks, perfume bottles and jewellery pots; this was a glamorous look for…
When I originally wrote this piece last year for London Edge, Kendall and Kylie Jenner were facing a backlash over their collection of “vintage tees” for adding their faces to famous music albums without any consent. As they rushed to…
It appears that retro, kitsch pineapples are not going anywhere, and that you are still buying them for your home. I love a pineapple, and as any vintage fan will tell you, pineapples have always been fashionable in our homes!…
Drinks trollies have had a real comeback recently, with some designer ones selling for over £1000! Why not make your own upcyled drinks trolley at a fraction of the price incorporating the “must have” look of rose gold and marble.…
Copper continues to be on trend in our homes, so why not create a centre piece to wow your guests? What is great about this copper pipe candle holder, is that you can make it as small and simple or…
My latest enamel pin in the Vintage Pin Club is based on the 1940s classic scales and mixing bowl; something that most fans of vintage have and use! I remember growing up with my grandma using the mixing bowls and…
I am a huge fan of old properties, loving them for their character and period features. I spent my teenage years in a Victorian semi detached house, then my second property was an Edwardian terrace, followed by a 1930s bungalow…
Earlier this year I was asked to join up with the charity, Emmaus to create something upcycled to celebrate Recycle Week. I created a cushion made from men’s ties and thoroughly enjoyed it on two levels. One, I loved making…
While researching Christmas gifts for my two articles for The Lady Magazine, I found these amazing vintage style Christmas cushions from We Love Cushions. They not only make me nostalgic, they also make me smile as they are both kitsch…
Rather than making a wreath this year, or maybe as well as, why not create another festive shape such as a Christmas tree or star? I have created a framed tree using lots of cotton reel, bells and buttons to…
