Clare Nicolson

It's a Holiday Hullabaloo!

2011-12-07T22:03:00.000Z

On Saturday 10th December I'll be donning my Made In The Shade cap (it's never been off, if truth be told) and selling at our Holiday Hullabaloo!

I'll be selling lots of new and one-off products as well as some old favourites...

Vintage lavender birdies

Lotta cushions

Vintage tea towel cushion

We've got over 40 indie makers selling on the day, a pop-up cinema, an interactive indie fashion room, festive treats and of course, a festive shopping soundtrack. If you're in Glasgow this weekend, I hope you'll shop handmade with us!

HO-HO-HOLIDAY DISCOUNT!

2011-11-28T12:34:00.000Z

I'm feeling very festive after the BUST Christmas Craftacular so it's time for a lil' discount in the online shop!

You can get 15% off everything, right up until 6pm on Sunday 4th December. Enter code HAPPYHOLIDAYS at checkout.

There have been some new additions to the family too! The Lotta bird cushions have landed. You can find them here.

As always, there's free shipping for all UK orders! Happy shopping!

Setting Up At The BUST London Craftacular!

2011-11-24T16:49:00.000Z

Tomorrow I'll be taking a trip down to London on the old Megabus for the BUST London Craftacular. This Sunday you'll be able to buy some exclusive Clare Nicolson products like these..

Sangria tea towel cushion

Vintage crochet cushion


Vintage Del Monte tea towel cushion

Mexican oilcloth notebooks

As well as having my own stall, I'll also be helping out at the Made In The Shade Craft Library, and djing with The A-Maisonettes. Busy times! If you're in London on Sunday I hope you can make it along!

12pm - 6pm, York Hall, Bethnal Green, 5-15 Old Ford Road E2 9PJ.

Florida Fun

2011-10-25T19:58:00.000+01:00

Ooh, I've been a bit quiet here lately! There's been so much going on recently. Holidays, new products, Christmas preparations and trade shows.

Last week I got back from a family holiday in Florida. In between stuffing my face with delicious seafood and trips to Disney World, I squeezed in some Florida style thrifting.

Vintage Bed Throw

Mustard & Ketchup Bottles

Vintage Embroidered Dress

Florida Souvenir Organiser

Key Holder

Juice Jug

Bank Holiday Thrifting

2011-08-30T11:49:00.000+01:00

This weekend, I took a trip with my family down to Carlisle to visit Aunt Flora. We prefer to say Auntie Flora Doll, because it's just better. I managed to squeeze in a few visits to some charity and vintage shops in Carlisle and Windermere. Look at what I found!

Lil' Cow Milk Jug

Melamine Plates

Sadler Pottery Mugs

70s Curtains

Bank Holiday Sale!

2011-08-26T13:06:00.000+01:00

What are you up to this bank holiday weekend? We're waving goodbye to Summer with a very special sale! This weekend you can get yourself 40% of everything in the shop, starting today right up until midnight on Monday 29th August.

Simply enter the code FORTY at checkout to receive your discount. Have a great weekend!

L O O K B O O K

2011-08-04T23:07:00.000+01:00

Have a L O O K at my new L O O K B O O K !

Nana Things

2011-08-02T13:39:00.000+01:00

In March, Nana Nicolson passed away. One of the hardest things we had to do was sell her house which was the Nicolson family home for over 50 years. We spent hours sorting out her things and remembering all the fun we had in the house.

My sister and I used to spend afternoons dressing up in her clothes and jewellery, pretending we were Zia from 'The Mysterious Cities Of Gold'. I think there were a few times we thought we were pretty convincing Ewoks too (I was Princess Kneesaa and Jennifer was Latara).

We used to love helping Nana cook in the kitchen too. She always had freshly baked scones and cakes ready for any visitors and the prettiest tea sets to serve them with.

Although she's not with us anymore and we don't have the house to visit, it's comforting to have some of our favourite Nana things in our home.

vintage pyrex

help yourself to cheese party plate

pretty towels

carved jewellery box, handmade by Papa

onion and beetroot pots


vintage dresser with Nana's tea sets

ruby ring

Nana

Forgotten Finds

2011-07-22T14:44:00.000+01:00

I used to spend many an afternoon searching through Etsy and making wishlists of my favourite vintage finds and pretty images. Now I spend many an afternoon on Pinterest doing the very same thing! I decided to take a trip back to Etsy to clear out my favourites, all of them now SOLD :(

1. Vintage ceramic roses
2. 70s wooden clogs
3. Vintage needlepoint
4. Doily clock
5. Vintage cat print
6. 'Gone Camping' sign
7. Vintage milk crate
8. Vintage Hamms beer advert

H O L I D A Y !

2011-07-07T15:53:00.000+01:00

Yippee! We'll be on holiday from 8th - 19th July. You can still buy from the store but orders won't be dispatched until 21st July. Hooray for Summer!

The Pull Shapes Photoshoot

2011-07-01T13:37:00.000+01:00

Last week I had a shoot for the new range with photographer chum Garry Maclennan. After a lot of humming and hawing about locations I decided to have it in my flat. Easy! Lots of chairs, vintage props and walls that match the cushions perfectly!

Pull Shapes! A New Collection

2011-06-16T11:48:00.000+01:00

It's been a while, huh? The new collection is finally here! Wheeeeeeee! The cushions are inspired by shapes. Can you tell? All kinds of shapes! Triangles, circles, petals, rectangles, hexagons and of course I had to sneak a birdie in there too!

To celebrate the launch of the collection, there's 20% off everything! No foolin! Simply enter PULLSHAPES at checkout to receive your discount. I'd love to know what you think of the new collection so please get in touch!

Monday Thrift Shopping

2011-04-18T13:58:00.001+01:00

Mondays are my day off from working at The Maisonette. But as you can imagine, they're not really days off. There's still work to be done elsewhere. Working on my own designs, Made In The Shade work, cleaning, shopping and loads more get squeezed into every Monday.

This morning, while running errands I couldn't resist popping into my favourite East End charity shops. I'm allowed to go shopping on my day off, right? Yes. I'm now the giddy owner of a new collection of souvenir tea towels.

Total spend: £4.50


Del Monte Tea Towel

Costa Blanca Tea Towel - To be made into a floor cushion

Benidorm Tea Towel - To be made into a floor cushion


Portugal Bag - Might use this to carry my lunch

Tenerife Tea Towel - I'm going to frame this one. It's my favourite!

Wave Bye Bye

2011-04-12T11:23:00.000+01:00

To make some room for the new Spring/Summer 2011 collection, we're waving bye bye to some classic Clare Nicolson designs. These guys have been part of the range since the very beginning. They've strut their stuff at trade shows. They've travelled worldwide, and they've made many a sofa look pretty. But now it's time to say goodbye *sob*...

You can say goodbye to the cushions for just £30. There's a limited number available so make sure you hurry! Wave bye bye here.

Another Sneaky Peek!

2011-04-05T22:23:00.000+01:00

What's this?! Here's another sneaky peek at the new Spring/Summer 2011 range! I cannot wait to get these designs printed up and made into cushions. I'm experimenting with some new fabrics and textures and some new ideas for the reverse of the cushions.

Launching Spring 2011

Spring Fever Discount!

2011-03-11T16:15:00.002Z

Oooooo weeee! It's Spring fever! For the next 7 days, enter the discount code SPRING at checkout to receive 20% off your order!

Sneaky Peek: New Designs

2011-02-22T12:35:00.000Z

I'm working on some new designs inspired by shapes. Triangles, hexagons, circles and squares. The new range will be printed on new fabrics. I'm experimenting with coarser weaves and finishes to exaggerate the vintage feel. First up, it's triangles and a sneaky peek at a new design.

The new range will be available in Spring 2011. Real soon!

A wee rummage

2011-02-16T21:33:00.000Z

Last weekend I took a trip back home and paid a visit to my Grandma and Grandpa's house. I love looking at old photos of my family so I had a wee rummage through their collection. I found some amazing photos I'd never seen before. They now take pride of place, framed in the hallway and kitchen so we can see them every day.

Mum & Dad

Grandpa

Grandma & Grandpa 1955

Grandpa

Great Grandpa Leitch

Mum

80s Dad

Bye Bye Mug

2011-02-07T11:46:00.000Z

While I was making googly eyes at all the vintage Pyrex on Etsy I took a peek at my 'favourites' page. I remember saving these beautiful vintage mugs and bottle over a year ago. It was going to be a fine collection. All mugs on display, hanging from special little hooks under my kitchen cabinets.

Not surprisingly, they've all sold. The phrase 'ya snooze ya lose!' comes to mind. As does 'you're a mug'. I am a mug. Can't believe I forgot about these!

Pyrex Love

2011-02-04T10:00:00.003Z

I've got a bit of a thing for vintage Pyrex. I love it. I actually love it. "If you love Pyrex so much why don't you just marry it?". You know, I just might.

I began collecting vintage Pyrex kitchenware a few years ago. I've bought some beautiful pieces in London, Edinburgh and Texas and regularly search Ebay and Etsy for more. Here are some of my favourites found today on Etsy.

One day, they'll all be mine.

Hey Valentine!

2011-02-03T12:28:00.000Z

It's getting a bit lovey dovey round here. As much as I love the sickly sweet Valentine's gifts and cheesy greetings cards, I think we can come up with something a little better...

Lovey Dovey Cushion

Vintage Lavender Birdie: Chickadee

Rosie Cushion

Be My Valentine Card

And remember, there's free P&P for all UK orders :)

Homeware Shoot

2011-01-26T14:31:00.000Z

It seems like such a long time ago now, but back in July 2010 I had a new homeware shoot for the website. My photographer and friend Garry set up location at Auntie M's Cake Lounge. I chose Auntie M's for many reasons. For one, she makes the best cake I have ever tasted. The Cake Lounge is also neighbour to my shop The Maisonette and home to some amazing vintage decor.

Take a peek at the rest of the shoot here

Wednesday Thrift Shopping

2011-01-12T16:52:00.002Z

A collection of thrifty finds from the East End.

Vintage patchwork cushion 50p

Boat shoes £2.00

Vintage tablecloth £2.00

Vintage double duvet cover £3.50

Total spend: £8.00

Sale! Sale! Sale!

2011-01-12T09:00:00.003Z

It's January and it's time for a sale! Lots of sales! All cushions are now on sale for a limited time at the Clare Nicolson online shop. Selected designs are also on sale at Not On The High Street and All Things Original.

Some very special designs and one-off vintage fabric cushions will also be available at The Made In The Shade Maisonette Sale-O-Rama at discount prices from 18th - 30th January.

2011: I'm Back!

2011-01-11T12:45:00.012Z

Hello? Are you still there? 2 years ago tomorrow will mark the last time I updated the blog. What's that all about? Laaaaaazy! Things slowed down at Clare Nicolson HQ during the last 2 years while I spent time on my other venture Made In The Shade. During this time though I did manage to create some new designs and build the all new online shop!

The Bunting, Buck and Rosie cushions are available now from the new site, with free UK P&P.

2011 was kick-started by the Made In The Shade annual Winter vacation. We've given ourselves 2 weeks off to relax and make plans for the year. Given top priority is also the task of planning for Clare Nicolson. I'm back on it, I promise. I will be ALL OVER IT this year (the business, that is). New designs are in production and photos will be up soon. Yeah, that's right I actually will be updating the blog more frequently!

Our vacation was intended for us to take some time off (obviously). Amongst all the work and plan making I actually did manage to have a break. I spent the weekend up in snowy Aviemore and Boat of Garten.

And now, back to making plans...

Country Crafting! Get Involved!

2009-01-12T21:19:00.005Z

Hoot! Hoot! Country Crafting! is finally here!Country Crafting! is a brand new monthly event run by Clare Nicolson (that’s me!) and friends that takes place on the 1st Sunday of every month alongside Fuzzy Felt Folk at Macsorleys Music Bar, Glasgow. Have you ever wanted to embroider the face of Hank Williams onto a pretty cushion for your mama? Have you ever tried to grow a beard but can’t get it quite right? Why not knit your own! Have you ever wanted to sit in the pub all day colouring in pretty pictures? Um…Country Crafting! can help you make all these things and lots more. There’ll be monthly projects, drawing competitions and special handmade prizes all set to a hand picked selection of country music from Fuzzy Felt Folk’s vintage vault and contemporary catalogue.

We’re launching on Sunday 1st February and will be crafting up a storm at the Fuzzy Felt Folk 2nd birthday party featuring Schnapps and The Invisible Republic. Every month there’ll be very special things to make and do like…

Knit your own beard!
Country superstar sock puppets!
Keep it in the lines colouring in!
Country cross stitch!

Come down to Macsorleys on the 1st Sunday of every month and get involved! Entry is FREE! There will be very special crafty classes that you can take part in for a small fee, very special crafty kits you can buy to take home and try yourself, or you can just sit back with a couple of beers, try some colouring in and enjoy the Fuzzy Felt Folk country catalogue!

Visit www.myspace.com/countrycrafting and www.myspace.com/fuzzyfeltfolkparty for more info!

See you in February! x

HOOT HOOT! For Made In The Shade!

2008-10-28T10:15:00.005Z

HOOT HOOT! Indeed! Saturday's Made In The Shade was a huge success. The event was organised by myself, Carrie Maclennan, Suzanne Smith, Jo Gurney and Lynsey Smith. There were almost 2000 visitors through the doors despite it being such awful weather. So, if you never made it down to The Lighthouse, you missed out! There were so many beautiful products but I was so busy running around trying to move signs, eat lovehearts, dance to the amazing soundtrack and try to figure out how to work the walkie talkie thing that I never had time to shop.

But I won't fret! Made In The Shade returns on 6th and 7th December for an amazing festive shopping weekender. It'll be the biggest yet with live music from The Parsonage and a special guest all the way from London - vintage hair stylist Nina Butkovich-Budden from Nina's Vintage Hair Parlour. She'll be styling our lovely tresses (and yours!) to make sure we're all looking as glamourous as ever.

markets! markets! markets!

2008-10-16T15:49:00.008+01:00

coo-ee! clarenicolson.com has been a bit quiet over the last few months :( I've just moved house (hoot hoot!) and have been without internet for weeks...until today!

I'll be taking part in lots of markets in the next few months where you can check out lots of new designs and exclusive products.

I've been helping to organise Made In The Shade which happens on 25th October at The Lighthouse, Glasgow.

Get down there on the 25th nice and early for free goody bags packed full of treats worth up to £30!

I'll also be at the Glasgow Craft Mafia market on the 8th November...

There'll be a whole heap of winter markets I'll be selling at - details to follow!

NEW! cushions :)

2008-06-12T12:42:00.004+01:00

There are new cushions at clarenicolson.com! 3 new linen cushions have been added to the range. Cosy, Home Tweet Home and Sew Lovely are inspired by vintage textiles, embroidery and pattern. They have a digitally printed front and vintage fabric reverse. They measure 14 x 14 inches and are available in from the shop now!

COSY

HOME TWEET HOME

SEW LOVELY

£45 with free P&P within the UK :)

Va - Va - Vintage!

2008-06-12T12:37:00.003+01:00

The next Glasgow Craft Mafia market is on June 28th, imagine that!

NEW! vintage inspired linen cushions will be on sale, as well as the lavender birdies, cards, big birds and lots more lovely things. Of course, any money that I make will be going straight into the pockets of the many fabulous vintage clothing sellers that will also be there.
Come and say hello! :)

I ♥ Made In The Shade

2008-05-25T15:43:00.004+01:00

Oh yes, I really do love Made In The Shade :) The joint venture between The Glasgow Craft Mafia and The Lighthouse was a huge success. We sold lots of pretty things and bought lots of pretty things!

I'll also be exhibiting at Pulse, 1-3 June, Earls Court, London. Stand LP32
3 new cushion designs will be launched! Details to follow soon :)

Made In The Shade

2008-05-12T12:25:00.005+01:00

On 24th May, I'll be exhibiting at the wonderful Made In The Shade at The Lighthouse, Glasgow...

"Brought to you in association with the CEC and the Glasgow Craft Mafia, the aptly named, ‘Made In The Shade’ market (a slang phrase, popular in the 1950s and synonymous with guaranteed success, or a truly swell situation) launches at The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane on Saturday 24th May!

Bringing the crème of the city’s independent and creative crop together for the first time, the vision of ‘Made In The Shade’ is to showcase young design talent, to encourage customers to relish in the exclusivity of the handmade one-off and to promote the local businesses who are working hard to carve out creative identities amidst a mountain of mass-produced and carbon-negative products.

On the day, as you (yes, you!) explore the pick of over forty stallholders selling products crafted with love, you will be treated to the sounds of rock’n’roll rebels, honkytonkers and vintage drag on the decks.

Very special goody bags containing handmade treats from Glasgow Craft Mafia members and a special gift from The Lighthouse shop, ‘Form’ will be presented to early birds!"

Oh so many clare nicolson goodies will be on sale! NEW! cushions, cards, teatowels, big birds, tote bags and the much loved vintage lavender birdies!

For more info and a full list of other exhibitors, head on over to www.myspace.com/wearemadeintheshade

look out Texas!

2008-03-26T18:24:00.003Z

Watch your back Texas....I'm paying you a visit! Yes, it's almost time for my annual jaunt to Austin where I will eat my own body weight in enchiladas, drink my own body weight in vodka, watch some bands, take a roadtrip, and play to my hearts content in beautiful vintage shops :)

While I'm gone, the shop will be closed :( You can purchase items but they will not be dispatched until I return. You can of course order any clare nicolson delights before then. Get your orders in before April 3rd!

Closed from 8th - 30th April

glasgow craft mafia spring market

2008-03-09T15:38:00.003Z

coo-ee! get your crafty ass down to the hillhead library, glasgow this saturday from 10.30am for the glasgow craft mafia spring market

I'll be selling cushions, cards, new printed tote bags, as well as the vintage lavender birdies and some very special limited edition products not for sale anywhere else :)

7 random things...

2008-02-11T13:29:00.000Z

coo-ee! i've been tagged by www.askingfortrouble.org/crafts/ to tell you 7 random things about myself....

1) I have a scar on my forehead that looks exactly like a division sign...I believe this is why I am terrible at math.

2) I have lived in the US twice in my life - Raleigh, NC when I was 4 and Austin, TX for 2 years when I was a teenager.

3) I have always wished I was a good singer, and that I could play the piano.

4) I have a horrible habit of saying stupid, embarassing things in public, like the time I called my teacher 'columbo' forgetting that he also had a glass eye.

5) I could eat mexican food for every meal of the day and never get bored, enchiladas are my very favourite, closely followed by quesadillas.

6) I can pop my hip when I sit down. I used to do it all the time in school when sitting in very quiet exam rooms. No one ever figured out what the noise was.

7) As a child I had a goldfish called 'flip flop gazebo' - I can't remember why, I only know I loved him very much.

Now I challenge http://showponydesign.blogspot.com/ and http://www.suzannesmithdesign.blogspot.com to write 7 things about themselves.

new cushions in the birdhouse

2008-01-21T13:09:00.000Z

There have been a few new additions to the birdhouse. Some new, exclusive cushions have just been added.

the hand embroidered birdie cushion is £30

It measures 14 x 14 inches and is 100% cotton

the reverse is finished with a cream fabric with green polka dots

These two vintage fabric cushions are also 14 x 14 inches, 100% cotton and priced at £20. There's only 1 available in each print so get yours quick!

All are available from http://www.clarenicolson.com/products.html under the birdhouse

clarenicolson.com loves you!

2008-01-17T12:52:00.000Z

coo-ee! valentines day is almost upon us....did you forget? you silly sausage! This year, why not buy something different for your dream hunk or sweetheart.

Make a date with clarenicolson.com (we'll bring the wine). The dolly birds, cosy cushions, cards and lavender birdies are waiting for you...

You can now choose the colour of your vintage lavender birdies. You could go all out romantic with pink or choose from a range of other vintage fabrics to wow your special friends.
Single? don't be blue :( buy something special to show yourself just how much you love YOU!

christmas market madness

2007-12-04T13:09:00.000Z

coo-ee! throughout december you'll have the chance to buy clare nicolson products direct from me at various markets around glasgow...come and say hello!

9th december @ mono

15th december @ hillhead library

As well as the usual collection, there will be christmas cards and decorations for sale.

Don't forget the last posting dates for clarenicolson.com

best week ever!

2007-11-08T10:11:00.000Z

My 'best week ever!' started on Monday (as most weeks do) when I got my official order through from Paperchase. From January 2008, clare nicolson products will be available from the Tottenham Court road store, London.

They will be stocking the birdsong cushion...

the olive cushion...

and the orange and brown dolly birds...

but until January, you can always buy these from the website ;)

The week got even better last night when I went to see Beirut last night at the arches, glasgow. Our ruthless efforts to get as close as humanly possible to the front worked.....sort of.

Special thanks to the guy who attempted to push past me to get to the front, couldn't get through and then stood pressed so close to me that I think I may now actually be pregnant. I must also give a mention to the buffoons who barged through the crowd during the final song and started screaming at people to 'dance'. If what they were doing was dancing, I'd prefer not to get involved. Despite this the gig was wonderful....*sigh* I think I'm in love...

http://www.beirutband.com/

hooray for the postman!

2007-10-31T15:34:00.000Z

now, i usually hate royal mail but today the new ian stevenson book finally arrived after I thought it had been lost during the postal strikes :( So as a salute to my postman I shall type this in royal mail red.

'best wishes, get well soon' is a collection of the artist's work and is currently the only thing I ever want to look at
you can buy the book online at http://www.concretehermit.com or check out http://www.ilikedrawing.co.uk

the very first glasgow craft mafia market!

2007-10-30T14:17:00.000Z

hello! I've not visited my blog for such a long time :( but now you won't be able to get me off it I promise! It's an exciting week as it's the very first glasgow craft mafia market this thursday night.

as well as myself, there will be lots of other mafia members and other glasgow designers selling great handcrafted products. Check out the website http://www.glasgowcraftmafia.com

it's on from 5-9, and free entry! :)

london shopping fun! :)

2007-06-07T18:21:00.000+01:00

during the exhibition we found time to get some shopping in :)

these beautiful vinyl wall decals are from french company les invasions ephemeres

http://www.lesinvasionsephemeres.com

i bought lots of lovely stickers at the show, here's how they look in my room...

i also bought a pretty weekend bag from kate sheridan http://www.katesheridan.com

and a granny flower cushion from designer camilla meijer http://www.camillameijer.com

pulse 2007

2007-06-06T20:26:00.000+01:00

clare nicolson has just come back from exhibiting at Pulse 2007, earls court, London. The show went well with plenty of orders for the new wallhangings and cards

have a peek at the studio

2007-05-30T17:56:00.000+01:00

take a peek at where i work

new mini wallhangings :)

2007-05-30T16:51:00.000+01:00

these 5 new mini wallhangings measure 21 x 29 cm. They are 100% digitally printed cotton stretched around a wooden frame ready to hang anywhere you want. Available from the website now