Taking Stock!

I have been filling my cottage with beautiful and showy stocks! I love their heady scent and wonderful colours. It's been a busy time for me as I have also been gathering new stock for my shop. Then I realised that I had brought together several similar types of flowers!

I have found some beautiful things recently and many of them are decorated with pretty lilacs, lupins and stocks. This sewing box is covered in lilacs - and roses of course, I couldn't leave them out could I?!

This delightful old dish is decorated with lupins.

Some of these items will find their way into my shop in the coming days, that's if I can bear to part with them!

Finally, here are some photos of my rain-soaked irises. We've certainly had our share of rain this past week and the poor things were almost lying down with the weight of the raindrops! Now I must get back to working on the website; hope the sun is shining wherever you are!

Soft and Muted Florals

Although I really love bold and cheerful colours I am also drawn to subtle and muted tones, especially in vintage tapestries such as the one above.

This beautiful fabric is Victorian...

...and this pretty Barbola wall plaque is decorated with wonderful softly painted anemones.

Perhaps we're getting a little bolder now, although the colours in this old chalkware plaque are quite gentle.

I have selected these pretty pieces for my shop - but I couldn't help it - I've just had to include something bright and cheerful!

What do you prefer; bold and bright or soft and subtle?