New Doors

Today I looked at what we were up to this time last year. A blog is great for this purpose!

I really couldn't believe that a year ago we were moving out of our divine flat in Brighton...onward to our new life in the countryside....was it really a year ago?

Time disappears in a flash. 

Next week we will have been in Martin & the Magpie for a whole year. We have learnt a lot, worked so very hard, even argued, but in the end have made it a big success, and we are so very proud. 

We have evolved over the year, working on our strengths as individuals, as well as a team.

Our courses have been a real joy, teaching others has been an amazing experience. 

It has been fun, and I cant wait for the next year of fun!

Looking back at our life before, I miss certain things, but I feel our life is so right just now and we are in the right place. We are content, happy & relaxed. 

Our beautiful Pip is growing nicely, the baby plans are all coming along well. I have exciting plans for Vintage Magpie in 2012, and Martin & the Magpie is looking forward to a fantastic Christmas...

I however will miss blue cheese, port, sloe gin and pate...but this bump keeps me smiling...next Christmas I will have all those things and a beautiful baby to share his/her first Christmas with!!

Change is good

When one door is closed, don't you know, another is open.
Bob Marley

Pale & Interseting

Sometimes a girl needs the calm of pure white... Delicious orchids in Martin & the Magpie

Soft shadow boxes

Iridescence of shells

Natural beauty

The lemon scent of the 'crocus' rose in our garden

Ruffles of peonies

Off white beauty with a special photo inside the locket

a Mothers veil,

The prettiest house decorated by Martin & the Magpie

That cool & calming wallpaper is divine

This week I have been relaxing while working, trying to find some peace from the hectic wedding season at Vintage Magpie & Martin & the Magpie.

There is always time for some silly-ness though!!

Happy weekend

xxx

A Bouquet fit for a Princess

I have been busy over at Martin & the Magpie creating our window display for the Royal Wedding....we are all so excited!!

This dress is made from a gorgeous silk and pinned onto my gorgeous big bosomed vintage lady...i don't know whether i will have the heart to take it off her after the big day!!

Vintage Magpie's Royal wedding Bouquet is looking good in the window too

Why don't you pop over and take a look at the whole window? HERE!!

We hope you enjoy the Wedding of the year....What do you think her dress is going to be like?? Her flowers? I'm afraid I never got the call from Kate...hey ho!!

My Week in Photos

Some left overs from Mothers Day...stocks in the morning sun, Divine.

Bob and his favorite treat...he will do anything for these even pose for a photo!!

We have been bathed in glorious sunshine, sudden down pores and strong winds, but best of all.....Dawn walks in splendid warm light....

Freshly squeezed blood orange juice....

 and a matching wreath, set to stun.....

Martin & the Magpie's fun Kids kits for Mothers day....jam jar heaven...did you get a lovingly arranged jar with your special Mummy breakfast??

Blue & White with a hint of Green.....Muscari planters, roses, vintage maps and a 'Mother' cake topper....J'adore!

There has been discussions on the Royal wedding window....not long now Will's!!

Oh and a hair cut....What a busy bee!!

Thank you everyone would voted on the bouquet poll....the feathers won, I thought they would. You will be pleased to know this is what she chose....it was a tough decision....but if you saw her dress you would scream feathers at the computer screen, just like I did!!

Life is good right now...busy...hectic...but beautiful.

I hope the sun is shining with you

xxx

Free Flower Bridal Course ~ Martin & the Magpie

Over at Martin & the Magpie, we are offering a free floral bridal day course!!

Pop over and comment for a chance to win a place!!

FREE FOR FRIDAY!!!

xxx

A sneaky peek on the work bench today....

....I have been working on my new online shop....working hard creating bouquets that will tickle your taste buds!

All these buttons will be lovingly wired and find a home in one of Vintage Magpie's Divinely Decadent Bouquets.....will it be yours???

(P.S I made this cute bowl on my hen do....and think it is a wonderful....polka dots are a firm favorite of this Magpie!!)



I adore this soft cornflower blue in these wired flowers....do they fit your colour theme?



I'm feeling the lovely feel of Spring and it is making me very creative...our flat is basked in glorious sunshine...the first of the year...blue skies and chatty sparrows on the beech hedge, are what I can see from my window.....

Inside there is beautiful flowering blossom

J'adore Spring!!

Are you feeling the beauty of the season?

The Reason....

Oh Hello......

I know, I know, it's been ages...but the reason is rather lovely....shall I fill you in on all the details?

As I'm sure you know The Wonderful Dutchman and I moved out of our flat by the sea....a huge and exciting step forward.....we have settled into the glorious town of Hungerford in Berkshire....

.....why you ask???

To have on of these.......





May I welcome you all to Martin & the Magpie......





We decided that we wanted some roots...and Brighton, as much as we love it...wasn't quite right for us.

Add into the mix The Wonderful Dutchman unfortunately got made redundant a month before our wedding, so it quickened our plans slightly. We knew we wanted to be in the countryside and combine our talents, but to do what?? then my Ma saw this place and it was perfect, the flash of ideas, the thoughts and possibilities....

My Divine Ma, is our huge helping hand, and as she herself is a trained Florist we thought it only natural to all work together....no pressure!!! New Marriage, New Business, New Area....!

But everything is coming together so wonderfully....I have a workroom out the back, and happily sit creating away while watching the hive of activity around me. We are encompassing all our talents in one gorgeous little shop.

My love of fresh seasonal flowers have never left me....and after creating for our own wedding, and a few friends in the summer the flame was lit again....the rest was in fates hand.

So we Three are Martin & the Magpie.... Fresh seasonal flowers, vintage furniture, gorgeous plants, celebrations, weddings, farewells, and parties!....oh and a Vintage Magpie!

I hope you all pop along to see us...read our blog...like our flowers....and maybe come along for a visit.....we do smell divine...but I warn you; it's cold!!

xxx

The Waddington's

Miss C is now Mrs W...a delightful day, wonderful weather, scrummy food and super tunes!

I was very happy with how her bouquet turned out... she loved it, and I loved working with fresh flowers again. I believe floristry is like riding a bike...you never forget!

The Wonderful Dutchman and me danced the night away knowing that our big day is next....

...But for now I want to Congratulate Mr & Mrs Waddington...Thank you for a brilliant, fun and very happy day xxx

What are you doing today?

My kitchen resembles a flower shop.....

...some stunning Peonies madam?

...How about a striking Blush orchid?

....Or a simple scented Freesia?

...or the classic beauty of Roses?

Well that time has come to create Miss C's Wedding Flowers.....I am slightly nervous as it has been a while, but I have The Wonderful Dutchman to help if I need it!!

I am very excited to be able to make her bouquet, and very honoured she asked me. She is having a Picnic Wedding reception with a BBQ! Picnic rugs are the new Wedding accessory don't you know!

Is your Friday is as exciting and fun? What are you spending the day doing? Comment and let me know....

....I wish you all a magical weekend xxx

Who said a Hen can't be stylish?

One of my Lovely friends is getting married at the end of the month...it was her Hen do yesterday...it started with a trip to the spa for manicures and Pedicures, bubbly and lots of laughter and ended with Gorgeous cocktails.

I created this super fun Corsage for her...as 'L' plates and Veils are not her thing!

A wonderful time was had by all....we are all excited about the wedding now...I have to make her flowers for her big day....its been a while but I cannot wait!

Sunshine....

Today I got a lovely email that brightened my day....

Sam from You & Your Wedding told me I had been chosen and featured in their 15 favourite wedding Blogs!!! I am a so thrilled...my little blog...my life and work being recognised by a magazine I love

What a lucky girl I am....to celebrate I cut a beautiful dahlia from the courtyard with some divine smelling Jasmine....the scent is fabulous.

These photos also give you a little hint to our table centers....who doesn't love vintage books!!