Faves: Washi Mug from Mrs Eliot Books

Crafty cuppa anyone?

The Washi Ceramic Mug from London brand Mrs Eliot Books - a definite FAVE. 

Crystal Palace Antiques & Modern, SE19

Billed as South London's Largest Antiques Emporium it was no surprise how much I loved Crystal Palace Antiques & Modern. 

This fantastic multi-storied twisty-turny location offers antiques spanning all the best vintage furniture eras - a treasure trove of older pieces and the modern twentieth century very well represented too. Different countries are also covered - with this Vintage Russian circus poster one of my favourites finds...

And (also as expected!) it was the slink mid-century pieces that caught this intrepid fantasy shopper's eye...

But there were plenty more older pieces to fit any tastes, as you can spot in this pic of the lovely Laura modelling some reclaimed school coat hooks...

But for me the more modern furniture was far too hard to resist...nice yellow accents, walnut and black metal here...wouldn't say no to these!

And even more proper classics...

Plus some amazing vintage maps...

I also love that the posh signage bears a reminder that you are still in South London...and Crystal Palace FC land of course too...

A definite must visit if you are looking for well-chosen antique finds or (like muggins here) if you are just a sucker for a good browse. 

Faves: Thread online's Shower Curtain

I don't actually need a shower curtain (I have the joy of a glass shower door to deal with - sigh) but I'm *still* considering buying this. I like it that much. 

This is from New York state based shop Thread's online store. They seem to ship to the UK which makes me a happy girl as I also spied these on the site:

              

   

Faves: Xenotee's Cat Nap Pillowcase

Xenotee over on Etsy's Cat Nap Pillowcase. Genius right? 

Faves: Oyoy Honeycomb Bedlinen

A new series simply to share my fave products, projects, people, patterns and many more things that don't begin with 'p'. 

Starting with:

Danish design brand Oyoy's Honeycomb bedlinen

Christmas Shopper's Knee: sales guide pt 2

How are those aching joints Christmas shoppers? Ready for round two? Well here's some more shopping treats in store for gift buying, personal...ahem...must buys and general festive cheer:

So first stop is Bloomsbury with Lamb's Conduit Street and Rugby Street's shopping evening this Thursday 6th December. With perfect gift buying homeware shops like Darkroom (colours and patterns? yes please), Thornback & Peel (screen-printed and beautifully packaged pressies) and Ben Pentreath (awe inspiring antiques and unusual gifts) opening their doors late for Christmas shoppers and even a suitably seasonal treasure hunt to boot:

Then head Eastwards to the East London Design Show an annual chance to see over 100 stands from design brands in Shoreditch Town Hall on from Friday 6th with a private view then open to the public until Sunday 9th December. Make sure to check out Lollipop (for most excellent stationery - where I bought my xmas wrapping paper last year!), Volpe and Volpe (elegant ceramics) and Ham (fun quirky gifts - with pigs...and cakes). Plus 38 new designers will be showing this year - making ELDS ideal for one-off unique gifts from brands that'll be making it big on the design scene soon. 

Start the weekend of 8th and 9th December of even more excellent shopping firstly at the Crafty Fox Market with over 40 stalls of designer/makers just up the road from me at Brixton's Dogstar. There'll be stands from the likes of Jim Bob Art (who is the illustrator behind their smashing flyer) and  Birds in Hats (illustrations which you'll be pleased to hear do exactly what it says on the tin) along with workshops, for the shopping shy, from very impressive folk including craft queen Perri Lewis and talented screen-printer Mr Wingate, so  plenty to keep you busy there! 

Then over in sunny Camberwell the princes' of pattern Mini Moderns will be opening their studio (along with neighbours in creative Empress Mews) from Friday 7th - Sunday 9th. Pop in for gifts, samples and end of the line bargain loveliness:

South London continues to reign supreme with this bumper sales weekend. Next jump is over to Peckham for the fabulously named Pexmas also on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December. A mixture of vintage and handmade fine festive products including Threads vintage clothes and homeware from Shop Eastern Bloc means there should indeed be frivolities aplenty Peckham way. 

Venture a little further out for original art buys at the Eel Pie Island Artists' Open House -worth going for the name alone, non? This community of artists are based along the Thames in Twickenham on this island that also has its very own nature reserve where they'll be selling lovely artwork, pottery and jewellery. 

Phew, that's just one week! Tired yet?! More to come (knee dependent of course...). 

Brixton East, SW9

You know that amazing vintage shop you've always hoped would appear just around the corner from your house? The one that sells original pieces carefully chosen and displayed beautifully? And (obviously) open just in time for Christmas pressie buying? 

Well funnily enough that very store has just opened its doors in Brixton! (apologies if this isn't your down-the-road location too, but these beauties don't come around very often!). The shop is called Brixton East and it offers a fabulous, fun, selection of second-hand homeware from eras mainly from the twentieth century.  

It has a sense of British nostalgia bringing fond memories back with images, logos and colours taking you back to cosy childhood memories or a perfect imagining of period home trends. Reusing fantastic designs from days gone by - and my...don't they look good...

Brixton East has opened this month at 100 Barrington Road, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the increasingly trendy Brixton Village. Its owner, the ever smiley and charming Andy Luckett, will be opening this treasure trove every Friday, Saturday and Sunday up until Christmas.

The fantastic shop space has been converted from a warehouse built in 1871 and lovingly restored by Andy. It is just by the railway tracks across the road from what used to be Brixton East railway station, hence the name (one for you fact fans!). It really is right in the centre of Brixton, so worth a peek just to see the canaverous space and impressive beams alone. 

Brixton East will only be the shop for limited times throughout the year so be warned to make sure to check it out soon! The space will also be used for galleries, plays, art shows and a whole exciting mixture of events throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled...

But here's a quick further look into the shop...there's vintage upholstery (70s nude optional)...

The most marvellous mannikins and pinny collection...

Fabulous festive treats...

Unique lighting from talented Cornish designers...

Even finds for animal lovers...

Oh and don't forget to try one of Andy's Brixton buns...so it's treats all round in my dream vintage shop!