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Sunday, March 5, 2017

Of lamps, shades and pretty things.


Is it my imagination or have I been enjoying more restful slumber in my boudoir of sweet dreams?? It truly is the most delightful room. Me thinks one day, I just might spend all day in there. All day to lounge in bed and perhaps, knit, read, nap, stitch, drink tea and think nothing but frivolous thoughts. All day to just be. All day to  escape the world and it's tedious toings and froings. I know, I know, 'tis a shallow gal that I am. =)



"Cute teapot", I hear you say. I know......isn't it just the most darling thing. I fell in love with it at first sight. The strange thing is, would you believe there isn't a single  red design teacup in my humble abode. Unbelievable!! I will have to remedy this li'l dilemma, and fast!

But I digress. The point of this post is to wax lyrical about another new pretty. With a 'need' for a new lamp for the boudoir, and whilst out and about last week, I happened upon a pretty which would fit perfectly in the boudoir. Of course it came home with me. I have been looking for a lamp with a botanical theme for a while and when my beady li'l eyes spotted this pretty I knew it would be perfect.

The base of the new lamp has trailing vines and flowers and sweet birdies resting amongst the blossoms. The shade which is a cream one is perfectly acceptable....BUT......I thought a li'l machine sketching incorporating a vine or two trailing around the top of the shade,  overspilling with flowers with perhaps a bird nesting  among the flowers, could look rather winsome. Nothing too busy just a little vine or two.



The sweet birdie and flowers camouflage perfectly with my flower-filled feature wall.


Well.....I thought a li'l machine sketching would be spiffy but after a ridiculous amount of time dreaming up something that was half acceptable and then sketching flower after flower, vine after vine, with the odd birdie, I decided the lamp base can happily exist with the cream shade for a little while longer. Ordinarily, machine sketching is the most relaxing and fun thing for me but after beginning to stitch the design, both the design and the colours I chose, didn't sing a melodious song at all! Obviously my mojo is visiting elsewhere! How dare it!! So for now I will forget about gussying up the shade for a while and maybe think upon it another day. Or maybe....just maybe I will leave it!! What!! Did I say leave the cream shade au naturel!! Oh my goodness....what is happening to me!! Have I come down with some unidentifiable malady of the mind?? Have I gone stark raving mad.........!! Hope oh hope this affliction disappears sooner than soon!!



Maybe I'll find a little inspiration knitting my pretty, cabled woolly.



Yes indeedy, I have picked up my jumper yet again, and started to clickety clack away. Summer is fading down here so a little knitting is the order of my day. Mind you......not that knitting this woolly is terribly relaxing. There is much too much cranial gymnastics involved with the knitting of this pretty, but my fingers (and mind) have finally slipped into a rhythm where believe it or not I haven't unravelled any mistakes, at least not in the last day or two!!

Speaking of Summer fading into a bittersweet memory, I must say our Hydrangeas are changing into the palest of hues. The deep blues are turning into pale blues and greens. They truly are beautiful. For four months now the Hydrangeas have not disappointed.






The Summer garden, though it is beginning to evanesce to a beautifully, muted autumnal state there are still some flowers that will not give credence to the thought of slipping away. The Dahlias are still showing off their vivacious and flashy faces and the Cosmos......well.....they just do what they always do.......delight with their bright happiness.






"You looking at me!!!!" Upon getting a little too close with my camera to this fine fellow, he "put up his dukes" and proceeded to come at me. I am supposing he didn't take too kindly to me or my camera.




Upon closing......here's a thought, perhaps if some Shakespearean character could fill the boudoir with mellifluous strands of soft music........maybe......just maybe my mojo would return!! =D





Until the next time, may you have a joyous week, with a sprinkling of a li'l floralicious delight.





46 comments:

  1. Oh I do hope your mojo returns dear Kim ... I would love to see that lampshade prettied up with your machine embellishing. Or if all else fails ... some doilies & some bobble trim on it!!!! Your hydrangeas are looking soooo beautiful ... reminds me to pick & dry some of mine. Your garden still looks such a picture. Have a lovely week dear Kim x x x

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  2. The creative process ebbs and flows and so will return in gods time. Surrounding your self with beautiful objects, flowers and images can't be a bad thing. That is such a pretty jumper you are knitting.

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    1. Aah yes, the creative process can sometimes be a tad tricky! I am loving seeing my cabled pretty grow. Let's hope it will be finished before Winter. Thank you for visiting, Ann. Kim Xx

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  3. You read my mind! As a teapot collector, as soon as I saw that photo, I was in love! Your knitting is divine. I love cabling. Sorry to say, but you will have to find your mojo as that shade definitely needs something. Otherwise it is just too plain for that gorgeous base. My garden is all dried up now, so it is lovely to see yours.

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    1. I think you may be right about the au naturel shade, Jayne, but for now it will have to remain unadorned until my pea brain can come up with something 'brilliant'. =) My jumper is coming along nicely; it took a while! A lot of unravelling has happened with this woolly. I have finally settled into the groove with the pattern but goodness, it's taken what seems forever. It has taken the knitting of nearly the entire back to get the pattern cemented into my head. I'm seriously thinking my head is addled!! Thanks for visiting, Jayne. Kim Xx

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  4. just what i needed a slice of pretty in my world of poo and poverty...lol

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    1. Oh dear =).....I hope there is a large portion of pretty for you this week, Kate. Kim Xx

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  5. Dear Kim, your new lampshade could not have fitted more perfectly in your room and the lamp base is as taken from a story book. As for your knitting project - my Gosh! It is masterfully done and I love how the pattern creates all these beautiful textures.

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  6. Love your aqua aran sweater and I adore hydrangeas, I am patiently waiting for mine to appear - the daffodils have just appeared :)

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  7. Your creative juices are probably hiding out in the hydrangeas.... the cooler air of fall will release them! I have been away from my sewing because of various things not to go into here... but I can feel the need to open up my machine slowly returning.
    I do love hydrangeas. They are my most favorite. I often dry them when the season is over..... And fill my house with their continuing beauty.

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  8. Pretty, pretty, pretty...oh could we have a tea party in there? (smiling and I know that probably sounds funny, giggling...its just such a lovely place, my friend.)

    I do hope your mojo returns...no signs of spring here in western NY, friend...none, sigh.

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  9. That is a lovely lamp base, and will come alive for you when you are ready. That mantis is a cutie. Lovely flowers!

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  10. Such pretty hydrangeas! I don't see them around where I live. The lamp base is just so charming. In my humble opinion, I think it carries the beauty of the lamp and a plain cream shade compliments it. But, I know whatever you come up with will be lovely. Have a lovely day, Kim!

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  11. An other lovely post with gorgeous creations, flowers, lamp and teapot ( how cute and sweet....) !
    Have a wonderful week !
    Hug
    Anna

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  12. I just love the jumper and flowers. What a cute whimsical teapot! Take your time and you'll end up with an adorable and complimentary shade. You'll know when you've come up with THE design. I love to watch the Mantis but I relocate them because it saddens me to see butterfly and bumble bee parts lying about. And then Nature showed one catching a hummingbird, well that was the end of their welcome in my garden. I always read about "beneficial" insects but they never seem to get rid of earwigs and japanese beetles and the ladybugs don't make a dent in the aphid population. I have come to the conclusion I have ADHD in my middle age. I have too many unfinished projects but I do work on them. When I stick them in the closet, hidden and forgotten it will be time to quit crafting and creating altogether. Enjoy your garden before it goes to sleep.

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  13. Hi sweet Kim! Thank you SO VERY much for helping me with the flowery wall understanding! Great directions!
    I love your lamp and I applaud your jumper! It's gorgeous!

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  14. Oh my, a naked shade! Tell me it isn't so! All is lovely in your abode!

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    1. I know, Miss Vicki.....a naked, unadorned lampshade, without a hint of tarting up in my abode....who would have 'thunk' it!! :D Kim Xx

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  15. That little bird looks perfectly at home in your flowery boudoir. I expect sooner or later you'll have a thrifty find or a eureka moment and will have that lampshade adorned most beautifully. Your garden is looking glorious and your cable knit is lovely. I love the soft colour and the pattern is wonderful :)

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  16. I would have missed the sweet tea pot had you not mentioned it, that would have been a shame. Your beautiful gardens and colorful flowers really brightened my day, made me smile and think of spring.....

    You are a knitter too, is there anything you can't do??

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  17. {{sigh}} My weekly dose of beauty and charm, my friend. I couldn't help bu sile at Debbie's comment wondering if there is anything you can't do because I have wondered the very same thing! You truly are amazing, Kim.

    Have a beautiful and blessed week. Much love!

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  18. Such a delightful lamp... I'm sure you will find a way to get that "mojo" back, I too would like to know why it sometimes just disappears,lol! I think you should take a daydreaming day in your delightful boudoir... may be just the thing you need... love the beauty you are clicky-clacking away at, can't wait to see its finished delight :) And oh how sad you must feel to see the waning of the gorgeous hydrangeas! They are absolutely most delightful! We are anticipating spring here... although winter is being a bully... more snow arriving! lol... I enjoyed the floralicious delight you shared so much... it gives me a taste of spring time to come :)

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  19. What a casual easy post you have!! lots of ymmy things and
    my eyes zoomed in on the cabled knitting you're doing. How
    lovely is that colour you're using!!!! lol Beautiful hydrangeas,
    and your garden looks lovely. A beautiful week to you my friend.
    xx

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  20. You did find a lovely lamp that is for sure, sorry what you had in mind for the lamp didn't quite come out like you wanted, you may just surprise yourself and learn to like it plain..... or you can google nature themed lampshades for inspiration :)
    Your jumper is looking just beautiful, such lovely stitching that's for sure, it is so nice when they don't give you problems and you can just enjoy the stitching.
    Oh my your flowers look wonderful, I am getting excited because we are starting to see them pop out around here. I really enjoyed all your pictures, you do a lovely job of taking them!

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  21. Dearest Kim,
    it's always such a treat, a delight for my heart to come and visit you here, in your so cheerful and colorful world, thank you !

    Wishing you lovely days to come,
    with utmost gratitude

    XOXO Dany

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  22. I so enjoyed your post today, the writing style the colors, everything! I love the lamp and it goes so well, but it bugs me, and I can't help but think of things to do to it. Such as, embroider simple vines, and/or a few flowers onto that shade. Make a couple fabric flowers, use a couple cute bee buttons, add lace trim. Maybe even trim with beads. Oh I think I need a plain shade to spruce up! hahaha

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  23. Your photos are a feast for the eyes!
    The teapot is really cute and also the lamp with the beautiful bird. The cable jumper become so wonderful with all the beautiful patterns.
    Big hugs!

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  24. I like the shade plain with the lamp, and maybe that is what your missing mojo is implying! As always your photos are a feast for the eyes. The hydrangeas are stunning! I do hope your mojo returns for another pretty project!

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  25. Such sweetness in your dear home. The lamp is absolutely perfect and I bet before long your mojo will come back to visit and you'll have that lampshade fancied up in not time. Your late flowers are so very pretty - makes me long for our spring and summer to arrive - though they seem to be in hiding right now. More snow yesterday but it didn't stick around long - now we are in for a week of rain - perfect - anything is perfect if it isn't snow. Your cosmos are especially delightful, they always cheer me up. Happy sweet week ahead my friend.

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  26. Kim the lamp is perfect.. I'm sure it will come to you you mojo to create.. I love to visit you always it a giggle in the soul and smile on the face and day dreams.. your flowers and walls and sewing sets my heart alive.. It is funny I see things and they remind me of you.. and I think this is Kim.. lobely day dear lady with love Janice

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    1. I guess there are so many pretties that are "so me". =) So, so happy to put a smile on your lovely face, Janice. Thank you so much. Wishing you a happy day. Kim Xx

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  27. I guess I'm "shallow" like you, Kim, as I could stay in my bedroom all day, too. I just need an occasional trip to the kitchen for tea and food. Your lamp is a beauty, as is. And your knitting...oh my...such gorgeousness! Your flowers and especially the hydrangeas just fill my heart and soul with such loveliness. Enjoy them when they last, my friend. xx

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  28. Re the lamp shade thing - would doing something similar to 'broderie purse/perse' work? Cutting out flowers from either fabric or paper and attaching them to the shade? Perhaps with a little glue?? Just a thought. And it took me a minute to find the sweet teapot - couldn't believe it could BE a teapot!!

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  29. My eyes were drawn to the teapot! So adorable! Your lamp fits perfectly in your floral boudoir. Hydrangeas are some of my favorite flowers. Yours are certainly lovely.

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  30. I like the idea of a day in bed but I wouldn't last ten minutes. As soon as I wake up my mind begins turning and won't let me be :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  31. Beautiful images Kim. Your jumper looks wonderful, I love the colour. I too enjoy knitting aran even though it takes me a while.
    Your lamp is gorgeous!
    Have a wonderful Wednesday :)

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    1. Arans are gorgeous aren't they, but as you say they seem to take forever to knit. Thank you for your sweet comments, have a splendid day. Kim Xx

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  32. Kim,
    Well first I have to say that I adore that little red teapot! What a cutie! Now on to the lamp, I don't know how you find so many items that simply match or perfectly mismatch your home decor! You must have some of the nicest places to go shopping! This lamp is perfect for your room and the botanical print coordinates so nicely! Nice find! It's always great fun to see what you've been up to! Enjoy the rest of the week! xo
    Linda

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    1. I don't know how I find so many pretties either, as Tasmania is such a little island with not as many shops as on mainland Australia. I guess my (or indeed my husband's) nose has a propensity to sniff these pretties out. =) It is always fun to have you visit, lovely Linda. Have the most wonderful day. Kim Xx

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  33. Such a beautiful sweater. I love your lamp and the smashing little teapot!
    I don't think you have lost your mojo, Kim. Far from it!
    Wonderful, wonderful gardens and flowers. The cosmos are fabulous. They were made to tickle the breeze.
    Thank you for such a lovely post!

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  34. Stopping by to wish you both a delightful weekend. I love the little teapot and the gorgeous lamp.

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  35. what GLORIOUS post dear!
    i loved your lamp ,vase and cute teapot so pretty and adorable!
    knitting is a wonderful exercise of mind and soul,when finger knit the wool heart beats knit the moments and memories.
    LOVED these gorgeous flowers too

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  36. Your post was a refreshing read as I just came in from raking snow mold off our grass! UGH!!!!! Your flowers are beautiful and bring a smile to my life here on "the other side of the world." Thank you for such a treat!

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  37. This post is a feast for the eyes! Here in Missouri, we have snow this morning but I'm really missing color and beautiful flowers. Thank you fonsharing yours!

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  38. I love faded hydrangeas just as much as the fresh ones. I love the vintage look. Makes me think of old letters and laces. Ephemera! The jumper colour is so soft and lovely, Kim. You are surrounded by so many beauties, I am sure the perfect idea for the lampshade is lurking right around the corner. It is being a bit playful, playing hide and seek with you :)

    -Soma

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