A Very Good Day at the Flea

Spring is here - finally!  Our trees are blossoming, the flowers are sprouting, and I was able to enjoy a glorious morning Sunday at the local flea market.  The weather was perfect - comfortable temperatures and sun shining on the crowds that packed the fields.

Just look at what I found....

I fell in love with the soft blue and cream colors on this vintage jewelry box, as well as on this old wooden cigar box.  I can't wait to use the vintage lace trim on my creations.

The inside of the cigar box:

I loved the pretty lace trim and monograms on this tablecloth and napkin set.  The 1846 German book was a great find, too.

The book's aged pages and script are perfect:

The design on this vintage colored pencil box is just lovely.  It rests on some hand-made crochet pieces I found as well...

Lastly, here was a great score - an old wooden tool caddy found in a barn.  I know it will be put to good use for entertaining and such.  Great patina!

Although I was trying mainly to shop for my Etsy store, I plan on holding on to some of these treasures (for now....).

But I do have a bunch of fabulous vintage horse show ribbons to be listed very soon!  Here's a peek at some sets of 3 I will have available.  They're all from the 1960's and 1970's:

Have a great spring week my friends, and here's hoping your days at the Flea Markets are just as fun!


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"A Quiet Spring" Collection by Evelyn and Rose

I'm happy to announce the arrival of my latest collection,

A Quiet Spring

Many new items have just been listed in my Etsy store for this collection, including a new section for Flea Market Finds!

It's been a pleasure to put together this variety of handmade items with soothing pale colors and textures, as well as incorporate flea market treasures into the collection.  Their soft dusty rose, pale gray/brown and lavender colors create a perfect backdrop for enjoying a quiet spring day.

Pick up a vintage book, rest against a soft pillow and enjoy pretty flowers in a charming pitcher.

Listen to the birds chirp as you engross yourself in a Jane Austen novel found in your tote bag, while a lovely Jane-inspired doll sits nearby.

To me, this collection really represents the peace and serenity found when we quietly embrace the beauty of spring.  Thanks for taking a peek!

I'm looking forward to sharing more flea market finds with you as the season picks up.  Keep your eyes out for a stash of vintage horse show ribbons to be listed soon...

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My Dear City

Please join me in praying for my dear, beloved city of Boston.  Unthinkable, pure evil has descended upon a joyous annual occasion.

I spent ten years working just a block away from the Boston marathon finish line, at the Prudential tower.  I know those streets well, having walked them countless times.  For years my friends and I hosted marathon parties at our apartment on Commonwealth Ave. in Newton, directly on the route.  We cheered for the runners, laughed at the fun costumes some wore and had a giddy old time.  From there I've watched dear friends run the race, knowing how hard they had trained.  One year a group of us got to witness my college friend Heidi beaming with triumph just a block from the finish line.  They worked hard to compete, raise their arms and FINISH the most beloved marathon in the world.

Words cannot express how sad I am that this event has been shattered by evil.  It will never be the same.  I think of all my youthful years here as lost innocence.  We should be able to take our children to such a joyous event, not shield them from it.  

Please pray...and our city thanks you.  It is heartening to see the outpouring of support and love that arose from this ghastly attack.  Good will always conquer evil in the end.  Love is everlasting.
Keep running.

Lightening Up

The birds are singing, the buds are starting and it finally feels like spring!  As I start lightening up our rooms for spring, I can't help but always return to my favorite whites, blues and soft grays...

Ironstone is displayed throughout the seasons...

Although Easter is over, these hares are too cute to put away.  They still want to peek around and see what's going on in the room.  A lovely vintage embroidered towel rests nearby.

I've been starting to collect flea market treasures to add to my Etsy shop.  I'll be listing a new Spring collection soon, with a mix of handmade and vintage wares.  This book was a recent find, but I'm not sure I can part with it:

Speaking of markets, please visit Sandi's blog to see her posts here and here on the amazing "At Home with White" event!  I wrote about this fabulous annual event in my Somerset Life article and this post.
You don't realize how sad I was to have missed it this year, but the weekend conflicted with my son's First Communion workshop so I was unable to attend.
But at least we can all enjoy Sandi's photos and hear her big news (go see)!!!  Great job, Wrentham Country store!


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Becoming Jane

That's the title of an intriguing movie about Jane Austen's life, starring Anne Hathaway.  Have you seen it?  I love anything and everything about my favorite authoress.  The crafting I've done lately with Tilda's World dolls by Tone Finnanger has motivated me to start designing some of my own.  My first thought was to come up with a Jane Austen-inspired doll.  I created a pattern for the body, arms and legs, then painted on shoes and long gloves.  She started 'becoming Jane' after I added a bun for her hair and a regency-inspired dress made from hand-dyed cheesecloth and vintage lace.

Here my Jane rests next to a pillow and sachet meant for my upcoming spring Etsy line.

She is my 'practice' doll and was such fun to make.  Her mouth and eyes are hand-embroidered.  I'd love to offer dolls like her in my Etsy store as well.  

I've also got a glorious bouquet to show you:

My stepmother graciously picked this arrangement out for me, knowing I'd love the soft, vintage-feel colors of the flowers.  What a lovely Easter gift!

I only wish they could last forever.  At least they'll last in these photos I took.

Happy Easter week!

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