I was asked via email the other day whether my flower shop appliqué was for sale.

I explained that my intention was to put it into a renovated vintage frame, which at the moment had no glass or backboard. Once I’d renovated the frame, the picture could be theirs.

Having a buyer meant that I had to get my finger out and get it done (having already sold the item in question being a good motivating factor for finishing off a project, I find.)

So off I toddled yesterday morning to get it sorted.

It could have been a nightmare.

I’m not sure whether I’ve mentioned before, but I don’t drive. I have had every intention of sorting out my driving for – ooh, years now, but I still haven’t, yet.

So the sort of project that for most people involves trips to industrial estates to locate contract framers or glass suppliers might have been tricky.

But it wasn’t necessary.

A conversation with the grumpy local picture framer (who incidentally runs one of the untidiest shops in the world) and a quick trip across the road to the cut-price hardware emporium and local stationer was all that was required.

A five minute walk, and I was sorted.

Even I was surprised to be able to get gummed paper tape locally. Who sells stuff like that these days? My local stationer, that’s who.

Thank heavens for my local high street and it’s doughty traders.

Long may they survive and thrive. ♥