Taking Stock...

Or perhaps I should say, stock taking...

A busy few days. I decided that my fabric collection & buttons, ribbons etc., were somehow multiplying secretly without my knowledge as I just can't fathom out how on earth I have got so much stuff...

So, I decided to take have a bit of a sort out, which actually for me is very therapeutic and a perfectly lovely way to spend an evening ~ clearing out lots of boxes of buttons, ribbons and bits and pieces that I have been keeping to make lovely things or just for a rainy day. I feel the need to bring in some fresh pieces to look at for inspiration, which is all very well, but I need to make more room...

My dream is to have a whole room full of just my things ~ am I being selfish? It is not easy when the family home is just that but also has to accommodate an office for a husband who works from home, a 3 year old gorgeous girl and of course a fabricaholic with a creative streak! One of my current favourite books is 'Where Women Create' ~ I wistfully look at the pretty rooms filled with vintage French armoires and stacks of neatly arranged textiles; books standing like soldiers on their shelves, fresh flowers on a table next to a sewing machine and an old box full of threads and buttons and ribbons. Yes, I know I am looking at life through rose tinted glasses, but sometimes you have to just to get through the day...

So, back to real life ~ I do not have a room that could be included in a book like the one mentioned, but I am really lucky to have space in a spare room with a work table and bookshelves and a few touches for inspiration.

Where this woman creates...

inspiration on the wall above my desk ~ a Victorian button salesman's sample card

I have been busy taking photographs of stock to sell on my website and ebay whilst looking after gorgeous girl who has had a nasty virus with a name I have never heard of! Buttons were high on the priority list for reducing in number ~ I realised that my collection of mother of pearl buttons are scattered around the house in various glass jars...I don't make life easy for myself!

on the bookshelf in old perfume bottles that I decorated with vintage labels & trims...

on the windowsill in the downstairs cloakroom...

on a shelf in the bedroom...

on a chest of drawers...

I finally got it all sorted out and photographed, so I now have some fresh stock to showcase ~ here is a little taster of what will be for sale...

Thank you so much for the lovely comments, it means a lot to know that there are more of you out there that share the same addiction! Until next time, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...