Barkcloth Bauble Ornaments?

Just quickly checking in with six newly arrived vintage cotton barkcloths. They are all corkers so don't ask if I have a favourite. There is only one panel of each so just one or two large shades I'm afraid of each. Give me a shout at hello@follyandglee.co.uk if you need further images or lampshade sizes/shape options. 

Blurosa and Sissy Vintage Barkcloths

 I am winning a battle with myself  (just) not to go and start draping them around the house and convincing myself that I need them. 

Symli and Umerosa Vintage barkcloths

My consolation prize ..... well I might just make myself some christmas baubles from the scraps. 

Lilianda and Glynde

 I'd love to hear from anyone with an inspired idea for using up the barkcloth scraps for christmas ornaments.

For starters I'm going to retry an old favourite - the fabric scrap balls on the Lisa's wonderful  redthread blog.

the redthreadblog tutorial for fabric scrap ball ornaments

 The Red Thread is one of my absolute favourite blogs and going back to check the tutorial was still there was the perfect opportunity to also visit Lisa's shop and choose my nieces Christmas presents -

Freddie Sweetie Petite Kit

Birdie Brooch

 Go see - you'll love it.

Winter Scene Vintage Barkcloths

Yes I know its not Friday but I can't wait to feature some fabulous fabrics.

I first mustered the courage to cut a treasured pair of curtains of the 1945 painting by Gandma Moses called Sugaring Off last Christmas.

With sales and shameless begging from friends and family I find myself with very little left. But I've found a little and fallen in love all over again.



Sugaring Off Lampshade from Folly&Glee

Sugaring off is one of the scenes that you just never tire off...there is so much to see. I love the Mum pouring the hot maple syrup onto the snow so it hardens to form sweets for the kids. I love the little copper pales hanging in the trees. I love the obvious teamwork and care being shown by the overalled farm workers.

I have another Grandma Moses original barkcloth fabric called Early Springtime.

The snow still looks pretty thick on the ground to me which just emphasises how hard these folk had to work. The same sense of community and love for nature oozes out of this fabric too. See the excited chap emerging from the cottage door with his sledge? The gaggle of geese in search of a thawed patch of ground? The revellers in the cart singing together?



Vintage Scene Lampshade from FollyandGlee



Fabulous eh?

I have so little of this beautiful fabric and I can't bear to cut into the scene too much so there are just 2 large shades in the shop.

Now there is one more vintage scenic barkcloth to feature today. I think if you are a skier, a snowboarder or you just love the slopes this could be the perfect fabric lampshade to aid sweet dreams by the side of your bed.



Snowy Mountain Lampshade on FollyandGlee



It features snow capped mountains, chalet roofs....

and the cutest alpine flowers.

I have enough of this barkcloth for a larger lampshade or two if the size in the shop doesn't work for your lamp.

Talk to you soon fabric lovers!

Sailing Away for Christmas?

Anthropologie has ...as ever...come up with THE most charming christmas decorations or The Branch Bunch.

Being particularly partial to a badger of course I love this little chap.

Anthropologie

 And I'm definately putting this on the try myself at home list. I used to have quite a thing for old glass condiment sets. This would be a great way to re-use the old odd ones.

Anthropologie

The felt trees and wreaths have the loveliest looking texture to them. How have they done that? Do you wrap the roving around wire?

Anthropologie

 But I think my favourite decoration is the little sailing ship. It stirs up all kinds of notions of sailing storming seas to a safe harbour with family for the holiday. And if I'm brutally honest even clearer fancies of taking off and sailing into a winter sunset away from the impending madness and possibly warmer, sunnier climes!

Anthropologie

 The little Anthropologie ship did remind me of the beautiful sailing boats made by Ann Wood. 

Paper Mache Boat by AnnWood

What a fantastic find on Anne's blog ...a tutorial to make your own little paper mache sail boat. In reality I'm not sure there is going to be a crafty moment available this weekend....ah but in my head I shall definately be having a go at one of these.

Happy sailing my hearties.

x

20% off Mini Mistletoe Wreaths from Rie Elise Larsen

I've been scrabbling about in the loft looking for snowboarding gear in the hope that it will still fit huge teenagers and look what I found....

A handful of just the loveliest Mini mistletoe wreaths cut from re-cycled metal from the very clever Rie Elise Larsen.We sold the larger size a couple of Christmas's backand these babies must have got lost.

Mini Mistletoe Wreath from Rie Elise Larsen available on FollyandGlee

The list of ways you can use these cuties is endless. I've had mine wrapped around a pillar candle before and the shadows cast are lovely. They are instant door handle wreaths and look great just hanging in the window maybe with your own paper angel.

If you'd like one just enter the code MISTLETOE at the checkout in the shop and you'll get an early festive treat - 20% off.

Polish Stars or Porcupines

I have fallen in love with these super cool paper ornaments all over again this morning after seeing some in the new Elle Decor.

They have a great mid-century 50s vibe and seem to work with all kinds of papers and colours.

HowAboutOrange

 I first remember seeing them over on How About Orange last Christmas but as you know with my old procrastinatory ways never got around to trying them.

The good news is the tutorial is still up on Jessica's inspirational blog and they really don't look too hard. Do they?

Tutorial on HowAboutOrange

 If you prefer to watch a video there do seem to be a few out there - just google polish stars or porcupine balls.

I just love all the different ways you can use them. 

Kissadesign on Etsy.com

I think as a tree topper is my favourite. 

Kissadesign on Etsy.com

 But look at these mini ones as place card holders - stunning.

Magnet from KissaDesign on Etsy

 

 

 

Or how about on a magnet to display those Christmas cards - cool.

 

 Those clever girls over at the gorgeous mid century mod haven Winter's Moon have come up trumps and will very shortly have ready made ornaments on sale that they have had commercially made up from an old 50s pattern.  Its looks like there are going to be some recycled news paper stars as well as some bold brights.

 

Winters Moon Blog

 I'm not sure how much they are but its very tempting to bag a few and style into a wreath.

Winters Moon Blog

Oh decisions, decisions.

Polly the Procrastinator

I think I have developed something nasty.

It's called procrastination.

Chaos of the daily orders at FollyandGlee

Reaching for one of my old Psychology textbooks Procrastination has been defined as "to voluntarily delay an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse off for the delay."[Steel 2007]. Procrastination may result in stress, a sense of guilt and crisis, severe loss of personal productivity, as well as social disapproval for not meeting responsibilities or commitments. These feelings combined may promote further procrastination.

Ummm. Sounds horrid eh?

My symptoms are a feeling of being overwhelmingly busy with important paying for the family food bill type stuff and family commitments (yea that's understandable). Throw in a never ending stream of ideas/things/finds I'd love to blog about. ( got ideas - so what's the problem?)

Well in my downtime moments when I should just get on and post I increasingly dither and dally. I fret about the light not being good enough for photos. That its too early to post cos an items not ready. Or too late because I've read about it elsewhere. I wittle that it would be better as a facebook update, or a Pinterest group...you know the feeling? Or do you?

Patchwork shades in construction

I know that blogging makes me feel good. I know how much I LOVE other bloggers posts. So no more readers. Polly the Procrastinator can hibernate if she wants but I promise to up the posting. Comments of encouragement much appreciated! And to anyone whose left me a nice message already to which I've not replied. I'm sorry.

In true procrastinator style I can't pick a favourite  for this Fridays Fabulous Fabric Feature, But the new me  is going to post some contenders anyway.

First up is Liona because those big brazen russet and orange blooms reminded me of a lions mane.

Liona Vintage Fabric

Next up would be this gorgeous really seriously old perhaps 1920s? vintage nursery  barkcloth I've called Baby Toucan because it features....yep you've guessed it kind of toucanish looking birds in fab colours.

Baby Toucan vintage barkcloth

Yes there are lampshades made of both fabrics in the shop.
Cripes I think I might have just swapped procrastination for shameless plugging. Anyone got a definition for that?

Miniature Boxes Advent Calender

I'm pleased to announce we have a rather spiffy advent calender kit in the shop. 

Advent Boxes from FollyandGlee

Know one needs reminding about how tough things are financially for folk. I pondered for a while about the necessities of such things as advent calenders. But then I thought about how Advent is the perfect time for taking a moment in the madness of the day and counting a blessing or thinking a happy thought.

Advent Box kit from FollyandGlee

Our boxes certainly won't be filled with gorgeous gifts but they will contain a message of something to look forward too (eg extra crackling with the roast pork tonight, Dad's night in charge of the TV remote, etc).....and maybe a gentle reminder of what's really important.

PS: The eagle eyed amongst you might click that the gorgeous paper is from Rie Elise Larsen. We're long term fans of danish designer Rie Elise Larsen here at F&G. Her lovely paper in particular is unbeatable in my opinion and so versatile.If you haven't already visited the Rie Elise Larsen You Tube channel go and take a peek now because there are often just the cleverist of crafty DIY posts.





Christmas Bakers Twine

Look away now if you don't want to have to think about the "C" word yet.

Before FollyandGlee I was definately in the "not before December 1st and then only put the tree up 2 weeks before" camp. Any crafter or retailer will tell you that business changes all that and June /July becomes the time to get your festive hat on and you are kind of over it come October!

But hooray I have been re-inspired.....

We've been promised some of this totally gorgeous Christmas Baker's Twine as soon as its ready. Red, white and green stripes- nice! It's unlikely to be here before the end of November and I'd suggest dropping me a line if you want to pre-order as I have a feeling it will go fast.

Mini spool at FollyandGlee

It never ceases to amaze me how lovely a little bit of stripey twine can be.....especially at Christmas. I re-photographed a few colours at the week end which was fun.

Christmas twine at FollyandGlee

Every season seems to cry out for it. I remember this image from way back - lovely Halloween ideas with orange twine from Butterflyfly Stamps.

Butterflyfly stamps

You know I'd love to do a Baker's Twine calender....anyone else up for that?

The Arrival of Gladys (or chair wars)

 Once upon a time many moons ago on a grey Saturday afternoon in a hot and frankly overcrowded village jumble sale I happened upon a little white glass cup with orange and pink flowers. Well my pretty you are coming home with me I said (hopefully not outloud!) and I handed over 20p. I was happy with my purchase because being white glass pyrex it reminded me of the wonderful Fireking collections I kept seeing in the homes of US bloggers. 

 For many weeks I thought it was a lone item. Unmarked I knew nothing of its French heritage. Until that is, sulking after a lengthy dental appointment I wandered into an unknown charity shop and I spied 3 more cups and a bowl. The bowl was marked Arcopal....and then the hunt was on.

My boys were instructed only to make coffee's and teas in the "white stuff" because it just tastes better. Friends and neighbours watched agast as the collection grew. Some mocked the lowly origins of the mugs as a free give away with Mobil petrol. Others declared a passing nostalgic affection as they remembered their mums and nans having some way back then.

But I still though that I was alone with my obcession.....

until a fellow Arcopal lover SimoneRetro asked me to join an Arcopal Flickr group no less.

 Oh my. I could never have imagined that there were so many fabulous patterns. 

NanaOdile

 Arcopal truly was something to be celebrated.

And then one day oggling over the latest fab dabby dozy creation from the crochet Queen of the North -Emma Lamb- I saw that Emma too had fallen under Arcopal's spell.

Emma Lamb's thrifty ditsy jug

 One thing led to another and Emma and I did a deal. The outcome of which is more lovely that I could have dreamt. Gladys has come to live with us. 

Being greedy and impatient I ripped her out of her beatifully packaged packaging before taking any pictures of the lovely papers and twine. But oh - the plumptiousness of the wool and the attention to detail is so perfect. 

 Look at the little label and the hand embroidered tag.

 I am pleased to report that Gladys received a very warm reception from all. If I'm honest a little too warm. Stern words have stopped furry big and furry small from wiping their beards, sitting on etc. I have had less luck in resolving what might best be described as chair wars!

 Where does she look best? 

 On the tulip Saarinen chair in the kitchen? 

 On the Ercol in the lobby? 

 Or in the funny pink factory chair in my workroom?

Please will you let me know your thoughts. 

Gladys deserves to stay put and make herself comfy. Thank you Emma.

 

Neon Pink Wire Ghost Lampshades

So very pleased to announce that FollyandGlee is now stocking our very own line of wire ghost lamp shades and ceiling pendants.



FollyandGlee



It's taken a while but we were determined to be able to offer ghost shades in authentic vintage shapes that will fit both the new standard European fittings ie a 45mm lampholder as well as the old UK 28mm lampholders.

I've had plenty of time whilst we'be been designing and commissioning to get inspired by other "ghost" frames out there.

Perhaps the most striking and enormously popular with those super stylish Scandanavians are the unadorned lamp frames. Beautifully shaped armatures left in their natural wire state for an industrial vibe or powdercoated for a pop of colour. 

1. The Emperors New Lamp from DesignDessert 2. Inspirational project from Inthefunlane 3.Unknown - anybody recognise? 4. Pendant cage lamp from Wisteria 5. DesignDessert as before  6. Hung as pretty ceiling mobiles by ?  7.PBteen 8. Industrial wire lighting at Hudsonsgoods 9. so pretty but sorry can't find image reference - anyone?

Such a great structure in there own right but oh is so tempting to adorn them with a few treasures. And of course you can change your display from time to time....perhaps with the seasons or simply as the mood takes you.

1. Blackbirds and Bumblebees added photos with wooden pegs 2.Follow the tutorial for a bejewelled shade from Mood Swing Studio on Inspired Ideas blog  3. The amazing Sania Pell hand cut and embossed silver leaves from metal craft sheeting and wired them to the bottom of the frame 3, Add some drama with black feathers like NordicBliss 4. Sassycrafter added vintage keys 5. Love the deep fabulous fringing via DesiretoInspire

Bird cage lamp at GrahamandGreen



Why stop there eh? Being such a lover of fabric it's hard to resist yet another option - wrapping your ghost frame in fabric and hanging the odd ribbon garland? Take care here. If you are going to hang your shade as a decorative mobile only you can really go to town with the amount of embellishment you add. Please if you are going to light your shade or pendant do take care to placedecorations away from direct heat and ideally treat them with a fire retardant fabric spray.

Liberty fabric wrapped on Decor8

1.Yarning made the most beautiful Christmas mobile from her lamp frame 2. Quirky and whimsical from HenryRoad  3. Holly at Decor8 shows just how the Liberty wrapped mobile was done  4. Wrapping with fabric tightly and then sealing can be a great alternative to stripping and painting shown here by Linnea 5. Dottie Angel goes to town with the bestest fabrics scaps 6. scoot over to EmmasDesign Blog for inspiration in the form of white linen strips 7. Dottie Angel's "hangy me jig" complete with kitetails 8.  Sania Pells lampstand from the Liberty Chic Mook 9. Decor8 as before

There are just a handful of two extra large ghost shades in a fabulous neon pink in the shop right now. One is a scalloped bell shape, the other more tulip shaped. 

We love the fact that these are big but we will be offering several colours very soon plus alternative sizes and shapes. 
The pink ghost shades are photographed with our fabulous ceramic lampholders with a groovy  pink flex also available in the shop. Of course you don't have the hang them as ceiling pendants - we love them fitted as a standard lamp  or  even balanced alone as a table lamp. 

What will you do?