I Have Wings!!

We are coming back to earth with a bump after a very busy couple of days!  It all started on Friday...first the Beast had to go in for a service and MOT (very expensive) in between getting ready for the Cotswolds Vintage Fair.  Firstly the most gorgeous and eagerly anticipated parcel arrived for me.

The most gorgeous antique feather angel wings all the way from Denmark!

I have long coveted a pair of these extraordinary things.  I found them through the Jeanne D'Arc Living magazine purchased from Ali's website Betty and Violet.  Looking through the back pages there are many Danish antique dealers and Interior stylists.  I picked out one called Butik Sophie.  Her website is stunning and the array of unusual antiques really appealed to me.  I decided to take a chance and contact Lene to see if she would ship to the UK and I am pleased to say one bank transfer and two days later they arrived...very quickly I might add.

The wings were beautifully packaged and Lene also sent me the most beautiful sepia photograph, an antique calling card and a card with a letter 'J' on it...how thoughtful.

My little French man was just the right size for them.


Yesterday was the Cotswolds Vintage Fair.  We had packed the van in readiness on the Friday and left early Saturday morning.  There was hardly any time to look around and once the doors were opened at 10am the crowds poured in.  I don't think I have ever been to such a busy fair, it was jam packed for most of the day.  Lots of other bloggers were there with the most amazing stalls but we really had very little time to catch up with one another.  Alison did an absolutely fantastic job of organising the fair down to the last meticulous detail.  There were flowers in the entrance hall and lovely jugs of country flowers on each of the outside tables for people to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and the wonderful views. I also got to meet Lauren a friend of mine who works for interiors magazine 'Period Ideas'.  She was en route, with husband to be Rob, to see family in our neck of the woods, and it was great to finally meet them both.  Ali's family were also on hand and did a wonderful job of helping out so a big thank you to all of them and to Alison especially who really went that extra mile to make it such a special day for everybody. Also a big thank you to all the lovely customers who visited my stand and made a purchase.

Now I couldn't come away empty handed, now could I?  Lovely tiny gold 1920's shoes from Alison.  They are so tiny and absolutely exquisite and in such wonderful condition.

A pair of handblown antique glass bell jars from Chloe.

Andy actually purchased these.  You can see all the little imperfections in them as they are hand made and surprisingly very light...stunning! Chloe deals in the most exquisite and decorative antiques.

A gorgeous little EPNS purse also from Ali.

I can never resist ostrich feathers.

The most exquisite glass beaded fringing dating from the 1920's...also bought from Ali.  The problem is when I buy anything like this I can never part with it.

The last purchase of the day was the most beautiful coffee table book I have ever bought.  Ali managed to get her hands on some copies in English text and they have now sold out on her website although she is hoping to try and get some more because the demand was so great...and I can see why.  The book is called 'French Atmospheres' and is by the same people responsible for the Jeanne D'Arc Living magazine.  It is by far the most expensive book I have ever purchased but it is worth every penny...I can guarantee you will want to paint your house white inside and buy into the whole ethereal look.  I am certainly a convert to the Nordic/French look.....I can promise you will not be disappointed.  So after a very busy couple of days I am going to enjoy a lovely glass of wine later and devour this gorgeous book...well, once all the dreaded housework is finished!  Have a fab Bank Holiday.
Jo xx
PS Please click on the photo stream link to view photographs of the day.

On My Travels Again

The van is being packed as we speak in readiness for The Cotswold Vintage Fair tomorrow in the lovely village of Toddington.

I have the usual selection of lovelies to take with me.  Huge Vintage French Ticking cushions as well as two rather lovely grain sack bench seat cushions...I have even made the feather pads to go inside from the huge bale of down feathers we bought ages ago and stored in the garage.

I love monogrammed linen.

I am rather in love with this little blue linen number and Louis wants it for his room if it doesn't sell!

Just some of the goodies coming with me.

My beautiful antique cherub mirror with sconces which is very hard to part with but I can't justify keeping it as I've nowhere to hang it so it needs to go to a new home.  I have also bought something rather beautiful for my own collection which I will do my next post on so I've got to make some money back!  Have a wonderful weekend and try and pop along to see us in Toddington if you are able.  There are going to be some wonderful sellers with some gorgeous goodies on offer so I've got to go round with my blinkers on!

Jo xx

The Indestructible Pug Bed!

At last we have discovered a dog bed that the Pugs cannot destroy!  The are very clever at picking open seams and digging holes in fabric!  

It came from a fantastic company in Axminster, Devon called The Reefer Sail Company.  They recycle and upcycle sail cloth into all manner of great products.

We chose the vintage tan sail dog bed.  They even personalise it with whatever name you want.  It comes flat so that you can fill it with old blankets or pillows, and it is easy to wash which is essential in this household with Elvis sprinkling on things! Another great thing about it, is that it is designed and made in the UK.
I am now busy getting ready and making things for the Cotswold Vintage Fair next Saturday, hope to see you there if you can make it.
Have a lovely weekend.
Jo xx

Vintage Treasure Trove

We are absolutely shattered but the day has been fantastic, so fantastic that I couldn't wait to do a lengthy post about it.  The Vintage Jumble organised so wonderfully by Jayne and Michele has gone off without a hitch.  We arrived early after a good run down the motorway and began the task of heaping all the goodies onto the waiting tables.  There was also some rather fabulous deals going on in the car park.....

This rather fabulous and very camp gentleman dating to the 1950's came from Liz The Washerwoman after a frantic email to her late last night after spotting him on her blog post!  Apparently several people witnessed my hubby wrestling him into the van with his hands placed on strategic parts!! We have named him Tristan Barrington-Havers, related to Jonty & Julian Barrington-Havers, two rather camp 1930's gentlemen I already own.  I know, mad as a box of frogs!!!

I have been after a French marriage dome for yonks, and being the eagle eyed person I am also spotted this on Liz's blog post destined for Newark.  It fits perfectly under my Victorian glass dome and I am so thrilled with it...thank you Liz & hubby. I also bought three lovely French linen sheets from Liz destined for cushions.

Andy bought this lovely old wooden crate from Michele, complete with writing on the side.

This rather gorgeous Vintage boudoir dolls head came from the lovely Viv who had a stand next to mine.  She came from Vienna.  I wish I was clever enough to fashion her a cloth body and make a vintage outfit for her to wear.

This lovely crème de menthe piano shawl and parasol came from another lovely lady called Geraldine who has the most wonderful selection of vintage textiles and trims.

This gorgeous Victorian bead work velvet cushion and sparkly bits and pieces came from Philippa Bowes , the lovely lady who made my decorated goose egg from a previous post.

All these lovelies came from Ali who had her usual fabulous selection of vintage trims and lovely French bits and bobs.

I purchased all these gorgeous grain sacks from Maud who sells wonderful vintage and antique French linens from her web site Beyond France.  Most of the grain sacks have monogrammes on them and are in lovely condition.  I also bought some pieces of mangle cloth linen always fabulous for backing cushions.

These lovely vintage fabric covered buttons also came from Maud.

A gorgeous vintage French plaster and gilt French bow from Liz.

This is what the van looked like when we returned home...a lot emptier than when we had started apart from the naughty purchases!!  Thank you to Jayne and Michele for making it such a fabulous and enjoyable day, and to all the other stall holders and the lovely customers who helped clear the van to make way for new purchases.  I am now in the process of enjoying a well earned glass of vino.  Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Jo xx

VINTAGE JUMBLE - BARGAINS GALORE!!!

We have been having a huge clear out ready for the vintage jumble in Rangeworthy tomorrow.  The first one, organised by Jayne & Michele held earlier this year was such a huge success they decided to do another.

Andy and I have been busy getting ready, there are boxes for 50p and £1, and even two bags of vintage eidy's in need of some TLC!!

Just some of the goodies ready to be packed in the van.

Boxes full of bits and bobs....excuse the hoover!!

Please come along if you can.  It really is a lovely atmosphere and just like an old fashioned jumble sale complete with WI ladies serving teas and coffees with the most delicious cakes.

Please click on the link for more info.  See you there.

Jo xx
PS: This is what the van looks like!!

Flags & Fairs

Yesterday I had a stand at The Market Harborough Vintage Fair organised by the lovely Ann and her hubby, Trevor.  It was held at a lovely light and airy venue very close to the town centre and there was the usual lovely mix of vintage treasures on offer to tempt buyers.  True to form I have no pictures of the day but I am sure Ann will post some pics on her blog, Vintage at the Corner House.  My Mum is staying with us for the week from Devon and she indulged in a spending spree at the fair.  My first find of the day was, yes, you've guessed it, yet another huge vintage Union Jack Flag....as if I need another, but I couldn't resist!

It is rather worse for wear but just how I like them!!

This rather fab wire work shelving also came from Briony, the lady I bought the flag from.  It is going to be very handy to use for displaying fabric for sale. I also bought some wonderful French linen from Heather from Hellish Designs who coincidentally has just started a Blog.

Please pay her a visit as her stuff is to die for.

My rather wonderful find from our local car boot sale this morning.  I spotted this gorgeous Georgian pine cupboard and it had to come home with no thought of how Mum and I would load it into the Beast!!  We had to phone Andy to come to our rescue with the van!!  Mum has spent all afternoon ironing my table and bed linen ready for the fairs...she is a real trooper!  It has been the most wonderful but exhausting weekend, hope you've all had a great one too.  Now we are off to sort stuff for the Vintage Jumble next Saturday.  Have a lovely week.

Jo xx

French Finds & Box Files

Hope you have all had a great weekend.  We have been experiencing a mini heat wave here in Derbyshire.  I love this weather although I find it quite draining.  The Pugs insist on laying in the sun even though it is too hot.  We have had a lovely weekend.  I did a vintage fair in Matlock, The Peak District on Saturday with Discover Vintage.  It was very well attended and we were busy for most of the day with only a couple of quiet periods.  On Sunday we decided to take a trip to The Old Pill Factory in Witney.  Tracey from The Vintage Bothy has a lovely stand in the attic space crammed full of wonderful antique and vintage textile treasures.  The whole place is a real treasure trove and very reasonably priced too.

Lovely monogrammed French Linen tea towels and a rusty set of Château keys.

Lovely bundles of vintage French books dating from the 1930's.

I absolutely adore this beautiful French earthenware glazed jug, I think it may be staying for a while! I also found some lovely mother of pearl buttons held together on a length of old string.

We then went onto Station Mill Antiques in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire on the recommendation of the ladies at the Old Pill Factory.  It was two floors of pure antique and vintage heaven and I would recommend a visit.  There is also a delightful cafe that serves the most heavenly toasties.  Apparently it has just reopened after a devastating fire which damaged large parts of the building.

My favourite find of the day was this beautiful 19th century French wire work basket.  It cost a small fortune but it had to come home with me.  I have grand designs for this as a centrepiece at Christmas...watch this space....... Andy isn't really sure about this one!

Box File now sold!!

This is my latest creation...a covered box file in vintage pink paisley eiderdown fabric.  I covered one recently in Kate Forman blue roses linen but forgot to photograph it and sold it at a fair.  I decided to have another go but this time with vintage fabric.  I'm afraid I cannot take all the credit as Andy helps with all the technical details like measurements, cutting the base out and attaching the ties at the front of the box.  I'm rather pleased with it...what do you think?

Have a great week.

Jo xx