Ferreting at the Flea!

Yes, I've spent another weekend ferreting at a flea market...Would you like to see some of what I managed to find, despite the torrential rain and the huge crowds that these events now seem to bring?

Lots of floral items attracted me again..a vintage tea pot, transfer printed with gorgeous red blooms, a very old tin with hinged lid, and a calendar from 1890 featuring a flower seller, which could look lovely in a frame.

Vintage and Deco bling to bring a sparkle to fairy dolls and handmade bags.

Some beautiful panels of Sanderson linen and a French poppy printed fabric.

Buttons too, to brighten the day. (I've already sorted and stitched the sets onto cards to offer for sale)

A lovely hand worked tapestry fire-screen...

A beautiful embroidered silk panel which will become a cushion this week. Lace, glass drops and four fabulous, unused doll faces which came from Lizzie.

Postcards.

I always save the postcard stall till last, as it takes a long time to search through the piles of cards on offer, and I like to be particular with my choice. Some I sell on as-is, some become incorporated into my brooch pillows and others I put into suitable little frames.

A selection of assorted smalls, including a handpainted mirror by the very talented Jennie. Millinery flowers that I intend to work into some lavender sachets...sometime! I loved the pretty antique tray with lace and ribbon flowers decoration.

Cute wooden bookend carved with a podgy dog! And an adorable celluloid comb with case and sparkle decoration.

Dreamy sea shells from far away places...some with old name labels.

A horse on wheels (yes, another one! ;-))

Hand painted side tables, by Jennie again. And a lovely sentimental print from the Victorian era.

'Midwinter' polka dots and 50's rose printed china, against a fabulously colourful Sanderson fabric.

More 50's kitsch! - 'Royal Dux' flying ducks!

A 'Pears' print in a humongous frame!

Its fun to ferret!

Most of these will find their way to the shop this week.

I also treated myself to a few treasures. I instantly fell in love with this sweet print. I shall be hanging it in our spare single bedroom for when a 'little visitor' is old enough to come and stay.

It was only when I got home that I spotted the decorative detail on the little girl's knitting bag. Look familiar?

I also added to my brooch collection and found another ormolu box to keep them in.

A long day, but very satisfying.

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Its perhaps not fair of me to single out one or two customer to my shop, as everyone who pays a visit is special, but I would like to mention two visitors who called in last week...

It was Maria and Sergio from Italy again! They have visited Nostalgia quite a few times now and we are slowly managing to communicate better between ourselves, as we master sign language! - But then a hug goes a long way in any language!

As they were about to leave, Maria produced a parcel for me wrapped in brown paper and a pale blue ribbon...Inside I could hardly believe my eyes. Maria, with the help of Sergio's woodworking skills to make the box, had spent hours producing this wonderful sewing box.

It was beautifully covered in vintage fabric, with Maria's hand embroidery on the top of the hinged lid.

Braid and lace added extra details.

And inside was a fantastic collection of more hand made items. A jar filled with lace motifs, a card bound in lengths of lace...

A pin cushion with my initial and hand made pins (Maria says the pin heads and cupcake ornament are made from maize flour paste.) A reel of thread, lavender sachet and a large collection of lace items. Isn't she a clever and kind lady?!

Thank you Maria and Sergio for coming to visit me in my little shop again. I'm sorry that I didn't have very much Victorian rosey china to show you this time...

Has anyone else noticed how thin on the ground this kind of china is becoming? Maybe because its all being taken over to Italy?! ha! ;-))

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Niki x