Hi all, Apologies for the lack of posts but only back to normal the last couple of days and have had lots to catch up on. A most bizarre illness, not quite bad enough to stay in bed apart from one day but yet, was just able to do the minimum and I certainly didn’t feel terribly creative!

I will be doing the draw for the hamper re Facebook on Tuesday, probably at the Carlow Business club!

This is just a quick post to tell you that Yukari Sweeney’s Sammy is now available exclusively at the Garrendenny Lane online shop.  Every Sammy is individual as each one is made using different off-cuts from Yukari’s fabulous fabrics.

Sammy is approx 60 cm long and can be used as a very stylish draught excluder – now that’s a different present for Christmas and he will even co-ordinate with Yukari’s gorgeous cushions.

Apologies for the lack of posts for a few days, I’ve been feeling poorly. I think some people think I’m getting swine flu as I’ve been nauseous as well as achy but feeling better today so hopefully I’m on the mend.  Must be ill though – I don’t even have any interest in writing a blog post!!

I’m looking forward to spending all day at home tomorrow, catching up on little jobs, cleaning the house and taking it reasonably easy.  I’ll be back blogging at the weekend

Just a reminder about our fabulous prize this month – open to all who are fans of our Facebook page by the 31st of October.  All you have to do is become a fan and you will be in with a chance of winning this great hamper of goodies.  And of course, you’ll also be able to read about all the latest at Garrendenny Lane on your facebook timeline .

Click here to become a fan. (Open to all EU and US addresses)

Today’s Friday Fix-it Post is about wallpapering downstairs loos.  Usually a very small room, often situated under the stairs or off the utility or hall, yet their importance is huge particularly if you have young children and need to get there in 2 seconds flat!  I’ve recently had a couple of queries re the decorating of this small but important room.  Traditionally many people would have tiled the walls, often up to half the height of the wall.  I’d agree with tiling the floor but feel tiling the walls is unnecessary.  Okay, if it is a tiny handbasin, there may be a little splashing of water but not if it’s a reasonable size.  But tiling all the way around the walls isn’t necessary and can make it seem a very cold room.

So what can you do to make this little room interesting, fun and quirky – well, why not wallpaper it?  Being a small room, it won’t require that much in terms of rolls. It will add texture, interest, a fun element, warm it up – wallpaper will transfrom your little powder room and here’s a few suggestions.

Yukari Sweeney - Wild West Toile

Cole & Son - Catwalk

vivienne westwood

The new Vivienne Westwood collection by  Cole & Son has the signature or globe symbol hidden amongst the design – I can spot the signature easily above as I saw it in the flesh at Decorex- can you make it out?

Graham & Brown BiJou (17611)

And metallics within the wallpaper will reflect the light and make this tiny room seem larger.  Just don’t pick a design that is quite large as it will overpower the room – stick to smaller designs.

Once Brian has finished canvassing for the IFA presidential election in November, I’ll be getting him to lay the new tiles in our downstairs loo and hang our wallpaper – which I am choosing next week so I’ll let you know then what I opt for.

There will be an absence of posts now for a few days, I’m doing a stand at a trade and craft show in Castlecomer this weekend and it sounds like it will be two long days and then Mon, Tues and Wed are going to be busy days as I am trying to fit clients into next week so I can take as much of half term off as I can the following week.   So, see you all soon.

A very quick Wallpaper Wednesday post!

Sanderson’s Summer Tree fabric showcases beautiful florals on a silver metallic background – classic florals with a very contemporary twist