Showing posts with label jan constantine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jan constantine. Show all posts

Monday, 8 November 2010

Candles and Cashmere

Tonight is very chilly and I have wrapped myself up in an eiderdown and lit some candles. This Christmas Cupcake candle is really scrummy as is the Cider Apple Yankee Candle I also bought yesterday.

Over the last week or so Mr C and I have had a few trips out. Olney is a lovely little market town and I found some gorgeous vintage cashmere cardigans in an array of wonderful colours. These were in the newly opened Dodo Antiques shop which is well worth a visit. I treated myself to a gold one and a turquoise one with pink flowers at a fraction of the price you would pay for new.


I also couldn't resist these beautiful Avoca soaps with wonderful names.

We also went to Brackley , another lovely little town with the wonderful Antiques Cellar (more on that in my next post). I found these pretty drawers to add to my collection.

This must surely be my best bargain in ages, I spotted this Jan Constantine wool blanket amongst Carol's goodies at the Northampton Antiques Centre. It had been hers and for some reason she had decided she didn't want it anymore and sold it to me for a fraction of it's original price. It looks great with my Jan Constantine cushion and will be just right for snuggling on the sofa.

These pictures were charity shop finds a few weeks ago. The frames were in a sorry state but Mr C has painted them and put them back together. The pictures are by E W Haslehust who was well known for his paintings used in railway posters. I originally thought I would sell them but I actually really like the sunny colours and coastal views.


We also visited the Discover Vintage Fair in Leamington Spa and caught up with bloggy friends including Jo from Hesta Nesta and Vicky from Vicky Loves Vintage. Mr C bought this reconditioned vintage phone which is now in use and has the loveliest ring. My lovely girl is not impressed and is still struggling to use it ! We have given in and agreed to have the hand held phones in use too.

This weekend was the Hand Made and Vintage Fair in Stony Stratford. It was held over three floors in this lovely building.

Mr C found me this old rag rug. I know it looks tatty but it can be tidied up and I have already given it a gentle hand wash. Close up there is red and white gingham and fabrics of all different types and textures.




The hat box was another find to add to my other two found in a charity shop some months back. It is the same sort of texture as the little set of drawers.

Last but not least, this jewellery box was presented to me by my lovely girl. She made it as part of her GCSE DT last year and got to bring it home a few days ago. Inside is a mirror and perfectly made little drawers. This is something I will treasure and use every day.


Thursday, 12 November 2009

Mid Week Treat














Yesterday after work and school I dashed for the railway station with my lovely girl. We were headed to london for the gala evening of the Country Living Christmas Fair. We had never been before so didn't know what to expect. When we arrived we certainly weren't disappointed. There was so much to see and so little time !

My first purchases were this gorgeous mug from Caroline Zoob and some lovely velvet violets.

I treated myself to a gorgeous Jan constantine cushion, something I have wanted for ages. My lovely girl picked a cute mug for herself.

She also chose a lovely hand blown glass decoration in the shape of Big Ben, this was from the wonderful Bombki stand. You can read all about the company in this month's Homes and Antiques magazine.

This pretty lavender heart was from 'Vintage Inspiration'.

The christmas pud was from 'The carved Angel'. The food area was fantastic with lots of lovely food and drink to taste.

And finally these lovely original French seed packet labels were from Burgundy Brocante , also featured in this month's Homes and Antiques magazine.
If you are thinking of visiting the fair I would highly recommend it but leave yourself plenty of time. We didn't get to see everything in the couple of hours we were there and could have done with another couple of hours. The next fair is the Spring one at the end of March.