My wonderful Valentine’s gift last week arrived at the foot of the bed in an enormous, dusty cardboard box, and gave me thrills; this vintage Imperial typewriter was a total surprise and is - for me – the perfect choice. Grimy, weary and with a handful of stiff keys it will polish up a treat, and my mind is already racing with possibilities. I think it will find a temporary home on the writing desk in our guest bedroom, perhaps with a welcome note typed out on it..
I’ve also been thinking ahead to the Easter holidays, and whilst we plan out trips and social events my mind has turned to decor, food and festivities; I’ve been having a go at making faux birds nests to fill with blown, dip-dyed & hand-speckled eggs; this (below) was an early attempt, and I’ll share with you the full how-to and some suggestions on materials and styling soon. I think I’m going to place ours under the cloches we used at Christmastime, on a cake stand; but the possibilities are endless.
The weather briefly turned last weekend, shooting up a veritable 11 degrees and giving us a preview of Spring. It was the only invitation I needed to brighten up the house, gathering these beautiful, vibrantly-Spring like hydrangeas from the garden centre, planting up a battalion of eggshell Cress-men to adorn our windowsills, and swapping my favourite woodsmoke candles for a hint of freshly mown grass.
Have a lovely weekend!
Can’t wait to see your bird nests how to and what a wonderful Valentines Gift that is as well.
The foam fight looks great fun – we had a smaller box arrive with some last week and I used it to decorate some pictures with the last of our snow crafts for this year I hope.
Hi Cerys, now that is a MUCH more sensible thing to do with foam beans
fingers crossed we’ve seen the end of the snow; I’m more than ready for a little warmth and sunlight…
Lovely!
Have a great Weekend, Kate!
What a beautiful typewriter and a thoughtful gift. I can imagine the enjoyment you will have from it. You know, I think my 19 year old son would love a big box of foam beans!!
how fun! And so lovely to see a bit of spring since it snowed 4 inches for us yesterday.
Have you read the children’s book “the legend of the golden snail” by Graeme Base? It’s a wonderful adventure story and made me think of the fun projects you’ve done for Harry. I bet he would love it!
The Legend of the Golden Snail
Thanks Helen; the book looks perfect; I can imagine Harry immediately identifying with Wilbur and imagining himself as the intrepid hero; thanks for the recommendation (I’ve just ordered the Amazon pre-loved copy for a couple of pounds; bargain!), and for thinking of us..
The typewriter is amazing! Are ink spools still available? That also seems amazing!
I know!! I found some on ebay and am going to bulk-buy if I come across any more… I guess there are still little dusty stashes of them scattered around the globe, but not for long I’m sure..
I’d totally join Harry in the mess of a pile of fun and then ask someone else to vacuum. How much do I love that typewriter? I need to order some tape for mine so I can actually use it vs it being displayed on a side table.
Ha, or you could just cheat like I do on the portable one I have in my hallway which I can’t find a ribbon for; I print off stuff on my laptop using ‘traveling_typewriter’ font (from http://www.dafont.com) and then feed it in to the vintage typewriter for decorative purposes; works a treat
Oh these photos are just too good. And I love Harry’s jammies.
Ha ha – the “Marital Naughty Step”! Do not let my husband know they exist – I would be on it constantly!
Love the typewriter – beautiful creature that it is. And LOVE speckled eggs
Such a lot of fun! I have to say, we love your blog and all your beautiful projects… it’s inspiring to follow. But I loved the contrast of your usually quite orderly and beautiful images, and the messy, fun chaos of the foam beans.
Hope you are enjoying a lovely weekend!
Ps. Gosh what a thought, ey.. all the letters that have been typed using this particular typewriter..
So few children (sadly including my own although I’m getting better) are allowed to make a mess and have fun with it. I think these pics say more about you as a parent than any other. What a lucky little boy
Hi – just finally wanted to say I really like your blog – the posts are always so thoughtful and are of real quality and I reckon the things you make are the best on the whole internet. I get heaps of inspiration for my little girl – and am always so comforted to see that such a professional looking result is done on the cheap. Also I’m hanging out for a birthday party post – I imagine you would have some great ideas (also am always looking for advice on ‘dealing with’ so many children who can be a tough audience if you have any). – Anyway- please don’t stop the blog – I really get a lot of it. And it’s so well-written too!
Goodness thank you so much! It’s always so lovely to hear from people for the first time – I always forget when I’m browsing blogs that those small connections are what makes it all worth while and avoids the occasional feeling of launching stuff into a vacuum. And yes, ‘cheap as chips’, as we say in England – as I write this I’m taking a break from dangling a torch over my latest project for ambient lighting, and cranking up the ancient oil heater which is just about keeping the frostbite at bay. I’m planning an Easter party for next month so hopefully that will offer a few celebration ideas. Thanks again, and I’m so glad you keep coming back for more
Couple of confessions here – We used to have a typewriter exactly like this one and I distinctly remember the day it went on the skip! Argh! I wish I’d known 20-odd years ago that one day I’d give my eye teeth to have it back!! It’s gorgeous, you lucky girl! Confession #2 – I really need to wear my glasses when I’m out in blogland – I thought I’d read that you were writing from the Marital Naughty Shop, and had to do a backtrack!! LOL! Always look forward to your posts Kate!
Anne that made me laugh so much – my mind is boggling at the thought of what one might find at the Marital Naughty Shop… ‘a little something to keep the passion alive, madam?’ (must stop speculating, concentrate on the job in hand..)
Hi,
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Regards
Izabel
Thank you Izabel; I’m very flattered!
It is my pleasure, You have a beautiful blog.
Best Wishes
Izabel
WOW – looks like fun was had by all…!! Beautiful photos – love the flowers, I so miss fresh flowers…(:
Hello Kate! I thought I’d commented here but had not…I am just enjoying a bumper blog catch up. That’s how Saturday nights roll in this house.
Great happy moments. I adore that typewriter and it’s clearly a gift given with lots of love. The foam fight looks like so much fun. I mean, how could one open that box of foam bits and not want to chuck them all over the house??
Gillian x
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