Christmas Just Came Early...

No, I'm actually not talking about the cold snap that still grips us here in the UK, even though the landscape at the moment is a truly magical winter wonderland...

What I am referring to is 'brown paper packages tied up with strings'...and the overwhelming gratitude I have been feeling.

Some of you may know that I have been selling on-line since 2003. During those 7 years or so, I have sold many items to like-minded ladies. Some of them I have had the pleasure of meeting face-to-face at fairs, or in my shop, but many have remained 'secret', whilst we communicate only through email and through my notes pushed in with their parcels. Even so, I still consider these lovely ladies as friends as we exchange those few lines on-line.

One lady, who lives in Scotland, has supported my business regularly over the years and has been very kind to me. She has had more than her fair share of downs rather than ups, and where possible, I have tried to send a reassuring message to her now and then. She has now found the strength and courage to move on with her life, and has chosen to part with many of the items that she collected, which helped her get through the more difficult times. I do hope she doesn't mind me telling you this...

I was completely surprised when she emailed to say that she would like to send a little parcel of lace off to me, as she knew I would be able to make use of it. I, of course, said I'd be thrilled to receive such a parcel and thanked her for thinking of me...

Well, a week or so ago, this is what arrived!

What can I say? - 'Overwhelmed' always sounds so naff! - But I can honestly say I was speechless...the large box was filled to the brim with a wonderful assortment of vintage loveliness, including the lace that she mentioned. It has taken me a while to go through it all, but I have now taken a few photos...would you like to see?

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The two items below are fragile silk cushion covers; both embellished with silk ribbon embroidered flowers. (I photographed one on my favourite chair - seen above.)

There were colourful millinery flowers...

This delightful padded sachet case, perfectly decorated with braid and velvet flowers that contrast so beautifully with the black fabric.

More pretty cases and sachets in stunning vintage fabrics.

And then there's the lace...

Just look at this adorable boudoir cloche cap finished with tiny ribbon rosette flowers...

Long kid gloves amongst ribbons and lace...

Hand embroideries and dainty handkerchiefs.

An assortment of dressing table accessories.

And a framed wedding photograph.

And then there is the vintage and antique ephemera...

Pretty vintage greetings cards...

Victorian cabinet cards...

More...

Some charming wedding photos...

And finally, postcards...

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Thank you P for such a generous gift. I have had such fun opening up all the packages inside the parcel and I've been finding places for most of the items amongst my collections. Some of the lace and such will be recycled and become clothes and trims for my fairy folk and my handmade dolls, so will eventually find its way into my shop.

Niki x

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others, belong to us as well." - Voltaire