Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Flea-markets....

Right..today is for sharing some of my favourite flea-market finds from my Paris trip. I love how flea markets have such a great mix of things..from the tasteful to the tacky, and from the cheap to the costly...in short, something for everyone, and LOTS to look at. The first treasures I found were these antique silk bobbins (above), that were unlike any I had ever seen before..due to their shape and size. They are about 5 inches long, and have a beautiful undulating wooden form. The silks they still have on them are the most stunningly beautiful tones of mauvey-lavender grey...sagey, smokey pale turquoise and an ochre-yellow in a very pale tone. I was sold even before I heard their story! (which may or may not be true..but it is fun to believe!!)...the dealer told me he bought the lot (huge box of them) from an old factory that had been closing down that had been operating since the 19th Century and was the first French manufacturer of Silk Jacquard fabric..these bobbins dated back to then, as the colours could be identified from their catalogues..OOoh lala!!! How amazing is that...all for a tiny 6 euros per reel!!

Next find was these exquisite 1910 Lithographs of plant studies (I am such a sucker for botanical prints!)...I could not choose between these..so I got them both! I love the detail of the Anemone (great flowers!)..and it's pale green backdrop..and I love the way the Angelica print is stronger in tone, and bursts forth from its 'box' at the top..such great work, I am really looking forward to framing these!! So, for me..that was a pretty successful trip to the markets....living up to the French mantra of quality not quantity!! :)

A wee link for the day is to the Rare Device fashion shoot, where some of my jewellery has been photographed. It is so thrilling for me to see it in context, and on a person..and I love how it has been styled!! Here are the Spring/Summer Fashions shots..and this is my favourite from the group!!! Thanks Rena! :)

Till tomorrow friends..Xox



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow. lovely!

and your jewels look so striking all by themselves...then i see them on someone and oh my! heart leaps again.

lisa solomon said...

oh a girl after my own heart... such lovliness....

and double wow for your jewels!

shari said...

what amazing finds. you have such the eye for beauty! today, i went to a used bookstore and being inspired by your french travels and descriptions i picked up a year in provence by peter mayle. ah france...the good life. au revoir and big hugs to you, shari

mati rose said...

these last few posts have made me crazy with urgency to go to paris (never been!). the craving is so strong i may just have to eat another croissant to soothe it. thanks for sharing! and congrats on your shop success! xox, mati

julie said...

What work is really inspiring!! And I also love botanical prints - these are a great find.

Anonymous said...

too much lovelyness!! i can't take it! i'm going to have to go and calm down with a cup of tea :O

Anonymous said...

i love anemones! and those prints are just gorgeous!

Anabel said...

Great shoot!Congratulation!

Anonymous said...

Abigail, That is so freaking cool. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

oh i so love seeing your jewellery on like that, so beautiful! i know i've seen in on people before, but it never ceases to amaze me each time.

and i love the pictures above, such beautiful colors... so serene and peaceful, all the while being delicious!
beauty sure does present itself more readily to the eyes that seek it out. :)