of cabbages, kings and lots of pretty things

Whilst tripping through the charming streets of Stoke Newington in North London last Sunday, what should I see but a sign for arts and craft fair- well a girl doesn't need asking twice and we snuck in smartish.
Organised by the owners of a shop called Of Cabbages and Kings, they host a monthly market at Abney Hall, Stoke Newington Church street, showcasing everything from vintage style knickers made from silk scarves, fabulously eccentric illustrations, little birds made from London clay, children's picture books to jewelry and decorative things essential to a pretty home.

Amongst my favourite spots were canvas bags by Doje especially the one with this print on it. I think Lina and I could be eligible for the Victoria Park tea ladies society, don't you? You can also buy their bags and prints here. Love the clever use of pen and ink illustration with a twist!

The chap and I were particularly tickled by this bag, the invented Hackney Guild of Taxidermists, compete with motto and emblematic zebras and owls!

At the next table were some great birdy items from Eskil Design, chopping boards, trays and also cute weather brooches, like this thunderstruck one- very 70's weather map!

She has an online shop too.
My wish list was growing with every step- a gorgeous hand painted bird box from London Clay Birds, and one of the smooth little birdies,made as the name suggests from that heavy clay found in all of London gardens, to perch on my windowsill. How about that for giving someone a piece of London? Have a peek at their folksy shop

More tweeting objects were oohed over at Heart Zeena's very pretty table. Supersweet textiles and illustrations with a folk art feel.
Teatowel too pretty to use and fab screen printed cushions found on etsy and folksy

An apple a day and this one is a cushion called fred!

There were lampshades covered in vintage fabric by Midnight-Bell  and the cutest sleeping sets from Sannapanda complete with fuzzy feltie hot water bottles, closed eye sleep masks and, something I have been searching for, ear plugs with tassles! Just like in Breakfast at Tiffany! Have a peek here.

And By Louise was one of my most favourite stands as she creates brooches, rings and pendants from pieces of vintage china, you can imagine how much I loved that. I was very taken with a bee design but had not a penny to rub together having cleared my purse out at the boot fair that morning.
(picture taken from Louise's flickr set)
And have a look at Trompe L'oeil on facebook for pictures of the silk shorts/knickers I was coveting.  Made from vintage scarves, totally pin up and perfect for posing in!

You can see who else was there on the Of Cabbages and Kings website.

The next market will be on 10th and 11th of June, highly recommended and there are tons of vintage clothes shops and delish cafes nearby to keep you happy.

Tootle pip!

And if you're going to propose..

on St Valentine's day-

do it with a dish towel in the words of Mr Darcy, how could you go wrong?

That's the way to help with the washing up!

From Etsy seller Brookish 

Or sip your coffee from these fab mugs

For literary lovers, decorate with Pride and Prejudice bunting

from Nellie and Elsie

All the items they have for sale are so charming.

I would be most delighted if the postman bought me one of these cards. With words from Midsummer's Night Dream and the vintage wedding picture

it couldn't be any sweeter.

Have a peek at her blog for more whimsical and wordy things.

That last picture has set off a song in my head-  ever have that? 

Occasionally the chap and I quite like to listen to the music of today, it's not all Noel Coward and Musicals, you know...

We have been known to dance around the kitchen to this one, by The Drums singing our lungs out.
Most tricky not to hyperventilate with the

Hahahaha- Heart bit.

teacup tuesday

Somebody pass the smelling salts, I may pass out with the excitement...

Over on Etsy, the superbly named Trixiedelicious creates these fabulous teacups and plates, vintage china enscribed with insults, flirtatious messages, or just random words to make you chuckle .

Vandalized Vintage she calls it.

Just feast your peepers at her other creations,

uh-oh... some more things to add to my ever increasing Christmas list!

I'm late, I'm late!

Have a look at this darling White Rabbit necklace that the very clever Janine has created and is giving away over on her blog Cherished Trinkets,  pop over and leave your comment and it could be yours. Isn't that a wonderful way to start the weekend?

 Adorable, non?

And would look perfect with a waistcoat and jaunty hat- one could gaze admiringly at it in until you get a proper pocket watch.. Oh no! I have a sudden compulsion for one of those as well!

I am almost as bad as the White Rabbit when it comes to timekeeping, it just seems to slip away from me like a melting Dali Clock.. perhaps this would make all the difference!

(pic)

And what excuse would I need to don an outfit like this I wonder..

The necklace would go perfectly!

Love it! From Look Book.

Tick tock- a whole site devoted to the pocket watch.

Well before I get too distracted by watches and top hats too much, where were we.. oh yes..

Janine's site is such a dreamy place to while away the time , we share a love of vintage bobbins, Alice and pygmy hedgehogs!! I am so green- she's getting a pygmy hedgehog!! I have been asking The Chap if we can get one for months now..maybe Santa will bring me one in my stocking! Look at this snuffly little thing. I would call it Mrs Tiggywinkle. She's already in a teacup, ready for me!

(pic)

Have a peek at her other gorgeous Alice inspired necklaces, an afternoon tea bracelet- just the thing to jangle against your vintage teacup whilst you sip and these tea and cake earrings

(oo can I put in a request for those please, thank you, please.)

Cherished Trinkets can also be found on Etsy and lovely pictures of her work on flickr

Hurrah- we love pretty things.

Am brimming with excitement as work starts on the Golden Afternoon Tea Company  website this week, much as I love our holding page - can't wait to create some magical graphics with my super talented designers. Inspiration will be helped with lots of tea and cake, no doubt!

  I also have a mammoth bake-athon ahead of me. Will be made even more fun by my current obsession with this band and renewing my love for this smooth fella..

Do you find music whilst you bake helps the cakes? I think it fills them with all the good things.

Hope your weekend's full of singing love and blue skies.

Tootle pip!