BEAUTIFUL ROOMS
WELCOME TO OUR
BRAND NEW, FREE, ONLINE
Decorating, Design, Crafts & Gifts
MAGAZINE.
Would You Like To Make These Lovely Cushions Or Use The Stencil Designs As A Special Project? Both are on SPECIAL OFFER this month. See further down the page.
A Warm Welcome From The Editor.
Welcome to our brand new Design, Decorating, Crafts & Gift Ideas Online Magazine.
If you haven’t signed up to receive your free copy yet, you can either email us and asked to be placed on our mailing list, info@beautiful-rooms.com, or visit our web site,
www.beautiful-rooms.comand sign up for our free newsletter.
Hello and a very warm welcome to our brand new online Decorating, Design, Crafts & Gifts Magazine. I'd like to say a huge thankyou for all the wonderful responses we have received from so many of our customers about the launch of our new publication. Without your input, we could not have produced what we hope will be a fantastic source of inspiration for all.
Hopefully within the magazine, you will find new ideas, unique offers, original products, tips and all kinds of inspiration from recipes to running a business to making new friends
In our new Beautiful Rooms magazine, you will find plenty to keep you creatively busy. We design all our own products and you can now order all the materials from directly from us by requesting our new ONLINE SUPPLIES CATALOGUE which we can post or email to you . As all our ideas are designed here at Beautiful Rooms, you will see we have many different items not available to buy elsewhere. These include our handcut aged lace leaves, handmade silk roses, tea stained muslin, rose & old English violet scented fabrics, trimmings, lavender seed, Christmas pot pourri and much, much more.
In the coming months there are lots of new ideas on the way, so keep calling in to see what's new.
You can order all the items you see on this page either from our web site or from our ONLINE SUPPLIES CATALOGUE. However, if you can't find them on our web site, it's probably because we haven't finished updating the page.
YOU CAN STILL ORDER BY EMAILING US DIRECTLY.
Send your queries and questions to sales@beautiful-rooms.com
We can ship to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US & Europe.
Finally, I'd love to hear from you. One of my most important roles is teaching women all over the world how to start their own businesses within the home design, decorating, crafts and gifts industries so do please drop me a line at nadine@beautiful-rooms.com
We are an English company based both in the UK & Australia but we have loyal customers all over the world so a very special hello from beautiful England and sunny Down Under to all our subscribers.
Warmest regards, Nadine Higgins, Owner of Beautiful Rooms.
WHAT'S NEW?
THE COMPLETE CRAFTS BUSINESS COURSE.
Learn How To Start Your Own Crafts, Gifts, Or Soft Furnishings Business With Us.
(This angel is featured on our Make It Yourself page, http://www.beautiful-rooms.com/interior-design/make_it_yourself.htm
If you've been thinking of starting your own crafts & gifts business, this new online course is definately for you. In 6 easy parts, it covers every aspect of how the craft and gift industry works today and how you can get started in running your own business. You can click on the link below for further details or email us at info@beautiful-rooms for more details.
http://www.beautiful-rooms.com/publishing/new-courses-and-guides.htm
SPECIAL PROJECT FOR YOU TO MAKE.
Our NEW Teddy Bear Collection is perfect for a child's room.
Thinking of redesigning a child's bedroom? Need help choosing the right colour scheme? We'll help.
QUILT KIT.
This beautiful quit kit measures approx 42 ins x 42 ins when made up. It has a lovely teddy and heart stencilled design which is all hand quited to give it depth. For extra effect we've added red velvet bow trim and a cute patch to the bears to make it look like they have a patch pocket. It comes as a kit ready to make with all the front panel, backing and binding. You add the wadding and any extra trimmings. It's fully dry cleanable. Cost of the quilt kit is $89 AUD, UK 39.00. Please order from our ONLINE SUPPLIES CATALOGUE.
BORDER CUSHION KIT
This cushion measures 16 ins x 15.5 ins when made up. The design is a lovely stencilled brown bear holding a pot of honey with bees flying around. The kit includes the front design panel, wadding contrast trim fabric and backing. You add the cushion pad and any extra trim such as a red bow. Cost of the cushion kit is $40 AUD, UK 16.50. Please order from our ONLINE SUPPLIES CATALOGUE.
POCKET TED CUSHION
How gorgeous is this idea? A pocket with a little ted design hand quilted and sewn onto this cute cushion measuring 10.5 ins x 9.5 ins when made up. The kit includes front design and backing. You add the teddy and the cushion filling. Cost of the kit is $25.00 AUD, UK 11.00. Please order from our ONLINE SUPPLIES CATALOGUE.
BORDERED
CUSHION KIT
This cushion measures approx 14.5 ins x 14.5 ins when made up. It shows a design of stencilled, hand quited teddies and a heart. The red velvet bows and patches are extras we have added. Cost of the cushion kit is $30 AUD, UK 13.50. Please order from our ONLINE SUPPLIES CATALOGUE.
COLOUR SCHEME IDEA & STENCILS
We used cream calico and red check fabrics for our soft furnishings ideas introducing brown for the colour of the bears. For the background colour of the room, we've chosen a deep, rich gold colour in various amounts. For example, the bottom half of walls were painted using this gold colour while the top half were painted in a soft cream.
We added an extra trim of red between the gold and the cream for extra effect. You can see a length of old lace in the photo and adding this makes the unique difference in the final touches between a girl and boys room. Plus lace and teddies just seem to go together along with a vintage look. Both STENCIL DESIGNS of the teddy and heart border plus the larger bear can be ordered from our ONLINE SUPPLIES CATALOGUE.
All the above items have been designed by Beautiful Rooms and are registered with an international copyright company.
HOW TO CREATE THE LOOK
Planning To Decorate A Child's Room.
Choosing a colour scheme for a child's room can be just as much a dilemma as choosing a scheme for any other room but at least it can be fun and it doesn't have to get too serious a task. The great thing about children's rooms is that you can afford to let your imagination run riot. Even if it doesn't work out as planned, at least you won't be sleeping in it! And the bonus is that you can close the door until you find time to create a new set of ideas.
One way to experiment with a bolder colour scheme is to paint three walls a fairly neutral colour, then try out the main colour on one wall only to see how it impacts on the room. The best wall usually is the wall facing the door or the main wall where the bed is positioned (see photo). This is often call the feature wall. In the photo above, this was a newly plastered room, even the skirtings have not yet been fitted. It was quite compact in size so to maintain space and create a fresh bright look, we carefully selected natural wheat as the neutral colour then a deeper, golden colour for the main wall and also the recess of the window.
TOP TIP
It's always easier to get a professional look if the ceiling and coving are painted first rather than trying to achieve a crisp, neat finish the other way around. If you try painting the coving after painting the walls, you are effectively working back to front.
To achieve a straight, neat edge between the top edge of the wall and the bottom edge of the coving, use a fine angle tipped decorators brush from a good DIY store.
BUDGET TIPS.
Our TEDDY BEAR COLLECTION of soft furnishings and stencils would suit the colour scheme suggested above in the photo. You can save costs by making curtains and a duvet cover out of pre shrunk washible calico fabric with the same check contrast trim for added decoration.
MAIN TIPS WHEN DECORATING A CHILD'S ROOM.
1. Think about SAFETY! Windows such as the one in the photo should be kept locked so that children cannot open them and fall out. (Make sure you remember where you left the key).
2. No sharp edges in case of bumps or falls. Keep edges of furniture rounded.
3. No glass furniture or free standing mirrors.
4. Keep access points clear in case of fire.
5. Washable easy to clean surfaces & linens.
6. Children with allergies should have natural, non toxic fabrics & decor.
7. Older children need a desk area and storage space as well as privacy.
8. Keep electrical sockets covered and make sure cables are away from small hands.
9. Do NOT leave loose blind cords within a young child's reach.
HOW TO MEASURE A WINDOW
If you're thinking of making curtains, accurate measuring is essential towards achieving a neatly tailored look.
Here are complete instructions on how to measure a window. Click on the link here,
http://www.alternative-windows.com/measure.htm
HOW TO MAKE A DUVET COVER.
Even if you don't sew or think you can't sew, making a single duvet cover for a child's room is easy. All you need to do is measure the width and length of the actual duvet, add extra for a seam allowance and decide if you want a popper fastening or simple ties.
Click on this link for complete instructions on how to make a duvet cover,
http://www.alternative-windows.com/duvet-covers.htm
Special thanks to our UK Soft Furnishings Expert Wendy for these links.
CHOOSING FABRICS
Basically you get what you pay for so without doubt the heavier the quality, the more expensive fabrics generally result in providing the best looks in terms of visual appeal and quality. However, no matter how much you pay, these expensive fabrics are not the ideal choice for children's rooms, bathrooms, kitchens or any room where they may quickly lose their shape and lustre as a result of sticky fingers or steam and cooking smells.
It's much more advisable to avoid spending a small fortune on glamorous looking fabrics and go for something more robust instead. We suggested earlier a good quality calico, which you can buy in various widths and weights, for children's bedroom curtains. As it's only available in cream, you can soon dress it up with a contrast border or tab tops and it's perfect for stencilling on.
In our next issue, we'll show you some decorative ideas for dressing up curtains. They do not have to cost the earth.
COFFEE & CHAT READERS SECTION
Welcome to the section where we publish comments and questions from our many readers. If you have a question that you'd like to see published, please email info@beautiful-rooms.com
Q.I am planning to attend a few local craft fairs in the hope of selling my cards and starting a business. Do you think this way of selling is a good idea?
Jennifer, UK
Hi Jennifer.
A.Visiting craft fairs is a great way to test the market to find out if there is a demand for your product, before you outlay large amounts of capital. It's also a good idea to do some research before you start up in business and selling at a craft fair should result in giving you constructive feedback to see if you've got both your design and pricing structure correct.
Here's a link to a good UK cardmaking forum where you can ask questions and make a few friends too.
Click on this link, http://www.cardmakingandpapercraft.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=7d867e91dbae6fa3b03e631941728a9b
Nadine
Q. Some while ago, you offered a free hanging angel pattern to anyone as long as they used it for at least one good cause. I would just like to let you know that since receiving the pattern I have made 100's of angels for our local charity and so far we have raised a great deal of much needed funds for our local children's hospice. Thankyou!
Mary, Canada
Hi Mary
A.Thankyou so much for sharing that lovely and inspiring piece of news with us Mary and well done to you for all your hard work.
Nadine
Q. Is there a list of craft trade shows in the UK?
Anne, UK
Hi Anne.
Yes! Try here, www.ehibitions.co.uk
Nadine.
Q. I have got a vintage pair of lovely old velvet curtains, which I had dry cleaned but they have shrunk by at least a hem's width. Is there anything I can do?
Maria, Australia.
Hi Maria
A. Hopefully you took the hems down before they were dry cleaned to avoid leaving a mark. You have several options. You can either attach a false hem, (we've emailed you explaining how you do this) or you can try and find a suitable contrast fabric and create a border heading along the top of the curtains to add length to them. If you can spare a little of the orginal velvet, you can make fabric button embellishments, which you then stitch on along the contrast fabric where it joins the main curtain. This will pull the look together.
Nadine.
SPECIAL OFFERS
Make our delightful Hanging Room Fragrance Balls with Cottage Rose or Old English Violets. (designed by Beautiful Rooms COPYRIGHT 2002)
MATERIALS
You will need the following;
polystyrene ball about the size of a tennis ball.
circle of fabric 9 inches in diameter.
lace leaves, ribbon, paper roses & lace
trim.
dressmaking pins & clear craft glue.
HOW TO MAKE
Place polystyrene ball in centre of fabric circle and pull up all fabric edges towards middle. Using dressmaking pins, secure fabric edges at top of ball.
PUSH PINS WELL DOWN INTO THE POLYSTYRENE & MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT PROTRUDE OUTWARDS.
Glue into place several scented lace leaves (about 4), then pin a length of looped ribbon ready to hang the fragrance ball.
Glue flowers around top of the ball to hide the pins and add lace trim.
Leave to dry then hang up decoratively in a room or from a door handle.
We make these frangranced fabric balls with vintage fabrics and antique lace. They sell for double the price of the kits (see below). They make ideal gifts and are great for selling at craft fairs and markets. All materials are available from us.
WARNING. THIS IS NOT A TOY. IT MUST NOT BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN.
TIP. If you are running a business selling any item that has pins, small components or anything that could be dangerous to a child, it's a good idea to enclose a small warning with the product.
MAIL ORDER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.
To Order These Items Below, Please Ask Us To Email You A Copy Of Our ONLINE SUPPLIES LIST.
Hanging Room Fragrance Ball Kit
Each kit contains 1 polystyrene ball, fabric, scented lace leaves, paper Mulberry roses, ribbon, & lace trimming.
Colours vary but you can ask us for a specific colour such as pinks or blues.
Cost per kit $6.95 AUD, UK 3.50 +P+P.
VINTAGE FABRIC PACKS
If you love old fabrics and want to give your projects a truly vintage touch, we now have beautiful English vintage fabric packs.
Mostly florals and aged linens, these will add a very special touch to your creative ideas.
Sizes of the fabric pieces vary but each pack has the equivalent of 1.5 metres of fabric. Please ask us if you have a certain colour preference, we will do our best to make up the pack specially for you.
Cost per pack $18.00 AUD, UK 9.50 +P+P.
ANTIQUE ENGLISH LACE PACKS
This is the real thing brought from England. Antique lace is almost impossible to find in Australia but we have a regular supply from the UK.
However it is limited and most of it is unrepeatable dating back to the Edwardian period so do hurry if you want to order as it will run out one day.
It's available in packs made up in various lengths amounting to the equivalent of 2 metres.
Cost per pack is $25 AUD, UK 12.00 +P+P.
MORE LACE.
(no photo at the moment but will have one soon)
We have very fine hand dyed tea stained lace available by the metre at $2.50 AUD, UK 1.25. This looks antique but it's not. Still beautiful, quality lace though and perfect for dainty projects.
HANDMADE MULBERRY ROSES
These delicately handmade paper roses are beautiful. We use nothing else for many of our projects.
They measure approx 2.5cms across the flower and are the open bud style.
50 roses in an assorted mix of colours.
Cost per pack, $12.00 AUD, UK 4.50 +P+P.
FRAGRANCED HANDCUT LACE LEAVES
A beautiful new idea designed by us, we hand cut these leaves from tea stained English lace fragranced with Cottage Roses or Old English Violets. They are especially effective for cardmaking and gift wrapping as well as many other projects.
25 large leaves 25 small leaves are in a pack.
Cost perpack is $14.00 AUD, UK 5.50 +P+P.
ROSE & VIOLET FRAGRANCES
We have also sourced the very finest rose and violet fragrances. These are superb quality and smell exquisitely real. There is no artificial odour or unpleasant after smell. Made in Australia, the fragrances are in 15 ml bottles.
Cost $6.00 AUD, UK 2.95 +P+P.
TEA STAINED MUSLIN/CALICO PACKS
We have packs of tea stained muslin or calico, which we dye and prepare ourselves using a special kind of black tea. This gives the muslin and calico an irregular aged look. You cannot buy it in this form. Very antique looking.
Available in 1 metre packs.
Cost per pack $10.00 AUD, UK 4.95 +P+P.
HOW TO ORDER ANY OF THE ABOVE
Email us at info@beautiful-rooms.com and ask us to email you our Online Supplies Catalogue. Or simply tell us what you'd like to order.
We will work out shipping and postage costs and explain how you can pay either by cheque (if you're in the UK or Australia) or by credit card using our secure online payment provider.
You can also telephone or fax us on 0061 755801951.
EASY TO MAKE RECIPE
It's often said that we live in an age where we just don't have time to cook anymore. And yet.........there is nothing finer than a homemade meal lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients.
Well.....almost fresh. We can cheat a little with things like frozen pastry. It just isn't worth getting covered in flour or all the washing up making pastry when you can buy ready made frozen pastry from the supermarket.
With a sheet of frozen puff pastry and fresh ingredients straight from the fridge, there is nothing tastier or easier to make than a quiche. It's so quick and it's full of healthy ingredients.
Even better still, if you make it big enough, it can last a few meals. Here's our recipe for a great tasting, quick to prepare family sized quiche.
HOW TO PREPARE
Line a large flan dish with a rolled out sheet of defrosted puff or shortcrust frozen pastry. Add approx 4 rashers of chopped lean bacon and 6 ounces of washed and chopped mushrooms.
Pour in a mixture of 6 large beaten eggs and 10 fluid ounces of full cream milk with a good sprinkle of sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.
Top with some grated cheddar cheese and slices of tomato then bake in a moderate oven until set and firm to the touch (about 30 minutes) It should look nice and evenly golden brown as in the photo above.
You can be creative with the ingredients. For example, try adding spinach, leeks or broccoli. Peppers work well too. Quiches can be frozen after cooking, so buy tin foil flan dishes and make several for the freezer.
Great to come home to after work and just pop in the oven while you read the latest issue from Beautiful Rooms. Happy Baking!
COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE!
* Make a fur throw to stay cosy on winter nights.
* Glamorous makeover for the smallest room in the house.
* Decorating Tips.
* How to prepare and paint furniture.
* Making beautiful curtains with expensive looking fabrics& trimmings.
* Making Victorian gift tags and cards.
* Christmas is coming.
* And much more......
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
We'd love to hear from you.Tell us what you think about our online magazine.
Email info@beautiful-rooms.com. Thankyou!
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