Upcycled Crystal Blind & Light Pulls ....

In my travels I come across all kinds of beautiful antique and vintage bits and bobs, that I take home thinking happily to myself .....'i'll find a use for that, it's so pretty'.
Anyway I have finally found an actual USE for some of my bits and bobs! 
Being a little short in the leg I cann't really reach the Velux blind pulls in my bedroom and the bathroom string light pulls often provide tha same problem too - so i decided to make a blind pull.

I used a piece of 1930's Grograin ribbon and a very pretty antique Victorian crystal droplet that would have originally been on a chandelier to make mine.
If you can't find a crystal droplet, then you could string old beads onto a wire and tie them on to your light pull or attach them to your blind with some pretty ribbon.

At our vintage shop we've got lots of lovely odds and ends for you to make your own vintage home improvements with!

Make A Vintage Belt

Not only do I love buying and selling vintage things, but, I also love upcycling and making new things too.
With finances tight at present - if you're wanting to update your wardrobe, try a 'new' vintage tie belt, it looks lovely, is totally unique and and is recycled too.
This project is really easy and you need only the most basic of sewing skills - so I thought I'd share it with you...

1. You'll need an old or vintage men's tie and a small old or vintage buckle - this needs to be one that does not have a prong.
2. Loop the thin end of the tie round the central bar of the buckle and secure with a pin, making sure that the front of the buckle is showing on the front of the tie / belt.
3. Secure the thin end of the tie to the back with a few small, neat stitches and hey-presto you've got a 'new' vintage belt.
4. If you want a fuller looking belt, you could try using a long narrow vintage scarf or cravat....

 Good Luck & Enjoy
Sarah x.