Like a Tea Tray

Twinkle, twinkle little bat

How I wonder what you’re at

Up above the world you fly

Like a tea tray in the sky…

I thought starting the morning with a little Alice in Wonderland quote might make your day go better!

I found this little piece at a garage sale. I don’t know for sure that it is an actual “tea tray,” but that’s all I can think of when I see those cute little wheels.

(edited to add: OK, from some of your comments, now I know it was a "rolling TV cart." Ugh, how UN-romantic! It's a tea cart now anyway!)

I decided to try my hand at the harlequin pattern. I painted the whole piece white, and then I measured the length of the tray and divided it evenly into 8 sections. I “connected the dots” and taped off my diamonds (using a razor blade to cut the excess tape). Then I sprayed the whole piece with green, and peeled off my tape diamonds.

It looked pretty nice all freshly painted, but the colors were just too bright for me! So, after a lot of distressing and glaze…

…I have something that looks a little worn with time and use.

Oh, but didn’t I call it a “tea tray”?

…Won’t you please join me for a summer snack?

I’ll get out my best silver…

I might find some napkins in the house (but probably not)…

Come play with me!

This piece will be available for sale at Bella’s Vintage Market at Wheeler Farms (Salt Lake City) on July 9! “Like” them on Facebook for $1 off admission.

This project was featured on

Linking up to these great parties here.

Read More

THE QUINTESSENTIAL ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA ..........

Hertford has been the county town of Hertfordshire since Saxon times, and is 10 minutes away from where I live.

The town of Meryton in the Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice, is thought to have been

based on Hertford.

The town centre still follows the medieval layout, with many timber framed buildings. The first mention of the town was in 673 AD. By the time of the Domesday Book, Hertford had 2 churches, 2 markets and 3 mills.
The Parliament of England temporarily moved to Hertford during the Great Plague of London in 1665.That is why the square in the town is called Parliament Square.

..... but, it is also very up to date with some lovely restaurants. This one is Cafe Rouge, Although they are a chain of restaurants, it is like you are in the depths of France when you eat or have a
drink there.

I think that the above looks very French.

This is a really lovely florist in Hertford. Their displays are very rustic with old wooden boxes,

vintage terracotta pots and many rusty items.

Farrow and Farrow is a delicatessen filled with delicious Venison, Rabbit and Kidney and Guinness pies ( I just hope that Sweeney Todd isn't lurking around there somewhere !! ) They also sell Braughing sausages, made in the local village of Braughing, and very famous in sausage circles !!

Can you see those gi-normous meringues ? !!

Now, just past the doctor's surgery, which looks very similar to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's house, Number 11 Downing Street, London, don't ya think ?.............

...... then, turn left into a little 'Jack the Ripper' alleyway, and there before you is a delightful Tea Room and garden.

Once inside, it's like being in someones Victorian parlor. Tables laid with snowy white tablecloths, beautiful china, sofas around a cast iron fireplace, old fashioned high chairs, dressers and
overmantles.

After partaking in tea, sandwiches and cake, a little stroll along the river was called for.

Over the bridge ..........

.......... and pass the weir. How delightfully English it all was ..... BUT THEN, look what greeted us on our way back to the car.......... and, I promise you all that this was absolutely true. It's a bit out of focus, as I took it quickly because I didn't want him to see me !! ..........

WHAT A WONDERFUL SIGHT TO BEHOLD !!!!!!

I just hope that it hasn't put any of you off of your breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Thanks everyone for your lovely comments and continued support.

Have a lovely weekend and make sure that your trousers fit properly and there is no builders bum on show !!!! haha

Read More