Since I was very little I have always dreamed of owning a shop ~ one where I could decorate the windows with displays of beautiful and unusual things ~ an eclectic mix of old & new, useful and decorative hand~crafted items. I studied interior design and have been lucky enough to work with some wonderful companies specialising in beautiful home furnishings and textiles.

The hunt for that elusive piece of shabby but beautiful fabric has taken me to all sorts of locations including dusty old attics, shops that closed many moons ago and as many flea markets, antique fairs and sales that I can manage to get to! I enjoy nothing better than a damp Sunday morning spent rummaging with my head delved into an old trunk full of lace & linens that need nothing more than a good wash ~ or that's what I convince myself of anyhow!

My collection of vintage treasures has somehow evolved into a growing number of sub headings including buttons, beads, jewellery, haberdashery, clothing and accessories, ephemera, perfume bottles ~ there is no limit to my  vintage passion.  As long as it is beautiful to my eye, that is all that matters.

So, the dream of owning a 'shop' has finally been realised in the Betty & Violet atelier. Here, I shall delight in creating beautiful displays to showcase a range of hand~made designs using ingredients which are old and have been loved in a previous life. This patina of the past is an important part of their beauty and adds to their charm. Alongside, I will endeavour to bring you other unique lovely things and vintage treasures from the past.