Well how couldn't I, when this little treasure trove of pretties bursting with colour and beautific things appeared right before me?!
My Little Empire stocks stunning home wares, supports local Artists and is a friendly little pod of fun and amazingness located at 245 Charman Rd. Cheltenham. Which is where a nice little pocket of opshops and a fresh flower supplier also happen to be situated. How WILL I keep myself away???
I have been swept away by an unexpected vintage delight... my heart flutters at it's appearance. To view it's finer details and to truly admire it's dainty beauty, a magnifying glass may suffice. Isn't this the cutest novelty pencil sharpener slash desk calender you have ever seen or what? Well to me it is, and it is all mine thanks to a lovely friend - this find is a keeper!
Who's met CLARENCE ? Or even better who's met 'Bobilee Shahine'? A sister in the hood of bloom loving doing it for herself! During last years flower school day trip out to the 'Gerb' farm yes I've uttered the 'G' word again, we stopped by 'Clarence'. A deliciously unique florist in Healesville that gets me all giddy with excitment just reminiscing about it! Clarence has a mix of amazing blooms, unique arrangements and gifts combined with vintage finds - insert elated opera sung aAAAaaah here! Owner 'Bobilee' is a a great example of the type of floral designer I like. Fab taste, full of personality and kicking commercial blah to the curb! Total shop crush!
The images below are of the shop front and some of their stunning wedding work. Swoonalicious!
Happy day of commercialized love. Any excuse for a floral fest is super ok with me! Although, I suggest ditching all the TAKKA-RAR-MESS wrapping and accessories and opt for just simply stunning blooms in recycled paper or a reusable vessel. Is there really need for all that OTT anyway? Flowers are so gorgwa all by their pretty selves don't you think? It's sweet to be kind to your loved one AND to the environment. The amount of waste caused by today's love whoohaa is horrendous. Get your romance on but do it thoughtfully I say smoochers ♥
I am a sucker for kiddo curios. I love colour and cutesy things for little people and there is an itty bitty little store hidden away in an laneway of Elwood full of it! It goes by the name ofNaughts and Crossesand it's a total swoon bulging with beautific things for little ones! Whilst goo and gaaing with childlike glee over all those beautific things, I got chatting to Louise one of the sweetest shop owners going around! As I pointed out her gorgeous props I learnt she had bought a few display piecesfromtheWaverley Antiques Bazaarand that she knows people I know, we both like this, and we love that, and all that vintage Jazz talk. During our nice little chit chat I loaded up the counter with a pile gifts for the 'Baby Beatniks' ...aka 'Santa' stash.. (shhh)and Louise wrapped them with a rainbow of tissue paper finished with coloured confetti, ribbons and bells. Cute! Now that's a few less presents 'Santa' will have to wrap and more wine time Christmas Eve watching Carols. Nice! Supporting local biz for 'Silly Season Shopping' is way better than boring old mass produced blahhh! So that's ticks and tens, not naughts and crosses for this little winner of a shop!
One of the many things I love about being in the world of vintage is all the gorgwa people I am constantly meeting and coming into contact with! It seems that lovers of old things are generally super amazing people, full of character, kindness, and with a wealth of information.
A couple of the many lovely people I have met within my vintage lifestyle are Tamarah from Shabby Vintage Junk and Lisa from Vintage Influence. Both have a style and wares to die for! Recently they held a 'Vintage Showcase' and lucky for me I got to see a preview of their collaboration before the big event!
Tamarah and Lisa set up an open house vintage sale and invited selected buyers, merchandisers and stylists for an exclusive shopping feast. Tamarah and Lisa make a great team and did an amazing job of displaying their beautiful wares. The following photos are just a taste of what was on offer and do not reflect the outstanding job they did enough.
I probably should of taken my pics before dusk on that balmy night, but the offer of a cold brewski and chit chat with fellow vintage fans was a way to tempting distraction upon my arrival!
Meet our newest addition to the Beatnik clan - 'Rosie'. Isn't she just a delight! The eldest Beatnik Baby thought up her bloom related name which I think was super cute of her! 'Rosie' is cuddly, playful and oozing mischief. We all fell in love with her immediately and absolutely adore her beautiful little nature. I am not a fan of her crapping and messing all over the house though eew and argh!
A couple of days after bringing her home we found a vintage 'Golden Book' in the Op Shop that was very fitting for our new pooch experience ...
In relation to my previous post I am back from a couple weeks of roadside pouncing. The treasures of the curb have kept me super busy amongst everything else that life involves. I have come out of the last couple of weeks wounded and weathered by the carelessness of some people. I own the face of a vintage heroine and hoarder. Have you seen that television show 'Hoarders'?! It's a scary thought that my fate might be on along the lines of that existence. Do you know what's even scarier though? The wasteful world we live in and how excessive consumerism is our way of life!!!
Sorry to say it but we are a bunch of brainwashed wasteful mofo's! So much of our ignorant lives are spent acquiring 'things' and disposing of them. The amount of thoughtless waste I witnessed on the roadside was a disgrace. What's the excuse? "We don't have enough time to give a hoot?" Is that because you are working your guts out to buy more 'stuff'?! Let me ask you ...if you saw $100 on the side of the road, could you prioritise and find the time to take it to the bank, or spend it at the shops? Hmmm... I think you would.
As I witnessed the crusher of the rubbish truck smash to smithereens perfectly fine things, I couldn't help but get depressed about all the time and energy put into producing those things. The cost to our environment and in turn to us as dwellers of the earth. I thought of the design process, the materials, the manufacturing, the likely and unlucky person in a third world country that had to take part in it's production. The distribution and miles travelled, packaging, the toxic byproductsthat were about to be dumped into our earth, and theconsumer who may be wracked with credit card debt to pay for all this 'stuff'.
I can understand that we need to dispose of items from time to time, but I can not understand and support outright and ignorant waste. The price of excessive waste is payed by ourselves - wasteful mofo's. It is up to us as individuals and communities to wake the hell up and give a damn about our buying and disposing practises.
There IS a positive perspective and that is, that there are so many ways, big and small we can make adifference.
Watch the movie below, 'The Story of Stuff' and you will understand my gripe. Become aware of our impact, be open to and participate in change. October is 'Buy Nothing New Month' challenge yourself and give it a crack.(Don't know what that is? Check out the links below).Trust me it's a challenge! List your unwanted items for free on 'Ziilch' or similar websites or hey move your butt, support fellow peeps, and donate them to a charity.
This blog post is not a judgemental attack just simply a cry for awareness and resistance against excessive consumerism and thoughtless waste. I urge you to watch this movie and give an iota about this magical earth we live on. I invite you to join me in my quest to live a more eco friendly life. That is, if you are not already, and if you are cheers to that tree hugger!
A fab concept I heard recently was 'Buy experiences not things' That's one of the things I'm going to work on for this little Beatnik family in my aim for greener living.
A slow drive by, a glint in the eye... a hover in hesitance with a glimmer of desire, a roadside loitering of unknown fate. A dash of shame.. I think not, but a whim on treasure that might await! That is if one is so brave as to rummage through another's ah... apparently... rubbish!
Are you a junk collection snob or junk loving street crawler??? You can safely guess I belong to the crew of the latter! A total trash rat I am when it comes to rescuing vintage delights from facing landfill. So many amazing pieces are discarded, it really is quite criminal.
Some turn their wasteful noses up at this act with disapproval. A sad sort of snobbery that exists, although that leaves all the more lovely roadside surprises for us courageous and resourceful types! It makes me a little sick to the stomach the amount of waste that goes on with this method of disposal. So I say ditch the judgements, support recycling, and if it's a little to good to throw, why not donate it to the local op shop before you dump it on the curb?!
A favourite piece of mine from the roadside is a sideboard Art Deco circa that was just about on it's last legs. Mr. Beatnik kindly hauled it home in the back of the '64 EH wagon a little unsure of my sanity! Armed with a sense of vision, I applyed a little love along with a lick of paint and now it's been transformed into quite a beautiful conversation piece. Such satisfaction is felt from breathing back a little life into a treasure that was actually intended for the tip!
Fellow recycler, collector and lover of old things, friend Crystal, had me super jealous of her roadside loot when I visited her the other day. She discovered the most beautiful Bread Bin tin I have ever seen and rescued it before the doom and gloom of the rubbish truck! It's pictured below. I would have loved to have shared a few more of her vintage pieces as well, but she is currently in the middle of the disarray of a reno. So alas I will have to return for a super snappy snap when it's completed! Crystal has the most amazing collection and an untamed gorgeous style that she is totally unaware of. High fives to all you junk loving street crawlers out there, collecting treasures before they make it to landfill. That is until I bump into you along the sidewalk about to pounce on one of them, then it's free for all hehe!
So super duper trilled that I got the chance to 'Flower Bomb' with fellow bloom lover 'Holly Hipwell' last Friday! It was Carnation Carnage at 'Nyary 604' - an amazing treasure trove of antiques and gorgeous home wares. I joined a crew of floral enthusiasts in an afternoon of quirky Holly chat, flower arranging and lolly chomping. It was sooo very lurvely.
It amazes me that this character oozing and very successful florist has never, ever, been to flower school! I am loving her untamed bravery, passion and unconformist attitude to floral art. It is in line with my evolving motto "Say NO to commercial blaaaaaah!"
As I explore more and more styles of floral design, I'm constantly drawn to artists that are breaking the rules and moving away from the commercial styles we have all been subjected to over the years and feeling very inspired!!! Don't get me wrong traditional techniques and designs have their place and I totally respect their beauty. It's just that it's so refreshing to see some really talented designers out there changing things up a bit and breaking the mould.
At the beginning of the workshop I viewed a few eager yet nervous faces and heard a couple of self doubting comments from some mouths re capabilities. By the end though, were some seriously chuffed expressions and truly amazing bombs!
Miss Holly is one to watch if you're not already and 'Nyary 604' is a total swoon. The little birdy herself told the class that it's likely she will return to Melbourne later in the year. So look out for updates if you're keen to join the 'F Bomb' club. Bombs aside though her other creations are stunningly beautific and equally deserving of credit.
Carnation Carnage...in a good way
Holly and I with my 'Flower Bomb'
Holly engaging in one of her fave pastimes - 'Flower Bomb' face stroking
Beautiful light fittings from 'Nyary 604'. Jenny globe trots sourcing lots of amazing pieces for her stunning store
'Nyary' is so gorgeously cosy, bulging with beautiful textures and colourful objects
I want this wall!
A fellow bombers creation about to hit the streets home on her bike
Sometimes if you're lucky enough, you cross paths with a fellow creative that you just mesh with, sparks fly and you both feel as though you have known each other a lifetime. You go on to discover that you are so much on the same wavelength it's almost creepy! The universe aligns you somehow. Recently that happened to me and I am ever so grateful!
This new creative soul mate of mine and fellow vintage fan dwells a few houses away from me in domestic circumstances and now I am very excited to announce that she has also become my neighbour at the 'Waverley Antiques Bazaar'. Located right next door to the 'Beatnik Flair Vintage' pop up shop YAY! Also a blogger she goes by the name of 'Love & Rummage' so check her out via the link below.
Last week I swung by her pad to get first viewing of, and take a few snaps of some stock she was about to haul to the bazaar. A very crafty lass she is, and has whipped up these gorgeous vintage fabric canvases and doily bunting. (If you go weak for doilies she is your kind of gal!)
I also couldn't resist snapping her cute little succulent display on her back porch, where we often sit and sip wine chatting and dreaming about all the creative projects we plan to collaborate on together!
Intuition is strangely my best asset when it comes to super special thrifting finds. It's when I'm in tune with this creepily amazing sixth sense that I seem to be lead to the most divinely lovely things. My latest fist pump worthy elating score is of the swapping kind although I am certain this little finder has come across a definite keeper. Well what is it? A super cute little collection of vintage swap cards!
Swap cards originated in the 1800's and came about when the packaging for cigarettes required a cardboard support. This stiffener began as a blank piece of cardboard and was later replaced with a picture printed version. This was the beginning of a collecting trend that has continued on through centuries. Swap cards were inserted into the evolved packaging even thoughthey were not required any longer for practical purposes, but were included due to popularity and as a selling point. Prominent characters were commonly displayed on the cards such as actors, presidents and sports personalities.
This particular collection has a retro feel and is likely to be 1970's circa.
My blog is on the back burner, it has been neglected and pushed aside because of a variety of reasons. The most enjoyment filled excuse is I have been super focused on treasure hunting and gathering, rummaging and collecting, sourcing and picking a hoard of beautific things for the vintage fest of the year! I've been digging deep, getting down and dirty with old wares and doing some super excited air fist pumps of treasure acquiring success.
Yee-hah! Giddy up vintage lurvers and get yourself to the Collingwood Masonic Temple, 141 Gibbs St, Abbotsford tomorrow and Saturday for the 'Odd Echo' odd vintage wares pop up market.
There are few early bird limited entry tickets still available at ten bux a pop for first dibbs at all the amazing stock on offer, which is between 12pm and 1pm tomorrow. Get your skates on and email Kat Tidcombe for one if your keen for first looksy.(kjtiddy@yahoo.com) Otherwise it's free entry and trading from 1pm until 7pm tomorrow and 10am until 6pm Saturday.
The 'Beatnik Flair Vintage' pop up shop will be there along with a whole crew of other amazing treasure hunters and traders. Such as Trish Hunter Finds, Shabby Vintage Junk, Milk Bar Vintage, Interior Hunter, Vintage Influence and loads more vINTAGE vINTAGE vINTAAAGE!
Today was spent styling the space and there was some seriously drool worthy wares arriving! Something for every fan of old things - rustic, reclaimed, shabby chic, retro, industrial the list goes on.
So now off I must go to continue stock wrangling! Hope to see you there!
Time to share a few 'Shabby Vintage Junk' aka 'SVJ' related pics to gaa gaa over. Life is busy at the the moment, it's crazy with creativity and surrounded by people, times are good. Creativity + positive peeps around = good times in my world! The blogging is getting a little neglect however as I've been up to my ears in flowers, family and friends, work, study and vintage finds. So a quick 'Show and Tell' of the NEW 'old' kitchen cabinet from 'SVJ' which Mr.Beatnik is attempting to convince me requires restoration. I on the other hand quite like it's weathered charm. The official opening of the 'SVJ' store rocked the 'Waverley Antiques Bazaar' last week. Lovely trader Tamarah out did herself with the shops amazing contents and beautiful merchandising.
The new addition to the household
Oozing with weathered charm and complete with antique handles
The SVJ store
Super cool trophies and measuring tapes
Lots of quirky knick knacks
Love a globe or two!
Gorgeous vintage wallpaper lined crates and antique clock collection
This afternoon I was greeted by a delightful little brown paper package at my door step from 'Violet and Rose' - Beautific hand poured soy wax candles and wax melts in divine scents, housed in recycled vintage jars/tins and wrapped to perfection. Today's little number is 'Autumn Harvest' a divine combination of Vanilla , Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cinnamon as well as Mandarin and Lemon. Yummy!
There are lots of other lovely scents from 'Violet and Rose' and the best part is they are made from a non-toxic natural soybean derived product which comes from a renewable plant source, so along with the use of recycled jars it makes a very enviro friendly candle or wax melt!
Gorgeous 'Violet and Rose' candles inside vintage jars
My beautifully wrapped 'Autumn Harvest' wax melts
Recycled vintage tins are another option and charming choice of soy wax candle vessel by 'Violet and Rose'
