Three branch candle holder trimmed with Victorian beaded fringing

The creative room has been silent and still for a long time. I know I’m not far off from picking up a paint brush …. for creative purposes instead of painting walls.  In fact, I am eager to get going again. I remember when the paint, brushes fabrics and embellishments were used in full swing and how all I had to do was pick up one of them and the inspiration would flow. Will this happen the again, the same as before? I hope so ….. I believe it will.

Shabby rose jug-vase

I haven’t posted my creative work for a long time, mainly because there haven’t been new pieces to show. For now, I’m reminiscing, and thought I’d post some pics of favourite pieces I’ve recreated in the past …… This is probably for my benefit more than anything else but I hope new visitors will enjoy what I have to show.

Heart trinket box with matching roses tray

Pot-planter for precious blooms

Organza shawl trimmed with hand dyed lace

Am I inspired? …… Yes.

What do you do with two tiny little trays? Transform them of course, from a plain steel finish to a colourful and decorative little treasure.

Each mini tray is Approx. 10 cm x 15 cm

In their original condition the gorgeous embossed pattern could barely be noticed. The painted finish now highlights the ornate pattern around the edge and cute little handles. And a simple rose in the middle is all that’s needed to crown the once insignificant little tray into a cute decorative piece.

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It’s time to show off another recreated item seeing I haven’t done so for a while. 

Sometimes friends give me old silverware as gifts for my birthday or other occasions because they know I’m always on the lookout for different, unusual or vintage style items to recreate. This sweet dish was one of them.

The dish is a simple but very elegant shape. There is no embossing, carving or other embellishment except for a row of small round ‘pearl drops’ along the handle. The proportions between the splayed base, plain tray with scrolled corners & patterned handle flow together beautifully to create such an elegant server.

Considering it’s been tossed about on a shelf in a recycling yard the dish has kept it’s shape well. Soft mauve & green with simple gold painted trims have recreated this serving dish into a gorgeous decorative item. …… Another One-Of-A-Kind

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Sometimes I get carried away with some of the things I do. I came across another Auction site called Bid Mate Online, and without giving it too much thought I set up a store there. I’ve called it Timeless Treasures – which is what the above scroll box is all about – it links directly to this store. It’s a fairly new auctioin site and they are trying to build it up. It may take some time before we get good traffic coming through – but I’m willing to give it a go. Fees are only paid on the sale of an item. So if nothing sells you’re not left with empty pockets like some other auction sites.

I only have one item in there at the moment but will add more over the coming week.

I don’t know why I’ve done this but now that I have I’ll give it a try to see if I get any sales from there.

Ciao,

Elena

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I haven’t posted any of my recreated treasures for a while so here is one of my favourites. A tall compote and ex silver ware. The design is simple but the shape is an elegant one. I’ve given this compote a marbly mix of colours on a cream background and trimmed the edges with stylised gold fleur di lis.

An elegant piece which can stand on its own as a decor item. It will look equally decorative filled with delicious sweets, chocolates, fruits or with a gorgeous mix of jewellery. Its One-Of-A-Kind, a gorgeous decorative treasure and an EP DESIGNS recreation.

Ciao for now,

Elena

Shop counter bells are just that – bells to ‘ding’ so as to catch the attention of the shopkeeper. So whether or not you are shy about using them or always eager to bang it on the head, you’ll find they are usually ‘nice and loud’. Just the kind of thing I need to get my son out of bed in the morning … although a large ‘gong’ would prossibly work better for him, lol.

If you see these bells simply as a useful tool (which of  course they are) and nothing more then a simple plain design is all that’s needed. But why not add a touch of style to your counter top. Something more ornate – vintage or classic in design, will add a decorative touch and possibly an opportunity as a converstion piece.

Four of these conter/desk bells can be seen in the photo above. I must admit I’ve fallen for them and have added a few more designs to the range I sell via eBay.  These are mostly reproductions of vintage styles and designs, and they look fabulous. The larger bell seen in the middle of the photo is set on a granite base and weighs approx 2.5 kg. The photo doesn’t do it justice as it’s quite a handsome, ornate piece. It also comes in a larger, ‘impressive’ size too.

But they shouldn’t be limited solely for use by storeowners as they would make a great little decorative addition to your home as well.

I won’t go into all the possible uses in a home – be it decorative, collectable as well as useful, I’ll leave it to your imagination ….. but feel free to add your ideas here.

Ciao for now, Elena

I love decorative homewares and that is part of what my home based business is all about. In addition to my own decorative work I’m always searching for beautiful decor items to add to the EP Designs range of products.

Although I’m having to pause my business ativities for a short while due to health reasons I find that I can’t rest completely, and still have an eye on the lookout for beautiful items. Here are a few pieces currenty in my range and have been available via my ‘Exhibition an Sale’.

An elegant cranberry glass bowl ……

Exquisite procelain urn/potpourrie jar …..

Ornate & decorative – matching teapot and urn/tureen ……. classic, elegant, beautiful.

I’m hoping I’m well enough to go the Gift & Home wares Trade show this coming weekend. I look forward to discovering new products so I can add to my range of decorative home wares.

Ciao for now, Elena

A few posts back I wrote about reproduction Murano art glass. Continuing on that theme here is another reproduction of a very popular item – the gramophone.  As I wrote earlier, nothing compares with the original designs. I’d rather own an original design but it’s not always possible – either because of availability or price. If you are a collector of antiques you would most likely ‘cringe’ at the thought of buying a reproduction piece. But if you are not necesaarily a collector and looking for a decor piece with a difference then reproductions would suit you ….. and your wallet.

Timber base with wind up handle & brass horn – it’s in working order & will play your old 75s. The octagonal design is my favourite.

These reproduction gramophones are a gorgeous decor accessory – very impressive and a great conversation piece.

Ciao for now,

Elena

It’s lovely to be surrounded by beautiful flowers. But I must confess, I’m not very good at looking after flowers in a vase. I admire people who make an effort to grace their homes with freshly cut flowers – whether they’re picked from their own garden or bought, flowers are a natural ‘decor item’ that brighten up the home and make you feel good …… well, that’s how I see them.

I don’t sell fresh flowers but I do aim to find beautiful decor items to add to my range of decor items for sale. These canvas prints are an affordable alternative to buying original art works, and a great addition to wall decor or to accompany flower arrangements as part of your decor scheme.

…. have a browse through and enjoy ….

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Ciao for now,

Elena

Murano art glass designs are very beautiful and stylish. If you can afford to buy an original it’s well worth it. I would love to own an original. The shapes, colours & effects they achieve is amazing … but it’s understandable coming from such highly skilled craftsmen.

The vase seen below is not an original Murano vase but a reproduction of a Murano design. The quality is not the same but at a distance looks the part. The glass is a gorgeous red with gold flecks throughout.

…. another reproduction of  Murano design. Possibly a classic design like the ones I remember from years ago. I think just about all our Italian ralatives had a similar vase somewhere in their home.

Not a Murano design at all but I’d say still classed as an art glass piece. Made from fused glass and hand painted, these table lamps give out a cosy warm glow. The one seen below is titled Danseusse, and is one of my favourites.

Summer Breeze is another of my favourite designs. I love the warm colours of these lamps and the fact that you also have an art piece on show.

Ciao for now,

Elena