Two amazing Fairs in two days....

 Sometimes it is hard to decide how to post about fairs. Do you write a before or after account?

My problem this week has been that I have attended two very different fairs for the first time. It is not a lot of help to you (the potential customer/happy shopper) to hear about a marvellous event that you have just missed!

...... So, the purpose of this post is to make sure everyone knows about these two events & get them in the diary for 2012 now!

 The Decorative Living Fair at Eridge Park (near Tunbridge Wells) is an annual event which takes place in May. The perfect month for this beautiful fair.

 The above photos are of my stand, I should have taken more of other people's, but as I didn't know a lot of them I didn't have enough time to ask permission and introduce myself. (something I feel strongly about if one is going to use other people's images on the blog).

 Su  and Jill from The Blue Linen Cupboard had a stunning stall of French treasures....

 This is Jacquie's stand (aka Kitty). I returned to several times to buy myself little treats. Sadly couldn't persuade Mr W that we needed the glorious green kitchen cupboard!

 It was the detail and finishing touches that made this stand special.

 Outside the scene was breathtaking...Beyond the marquee's and outdoor stands was this view!

The outdoor stalls were full of gorgeous garden furniture, plants, Linens, flower pots and of course a cafe where one could purchase refreshments to enjoy in the outdoor seated area.

At the end of a fantastic day at Eridge, it was time to bundle all my stock into the van and head West to here.....

Another stunning location for a Textile fair.

 A selection of the stands from the Avalon Textile and Decorative Fair. It really was the most amazing location for an event. The 14th century Abbey Barn looked incredible, it was hard not to look up at the roofspace (instead of concentrating on setting up the stand!)

 The strings of lighting were perfect to illluminate the space. The stalls were of the highest quality, from buttons and trimming to sumptuous beaded evening wear.

 ..from cupboards, mirrors and yachts!

 I do not know if there is to be another event at this location, so all I can say is watch this space and I will let you know!

New stock coming to the fairs this week...

Having just returned from a buying trip in France, I am about to set off  again to sell at the Decorative Living Fair at Eridge Park near Tunbridge Wells on Thursday.  I will be taking along some English and French Textiles, trimmings, lace, buttons.....

As well as Beautiful old shell boxes from France, hats, corsage, sequined scarves, floral oil paintings, floaty vintage dressing gowns and a smattering of French enamelware.... an eclectic mix I hear you say... That is what happens when I am let loose buying in France!

If you are unable to get to the fair in Kent, never fear.. I am doing the Avalon Textile and Decorative Fair in Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury  BA6 8DB on Friday the 20th of May. The fair is open from 9 am to 4 pm. Entrance is free to the fair and museum buildings.

Vintage wallpaper. Another passion of mine...

 All these images have one thing in common. They may look like pictures or prints, but are in fact all wallpaper designs. The first 2 images are from a Crown design of the 1950's. It was a time when travel to Europe was becoming popular, so what better way to remember your holiday to Italy, Spain or France than to have wallpaper as a constant reminder!

 These next two images are called Illana, and are made in England by Shand Kydd Ltd. I love the soft colours in this one, and it is in wonderful condition considering it is over 50 years old.

 These cowboys and Indians were the bedroom wallpaper of one of my customers. I am not sure how we got around to chatting about wallpapers, but he kindly sent me these images when I said that I would like to do a blog post on wallpapers....

 Boats seem to be a common theme around this time, and I have used some of this design to decorate the front of a painted cupboard in our bathroom. This roll is made by Crown, but doesn't have a design name. It is also apparently washable and "steam resistant", so might be from the 60's rather than the 50's.

Introducing Esme......and coming to Frome Vintage Bazaar this Saturday..

On a recent trip to France I found another wonderful 1940's mannequin. Anyone who knows me or reads my blog regularly will realise that I have a bit of a "thing" for these vintage treasures..

Esme is modelling a 40's tweed jacket and a selection of 40's felt hats that will be coming with me to The Vintage Bazaar next Saturday, the 30th of April.

These lovely pale blue handmade 40's PJ's are another recent find. Esme has borrowed Flossie's spotty scarf for the photo shoot.

A stunning pair of blue shoes come in their original box, with a French description written in pencil on the lid....

This suit is a de-mob suit from the 40's, and is in amazing unworn condition with its original label.

 Pair of cute vintage leather children's shoes, dating from the 1950's.

Funky 60's Sylko set of storage drawers....

 A fabby vintage beach bag with shells design...

Plenty of vintage pinnies....

Georgie gets to model this pretty 20's cloche hat which has since sold since I first published this post. Other items will include a new selection of 40's dress fabric, trimmings, gorgeous vintage children's clothes from the 1940's and 50's, a pair of CC41 satin cami-knickers, French workwear dresses and shirts and much more. See you in Frome on Saturday!

The New Textile Tent at Newark Antiques and Collectors Fair.

Here is a photo of our lovely Textile Marquee at Newark last week. IACF Antique Fairs certainly were most helpful and obliging in getting the 4 of us together in this fantastic space.

My new French and English finds looked good in the bright sunshine that poured into the tent.....

There was a bit of a wedding theme going on with this fantastic 40's headdress, veil and poignant photograph of the bride. In front of it is a French wedding cake decoration from the same period.

Amazing 40's French platform shoes soon found a home...

I didn't get the chance to take further photos of Maud or Michelle's stand...

.. but the funky shoes, magazines and fabric (below) are all from Alan's stand which was next to mine.

If you didn't get to Newark, there is always Ardingly next week where I will have my usual stand near the refreshment area, alongside Maud  and Rosie.... might see you there!

The Original Vintage and Handmade Fair & The Vintage Textiles and Costume Day at the Dairy House

It is all happening in The West Country this weekend! On Saturday it is the fantastic Vintage and Handmade Fair in Chipping Sodbury. Click here for full details....

 I will be there with a mixture of Vintage clothing, Textiles, Decorative china and glass....

Vintage toys, ephemera, haberdashery and possibly a few treasures from over the Channel.......

 Then on Sunday, I will be manning the top floor of the Dairy House for the 2nd Annual Vintage Textiles and Costume Day. If it is anything like last year, the front of the building will be overflowing with beautiful stalls.. and inside will be a veritable Alladin's Cave of Antiques, Furniture, Paintings, Prints, Jewellery, Ceramics.. there really is something for everyone!

Oh yes, and I will be bringing a horse!