Sunday, 22 July 2012

Went To Market


The Saturday market turned up beautiful finds yesterday and for the first time in weeks the traders weren't having to hold onto their stalls for dear life in high winds and heavy rain. Although I always have a wish list of vintage loveliness in mind - books, brooches, suitcases, teacups and curiosities - I'm never quite sure what will take my fancy until it whispers my name. With the boy away on a stag weekend I had time to burn and no inclination to rush, yet I had bought everything I wanted to take home with me inside half an hour! Got to love accidental efficiency! 

Pretty little boxes - the more battered the better - make me smile, although the clincher with this one was the sweet lock plate (will I ever find a lockable box still in possession of its key?) and the plump, amputee bird on the lid - no little bird feet in sight, maybe whoever made it forgot the limbs. The stool it sits on reminds me of those seaside holiday cottages with mismatched furniture and a faint aura of neglect, it was lost amongst better looking wares so I took pity on it for £4. 

What is it about old Penguin books? Totally judged these 1940s King Penguins by their covers which are brilliant and I'd love to collect the whole series, they were 50 pence each and worth every penny, the titles were up my street too - hot air ballooning is one of those things I'd like to tick off my life list sooner or later.

The birdcage-esque mesh tower of drawers has to be my favourite find of the week, apparently they are French but I couldn't tell you how true that is or how old they are, I just knew that if I didn't snap them up I'd regret it later. I'm slightly puzzled as to what they were made for though - I wouldn't fancy keeping birds in drawers! Maybe they're for the kitchen to keep garlic, onions and shallots. How would you use them? Answers on a postcard!

If you haven't already placed a vote for Beautiful Clutter in the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2012 you can find your way there via the badge in my sidebar, still haven't come down from Mondays news of being shortlisted. Can you tell?!    



Linking to Flea Market Finds, Magpie Monday, Thrift Share Monday
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44 comments :

  1. Anna22 July 2012 at 04:27

    Your blog is like a treasure box full of beautiful things! I honestly cant get enough.
    I know a lot of people are in to their things all being sleek, shiny and new but i love it when things are a little more worn and battered. It gives them a sense of history and personality which i love.
    I am constantly on the look out for old books, the one you found are stunning! Beautiful covers :)
    I am already looking forward to your next post!
    Anna

    http://opshopaholic.blogspot.co.nz/

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  2. Jackie Jardine22 July 2012 at 05:09

    Those are beautiful finds. I love the vintage Ballooning book.
    I recently bought a book that I can't even find an exact copyright for...just a personal inscription to the previous owner from 1890! I just adore vintage children's books.

    <3 Jackie @ Let's Go Thrifting!
    http://LetsGoThrifting.blogspot.com

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  3. Shortbread and Ginger22 July 2012 at 07:54

    Beautiful things and beautiful photographs!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  4. Alison22 July 2012 at 08:07

    Very nice indeed. I love those sweet books and as for the cage with drawers a very interesting item. Not sure what you'd like to use it for but if it was me, I think whimsical bits of lace and sewing paraphernalia, or even collections of feathers, shells and stones.

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  5. EilidhPie22 July 2012 at 09:10

    The bird cage drawers are so beautiful, I've never seen drawers like it! You found some great things! Xo

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  6. Used-to-Bees22 July 2012 at 09:34

    Gorgeous finds - every single one! The drawer cage is most intriguing - I wonder if anyone will be able to help with identification? Alison's suggestion of housing for pretty bits and bobs sounds perfect though!
    x

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  7. Denise22 July 2012 at 10:57

    Thank you for the well wishes.Wonderful finds!

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  8. 01022 July 2012 at 11:17

    love this vintage findings.
    3lin

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  9. Little Nell22 July 2012 at 11:42

    An unusual piece of furniture and you may be right about the onions etc.

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  10. yardage girl22 July 2012 at 12:25

    Wow ~ some lovely finds there!

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  11. YONKS22 July 2012 at 12:40

    Hi Jem,
    Great finds as usual, and beautifully photographed.
    The little Japanese box you bought, is it very lightweight? If yes, the check here, it gives a little background on what it might be :

    https://www.etsy.com/transaction/77275424

    I sold this earlier this year. It was lovely.
    Di
    X

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  12. daniella-r22 July 2012 at 14:05

    Great finds, I wish I had this much looks when I go to markets or charity shops! I love your blog, everything's so pretty :)
    Daniella x

    http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk/

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  13. Vintage Scapes22 July 2012 at 15:35

    I adore the stool! I found a similar one and we use it daily. It's very warm and homey. :)

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  14. Rachael22 July 2012 at 16:10

    you certainly have a great eye for vintage goodies! I love the birdie cage thingy me bob - certainly got my curiosity going for what it's purpose may have been for. - although I could see it working as you suggest for onions and garlic. The bird reference got me thinking of it being for eggs but I may be way off the mark there!

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  15. Cathy22 July 2012 at 16:13

    the books are just lovely!

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  16. Wendy22 July 2012 at 19:28

    That ballooning book is fab. We found an old book at a boot sale this morning that also has a super cover - will blog it later this week.

    You got some lovely bits there - a great haul.

    Voted for you by the way - good luck! :)

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  17. Imogen22 July 2012 at 22:44

    The lockable box is beautiful! I wonder who owns the key!! And WOW the birdcage is such a find!! What do you think you'll use it for? I always look forward to these lovely posts :) xxx

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  18. Bijou Sugar-Socks23 July 2012 at 07:03

    what a goodlooking... cabinet/cage??? i think this is a pie cabinet? (not sure) where u cool ur pies without anyone or anything messing it up :) i love the ballooning book too :)

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  19. Unknown23 July 2012 at 13:18

    I love what you've found, especially those books!

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  20. @goriami23 July 2012 at 13:37

    I love the box, It's so pretty!

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  21. Liz Burton23 July 2012 at 15:40

    What beautiful finds. Particularly love the books.

    Off to vote now. xx

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  22. Ariel Tyler Henley23 July 2012 at 17:24

    I'm obsessed with your pictures- beautiful!

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  23. BeckyKay23 July 2012 at 22:27

    That ballooning book is just adorable! And that cabinet whatsithoosey! So gorgeous!!

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  24. Deborah24 July 2012 at 13:41

    Gorgeous buys, the books and birdcage are just wonderful sweetie :) off to vote for you now!

    Bee happy x

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  25. Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping]24 July 2012 at 14:20

    I have no idea what the drawers are for but veggies seems like an excellent marriage of beautiful and practical. The birdy box and balloon book are gorgeous too, you do find the best stuff!

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  26. Lela London24 July 2012 at 19:09

    Gorgeous photos! I'm in lust with the birdcage.

    xo,
    Lela
    Enter to WIN a three-part DETOX PACKAGE!

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  27. Tilly24 July 2012 at 21:17

    Ohhh you lucky duck you! That chest of drawers is dreamy! Whenever i go to markets or car boots i always spend all my cash on records and leave nothing for anything else :( hehe. I bemoan my inability to resist records >_<!

    Well done on the nomination! I'm heading over right away to vote! Can you vote more than once? xxxxx

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  28. feathermar24 July 2012 at 21:53

    That ballooning book is spectacular!

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  29. Unknown24 July 2012 at 21:56

    The drawers are amazing! Such a lucky find. xx

    http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk

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  30. Anonymous25 July 2012 at 10:00

    thank-you for the comment my lovely, such lovely gems! they are so precious, especially the books they don't look real, they are adorable!

    lots of love,

    lily from red brick lipstick

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  31. Anonymous26 July 2012 at 13:21

    Seriously amazing finds, the blox is so lovely, reminded me of my granny ^^

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  32. Ragni28 July 2012 at 16:17

    these photos make ma wanna go to a market, too! i love your book finds!

    XXX

    http://herzbluttun.blogspot.de/

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  33. baju busana muslim layali28 July 2012 at 19:34

    Beautiful pics! :-) i like

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  34. nishaantishu28 July 2012 at 20:23

    Ooooo nice haul! I love all of those things, very pretty :)

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  35. Anonymous28 July 2012 at 23:58

    Oh I have been browsing through your blog and you find the most beautiful objects! I've recently started volunteering in a charity shop and we have a lot of lovely things in, hoping to purchase them next week if they're still where I left them!

    Looking forward to more of your posts :)

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  36. Anita29 July 2012 at 01:14

    Gorgeous photos. I love the way you edit your photos :)
    http://xtheperfectmess.blogspot.com.au

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  37. jennie30 July 2012 at 00:10

    You always find the best things! Xo

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  38. Rachel, Cold Knees30 July 2012 at 17:58

    Oh you and your pretty, pretty finds <3 I love the mesh tower thing, I'd maybe keep cheese in it here in France, or maybe garlic yes, or just knick knacks! You always find such pretty books too!! xxx

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  39. kerrin31 July 2012 at 20:53

    love your blog girlie girl. let's follow each other! xx

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  40. Patrycja (photoopassion)31 July 2012 at 21:03

    Remarkable blog. Interesting notes. ;P
    I like him here!!! ;)
    I am inviting to me: http://photographyismyexistence.blogspot.com/
    I am greeting I wish the nice evening! ^^

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  41. Betsey31 July 2012 at 21:53

    wow! amazing finds! I LOVE boxes so much!

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  42. Daysha1 August 2012 at 00:42

    Lovely post! I love your blog :) Would love to follow each other- and just followed you!
    xx
    Daysha

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  43. Rachel1 August 2012 at 05:42

    What fantastic finds! I love the key plate on that box as well; it's little details like that that make certain items so special. The birdcage-esque drawers are so unique & lovely too! x

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  44. Rachel7 August 2012 at 00:12

    THe ballooning book is so sweet! Congratulations on being nominated!! How exciting! I have voted of course :) fingers crossed for you! xxx

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