Shabby Chick

Lynsey Walters' cheerful felt jewellery

The Country Living Fair was a smorgasbord of lovely gorgeous things, and Lynsey Walters' collection of cheerful felt jewellery and accessories was one of my favourites.

Let's face it, plain wool coats across the land are just crying out for one of these cute 50's pop flower stem pins to brighten their day.

Lynsey has some prints for sale, too, including a limited edition image of her 'collecting shelves'. An assortment of the retro items that inform and inspire her work. Hop over the cut to take a peek.

Shabby Chick is out of the building... Watch this space!

The Country Living fair brings together the latest in shabby chic and country style and it runs this weekend in the SECC, Glasgow.

The Shabby Chick team will be on site today, working tirelessly to bring the very best of it back to your desktop. Aren't we good to you?

CHRISTMAS CRAFT: Crochet decorations

John Lewis stocks a set of six crochet Christmas decoration for £9 in either white, red or green. They would complement pretty much any theme and add a touch of Victorian charm to your tree.

Alternatively, use this free crochet pattern and make your own. Yes, I know it's still only November, but I'm a slow hooker* - what of it?

Related posts: Panduro Christmas craft | Knitted cupcakes

*Now, that's a phrase you don't hear everyday...

Squint Limited - not very shabby, but definitely chic!

By Jennie Hughes

Squint Limited is the brainchild of Lisa Whatmough, a former painter and sculptor who collects antique textiles on the side. With a desire to showcase her stash of wonderful fabric, Lisa began upholstering period furniture, creating amazing one-off pieces of decorative art.

Squint primarily makes pieces to order, but there is an off-the-peg section on the website. There are also smaller items such as mirrors, cushions and lampshades. Okay, it's mega-pricey but you can always browse the beautiful pictures for DIY inspiration.

Related posts: Interior Design archives

CHRISTMAS CRAFT: Badge Maker

While it isn't strictly a Christmas craft set, I think this sweet badge maker would make a perfect stocking filler.

I know at least one eight-year-old that would love using scraps of fabric and pretty paper to make badges, then decorating them with embellishments like beads and sequins.

Related posts: Craft archives

Rustic Christmas garland

With white wooden doves, plum-coloured hearts and fake olive leaves, this simple, rustic garland is perfect for a shabby chic Christmas.

Get it from Cox and Cox for £15.

Related posts: Red heart photo holder | Metal Halloween lantern

Blue and white French kitchen storage

Remember my hunt for the perfect tea caddy? Well, as is so often the way (in my life, at any rate) I became overwhelmed by the choices available and ended up buying nothing.

Well, I'm glad I did! Now I can purchase these vintage style French blue and white tins. The set costs £20. It includes tea, coffee, sugar and flour tins, and is also available in red-and-white.

Related posts: Refreshing tea vintage tin | To Dry For teatowel

Make Do And Mend limited edition print

Proclaim your shabby chic ethos proudly with this limited edition print by graphic designer Gail Bryson.

Produced in London using traditional wood-block techniques, each print is numbered, signed and limited to an edition of 100. Available for £129 from Pedlars. 

Related posts: Recycled slippers | SPOTLIGHT: Jill Skulina

Atlanta Bartlett's new venture

In this month's Marie Claire there is an interview with interiors stylist Atlanta Bartlett in which she talks about her style as 'evolved shabby chic' and the importance of recycling and using old things.

I was excited to read about her new business venture - an online boutique called Pale & Interesting.
Launching in the spring, Atlanta and her furniture designer husband, Dave, are going to try and distill their relaxed country style, mixing small decorative items, Dave's furniture and vintage pieces. Atlanta is super-busy as she also has a book out in April 2009, called Easy Elegance. Look out for the Shabby Chick review coming soon.

Related posts: Rachel Ashwell | Junk shop chic

1950's diner phone

Oh, I love this phone possibly even more than I should. It's a faithful replica of a 1950's diner phone, but it plugs into a modern phone socket and has push-buttons for ease-of-use.

Although it doesn't require coins to work, you can still feed them in, getting that authentic and eminently satisfying 'ping' noise.

Get it here for £64.50.

Related posts: Refreshing Tea vintage tin | Linda Barker display shelves