Avoca Beachside Markets

I had my first adventure as Paisley Vintage at the Avoca Beachside Markets on Sunday and I had such an amazing day!

I'll admit that I was completely scared to death. I imagined coming home with absolutely everything, having not sold even a small item. I'm still pinching myself; I sold all my furniture bar one piece!!! It seems completely incredible to me and people were so positive and encouraging. There were a couple of things that I could have sold two or three times over and now I know what to look for in my next pieces!

I did have one or two funny experiences; one lady was in raptures about this little side table, but exclaimed as loud as she possibly could 'I don't know who would ever think of painting it such an atrocious colour!!'.

Luckily it had sold first thing that morning, a fact that I quickly shared with her. Her expression was hilarious and she walked away at pace. To each their own... The other involved an attempt to eat a bacon and egg sandwich at 7am - the yolk burst on first bite and I was covered in it before the market had even started! It was even in my shoe!!

And what did I learn about having a market stall? There were loads of practical things like checking what the ground will be like - my stall was on dirt and bark so I had to use my transport materials to put down on the ground to protect the furniture (you can see what I mean in the photo below)! I've bought some shade cloth for next time. People were also not so interested in the smaller items I'd made like cushions, coasters etc, but without them the stall looked empty, so they'll come along next time too.

I also think I need to make more of my space - think about ways to hang things from my tent, and block out some of the background. I want it open enough that people are comfortable to come on in and browse, but I could have also blocked out the ugly brick wall and walkway behind me.

I'm now madly working on pieces for next market, and have a buying trip scheduled for next weekend ;)

A big thank you goes to those people who offered support and advice before the market, and who came along on the day. And I couldn't have managed without my family; Bronwyn who came with me on the day and stopped me from chickening out, and Danny who looked after Emma and Harry so I could go. THANK YOU!!

Coffee Table to Upholstered Ottoman

There is an auction house near where I live that I visit a little too frequently. Even when I say I won't go this weekend I somehow find my way there and get myself into a whole lot of furniture trouble. A few weeks ago there was a coffee table with funky legs going for $5. How could I resist? And a little while later, that $5 coffee table became this...

I knew right away it would make a great ottoman. Apart from those funky legs it was solid and sturdy - exactly what I was looking for. I should mention that another DIY'er had attached a homemade chess board on top (each to their own ;) which was easily removed to make this seriously funky piece of furniture!

I had an initial vision in my mind but I'll be honest - it wasn't working. I'd planned on something striped, but as I draped the fabric over my foam / wading top I knew it wouldn't work. Thank goodness I'd picked up this crazy print at Ikea. I know it's some kind of artistic take on a floral, but I see a peacock in there... what about you?

So with bright blue legs and a crazy black and white pattern, this is absolutely a statement piece for someone's lounge room / living room. But I think it would also work as a window seat or dressing seat (if one were to be lucky enough to have a dressing room!). Or how about extra seating in a play room?

Another project off the to do list, and something I'm taking along to Avoca Markets!

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Two Tone Drawers (Again!)

Ok, so I like two tone! After the two tone coffee table and two tone drop leaf table I've decided I really like the style and I'm just going with it!

I found this chest of drawers on an expedition with my sister. The drawers caught my eye - but I also love that they are so solid and would work as a bedside table / nightstand as well as a set of drawers or even an end table (how great would the storage be in the lounge room / living room, for all those remotes, cords and general bits and pieces?)

There was not alot wrong with this piece of furniture to start with - I just couldn't imagine such a dark piece working in many homes.

But with a bright white frame I think it changes it's personality completely. I also gave the drawer fronts another coat of stain and varnish, to give them a bit of shine. This guy is heading with me to Avoca Beachside Markets.

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My first market stall booked for September & Your advice needed!

I've had some great news this week - I've been accepted as a stall holder at the Avoca Beachside Markets!

This is the biggest and best local handmade market on the Central Coast where I live. They have a great selection of products; everything from jewellery to gourmet sausages! I had to put a little application together (my first time, I had no idea what I was doing!) and a selection of photos, and hooray I'm in!

These guys will be coming with me, plus a bunch of other projects I'm working my way through. My garage looks like a war zone! My stall name is Paisley Vintage, combining two things I love, and a little nod to this here little blog that started the ball rolling.

My to do list is a mile long! I'm SO excited, but I'm also nervous about making it a success. So I'd love your advice...

What makes a great stall? What advice would you give to a newbie like me?

Look forward to hearing from you!

Drinks Trolley / Storage Cart

When I was growing up there was always an old drinks trolley on the corner of the lounge room. It didn't ever have drinks on it; there was always a variety of nic nacs, books or general 'stuff'. I always thought for its original purpose it looked pretty boring and needed a little colour, so...

I just love this as a piece of furniture - it can do anything! Prop up a vintage mirror, some of my nannas old books and a stack of magazines and it looks gorgeous and is great for storage. A perfect pop of colour in the lounge room; a great hall table; or I can even imagine it stacked with towels, bubbles and soap in a bathroom!

Arrange a retro drinks set and a few bottles of wine and it has another life again. (Yes I know. My drinks supply is rather sad, and you should see the dust on those things. Thing is, I'd take a chocolate over a wine any day!)

With this piece I spray painted it fire engine red, the rubbed it over wth black acrylic. I've kept the original wheels, they work perfectly and I love the patina developing on top.

With any luck this piece will be grabbing the attention of passers by at my first market stall in September. I should hear next week if I've been accepted, keep your fingers crossed for me!!

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Two Tone Drop Leaf Table

When I found this drop leaf table during an op shop / thrift store shop with my sister, I knew I had to take it home with me. I love the turned legs and think she's a perfect piece of furniture for someone tight on space.

I went with the same two tone style I used for my coffee table. This time though I used a pale blue grey for the under side, and distressed lightly. I used the same chocolate stain, but this time only gave it one coat to let the wood grain shine through. Here she is again...

The table top was in poor condition when I bought her; loads of little scratches and what looked like someones initials in the centre. But with a bit of sanding and some stain, the top has come up beautifully.

I thought I would leave you with one of my favourite finds. I picked this up at my local tender center - I couldn't believe it when i saw it sitting there; I'd being looking on ebay at them, but they were always out of my price range. She might be dirty, and a few of her keys skewiff, but it's love!

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Retro Coasters

I've been sewing a little lately, and came up with these.

I love retro tea towels, and there's always a good supply of them in the Op Shops/Thrift Stores around me. Some are a little worse for wear, or have sections that are worn or stained, and these are perfect for cutting into and making into coasters.

While I love the cool floral of the first set, but who doesn't love a bit of Australiana kitsch! A giant crocodile next to a scenic boat cruise - I love it!

My coasters are made from two fabric squares, about 11cm all round. I use vintage tea towels and denim, but you could use anything from your stash... I have a few coffee sacks in the stash that I also think would look very cool! I also add in a layer of wading to make them sit nicely.

After lots of encouragment from family and friends, I've gone ahead and set up a madeit store, Paisley Vintage. If you have time please head on over and check it out, and I'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback if you have any. I'm working on an etsy store too, but one thing at a time!

It's a crazy, scary adventure, but I'm ready for it!

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