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Friday, April 24, 2015

Another Chapter From My Transferware Obsession




I can't even remember when my obsession with brown transferware started. But it was sometime in the last ten years. I can't imagine what the cupboards would look like if I had gotten started earlier. Seriously.



But I am especially drawn to these loosely rendered florals, and so I will probably narrow my focus. When I am tempted to conclude that brown transferware is only a cozy cold weather thing, I find a maker's mark with a pattern called "Spring." So there you go! 




I'm in love with the maker's marks too.




It's an overcast afternoon, so I am taking these shots from my living room armchair. You already know about the blogger's life so this will not especially surprise you. But I kind of keep it from the neighbors. . . .




The regulars around here have learned to nudge things over on the table or a chair when they need to. Sometimes I even forget that I have left things in the yard! (It's probably an age thing.)




All of these lovelies came to me in just the last week or so.




This one is an orphan salad sized plate with sweet details.














And a sweet price. (I knew you would be squinting to see that!)




This set of four came at a good price from my friend Karla of Red House Antiques, a fellow collector. Only one had this swallow design which clinched the deal for me. It reminds me of an illustration you might find in an old fairytale book. Enchanting.









I love the stories that all old transferware has to tell.

















The other three in the set with the same pattern name "Sylvan" have this design.











I hope it's a great weekend for you!
A good time to find something wonderful.
So glad that you stopped by!

Jacqueline




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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Steeped In Things I Love








I thought I would drop in and let you know what's up! Just a lot of beautiful things. I was up late last night reading Rachel's new book. Before I had a look at it I heard someone say that they thought it was her best book yet, and I have to agree.




It is full of her exquisite style, but also feels more personal than her other books. The love shows through more than ever. And love can be so inspiring.




It makes me want to eat, drink, and sleep vintage. A lot of what I have been doing lately anyway.









Sometimes when I am busy making the rounds on the search for wonderful things I think that I haven't turned up much. But at the end of the day, when I lay things out for inspection, I am thrilled by what has been gathered together.




Always a bundle of the sweetest linens and laces. Rachel tells in her book of how her Mother always sent her linens for birthdays and Christmas. I have done some of that with my big and little girls, but it makes me want to make it a real tradition too.




I'm sure you've noticed that I have an ironstone pitcher addiction too! On this foray I found a few.





This one came with a wonderful covered soap dish.




I love sharing these little portraits of my passions. . . .









Here's the best tole waste basket I have come across in a while in pastel and black.









I bought a few tattered baby things in a sealed up jar not quite knowing what I might find inside, but for the price it was worth the gamble. It's not like these little treasures are actually worn much anymore. But they are artful little gems that evoke the memory of one of the sweetest moments in life that passes by so very fast.



I felt like little lacy petals were unfolding from their buds as I cleaned and pressed these delicate items back to life.







And sometimes the good things in life do come already wrapped in a pretty little bow like this pristine damask linen tablecloth. Seems that HM never quite got around to using it!







And isn't this the sweetest little embroidered table square to use for spring?








I gave away a beautiful Spode pitcher like this a few years ago and am so glad to find another!





And this creamy little English milk pitcher was on a shelf for less than three dollars. No wonder it's just the vintage life for me!








I have been keeping a lot of late nights lately. But I am lucky to be immersed in the things that I love. 

Hope you're having a great week!
 Thanks for stopping by!

Jacqueline





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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Victorian Picnic









The Victorians knew well the art of the picnic. I was reminded of that recently when I researched this new old wicker picnic hamper that I found. But the minute the weather turns in spring it seems like it's all I can think about myself. Plain or fancy, nothing seems more "in the moment" than taking time out for a savory bite in beautiful surroundings. And nothing more romantic.




I found the perfect country picnic bouquet at the grocery store by happenstance. We don't have Queen Anne's Lace naturally here because of the moisture it needs, so I was beside myself to be able to bring a few sprigs home with me! I know many of you have meadows full growing right by the wayside. How wonderful!




I can enjoy an impromptu lunch outdoors by just picking up the fixings at the grocery store or sandwich shop on the way once in a while. But how lovely to grab a few pretty dishes and laces to make an occasion special when you have a bit more time!




This rose tablecloth from the fifties seems like just the thing to bring along!















I can't tell you how thrilled I was to come across this wonderful old English basket by Drew & Sons. They made luggage and travel items for the upscale market in London at the turn of the last century. Smaller "En Route" tea baskets are more commonly found. Some of them with the tins and teapots and all the fittings included, complete with a camp stove and a hefty price to match!




I discovered mine already painted white tucked away in a corner of a nice antiques shop for a killer bargain price. It's huge and heavy, with oak supports and heavy canvas underneath. And don't you love the old leather handles? Just the thing to transport you to another century!













I have placed just a few things inside for now for show. But it makes me want to plan something really special soon. Wouldn't a Brambly Hedge picnic party be fun?


















Limoges for two. . . .








Happy springtime dreams to you too!

Hope you're having a great week.

Jacqueline






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