Friday, 11 June 2010

VINTAGE FINDS from France and Belgium PART 1



Hello everyone!
I hope that you have all had a good week. It's been a busy one for me, plenty of catching up after having been away. My ironing is finally up to date (hooray!) and I have almost finished putting all my vintage finds away. That was quite a job as I brought back a fair bit as you will see from the photos. I decided to split the photos in two posts. Although I tend to have quite a few photos per post, I decided it would be a bit too much to have them all on today's post. In fact the photos are only a sample of what I brought back. I didn't photograph everything as some have already been stored away. Anyway, it will give you some idea of what came back home with me.

I'd like to say a BIG thank you to my parents who are a HUGE help!!! When I arrived in France, they showed me a big selection of vintage goodies they had found for me since I last visited them at Christmas. Every time they go to vide-greniers or brocantes, they look out for things which they know I like/need. ;-)

I had such fun shopping for vintage items whilst in France and Belgium! Here is a selection of things which I found and things which my parents found for me.

In need of a bit of a clean. A bit chipped around the edges but I don't mind that.





My Mother found this lovely suitcase, the lining is beautiful.







Needs to be tidied up a bit and given a fresh vintage fabric cover




Buttons galore! Soooo pleased with this selection.

I love these buttons



I found 20 metres of 1950's pink lace (top left hand corner)


An unused corset in its original box


A selection of sheets

The weekend is here at last! It looks like the good weather is back. It's been a very wet week and I have been keeping my fingers crossed for good weather on Sunday as we are doing a boot fair. Every evening this week, we have been bringing things down from the loft. We need to make some space up there. A few weeks ago someone came to have a look at our loft as we had water coming through the roof. He was amazed when he looked around, his comment was : "I have never seen a loft as full as this in all my years of going in people's lofts!" In a way I wasn't surprised, as both Alan and I are hoarders...However, we both agree that there is a lot up there which has to go.

VINTAGE FINDS from France and Belgium PART 2 will follow within the next few days

I wish you all a beautiful weekend! ;-)

A bientôt!

Isabelle X
at

59 comments:

  1. KC'sCourt!11 June 2010 at 18:45

    WOW! What really lovely things. I love the buttons and the crochet lace.
    Julie xxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Annie11 June 2010 at 18:47

    What beautiful finds, I love the colours of the enamel bowls. I don't think I have seen pink enamel before. The collection of buttons is amazing, the colours and design of some of them look quite Deco. You are lucky that your parents know what to look out for for you. Enjoy the weekend, hope your boot sale goes well.
    Ann x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lyn11 June 2010 at 18:47

    You got some great things while you were there. I too love the suitcase!
    Love
    Lyn
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Louise11 June 2010 at 19:02

    I am green with button envy !! What lovely finds . Have a great weekend xxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. My Grannies Attic11 June 2010 at 19:14

    What gorgeous finds - I am especially loving the enamel ware - the pink is scrummy!!!!

    Kerry xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Heloise11 June 2010 at 19:19

    You have some great finds. Amazing collection of buttons and I like the suitcase very much.
    Have a good weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hen11 June 2010 at 19:29

    Oooh Isabelle. I'm jealous! Where do I start...the pink (and other) enamel bowls, the buttons. Oh the buttons. Yes I would love those. Lucky you and well done you! Good luck for the boot fair. We're not in the West Country this week so won't be able to say hello. Hope to maybe see you 3rd July at Chipping Sodbury? Hope you're all keeping well.
    Hen xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sandies' Patch11 June 2010 at 19:30

    Gulp! It's all wonderful, so many buttons!
    Beware de-cluttering the lof.... it does provide quite a bit of insulation LOL!

    Sandie xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. The sewing room11 June 2010 at 19:35

    Oh such lovely goodies lucky you ,particuly like the suitcase at least thats gives you something to bring your bootie home. Have a great weekend hope the sun shines on you and your family.


    Hugs Pat

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous11 June 2010 at 19:38

    Hei. :) ) love your blog,it`s beautyfull. :) Hugs, Mette from Norway.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lululiz11 June 2010 at 19:40

    A girl after my own heart, I would have bought exactly the same things. Those buttons, omg, and the corset, and and and........ Really fantastic finds.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Cape Cod Rambling Rose11 June 2010 at 19:45

    Your treasures!!!! THOSE BUTTONS! That corset!!! The pastel enamelware... the linens... oh my, you are so fortunate!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. ~*~ saskia ~*~11 June 2010 at 19:47

    I already loved visiting Belgium and la France and now I really do love your perfect pretty finds, Isabelle! Those buttons are too cute!!!
    Have a happy happy weekend. xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Elderberry-Rob11 June 2010 at 20:03

    I love your copper pans, what an investment find and the lovely lace bed linen, well found.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sylvia11 June 2010 at 20:18

    Lovely finds, Isabelle !
    The suitcase is so beautiful !
    Have a nice weekend,
    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  16. Susan Freeman11 June 2010 at 20:42

    Hello Isabelle! What lovely vintage finds!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  17. koralee11 June 2010 at 21:06

    Every single treasure you found is amazing...you hit the button jackpot my friend..thank you for sharing. oxxoxoo Happy weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hesta Nesta11 June 2010 at 21:16

    What lovely finds Isabelle, I love the original corset and the monogrammed sheets especially. I know how you feel, Andy and I are hoarders, we are currently having a mass clear out ready for the builders to start on Monday and keep finding things we had forgotten about!! Good luck at the boot fair.
    Love
    Jo xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kar11 June 2010 at 21:16

    Love the old pots! Very pretty colors. And the sheets and buttons are most wonderful. Lucky girl!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Serenata11 June 2010 at 21:23

    Ah, but he hasn't seen OUR loft! :-D

    Lovely finds and some simply gorgeous linens and as to the buttons, well one can only say WOW really!

    ReplyDelete
  21. It's me11 June 2010 at 21:25

    What a treasure! i love them all !!!!...thanks for share................happy weekend............have you got my mail?? hugs from me Ria,........thanks that i may used your pictures their are two on my blog........

    ReplyDelete
  22. rosenresli11 June 2010 at 21:33

    Dear Isabelle,

    much thanks for your nice omment. I love old metal tins especially with flowers on it. At the moment I have great luck to find them on fleamarkets. Sometimes it is a problem to find places for my treasures in our house but if I see a beautiful tin I must buy it.
    Your french vintage items are gorgeous. My favourites are the enamelware in the so romantic colours and the vintage buttons. I have never found such beautiful buttons in germany and would use them for my crocheted bags and hearts. I live near france but sadly I have no time to visit it because I work very much.

    Have a beautiful weekend,

    rosenresli

    ReplyDelete
  23. The fabric of my life11 June 2010 at 21:36

    Fabulous finds Isabelle, what lovely treasures x

    ReplyDelete
  24. ♥ Welkom bij "het Zolderluik" op Nr.5 ♥11 June 2010 at 21:43

    Lovely stuff you bought, it are treasures!
    Hope you anderstand my bad bad englisch? ;-))
    I like the bowls, and the buttons...everything ;-))

    Have a nice weekend!!
    Hilde

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous11 June 2010 at 21:53

    Lovely stuff you bought.
    I am delighted.
    Enjoy them.
    Best regards and nice weekend.
    kisses

    ReplyDelete
  26. Les Cotrions11 June 2010 at 22:02

    Waw! Just amazing treasures!!! and this is only the first part!!!
    Happy week end!
    Vale

    ReplyDelete
  27. Enitram11 June 2010 at 22:16

    C'est incroyable tout ce que tu trouves, cela me donne envie d'aller en Angleterre!!!!!!
    Bon week-end

    ReplyDelete
  28. Unknown11 June 2010 at 22:16

    OH, how I want that Pink one. And those buttons. Droooooooling bad. Off to see if you stopped in Bruges in the last posting. My favorite place in the world.

    Toodles,
    Katester

    ReplyDelete
  29. LiLi M.11 June 2010 at 22:24

    Oh I love your finds! I always think Belgium is the best, France is very good to but a tad more expensive in my opinion. Cannot wait to see part 2! Have a lovely weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  30. petals and vintage11 June 2010 at 23:03

    What absolute treasures you have found. I love it all but my favourites would hvae to be the enamel ware. We don't use our roof space over here mmmmm....

    ReplyDelete
  31. Victoria - Florence and Mary12 June 2010 at 00:04

    WOW and I can't believe there's a part 2 to come! Next time you visit can I come along to?!?!

    Victoria xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sweetpaintedlady12 June 2010 at 00:31

    Lovely post and what beautiful finds! I adore all the buttons and the stunning vintage corset.

    XX Rosina Lee

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hos Jorunn12 June 2010 at 00:43

    I have to agree with all the ladies before me, I love your vintage finds..they are so beautiful!! Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog. I'm sorry the google translator was not working for and I reinstalled it again. I tried to translate from Norwegian to English and it did translate but the words are very funny most of the time, only a few sentences now and then are correct translated. I wish you a great weekend! Kind Regard, Jorunn

    ReplyDelete
  34. The Tablescaper12 June 2010 at 01:15

    Oh such beautiful finds!!! I think my favorites are the pastel enamelware. Just love the colors!!!

    I'm hosting a new meme called "SUmmer Sundays". It's all about what summer means to YOU.Like some terrific finds. I'd love to have you come and join us.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  35. Elyse12 June 2010 at 02:40

    hello isabelle,

    your photos and blue-on-blue blog are always so lovely to visit. your recent finds are fabulous! love all the buttons!

    xo
    elyse

    ReplyDelete
  36. Michelle12 June 2010 at 04:21

    Those beautiful buttons!
    It is a shame it such a distance between Queensland and Europe- such beautiful vintage finds.

    ReplyDelete
  37. salty pebble12 June 2010 at 07:31

    beautiful finds xx a real delight to view...must have been a truly wonderful trip. lovely post xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous12 June 2010 at 08:31

    Wow amazing!! I do love the suitcase! Those are all definitely treasures!!

    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  39. Josephine Tale Peddler12 June 2010 at 11:04

    Hello Isabelle, You make me laugh. What are you going to do with all your buttons? Can't you open an Etsy store so we can all buy! Your house must be bursting with loveliness Isn't the detail in the suitcase with the lining just superb? That's why I love vintage so much. And where are you going to wear your corset? Lovely post and I did start to chuckle when I saw you had to split the post into sections. Lucky we got our Broadband this week! Enjoy your weekend We have the long weekend in Australia for the Queen's Birthday and so we are off to the mountains to scrunch Autumn leaves. And your parents have lovely taste! xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. Shannon Fricke12 June 2010 at 11:28

    What a lot of treasures! Lucky you. great blog.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Unknown12 June 2010 at 11:42

    Ooohhhh! I love those enamel bowls. The colours are just perfect. Fabulous finds....well done you (and your parents!) Lucyxx

    ReplyDelete
  42. BonjourRomance12 June 2010 at 12:20

    Bonjour Isabelle,
    What marvelous treasures you found! The suitcase is just my style and that pink lace... How lucky you are to have such wonderful parents that looks for all those special finds for you.
    Anxious for part 2!
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  43. melanie12 June 2010 at 13:50

    Wow, fab finds! :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  44. Fleurette12 June 2010 at 14:26

    Hello my dear Isabelle, Your treasures are amazing!!!
    Wishing you a wonderful weekend:)
    Hugs
    Fleurette

    ReplyDelete
  45. hens teeth12 June 2010 at 16:09

    Oh good for you Isabelle. You have found some exquisite finds. Wouldn't it be good if it were a full time job...buying abroad and selling here? Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Guenievre12 June 2010 at 17:56

    Bonjour Isabelle !
    Quelles fantastiques trouvailles ! Bien sûr, j'aime beaucoup les boutons (j'adore la mercerie ancienne)Le corset n'est pas mal non plus.
    Have a very nice (and sunny) week-end !

    ReplyDelete
  47. Madelief12 June 2010 at 18:23

    Hi Suzy,

    What an amazing collection of enamelware, lace, buttons and other lovely things you brought with you from France and Belgium. Wish I could have joined you on your search! Looking forward to part two!

    Happy sunday!

    Lieve groet, madelief

    ReplyDelete
  48. made-and-found12 June 2010 at 19:35

    Isabelle I am almost choking with la jalousie.What treasure! I would love to do a brocante road trip around Northern France or Belgium.Is Bruges a good place to start? I loved near Nantes for a year but of course didnt have the vintage illness/adiction at the tender age of 21.Thank you for sharing.I cant wait for Part 2.
    Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  49. bellaboo12 June 2010 at 20:11

    What wonderful vintage finds Suzy! The buttons are really gorgeous,and the linen too.I am very envious.

    Bellaboo ;0)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Vicki13 June 2010 at 03:48

    Hello, Isabelle, and thank you for sharing some of your wonderful vintage finds from France and Belgium. The enamelware is so charming, and I adore the colors. You found a fantastic array of buttons. So many things to use them on. Enjoy your weekend, sweet friend, and I look forward to part 2 of your shopping finds. Love and blessings always~ Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  51. red ticking13 June 2010 at 06:59

    your blog is so charming... happy to have found you..xx pam

    ReplyDelete
  52. Loveforpiemonte 13 June 2010 at 09:02

    Thanks for following my blog, and count me in as a new follower here, I loved your page!
    greetz Madelon

    ReplyDelete
  53. Lisa13 June 2010 at 11:02

    Bruges looks like an absolutely charming place to visit and live. Thanks for sharing so many beautiful photos. All of your finds so amazing, so handy to have your parents looking out for you too. Love all the buttons.
    Lisa x

    ReplyDelete
  54. bijzonder-oud13 June 2010 at 20:16

    Hi Isabelle,

    What a beautifull things you've found!!

    I love the enamelware and the corset is verry, verry nice to :-).

    Yolanda

    ReplyDelete
  55. maría cecilia14 June 2010 at 06:13

    Dear Isabelle, I`m so happy you have found such lovelies... how fun shopping in France and Belgium, you came back with full hands, and your parents are so nice gathering your favorite things for you!!! Those enamelware are my favorites!!!.. and the sheets, oh so beautiful!!!
    Hugs many,
    Maria Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  56. Vera Amos14 June 2010 at 09:48

    What an amazing array of vintage goodies, I particularly love those buttons they are gorgous.
    Can't wait to see vintage finds part 2.
    Nicky x

    ReplyDelete
  57. Andi's English Attic14 June 2010 at 13:02

    Oh that was a fab post. The corset is absolutely my favourite. xx

    ReplyDelete
  58. Ghislaine14 June 2010 at 21:33

    That is a real treasure!!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Vintage Home22 June 2010 at 06:15

    ...wow I have to say I am having button & Linen envy...Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

Hello.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment on my blog. I enjoy reading them all! I am sorry if I cannot always reply.
Isabelle x