The One...

Since living in Hungerford I have admired the stunning houses, beautiful cottages, and glorious country farms. One of our Martin & the Magpies customers has the most stunning home. While sitting in her kitchen going through a Christmas order I was left fantasizing about what it would be like to own a house like that. It is a rambling country house...Horses in the stables and divine grounds.

It is lived in, with coffee cups in the sink, newspapers left half read on the table, a cat sat on the dining room chair....dogs snoring away in their beds, and children who have eaten all the 'good' biscuits!

Then when I came back into Hungerford with country home daydreams in my head...I walked past my favorite house.... I do not know if anyone lives here...it looks empty and unloved. 

I look at it and can see a family home, a sweeping staircase and a wide hallway are all I can see from the door when I sercretly peer in...!

The courtyard doors holds a secret....behind it is the church hall, they have tea and coffee mornings. The vintage residents walk the cobbles for a 50p cup of tea and a gossip!

I wonder if the church owns the house? I wonder if I could bear to paint those chippy blue doors?

I wonder if, one day, I will breath life into it?

The daydreams of a rambling country pad have left, a tatty town house has taken over....I could have a pack of hounds, a horde of babies, a big kitchen with an Aga, and the shop on my doorstep.

It is good to Dream. To Believe.

Do you have a fantasy house, one you walk past and imagine opening the front door?

Does yours have a Christmas tree above the door?

Lest we Forget

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Tales of Pip The Pickle

Our little Pip is proving his/her self to be a right pickle!

Pop over to Pip & the Magpie's to hear the tale & a scary scan photo!!

xxx

Remember, Remember

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

I am just like a small child when there are fireworks about...I love them so much.

I remember the joy of bonfire night, the hot dogs, the smell of fired onions and gunpowder in the air, gloved hands while writing your name with a sparkler, the heat of the bonfire, the amazement of the fireworks, the ground shaking booms, the whizzes, cries, Ohhh's & Ahh's.

Although I am growing a babe in my belly, have a ring on my finger, & a handsome man by my side, time flashes back....as I stand in that school field, I revert back to being 10..... the joy etched across my face.... Pip jiggling in my tummy.....Life is wonderous right now.

Vintage Magpie Courses 2012

This year I have discovered a love of teaching. Passing on my knowledge has been an incredibly positive part of this new journey I have been on.

As I'm sure you are all aware, we will be having a little bundle of joy in March. This is something which I have been waiting for all my life; to be a Mum. I cannot wait for the challenges that wait for me. 

However, I also ADORE my creative life, and get a cold sweat when someone asks me whether I will give up work. Although my bespoke work might be reduced next year due to Pip, I want to be able to grow Vintage Magpie throughout this time, to create a fantastic business that will work around Pip, So I can fulfill my dreams of  being a creative working Mum. 

So this got me thinking whether to offer some lovely VM workshops...

I honestly do not know whether this something you; my gorgeous readers, would be interested in?

So this is me dipping my toe in the water...

...please feel free to let me know what you think!!

Firstly I would be looking to hold a 'DIY Bridal Course' where you will learn how to make a silk fabric Rose Bouquet. All the materials will be included, just bring along some of your treasured vintage items to work into the bouquet. This would be a Day course. The cost of this course would need to be confirmed, but around £200 with lunch & wine included.

This would be happening around May/June 2012. It would only be open for a small amount of people, So if you would be interested please either comment on this post or email me at;

 emma@vintagemagpie.co.uk

The second course will be 'The Vintage Magpie Masterclass' an intensive 2 day course designed for the professional, who either would like to set up their own business or add a string to their bow and offer an extra service to their existing business.

It would give you a complete over view into the process of making an Heirloom bouquet...from the first crystal wired to binding off the bouquet.

A kit will be included, all you need to bring is some lovely Vintage Sparklers, a note pad & your happy face!

I stress the word INTENSIVE for this course! It will be a challenge but well worth it.

Again the cost will need to be confirmed, but around £850 Lunch & wine included on both days, Plus endless tea & coffee!!

This would be happening around July/August 2012. It would only be open for a small amount of people, So if you would be interested please either comment on this post or email me at;

 emma@vintagemagpie.co.uk

I am open to your ideas & your thoughts.

Growing Vintage Magpie continues to be my dream, I cannot wait to share my world with you. My aim is pass on my knowledge in a fun and exciting way. To help others who want to lead a creative life.

Will you be a Vintage Magpie Master?