tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19965783814425599762024-03-19T09:41:11.311+00:00The Reloved Vintage Interiors BlogThe latest thoughts from the explosion of paint, sandpaper and bad backs that is Reloved Vintage headquartersThe Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-4296562931173029352015-02-13T16:36:00.001+00:002015-02-14T15:31:41.439+00:00Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery<h3>
Can you take words from one website and use them on your own? </h3>
<br />
We've all seen the anti-piracy advert at the start of DVDs - all edgy music and grainy images with shouty captions: YOU WOULDN'T STEAL A CAR... <a href="http://youtu.be/G16Jk0VIEkY?t=21s">Ed Byrne does a good bit about it.</a><br />
The message is, it's not ok to download films, because it's stealing.<br />
<br />
We probably all agree. But then we've probably all downloaded something illegally at least once in our life - an mp3, a film, some software - it goes on.<br />
What also goes on is the theft - yeah, I'm going to call it theft - of images and words online.<br />
I've already blogged about the photos thing, but this week I've been driven over the edge by the words.<br />
<br />
I'm a journalist by trade (not that you'd know from reading this blog, right gang?) so I'm a bit more precious about my words than most. I accept this. I also accept that not everyone has had to sit through libel and copyright training many, many times, so I think I try to be quite forgiving when I see some of our original content being used by someone else.<br />
<br />
It has happened five or six times since we launched the current incarnation of our website: I've found words, written by me for relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk, lifted wholesale and used to sell someone else's painted furniture on another website. Sure, sometimes they've changed the odd word here and there, but not enough to make the words their own.<br />
<br />
"So what?" you might ask. It's only words. To that, I say: "Who are you? Cat Stevens?" (one for the kids, there).<br />
<br />
Those words were crafted in my mid-range brain specifically with the intention of promoting and selling Reloved Vintage. They are personal to me and the business. If you just copy and paste them into your website, it says two things about you:<br />
<br />
1. You're a bit lazy<br />
2. You don't have anything original to say about your business.<br />
<br />
Going back to illegal downloads for a second, if you illegally downloaded a film, and then you got caught bang to rights when the owner of that film showed you proof. You'd admit it and apologise, right? If they then simply asked you to delete that film from your hard drive, you'd probably do it straight away. <br />
<br />
Yeah, me too. And I'd consider myself lucky that they didn't sue me or tell my mum.<br />
<br />
Most people I've contacted do just that. They apologise and remove the offending words immediately. Some blame whoever built the site for them, which may be a cheap excuse or, more likely, it reveals there are a number of unscrupulous website builders out there.<br />
<br />
These people, by and large, are just like us. They run a small business. Some do it full time, some do it in their spare time, but none seem to be vindictive. They've gone about their word-pinching with innocence and act quickly to put things right. They're alright as far as I'm concerned. Decent people doing the right thing.<br />
<br />
Which is why it's very strange when something like this happens.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1447016821"></span><span id="goog_1447016822"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwKINOd4QYuKIfwfOT1x4BxseztOygtXf-_CFO65pWXSfFD_DCqf3oCxOX5S8kYTJK8Izj6KB6_jQMtE1L4GgjPRhGen5UxxVpq4CGQaHKYi6eZ16YGL4KcwA-YdaJlZ_BGUOVGxxjDY/s1600/commissions+vs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwKINOd4QYuKIfwfOT1x4BxseztOygtXf-_CFO65pWXSfFD_DCqf3oCxOX5S8kYTJK8Izj6KB6_jQMtE1L4GgjPRhGen5UxxVpq4CGQaHKYi6eZ16YGL4KcwA-YdaJlZ_BGUOVGxxjDY/s1600/commissions+vs.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extract from the Commissions page of another website</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6h9RvnALJdlBifiVuJfgNP4heFViAaJFqV1tjdHgYse8XXCYCNNzuPXYDDTICXpFcyts8rdORVn_aPwBvlHbaJcTTrP6xzD0kK-Ga2oWkPJX3UjK95CF6yNinVJpFTkhG7aopNa9efU/s1600/commissions+rv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6h9RvnALJdlBifiVuJfgNP4heFViAaJFqV1tjdHgYse8XXCYCNNzuPXYDDTICXpFcyts8rdORVn_aPwBvlHbaJcTTrP6xzD0kK-Ga2oWkPJX3UjK95CF6yNinVJpFTkhG7aopNa9efU/s1600/commissions+rv.png" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extract from the Commissions page of relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was doing my roughly quarterly check to see if our copy was being used by anyone else (my highly technical system? Pasting phrases into Google) when I found this website.<br />
<br />
A lot of the wording has been changed, but key phrases, written especially to reflect the stye and approach of Reloved Vintage were there, word for word.<br />
<br />
This was also the case on the About page:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn57hLFbVuZyN-4MaaA7O1KPVV1syCjEEcKR1jgXFwplUxj9XM357-6JrJpaOsPwd2HAXp5YD-aITHqKNFNlNVfJUWBfdGZw8duTtGDOjZ3v7GJ5v-lEtHG2EBWdbM40N3-5mzYlpHas/s1600/about+vs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn57hLFbVuZyN-4MaaA7O1KPVV1syCjEEcKR1jgXFwplUxj9XM357-6JrJpaOsPwd2HAXp5YD-aITHqKNFNlNVfJUWBfdGZw8duTtGDOjZ3v7GJ5v-lEtHG2EBWdbM40N3-5mzYlpHas/s1600/about+vs.png" height="162" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the other site's About page</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U6aKWILz-gRrlDg1ZuLNPpNcUbHl9t__4nJXWfti3op2Ows4QWrkqNlHT7majrJGt5dXXE9GogMt40L9EmevhpRA47TxkCiH6LCSFYKWe3rwlat9hqYQnJ6V8wbfIofiZJXQXna6gwQ/s1600/about+rv+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U6aKWILz-gRrlDg1ZuLNPpNcUbHl9t__4nJXWfti3op2Ows4QWrkqNlHT7majrJGt5dXXE9GogMt40L9EmevhpRA47TxkCiH6LCSFYKWe3rwlat9hqYQnJ6V8wbfIofiZJXQXna6gwQ/s1600/about+rv+2.png" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3REHTc_IQZ8e1gPAWFdjJxNiUC3OjaKIbd_cPLp0IfZNZQqr426CYReAoNXmnMk_Rna4TsRAfv7U8OS3yuvA-uub4nmdclGFNNjFCNjdHkodVZzuX0u4tjV6ktIhhZOwpWQ8w62sXks/s1600/about+rv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3REHTc_IQZ8e1gPAWFdjJxNiUC3OjaKIbd_cPLp0IfZNZQqr426CYReAoNXmnMk_Rna4TsRAfv7U8OS3yuvA-uub4nmdclGFNNjFCNjdHkodVZzuX0u4tjV6ktIhhZOwpWQ8w62sXks/s1600/about+rv.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extracts from our About page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I sent messages via social media to the owner of the other site, expressing my concern. They replied to say they had never even seen my site and that, most definitely, nothing was plagiarised. I pointed out the similarities. They replied. No apology, just a note that they were off to work and would have a look later. Then nothing. I chased them up a few days later. A full week later, after another nudge from me, they said they were too busy to look at it. I said that wasn't good enough. I've given them a deadline.<br />
<br />
The owner of the site has a full-time job on top of the furniture side of things. So do I. So did Laura until a month and half ago. We get it. It's hard. You're always busy, but it doesn't take much time or effort to delete some words from your site.<br />
<br />
While all this was going on, I Googled again. I found another website using our words. Seriously! You should try this yourself.<br />
<br />
It wasn't word-for-word, but it had definitely been copied and altered slightly. I sent off an email and got a reply the next day. They apologised and said their site had been created for them by an external website builder. It seems there really are lots of lazy website builders out there.<br />
<br />
If you're reading this and you have a website you paid someone to create for you - words and all - perhaps you should do a quick check on where those words came from...<br />
<br />
I worried that I was being too precious and whingey, but everyone I spoke to about this was outraged - perhaps more than I was. They had no idea this kind of thing went on. Colleagues, fellow small business owners, friends - they were all "Call your solicitor!" "Some people have no shame" "That's unbelievable". <br />
<br />
I get it though, not everyone is confident with words. It's easier to 'borrow' someone else's than write your own which might not be very good, or pay someone to do it for you. It's certainly cheaper, and for a lot of people, the furniture's just a hobby, or it's their livelihood and times are tight.<br />
<br />
Doesn't make it right, though. Just like that downloaded film.<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear what you think. Am I over-reacting? Should we just accept that once you put something online it's going to get stolen? Or does more need to be done to protect our intellectual copyright? Let me know below...<br />
<br />Jack Thorpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09260754788258853598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-22292168726521294232014-12-15T13:40:00.000+00:002014-12-15T13:40:53.109+00:00Guest blog for Oak Furniture UKWe're delighted to be featuring as a guest blog on Inspiring Interiors for Oak Furniture UK.<br />
<br />
You can read what we have to say <a href="http://www.oakfurnitureuk.co/blog/2014/12/12/paint-furniture-like-pro/">here</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06438978760167670009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-76839001126954894092014-11-27T14:49:00.002+00:002014-11-27T16:46:25.099+00:00What happened when a chalk paint skeptic tried out a chalk paint powder?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">We use Websters Chalk Paint Powder to upcycle an old table</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Chalk paint. You either love it or hate it.
Or you’re indifferent to it. Whatever. At one point or another, we’ve fallen
into all of those camps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’ve used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and
found it quick and easy but, more often than not, we’ve used it and found it
a right faff – with a bobbly finish and a need for lots of post-paint work
which kind of cancels out the paint’s ‘no-prep’ selling point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As a result, we’ve been reluctant to try
other chalk paints. We’re constantly told that Autentico is good, but we can’t
shake that Annie Sloan feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So, when we were approached by <a href="http://websterschalkpaintpowder.com/">Websters</a> about trying out their Chalk Paint Powder, we decided it was a great
opportunity to shake off our chalky fears and see if we could be converted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwCbY0cVqYXddJ9zAoQyvbw7hB72axjlI5l_NFtA56UfWFXat_np4Z1hy-mxuIsV_4ctmJoYFtOA8R7IEPfXfSacSMBAkNWj6nDYXZu2wlnst6smAYMIAzLXz9h08pUGLpUZP8KdINsA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwCbY0cVqYXddJ9zAoQyvbw7hB72axjlI5l_NFtA56UfWFXat_np4Z1hy-mxuIsV_4ctmJoYFtOA8R7IEPfXfSacSMBAkNWj6nDYXZu2wlnst6smAYMIAzLXz9h08pUGLpUZP8KdINsA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You wouldn't want to get caught at customs with this sample pack...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Websters Chalk Paint Powder has been
available in the US for a few years now and has produced some great results
from American upcyclers. See <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://websterschalkpaintpowder.com/just-bragging/">websterschalkpaintpowder.com/just-bragging/</a></span>
for a really inspirational gallery.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now it has hit the UK and we were among the
first British furniture painters to give it a try. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The idea is a simple one. By adding the
Websters Chalk Paint Powder, mixed with a little water, to any emulsion paint
of your choice, you create your own chalk paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4iUOZXq9h3iosNFB7tAi85ly9DxVsOKMRCdaZmJ8c0i15qf7z_9T6ynWEKhKo8I1DZMGU7sMSpbCbg-yLXc-WdDAaMm9sOLeJ2naZZz1YBK_jTWt7Yxvehdrz7kUcFDYybChPkxRN3Y/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4iUOZXq9h3iosNFB7tAi85ly9DxVsOKMRCdaZmJ8c0i15qf7z_9T6ynWEKhKo8I1DZMGU7sMSpbCbg-yLXc-WdDAaMm9sOLeJ2naZZz1YBK_jTWt7Yxvehdrz7kUcFDYybChPkxRN3Y/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like chalky porridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfqVoQC85gcDp5lHA1l2BQJ7S0bqAWMasYguWwUruPGQBTtxEX1lnOFJOtknMMomJ6NycFRVT_QPTwN19FCW7cV5urdgsSjVQ8qoaeS5RfcIOPBM0Wn3CcWgs-99j5NYqiO97tVjIFVc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfqVoQC85gcDp5lHA1l2BQJ7S0bqAWMasYguWwUruPGQBTtxEX1lnOFJOtknMMomJ6NycFRVT_QPTwN19FCW7cV5urdgsSjVQ8qoaeS5RfcIOPBM0Wn3CcWgs-99j5NYqiO97tVjIFVc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a bit like creaming butter with sugar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We used Rock A Billy Blue from the Crown
Vintage range, following the easy-to-use instructions to quickly create our own
chalk paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDIulPcAeHN4UVAW7eFtQucvtFrLIVKbyk4ZLx_f9RMcaFoLwjfkqu4827iEEJ9Mz_CXScs6_hkHYSoqyymDStQFJ2K-4geQKkgVDaDCfv5RvM-7O4J2Nl08ZXjFx2zhxUwH9Lz0ogdI/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDIulPcAeHN4UVAW7eFtQucvtFrLIVKbyk4ZLx_f9RMcaFoLwjfkqu4827iEEJ9Mz_CXScs6_hkHYSoqyymDStQFJ2K-4geQKkgVDaDCfv5RvM-7O4J2Nl08ZXjFx2zhxUwH9Lz0ogdI/s1600/photo+6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0P6Md3XbSkkbYkRTRMCTB1n975fECuvBdAEcZui5gglZyNnNehJRVredr7t4vu8am5hP87XIHmKw7oUPehbYg6siNXBxYm3xrPVHWnBEVm7zVV1N2ASSB4yWj_Q1AitdP8_EMJg49U/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0P6Md3XbSkkbYkRTRMCTB1n975fECuvBdAEcZui5gglZyNnNehJRVredr7t4vu8am5hP87XIHmKw7oUPehbYg6siNXBxYm3xrPVHWnBEVm7zVV1N2ASSB4yWj_Q1AitdP8_EMJg49U/s1600/photo+7.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All mixed up, nice and smooth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The paint became slightly thicker, but
there were no other noticeable differences once mixed – no colour change, no
lumps or streaks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our subject was a table we’d picked up the
weekend before and were just itching to paint. The base and legs had been
varnished many many years ago and, under normal circumstances we would have
sanded them back before applying a coat of primer, then our chosen paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFn66MJbfLjXdYVq03OIaP4J6jF0JQtfx88ICsSIlGg9q7oHetktZ3cB8d9BEPJAIbND5hfTzQ3DR6t1TE_kvJqdFKlAGZ5EYd1L1CtBISXZFRkd3cWpcqIH0p62rtj6FUBoxJndoiz0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFn66MJbfLjXdYVq03OIaP4J6jF0JQtfx88ICsSIlGg9q7oHetktZ3cB8d9BEPJAIbND5hfTzQ3DR6t1TE_kvJqdFKlAGZ5EYd1L1CtBISXZFRkd3cWpcqIH0p62rtj6FUBoxJndoiz0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our next victim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In the spirit of all things chalky, we
instead just gave it a once-over with sugar soap to remove any grease, dirt and
dust, then went straight on with the paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH17qUKGuvAxdQkBJI1x-iI2hpQoc-hDsfEL-njV5C_cE_zlj-PslbgIZsV92DuPwDKklv7Cip1lLKS-UpC8_VqnFEuD-Sm5JbpIaekDSL7_zlTTMHASYtoWijTrpQxKf1fGxuQ9wZd0/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH17qUKGuvAxdQkBJI1x-iI2hpQoc-hDsfEL-njV5C_cE_zlj-PslbgIZsV92DuPwDKklv7Cip1lLKS-UpC8_VqnFEuD-Sm5JbpIaekDSL7_zlTTMHASYtoWijTrpQxKf1fGxuQ9wZd0/s1600/photo+8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first coat went on with very good coverage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The adhesion and good coverage were
immediately obvious and before we knew it the first coat was done. We’d
wondered beforehand if one coat might be enough – and it wasn’t a million miles
away, but we decided a second coat was in order. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The second coat went on as easily as the
first, with none of the annoying bobbling that has sworn us off chalk paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With both coats done, we simply added some
Annie Sloan Clear Wax and then Dark Wax before lightly distressing with
sandpaper and a scraper. The distressing was easy, as the paint came away
easily, but without any chipping or flaking, allowing us to control exactly how
much or how little of the wood we wanted to reveal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfnqbjSUyMPE-_Hj0TCFSTCuhnuRt7HVxFXqFKNSJzToxCIzYVZ3XwL-90KmQ8klbK1LpAUhVcNxiLtYo3u7S8kgUNCkCxaSpeX0JYxdPh9WGAdA8iwoLDYgfersN4BWsl-4QcMQjV-Q/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfnqbjSUyMPE-_Hj0TCFSTCuhnuRt7HVxFXqFKNSJzToxCIzYVZ3XwL-90KmQ8klbK1LpAUhVcNxiLtYo3u7S8kgUNCkCxaSpeX0JYxdPh9WGAdA8iwoLDYgfersN4BWsl-4QcMQjV-Q/s1600/photo+9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On goes the clear wax, which darkens the colour slightly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The fact the paint comes off quite easily
does mean that if we were after a clean finish we’d probably still want to sand
the wood first, but, for a distressed finish, painting directly onto already
varnished wood is fine, and on a less varnished piece the paint would probably adhere
better anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s safe to say we were really impressed
with the Websters Chalk Paint Powder – not only did it go on well and give a
good finish, but we had loads left over – it really does go a long way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished table - though we've since decided to paint the top, too</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Try it for yourself and let us know how you
get on. In the meantime, you can Like Websters on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/websterseurope">Facebook</a> or follow them on Twitter <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://twitter.com/WebstersChalk">@WebstersChalk</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06438978760167670009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-91407076964337872442014-11-19T13:11:00.004+00:002014-11-19T13:16:23.285+00:00What we've been up to lately<h2>
Ok, so it's been a while</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Yep, it’s one of those blog posts where the
author apologises for not updating for so long, so sue me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’ve been busy, you know. We’ve been
wearing our <a href="http://www.paperplanedesigns.co.uk/">Paper Plane</a> hats (note to self: get some Paper Plane hats made)
selling cards and prints both on and offline. Who knew that Christmas cards
could take up so much of your time in October and November? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_dsRlsHVE6YI_m8PovrxhgCvSm2RLhOjG-ChpErT8hWfen61T7aXxJqtkMabGjvGeIbtbF2l1I1P2Os7c9mJNzcVlslFWWfgvWa9u5A1WYlll3tCaEfx4sX-NCa05VMUKKUaT13Xucg/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_dsRlsHVE6YI_m8PovrxhgCvSm2RLhOjG-ChpErT8hWfen61T7aXxJqtkMabGjvGeIbtbF2l1I1P2Os7c9mJNzcVlslFWWfgvWa9u5A1WYlll3tCaEfx4sX-NCa05VMUKKUaT13Xucg/s1600/11.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper Plane's best-selling party drinks cards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’re now selling our PP range online at
<a href="http://paperplanedesigns.co.uk/">paperplanedesigns.co.uk</a>, <a href="http://relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk/">relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk</a>, <a href="http://notonthehighstreet.com/relovedvintage">notonthehighstreet.com</a>
and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WeArePaperPlane">etsy</a> as well as in the real world at <a href="http://www.vintage-betty.com/">Vintage Betty</a> and <a href="http://www.frenchgreytales.com/">French Grey Tales</a>
(and a couple of exciting new stockists in Stamford and Rutland to be announced
soon) and also at the awesome Lollyrocket Shopping Event, organised by the
whirling balls of energy that are Hayleigh and Michelle from <a href="http://www.lollyrocket.com/">Lollyrocket</a>. You
should check out their <a href="http://www.lollyrocket.com/">website</a> – especially the candles, which appear to be
selling like hot, um, candles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So, yeah, we’ve been doing our PP thing,
while trying to learn about how Etsy and notonthehighstreet work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’ve had loads of very helpful advice from
a friendly bunch of fellow sellers including <a href="http://www.newtonandtheapple.com/">Newton And The Apple</a>, <a href="http://www.wearebreadandjam.co.uk/">Bread& Jam</a>, <a href="http://www.bookishly.co.uk/">Bookishly</a>, <a href="http://meganclaire.co.uk/">Megan Claire</a>, <a href="http://tanyagarfield.com/">Tanya Garfield Jewellery</a>, <a href="http://www.beckagriffinillustration.co.uk/">Becka Griffin</a>,
<a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/zoebrennan">Zoe Brennan</a> and <a href="http://thegreengables.co.uk/">The Green Gables</a> – which is a little bit exciting in itself
because we’ve always looked up to these people (still do) and can only dream of
emulating their success and talents. It’s a bit like being 12-year-old girls
who’ve just talked our way onto One Direction’s tour bus, feeling like utter
imposters, only to find that, despite being super-huge megastars, Harry, Niall
and co are a lovely, welcoming bunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Reloved Vintage is still very much alive
and well, though. As well as her regular commission work, Laura’s found time to
produce two brilliant chests of drawers (her best work so far, if you ask me) –
now she just needs to find the time to get them both listed for sale with a
full range of photos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">You can see one, Percy, <a href="http://www.relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk/shop/4574880705/percy-chest-of-drawers/9025490">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UmHCYz9F5VB7OeyfBxvuKtUYK13yCAgjagu26VfUVyKr93nro4GarXj2ujRF2sIiNTGYrcMn2SDGqZKi8zhkA0tTFjopsudU2-AwSUe9qhBk4yTM-3NW_5p3UrdvW0DZHdK69BY9gVk/s1600/1374133_724588270960423_3332554790952453857_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UmHCYz9F5VB7OeyfBxvuKtUYK13yCAgjagu26VfUVyKr93nro4GarXj2ujRF2sIiNTGYrcMn2SDGqZKi8zhkA0tTFjopsudU2-AwSUe9qhBk4yTM-3NW_5p3UrdvW0DZHdK69BY9gVk/s1600/1374133_724588270960423_3332554790952453857_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Percy!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Oh yes, and we bought a van! We really did!
It’s a Toyota HiAce and we had to travel two and a half hours each way to get
it, but it was well worth it. Now we can take on bigger jobs we previously had
to turn down – and maybe we can squeeze in a big buying trip to France some
time next year… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMsyU1hA5jlLNC4088ABzb5G84W1dyaSBU1ns_W1JVphDoH0x_KzQagcuHgOJJAW6h3wuNGghMo0FMGJ_NLTFeQW5NWRFZJx53EbmLrMPGitbXKnXTcyC2CJj24WLYZPLIXOQ6l-PJ3U/s1600/10249710_725605240858726_4101032241983301943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMsyU1hA5jlLNC4088ABzb5G84W1dyaSBU1ns_W1JVphDoH0x_KzQagcuHgOJJAW6h3wuNGghMo0FMGJ_NLTFeQW5NWRFZJx53EbmLrMPGitbXKnXTcyC2CJj24WLYZPLIXOQ6l-PJ3U/s1600/10249710_725605240858726_4101032241983301943_n.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We only went and bought a van...</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">There’s just room to say that if you haven’t
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06438978760167670009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-59157109513608352562014-10-02T11:12:00.001+01:002014-10-02T11:12:54.310+01:00Meet Paper PlaneWe've been a bit quiet lately, furniture-wise (although tonight we're off to beautiful Harringworth to collect a wardrobe we've been asked to paint) and this is why... meet <a href="http://www.paperplanedesigns.co.uk/">Paper Plane</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLrIkPLOOzsMk4-Of99i-ZrZkHQH3b8kySPaYhRcjKAYuzemy_E7P9d_7lMG9I4Cjwpq0gaM6L7FXKZoqxSgCh-nOWG0Yjei8mzgjyDjXHP9TzzheglSXRyJVn5PD_WHe2xtgI-kDruI/s1600/PP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLrIkPLOOzsMk4-Of99i-ZrZkHQH3b8kySPaYhRcjKAYuzemy_E7P9d_7lMG9I4Cjwpq0gaM6L7FXKZoqxSgCh-nOWG0Yjei8mzgjyDjXHP9TzzheglSXRyJVn5PD_WHe2xtgI-kDruI/s1600/PP.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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Paper Plane is our new business, specialising in prints and greetings cards, but with the aim of moving on to a more diverse product range as the business develops.<br />
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Laura had been itching to put her design skills to use, inspired by awesome people like <a href="http://www.wearebreadandjam.co.uk/">Bread & Jam</a>, <a href="http://www.newtonandtheapple.com/">Newton and the Apple</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stephsayshello">The Happy Pencil</a> - and with my bordering-on-the-unbearable penchant for puns, we decided we could probably scrape enough ideas together...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqMRb7LeOoLSU8Bs1029pNbckSJTYoIGYBzOD6-_OviVZfWd3vZxMFEHAArOmm8REdvfccVwvge6uWOaGzs62VgS88fwool9IfaAu0vD_DWvvoGzIrBNLfGrQLifUuPINT-MT6tJszTw/s1600/1_new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqMRb7LeOoLSU8Bs1029pNbckSJTYoIGYBzOD6-_OviVZfWd3vZxMFEHAArOmm8REdvfccVwvge6uWOaGzs62VgS88fwool9IfaAu0vD_DWvvoGzIrBNLfGrQLifUuPINT-MT6tJszTw/s1600/1_new.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Initially, we're selling via our <a href="http://www.paperplanedesigns.co.uk/">new website</a> and through the <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/relovedvintage">Reloved Vintage storefront on notonthehighstreet.com</a>, but we've also got a small selection of products in two of our favourite shops - <a href="http://www.vintage-betty.com/">Vintage Betty</a> and <a href="http://www.frenchgreytales.com/">French Grey Tales</a>.<br />
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We'll be adding more new designs to our range when we find a moment in between our full-time jobs, running <a href="http://www.relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk/">Reloved Vintage</a> and, y'know, managing to feed, bathe and dress ourselves.<br />
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If you'd like to give us a hand (and maybe even help us make the leap to doing this full-time, gulp) we'd love it if you shared any of the cards or prints you like on your <a href="http://facebook.com/wearepaperplane">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/wearepaperpplane">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/wearepaperplane">Twitter</a> accounts. Or, if you have a shop and would like to stock any of our cards or prints, just <a href="mailto:hello@paperplanedesigns.co.uk">drop us an email</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06438978760167670009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-78947630638493290332014-08-26T13:18:00.000+01:002014-08-26T13:18:23.358+01:00Red Lion - mission accomplished<h2>
Reloved Vintage helps with dining room redesign at The Red Lion pub in Stathern, Leicestershire</h2>
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<span lang="EN-US">Last month, I told you about our exciting
project with <a href="http://www.theolivebranchpub.com/editorials.asp?d=10">The Red Lion</a> in Stathern, Leicestershire.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Now, after getting through many sheets of
sandpaper, several tins of paint, a whole load of varnish and a lot of hard
work, the job is complete and the pub looks great.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1eapDJgHH5TwIneBvmaSPbw-ike-izIUL_iFHTZ-_PFYX05Snb0CW2o96o4MQABXY9rq-1_BIWdmHNOTQtw4zgiVtZDu4JDHfvFSBvyOyTWytLgYXjW_lWLjgAHfx4o1NfSODXc5jI4/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1eapDJgHH5TwIneBvmaSPbw-ike-izIUL_iFHTZ-_PFYX05Snb0CW2o96o4MQABXY9rq-1_BIWdmHNOTQtw4zgiVtZDu4JDHfvFSBvyOyTWytLgYXjW_lWLjgAHfx4o1NfSODXc5jI4/s1600/before.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Lion's dining room before...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW_2Qis04RR5ETPYXir9Tz_aLOamU282T0uPdD7oHuWPKslTibkyP7heeeOJ_i59wNY7Mhi1FXjjMLTRjOMhCFYt1hrjCgYkPskNRTyz8xyHScK3Mlna7kubKlFA7R8GcE-acs6LD2SE/s1600/10409470_685502804852480_2365120786937379278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW_2Qis04RR5ETPYXir9Tz_aLOamU282T0uPdD7oHuWPKslTibkyP7heeeOJ_i59wNY7Mhi1FXjjMLTRjOMhCFYt1hrjCgYkPskNRTyz8xyHScK3Mlna7kubKlFA7R8GcE-acs6LD2SE/s1600/10409470_685502804852480_2365120786937379278_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and after!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">On top of stripping and repainting all the
dining room’s tables and picture frames, we were asked to act as design
consultants for the whole project.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The owners had already decided on the general
colourscheme and flooring they wanted, and Laura was able to make suggestions
on which paints would best compliment each other for the walls and wood
paneling.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We also suggested a shelf of food and
cookery related books – and provided a few vintage pieces to add a little more
rustic charm to an already beautiful room.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We’re delighted with how the room looks –
the decorators and flooring teams have done a superb job and the owners, Ben
and Sean, brought their own ideas to the table and have come up with some
really great, eye-catching talking points. Everyone at The Red Lion was a
delight to work with and we wish them every success for the future.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It’s a great pub, with amazing food – we
very highly recommend paying a visit.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06438978760167670009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-63401347965521020172014-07-22T14:30:00.002+01:002014-07-22T14:31:34.921+01:00We're going down the pub<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">Reloved Vintage helps with interior design of Red Lion in Stathern</span></h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">We’re delighted to tell you all that we
will be spending the next few weeks on an exciting new project with one of our
absolute favourite local businesses. </span><span lang="EN-US">We’re helping <a href="http://www.theolivebranchpub.com/editorials.asp?d=10">The Red Lion</a>, in Stathern,
Leicestershire, with the makeover of its main dining room – which means we’re
going to be stripping and painting a LOT of tables!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TDVbJdfRw1A/U85mknU3efI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ETdllOeb8IM/s1600/DSC_0099-300x199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TDVbJdfRw1A/U85mknU3efI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ETdllOeb8IM/s1600/DSC_0099-300x199.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining room. Photo courtesy of greatfoodclub.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US">As well as reloving the furniture, we’ve
been asked by bosses Ben and Sean to help with design aspects of the room – our
first ever job as interior design consultants!</span><span lang="EN-US">We’re so utterly chuffed to have been asked
to get involved. The Red Lion, in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir, has a Michelin
Bib Gourmand and is the sister pub of the Michelin-starred <a href="http://www.theolivebranchpub.com/editorials.asp?d=2">Olive Branch</a>, just
up the road from us in Clipsham, Rutland.</span><span lang="EN-US">The whole project should be finished by mid
August and we can’t wait to show you the finished results.</span><br />
<br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06438978760167670009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-68140421488329930432014-06-13T14:53:00.000+01:002014-06-13T14:53:09.112+01:00Thinking of booking a place on a furniture painting workshop?<h2>
Do your homework before you hand over your cash to learn how to paint furniture</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Thinking of booking a place on a painting workshop? Take a good look at the company's website first - I've seen one company offering classes, but the main images on their website and Facebook page have been lifted from Pinterest. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's not to say they don't know what they're doing, but a little misleading, maybe...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you see an image on a company's website, you assume that it is an example of their work - and if that company is offering to teach you to do something, you want to make sure you're going to be taught to the standards you expect.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, if you see an image like this, for example:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_itCvKSM9TZcY_vWwqVzi-TFkhAtUxDjJPfHW8YT5mqcaMmrEPYH6ei1ocMSECLtSK-kz_jq4iiskTuyCW8vVzW9fQkA-oIni5lREKG2wsuCZ6uINyQUL5PIWv1CIXnxi1_9NNH3CiYB/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_itCvKSM9TZcY_vWwqVzi-TFkhAtUxDjJPfHW8YT5mqcaMmrEPYH6ei1ocMSECLtSK-kz_jq4iiskTuyCW8vVzW9fQkA-oIni5lREKG2wsuCZ6uINyQUL5PIWv1CIXnxi1_9NNH3CiYB/s1600/image.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! Did they really paint all that? No, someone else did </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The chances are it's just been pinched from another site. Unless the company whose site you are looking at has lots of photos from the same photoshoot, or has a large showroom in which to take such photos, it's unlikely that it features work by the business in question.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If in doubt, go to Google Images and simply drag the photo into the search box to do a reverse image search.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the image above, taken from the homepage of a painted furniture company that holds workshops, you get this result:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmzGviDcF6qT2uBe2AqrhpMHcJwtcrT1PAb3iig39UzCwI7Z94EMQFQSJeRvPOw-2qD6UaF0g8cIr6JaxstTRTMH8FTG5dYmO2YvsvOvFTEHq5zVBSBe_YFMOQktokBG_tj7lVrLSCxRo/s1600/results.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmzGviDcF6qT2uBe2AqrhpMHcJwtcrT1PAb3iig39UzCwI7Z94EMQFQSJeRvPOw-2qD6UaF0g8cIr6JaxstTRTMH8FTG5dYmO2YvsvOvFTEHq5zVBSBe_YFMOQktokBG_tj7lVrLSCxRo/s1600/results.tiff" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page after page of the same image</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The image is widely shared on Pinterest - which is probably where the website found it. They do have photos of their own work on their Facebook page and their website, but they are somewhat hidden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not suggesting there is any malice or deliberate deception intended by this company - it's more likely a case that they needed some images and it was easier to find professionally shot photos on the internet than it was to get some taken. But this is something I've <a href="http://relovedvintageinteriors.blogspot.com/2014/01/6-reasons-pinching-other-peoples-photos.html">blogged about</a> before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While it may seem harmless, it's misleading, and when you've seen first-hand just how hard some people work to take their own photos, of their own products, it really grates and seems a little bit like cheating. And remember, somewhere, the person who painted and styled that bedroom, and took the photograph, is having to watch it get used by people all over the world to make money for themselves. Is that really fair?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are plenty of well-qualified people (<a href="http://www.frenchgreytales.com/">French Grey Tales</a>, <a href="http://sugdenanddaughters.co.uk/">Sugden and Daughters</a> - not to mention all the trained Annie Sloan stockists such as <a href="http://www.chalkinteriors.com/">Chalk</a>) offering painted furniture workshops - and a quick look at their sites will tell you straight away how good they are. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, if you're thinking of booking a place on a workshop - even if it seems like a really good deal - just spend five minutes doing a bit of research into the company before you click that 'pay' button. Better safe than sorry...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-65289409783964731952014-06-12T16:01:00.001+01:002014-06-12T16:01:25.397+01:00Sign of the times<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">Mr Reloved asks where all the Come In We're Open/Sorry We're Closed signs came from</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now that the whole ‘Keep Calm and…’
backlash is well and truly established, I’d like to nominate a new irritant
that is taking our shops by storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now, before I reveal what it is, I’d like
to say that my loathing of this item is completely irrational, and I’ve no idea
why it winds me up so much, but then I’m a very irrational man who is very
easily wound up (I’ve twice threatened to commit genocide while watching Grand
Designs, for example).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So what is the new scourge of the High
Street? It’s the shabby chic, retro, US gas station style <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HU4SENO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00HU4SENO&linkCode=as2&tag=relovvinta-21">‘Come In We’re
Open’/’Sorry We’re Closed’</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=relovvinta-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00HU4SENO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> sign that seems to hang in every other shop door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There’s nothing ugly about it, in fact it’s
a pretty nice piece of design. If I had a shop and I’d never seen it before,
I’d probably order it. But that’s the problem. Everyone’s seen it, liked it,
and ordered it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Where did they all come from? Is there a
man with a vanload going around our town centres, selling them to independent
shopkeepers? Is there a wholesale site where you can buy them? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’ve seen a few knock-off versions, but why
isn’t someone making their own, alternative version in red or yellow, or green,
with a different font?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And, more to the point, why are so many
people happy to have the same sign in their shop window (door)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Fair enough, if you’re a salon or a gift
shop or something, but if you’re a creative type – say selling painted
furniture or your own designs, or if you’re an antiques or vintage dealer, why
would you choose it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Your shop window is literally your shop
window – your chance to show off your creative skills, or the quality of your
stock. If you’re selling antiques or genuine vintage items, why use a modern
repro mock-vintage sign?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you design and paint for a living, why
not make your own sign to show off your skills?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Don't believe these signs are becoming an epidemic? Here are a few I've snapped in the last few weeks...</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWX3AKx1dqR_ajUAVTDhJ2QHGBqXZO5LJCTnKuaLaVuuysS7-9ftmK29jtd1usxuEDz5hqKIbeZH1PqCYbyvrPYA8MJO9AeRYikY1VMyhVRhS_q6ZtZm88sdA0x_zNqpUBz1KEYWErRgR/s1600/2014-05-26+15.47.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWX3AKx1dqR_ajUAVTDhJ2QHGBqXZO5LJCTnKuaLaVuuysS7-9ftmK29jtd1usxuEDz5hqKIbeZH1PqCYbyvrPYA8MJO9AeRYikY1VMyhVRhS_q6ZtZm88sdA0x_zNqpUBz1KEYWErRgR/s1600/2014-05-26+15.47.33.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairdressers in Stamford</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7ngVPsOt5umunr_FsYxOejrwtA8JGYolB6FQ_1xVmrq_pUNKUo9TDDUjngrpaKaPqCy80v1XQ9bvK8LkN9wlbIwDk9ODc9P_tB0IaNVrU2kdS0nynPBBgI1G6jJN5KgvM2J0PeomiexG/s1600/2014-05-27+21.52.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7ngVPsOt5umunr_FsYxOejrwtA8JGYolB6FQ_1xVmrq_pUNKUo9TDDUjngrpaKaPqCy80v1XQ9bvK8LkN9wlbIwDk9ODc9P_tB0IaNVrU2kdS0nynPBBgI1G6jJN5KgvM2J0PeomiexG/s1600/2014-05-27+21.52.07.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the telly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqY9nkVAJVUXH1FzbiSBFDI0kCv6GhF5QM28pHT9lLSaTxgjr-rh9mWxK48Lh4FqmcWM3RVwh1xqTaM4c5-4GErMA_rTBVyAN6V__BAvJWUUeGi2AUKahovSNDzbR_loEbo4agvQvtHL3h/s1600/2014-04-22+13.08.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqY9nkVAJVUXH1FzbiSBFDI0kCv6GhF5QM28pHT9lLSaTxgjr-rh9mWxK48Lh4FqmcWM3RVwh1xqTaM4c5-4GErMA_rTBVyAN6V__BAvJWUUeGi2AUKahovSNDzbR_loEbo4agvQvtHL3h/s1600/2014-04-22+13.08.59.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can see you hiding!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1a5neYtxeKBOBIWhm39f7M10z3rg04vFGdNtJUBZnEa0LZJOXRq7dR5Jji7EDPiogVRBAT_R9FJrkdHac1ghhf6fKiCK34z_bohVj68s62kWpqDOoYd0vcGtiRHmXAOBNoazwbGv3j0O/s1600/2014-04-22+15.23.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1a5neYtxeKBOBIWhm39f7M10z3rg04vFGdNtJUBZnEa0LZJOXRq7dR5Jji7EDPiogVRBAT_R9FJrkdHac1ghhf6fKiCK34z_bohVj68s62kWpqDOoYd0vcGtiRHmXAOBNoazwbGv3j0O/s1600/2014-04-22+15.23.46.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 star hygiene rating - go you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1qR9EAj51f3TBOaroF5Ej7D0M1UfpT6gwlobYamRJzj0_1xX9VV7BxN1aVzdrAtsYUiTp32-qcinLAytwHnHPKYloIaZpGm8wyywZFd6d3xe5I1KsAZ8AXTZoAPcD9ARUJIX38meNcuC/s1600/2014-04-24+14.56.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1qR9EAj51f3TBOaroF5Ej7D0M1UfpT6gwlobYamRJzj0_1xX9VV7BxN1aVzdrAtsYUiTp32-qcinLAytwHnHPKYloIaZpGm8wyywZFd6d3xe5I1KsAZ8AXTZoAPcD9ARUJIX38meNcuC/s1600/2014-04-24+14.56.06.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I WANT YOU to get a new sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4MQtn2ivSmyfNDoqxHT1MpteFDVmy6iBWdrDHqfgzG5orpXTTOfbJyMMmd0pNa5zrTR0h_6J8apLu9t5bKNczk1uPv4lS-QuatFo0JgRAp4O7QW5wMnd-PUq0HrmJh52Ff5njQauR0Hx/s1600/2014-04-24+15.26.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4MQtn2ivSmyfNDoqxHT1MpteFDVmy6iBWdrDHqfgzG5orpXTTOfbJyMMmd0pNa5zrTR0h_6J8apLu9t5bKNczk1uPv4lS-QuatFo0JgRAp4O7QW5wMnd-PUq0HrmJh52Ff5njQauR0Hx/s1600/2014-04-24+15.26.45.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come In? Oh come on...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Ek-Gl_cwUQxkiHKMUYa8id7umJUe5_qJzTAw4v1Gszw2cnOx1FfsGB3qJ5p-dr1xe_KLBnNJFI_o3nIGSR7qJW6UyDvFt56WABpBnl3LPpFn5HWwhhm1l3bnzYZ3yIGzuuHtLG0l-TU/s1600/2014-05-10+11.09.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Ek-Gl_cwUQxkiHKMUYa8id7umJUe5_qJzTAw4v1Gszw2cnOx1FfsGB3qJ5p-dr1xe_KLBnNJFI_o3nIGSR7qJW6UyDvFt56WABpBnl3LPpFn5HWwhhm1l3bnzYZ3yIGzuuHtLG0l-TU/s1600/2014-05-10+11.09.10.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from the car - I never rest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYOW54BiAR9wihSkF6acJq1n9bpXEw3UKS_1tYsDInNa899kFGXhD7wuJujEVJVZNi0oOHcXYtwdEuuubaHoI7m7a4yQBPIInkfyjl23ZOZF7b9hM_2uhyphenhyphenr2hYGZrfDaJnPpW_Y6E6ypF/s1600/2014-05-16+17.00.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYOW54BiAR9wihSkF6acJq1n9bpXEw3UKS_1tYsDInNa899kFGXhD7wuJujEVJVZNi0oOHcXYtwdEuuubaHoI7m7a4yQBPIInkfyjl23ZOZF7b9hM_2uhyphenhyphenr2hYGZrfDaJnPpW_Y6E6ypF/s1600/2014-05-16+17.00.48.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's that handsome man in the reflection?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9g0GgrXl9aNS8smlZpWpazf2ExlcR7ockvu-5yZTAH35I0LJmjAb2A_iNLvEj5oCOf_yiNdQRxjKJRDymusBmnTPL3vLOAhp_ap7vioEw2hd8L91RqTcVJ2-i3GLMrcmxcgXCRAe5mwI/s1600/2014-04-21+15.28.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9g0GgrXl9aNS8smlZpWpazf2ExlcR7ockvu-5yZTAH35I0LJmjAb2A_iNLvEj5oCOf_yiNdQRxjKJRDymusBmnTPL3vLOAhp_ap7vioEw2hd8L91RqTcVJ2-i3GLMrcmxcgXCRAe5mwI/s1600/2014-04-21+15.28.07.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow manages to be only the second worst sign in this door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzp5ZMrQe-QDohYjR2YcR0gCGhcdpBwX0oSMBwfXJoX20tnqxTcxjVWeBuCv27l9RaS5EYztmo5_grot9fTPK7VVnTkMBSxnsJ-4PRcj09jojaOJZptoPAdulGclLUMIDPAElITO6_F4hY/s1600/2014-03-08+13.35.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzp5ZMrQe-QDohYjR2YcR0gCGhcdpBwX0oSMBwfXJoX20tnqxTcxjVWeBuCv27l9RaS5EYztmo5_grot9fTPK7VVnTkMBSxnsJ-4PRcj09jojaOJZptoPAdulGclLUMIDPAElITO6_F4hY/s1600/2014-03-08+13.35.30.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running out of captions now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzQE4ovUyEzabVlPdN43KIWWBAM3ut6ii7TMDzaTRqnAEhZdICajbL03V5eLRenyU_NGDbw7S3s53-X-yM7D0SjVDtyd5jhYhLrLio8QbVWFY_iR9UkvdWezdxamprqzZg8M5y3KGWaTv/s1600/2014-03-08+13.21.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzQE4ovUyEzabVlPdN43KIWWBAM3ut6ii7TMDzaTRqnAEhZdICajbL03V5eLRenyU_NGDbw7S3s53-X-yM7D0SjVDtyd5jhYhLrLio8QbVWFY_iR9UkvdWezdxamprqzZg8M5y3KGWaTv/s1600/2014-03-08+13.21.53.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooh, a knock-off version!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RqigB-9fGIU4amg7KJroHOgMYO2MShKrK7_P5Ah4sjVu7VqA2gO9aP0EFzu46iXbHXuZIg_x3xkS89zQ-plsPJLJJo-0bSsBfXagM-AbDY0GZ5hEjyVQCkPXHKJ7H2yJoirWrhJAy8zj/s1600/2014-02-08+16.38.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RqigB-9fGIU4amg7KJroHOgMYO2MShKrK7_P5Ah4sjVu7VqA2gO9aP0EFzu46iXbHXuZIg_x3xkS89zQ-plsPJLJJo-0bSsBfXagM-AbDY0GZ5hEjyVQCkPXHKJ7H2yJoirWrhJAy8zj/s1600/2014-02-08+16.38.30.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-63359652176726976712014-06-02T14:18:00.000+01:002014-06-02T14:18:23.693+01:00Possibly the most pointless show ever<h2>
Mr Reloved reviews French Collection, Channel 4’s newest upcycling show </h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The premise is a familiar one. Three
amateur enthusiasts buy things, then try to sell them at a profit. So far, so
Bargain Hunt, but Channel 4’s new daytime series, <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/french-collection">French Collection</a>, offers a
twist: the buyers buy in France and sell in the UK. That’s a TV series right
there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Guided by dealer Mark Franks, the three
keen contestants are given £800 to spend at a French flea market, with the aim
of upcycling the items and selling them at a profit back in Blighty. The
contestant who makes the biggest profit keeps everyone’s winnings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Collection presenter Mark Franks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The first thing to strike you is just how
expensive the flea markets are. Sure, there’s the occasional bargain, but by and
large they are charging well over the odds for items you could pick up at
British antiques fairs or auctions for far less money. In fact, any items the
contestants fail to sell are taken to an unspecified British auction, where
they always make a massive loss on the price paid for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Most times, the contestants do make a
profit, but only a couple of hundred quid, which, in the real world, would
instantly be swallowed up by the cost of getting to, staying in and getting the
furniture back from France. This is a cost never factored in to the game show
element of the series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Perhaps the biggest puzzle, though, is just
how much the pro dealers back in the UK are prepared to pay for the items.
Although they rarely cough up the ludicrous prices suggested by Franks and the
contestants, they often pay far more than you would expect. So much that you
can’t see where the profit is. One suspects they are doing it just to get their
shop on TV. And who can blame them? Maybe we’d do the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Of course, some dealers tell it like it is
and state outright that the pieces are terrible and they wouldn’t pay more than
a tenner for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s not really the fault of the
contestants – they’re all amateurs and are given just one day to upcycle their
stuff. It’s almost impossible to paint a large piece of furniture to a high
standard in just one day, even more so when you’re trying to do three of four
pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Hopefully, from our point of view as
furniture painters, the viewers will see that there’s more to painting a chest
of drawers than paying 200 euros for it, slapping on a single coat of paint and
then taking it to a shop and expecting them to hand over £600.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Like the aforementioned Bargain Hunt, the
premise is flawed. In Bargain Hunt, the contestants buy at antiques fairs
(retail prices) and sell at auction (wholesale prices). In French Collection,
they buy from market traders (retail prices) and sell back to dealers (at
wholesale prices) but they also have to added travel and upcycling costs to
factor in, which makes this possibly the most pointless show ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, we’ve watched every episode so far
and it’s still on our series link, so it must be doing something right…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interesting fact: French Collection is made by Reef, who were <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/bbc-embarrassed-again-as-auction-programme-fakes-scene-1776212.html">ditched by the BBC</a> when it was discovered that they had used a crew member to pretend to be a member of the public on one of their other shows.</div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-82315555275095665882014-05-14T15:26:00.002+01:002014-05-14T15:26:49.391+01:00The world’s four best furniture painters*
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US">*according to Mr Reloved, who freely admits
he’s only seen a fraction of the world’s furniture painters and there are, most
likely, lots of very talented people out there he’s yet to discover and will
gladly stand corrected if you send him their details.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There are loads of excellent furniture
painters out there. There are also loads of good ones, average ones and
terrible ones (like me, for example). I could list loads of people who I think
are really good and who run great shops, style their stuff well, come up with
bold designs – but for me, four people stand out about the crowd.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I wanted to make this a Top Five, but I
genuinely couldn’t think of anyone else I admire as much as these four (except
for Laura, obviously, but I can’t put her in here, can I?)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So, here they are, in no particular order…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigjQezPy-HSCotlSGAwBb9ZKaKSzZOAk9Pj5NHKPgb0atoNFbUsMshb-JDUrCEJF0oB5lTcSeHOUhoHaR1-t2yza79RHlIbr6OoCEGJQLs7o7WrVuP97UZrfQepjaSu1AGvXhHC_VI-bi/s1600/vintagebetty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigjQezPy-HSCotlSGAwBb9ZKaKSzZOAk9Pj5NHKPgb0atoNFbUsMshb-JDUrCEJF0oB5lTcSeHOUhoHaR1-t2yza79RHlIbr6OoCEGJQLs7o7WrVuP97UZrfQepjaSu1AGvXhHC_VI-bi/s1600/vintagebetty.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hetty by Vintage Betty</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.vintage-betty.com/">Vintage Betty</a>, Carmarthenshire, UK</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Excellent choice of starter pieces. Only
high quality furniture of a good age is used. Brilliantly smooth finish with
top quality distressing. Bold colour choices always fit the piece perfectly.
Presentation and photo staging is right up there with the best, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-JS9UC2aR8WJ3SHzLSa86-cFu5sxD5QPToWbcJ5GmydxOIVk4E6cPyAsGhQ1FndjFWVbx1BBbhMk0lKoomcZNbU4n158qUz0WBmjLrpsNslwl-3a69NwzhN4la27eDkpohurV0jJlQot/s1600/distressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-JS9UC2aR8WJ3SHzLSa86-cFu5sxD5QPToWbcJ5GmydxOIVk4E6cPyAsGhQ1FndjFWVbx1BBbhMk0lKoomcZNbU4n158qUz0WBmjLrpsNslwl-3a69NwzhN4la27eDkpohurV0jJlQot/s1600/distressed.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victorian Chest of Drawers by Distressed But Not Forsaken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://distressedbutnotforsaken.co.uk/">Distressed But Not Forsaken</a>, Cumbria, UK</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Some of the most natural looking
distressing you’re ever likely to see. Pieces full of character that anyone
would be proud to own. All photos are staged in a home that is just so much
nicer than yours will ever be, but that won’t stop you trying – aspirational
stuff.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfTzJkkGuyosYV0ZaIVQqKEriZISVhq_m-rofg1dwVEsEBOYfp9yHydOk0VJk24cYDo2_SE9si6rNVH7sS6alH2GyvPkQWT5xGpJKiFwju3CNESdgplP_oG6pKUFuKi0vfZb-12ZW0-rc/s1600/chev.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfTzJkkGuyosYV0ZaIVQqKEriZISVhq_m-rofg1dwVEsEBOYfp9yHydOk0VJk24cYDo2_SE9si6rNVH7sS6alH2GyvPkQWT5xGpJKiFwju3CNESdgplP_oG6pKUFuKi0vfZb-12ZW0-rc/s1600/chev.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chevron pattern drawers by Simple Redesign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://simpleredesign.blogspot.co.uk/">Simple Redesign</a>, Michigan, USA</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Big, bold, brash colours and the cleanest,
sleekest finishes I’ve ever seen. Hardly a day goes by when I’m not wowed by
something on Simple Redesign’s Facebook page. Owner Julie is also very generous
when it comes to sharing her expertise on her blog.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwtyuqKdKu4DtLBQapja7mvveuD9mc64ZEQGEKrSGeeVMgGEaN52BDoXw3EG072AJMZyreAcpRrDktI2mPsqhyphenhyphenYOM70gGVq6Q1pPPwr0-nBcJRJ-dYCv7gX5ZdN1jKYPphJ98rKX77f4n/s1600/knack.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwtyuqKdKu4DtLBQapja7mvveuD9mc64ZEQGEKrSGeeVMgGEaN52BDoXw3EG072AJMZyreAcpRrDktI2mPsqhyphenhyphenYOM70gGVq6Q1pPPwr0-nBcJRJ-dYCv7gX5ZdN1jKYPphJ98rKX77f4n/s1600/knack.tiff" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green drawers by Knack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://knackstudios.com/">Knack</a>, South Carolina, USA</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Innovative, creative, consistent – there’s
nothing Barb Blair from Knack doesn’t do well. She’s even <a href="http://knackstudios.com/product/furniture-makeovers-by-barb-blair-published-by-chronicle-books-pre-order/">written a book</a> all
about it. And you can’t even hate her for being so good, because she’s one of
the loveliest, kindest people you could ever hope to encounter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So, there you have it. My fab four furniture finders and finishers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What do you think? Share your favourites below, or on <a href="http://facebook.com/relovedvintage">our Facebook page.</a></span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-1874559908340568872014-05-08T11:22:00.000+01:002014-06-02T12:12:13.590+01:00Ooh, Betty<style>
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<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">We visit painted furniture expert Vintage Betty in St Clears, Carmarthenshire</span></h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">Laura and I have a long-standing theory
that about 90% of the people who deal in vintage stuff are called Laura or
Lauren. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That might sound like rubbish, but I’ve
just had a look through the vintage and crafty people we follow on Twitter and
I’ve found 10 Laura/Laurens. If that’s not concrete evidence I don’t know what
is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My second favourite vintage Laura/Lauren is
Lauren, from <a href="http://vintage-betty.com/">Vintage Betty</a> – we met her recently on a trip to Wales when we
visited her really well presented shop in St Clears, Carmarthenshire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’ve only recently discovered Lauren’s
work, through her storefront on <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/vintagebetty">notonthehighstreet</a>, but we were both instantly
impressed with not only the quality of her painting and her colour choices, but
also the staging of her photos, which really makes the pieces themselves sing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Betty, St Clears, Carmarthenshire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With a work/pleasure trip to Cardigan
looming, we decided a visit to St Clears was in order. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The shop’s a pretty decent size, with big
windows and a beautiful wooden floor. In fact, it’s such a good size that, when
she first agreed to take it on, Lauren was worried she wouldn’t be able to fill
the space, but she’s managed to create a really good looking shop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The high level of quality control is
evident in everything Vintage Betty does (I was warned not to take any photos
of some bits of the shop, because they were too messy – though it all looked
great to me!) and listening to Laura and Lauren chat it was clear they were cut
from the same cloth – sharing their mutual dislike of working with a certain
popular paint brand and their admiration for the work of Tom Hunter at <a href="http://distressedbutnotforsaken.co.uk/" target="_blank">Distressed But Not Forsaken</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYNivnbkygZsUlSbY-T7wgy3SnGrgyG0nU8L2NzBpUjUHKtytFhevqfhV8lc5WGZCeaSICUB5PzJG3G2px_JwQvfyXE1WFDThniLPlnh2MTrnr5pZ_5TP392KNY_agtjFNulyStl5TjiH/s1600/2014-04-19+13.17.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYNivnbkygZsUlSbY-T7wgy3SnGrgyG0nU8L2NzBpUjUHKtytFhevqfhV8lc5WGZCeaSICUB5PzJG3G2px_JwQvfyXE1WFDThniLPlnh2MTrnr5pZ_5TP392KNY_agtjFNulyStl5TjiH/s1600/2014-04-19+13.17.38.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade goodness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lauren’s energy and enthusiasm was
infective and she was happy to share her skills and knowledge with Laura, as
the two exchanged notes on the best ways to store, sand, paint, wax, varnish
and sell vintage furniture.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you don’t already like her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VintageBettyHome">Facebook</a>,
or follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/Vintage_Betty">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/vintagebettyhome/#">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/atvintagebetty/">Pinterest</a>, you should change that right
now. And if you’re anywhere near Wales, or planning a trip that way, you really
must call in to see how furniture painting should be done.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAlzVLXYzycgJ6ei7rsNvB18MgYsXboFef05lYdUlHjLgbyS4yvat3LiAINBt6DJLZrzyPmw2jU_mDUxsXuRwYKLaDKmI4KoxAjBBaTVjtFcjnCUT6lKK9Dyz17DHCIcEw9S7aGTi9vF7/s1600/VB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAlzVLXYzycgJ6ei7rsNvB18MgYsXboFef05lYdUlHjLgbyS4yvat3LiAINBt6DJLZrzyPmw2jU_mDUxsXuRwYKLaDKmI4KoxAjBBaTVjtFcjnCUT6lKK9Dyz17DHCIcEw9S7aGTi9vF7/s1600/VB.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Laura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Vintage Betty, Pentre Road, St
Clears, SA3 34LR</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vintage-betty.com/">vintage-betty.com</a>, <a href="mailto:info@vintage-betty.com">info@vintage-betty.com</a>, 07811185511</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Open: Weds-Fri: 10.30am - 5pm, Sat: 10.30am
- 1pm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Closed: Sun-Tues</span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-40809379140364169252014-04-30T15:04:00.001+01:002014-04-30T15:04:18.234+01:00Getting to the final...<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=159144787504777" href="https://www.facebook.com/RelovedVintage">Reloved Vintage</a>
missed out on an award at the Stamford and Rutland Business awards last
week, but I think we should be incredibly proud to have made the top
three in the Marketing and Design category, beaten only by the brilliant
and very popular <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=328159223879654" href="https://www.facebook.com/SerenityLovesPeterborough">Serenity Loves</a> in Peterborough and the very well established international organisation that is the <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=21647438914" href="https://www.facebook.com/CreditManagement">Institute of<span class="text_exposed_show"> Credit Management</span></a><span class="text_exposed_show">.<br /> <br />
Considering we're just me bashing away at a keyboard and lugging chests
of drawers up and down stairs, and Laura spending her evenings and
weekends painting and sourcing new furniture (not to mention meeting
customers, undertaking commission work, replying to the many commission
emails we get each day, photographing stock, listing products on the
website and <a href="http://notonthehighstreet.com/">notonthehighstreet.com</a>, organising deliveries, doing the
accounts, I could go on...) I think we did amazingly well just to be
finalists. <br /> <br /> I think it's proof that Laura's hard work and
skill is being noticed (particularly her amazing, totally
self-designed, photographed and maintained website,
relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk)<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>,
and see it as a sign that we can take Reloved Vintage further, so that
one day we're the established business picking up the prizes ahead of
the plucky upstarts!<br /> <br /> Many thanks to the judges and organisers for arranging everything - we wish we could have been there on the night.<br /> <br />
Finally, well done Laura. You're so incredibly good at what you do. You
should be so proud that the business you've built up from scratch, with
no budget, no staff, no big workshop, no formal business training and
only a set of self-taught skills and your own spare time around a
demanding full-time job, has been officially recognised in this way.</span></span>The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-51849417886547221022014-04-10T10:51:00.000+01:002014-06-02T12:14:03.600+01:00Welcome to The Red Room<h2>
Reloved Vintage teams up with Strattons Hotel in Swaffham</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQq8NnE4uOTbY_UEf6k8kYdm0_kBhJ0i7CluCH-la4ULFuIgT3RcsmHlf1g7uO1diYgYFdXjF7gsNO-VN_PSpwDVKLZ-_PWObWKADDqjFJ5cWGje4-Kx_TrzNFE1or8AunNx9GkK3u0Gv/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQq8NnE4uOTbY_UEf6k8kYdm0_kBhJ0i7CluCH-la4ULFuIgT3RcsmHlf1g7uO1diYgYFdXjF7gsNO-VN_PSpwDVKLZ-_PWObWKADDqjFJ5cWGje4-Kx_TrzNFE1or8AunNx9GkK3u0Gv/s1600/001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dressing table and chair, in The Red Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We're delighted to have once again teamed up with the brilliant <a href="http://www.strattonshotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Strattons Hotel</a> in Swaffham, Norfolk - this time supplying them with a dressing table and chair for the popular <a href="http://www.strattonshotel.co.uk/hotel/rooms/red_room" target="_blank">Red Room</a>.<br />
<br />
Hannah from Strattons explained the style of the perfect piece for the room and we set out to find it!<br />
<br />
We hope you'll agree that it looks terrific in its new home - and we're delighted to be involved in some small way with our favourite hotel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduWsppfnawaHrmBrOQFKGiZyNWysQR6MWgLenwyz9rncLcpHdzwvzeX7PcJMsjCiwxNzch2_t8MWUUQJPKvJD8pPU4iXtnnzJZESk0yOryljU8W8qEUZledIX2lIkxNSmCA8KH6-UfnkS/s1600/002a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduWsppfnawaHrmBrOQFKGiZyNWysQR6MWgLenwyz9rncLcpHdzwvzeX7PcJMsjCiwxNzch2_t8MWUUQJPKvJD8pPU4iXtnnzJZESk0yOryljU8W8qEUZledIX2lIkxNSmCA8KH6-UfnkS/s1600/002a.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay here! Call Strattons on 01760 723845</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We've previously supplied a chest of drawers for another room, <a href="http://www.strattonshotel.co.uk/hotel/rooms/edie" target="_blank">Edie</a>, which we can personally recommend as a wonderful room for a weekend away in beautiful Norfolk.<br />
<br />
If you'd like us to relove your hotel or B&B furniture, just <a href="mailto:hello@relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk" target="_blank">drop us a line</a> to tell us what you're after and we'll do our best to exceed your expectations.<br />
<br />
As Hannah from Strattons told us: "<span lang="EN-GB">The dressing table is beautiful and looks perfect in place;
the detail is fab, especially inside the drawers... </span>We are lucky to have two of your lovely pieces now. You certainly know how to deliver the perfect item." <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaToM4u1uoj5aBuKTqM_wvPDrGb77j3Q3vo2YY2DxSTqmh69Rp_iBGLHtguhdaY1SzTde3OXOv-PStCAwxpUXp3qjt2Yj0Gcx0daIp3l7_NL5KGtTxxDLcqIubtAWiW4b_9dT06PzMrq4/s1600/edie_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaToM4u1uoj5aBuKTqM_wvPDrGb77j3Q3vo2YY2DxSTqmh69Rp_iBGLHtguhdaY1SzTde3OXOv-PStCAwxpUXp3qjt2Yj0Gcx0daIp3l7_NL5KGtTxxDLcqIubtAWiW4b_9dT06PzMrq4/s1600/edie_4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our chest in Edie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-71807718239773716172014-03-20T12:17:00.000+00:002014-03-20T12:26:18.972+00:00These paint shade names are getting ridiculous now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictg68mgZ_R_C0U915viRUnxtvLgcqVuAFdqbbWD3UbFy0uZp0BaR5uxa49URWalHKEbitX7Le40cAuFs5z7sTrD7AhF1sD1_KTGL9b9-J46dKjX7-AHfAlVb0LEoHmrK5EqmPwgdHZcxK/s1600/Paint_card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictg68mgZ_R_C0U915viRUnxtvLgcqVuAFdqbbWD3UbFy0uZp0BaR5uxa49URWalHKEbitX7Le40cAuFs5z7sTrD7AhF1sD1_KTGL9b9-J46dKjX7-AHfAlVb0LEoHmrK5EqmPwgdHZcxK/s1600/Paint_card.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-84444317840050647872014-03-20T12:12:00.001+00:002014-03-20T12:13:11.185+00:00Changing Rooms<style>
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<span lang="EN-US">Those of you who follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/relovedvintage">Twitter</a> or
receive our updates on <a href="http://facebook.com/relovedvintage">Facebook</a> will have picked up on the fact that our house
is a little, let’s say, “busy”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Laura paints at home and we store our
unpainted stock at home. Recently, we realised that there were pieces of
furniture in our store room (most people’s dining room) that we’d had for years
and my argument was that if Laura had wanted to paint them, she’d have done it
by now.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Her argument was that she hasn’t got the
time to work through it all.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">There’s a good argument to be made for
both. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The upshot of it all was that we had a bit
of a clear out over the course of a few weeks and reassessed the way we work,
particularly regarding storage of stock.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9djmKVBXJLgx0gQismfEBZRmyz0fk_XLFG3HyatweiUpthO3i4lg0fPN-bjZcET8srzO6D4HYXK9Njwezg2r5cXwGtFJsLap7W7YGgBrsLarFxyKl49uunfIi9np1fRX0J6NrTRhyphenhyphenlS-o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9djmKVBXJLgx0gQismfEBZRmyz0fk_XLFG3HyatweiUpthO3i4lg0fPN-bjZcET8srzO6D4HYXK9Njwezg2r5cXwGtFJsLap7W7YGgBrsLarFxyKl49uunfIi9np1fRX0J6NrTRhyphenhyphenlS-o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just add doors... My terrible attempt a barbecue is just visible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We have a fairly large outbuilding, which
is full of old bikes, broken lawnmowers, unused skateboards – that sort of
thing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">One of the largest storage areas outside
has no door on it, so we hatched a plan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An old schoolmate of mine is going to make
us a door for the larger shed – this will then hold our unpainted stock. It’s a
big space, but small enough to help us be more disciplined in our buying
habits. From now on, if there’s no room in the shed, it’s not coming home with
us.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">An established, secure brick outbuilding
will now house all our painted stock waiting to be sold or moved to a sales
space.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This frees up our old store room, which
will now become the design studio Laura has always wanted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexz7yppYk0286BHpgXLagiPP-aiRumYXzF3EvO2uBzVJODSPEK1dvJy3UPSSoEXr3uz0RA_ZbSsPLiATTTwok5U9Ue4KMlYvClAaW98Q9_8bn1K1AdkcuxRUhcRzgQWhOPH_zRpSXuZJ4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexz7yppYk0286BHpgXLagiPP-aiRumYXzF3EvO2uBzVJODSPEK1dvJy3UPSSoEXr3uz0RA_ZbSsPLiATTTwok5U9Ue4KMlYvClAaW98Q9_8bn1K1AdkcuxRUhcRzgQWhOPH_zRpSXuZJ4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabrics and tools now live here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planks, thanks</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">While the room will still be used for
storage, it will only be the pretty stuff that stays.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-US">A huge French 44-drawer unit now takes up a
large part of the wall space – this will hold brushes, scalpels, glue, paint
trays, screwdrivers, hammers and so on.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US">Paint will be displayed for ease of use on
shelves made from six old scaffolding planks.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US">Fabrics (for when Laura finally gets the
hang of upholstery) are contained in crates on a cute formica table, including
one given to us by Layla when we went to visit her at <a href="http://www.frenchgreytales.com/">French Grey Tales</a>.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US">A huge antique pine farmhouse table will be
home to a new project Laura is working on (more on that at a later date).</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US">At the other end of the room will be a desk
(we’re still looking for it) to house Laura’s computer, printer and associated
gubbins.</span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjrfhedNuF4-PxiYM8yzsLP2HMQSP-eOlcPkyDuHpwYgsFA7QRyI8_hHbrSCWHNzuL-_vZ6COEEuJTROBDTxvI2vNMjsIgpxnduSIdA02F55nqo43oDwtnWWftzbTSebp231Syg_TnqTT/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjrfhedNuF4-PxiYM8yzsLP2HMQSP-eOlcPkyDuHpwYgsFA7QRyI8_hHbrSCWHNzuL-_vZ6COEEuJTROBDTxvI2vNMjsIgpxnduSIdA02F55nqo43oDwtnWWftzbTSebp231Syg_TnqTT/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first two shelves - they haven't fallen down yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And that’s not to mention the epic
wallpaper stripping that needs to happen to remove the horrible textured paper
and border left by a previous tenant…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s early days yet, but we hope that by
next weekend, we’ll be another step closer and Laura can unleash her creative
mayhem in more organised manner</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We'll show you the finished room as soon as
it's completed.</span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-86199141990759128022014-03-10T14:00:00.003+00:002014-03-10T14:00:59.245+00:00Customer Service Win/Fail
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxKe4-lF-ri_H09fRdN7YJ_T5J-tzJqXgjewk5KSmXCt31CewOWzOPzdyhwxx8l8zLKAP2rOAZPTKDh074pFBn5Qdwe3r3GqHSYyHB0_mSAE_eMF40iKWzwIV5clr65IStLcVVSkXsgu1/s1600/Table_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxKe4-lF-ri_H09fRdN7YJ_T5J-tzJqXgjewk5KSmXCt31CewOWzOPzdyhwxx8l8zLKAP2rOAZPTKDh074pFBn5Qdwe3r3GqHSYyHB0_mSAE_eMF40iKWzwIV5clr65IStLcVVSkXsgu1/s1600/Table_3.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The damaged drawer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">See the photo above? That’s what our
customer Kate discovered when she unwrapped Lars, a table we sent to her via Interparcel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As you can see, the entire front of the
drawer has been split in two and, as the photo below shows, the screw holding
the knob in place has been bent in half. It must have taken some considerable
whack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-xLrEYeeqJ4QBTcJ1rgqcwsFzfPx6AYreKqIV9m3PgZfg5PiN9Fdvfy9vqMc6YG6EbP8PbwGo5pI6M-fVfYuf1eaxMUSeY-qJNh605AFMdGfQTXM1TfYiTmZvlwVWkmiq-MVjdossDyN/s1600/Table_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-xLrEYeeqJ4QBTcJ1rgqcwsFzfPx6AYreKqIV9m3PgZfg5PiN9Fdvfy9vqMc6YG6EbP8PbwGo5pI6M-fVfYuf1eaxMUSeY-qJNh605AFMdGfQTXM1TfYiTmZvlwVWkmiq-MVjdossDyN/s1600/Table_1.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The result of a 'small drop'?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lars was a sturdy little chap and had
been wrapped in corrugated cardboard prior to being picked up by
Interparcel’s courier (we believe it was UPS). It was packaged to my
satisfaction, and I’ve done my share of wrapping furniture for delivery. But
somewhere between RVHQ and Kate’s house in Northamptonshire, the parcel must
have been dropped/smashed/sat on by an elephant. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Naturally, we were horrified and offered
Kate a full refund or a replacement item. She asked us to source a replacement,
so we scoured the web for an identical table – eventually found one, bought it,
collected it and repainted the drawer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">By way of an apology, we chucked in a bag
of posh popcorn and a box of chocolates and posted the new drawer to Kate.
Predictably, it couldn’t be that straightforward and the new drawer didn’t
quite fit the old table! So Laura painted the new table to match the drawer
(still with us?) and we delivered it in person to Kate and her family, who had
been so patient throughout the entire process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We were worried about the whole thing –
especially as it was one of our first sales through notonthehighstreet.com, but
Kate put us at ease by telling us it was the best customer service she had ever
received from any company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWGTc-2Z0cW8B7TNM8RlkO_O8xB3zOKBOJlIW09prCgOkQpuNL70L0P4vxy_MyeTIPTOi1StGn6TTAwFORBonYkm813UoICxstoKiKKss6ntjDLQJ1VklaK7p2pCSPJ2t_YNaz9Jd4E79/s1600/popcorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWGTc-2Z0cW8B7TNM8RlkO_O8xB3zOKBOJlIW09prCgOkQpuNL70L0P4vxy_MyeTIPTOi1StGn6TTAwFORBonYkm813UoICxstoKiKKss6ntjDLQJ1VklaK7p2pCSPJ2t_YNaz9Jd4E79/s1600/popcorn.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolates and popcorn for Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Meanwhile, at our end of the transaction…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We lodged an official compensation claim
with Interparcel. We knew at the time of sending that we had just opted for the
standard £50 cover, so knew we wouldn’t be able to cover our full costs, but
every little helps…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Interparcel asked us to provide photos of
the table, complete with wrapping, in our customer’s home. We weren’t going to
hassle our already inconvenienced customer to do this, so instead we described
the packaging, sent the photos at the top of this post and sent them the photos
of the same packaging materials we used.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">After several emails back and forth, during
which we were repeatedly referred to as ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, despite writing our names at the end of every email and addressing Interparcel's staff by name, Interparcel’s claims
manager sent us the following email:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">It
has been noted that your item was not flatpacked and also packaged in
corrugated cardboard, this does not comply with our terms of use in which we
advise that all items must be packaged in a double walled box with plenty of
internal packaging and that items must be able to withstand a small drop.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">We
also advise that furniture unless flatpacked is not suitable for the transit
system and if sent will be sent at the customers own risk. This is due to the
fact that items of this nature are not suitable for the automated transit
system as the majority of the parcels journey is via machinery (conveyor belts)
with minimum human interaction.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Your
claim has been entertained as goodwill only and therefore no further
compensation will be raised.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Quelle surprise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">I don’t remember seeing any
warnings about Interparcel’s policy of not delivering furniture, or the
double-walled box policy, but ok, fine. Perhaps I should have searched the
small print.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">This item had been subjected to
more than a ‘small drop’. At no point has Interparcel attempted to explain how
the damage could have been caused</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">“Entertained as goodwill only”?
You rude buggers!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">From the cold, robotic
response, I can only assumed the claims department is also staffed largely by
machinery</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now, I should point out that during an
earlier email exchange, Interparcel had offered us £10 off our next booking
with them (though I suspect this offer n longer stands) – but that’s not really
the spirit is it? I had asked them to explain if such damage was regarded by them as routine and if we were to expect our packages to be handled carelessly. They did not reply to these questions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We treat our customers the way we would
like to be treated. Interparcel apparently treats its customers as though they
are no more than an inconvenience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They could have responded to say: “You’ve
obviously not seen our furniture policy, perhaps that means we should make it
clearer on our website. Normally, we would choose not to compensate you, but as
your item has clearly been on the end of a fair old whack, as a gesture of
goodwill, we will honour the £50 compensation claim and look forward to
receiving your custom in the future”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It would have cost them £50 and ensured our
future custom. As it is, they’re never getting a penny from us in future and
you can all read about what a shower of heartless, unfriendly wazzocks they
are.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Compare our customer service to Kate and
Interparcel’s customer service to us over the very same incident. Which would
you rather receive? </span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-27968623090626233832014-03-06T14:47:00.004+00:002014-03-06T14:47:50.510+00:00Hugo helps hospice
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A while ago, we did some work for a lovely lady
named Gill, and her family, in Leicestershire. After we had delivered her
<a href="http://www.relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk/misc-commission/4579342530">painted furniture</a>, Gill gave us a chest of drawers that used to belong
to her mother-in-law, who had moved into a residential home and said she hoped
Laura could find a new home for it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On the way home, Laura and I chatted about Gill,
her mother-in-law and the chest of drawers and decided we should sell the
chest, once painted, and donate the proceeds to a charity of Gill’s choice.</span><span lang="EN-US"> Gill agreed that it would be a great idea
and chose <a href="http://www.loros.co.uk/">LOROS</a>, the Leicestershire and Rutland hospice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’ve raised money for LOROS before, so it
seemed like a perfect suggestion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This week, we finally found time to get the
chest made over. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdhbOt1a0ZNHNU5gA11NoBbqFzwJT1nrwd8YJ47V9fIBUpkr2QVRjPk8XhaoH_oLo3TOpYuxCJW2cuMkkzfhXLyV052faz69LOSMIxnnU1-ASeQuD3lqSSCCEalsayAKdn_YhaNGy2p9T/s1600/Minty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdhbOt1a0ZNHNU5gA11NoBbqFzwJT1nrwd8YJ47V9fIBUpkr2QVRjPk8XhaoH_oLo3TOpYuxCJW2cuMkkzfhXLyV052faz69LOSMIxnnU1-ASeQuD3lqSSCCEalsayAKdn_YhaNGy2p9T/s1600/Minty.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome Hugo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Laura painted the shell of the chest in
<a href="http://www.farrow-ball.com/">Farrow & Ball’s</a> beautiful Pavilion Grey and painted the drawers in a
very cool minty green. New knobs were added and, once everything had had a
couple of coats of clear matt varnish, Hugo was born.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We decided the best way to sell Hugo was to
post a photo on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and set our Likers and Followers
the challenge of finding Hugo a new home by the end of the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As the shares and RTs from our generous
online friends rolled in, we were sure Hugo would be snapped up at his asking
price of £120.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We were right, but what we didn’t expect
was that Hugo would be bought by someone who shares our postcode!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our lovely neighbour Sally saw Hugo on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/relovedvintage">Facebook page</a> and
fell in love with him. As we already knew Sally, we said she could pay £100 and
we’d make up the other £20, but Sally insisted on paying the full £120 herself
and suggested we donate the extra £20 anyway, so LOROS would get even more
money. So that’s what we did!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjCGY-N1o6q6jJoSsTLXbO0EafT58NNFiUs2rGZ8clHToe_bfm09jlPAxAQC7PHCpP5sY2JioXuSz0BcfUbLwYYktU7WjAANccK7P4AbwAqAtig31L1g2Qll7wjwulignnxE6pf92Ksnr/s1600/justgiving.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjCGY-N1o6q6jJoSsTLXbO0EafT58NNFiUs2rGZ8clHToe_bfm09jlPAxAQC7PHCpP5sY2JioXuSz0BcfUbLwYYktU7WjAANccK7P4AbwAqAtig31L1g2Qll7wjwulignnxE6pf92Ksnr/s1600/justgiving.tiff" height="320" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every little helps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now Sally, George and Amy have a new chest
of drawers, LOROS has an extra £140 (plus £35 in Gift Aid) and we've got a bit more space in our store room! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sadly, Gill’s mother-in-law was taken ill
in late 2013 and passed away. We hope she would have liked the transformation
of her old chest of drawers and the fact it has now been passed on to another young
family. One thing we’re sure of, is that Gill’s mother-in-law would be proud
that her family’s generosity in donating that chest of drawers to us has helped
such a deserving local charity to care for more terminally ill patients and
their families.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">Donating to LOROS is easy – so if you can
spare a few pounds, <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/loros">click here</a>.</span> </span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-5132206357745244822014-02-14T14:20:00.002+00:002014-02-14T15:02:58.313+00:00Where to donate your unwanted furniture and homewareAfter yesterday's post about Kirstie Allsopp's appeal for free stuff in order to make a TV show, we saw an appeal from Derbyshire-based charity <a href="http://www.encorereuse.org.uk/" target="_blank">Encore Reuse</a>, who are in need of furniture for their warehouse. <br />
<br />
As you'll see on their website, Encore Reuse is a social enterprise (and registered charity) that provides training, volunteering and employment
opportunities for the local community, giving people an essential chance to develop work and
social skills.<br />
<br />
There must be hundreds more of these small, charities or charitable organisations all over the country, who would really appreciate our support and donations.<br />
<br />
If you know of one, leave a comment below and we'll update our list.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Derbyshire</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Encore Reuse</b><br />
Henmore Trading Estate<br />
Mayfield Road<br />
Ashbourne<br />
Derbyshire<br />
DE6 1AS<br />
01335 300907<br />
<a href="mailto:encore_reuse@btconnect.com">encore_reuse@btconnect.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.encorereuse.org.uk/" target="_blank">www.encorereuse.org.uk </a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Lincolnshire</b></u><br />
<br />
Crowland Cancer Fund<span itemprop="address" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/Address"><span itemprop="street-address"> <br />Crowland <br />Lincolnshires </span></span><br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
01733 211847</div>
<span itemprop="address" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/Address"><span itemprop="street-address">01733 211847</span></span><br />
<span itemprop="address" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/Address"><span itemprop="street-address">Warehouse at Crease Drove, Crowland, open Saturdays 9am-4.30pm</span></span><br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
01733 211847</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
01733 211847</div>
<br />
<u><b>Northamptonshire</b></u><br />
<div class="Yia">
<div class="Ny cJ1JYb">
</div>
<div class="Ny cJ1JYb">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036004:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036004:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036004:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$text0:0:$0:0">Corby Furniture Turnaround</span></span></span> </div>
<div class="Ny cJ1JYb">
Units 1A and 1B </div>
<div class="Ny cJ1JYb">
South Folds Road, </div>
<div class="Ny cJ1JYb">
Oakley Hay Industrial Estate</div>
<div class="Ny cJ1JYb">
Corby </div>
<div class="Ny cJ1JYb">
NN18 9EU </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="uiGrid _51mz contactInfoTable"><tbody>
<tr class="_51mx"><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs"><span class="fwb fcg"></span><br /></td><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs _51mw">01536 402181</td></tr>
<tr class="_51mx"><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs"><span class="fwb fcg"></span><br /></td><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs _51mw"><a href="mailto:corbyfurnitureturnaround@hotmail.co.uk">corbyfurnitureturnaround@hotmail.co.uk</a></td><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs _51mw"></td><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs _51mw"></td><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs _51mw"><br /></td><td class="_51m- vTop phs pbs _51mw"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corby-Furniture-Turnaround-Project/135446403150862">www.facebook.com/pages/Corby-Furniture-Turnaround-Project/135446403150862</a><br />
<br />
Lakelands Hospice Warehouse<br />
8a St Marks Road,<br />
St James Industrial Estate,<br />
Corby<br />
NN18 8AN <br />
01536 206725<br />
<a href="http://www.lakelandshospice.org.uk/">www.lakelandshospice.org.uk</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Yorkshire</b></u><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Revive
Leeds </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">East Leeds Household Waste Sorting Site </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Limewood Road, </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Seacroft, </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">LS14 1LU</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3.1:3:1:$comment10151876921431036_29036300:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span>0113 273 1791</span> </span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Revive-Leeds/223845740999135">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Revive-Leeds/223845740999135</a><br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
01733 211847<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
01733 211847</div>
</div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-12015651575320540452014-02-13T13:42:00.000+00:002014-07-30T11:15:02.370+01:00Fill Your House For Free? Hardly...<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">Why we're not convinced by Kirstie Allsopp and Kirstie's Fill Your Home For Free</span></h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">It’s fair to say that I’m all for
recycling. Most of my clothes come from charity shops, I’ve donated items to my
local Freecycle group and I always (well, nearly always) separate out my
plastics, glass, cardboard etc from my kitchen rubbish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then there’s my (albeit small) involvement
in Reloved Vintage. The whole ethos of the business is to take good quality
vintage items and ensure they get a new home for years to come, rather than
becoming landfill, so I completely agree with and applaud the sentiment behind
Channel 4 show Kirstie’s Fill Your House For Free (which has a second series in
the pipeline).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What a great idea – bringing upcycling and
recycling into the mainstream. We should all be encouraged to turn our backs on
our throwaway society and invest in quality products that eliminate the need
for harmful manufacturing processes, or shown ideas for repurposing stuff that
would otherwise get dumped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s great in principle, even if it will
drive up prices in charity shops (good for the charities, not good for bargain
hunters like me).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOaXcjgPWEeG9nNL_MGOGgq1M8DmwCRg5RHjmUscHXqE5Gfs3503aG4rPnGGcJWnF-u9cGqjm3YSvTmtL2glFVqtMBdhtZvNsa-JM3zhWycSFSHs4oNDxZG-iEkmdqqguJ_NM_Mg8tMa0/s1600/380046_10151148528261036_386683147_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOaXcjgPWEeG9nNL_MGOGgq1M8DmwCRg5RHjmUscHXqE5Gfs3503aG4rPnGGcJWnF-u9cGqjm3YSvTmtL2glFVqtMBdhtZvNsa-JM3zhWycSFSHs4oNDxZG-iEkmdqqguJ_NM_Mg8tMa0/s1600/380046_10151148528261036_386683147_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely wool tie, 75p from a charity shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-q4uiQKYmREIHJHqGjmgqcH7JWfOrqlsdyqTDs0ZPBm5zrrbmPp8cCBmMCDmk0zIWsSEiK1sNog8SMaWKO3bYTWaM7Mh-TK_GU05zcbj3S9yBCgRzEttNucV_1CX9YkBNYOzOjcDtSLI/s1600/chaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-q4uiQKYmREIHJHqGjmgqcH7JWfOrqlsdyqTDs0ZPBm5zrrbmPp8cCBmMCDmk0zIWsSEiK1sNog8SMaWKO3bYTWaM7Mh-TK_GU05zcbj3S9yBCgRzEttNucV_1CX9YkBNYOzOjcDtSLI/s1600/chaz.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another charity shop gem...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But there’s something about KFYHFF which
doesn’t quite ring true. First, I have to try to eliminate the Allsopp element
from my appraisal. I’m not a fan. Laura loves watching Location, Location,
Location, but I find the forced banter between Kirstie and Phil painful – not
to mention the smug couples who we’re supposed to empathise for when they
reveal they can only afford a £450,000<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>mortgage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then there are the Kirstie craft shows, in
which she enlists the country’s leading crafters to give up hundreds of pounds
worth of their time to create a bespoke gift – then tells us we can all do that
too!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So, putting The Allsopp to one side, here’s
my beef with Kirstie’s Fill Your House For Free: they never fill anyone’s house
for free.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That’s a pretty major flaw for me. It’s
like John Humphrys not bothering to ask any questions on Mastermind, or Gregg
Wallace and John Torode telling the Masterchef contestants they can just get a
takeaway in if they like.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In the last series, people from all over
the country (including a very middle class lady whose very expensive home
needed some new furniture after her ‘snug’ was flooded – poor her), were
invited to look around Kirstie’ shop full of free stuff, in Glasgow and invited
to help themselves. So in this case, to get something for free, they have to
travel hundreds of miles to a shop that doesn’t exist in real life. Brilliant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then there were the objects sourced by
Kirstie and her elves from Freecycle groups – meaning a couple from Coventry
(or somewhere equally bleak, I forget where) were matched up with a ‘free’
fireplace from Dundee (or somewhere equally distant – you don’t expect me to
research this do you?). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Firstly, the KFYHFF production team were
scouring Freecycle, to nab the best bits, in order to make a TV show, in order
to make money. That’s surely against the spirit of freecycling. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Secondly, they were taking things from all
over the country and giving them to people from miles away – that doesn’t work
outside the confines of a TV show. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Thirdly, I’ve never seen such good quality,
and obviously worth a few quid, items offered on my local Freecycle groups…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And then there were the items, sourced from
antiques shops and reclamation yards which they PAID for. Yes, in a programme
called ‘Fill Your House For Free’ they paid for items to fill their house.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And I haven’t even mentioned Kirstie’s repeated
suggestion of “go to a house clearance”. How, Kirstie? Should I quit my job to set
up a house clearance firm, then turn up at a dead man’s house, help myself to an
old sideboard and bugger off? Be more helpful with your suggestions! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWicQpRr-4CZ0AVbk5KWFE9NmVGu8Fe7Q_YgNZMHtI6CjlkqCQ_YzOqd4NrpsonIKg7jSb_vhS8ikDdM9KBbQzDAT32uJcS1YEbpAvOdcqJ_k3Ap6Qnzzdc-8dPxHWia9ivbPlELePWWpR/s1600/BgNw2EDCQAEvZmI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWicQpRr-4CZ0AVbk5KWFE9NmVGu8Fe7Q_YgNZMHtI6CjlkqCQ_YzOqd4NrpsonIKg7jSb_vhS8ikDdM9KBbQzDAT32uJcS1YEbpAvOdcqJ_k3Ap6Qnzzdc-8dPxHWia9ivbPlELePWWpR/s1600/BgNw2EDCQAEvZmI.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Give us stuff so we can make money!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So why am I blogging about it now, months
after it was broadcast? Well, I’ve just seen an appeal on Twitter, from Kirstie
and Phil’s production company, Raise The Roof, appealing for donations of furniture
and furnishings, specifically copper piping, for the upcoming series. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now, call me a jaded old cycnic, but if an
item like copper piping is in such short supply that a TV production company
with experience of sourcing items for free can’t get hold of any, then it’s
probably pretty unlikely that Joe and Jo Bloggs from Walsall are going to find
a load on their local Freecycle group.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In fact, appealing for people to give you
free furniture for your TV show, so you can show the British public how easy it
is to get free furniture, is slightly disingenuous, if you ask me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Kirstie’s Fill Your House For Free? More
like Kirstie’s </span><span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fill Your House By Appearing On A TV Show That Has Run A National PR Campaign,
Fronted By A Famous Face, Appealing For Donations Of Furniture, Or, Like In The
Last Series, By Appearing On A TV Show That Sources Items From Freecycle Groups
Hundreds Of Miles From Your House, Or Pays For Items, Thus Not Making Them Free
Anymore...</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not so catchy though,
that one…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As always, tell me
below if you agree, or if you think I’m being a pillock</span></span><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-74120281454420955032014-01-13T12:05:00.001+00:002014-06-02T12:15:52.904+01:007 Reasons Pinching Other People’s Photos For Your Website Is Just Not Cool<style>
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<br />
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">The rights and wrongs of photo copyright online</span></h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">A year or so ago, we noticed a lot of our
web traffic was coming from people searching for a shop with a vaguely similar
name to ours. Out of curiosity we Googled that shop and found their website –
there, right on the homepage, was one of our photos. Taken by Laura, in our
house, for our website. The nerve! </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The site had other photos that had clearly
come from various sources around the web – and the company’s Facebook page was
the same (they were also building Likes by offering competition prizes they
didn’t have – pictures stolen from US Etsy stores, that sort of thing - but
that’s another story – though it did help us to build a mental image of the
owners as either unscrupulous liars or simple idiots).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We immediately contacted the owner and
asked them to remove our photo from their site and Facebook page.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3NRuJJOptAivtFf5dokwyQ4ziEtUB5VXifIg-I8UCc8Iiw1Nu2BDTdloGCXEwUZRAcwNG6pEjr4QSdF4cIemgbkg5jY4ikGDBU-yVgsgJG6nYI920D3S5YujMgGLjwwU8l5BDfhP9tZo/s1600/4589659457_983x486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3NRuJJOptAivtFf5dokwyQ4ziEtUB5VXifIg-I8UCc8Iiw1Nu2BDTdloGCXEwUZRAcwNG6pEjr4QSdF4cIemgbkg5jY4ikGDBU-yVgsgJG6nYI920D3S5YujMgGLjwwU8l5BDfhP9tZo/s320/4589659457_983x486.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo we found on someone else's website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In their defence, they replied within
minutes to apologise and they took the photos down (replacing them with a photo
lifted from another site…).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Their excuse? “We found the photo on Flickr
and because there was a tin of Annie Sloan paint in the photo, we thought it
was Annie Sloan’s copyright”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Where do we begin?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">1. We couldn’t find the photo on Flickr
anywhere, but that’s by the by… </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2. How would it be Annie Sloan’s copyright?
Does that make every photo of a bottle of Coke the property of Coca-Cola? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">3. Even if it was Annie Sloan’s copyright,
why would that make it ok for you to use?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Maybe it’s because I’ve worked all my adult life as a journalist and therefore am well-versed in copyright law and
avoiding being sued at all costs, but it just seems completely bizarre to me
that people think it’s alright to just steal photos for use on their own
business website.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxRlnL5LuCWP2HA63gbpiq6ybtzvT4qw7LJg2FrDc3mzoWRW2hiD6axQ0wwMCAnvi13n8D9bOq5l1_K9pqTIvgnGv6qkTf64vfwLONpEWGcL2O0jGwVLWneh9VR1GwlTxTJblcKqbl7v0/s1600/4589624067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxRlnL5LuCWP2HA63gbpiq6ybtzvT4qw7LJg2FrDc3mzoWRW2hiD6axQ0wwMCAnvi13n8D9bOq5l1_K9pqTIvgnGv6qkTf64vfwLONpEWGcL2O0jGwVLWneh9VR1GwlTxTJblcKqbl7v0/s320/4589624067.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted by Laura, photographed by Laura, lifted by me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Here are our seven reasons stealing photos of other people's work
is not okay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">1. You give a false impression of your
business</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Customers will automatically assume that
the photos on your site are examples of your work – and if you’ve chosen
particularly nice pieces of work to decorate your site, it’s unlikely that your
work will live up to your customers’ expectations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg-UwPk_bnhyKEnp-G7eq4tx9GclN2pujf3F4GSTJcr1zGcxDW58RL19mDISvCwVbtnqmmHtrWDMDnjcd8i4y6v3m8uspsoAJ2QGS053EjVuM8o0KOxNc1enbygxHGfQF__e2jMCt2V9c/s1600/4589619601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg-UwPk_bnhyKEnp-G7eq4tx9GclN2pujf3F4GSTJcr1zGcxDW58RL19mDISvCwVbtnqmmHtrWDMDnjcd8i4y6v3m8uspsoAJ2QGS053EjVuM8o0KOxNc1enbygxHGfQF__e2jMCt2V9c/s320/4589619601.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our most shared photos. Sharing's cool, stealing's not</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2. You might get sued</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Pinch a photo from the wrong place and you
could be in trouble. Big companies take their intellectual copyright very
seriously. We once used a piece of wallpaper featuring a well-known design and
found ourselves on the wrong end of a solicitor’s email asking us to remove all
images from our website and never do it again. Expect the same treatment if you
nab the wrong image.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">3. Someone else worked hard to make that
thing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To you it’s just a photo of a chest of
drawers, but to the person who created it, it’s the result of hours of work,
financial input and creativity. They worked on it, they photographed it, they
put it online to show off their work. And you just dragged it onto your
desktop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdrZnaxQfJ4SCwVgoXWtQxyoMGPHPctyfJ2IXSecLtnACvEiOSv0f_3EznKYQ6w-WoB1xl2ffumMVXOkaAVnxCx9SrwPH9aZtvIyyXA_Vip1yHAze5_THchV0OX9X4CWM_tjvTGpiBfNu/s1600/4589621799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdrZnaxQfJ4SCwVgoXWtQxyoMGPHPctyfJ2IXSecLtnACvEiOSv0f_3EznKYQ6w-WoB1xl2ffumMVXOkaAVnxCx9SrwPH9aZtvIyyXA_Vip1yHAze5_THchV0OX9X4CWM_tjvTGpiBfNu/s320/4589621799.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never noticed that wheelbarrow until now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">4. It’s lazy. Quit being lazy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Seriously, if you’re painting furniture, or
making cushions or painting faces – whatever it is you do – how hard is it to
take a photo of your work? Not happy with your camera or photography skills?
Pay a local photographer to do it for you. Maybe you could even offer them
payment in furniture/cushions/face-painting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5. A great photo is the result of years of
training and expense</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Swiped a photo from another website because
the photography’s great and better than you can do? Why not just break into
your neighbour’s house and steal their TV because it’s bigger than yours? Good
photography comes from years of practice, investment in a good camera, time
spent setting up the shot and than editing it until it is just right... or you
could just steal it. Your call.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebq6u3s1gyQNbfms7-1MMd5EDAdZzFY08N69dh8FGaUCyYvaIgkdfI7SecAZD-XHWy-M6x-7cypWEVMUdkIjqJUWdy7ZQ7LOHmY1OEzzOSaciv81dKrhm-vDd0iebtBYj70psR-MxOsgP/s1600/4589622518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebq6u3s1gyQNbfms7-1MMd5EDAdZzFY08N69dh8FGaUCyYvaIgkdfI7SecAZD-XHWy-M6x-7cypWEVMUdkIjqJUWdy7ZQ7LOHmY1OEzzOSaciv81dKrhm-vDd0iebtBYj70psR-MxOsgP/s320/4589622518.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our earliest pieces, complete with mini bunting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">6. It’ll probably look a bit crap</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A good website has consistent photography.
The images all knit together and create a satisfying whole – because they’ve
been taken by the same person, with the same camera and had the same
post-processing applied. A bad website has images pulled in from here, there
and everywhere – different shapes, sizes and resolutions. The site we mentioned
earlier had photos lifted from a minimalist <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>apartment in Japan and a French farmhouse –
and tried to pass off the furniture in both as examples of their past work!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">7. It’s just not polite</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s very rude to just take a photo from
someone else and use it for your own benefit. Even on Facebook, where seemingly
anything goes, it’s just plain ignorant to take a photo of someone’s work and
post it on your page without tagging your source. Ask first, and even if you
can’t ask/don’t get a reply/can’t tag – use your fingers and your keyboard to
type in the name of the page or website where you found the photo. It’s just
common courtesy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What do you think? Have you had your photos
stolen? Do you disagree and think it’s harmless to borrow images from other
sites? Let us know here or at facebook.com/relovedvintage</span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-5533128794732447682013-12-31T10:36:00.000+00:002014-01-01T15:56:38.874+00:00The last post <style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As a business, our sales are split between
online and in store (with a few at fairs and other events). Our <a href="http://relovedvintageinteriors.co.uk/shop">online</a> sales
are mostly of large items of furniture, which we deliver ourselves, for the
price of our fuel expenses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In store, at <a href="http://facebook.com/lollyrocket">Finders Keepers</a>, we can sell a
range of furniture as well as vintage accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve never really got into selling the
smaller items online because 1) we don’t have the time to photograph the items,
edit the photos, upload the photos, write accompanying text, edit the text,
wrap the item, weight the package, get to the post office (which, like banks,
should really be open on Sundays and on weekday evenings)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– all for a sale of a few quid, and 2) things
tend to get broken in the post.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But, while trying to make some room in the
store room at RVHQ this week, we found a few items we’d taken to assorted fairs
and not sold, so decided a Facebook flash sale was in order.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We priced them up to include postage and
offered them on a first come, first served basis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The reaction was great, with seven of the
12 pieces snapped up by people from all over the country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Lba_UsOqK5Q6D_ZXoB6zv1OKCjoaCIoQn3apNyDwjxEvrxCqjumwVPsJST1RKASGLUBM-qOTcvtucemf3RQiUZBrcrFrQdrbqxslVYrbeLRLzkTqx2pcc6RnXMoQ96ynEpovbYw0aeVp/s1600/flash-sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Lba_UsOqK5Q6D_ZXoB6zv1OKCjoaCIoQn3apNyDwjxEvrxCqjumwVPsJST1RKASGLUBM-qOTcvtucemf3RQiUZBrcrFrQdrbqxslVYrbeLRLzkTqx2pcc6RnXMoQ96ynEpovbYw0aeVp/s320/flash-sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Facebook flash sale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Thing is, when I took these pieces to the
post office, I had seriously underestimated the postage costs involved.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">One parcel, which contained four shot
glasses and had been bought for £5 cost £2.60 to post. Fair enough.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The next box, which contained a flask and a
candlestick (combined price £10) cost £8.90 to post and the largest parcel (price
paid to us £13.50, contents: candlesticks) cost £12.92 to post.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now, I asked the lady at the post office
for the cheapest option – and I have to trust her to have given me that. She
even told me off for not charging our customers enough postage!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But there’s the rub – would anyone have bought
those items if we’d said they cost, say, £3 each, plus £8.90 postage? I don’t think
so. As a customer, I’d certainly be put off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s absolutely crazy that we can pay a
courier less than £10 to deliver a small table anywhere in mainland UK, but to send five
candlesticks by post costs £12.92! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In future, we’ll avoid sending anything by
post – and when we do, we’ll use courier firms rather than Royal Mail.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The flash sale was never about making lots
of money, it was about clearing out some old stock, giving our Facebook friends
a bit of a bargain and raising a bit of brand awareness (yes, I realise that
makes me sound like a marketing pillock). But we could easily have lost money on
this, because of our underestimation of Royal Mail’s prohibitive parcel postage
costs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Do you run an online business? How do you
get around these exorbitant costs?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’d love to hear your
tips/grumbles/all-out rants.</span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-30986895411748285072013-12-18T12:16:00.003+00:002013-12-18T12:17:24.195+00:00And so this is ChristmasChristmas is a funny old time of year for us, business-wise.<br />
<br />
Last year, when Laura was doing fewer commissions, we had a bit of a run on dining tables - presumably bought by people wanting to enjoy a family Christmas dinner at a traditional farmhouse table.<br />
<br />
At the start of this year, we were ready and bought several unpainted tables, putting them to one side, ready to get them painted up and on sale in time for the festive rush. Except things don't always work out the way you had planned. With Laura taking on a lot more commissioned work than ever before, she just didn't have time to paint the tables (and asking me to do it would be as much use as asking a child to do it) and so they still sit in various parts of RVHQ, waiting to be rehomed.<br />
<br />
2013 was the year when the commissions took over. Commissions are good in that they are a guaranteed sale, but the pressure of making sure you do a good job is multliplied by about a thousand – these are people's possessions – you can't mess them up (and, thankfully, Laura hasn't, yet...).<br />
<br />
All the commissioned work for 2013 is now finished, and 2014 has a few jobs already booked in, for returning clients, both businesses and individuals, and a few new customers, too. The plan, though, is to scale back on commissioned pieces to give us more time to be creative with interesting pieces of furniture and to prepare some stock for our new sales venture for 2014 (more to come on that).<br />
<br />
We'll also be looking at diversifying into new areas, collaborating with some of our talented chums and trying to regain some kind of work/life balance!<br />
<br />
How was your 2013? The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-19248043880496760672013-12-06T15:36:00.001+00:002013-12-06T21:34:00.486+00:00Just checking in<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’m doing one of those ‘I’ve neglected the
blog’ posts that I hate, but it’s this or nothing, so what can you do?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’ve had a busy couple of weeks,
travelling to Oxford, Kettering, Birmingham, Nottingham and Lutterworth
collecting and delivering customer commissions and, in Nottingham, attending
the <a href="http://www.prettydandy.co.uk/">Pretty Dandy</a> Flea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Flea was really well organised, despite
an unavoidable eleventh hour change of venue, and was a new type of event for
us, as we continue to decide what, if any, genre of event is best for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The venue was Nottingham’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CreativeQuarter">Creative Quarter</a>
Pop-up Shop – a brilliant initiative that we we’d love our local towns and
cities to follow. Read more about it <a href="http://m.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/article/26103/New-Creative-Quarter-Pop-Up-Centre-Surprises-and-Delights">here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF0PIS97jy9gowMp054YrqLJIDHVAidX6uzdRO8b2DOdLeA4RE0xEbKxtTHeS5jrkE1KvqZG0s0kZgfnPffC0ebK8Cu1_l5c0jeaxDkadHjXGl_7fI7CxsDpmlqaYVJmjXsH7lUMAGVwd/s1600/603931_549859998433252_1609481952_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF0PIS97jy9gowMp054YrqLJIDHVAidX6uzdRO8b2DOdLeA4RE0xEbKxtTHeS5jrkE1KvqZG0s0kZgfnPffC0ebK8Cu1_l5c0jeaxDkadHjXGl_7fI7CxsDpmlqaYVJmjXsH7lUMAGVwd/s320/603931_549859998433252_1609481952_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our stall at the Pretty Dandy Flea in Nottingham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">While we were at The Flea, Stamford’s
Christmas market was in full swing. By now we had expected to hear back from
Stamford Town Council about our second complaint about their slow handling of
our bid for a free stall at the event (their deadline to reply was December 29)
but we are still waiting... (EDIT: They replied! Still not giving in to us - they seem to be missing the point)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On a more positive note, it was great to
hear people at the Flea saying they had heard of Reloved Vintage and already
Liked us on Facebook. This was in a city about an hour’s drive from our Rutland
base. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Proof, if it were needed, that social
networking is a brilliant free tool for marketing your small business, which is
why we’re continually amazed that so many local independent shops don’t have a
Facebook page or Twitter account.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">One large, well-known-locally shop near us
has a Facebook page that has only been updated once, and that was in 2009.
Another, which sells painted furniture and is well established, has no Facebook
page whatsoever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’d kill to have their high street
locations, staffing budgets and established reputation and we think their lack
of social media presence must be down to either arrogance or ignorance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Hopefully, one day we’ll be in their
position – and then we’ll have to put our money where our mouth is…</span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1996578381442559976.post-27651411168765152262013-11-27T12:30:00.000+00:002013-11-27T14:16:19.139+00:00Marketing your town - why retailers are better than councils<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We love Stamford. It’s the nearest town to
RVHQ, we love the pubs, the shops, the restaurants, the hotels, the
architecture. It’s a lovely town and you can see why it was named <a href="http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/article1230929.ece">the best place to live in Britain</a>, by The Sunday Times (though they didn’t mention the,
ahem, rougher parts of town and flat-roofed pubs).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As well as some great independent shops and
pubs (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/paradisefound34">Paradise Found</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/snowdesignsandinteriors">Snow Designs and Interiors</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/jennyfinefoods">The Fine Food Store</a>, <a href="http://www.tobienorris.com/">TheTobie Norris</a>), the town has big name, but higher-end, chains like <a href="http://www.whitestuff.com/">White Stuff</a>,
<a href="http://www.fatface.com/">Fat Face</a>, <a href="http://www.thewhitecompany.com/">The White Company</a>, <a href="http://www.cookfood.net/">Cook</a> and <a href="http://www.cosyclub.co.uk/stamford%E2%80%8E">The Cosy Club</a>. All these are big draws to Stamford for
people who live outside the town and they promote themselves well, with a touch
of style befitting the general feel of the town.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This year, a group of business owners have
got together to arrange two late night shopping events, with a prize draw on
each night. It’s a great idea and the poster (designed independently) for it is
prominent around town and on social media. It’s simple but stylish and gives a
great feel of what the town is about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhZzWpv3fi-pYVWZ9AwZMhRYIkjtakv6gjx2p6pbCX3wTYBTXBKxNEZvoMPiQFvxIWuRXmTKVBHVHqoIXLmW8sRmb6HQnzj_Qmqo_0FXTTmVuKUdKDd5g_RTTwZXsaDggbGdPW5-8cy1T/s1600/indyposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhZzWpv3fi-pYVWZ9AwZMhRYIkjtakv6gjx2p6pbCX3wTYBTXBKxNEZvoMPiQFvxIWuRXmTKVBHVHqoIXLmW8sRmb6HQnzj_Qmqo_0FXTTmVuKUdKDd5g_RTTwZXsaDggbGdPW5-8cy1T/s320/indyposter.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The late night shopping poster - thumbs up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Also this year is the town council’s
official Christmas festival (we may have mentioned this in earlier posts…). The
poster for this event is, well, not exactly in keeping with the town’s image.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We’re hesitant to criticise the designer –
we don’t know who did it and they may have had their hands tied – but is this
really a classy, sophisticated poster for ‘the best place to live in Britain’?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyfoJ4peR3i4hxeBJp-dDvuAEEl_P65YFlV-jUPLZhtA5aLMvwHJp8Q-3vZdICQUe4eJ8SgyqAYtvIhhHxCL3L2St3JPCVb5UB8XdeRGcnGyRtlTeA9NXq9Y70C5vnV8wQ757ZfurTZ1z/s1600/councilposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyfoJ4peR3i4hxeBJp-dDvuAEEl_P65YFlV-jUPLZhtA5aLMvwHJp8Q-3vZdICQUe4eJ8SgyqAYtvIhhHxCL3L2St3JPCVb5UB8XdeRGcnGyRtlTeA9NXq9Y70C5vnV8wQ757ZfurTZ1z/s320/councilposter.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The council's poster - we're not impressed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">One local business owner told us they felt
the festival was completely geared – and marketed – towards the wrong audience
for the town’s retailers and that it did not benefit them in any way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s just another example of why we feel
the powers-that-be are out of touch with the way the town – and life in general
has moved on. And it’s not just Stamford Town Council – the district council,
South Kesteven, <a href="http://youtu.be/nKtPMbctI6o">recently produced a video</a> to attract investment into
Stamford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To us, it feels terribly
dated, with a stuffy voiceover, 80s graphics, shaky camerawork and a general
lack of flair and imagination. Again, we don’t know who filmed it, so we really
don’t want to be ultra-harsh, but it’s not good when you compare it to the work
of some local freelancer videographers who we’re sure would have made a much
better job of it. Take a look at the work of <a href="http://vimeo.com/user17483395">Chris Rigby</a>, or <a href="http://vimeo.com/78816718">this video</a>
recently unveiled by Rutland’s best restaurant, <a href="http://www.theolivebranchpub.com/">The Olive Branch</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Maybe the poster was designed for free,
maybe the video was done in-house. We understand that taxpayers' money has to be spent
carefully (like councils have ever wasted our money…) but surely it’s better to
invest in a quality product (and they’d probably be surprised at how reasonably
priced most good quality freelance designers and videographers are) and give
off a better, more modern, vibrant image of the town, than to do it on the cheap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What do you think? Are your local councils
the same? Can you find examples of councils getting it right when it comes to
design and marketing? Comment below.</span></div>
The Reloved Vintage Interiors Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02933641105344033571noreply@blogger.com0