Out of my comfort zone.

If anyone told me I'd be organising a fair this year, I'd laugh so loud that they'd here me in London.

The truth is, I've never been known for my organisational skills. In fact, Mr A's favourite saying is " She couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery " pardon my French.

Knowing my short comings in this field I was fortunate enough to have two friends  come to my rescue.

Essie from Pingere Antique https://www.facebook.com/PingereCount...

has an amazing eye for beauty and quality. I suppose being an interior designer helps. I also love her sense of style 

Inka is the techno wizard behind all the internet shenanigans. She's our marketing guru and the beacon that keeps us focused. Her passion is Blue and White Stripes www.inkanorden.net/

And then there is me; a style schizophrenic and brocante addict who's house goes through more changes than a paranoid Chameleon.

I heard once that one should push themselves out of their comfort zone at least once a year. 

This was my chance. Nothing is more out of my comfort zone than any form of organising. 

In the lovely village of Great Barrington, Oxfordshire, there's a old hall with a beautiful vaulted ceiling.

We felt that it would be a perfect venue for our first fair THE ART OF VINTIQUE.

So we've set up a FB page to keep all our friends and followers abreast of any activities and the forthcoming event https://www.facebook.com/theartofvintique

There's also a website for more info artofvintique.co.uk/

 It's getting so exciting. More and more dealers are signing up and we're thrilled with the variety of the stock and the support for our new venture.

On a personal note, I'm delighted to have an excuse to go hunting for treasures; beauties for my stall. 

I love making a list of things I'm going to look for at the next fair and knowing that I'll be distracted by many more items makes it that much more tempting.

So, if there are any like-minded lovers of all things vintage, antique and beautiful out there, come and visit us on May 3rd at Great Barrington village hall. And if ,like me, you have accumulated a collection worthy of a stand, you'll find a booking form on The Art of Vintique web page listed above. Book your stand and join us.

I hope you'll come and visit us to share in our fair. Failing that, I hope you'll wish us a successful first event.

XXX

Messengers of Spring.

There's nothing more heartwarming than seeing the first tiny spears pierce through the frozen ground. 

Bringing the hope of Spring, they seem to grow taller by the minute.

Regardless of their seemingly insignificant size, their impact in our homes and on our spirit often has an immense effect.

If you want to see these champions of the season, take a trip to the Riccoco Gardens in Painswick, Gloucestershire. www.rococogarden.org.uk/

It's renowned for the glorious carpets of Snowdrops that cover every inch of these beautiful gardens.

I leave you now to go and enjoy these lovelies wherever you are and may the Snowdrop Fairy watch over you.

Xxx

Some images via pinterest.

 

Outside In.

I don't know about you but the weather here has been relentlessly horrid with the last couple of days especially brutal. 

It's not all bad news.

Rainy days provide an opportunity to engage in a creative project. 

One of my passions is gardening even though I hardly ever have time for it. 

Each year, about this time, I pace the garden with a growing impatience, looking for signs of Spring. 

The current blustery conditions have made me look at doing some indoor gardening instead. 

These vintage Weck jars are perfect to get started but any glass vessel with a wide opening will do.

Old pickling jars are made in a traditional way from mouth blown glass. This gives them those charming imperfections of air bubbles trapped in their uneven glass form. 

Those of you who are blessed with extra space might wish to indulge in a real show piece like a beautiful terrarium.

On the other hand, size isn't everything and smaller pieces are equally as eye catching.

In case non of the above take your fancy, how about bridging the gap between classic and modern; young and old or fun and conventional with this imaginative display.

Well, whatever you decide to turn your hand to, enjoy this dry and warm gardening. 

                            Xxx

* images via pinterest *

I'm a real Basket Case.

What is it about baskets? They bring out the impulsive collector in me. 

Their beautiful, handmade appearance is not only charming but functional. 

When we lived in Provence it was almost compulsory to have your favourite 'pannier' with you while stocking up at the local 'marche'. 

Being so versatile, baskets can bring style, warmth and romance to any area of our living.

They can even provide a great hiding place ! 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. 

                       XXX

images via pinterest.