The Washerwoman

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Meet Flossie and Barbara....

Last week I spent a few days in France searching for new stock in preparation for the busy months ahead.
In a particularly dusty Depo Vente I found myself in "Mannequin Heaven". I was so over excited that I sent a text to Niki as she shares my passion for these rare beauties. Sadly my camera wasn't working, so I took some photos on my phone. So far I have been unable to upload them as somebody has gone off with the cable!
After some deliberation I bought this one, she was cheaper that the rest and missing her limbs - so easier to transport. As you can see she was a little worse for wear, but I could see potential....

Today I have spent a pleasant few hours with some poly-filler and youngest son's Warhammer paints (that will teach him not to lose the cable for the computer!)
I am fairly pleased with the restoration, and have named her Flossie as that has always been our nickname for a particularly formidable owner of a Depo that we have visited over the years.

Barbara on the other hand is English (I think) I have had her for ages and not had the time to restore her.

Once the Polly filler was mixed up, there was no stopping me! Her nose is still a little lacking in shape, but a light dusting of silver paint has hidden most of her blemishes and returned her to a more sleek and haughty former self.

13 comments:

Floss said...

Very pleased to meet my namesake! They are both beautiful - great job.

Florine said...

What treasures you have!

Country Cottage Chic said...

They are lovely Lizzie & perfect for displaying your goodies.

Jayne

Pan said...

Wow! Flossie has a lovely face and Barbara looks very cool.

elegancemaison said...

I'd like to make an appointment asap at your rejuvenating salon please! Though you will need to order in extra supplies of polyfilla. Perhaps you could accommodate me if I arrived a couple of hours early on Sunday at Dairy House? I would like to look my best among the vintage textiles etc as I am becoming increasingly nostalgic for my younger self!!!!!!!

French Nanny said...

You could probably Bluetooth the photos to your computer...

BusyLizzie said...

Thank you for your comments, both ladies will be coming to the Dairy House on Sunday.. one will be for sale so that I can pay for my son to come home from Canada.. missed the flight..long story!!!!! xxx grrrr

WinnibriggsHouse said...

They are beautiful. We are going to France in September this year. I will check the actual place and perhaps you will be able to point us in the direction of some good markets!

Sea Witch said...

Love these ladies. They have such appealing faces. Sea witch

Niki Fretwell said...

Hi Liz,
Flossie is a babe! You've done such a wonderful job on her, well done!
Thanks to you, I can now text a reply! ;-)) Next thing to learn...sending an initial text!

Looking forward to meeting your lovely ladies on Sunday...and seeing you of course!
Niki x

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Hello again
Thanks for your comment. We are staying near Lille in a rented cottage for a week, so if you know the area or any nearby gems would be very pleased to hear from you.
Thanks again
Jenny x

Young at Heart said...

What a magnificent discovery.....you and your treasures...

Vintage to Victorian said...

Liz, they're wonderful. Especially Flossie. Is she coming on Sunday?

Sue x