Category: Crafting

The Chill Out Room by Tiffy Belle

It is the hardest thing to put into written word or an image, the magic a space can hold, such as my lounge area at the Guest House. It’s full of light and innocent magic. The wall mural was lovingly crafted by a dear friend of mine Seca One. Seca is an exceptional grafitti artist who is Blackpool born and bred. I felt honoured when he agreed to work with me.

The wall art is the lotus flower with a backdrop of pastels. The entire room consists of salvaged and second hand furniture. There’s windows each end of the long and large space. The counter is the original from when I walked into the house. I have witnessed confessions of true love in this space. Marriage proposals. Engagements. Happiness across all genders. It was an area that manifested pure magic. Danielle my former housekeeper, kindred spirit and hard working mum of three bought this whole concept alive with me. And although the design was all my own making. The inspiration and energy.

The love and endurance through such challenging times, and the grafting level of cleanliness. The fond memories of something so beautiful, I am humbled to know Danielle. Her partner Gee and their well kept children. No person should ever judge poverty until they have lived and walked amongst it. The Guest house, a dwelling for those who work hard to enter and experience by agreement the positivity within the walls and foundation put together with teamwork and respect.

The tables are dated, but they were from Golden Sands (over the road). And the metal chairs I purchased from Tender Paws Cat Rescue. The old dresser I sort of painted in a hurry, and like many bits about the place, I sourced it for £100 from The Regent Emporium in town. The Regent is probably the most magnificent building full of collectables and vintage furniture in the world! And it has revived the old cinema, there’s a marvellous cafe there too.

But anyway … as I say, the lounge area at the hotel is not so aesthetically pleasing with images, as actually being in the space. You can visit a room based on perception and be hugely disappointed. But with my designs, the photography does not do them justice. I don’t think it helps I do them all myself with a mobile phone and often, not a lot of a time and poor lighting.

Finally folks, a bit more about Seca. And his frankful account of a brave journey toward success following drug abuse and depression. He’s now an international artist recognised by prolific names in the world of street art. With respect.

Tiffy Belle. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

The Tiffany Suite by Tiffy Belle

The Tiffany Suite is on the first floor of the villa house, to the rear. It was once three badly laid out bedrooms. The new bathroom is one huge space and the bedroom area used to be two former rooms. It was a risk, since had it remained as three bedrooms, it would have possibly made more money. But it’s quality over quantity.

This suite has received 10/10 feedback from guests at the hotel. Particularly with honeymooners and special occasions. There was never a huge budget to furnish the hotel as the funding came from the sale of my small terrace house in Leeds. And finding workmen during lockdown etc, was a bloody nightmare. I did however spend more than I wanted on the french style bed, drawers and bedside table in this room.

The glass table and two dining chairs chairs were on sale at FAB Interiors. I love them. The artwork is mostly from charity shops, apart from a couple of prints I just had to have in the room. And whatever bedding I have in here, it works as the decor is neutral. I can highly recommend ‘Egyptian Cotton’ by ‘Dulux’. It’s just so earthy and neutral. Although the king brand of all paints is ‘Farrow and Ball’. Dulux comes a close second for interiors. And I always take a matt finish.

Bold colours date so quickly and will make a space shrink in. It’s best to stay safe if you like a lot of prints and patterned textiles. But then … I do love wallpaper as you will see with other projects. Prints or paper, there’s a balance. The Tiffany Suite is prints and with the feminine. Holistic womb talk. Empowered by our softer flow. It was always my dream to deliver children in the tub here. Maybe that’s something, somewhere, for the future. Water and a space of love = life abundance.

The bathroom is indeed lush. Initially, I didn’t want the huge relaxation tub, but it was in clearance and when it arrived they just left it on the pavement outside. I urgently called my son who drove from Leeds and we had to smash a wall down just to get it in the building. There are many tales about the formation of this little guest house by the sea. It’s been a journey of a life time. Truly, it has. And I am grateful to have met so many colourful people and animals along the way so far. In particular Buddy the dog, Billy the cat, then Percy and Gloria the seagulls. All of which I rescued (as they also saved a part of me.) One needs the other. Rescue and Healing. Real life values are completeness and rescue work helps us respect the intricate nature of life at its best.

The Tiffany Suite is such a light and airy room with a gorgeous feel to it. As with all the hotel, there’s loads of crystals beneath the floorboards and I believe they play a big part in energy enhancement. The place is full of love and happy vibes, best felt by the wonderful guests for which I will never forget.

Tiffy Belle. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Tiffy’s Place Blackpool. 7 uniquely designed rooms and suites by Tiffy Belle.

Tiffy’s Place in South Shore, Blackpool was a derelict guest house that needed some care. I acquired the building before it went to auction by making a low offer to the vendors, which was accepted. The project took nearly three years to finish. A lot of planning. Blood. Sweat. Tears. A labour of love. All taking place through lockdown and bereavement. Today, Tiffy’s Place is a high spec award-winning guest house. It is fully licensed with superb reviews across authentic booking channels. Returning guests and luxury spaces maintained to the highest standards. Accredited with Stay Blackpool and Visit Blackpool.

A mixture of nostalgia where community, charity shops and collectible outlets meet local suppliers and brands. Each room comes together like a family. An eclectic mix of the old and new.

I never really plan how I want a room to look on completion. It’s a journey of my essence and findings in that moment. So really, it’s about the energetic value of creative spirit, mixed with the aesthetic overall appeal, forever evolving. It’s very much a personal thing. It is not influenced by others. It is more about what’s available when I put it out to the universe. I always find exactly what’s needed. I guess it’s like baking the perfect cake and decorating for the occasion. In the case of this project, for guest satisfaction. That they feel a sense of peacefulness.

I am very proud of this assignment. Not just for me, but also my late Father. For whom I promised that no matter what, I would not give up. It’s been a joyous journey. The anticipated negativity within a small majority of onlookers has only made me more focused. I am determined to retain my unique ways.

South Shore, Blackpool is a strong, diverse and resilient community. I have been very proud to be a part of it. Albeit quietly. My aim, to deliver something special. Mission Accomplished. With credit to all who helped. Danielle, Gee, James, Colin and others who took part in the renovation. A little bit of untold history. The best stories are often by those who walked in the rain before the glory of rainbows. For nature is our best inspiration. That and the community.

It’s my sacred canvas of crafting with true intention. Though being original may not give us financial wealth. Yet a deeper sense of accomplishment, one of soul purpose, is priceless. I am sure you will agree with me when I tell you this. Being altruistic is perfectly priceless. And for those discovered, the credit is to their quality of life improved. But we should not stop crafting when life becomes tough. The good folk strive hardest for self improvement.

This is not a flattering photo of me. It was a few days after losing my Dad. During Covid and I had arrived back in Blackpool to get things done. I can still remember how broken I was inside but glad to be home. Fortunately I had no idea what was ahead of me. I had been through enough turmoil during these times or so I believed. But … I did it, Dad!

Tiffy Belle. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Artistic Mannequin Styling at Tiffy’s Place: Unveiling ‘Belde’

Sometimes, no matter how much we try to avoid problems and mishaps they find us. This can be family matters, work, finance, health or general wellbeing. But work and crafting can take our mind from this. The more free time we have to dwell, the further our minds may become complexed with stuff which is unnecessary, as worry is a form of self abuse.

So today whilst styling the final room at Tiffy’s Place I decided it was time to unbox one of the mannequins. Danielle (my housekeeper) and general morale booster, plus aspiring designer, took to dressing her like a duck to water. Where as I have a past in fashion, mannequins and window dressing. It may look simple, but propping up a stiff dummy is not easy.

The wig I have had for a couple of years and the outfit was from a market in Blackpool. ‘Belde’ which is an anagram of Danielle and my middle name ‘Belle’ seemed fitting. So here is our new resident!

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Wax Melts, Soap and Pamper Boxes by Tiffy Belle

It’s been a very busy few months. Whilst we have been in lockdown as a nation I have some how never had so much to do. and i should imagine many are in the same position. preparing for the summer and months ahead.

All these images are representative of Pamper Boxes and Wax Melts soon available to buy online at South Shore Soap Company. I will be busy with the hotels so we may pause during the summer high season to return in the Autumn as this is the perfect low season hobby. But we shall see which way this goes as I am always open for change and that’s why I love what I do so much.

Preferred payment is online with a debit or credit card or collection in person. We are not offering bespoke orders unless they are in larger quantities.

See You Soon. Tiff. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper