Since we have gotten to know them better, we have found out that the Grower Husband is a dab hand at DIY and wood working. He has a keen interest in entomology and has collected and preserved many different species of insects and butterflies over the years. He showed us individual glass-topped display boxes that slot into a beautiful cabinet, all of which he made. In addition, he restores antique garden tools and they all look almost new again.
I had been hankering after a full-length shabby chic chalkboard for quite some time and when I couldn't find one for love or money, it seemed logical to ask the Grower Husband to make one for me! We provided the materials but he did most of the work. P did go over to their place a couple of times to help out with painting, waxing and distressing the finished product to give it some character. Me? I contributed the most important element to the entire process i.e. artistic direction.
It is over six-foot tall and about 18 inches wide:
(Click on any of the photos to enlarge them)
(Click on any of the photos to enlarge them)
And a detailed photo of the wooden frame:
I am really happy with how it turned out and now have a real talking point in the kitchen diner. Apparently, the Grower Husband spent hours working on it. His wife was telling me that the other day, both she and their son was looking for him. They checked the garden, the study and anywhere else they could think of but he was nowhere to be seen. About an hour later, he strolled back into the house and when they asked him where he was, he said, "I've been with my chalkboard!" Ha ha.
Something else that I have always wanted is a vintage bird cage on a stand. Again, it was very difficult to find but I finally located one I liked...in the Land of the Free. There was a big hooha with the seller on shipping and I even considered asking an American friend to bring it back for me on one of her trips. But after much to-ing and fro-ing, it finally got it to Brrringland via post and into my living room! And doesn't it look right at home here.
Separately, I found a pair of vintage glass feeders that fit:
Needless to say, the bird cage has a real 'wow' factor and everyone who sees it says...wow! I believe it is Victorian but don't know for sure. Regardless, it doesn't matter. I absolutely love it, especially the clever mechanism of the three owls on springs which hold the top and bottom parts of the cage together.
My next purchase for the house is wire work planter for the garden. It is still being made so all will be revealed once the weather is better.
In the mean time, Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!
