Back from the wilds of Kintyre for a bit!

Hi there! I'm back in London for a couple of weeks for my son's wedding and we're very excited about it all! I didn't manage to post a blog while away as computer access is difficult while we're there. Nothing very much to write about except that I've managed to buy a few purchases for the stall for when I get back to Spitalfields in early September. A couple of very pretty vases, one with roses, a fab enamel jug in white with blue trim and a wonderful green coloured gravy jug. I've also found some new utensils including a lovely old wirework slotted spoon. A lovely old pale blue colander is among my finds too.They're currently in my shed in Scotland until I get back up there to hopefully add more to my treasure trove. There have been some lean pickings recently but I'll still have a few weeks up there to find more. However for inspiration I went to see a really excellent vintage fair in Scotland called West Coast Living. If you're in the area of Ardfern near Oban, I highly recommend a visit. It's on until 5th August in conjuction with the Craignish Arts Festival. Katie and Sarah do a great job of sourcing beautiful items for the home including wonderful large vintage cupboards, hand built garden benches and seats using original cast iron ends; troughs, watering cans, mirrors, china and linen. For this event it is set in the rural setting of Barbreck Farm in a few light airy marquees. I'm kicking myself for not having my camera with me so that I could share it all with you. Well as they say in Scotland ta ta the noo! Actually I never hear anyone saying this! See you in September back at Spitalfields and also on September 22nd 11am - 5pm at Central Library, Fieldway Crescent, Holloway Rd, North London a new venture called 'Before 1980' Put it in your diary and I'll give more info nearer the time. It should be great and full of delicious retro items of furniture, homeware, lighting etc etc....I leave you with an image of a beautiful sunset over Kintyre on the west coast of Scotland. I really do have to drag myself away from it. In between Scotland, finding treasures, getting organised for the wedding, we're off to the Olympics tomorrow!!!

North London Vintage Market - this weekend!

It doesn't matter if it rains this Saturday 7th July, come and join me, among others at the North London Vintage Market at St Mary's Hall, Crouch End. There are always lots of interesting stalls selling vintage items including furniture, clothing and of course Kitchenalia!

I managed to survive being outside at Spitalfields last Thursday and the threat of a thunderstorm passed us by, thank goodness. Saturday at Spitalfields was reasonably busy and we were back inside.I always find it fascinating how many people come to my stall, look at a  red coffee pot for example and then ask me if I've got it in blue. I always want to say 'hold on and I'll go check out the stock cupboard!' The whole idea of these items being one offs, seems to pass them by. Part of the joy of having a stall is being able to observe human behaviour and it's just as interesting as selling!
Now for new items. This is one of the few bread bins that I have at the moment. It's a great blue and white enamel with the original label still attached at the front which is amazing as it was probably bought in the 1940/50s!!!
I've also managed to buy some great T.G. Green items, the blue and white striped variety known as Cornishware. I've got a lovely pestle and mortar, two jugs, a biscuit container as well as a tea, coffee and sugar set. I had a big matching bread bin but that sold today. I've also got some fab old wide necked milk bottles which are great to use as vases. Some great new tins also. I'll have all these things with me on Saturday. After that I'm off to Scotland for a break and hopefully to find some more interesting things for the stall. I'll try to write some blogs though don't have much access to the computer while I'm up there. If you're interested in any of my items please leave a comment and I'll get back to you. If you're free perhaps I'll see you at Crouch End on Saturday.