Before I share my latest finds I wanted to tell you about my new venture that very nearly happened. For a long time my friend Deb from 'home thoughts from vintage wants' and I had dreamed about our hobby becoming more serious. For some time we have sold a few of our vintage bits and pieces to make space for even more ! It has been fun and a nice diversion from work and other pressures but no more than a hobby. Recently the local antiques centre has changed hands and has really started to take off. We decided to take the plunge and step up from a hobby to having our own little booth. We have both been really excited about it but I had a niggling doubt. Anyway after much thought , I decided that I had to listen to my head for once rather than my heart. I work full time in a demanding job and my spare time is precious. I enjoy searching out my vintage bits and pieces as a way of relaxing and switching off. I realised that if it became more serious it would just become another pressure and may not be as fun anymore. Also spending time with my family is precious and I want to spend as much time with my lovely girl as I can before she flies the nest. So from a time point of view and to a lesser extent from a financial and business point of the view the new venture made no sense for me. However for Deb things are different, she is in a different point in her life and career and has more time to spare. She has decided to go it alone with my full support and as much practical help as I can manage. From next Sunday her little area at the Northampton Antiques Centre will be open so please pop along and show her your support. Anyway back to my latest finds. Today we had a lovely day in Oxford and of course I found a couple of little bits and bobs to bring home. The cheeky chap above was spotted in the window of 'Antiques On High' and couldn't be left behind. My dog collection seems to be expanding rapidly.
I was so excited when I saw a display of Pip Studio in the window of Boswell & Co dept store. I treated myself to the towel and pretty bird cup and saucer.
After a browse around 'Antiques On High' we popped next door to the gorgeous 'Grand Cafe' for a pot of my favourite Earl Grey. It has a wonderfully opulent interior with mirrors and marble and gilt and reassuringly heavy, Liberty Arts and Crafts style tea pots and milk jugs. It is supposed to be the site of the first coffee house in England according to the diary of Samuel Pepys. Oxford as usual was beautiful and busy with tourists enjoying the sunshine.
We spent some time in Blackwells, our favourite shop in Oxford. It is so easy to completely lose track of time when you are engrossed in browsing all the latest books.
I loved the moulding on this doorway, there are so many beautiful architectural details everywhere.
Yesterday was a first for me. Mr C and I went along to our local auction rooms. Mr C had called in the day before to the viewing and picked up the list for me. He had spotted the tapestry fire screen and thought I would like it. Anyway we went along and I made a successful bid for it. I have never bid at an auction before so was very pleased to secure it for a bargain price. My plan is to paint it in a nice Farrow and Ball shade but haven't quite decided .
Earlier in the morning was a mini boot sale at a nursing home round the corner. I found the pretty hat pin holder and glass knife rests.
I also bought a present for Mr C, these stained glass panels. He loves stained glass and over the years has added pieces to our house to complement the original glass.
As mentioned in my last post I am planning my first ever giveaway next week. On Tuesday it will be my first blogiversary and this coincides with me having 100 lovely followers. Please pop back on Tuesday and join in the giveaway.
