Manchester Deco

This post is dedicated to Miss Matilda, as it features her combined loves of Manchester, art deco and Carole Lombard! Some friends and I have been taking swimming lessons at a Bannatyne's health club, which is situated inside Sunlight House on Quay St. in Manchester, next door to the opera house. The basement pool is absolutely gorgeous - all original deco railings and tiles, an unusual shape, and a stunning domed stained glass ceiling looking up...

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Fabulous Fruits!

I wanted to make some shoe decorations for some wedges I've ordered, so a few evenings ago I got out the polymer clay and made some little fruits! After baking them I painted on some shade and highlights, then varnished them. There are limes, oranges, bananas, cherries, mangoes, grapes, pineapples and peaches. I love how they came out. I strung them on some thread to keep them safe until it's time to make the shoe clips, and have decided that I need...

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Vintage Blouse Project: Bakelite Buttons Update

After the disaster that was my first bakelite buttons purchase for this project, I was somewhat disheartened. However, I've cheered up a bit after the replacements I ordered from OritDotan on Etsy arrived safe and sound. Here they are (there are actually six):Not as nice as the bamboo effect of the first lot, but these are the right size and colour, and the cut grooves in the bakelite are a nice touch. As soon as I have some spare time I'm going...

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Exfoliating: Part One

My skin is annoying. I get spots around my chin, it's very sensitive, and I have dry patches on my cheeks and forehead that stop me from being able to wear foundation because they absorb it and show up the true flaky horror. This week I picked up Boots No.7 'Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator'. Normally I would not pay £11 for a facial scrub, but at the moment Boots are running one of their spend £5, get a £5 No.7 voucher promotions so I...

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Vintage Sewing: Two New Patterns and Bakelite Horror

Here are a couple of new vintage patterns I have purchased! One is a lovely dress with classically 1950s sleeve and collar styling, and the other is a rare playsuit and overskirt pattern. I'm hoping that as well as creating these gorgeous garments, I can also trace off and modify the bodice of one of them to create my planned Summer blouse.From Miss Betty's Attic on etsy.From NewVintageLady on etsy, you should also check out her marvellous blog!Also...

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A Stash of 78s!

On Monday I had to go to Burnley for a dental check-up. I hate going there by bus - the only reason I usually go back there is to visit my mum and stepdad, when we go by car and I don't have to be exposed to the rest of the town. But - there is one upside. If you know where to look, there are cheap vintage gems to be had. I got these 78RPM records from the open market. The stallholder had lots of old books, antique and vintage tools and product packaging,...

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RIP Jane

RIP Jane Russell, who died yesterday aged 89. Tonight I will be watching Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, in which she arguably shone brighter than Marilyn - she was a wonderful actress who was never overshadowed in her roles....

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