The Spring Country Living Fair, Mother's Day Treats and Vintage Treasures

This is a bit of catch up for the last couple of weeks I am afraid as I have been rather lazy and not managed to do a posting for a while. Anyway a couple of weeks ago I went off to London with my lovely girl to The Spring Country Living Fair. Although it was exceptionally busy it was still good fun and there were some beautiful stands. Afterwards I had a browse around Camden Passage antique market. I was really surprised to come away with this Union Jack bunting at a bargain price. Not what you expect in London at all. I think it dates to the 1940s or 50s and is in pristine condition with 27 flags. It wasn't exactly cheap but knowing what this is currently selling for on ebay I know I got a bargain. Mr C has been looking for some of this original bunting for ages for us to use at The Northampton Vintage Fair and we hadn't found any at a reasonable price.

Of course I had to pop in to Cath Kidston to spend some money I had been given for my birthday. I treated myself to this lovely bag which is a great size for shopping.

This large vintage Kilner jar was from Acorn and Will's stand at the fair. I think it looks great used to display some cheerful daffs.

The Bluebell Posy candle smells wonderful and was purchased from 'Made In Pixieland's' beautiful stand.

The large fabric covered box was from Velvet Ribbon's lovely stand.

This rather delicious eiderdown also arrived last week. I originally purchased it with the idea that I would probably sell it. As usual by the time it had been washed and dried on the line I had decided I couldn't let it go and it has joined my ever expanding eiderdown collection.

Mr C and I had a day out a couple of weeks ago visiting places recommended to us by Debbie of Lalabibaby. First stop was Hitchin flea market where I found the old French linen mangle cloth and the pair of vintage Kilner jars.We also stopped off at a lovely cafe and deli for some lunch. I couldn't resist a photo of the window displaying the delicious looking meringues.

We then headed off to Country Matters in Hexton where Debbie sells some of her beautiful handmade quilts. This is a village hall which has been turned in to an Aladdin's Cave of vintage and hand made treasures and a lovely tea room. I found the red vintage shopping basket and the old pond yacht. On our way home we stopped at a house clearance shop and I picked up some pretty cups and saucers and old tin sandwich box. All in all it was a lovely day out so thanks Debbie for all the recommendations.

Finally on Sunday I was very spoiled by my lovely girl. These beautiful flowers were delivered to me on Sunday morning and I love them. They are stunning pink roses from Jane Packer, displayed in a pretty pink hat box. They are still going strong and look as good now as when they were delivered.

In the afternoon we headed off to Canon's Ashby which is our local National Trust property.It was as beautiful as ever and we wandered around the house and gardens.I love this gate and think I have probably shared a photo of it in a previous post.

The views from the garden are stunning and it is so peaceful. I would definitely recommend a visit if you get the chance. There is also a lovely tea room and shop as well as a second hand book shop. I managed to find a pile of old Ladybird books very cheaply which are destined to be turned in to more bunting to decorate the next fair.

Vintage Florals

Mr C has been framing some of my old classroom prints this week. Some will be sold but this one I am keeping as it is one of my favourites. They look great in old frames painted with chalky paints .

This is a gorgeous barbola fire screen I bought from Vicki of Ticklepenny Vintage at the Northampton Vintage Fair last Saturday.

I also treated myself to this pretty handmade cushion from 'Vicky Loves Vintage' also at the fair. The duvet cover was a surprise find in TK MAXX last week. They had quite a few Cath Kidston duvet covers and pillow cases at bargain prices.

The pretty floral Vernon Ward picture was another buy from Vicki of Ticklepenny Vintage. It has a lovely frame and Mr C gave it a quick coat of paint to smarten it up. It has now joined the other Vernon Ward pictures dotted around the stairs and landing.

The two small ones below are my favourites.

I have had a few lucky finds in charity shops in the last couple of weeks. I spotted the old dolls pram and assorted dolls including a Rosebud and Roddy doll being unloaded outside a charity shop as I went past. I popped in and the ladies were unpacking three bin bags full of old dolls which had been been owned by an old lady. The pram is very sweet but the hood is sadly disintegrating. I am not sure what I will do with it but it is good for displaying vintage dolls and teddies.

Finally the 'pot' below which was another charity shop find has been put to good use holding the pretty azalea some friends at work gave me for my birthday.

Northampton Vintage Fair

Yesterday was a great day, beautiful weather, lovely people both sellers and customers and lots of gorgeous vintage goodies all topped off with delicious home made cakes and lots of tea. Before I go any further I need to apologise as I have only captured a flavour of all the wonderful stalls in these photos. However I know lots of fellow bloggers will be posting more photos over the next few days so between us we should have pictures of all of the stalls to share. There were lots of gorgeous stalls as usual with some really great new sellers too so sorry if I haven't managed to include you here.

I made use of my Lloyd Loom shelves for display and vintage coronation beakers on the tea tables.

This was Debbie's lovely stall, lots of interesting little vintage pieces and homemade gift boxes and tags.

Lindsey from Elsie Sparrow brought her bike along again.

Karen from Tilly Rose had the most beautiful stall in gorgeous spring colours with lots of floral hand made goodies.

Tracey came along for the first time with her hand made fabric and wooden hearts.

Jo from Hesta Nesta had an amazing array of lovelies as usual, this was just one small shelf.

Sarah Jane had an array of vintage goodies and delicious hand made cup cakes.

There was lots of wonderful fabric on many of the stalls, sorry I am not sure which stall this great collection came from.

I had a lovely day and was lucky enough to have time to catch up with lots of fellow bloggers including Debbie from Lalabibaby, Dreaming Of the Simple Life who was next to me. She had made the most beautiful patchwork bedspreads. She has posted some great photos on her blog as has Sharon from Clover Cottage who was our official photographer for the day. I am sorry I haven't included photos of every stall but Mr C disappeared with my camera at some point in the day. Thank you to everyone who came along yesterday and made it such fun. Hopefully we will see you all at the next fair on 21st May.

See You At The Fair

Well it has finally arrived, the day before the fair. We had lots of good intentions about not leaving everything to the last minute but as usual this week has been one of frantic activity. Now the day has almost arrived there is a feeling of excitement mixed with the usual bit of anxiety about people not turning up or the weather being awful. Anyway I am sure if it is as much fun as the last three it will be a great day. It will be lovely to catch up with lots of bloggy friends a well as regular customers. I will be back in a few days with hopefully lots of lovely photos to share.

Birthday Weekend ( Part Two)

On Friday I had a day's holiday from work and Mr C and I drove down to Hertfordshire to explore. We headed for Berkhamsted, somewhere we hadn't visited before. First stop was this lovely shop, 'Home and Colonial'. Four floors of beautifully displayed antique and vintage items as well as lovely shabby chic home wares and gifts.

The 'Attic Cafe' on the top floor was wonderful. The setting was amazing, enormous floor to ceiling sash windows overlooking the street, high vaulted ceilings, vintage furniture and advertising pictures. Oh and the food was delicious too !

The top picture was an enormous and beautiful advertising poster, and the Zebo poster was also a large original displayed above the window.

Further down the street we found another little antique centre full of quirky pieces.A few of my purchases are propped up outside. I found a pretty basket, a dainty sugar pink clothes airer, and a yellow handled rolling pin amongst other things. We then headed off and explored Hemel Hemstead Old Town and found more antique shops before finally heading home with some lovely purchases.

This pretty vintage American rose postcard was amongst one of my finds last week I also purchased this pretty rose and heart hankerchief. It appears to be a vintage one from the fabric and has no label on it. However it is so Cath Kidston in style I am wondering if it is one of her designs, if you recognise it please tell me.

I have picked up a few old glass apothecary jars over time, one of which I decorated with vintage sailing yacht decals last year. These two have finally had the same treatment using vintage American rose decals too. They make great storage for lotions and potions in the bathroom.

Birthday Treats

Yesterday was my birthday and I was thoroughly spoiled. I had a lovely day with family, eating nice food, chatting and taking Josh out for a lovely long walk with my mum and her dog.

My lovely girl had some wonderful surprises for me. Another deliciously smelling Yankee Candle and a gorgeous Emma Bridgewater mug. Unbeknown to me she sneaked back to Hope and Greenwood when we were in london a few weeks ago whilst I was busy trying clothes on in another shop. She bought me the lovely tea towels in their new design and also the fab 'Life Is Sweet' book.

It is full of delicious recipes for old fashioned sweets as well as gorgeous photos using lots of vintage tins and other vintage items to show off the mouthwatering sweets and chocolates.

She also treated me to these gorgeous Cath Kidston tins I had admired the last time we were in the shop. As I said I have been well and truly spoiled.

My friend Debbie gave me this lovely 'Tramway Art' book. she knows I love old travel posters.

From Mr C I had this lovely Per Una linen coat I have had my eye on for a few weeks. The photo really doesn't do the colour justice.

He also bought me this gorgeous fabric covered hat box. I love hat boxes and when we were out on Friday I had spotted this and reluctantly walked away convincing myself that I didn't need it. He had sneaked back and bought it for me when I was in another shop and I am so pleased he did.

It came from a beautiful shop called 'Home and Colonial' in Berkhamsted but more about that in my next post.

The little dogs and the Robert Opie book were from my mum and dad. I am not sure of the maker of the dogs but wondered if they might be Sylvac. They have no name on the bottom just a number. If you have any idea please let me know.

Anyway back to house work and Vintage Fair preparations today.