Thats That Christmas 2010

BEFORE

AFTER

We had hoped to have a bit of a break after Christmas....but as they say there is "no rest for the wicked" ha. So I will bringing you some updates soon on the new, exciting (but exhausting) happenings at theoldboathouse.

A very retro Christmas to all my blogging mates

Kristen and I have a rather too large collection of vintage and antique Christmas ornaments. Unfortunatley it mostly stays packed away in old trunks and we hardly get to see it. Especially at this time of year because like everyone else we are busy, busy busy. I have managed to pull a few out this year though and made a little corner of my dining room circa 1960 Christmas. I love the pine tree branches as to me the pine nettles are the smell of Christmas. Thank -you to all the lovely bloggers who have commented and so on throughout the year. I love getting to know you all. See you in the NEW YEAR.

Lucky me...

There is something so exciting about a parcel don't you think? Are you like me and get those butterflies in the stomach? Even when you know it is on the way you still can't quite believe it really is for you...yes I know I live a quiet life...ha. I was so lucky to win these beautiful photos from the lovely Julie at Being Ruby. Julie is such a sweetie that it was meant to be only one photo. She can't count and I got an extra one...ha. I love this image so much. It is called "Fly Boys" and to me it is so Australian in a romantic, last century way. I am on the hunt now for just the right frame. It is so special to have a little piece of "Ruby" in my home to treasure.

I was also the lucky winner of this fabulous iittala candlestick which was generously given away by the super stylish Brismod at Fun and VJ's. Perfect for my Christmas table don't you think? Here he is greeting his Swedish friend that lives in my hall,

and also his new friends who hale from Germany. He is settling into his new home and is very happy brismod and it was also lovely to have an excuse for a catch up. Thank -you so much again xx.

Vintage Tablecloth ~ LOVE

Are you like me and LOVE table cloths but when it comes to using them it is only on special occasions? When I get a bundle like these I really don't know why I don't use them more often. Funnily though in only using them occasionally it has become a sign, when I do put one on the table, that there is going to be a party and a feast. My children when they were young, used to find this very exciting. Even now that they are almost grown I know they find it special.

I wish I had taken some before photos because honestly this one, which is such a beauty...just imagine the hours it took to create, was sooo yellow when I purchased it I really wondered if it was worth it. It can be a bit of a gamble with linen. But thanks to NAN they have all come up so beautifully. They are crisp and starched and look like they have hardly seen a moment of use.

Wonderful vintage colours and designs.

A cheeky Queensland Pineapple.

The red and white are perfect for this time of year.

Charming kookaburra. All of these have headed over to The Cottage Garden Nursery in East Brisbane. I hope you all have a happy weekend....more storms on the cards for Brisbane.

IPSWICH Antique Centre shines on Opening Night

I have been having a little break from the computer following our final ebay selling for 2010, but I just had to share with you last nights opening of the Ipswich Antique Centre which Kristen and I were excited to be invited to attend. The centre is located at 86 East Street in Ipswich Central. It is a wonderful old heritage listed building which was built in 1895 and has been lovingly and painstakingly restored by the fabulous Heather Mildwaters and her family.

Many of you may know Heather as one of the previous owners and creators of The Paddington Antique Centre. I have known Heather since I was twelve when my older brother Chris first had a space within Paddington. I then got to know her in a different role when Kristen and I had space in Paddington for a little while in the 1990's. Over the last 18 months Heather and I have been fellow dealers at the WAC. Heather has a space very close to me and I have been able to share in the journey she has had in creating her new Centre. It was wonderful to finally see it in person last night and it did not disappoint.

There was great entertainment and the food was sooo yummy. Above is a photo of the champagne fountain which was stunning.

The centre looked incredible all lit up as we drove up, despite the heavy rain that was falling at the time. Some of my photos did not work out.

The internal lighting was just as impressive.

Entrance way. Through these doors is the floor spaces.

Looking back at the stairwell, with Kristen half way up. Beautiful banister and proportions.

Looking back at the centre from the far end.
Note the wonderful windows.
Looking down on the centre from above on the balcony.
The legendary Rob of McAntiques and his lovely wife Sharon. Rob is one of the new dealers in the centre. They are pictured in front of Rob's space. Some of you may know Rob through ebay. Sharon is a very talented artist and is the artist in Residence in The Old Courthouse in Ipswich, which is located just across the road from the Antique Centre.
Another picture of Rob's space. It was a fun evening and we enjoyed catching up with some of the other dealers. So definetly add the Centre as a new place to shop and a wonderful place to visit. It is open Thursday through Monday and has a coffee shop too!

A BIG Thank-you ~

Normally this time of the week I would be showing you some of my ebay listings for this week. However it is that time of year, time when we say a BIG THANK -YOU to all the lovely ebayers we have met throughout the year.

We have had over 1000 new ebayers this year come and collect their goodies from us. Those who know me will know...that's a lot of driveway chats, ha. We love getting to know you, learning about your collections, your renovations, be they houses or furniture and your families. So a big thank -you to all our new ebay customers this year and to all our lovely ebay regulars.

(And a reminder if you are bidding on items that end this week, this Thursday between 4.30 and 7.00 pm and Saturday between 12 pm and 4 pm are our final collection times for the year.)

industrial revolution WAREHOUSE SALE !!!

I just had to pass this exciting news on to all the Brissie vintage lovers or anyone visiting our city in the next two weeks. The super lovely Lisa Demartini from industrial revoulution is having an ENORMOUS sale, up to 50% off. If you don't know her stuff you should because it is just AMAZING!
I have been so lucky to get to know Lisa over the last year and she is a very talented and passionate lover of all things vintage and INDUSTRIAL...(this is a girl who gets excited about the patina of rust and red paint on a pair of old bolt cutters....so of course I knew immediatly she was one of our kind ha ha)

You can find Lisa at The Woolloongabba Antique Centre and The Paddington Antique Centre,which is on Latrobe Tce, or if you have any queries or requests you can phone her on 0402128629

Captivated by Art Glass...Murano MAGIC and what's been happening this week.

Look at the beauty of this fellow...I love the movement in his mane. Amazing work really for something made of strong glass. Even more amazing that once.....as a child, I couldn't see the beauty in these sort of chaps and thought they were ugly. Yet now they always make my heart leap.

He is almost like an amazing ice sculpture.

We also got this pair of bulls.

Again, such amazing character in their making...the artist has really captured their beautiful "bullness" in my eyes.

We also got this lovely Whitefriar's decanter.
I love the bark like quality of the glass, it feels lovely to touch.
And someone had a birthday this past week. She has decided that's enough birthday's now and is quite happy being the age she is. Someone lovely (one of her big brothers who lives far away) sent her these flowers....
Aren't they devine? This lovely person even thought to get them the colours of her German vases in the lounge....She thought they came from his better half...ooops.... sorry brother...I love them, thank - you Johnny cool xx Kath
We also purchased this book the other day. I of course was drawn to the lovely pot on the cover and ALL the many lovely German pots inside... It is fun to see the prices people put on "stuff" around the country and how prices vary from state to state and shop to shop. Not so good is it makes you want more stuff...I mean how many German Floor vases can one girl have....best not to think about or I might have to have a little birthday cry. Hope you had a good week. Very excited to see all my ebayers tomorrow which includes a lovely bloggy pal who I haven't met yet.

Hard to Fill new Spot

It seems no matter how many treasures I take over to the Garden Centre my new space is never full enough but I am getting there slowly. A big thank -you to all the lovely people who have visited in the last few weeks. Here are some recent shots of some of the new things I have taken over.

Elegant Plant stand.

Something Sexy about cheval mirrors, I always think, and this one has nice proportions, is made from Maple and would suit many decor styles.

I have hooked this great old 1950's bike up to the gate wall, it was a bit of a challenge, but I love the colours and style and think it really is like a piece of art in itself.

Old chemist or scientific measuring cups or beakers. These make fun, quirky vases or even candle holders.

Old bottles, both soft drink and milk bottles are for sale. These also look great as vases.

Cute little cupboard.

We also got this wonderful RETRO 1950's patio setting. It is in really fab condition for age. The vinyl is nice and bright and the paint work is good too. They are just so happy looking!

There was also the matching sun lounge.

Glass top with nice scrolly, twirly bits. Hope you are all having a good week. It is currently raining cats and dogs here in Brissie. (I also wanted to add that fellow Brissie Blogger, the ever stylish and chic Brismod from Fun and VJs is having a fantastic Christmas giveaway that's lots of fun and has an amazing prize so head on over and enter.)