Category Archives: Retro

Carlton Ware Money Box Snail for Sale

Carlton Ware Money Box Snail for Sale

Vernon is a snail with excellent manners.

He was the perfect subject to photograph.

Vernon’s pretty nifty with a top speed of 50 yards per hour.

Won’t get far with your cash, although he is quite strong, able to lift 10 times his own body weight.

Vernon was born in 1970, in Stoke on Trent. He’s pretty retro.

In super condition for his age, I thought he might make a rather lovely Christening present.

Preferable to silver plated egg cups and Winnie the Pooh plates?

Discerning purchasers can find Vernon by clicking on his photo. Be quick, he won’t hang around long!

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May 13, 2014 · 7:50 am

Tea for Two and Two for Tea

Tea for Two and Two for Tea

Here we have a really charming Tea Cosy.

It’s beautifully hand embroidered in blue and white, with a rich navy velvet to the reverse.

To keep your little tea pot warm. Whilst your brew steeps.

How do you make your perfect cup of tea?

Warm the pot.
Pour hot water (not boiling, never boiling water), over the leaves.
Steep for 2 minutes if it’s red tea, up to 7 minutes if it’s green tea.
If you have milk:
Milk? How very dare you.
The milk goes in after and definitely not before.

And of course, if it’s loose leaf tea, which I certainly hope it is, because tea bags are just so infra dig, then once your cup is empty it’s time to read your leaves.
Tea leaf astrology.
Swirl the cup around, let the leaves settle, squint quite hard at the pattern remaining, and then using all your powers of imagination, turn the pattern into a shape you recognise.

Don’t pretend you haven’t done the same with clouds:

Dragons, Diamonds, Druids, Donkeys, Dentures, Dolphins, Doris Day.

All of life is there. In the bottom of your cup. Which must be Bone China – it goes without saying.

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April 14, 2014 · 7:17 pm

A Tad Mad Men – Cocktails and Curves

A Tad Mad Men - Cocktails and Curves

Vintage clip on earrings. About 60 years old. From the 1950’s – 1960’s.

The good old days.

Beautifully made with cream and crystal clear glass bugle beads.

So if you’re a would-be Betty Draper, or maybe you just enjoy the nostalgia of vintage, and hanker after a time when drinking, smoking, misogynist bigots roamed the streets, these lovely earrings are for you.

“In May 2010, Miss Hendricks was voted “The Sexiest Woman Alive” by female readers of Esquire magazine. Two months later the size-14 actress, who plays the feisty secretary Joan Harris in Mad Men, was declared a role model by Lynne Featherstone, the UK Equalities Minister.
Criticising the “overexposure” of skinny models, which she said was causing a crisis in “body confidence” among young women, the Liberal Democrat minister declared: “Christina Hendricks is absolutely fabulous.
“We need more of these role models. There is such a sensation when there is a curvy role model. It shouldn’t be so unusual.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8290407/Mad-Men-star-Christina-Hendricks-sparks-rush-for-breast-implants.html

Cocktails and curves, and you can buy them by clicking on them!

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April 4, 2014 · 5:36 pm

Under Starter’s Orders (SOLD)

Under Starter's Orders

This is a Harris Tweed handbag darlings.

Perfect for a day at The Races.

It’s the Grand National this week. My 50p each way’s on TeaForThree.

The bag is elegant with super quality brown leather finish, and practical; Harris Tweed is waterproof, so whether you’re hunting, shooting, fishing, or just dashing out to Tesco’s this is the perfect bag for you, and it’s only two clicks away!

Harris Tweed, or Clo Mor (The Big Cloth) is the only fabric in the world governed by its own Act of Parliament.

From start to finish the cloth is in the hands of skilled and experienced artisans who oversee every stage of production utilising generations of knowledge to produce a product worthy of the name Harris Tweed.

Furthermore a 1993 Act of Parliament underpins the unique status of Harris Tweed and decrees that genuine Harris Tweed must be made from pure virgin wool which has been dyed and spun on the islands and handwoven at the home of the weaver in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

Harris Tweed is about quality and style, history and heritage. It is the fabric of choice for many of the world’s leading designers as well as their most discerning clients. When you buy Harris Tweed you are guaranteed the best, safe in the knowledge that the Orb secures a perfect cloth for years of use.

Protection: The Harris Tweed Act 1993 enshrines in law that every meter of Harris Tweed will conform to exacting standards and adhere to the legal definition of Harris Tweed. Where you see the Orb Mark, you are guaranteed the cloth is authentically produced in the Outer Hebrides as outlined by the Act.

History: For well over a century Harris Tweed has been woven with skill and care by crofters in their own homes just as it is today. From the gentry of early 20th century high living to the catwalks and couturiers of today, Harris Tweed has long been the choice of the discerning.

Indigenous: By law all Harris Tweed must be produced in the Outer Hebrides and nowhere else. Each inch of wool is dyed and spun in an island mill and every yard is handwoven in the home of a Harris Tweed weaver. These skills are passed down from generation to generation of the island’s community with pride.

Natural: Low-impact production and reliance on natural materials throughout, Harris Tweed is a truly ecologically sound textile. Biodegradable, VOC absorbent, non-allergenic, energy efficient manufacture…Harris Tweed is truly a fabric for the 21st century.

Provenance: Made of 100% Pure New Wool, Harris Tweed is dyed, blended, carded, spun, warped, woven, finished, examined and stamped only in the Scottish Outer Hebrides by local crofters and artisans.

Practicality: Harris Tweed is warm in winter and cool in summer. It resists water and wear and tear with ease, cleans easily and can be repaired with the simplest of tools.

Longevity: You may pay a little more for your Harris Tweed but it pays you back by standing the test of time. The cloth never goes out of style and simply gets better with age.

Artisanal: Woven on treadle powered looms, Harris Tweed is crafted by hand without the aid of automation or electricity. Weaver’s skills take months to learn and years to master and every step of the Harris Tweed process is in the hands of skilled islanders, from dyeing to delivery.

Beauty: Harris Tweed is literally dyed in the wool, with separate pigments of wool carefully blended to special “recipes” before being spun. Just one single yarn can contain several different colours in order to obtain the perfect tone or hue, each reflecting some aspect of our natural surroundings. Heathers, mosses, lochs, mountains and sky, all entwined to make beautiful Harris Tweed.

Style: The world’s best designers, fashion houses and artists have embraced Harris Tweed, showing their appreciation through their wonderful creations with every passing season. And Harris Tweed is not just restricted to catwalks and couture, bespoke interiors from household soft furnishings to five star hotels are also enjoying that rare touch of luxury only Harris Tweed can bring.

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April 3, 2014 · 9:30 am

Monet Monet Monet

Monet Monet Monet

We’re talking Michael Monet here, not Claude.

Although there is something quite impressionistic about the finish and texture of these lovely earrings:

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/cmon/hd_cmon.htm

Around the time that Claude Monet was putting the finishing touches to his water lillies at Giverny, Michael Monet was launching his costume jewellery business with just $4 to his name.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/costume-jewelry/monet

You can be part of the Monet narrative with these fab drop earrings. They are wonderful quality, and in excellent condition, signed, and perfect for the costume jewellery collector.

2 Comments

April 2, 2014 · 10:44 pm

Vintage Cloisonne enamel flutterby earrings

Vintage Cloisonne enamel flutterby earrings

These hoop earrings are lush.

Depicting flowers and butterflies, they are beautifully made, super quality, and perfect to complement any outfit.

Very on trend, the colours are vibrant, just what we need after a very monochrome winter.

Butterflies are amazing insects aren’t they? They taste with their feet, and drink from muddy puddles, some butterflies live for only 2 – 4 weeks.

Romantic creatures featuring in ancient myths and legends, their beauty and fragility are renowned.

These stunning earrings will last a little longer than 2 – 4 weeks, and you can treat yourself here!

2 Comments

April 1, 2014 · 1:23 pm

Venetian Murano millefiore butterfly pendant

Venetian Murano millefiore butterfly pendant

millefiore – a thousand flowers – in an Italian butterfly – a gorgeous, rare piece, you can buy it here….

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February 21, 2014 · 11:13 am

Del Boy and Rodney – eat your heart out!

What is the female equivalent of Del Boy and Rodders?

I think we might be it @altvtgmarket

Alty Market Flo

Alty Market Flo

Lots of browsers. Lots of rain. Lots of wafting fried onion from the bbq chicken stand. Lots of people buying grub and booze. Lots of angst from the guitarist.

Next year we’re doing Christmas fudge and mulled wine.

Defo where the dollar is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed under altrincham market, Artisan, Cheshire, christmas fudge, martha stewart, mulled wine, Retro, Vintage Christmas

Altrincham Artisans

Charming Sunday Artisan Market at the old Market Place in Altrincham, Cheshire.

Smell: Cloves in cider and Farmer’s Wife sausages.

See: Leather suitcases and miles of bunting.

Touch: Hyacinth bulbs and ancient marbles.

Taste: Hot cheddar cheese and Rhubarb Flapjacks.

Hear: Vintage jazz and Pedro woofing.

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Filed under 1950's, 1970's, 1980's, Accessories, Antique, Artisan, Cheshire, China, Collectables, costume jewellery, Fabric, Retro, Textiles, Vintage, vintage jewellery

Scottish Kilt Pin by Dawson Bowman

The Scottish company who makes this kilt pin was founded by the late Scottish industrialist, Hamish Dawson-Bowman, for the express purpose of introducing a new sense of purpose and pride of achievement into the lives of disabled ex-servicemen, by reviving the ancient art of the Scottish silversmith which had so long remained dormant. Quality, dependability and customer care have long been hallmarks of this company and are just a few of the traditional values which the third generation of the family is committed to upholding.

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Filed under 1980's, Accessories, Antique, costume jewellery, Gorgeous, Jewelry, Retro, Vintage, vintage jewellery