Sunday 11 March 2012

Spring changes

This week the brilliant sunshine has awakened in me the need for 
change so I started with the window display in my shop.
Like many crafty/artistic people out there I couldn't ease colour in gently. After all, we overdosed on the grey and dull murkiness for far too long now.

These rustic kitchen chairs and side table are from Hungary. They date from about 1900's and still have the original paint in all its distressed beauty.



I wanted to bring a little bit of fresh air inside.
This is a very international table. 
The table cloth is a Hungarian antique mangle cloth with the family initials monogrammed at one end,just by the spoons. The crockery came from a house clearance in Belgium.Its by the Boch Brothers and is about 70 years old.It looks good on the vintage English Penny Pine plate rack.
The chunky spoons are from France and are carved from a single piece of wood.They've seen some living that's for sure.

I find that enamel has a timeless appeal which spreads across the board of interior styles. These old French water/milk pitchers look great filled with an abundance of fresh flowers, especially Cow Parsley and Delphiniums, or with Corkscrew Hazel twigs for a more contemporary twist,excuse the pun.
 Sometimes,cleverly positioned, they give that much needed understated splash of colour.


Inspired by Julie from THE CLOTH SHED blog(sorry, still haven't worked out how to insert the links properly) I arranged these old moulds on top of a not-so-old painted egg rack.
 I'm sure that the stoneware bottles/jars had a useful purpose but I'm none the wiser. They are cute though. 

Talking of cute...
I could not resist this Bavarian 'baby' kettle. The colour is lovely; a chalky shade of grey with a soft white marbling  effect on the enamel.Its the first of its kind I've come across.
We all like to have some sort of order in the kitchen so these labeled vintage French hooks will definitely help with that.There's a hook for a hand cloth,cutlery cloth,glass cloth and pan cloth. What more would you want?!
My enthusiasm had later spread to a much neglected part of our house and, since it is now the tidiest part of our house, I feel brave enough to show you a glimpse.Its our downstairs loo and its quite an awkward space to photograph in so apologies in advance.
We've been doing quite a lot to this house since we moved 2 years ago and its still nowhere near finished. Being such a small space we started with this room but only now are almost done, just awaiting the blind.
I tried to source most of the stuff from auctions,antique fairs and even a local tip had my attention.


This is my little collection of vintage evening bags. All beautifully made and of all ages.I guess there are some things that I WILL NOT SELL.

The Ostrich feather came from a costume sale in Drury Lane years ago, when I had another life.

The collage of water colours and ink drawings are of my home town of Gdansk and the street I grew up on, the most beautiful and historic street with cobbled stones and fabulous architecture heavily influenced by the Dutch trade routs.
I always knew I'd find use for that vintage 'Washing Dolly', the long wooden handle is perfect for stacking the loo rolls.

We've had this sign for years because it spells out what is sometimes hard to say.
I had to buy this antique French clock face. The beautiful detail on the enamel makes it simply charming.
The cat is an art piece by a Polish ceramic artist who likes to use mixed materials in her work; this one features a perforated copper mask.
There is something extremely tactile about these pots. Their bulbous,portly shape just makes one want to hold them. They were originally used to melt Mercury back in the 1900's and now they give a softness to my loo!
Anyway, enough for one post. Time to have a cup of tea and read up on some of your wonderful posts.
Till next time.
Enjoy the forthcoming sunshine, they say its going to be a lovely week.
 xxx







13 comments:

Pingere said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
*Susycottage* said...

Josaia Hello, how many beautiful things we have
showed up, lovely.
Your store Sambre a real treat, well done.
a hug
Susy x

Jill said...

Joasia
Your shop looks full of such wonderful things I am definitely going to have to visit you very soon. I love the vintage handbag display, you are a very creative and clever lady. Have a lovely week in the sunshine.
Jillx

The Cloth Shed said...

More gorgeous eye candy Joasia, both in your shop and your home. I think I can feel a magazine shoot coming soon! Love your Hungarian chairs in the window...they remind me of the paint on my Hungarian bench, all chippy and worn.
Have a lovely week,
Julie x
PS I would have bought the French clock face too..

galant said...

What beautiful things you have in your shop, but best of all, I love those vintage evening bags, and what a delightful way to display them, on the wall of the loo!
Margaret P

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so glad I have found you. I love everything!!!! I wish I lived nearer your shop but I'm sure I would want to buy it all. I particularly like that sign about visitors - how true. I shall be back...

Madelief said...

Hi Joasia,

Your shop window looks beautiful and so does your shop. I see you life in The Cotswolds. We go there on summer holiday. Perhaps we stay in the same village as your shop :-)

Your little downstairs room looks really nice. I love your collection of evening bags. It's very pretty!

Have a happy weekend!

Madelief x

Country Rabbit said...

i have just started following your delightful blog ;0)...i read through some older postings and love your vintage treasures and countryside photography - delightful ;0)x

Lilla Blanka said...

Hi Joasia,

Absolutely gorgeous pictures!!!

Thankyou for stopping by and welcome as a new follower!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Big hug
Mia

Poppy said...

Hello Joasia,
you have fab taste! Maybe it's not a good idea coming to see you in your shop.... ;)
I love your bags, in fact...I love all of it.
Have a fab weekend X

Rustic Vintage Country said...

Your shop looks just divine, I could spend spend spend! You have the little moulds I've been after....I wish I was closer. Suzy x

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hello Joasia,
I am so pleased you stopped by to say hello as now I am here at your delightful blog and can get to know you a little more. Your shop is wonderful...love all your photos and wonderful collections. I am your newest follower and look forward to sharing more through our blogs!
Take care, Laura :)

Magdalena said...

Przepiękny blog, śliczne zdjęcia.
Pozdrowienia z Polski ✿ܓ