Gorgeous jug and Posh plant....

I bought this gorgeous jug at the weekend from fellow exhibitor Helen at the Rival Arts Easter Fair @The Racecourse in Hexham.

It has seen a bit of life over its 150 years with a lead repair rivet to the handle in two places and a worn patch of glaze on one side. However, the hand painted decoration is so charmingly naive and delicate that someone, all those years ago, must have deemed it worthy of repair and I am so pleased they did.

Helen took some nice photos of the weekend which you can find........ HERE

Adding to the old enamel collection with a small chippy jug bought today......

 And a big bowl that is worn to nothing with constant use over the years, but now houses my old streptocarpus plant that is just starting to sprout again....

In a few weeks time it will hopefully look like this ....

This is no ordinary streptocarpus of course....it has a great pedigree.....

It came from a grand Castle in Northumberland no less.

Chipchase Castle.......a 17th century Jacobean mansion with a 14th century Pele tower. ( Just visible behind )
As the castle is privately owned, there is only the month of June in which to look around inside, which is what I did about 4 years ago and bought my tiny little plant as a reminder of my visit.

Each year it expands and needs repotting but always rewards me with a wonderful display of flowers.

Inspired from reading today that you take cuttings from the leaves, I think I will give it a go....
Then I can have lots of little Chipchase babies and sell them in vintage terracotta pots wrapped in music sheet along with my old bits and pieces!
Lovely idea....

Hope you all have an inspirational week too,
Bye for now....
Julie x