Author Archives: Gemma

Virtues of thrift – keep it in the family!

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I’m dedicating this post to my family, especially my late mother, Frances Dalzell and late Grandmother, Kathleen Mulligan who are responsible in large part for the existence of Salvage Sisters! Family readers cue wry smiles!

I’m convinced they would be delighted to see the efforts of my Salvage Baby Lucia, who turned TWO this week.. she certainly has an eye for the antique! I was delighted when i ‘mistakenly’ won (thats what I had to tell the baffled husband who went to pick it up!) this vintage German Sleigh at Ross’s Auction in Belfast. It’s uses have proven unending even convincing said husband of its merits as a household item!

Tv seat


 

Snack time

 

She loves to pull it out from under the table and have a seat, or use it to climb up on the table to dance! It’s a great little coffee table too.

Auntie Doris' pram

Its hard to imagine any of our modern day toys would live to tell the tale, let alone look so charming as this little pram which Lucia took a shine to as we cleared out Tullyroan lately. It belongs to our Aunty Doris who  certainly knows how to hold on to a thing or two! This little beauty is around 70 years old. Doris has a fabulous eye for interiors and I must do a post sometime on her amazing collection of refurbished antique chairs and sofas!


Birthday trike

 

 

Salvage Aunty Lucy has excelled in her shoppping this year and got Lucia this trike for her birthday! We looooove it. I trust it will last to hand on to the next generation too.. 

And finally some words of wisdom from people who know, to hand down to the family.. I especially agree with the first and last one.

“Thrift is not an affair of the pocket, but an affair of character.”  ~S.W. Straus

“I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living.”  ~John D. Rockefeller

“Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?”  ~Cicero


“We are not to judge thrift solely by the test of saving or spending.  If one spends what he should prudently save, that certainly is to be deplored.  But if one saves what he should prudently spend, that is not necessarily to be commended.  A wise balance between the two is the desired end.” ~Owen Young

Vintage Homebird

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The Salvage sisters have had the delight of a few days on the same side of the shuck with Lucy being in Northern Ireland for a few days.

After the trauma of actually having to clear some things out that we couldnt possibly salvage or find room for, at the car boot, we undertook a little intentional rambling around NI to unearth some new treasure hot spots I’d heard about on the vintage circuit.

vintage homebird

I have never had a reason to go to Greyabbey before, but that is where the lovely Keri Johnston has opened the most beautiful space to retail her very attuned collection of vintage, retro and kitsch memorabilia. After a gorgeous drive about 20 mins out of Belfast hugging the coastline, we were excited to find this little town has a plethora of antique shops and the like. With the warmest welcome, we pottered through the three room space on two levels, laid out to eye watering, heart quickening, I want-all-of-it perfection.

 

Keri’s enthusiasm and warmth is exuded throughout her shop to inspire you even more than the fabulous lay out. Get on down there if you get the chance.

Watch this space for our next treasure ramble..

Pallet hi!

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Hello from the end of a sunny national holiday in Northern Ireland. I don’t hold a lot of sentiment for the spirit behind the 12th of July Jubilations, instead I enjoy the eerily quiet roads and streets (as long as you avoid any band parades!) as the annual mass exodus of our wee country occurs, for those who also seek to avoid the annual face off between our communities!

We did mark it with our own camp bonfire, and first experimental camping-with-toddler expedition.. summary: it takes a lot of pain to have that much fun!

Anyway I just thought I’d be lazy and share these rather more novel and useful ideas over at design sponge (one of my favourite design blogs) for what you could do with any spare pallets, if it’s possible to find any round here, where on earth do they get them all every year?

 

I must say seeing one of these constructions in real life is not uplifting but definately breath taking! Wonder how it would go down, if I attempt to nick a few next year to complete some nice salvage projects!

Oh and here’s another great idea, a spare bed always comes in handy!

Check out this photography blog for some more heart stopping images of the 11th night traditions.

And for more pallet gems for all you junkies.. look here at Bettyjoy’s blog, and here on google images.. yum!

Image credits: title image – tell it in colour blog. Pallet hi image – Megan Young

Pallet bed images at Funky Bear Decor blog

 

Road trip, Coffee, Salvage..

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The treaty of blogging elevates you to the official position of ‘go-to’ person on your chosen topic!

I got a call from my good friend Vicki lately who needed some Salvaging done, I was her woman!

Her late Grandmother, a prolific seamstress, had an insatiable addiction to haberdashery in all its forms. I have never in my life seen a stash like it, with every description of wool, fabric and fibre imaginable, and for that matter unimaginable! I believe she made almost everything she wore. I would love to see some photos of her in her finery. This lady had an eye for quality, and she makes my hoarding won a minimalists award.

My trustee day tripper Fionna and I set off through the vales of Ards along Strangford Lough, through Balloo to Killinchy. This was to me an uncovered patch in our quilt of scenery here in NI. A grand day out, with beautiful coffee shops along the way, and sheer views over the water here and there.. it feels like you’re driving to the edge of the world.

Fill er up Fi!

We came upon our destination, where Alan, Vicki’s dad was clearing out. After the salvager’s excitement of seeing a few remnants and juicy tit bits, we were baffled as roll upon roll of beautiful material, and balls and balls of the finest wool kept appearing.

roll up

chair makeover sorted

life supply

 

Angora

As many an unconverted salvager would, the builders who were there at the time, were more highly amused and baffled at our delight in filling our car literally to the roof with our ‘treasure’. Much the same as Vicki’s husbands response! Luckily Ivan has given up on noticing my stock-piling.. almost. He uses this skill for the house work too! Hee Hee.

Tweed

Leather! any ideas?

Crocodile Dundee

 

Now, if you have an interest in some remnants, or what to do with rolls of leather.. give me a call, or drop in, it’s looking for a home, there’s only so much my garage can hold. xx

Salvage hi five

I hope Vicki finishes this coat off!

Storage solutions?

 

Knit and Knatter

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I have made a discovery.. what with our world of social networking and virtual time passing, it fits that to get anything done you need background company!

On reflection, perhaps this is a personal character flaw, I always studied best with company and over the years at school and uni came up with many study comradery adventures – in caravans, parks, cafes, sleepovers chewing actual coffee granules.. aah moment of appreciation for all you tortured students out there.

It was bliss to attend the recent Belfast council run Revamp workshops I wrote about here and here, not least because just pottering away in a room full of people doing the same thing was so comforting, social, inspiring.

So in a bid to reclaim a childhood skill I had a glorious girls night in to ‘Knit and Knatter’.

 

It really was a rare privelidge to have both a relaxing and gratifying friday night after a long week..  sipping cocktails from a teapot ((i was served lately in a bar in Belfast to this effect) and catching up, whilst patting oneself on back for new skill acquired and that comforting feeling that should you find yourself shivering or naked in the future, you could yarn your way out of that predicament!

The next event, a ‘Pic – knit’. If you’re interested let me know! Extreme knitting ideas welcome..

It’s yours..take it!

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You must look out out for this little treat of an event, which popped up in our city in February this year.

This one in February was held in the delightful venue, of the recently opened Belfast Barge near the Waterfront, and run by Portavogie artist, Alice Burns.

It’s an artists collective, which was conceptualized as a free art show with world wide artists sending their work to be displayed at an impromptu street gallery created in a public space. The works are displayed by local artist(s) residing in the city of an IYTI! show. It was resolved that the shows would be held on the same weekend in 5 cities globally! You can read more about the concept here.

I love Butterflies, and was delighted to pick up a street artist interpretation by ‘A1’, a Finnish street artist apparently.

I love it, and you can see me happily picking it up, along with the other chuffed customers and their finds in the event gallery.

Thanks A1, and IYTI!

Revamp…. for free!

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Hi readers,

Just popping up to share a little treat for all our Belfast Salvagers..

The Belfast council have collaborated with our favourite Fashion Soukers, to create a series of free workshops to guide you on your merry way to a greener, revamped facelift to your life, wardrobe and home.. wow! All our favourite stations here at Salvage sisters. I’m signed, let me know if you want to join me.. wish you were here sis!

More details and sign up info here or on facebook x

Goodies 2

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So my glee in Belfast’s sources continued on Sunday in the most excellent collaborative of iconic, collectible vintage and retro pieces I have ever seen under one roof, at the Retro Rooms. There are lots of great photos at this link, but here are my most covetable, jaw dropping, stamp-my-feet-i-want-it items.

I have a chair fetish, and here are two of the best samples in the best colours I have ever seen in real life!

A pair of these Vintage Danish 1970 swivel Egg Chairs in Danish Blue wool from Original Compulsive Design..

Danish 1970's Egg Chair

 

This original Eames Chair by the same people.. in my ultimate colour..

Eames Chair

 

And here is what I got.. this image care of Frock Around the Clock blog

Coupe Glasses

 

Peuter Candleabra

I was delighted to meet the lady at It’s Vintage Darling, who hales from my townland Co. Armagh, with wares from her Armagh shop, and got this long hunted for candleabra complete with pink candles, yum. And Coupe champagne glasses, a collectable for me..Cant wait to visit..

Finally no day out is complete without a few remnants..

Crochet blanket

 

This mustard crochet blanket funks up a tired old chair in the nursery..

 

And unless Im mistaken this pink and mint lace linen is quite original, or else died in the wash! Love it.

Baby pink linen

Hints of Pink

 

Picks out my touches of pink very well.

I’m tickled pink! x

Weekend Goodies 1

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Sparrow Wall decals by Olive Owl Art

I’m excited to share the abundance of Belfast’s talent and wares available this weekend. The first ever ‘Home Souk’ on Saturday was a real treat of fabulous art, uniquely crafted homey items, hand-picked treasure and memorabilia, and upcycled furniture. This swoop of swallows I got from Cassie of Olive Owl Art just give my kitchen wall a breath of fresh air, and my step a little skip when i see them. They set off my collection of kitchen finds very well too..

Sparrow Wall decals by Olive Owl Art

Here is Cassie of Olive Owl art and Liz with the rest of their wares. Liz of The Green Peach had some funkily painted crockery, love that pink cadillac! And those silhouette cushions! Check out their etsy shops for more inspiring stuff.

One of my favourite retailers at the Souk is Hola Lola.. the shop is a colourful fairly traded and ethically sourced feast.. I will have to do another post of all the fab things I have from there..

Hola Lola

And the wonderful Jenny of Hola Lola was selling these deliciously quirky hand designed plates

Jenny's plates

It was very inspiring to meet all sorts of people showcasing their business inititiatives.. people with this kind of get-up-and-go and-actually-do-it, amaze me! i think it takes a lot of confidence.

I met Roisin McCrory who will upcycle, repurpose or personalise any piece of furniture you might have a special place in your heart for.. see more on her website

And what about these lovely ladies, selling authentically African handmade goods, from repurposed plastic bottles, useful for lots of little jobs, and with all funds going to source.. lovely!

South african handmade boxes

All in all, it’s the kind of day out, that makes shopping fun, personal, and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling of voting with your banknotes in aid of all things green, pretty, unique and ethical. *happy sigh*..

Something for the weekend..

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There’s something about ‘Style magazine of the Sunday Times.. I love it, and hate it. The narcissistic, no holes barred attitude that oozes through its hedonistic, super cool pages is just, well, addictive. A dear friend kept me the 23/01 edition, to update me on a website which could be of help to any budding Salvage Sista.. www.fashism.com.

Here you ditch the unreliable advice of your sweet friends, mother, boyfriend et al who will pretty much tell you anything to get you to go away, get out of the house/shop, shut-up.. and let the self appointed fashion critics of the internet help you out..

So throwing all caution and self consciousness to the wind I thought I’d seek their advice on my little christmas present I wrote about in this post.

Check out what they said here… I must say I think I got some worthwhile, applicable, helpful advice.. my favourite comment is “no, a denim jacket does not make anything cool..” mmmmph. tart.

On a lighter style note.. Do you like these one piece ski suits I acquired for a hen do Skiing in Scotland last weekend!