Out in the country

A couple of weeks ago I had a rare Sunday free from my (self-inflicted) volunteering duties at Wolston House, so I went for a drive out to the Lockyer Valley, not all that far from where I live. I went looking for an Open Garden I had read about in my favourite magazine, but sadly I was unable to locate it.
Undaunted, I headed to Forest Hill via some back roads when I spotted this abandoned cottage along the way.

I am drawn to shabby, neglected things, although they do make me sad. There was more shabby stuff in Forest Hill, although this pub is still a going concern. I was rather taken by the green stuff growing in the gutter!

Just look at the texture of the peeling paint on this fence! 

My next stop was at Cafe 4342 for a spot of morning tea. The number is Forest Hill's postcode and the cafe and gift shop are extensions to the Post Office. My choice for morning tea was this delicious pear and blueberry cake.

My journey home took me through Marburg and Rosewood. There is a fabulous antique shop in Marburg, with some quirky items for sale. I think Superman may be looking for this!

There is a wonderful house in Rosewood which is crying out for some attention. It is hard to see from the road and I don't like to trespass, but the overgrown entry to the property is very romantic.

A very enjoyable day out!

Hello again

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted on this blog. I have been caught up in a few heritage events and kind of lost my focus for a bit. Add in a flying visit to Perth for the National Trust and my regular volunteering commitments and... enough excuses!

I did however, finish the signature quilt I was working on. Deadlines are good and it needed to be ready for the event we ran to celebrate the 160th birthday of Wolston House. I'm fairly pleased with the outcome although this is not the best photo I've ever taken.

This is a close-up of the central section. The embroidery was done by one of the other volunteers.

A lot of the fabric came from my stash but I did have to buy backing. Isn't it cute!

The event was an Antiques & Collectables Day and of course I had to buy one or two little goodies. I have a "thing" about pretty plates and and just loved the little collections of vintage photos from France and Italy.

Next I am planning a scrappy quilt to raffle for Wolston House and hoping to get other volunteers to participate. Lots of patterns to choose from here.

Vintage therapy

Yesterday I felt the need to indulge in a bit of vintage shopping therapy, so I toddled off to the new antiques and collectables centre here in Ipswich. It is in a beautifully restored Heritage building which was formerly the Congregational Church Hall and Sunday School. I haven't visited since the opening last December which was lovely, (lots of yummy nibbles and bubbly) but very crowded and hot in spite of the air-conditioning. It was hard to have a good look at the merchandise.

I was able to have a good browse as well as a delicious coffee with almond bread at the cafe. The nice thing about the centre is that there is a good range of stuff, not only classy antiques but vintage and retro as well as repurposed items.

I found this lovely Colclough china trio at a very reasonable price. Plain but elegant.

Also this very pretty oriental picture made with cut paper.

I think it will go well with my Oriental ladies.