French Country Chest...

Did I tell you...

I am in LoVe...

With anything shabby, chic or upcycled!

I wish my house were much bigger so I could fill it with more gorgeous pieces.

I thought you all might like a peek at the new old tallboy recently bought.

I simply Adore -
.....details!

And this is a chest with the utmost gorgeous details.

I saw this chest before its makeover, and it most definitely was not as beautiful then as it is now.

It never ceases to amaze me how paint can transform tired old furniture.

 We decided to keep the original hardware,

 which was given a spruce up.

and don't they look divine?

The chalk paint finish is in Annie Sloan's 'Pure White', which emphasises all that fab detail.

The distress was kept to a minimum because it really just didn't need it!

Are you in LoVe yet?

I am totally in LoVe with upcycled furniture painted with chalk paint!

For updates about the latest blog posts,

you can join for free HERE.

#upcycled #diy #furniture #chalkpaint

DIY Table Runner...

A great way to update the decor is to add a table runner to a table.

They are incredibly simple to make.

Here is one I have just made...

It's got a beach theme going on, 

but also has a little French Country feel too, with the linen look.

It's is gorgeous, from the Spotlight range of upholstery fabrics.

This one really appealed, as where I live is coastal.

It compliments the stunning painting of one of the Bays in my area.

I also fancy this fabric as it is a bit kiwi 

(Kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand,

 but also a term used to describe a New Zealand National).

It's kiwi because of the lovely shells depicted on the fabric. 

All of which can be found in New Zealand.

To make:

All you need is fabric the length of the dining or coffee table.

Heavier fabric types are best.

If you like an overhang as I do, allow a bit more fabric.

Then allow another 5 cm for hemming on one end.

So all you do is iron your fabric to remove creases.

Fold the fabric lengthways in half with right sides together.

Press with iron again making sure edges are together.

Pin edges and across one end together.

Sew around pinned edges.

(At this stage it is like a huge pillowcase. )

Then turn right way.  Use a knitting needle to push corners of sewn end out.

Press with iron again.

On unhemmed end, fold cut end under and press to seams together with iron.

Sew together.  

Top stitch other end to look the same.

You can leave the table runner plain, 

or stitch beads that have been strung in a row on ends of each corner.

YOU WILL FIND A STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHIC TUTORIAL HERE.

To finish the table, 

I added a large glass vessel (from Freedom Furniture) 

into which a coffee scented candle resides.  

A delicious aroma when lit!

A simple table runner, but visually pleasing.

Half an hour is all you need to complete this sewing project.

For updates about the latest blog posts,

you can join for free HERE.

#diytablerunnerinstructions

Mia Bella Winter Garden...

A peek at

Mia Bella Gardens

in Winter…

I Love the gorgeousness of this Solanaceae, 

from the dainty purple flowers to the cute furry leaves!

(which I have now found out is actually a plant called Woolly Nightshade...so must be removed as it is a problem pest plant in New Zealand!)- for more information about this plant and it's toxicity go to:

http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Services/Regional-services/Plant-and-animal-pests/Plant-pests/Woolly-nightshade/ 

 Green fern fronds glow in the winter sunlight...

This variety of fern is a called a birds nest fern.

Pot's of orchids brighten dull corners...

This one is a mini cymbidium,
called ' Melanie Sulphur Valley'.

Pops of pink standard cymbidium orchids

 cheer those who visit on cold winter days...

 In the warmth of winter sun, 

pretty camelias...

 Attract a few brave bees...

 As does this deliciously scented small shrub 

called 'Heaven Scent'.

 Another winter bee attraction is the Jade tree,
which flowers two months long during the season.

 Standing tall like a sentinel at the pool gate.

And yes, if you are wondering it is ' impressively huge'!

Once a pot plant, and now a statement garden plant,

this Jade tree is 30 years old. 

He stands a handsome 1.4 metres tall

by 2.4 metres wide.

The trunk has a circumference of 84cm at the base.

The bird bath is shrouded by potted orchids in bud and variegated grasses...

There is a sea of orange...

I know it's wrong that marigolds are blooming mid winter,

but they self seed and love Mia Bella Gardens glasshouse!

 Ella cat is quite happy 

soaking up the heat from the stone paths...

 Or relaxing on an outdoor chair.

 There are stems of stock, for winter vase picking...

 Pots of lobelia for blue pretties...

Beautiful, and fragrant cane-stemmed begonias...

And ablutions (Chinese Lanterns) too.

There is no riot of colour apart from the marigolds!

Just pops and hints of colour here and there amongst the shades of greens, browns and gold.

Mia Bella's winter garden is still beautiful, don't you agree?

For updates about the latest blog posts,

you can join for free HERE.

#southernhemispheregardenflowers