Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Just my cup of tea

A little while ago I spotted this tea trolley covered in dust and cobwebs and carted it home with me; and of course gave it a lick of grey paint. I thought it would be perfect to wheel into the parlour, laden with teacups and cakes when I play ladies and serve tea.




Aah yes......a tea party in the parlour, in front of the fire.....perfect! I can wheel my new little tea trolley anywhere my li'l ole heart desires! =)



But, as I don't host tea parties, or indeed serve high tea every day, (mores the pity) my little, tea trolley serves as a side table next to my newly, tarted up chair. It's a perfect spot to rest  the odd book or two which is being read to sit along with of course, a cup of tea......or two.


Usually there would be a lovely vase with an arrangement of over-spilling flowers sitting atop it, but alas, the flower kingdom on our little plot of earth has dived deep, deep down into the depths of terra firma  and won't show their pretty little heads until Spring, and I am afraid my little tea trolley is looking a bit bare.

I decided my tea trolley needed a lamp. As my newly tarted up chair is a comfy spot to read a book, it is a spot which needs a little illumination at night time. Not just any plebeian kinda of lamp mind you, but a lamp made from tea cups, a teapot and a lamp shade with a little bit of machine sketching, 'Kim' style.

But, before the teacup and teapot fancy in my brainpan could become a reality, I first had to hunt down the hardware for my lamp. An easy task one would think; after all I am not the first to fashion one of these pretties....there are a few of these teacup and teapot lamp follies out there. It took a while to gather my bits and bobs together and a little wear and tear on the soles of my favourite boots. Store after store, with male sale assistant after male sale assistant having said, "sorry maam but we don't have those parts.....go and try over at such and such.....though I don't like your chances".........!

So after encountering many a nescient, male look which really didn't get lost in transaction, (yes indeedy I could read their minds...."are you crazy woman, you won't be able to make this....why on earth don't you just buy an over the counter kinda lamp"). Many a sympathetic glance was cast towards the direction of my husband......"gee whiz mate, I'm glad she's not my missus!!" But not to be deterred, I remembered a light shop where I had purchased some lovely lights a while ago. I know, I know, one would think  this would be the first port of call, but to tell you the truth my good husband and I didn't give it a thought, as we had crossed the threshold of two light shops earlier that day and all we got were some more blank stares at our requests. To our delight, the proprietors of our last port of call were two ladies and glory be, had most everything we needed for my teacup and teapot folly; with a few other elements found at a plumbing outlet. Hallelujah!!

I gathered a few of my china pretties, a lampshade and the pieces of hardware needed to fashion my teacup and teapot folly.


Then my husband began to drill. With my eyes closed and gritting my teeth, my husband began to drill a hole through each piece of china. Although I have complete faith in my husband's drilling ability, I did wonder if each piece of delicate china would shatter to smithereens. Though I do have the odd pretty tea cup or two or three or four or............I didn't want my entire fine bone china collection  to be depleted in one fell swoop.


So far so good!




But then.........disaster struck! Horror of horrors!! My two prettiest teacups shattered to smithereens...oh no!! Yes indeedy, my pretty violet teacup (it had the prettiest shape) and my pretty forget-me-not teacup took umbrage at being drilled, and exploded into pieces! It appears there was not enough water in the cups when my husband drilled. The diamond tip, it seems, got a little too hot under the collar. Oh what a bother! Oh well, it looks like there are two more shattered pretties to go in the 'one-day-I-am-going-to-make-a-mosaic-out-of-that', bucket!!!


Handing two more teacups and saucers tentatively over to my husband, he once again proceeded to drill holes. This time all was well.


With my china pretties all sitting happily on top of each other, now 'tis time to enjoy a li'l machine sketching.


To keep with the theme of teacups and teapots, I decided to machine sketch teapots and teacups on a length of white fabric which I would later glue to the shade.









I had a lot of fun stitching these pretties. Doodles and squiggles, flowers and birds......it really was the best fun.




With my lampshade completed, a little ric rac added to the bottom and the electrics finished, my teacup/teapot folly is a vision splendid (well it is to me). Pretty, pretty blue. There is just something about the hue blue. The colour blue, always sings the sweetest song to my heart.





After thirty eight years of matrimonial bliss, I thought this little teacup/teapot folly could possibly be the teacup that brought 'the house of china' crashing down, but no......my husband said, (and you most probably will not believe this......I assure you I tell no porky pie), "I wouldn't mind making another one of these"!!!!!!  I do declare, it looks like this gal will be married for a little while longer!! This is a good thing as I am quite certain there is no other person of the male kind who would put up with all my 'bright' ideas, that I seem to conjure up on a regular basis!! =)






My teacup/teapot folly didn't turn out exactly how I envisioned. I really, really loved the two teacups that were sadly shattered, BUT......I am happy with my new lamp. Yes indeedy, this teacup/teapot folly is just my cup of tea.



I am filled with great joy.....delirious actually, with my teacup/teapot folly sitting atop my 'have-wheels-will-travel' tea trolley, which keeps my tarted up 'new' chair company. This little corner of the room is now the perfect spot to enjoy a cuppa and a good book, both day and night.

Hope you are enjoying a lovely week everyone. Until the next time...........













79 comments:

  1. Kim,
    LOL, I oohed and aahed and even gasped a bit during this post! I've been eyeing a teacup lamp similar to yours but now I don't want it because it doesn't hold a candle to yours. Yours is exquisite and I love the dainty blue tea cups you used! The lampshade is the icing on the cake! I had asked my husband some time ago if he thought he could drill into actual tea cups so I could make one and he was hesitant! Now I know it can be done! It looks so sweet sitting in that perfect little corner of yours with the tea table and beautiful chair. The curtains are such a pretty backdrop! You never fail to impress me with your work!
    xo
    Linda

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    1. Thank you, Linda for your sweet comments. It is always a delight when you visit my place. =) It's easy enough drilling through china, though of course a few pieces can get broken during the process. You need a diamond bit or one that is tile and glass friendly, a piece of foam underneath the item to lessen the force and make sure whatever you are drilling is filled with water. I have read of a lady filling a tray with water and placing the item in the water and then drilling. You will have to encourage your husband to drill your pretties, then you can make a one-of-a-kind teacup folly yourself. AND.....I look forward to seeing your masterpiece.Kim Xx

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  2. I love it! That came out wonderfully. Bummed about your broken teacups, though. I'm sure you'll make something something with the shards.

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  3. How adorable Kim!
    I believe your teacup/pot light is the most adorable creation I have seen in a while and the lampshade is the perfect match!
    Sorry you lost some of your pretty tea cups on the way but I'm sure they will look just as pretty in your mosaic.
    What a sweet husband, lending a hand in your creative adventure!
    Have a great week!
    Diana

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  4. Oh wow! Now I have serious tea trolley AND lamp envy. Oh, and the chair isn't half bad either! Must be careful not to drip drool onto my keyboard..... (ps. Good job DH!!!)

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  5. Oh my goodness, Kim! This is the most darling of cozy corners I've ever seen and everything is just perfect for enjoying a spot of tea and good book surrounded by your (and sweet hubby's) gorgeous creations! I so enjoyed reading your wonderful description of it all, too! You have a lovely way with words to go with your incredibly talented creativity. Love, love, love! Enjoy your cozy corner! Hugs xo Karen

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    1. I am enjoying my cozy little corner, Karen; it is such a relaxing spot to sit a while and enjoy a cuppa and a good book or a spot of knitting. Your sweet comments have put a smile in my day....thank you. Kim Xx

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  6. When I saw the broken cups, my first thought was, 'I hope she saved them for a mosaic.' I'm so glad you did :)

    Your resting spot looks perfect now, but I get the sneaking suspicion that you might find something else that needs changing :)

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  7. I love this beautiful addition to your home, and am in awe of your creativity. x

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  8. Such an amazing, beautiful 'one of a kind' lamp...just perfect for your lovely corner area.

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  9. Delighful post !!!
    Can I come for a cup of tea ?
    Hug
    Anna

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  10. Oh man!! I hope you and hubby gave all those weirdo's in the shops your best 'death stare'!!! They are the crazies not you guys!!! lol. It has turned out lovely anyway. Pity a couple of them broke, but all is good now. A beautiful finish. xx

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  11. What an absolutely beautiful lamp! I had no idea you could drill through china. What a clever man you married. No wonder you've been together for 38 years. I would love to come to one of your tea parties and see your new tea cart. So pretty!

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  12. {{squealing with delight}}--I love it!!!! Hmm....I need to borrow you and your hubby for designing help, smiles. I also love your drapes....so very pretty. smiles

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  13. It is a beautiful lamp, a lovely cart and a cozy corner. Perfection...and a great hubs too!!
    xx, Carol

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    1. Thank you, Carol, for your generous and lovely comments. Kim Xx

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  14. Dear Kim:
    I am most impressed! I adore your whimsical tea cart and the lamp and shade. Made husband made about 60 of the 3 tiered trays back when I had more store and yes some broke. He made me about 10 - some are seasonal and broke some of my stuff too. A couple of things I do remember him saying after doing many were: he put a piece of foam under the item he was drilling, go very slowly and he put the tip of the bit in a cup of water to wet it. Your lamp is darling. Great job on everything.

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  15. First of all, I LOVE your darling made over tea cart! It is just the cutest thing, and then...the teapot/teacup lamp...OH MY GOSH...I have lamp envy! Be still my heart, it is just the most darling lamp ever, Kim. It's sad that some of your favorite teacups were broken, but I know you'll do something creative with them. Your hubby is a dear, just like my late beloved was, in helping you out with projects. Oh, how I miss that, but so enjoy knowing there are so many wonderful husbands out there. Your lampshade cover is perfect! Do you do that all freehand? The lamp (and your dear sweetie) will certainly light up your life for years to come.

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  16. I'm with Linda...I was literally oohhhh and aaahhhh. What a great hubby too!! I just adore your new little sitting spot to read your "books"....can't wait to see what your create with those broken treasures!

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  17. This is the most adorable post---and your creativity. is amazing...what a wonderful spot to go and read, drink tea and simply converse...LOVE IT ALL!, Thanks for sharing, Sandi

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  18. I just love your reading corner! It is so cozy and that lamp is just stunning! I am so taken with the machine stitched teapots on the shade. So unique and one of a kind. If I lived near you I would order one up for your husband to make me (he did say he'd make another, right?)!!

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  19. Well, I for one ooh'd and ahh'd all the way through your post, Kim. It turned out absolutely stunning! I am sorry you lost a couple of pretty china pieces but look at it this way...you now have more lovelies to make your mosaic with....and I cannot wait to see IT as well!

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  20. You are so ingenious - it's great. And how lucky that your husband has the skills to make the idea reality!

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  21. the lamp is stupendous!!! really, i just love it...i'm not certain i would have been brave enough to forge forward. the lamp shade is beautiful!! it stole the spotlight from the tea cart but should not have, that is also glorious!!

    great teamwork, both pieces are one of a kind!!!

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  22. I've seen teapot/teacup lamps before but yours is my fave. LOVE it! You and your hubby did a fabulous job.

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  23. The tea trolley is adorable. I love your lamp project and the creative shade. So very sweet and useful too. I have a little antique table by my chair - holding a book and a cup of coffee!

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  24. Sweet Kim, I can't even put into words the joy you bring to me...seriously, I get butterflies in my tummy when I visit you because as I read your lovely posts I wait in giddy anticipation of what I will see as I scroll down.

    Once again, you have made my heart sing. I am in LOVE with yout pretty new lamp and oh my, what a clever idea! Though I am so sorry your two pretty tea cups broke. I know you will do something delightful with them. The lamp truly is a work of beauty and art.

    Hugs to you, my friend!

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  25. Oooh... I'm loving your cozy corner Kim!
    What an amazing lamp you and your Husband have crafted together. It is the perfect match for your refurbished tea trolley, what a lucky find!
    Sad your beautiful teacups broke but I'm sure you have some equally wonderful ideas as to what to create from them!!
    Have a wonderful relaxing week and weekend ahead :)

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    1. Wasn't I a lucky gal finding my tea trolley hiding under years of dust and cobwebs. Thank you for your lovely comments, Prunella. I will do my darndest to have a wonderful week and weekend....lots of stolen moments in my cozy corner will go a long way to achieve this. =) Kim Xx

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  26. Good morning Kim,

    I just love your new lamp. What a wonderfully lovely creation! I can see that becoming a collectors item for sure. You and your husband did a splendid job.

    I am sorry that you lost those two beautiful teacups - they were so pretty! But, with our talent and imagination, I just know that you will create the most delightful mosaic from that collection of pretty broken china. I love seeing that you are not just tossing those delicate beauties.

    I love your lamp and your cozy sitting area beside your collection of china on your hutch. You never cease to amaze me with all that you create. Your stitched teapot/teacup lamp shade is certainly inspiring. I would love to do something like that.

    Thank you for taking the time to share your treasures.
    ♥Hope

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  27. I was trying to guess Kim and I wondered if you think the cart is from the 50's.......?????

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    1. The cart could be from the 1950's, Bernideen, though I don't really know. I will have to do a little research. Though I must say, I think my cute little cart had been sitting in the the shop forever (decades).....I could hardly see it for all the dust and cobwebs. =)

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  28. I am so sorry that some of your teacups broke, but the end result is adorable.

    Did you save the shattered pieces for a mosaic?

    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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  29. That is picture perfect!! The lamp looks spectacular on the trolley. They were made for each other...and the chair. What a great husband to help you out. I am so sorry to hear about your cups though. The lamp shade looks amazing. I am smitten by your thread painted teacups and teapots. So pretty! Enjoy!

    -Soma xx

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  30. Hello Kim, just playing catch up on my blog reading. I must say I think your new lamp is absolutely adorable. Just quite simply perfect for that little reading/tea partaking corner of yours. I think your husband did a mighty fine job of drilling all that delicate china. It looks amazing. I also think you should keep your eye out for an old framed mirror & then take some of the gorgeous broken china & mosaic yourself a beautiful mirror for your lovely parlour. Have a super weekend dear girl x x x x

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  31. Hi Kim,
    Regardless its purpose, your cart is amazing and you styled it perfectly! And the tea lamp is gorgeous!!!

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  32. You have a very cozy corner there, Kim. The tea trolley looks great and the lamp turned out fantastic! Both pieces go so very well with your lovely chair. Have a wonderful time realxing and having tea! :)

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  33. What a fun and amazing post! :) I was impressed with the trolley find....then quite amazing at drilling the china , etc but the lampshade and embroidery just takes the cake! So creative and lovely!

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  34. Oh I love your lamp and shade and the wonderful trolley!!! I admire your creativity. Would love to sit in your cosy corner and have a cup of tea together with you. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post.
    Greetings from Germany, Carmen

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    1. ....and I would love to sit with you, Carmen, and enjoy a cup of tea with you. What fun that would be. Thank you for popping by. Kim Xx

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  35. What a fun way to use and display gorgeous pieces of China that may otherwise just sit on a shelf just love your new lamp and shade. You have a very creative mind and I just love popping on here to read about your latest wonderful creations, thank you sooo much for sharing them with us all. It's a shame about the broken China but I kind of like seeing the broken pieces all together in your bucket. Look forward to popping on here one day to see what you've done with them.

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  36. The tea trolley is so much fun, I hope I run across one someday. And omg that lamp!!!! I love it. Its fabulous.
    Have a great day, Jenny

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    1. You never, never know when you will happen upon a cute tea trolley. I will keep my fingers crossed that you might find one. Thank you for your sweet comments, Jenny, they have made me smile. You have a great weekend! Kim Xx

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  37. love the trolley and the lamp project thanks for sharing pinning have a great week

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    1. Thank you, Robin. It was a delight to have you visit.

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  38. Great post! I love the lamp - thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW's DIY Party!!

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    1. Thank you. =) It was my pleasure to share at your fun party.

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  39. I love your new lamp!

    I've seen pretty cake stands made in a similar way, but never a lamp. Did you weigh down the bottom with something to keep it from getting top-heavy? I was thinking of making one (just in the thinking stage here!) and wondered if I would put sand or doll pellets in the lowest cups.

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  40. The lamp looks absolutely beautiful! I love the colours and you did such a fine job on the shade.
    What a great spot to sit and sip tea and while away a few hours reading or knitting!

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  41. My dearest, it is just lovely as can be. The lamp I love it as I do all the things you show. The tea trolley is lovely to. So nice of your hubby to do this. I been trying to convince my son to do it for me, but hes always busy working. Ijust love your new lamp. Now to day dream some more. Happy weekend with love Janice

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  42. Oh my! What a gorgeous idea and I absolutely adore how the tea cup lamp turned out, looks SO pretty! Very very creative! You and your husband did a marvelous job! I am also loving that adorable tea trolley, what an lovely way to display your beautiful tea service! Thanks for sharing such pretty ideas! Hugs, Poppy

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  43. Absolutely beautiful, I love it!
    Thanks for stopping by!

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  44. Oh Kim. You are amazing. You find the greatest things! Love what you did with it. I'm thinking those teacup shards won't go to waste. You are too handy to waste such pretty pieces : ) Can we just take a moment and admire those patchwork curtains? Lovely
    Me thinks you could charge a small fortune for a short stay in that darling abode of yours.
    One day..............one day : )

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  45. Wow! Kim, you and your husband are both very talented. This is such a lovely thing to behold. I love all of your china, so pretty.

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  46. I like playing ladies! Soccer is boring. And, I must say, everything looks amazingly pretty.
    Amalia
    xo

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  47. This post is featured today on my blog - congratulations!

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  48. Kim, visiting from Sweet Inspiration link party & first time here. I'm soo impressed with all your creations in your little corner~the tea cart, lamp, lampshade, curtains, & chair. Such an attractive place for tea and reading! I would love to sit just there! Maybe one of these days you'll get to a tiling job with all those broken pieces of china!
    Florence

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comments, Florence, it is a delight to have you visit my little place. Kim Xx

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  49. I always have to make a cup of tea and and find a quiet moment to properly enjoy your posts - so how lovely to find a tea theme today! Your trolly is the perfect addition to your pretty corner and the lamp is a wonder. Your Mr is certainly one in a million. He is very clever to have made that base and your shade is a perfect complement to it. It's a shame about those broken cups but I've no doubt they will turn up transformed into something beautiful in a future post :)

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  50. Gorgeous tea trolley remake just perfect for afternoon tea and cakes. Brings back memories of childhood weekend teas at home with our trolley laden with cucumber and salmon sandwiches, a big chocolate sponge cake and cups of tea.... Lovely lamp too

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  51. Oh I love when we can repurpose old things and your cart looks fantastic!! I give you credit for not stopping on your search for all you needed for the lamp! It looks fantastic and your stitching with it is just perfect for the shade, done so lovely and perfect compliment to your chair :) I was going to suggest a mosaic with all your broken pieces but I see you already have that in mind, can't wait to see what you come up with all of that lovely pieces, you two work wonderfully together!!

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  52. Well I am at a loss, if I like the tea trolley or the lamp better! Sooo adorable! Thank you for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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  53. I have wanted a lamp like this for several years, you are a lucky woman!

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    1. Tea cup lamps are fun, aren't they. Thank you for visiting my place. It is a delight to have you visit. Kim xx

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  54. You have the greatest ideas - and the most fun. I love the teapot/teacup lamp - simply perfect for the tarted up chair and the tea trolley. Such a cozy spot. Your house is so charming.

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  55. Kim you have restored my faith in marriage, to go through all that and then have that wonderful husband of yours ask you to make another one. It's too bad about the broken cups but I guess you can't make a cake unless some eggs are broken. Your lamp turned out beautiful and looks perfect sitting atop the rolling trolley in the perfect tea corner. Thank youfor sharing with us and providing us with Sweet Inspiration. Pinning and sharing.

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    1. Yes, I think my husband is a keeper. You are very kind, Mary, thank you! Kim Xx

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  56. Kim you are being freatured today on Sweet Inspiration. Congratulations and thank you for sharing such a wonderul post with us.

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    1. Thank you, Mary; how very kind of you. It is a delight to be a part of your fun party. Kim Xx

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  57. Firstly can I just say that your little tea trolley is beautiful and looks perfect in your room with its coat of paint. As for the light that you have made it is perfection to say the least. Here in England you would pay the earth for it in any of the boutique shops. I love the concept and your design is unique. I have been searching for an odd cup and saucer in the thrift shops as I want to make a floating cup which involves a lot of bending of a tea spoon and a lot of gluing and a load of inspiration. Hugs ValeryAnne.

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  58. I love the towering tea stack and think your husband has done a wonderful job. i can understand the thrill of the challenge that would give him impetus to want to produce another without the earth shattering effects of breakages. That must have been a few cringe worthy moments when things shattered but such a wonderful finish. Well done to both of you

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    1. .....or perhaps he thought this could be a surreptitious way to rid the home of all my pretty tea cups. =) 'Tis lovely to have you visit, Monique. I hope all is well with you. Kim Xx

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  59. What a beautiful transformation!I love the pretty pattern and colors of the teacup lamp! And what an adorable way to display your gorgeous tea cup collection on that cute tea trolley! Happy week! Hugs, Poppy

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  60. That has to be the prettiest lamp EVER! I just adore it. So clever the way you did the shade. I'm so very impressed.

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    1. Thank you, Linda. How lovely to have you visit my place. Kim Xx

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  61. Well, Kim my sweet. I am not in the least surprised that I had to scroll through 73 other comments in order to say something on your lamp. What a triumph! Are there no bounds to your talents? I feel quite the amateur by comparison...lol! This is clever and beautiful in equal measure. I bow to your supreme skills. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. It took big bucks and bribes to get those ladies to say such lovely comments, Mimi. =) Thank you for your sweet comments,they have made me smile. Kim Xx

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  62. Stuff that dreams are made of is that gorgeous little reading nook!!

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