Wednesday 15 April 2009

Paper Anniversary

I'm going to get the moaning out of the way now.......I'm poorly (sympathetic ahh please), I have Labyrinthitis (vertigo) ....ugh, vile, nasty thing, go away. I have been reeling around home for ten days now giving the impression I've had one too many sherries (believe me I haven't) and feeling sick as a dog.....ugh. I look appalling! Still anyway, in between feeling sorry for myself and sick, I have tried to keep my mind occupied!
To celebrate what has been a fantastic first year of blogging and if it were a marriage, it would be a 'paper' anniversary, I thought I would make a 'paper' collage for my first 'give away'.
If you fancy this 1916 receipt, which has been 'hens teethed', leave me your silliest joke as a comment (thought that would be fun). I will still put the names in a hat and draw one out next Sunday 19th April. Make 'em clean now ;-) Go on, have a go! (The collage is only small, 5 x 5", wouldn't want to disappoint).~0~
I'm really into making purses at the mo, there are so many ways to embellish. It is also a very good excuse to use fabrics etc. that I have been holding onto for years. The picture below has part of a gorgeously embroidered hanky applied. I have had the hanky years, but I am really happy with how good it looks on this purse.
Front..

Back.. The look which I wanted was like opening a drawer of an old ladies' haberdashery chest, filled with old fabrics, buttons and smelling of moth balls (this doesn't smell of moth balls though). Faded Vintage darling!
I made a custom order for
helenandsweetpea . Helen sent me a piece of old french fabric for her purse and a piece of 50's curtaining for Sweet pea's purse. Both worked quite well. Helen was happy.

I made another 'Vintage darling' purse, 'cus I was excited by the first one....both are sold, which is wonderful.


Playing with making greetings cards, but I don't think this one has worked. What do you think?


Onto another Greetings Card. This is a little beauty, lovely old card, 1940's/50's, with the sweetest illustration of a girl looking into a nest full of baby blue birds. Seasonal eh? So I collaged various little pieces of paper and then embroidered over the top, to make a little garden! She really is a sweetie. (Sorry if I'm making you nauseous now!)

On the theme of using one's stash, below I made a purse with the most gorgeous, I think, Crepe de chine Hankerchiefs. Different hanky for each side. Both strong, graphic print, just lovely.



With Art Deco buttons.
~0~
Our family has quite a few occasions over the next month, so I enlisted the help of stripeymonkey . Linda has been absolutely wonderful, she has custom made two stunning pieces of jewellery for me.
The pic below is a small heart Pendant with the letter 'K' stamped. This is for my sister in law's 50th birthday. (She lives in France, I don't think she reads my blog!)
Below is a Christening gift for my newly born neice 'Nina'. Charmingly, beautiful silver bracelet with 'Nina' stamped.



Linda kindly sent these beautiful buttons as a gift for me, she knows a thing or two about me.......thank you Linda, so pleased.
So remember, ditch the High Street Jewellers, buy handmade (as if you needed reminding!)
I will leave you now with Hens Teeth garden spring fleurs.


Oh, I nearly forgot, one of my dear bloggy friends is in need of some morale support, if you have time, please pop over the jennyelkins and have a read of a very pertinent issue :-)

Thank you so much for stopping by.x

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about the vertigo, my mother suffers from the same. Don't know if your doctors have told you but "allergies" make is worse...extra fluid in the eardrums. So be sure to take an over the counter antihistamine (spelled wrong) like dimetap, etc. everyday during this high pollen season. Believe me...it made a big difference for my mom. Hope you feel better and I'm loving the new purses. Always love your paper items as well. Take care, Roberta

Gigibird said...

I only know one joke and it's dirty so I’d better not leave it as a comment! but I just wanted to say how delighted I am for you with your blogging success – you thoroughly deserve it Viv!

I am sorry to hear of your labyrinthitis – are you sure you haven’t been at the sherry?

Why did the hen cross the road?
To get her hands on my fabric and button stash…..

Unknown said...

oh no viv, i hope you start to feel better soon!
congratulations on your blogging anniversary! the stupidest joke i know is, drumroll please...

What do you call a rabbit with a bit missing?

Rab! (you know, Rab is short for Robert in scotland)

i know, it's dreadful... :(
anyhoo, your work is looking as gorgeous as ever and your purses are fab... maybe one day i'll be fast enough to catch one in your etsy shop! i love the second greeting card too, much more our style than the first one.

and Yay! for Linda's jewelry, you know i'm already a fan of her work! i've been watching her flickr pages and wondering who the new pieces were for... :) and the new buttons are gorgeous!

lots of sympathy,
emma
x

Jackie said...

I'm not after the giveaway because you have been so generous already and I treasure my pieces from you,but I just want to say hello, and get well soon, and how amazing are all these things you make..and not only that but your garden is full of flowers! Oh, and happy bloggiversary. you were my role model you know.

Things Hand Made said...

Hope you feel better soon.
What do you call a fenale moth?... A myth....awful but always raises a smile!

Kitty said...

I seriously *heart* your purses. They're so pretty.

I really hope you feel much, much better soon. There is nothing worse than feeling nauseous :-(

x

Arlene said...

So sorry about the vertigo. UGH! Having raised three boys this is my all time favorite joke.
What is the difference between booger and broccoli?
Little boys won't eat broccoli!
Another ugh, huh?
Love you creative things.

Shabby Chick said...

Awww poor you, I saw another blog earlier where the poor lady had labyrinthitis and felt really sorry for her, it sounds horrible. Hope you feel better soon.

Your purses are gorgeous and I love that jewellery I will definitely bear stripeymonkey in mind if I need to buy any for someone special :)

I would love to put in for your giveaway. Here's my joke (it's awful)...

Doctor, Doctor I keep getting pains in the eye when I drink coffee
Have you tried taking the spoon out?

Mel xxx

Gina said...

What to you do if you see a Spaceman?... Park in it, man!

Sorry... it was the first one I thought of. Really hope you feel better soon Viv, vertigo sounds horrible. I love your purses.

mimilove forever said...

Hanky purse? Snot much room in there...I'll fetch me coat...

(gorgeous as ever my wobbly chum!)
xxxx

Victoria said...

So sorry about your vertigo, I know how damn awful it can make one feel, as I get it too. Seems to hit me the worst during the springtime and when the weather is overcast and rainy. Hope it goes away for you very soon.

The work is all wonderful, and the purses from the vintage hankies are just terrific!

Okay here's my pathetic joke...
Q. How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?
A. Know body knows because it's never been done. :0)

silverpebble said...

So sorry you feel so poorly - it's such a nasty thing to have. Hope some antibiotics sort it out very soon or just some rest.

Such beautiful things Viv - your work is inspired and inspiring as ever. I knew Slater Street in Liverpool rather well and the name of the framer's shop is so familier. I'm trying to remember whether the name was inscribed on the side of a building. Hmm.

My silliest joke at the moment is my eldest's favourite (she says she made it up!) -

How do you make a sausage roll?
Push it down the stairs!

Greedy Nan said...

I'm not good at jokes because I never remember the end or will say it too soon and spoil it somehow.
Best I can do is:
Q. What do you call a fly with no wings?
A. A walk.
Laugh now ....
Will that count to be put in your draw - please!

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

So sorry to hear you are feeling sicky and hope you get better soon

All your purses are wonderful, great choice of fabrics and embellishment (as always)

The first joke that came into my head was this one:

Q. What do you call a man with a seagull on his head?
A. Cliff

[Groan] - quite appropriate for me, but pretty awful really!

Have a fun week! Carolyn

Gigibird said...

OK I've had to look this up....

Why did the chicken cross the road, roll in the mud and cross the road again ?
Because he was a dirty double-crosser

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Hello,
So sorry you have not been well, hope your feeling better soon,may do you good to drink more sherry!
My joke I think may be a bit rude so I will email it to you!
All your work is just lovely.xx

carole brungar said...

Hi Viv, hope these posts are cheering you up! They certainly gave me a good laugh! I'm sorry I'm not too good at telling jokes, they never seem funny when I tell them!
Please enter me in the draw though as I think your gift is beautiful!
Carole ;D

carole brungar said...

Oh and I forgot to say.......

CONGRATULATIONS ON A YEAR OF BLOGGING!!

Hope to see many more blog posts!!

Shelley said...

ack! you're giving that beautiful piece away? please pick me!

sorry to hear about your vertigo-- it's yuck, isn't it? i hope you recover very quickly. congrats on your anniversary.

as for lame jokes, i'll leave you with my favorites from childhood:
1. what do you call a man with no arms and legs?
Mat
2. what do you call a man with no arms and legs in the ocean?
Bob
terrible, i know, hopefully you won't hold it against me.

Maya Sara Matthew said...

Can't think of a single joke, dirty or otherwise but I would dearly love to win that little piece of art.
I hope you feel better soon and happy anniversary.
Ok, here's one - How do you know there's an elephant in your fridge?
Because there's foot prints in the butter and the door won't close!!!!! I hope that qualifies me to be in the draw.

Lauren said...

What a wonderful piece of art and what a great idea...sharing funnies!

Here's mine: How do you catch a unique rabbid? U nique up on him of course? How do you catch a tame rabbit? Tame way...U nique up on him!!

Lauren said...

I sure hope you get to feeling a whole lot better. Oh, by the way, since you "look" like you've been hitting the Sherry, why not try some. Might make you feel better. :O)

Just another silly I just remembered. Guess everyone can use an extra chuckle.

What's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind as it hits the windshield? His butt!

Diana said...

Sorry you're poorly - sounds horrible - get well soon!
Hope the jokes are cheering you up - here's my contribution:

Q What do you call a Frenchman wearing sandals?
A Philippe Floppe (spoken with French accent = flip flop, get it... groan?!)

Pippa said...

Oooo a giveaway! How exciting! Okay, here's my favourite joke:
Why did the librarian slip over?
She was in the non-FRICTION section!

I love it! Gets me every time! And as for that greeting card that you're not sure about, I think it's wonderful. I always love seeing your creations and I am really hoping to get an original Hens Teeth piece to put on my wall some day :o)

Hope you feel better soon. I'm poorly too (took everything in me to write this comment!). Cheerio for now x

Mieke said...

okee daar gaat ie dan...ken je die van die twee die naar Parijs gingen??Die gingen niet hahahaha.

That's my joke and you can't read it that's also a joke :o).

Love all the sweet things!!

Jenn said...

Oh, poor you. Hang in there! This will make you feel better... but I cannot take credit as the joke comes from my 8 year old daughter who laughs hysterically everytime she tells it... Where do ducks go to the bank? Well, the river bank of course!! Your work is lovely, as usual. Have a vertigo free Thursday!

thevintagemagpie said...

Hi Viv, ok this is actually one of my little 'uns favourite jokes of the week... 'what's the difference between bogies and brussel sprouts? Kids won't eat their sprouts!!'
I have my fingers crossed!x

linda said...

hello viv :)

congratulations on a years blogging! but so sorry your not so well... sounds awful, poor you :(

and thank you so much for the mention and pics.. what a lovely surprise, reading away and there i was! so lovely of you :)

heres my joke (actually it's my daughter issie's!)

what do you call a snail on a boat?

a snailer!! (get it!? haha)

actually i think you should pick gigibirds because her first joke actually made me laugh out loud!

all the purses look beautiful of course and i love the second card :)

get better soon, linda :) x

jenny elkins said...

Viv- I hate that you are dealing with this crazy situation. My self dad had this problem. It took awhile to get it straightened out. Hope it clears up soon.

Thanks for adding me to your post. I am going to post something now about a conversation I had this mornign that kind of puts it all in place at least for me. I enjoy so much reading you blog and seeing what you have made and what you have found at the local thrifts etc. Happy Anniversary! jenny

LeBizyB said...

Happy Blogversary. I hope you are feeling better. I don't know very many jokes so here is one "fitting" for the occasion since you haven't been well.

When a doctor remarked on a new patient’s extraordinarily ruddy complexion, he said, “high blood pressure, Doc. It runs in my family.”
“Your mother’s side or your father’s?” the doctor asked. “Neither,” the patient replied. “It’s from my wife’s family.” “Oh, come now,” said the doctor “How could your wife’s family give you high blood pressure?” He sighed. “You oughta meet’em sometime, Doc!”

Maybe the sherry would counter act the vertigo.

I love your little coin purses. Glad I found your blog.

JD

lebizyb@gmail.com

A time to dance said...

i am so sorry about your vertigo...after all the problems I have been having with my eyes and balance I really really sympathise...Polly and I more than liked our purses...we adored them and used them all the time in Venice...hope you are feeling better..as ever your work is wonderful...I am afraid I only know one clean but very sad joke...why did the Koala bear fall out of the tree....because he was dead....

Kate Fernyhough said...

Oh I hope you're feeling better soon. Here's the only joke I can remember from the Puffin joke book in the 70's...
What language is 'quack quack'?
Double ducks

Congratulations on a year of blogging, I have only been reading it for a couple of months and love your work.
best wishes Kate

RosesRadishesandRubbish said...

Dearest Viv,

First of all I hope you are feeling better? Nothing is worse than vertigo. OH, your wares are just wonderful. I love the cottages that you incorporate in some of your pieces and the change purses are just too lovely. Your personal touches..just add sooo much. AND your garden flowers are absolutely beautiful!:) All the colors I love.

Happy one year "bloggiversary"! So glad I found you and your blog and hoping to visit for many years to come.:

PS I don't know any jokes, but here is a joke that Ellory made up, I am entering for her.:)

What do you call a flying turtle?

A "shellicopter" :)

oops! I guess this is a riddle. heehee

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

So sorry to hear about you having vertigo. How awful that must be! I do hope you feel much better soon.
I very much like what you have done with the receipt! The picture of the little girl with the blue buttons is very sweet.
Isabelle x

PICCALILY & BLOSSOM said...

Sorry to hear that you feel so poorly. :( I hope that you pick up soon or something can be resolved I know two others that have suffered with the same. Nasty!!! lil blighter.

On a brighter cheery note your work is beautiful. Just truly magic. I have not been blogging of late no energy what with all the wedding prep but Im sure I will return one day.

Take care Sam xx

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear you are not well - how you manage to blog through vertigo and nausea I do not know. (Afraid I am no good at jokes, sorry).

Country Cottage Chic said...

Happy blogaversary! Your purses are wonderful!

OK - here's my silliest joke (and I love it!)
What do you get if you pour hot water down a rabbit hole?
A hot, cross bunny!

;-)
Jayne

x vInTaGe VioLeT x said...

you have my total sympathies on the labyrinthitus as i've been suffering with it for two weeks now myself - it's bloody awfull and i've thanked my lucky stars for the 10 yr age gap between my kids 'cause i really couldn't have coped without my sweet daughters help.
i hope you get better very soon x

here's my 4yr old son's fave joke of the moment_ what's yellow & dangerous? {harry hill's} shark infected custard OF COURSE!this has to be SHOUTED!!

Su said...

Lovely purses!! Very nice all your creations.
Get well soon.
Regards, Su

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

I do so love your style of work.. it is most original and refreshing..
I am sorry to hear you have been feeling poorly.. and for so many days.. Do hope you are recovering now.. at least it hasn't affected your wonderful talent for design...

Michele x

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Oh.. forgot the joke..
Why do elephants have big ears?
Because Noddy won't pay the ransom.. boom boom!

Sorry.. hopeless at jokes!

Michele x

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear you've been poorly. Here's a joke to cheer you up a bit...

"Doctor, doctor, I've been stung by a bee - should I put some ointment on it?"

"Don't be silly, it'll be miles away by now!"

Congrats on the bloggy anniversary! :)

Vintage to Victorian said...

I can't believe it - Embellisher used my joke about the elephant in the fridge. It took me ages to remember that one. I'll have to think again!!

Lovely giveaway - the Robin Starch does it for me.

It's got to be another elephant joke - sorry!

How did the elephant hide in the cherry tree?
He painted his toenails red.

How sad!

Sue

Heloise said...

Just wanted to say I hope you will soon be feeling much better. Lovely work. Sorry no joke.

Saskia said...

Lovely work on your bog, so creative!!

Greetings,
Saskia

Ingrid said...

hope you are feeling better and congrats on your blog anniversary,
would love to be in the draw,you make some beautiful art!take care/Ingrid

MaygreenFairies said...

Really enjoyed my visit to your blog, I look forward to the next one... beautiful artwork! Mandy

BT said...

What wonderful purses and how lucky to receive those buttons. You can't have too many buttons, I say!