Category Archives: Antique

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

Pearls of Wisdom

Pearls of Wisdom

“Happiness is a by-product of an effort to make someone else happy.”

I am going to make you very happy with these gorgeous vintage daisy clip-on earrings.

Some people clean their pearls in salt water.
I like to swipe mine with a clean cloth lightly dipped in olive oil.

Occasionally, I roll my pearls over my forehead.
My make-up free forehead. Sounds bizarre. Works a treat.

The natural oils in skin bring out the lustre of the pearls.
Which is why pearls should be worn. They improve each time you wear them.

Pearl earrings widen your smile, and actually make your teeth look whiter.

What’s not to like?
Happy days.

Buy them here.

2 Comments

April 3, 2014 · 7:21 pm

ART DECO glass and faux pearl necklace (Sold)

ART DECO glass and faux pearl necklace

A very elegant piece, real quality…. and you can buy it here!

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February 21, 2014 · 8:36 pm

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