Sunday 5 February 2012

Cotswolds break....



A few days away in one of our favourite places....The Cotswolds,  took us to the pretty town of  Northleach
Gloucestershire.


And a visit to a lovely shop called The Perfect Whimsy  run by the equally lovely Joasia, who has recently started a blog..here.  She is so gorgeous and great fun too!


The shop is a treasure trove of decorative loveliness and of course I was tempted with everything.
But finally I came away with this French La Poste mail sack.


With great repairs,


Hand stitched, rolled edge,


And a label telling me the history of these vintage mail sacks....
I love it!


Other finds the day before included this vintage coat hanger and handbag,


A Laura Ashley chintz cushion, Tole planter, decorative picture frame, salmon mousse tin and a hand painted Susie Watson strawberry bowl completed my purchases.


A visit to the newly refurbished  Station Mill Antique Centre  in Chipping Norton yielded a pot of Annie Sloan paint which I have been wanting to buy for a long time now and keen to see how it compares to my beloved Farrow and Ball.


Chalk paint..."French linen" and surprise, surprise.... I have a piece of furniture ready and waiting in the wings especially for it....a "Georgian" reproduction pine cabinet.


Keep you posted.....
Julie x

16 comments:

  1. Lots of loveliness! The Cotswolds are just achingly pretty aren't they? x

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  2. The Cotswolds looks like the most beautiful location, so pretty and homely. I am looking forward to seeing how your furniture looks painted. I have a coffee table I want to paint. Kind regards, Ann

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  3. What a fabulous shop! Looking forward to seeing the cabinet painted... never thought I would see you stray from F&B!
    Abby xx

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  4. Ooh we are planning to pop over to Joasia's shop in half term, so looking forward to it!
    Many thanks for calling in at Station Mill.
    Have a lovely week,
    Essie x

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  5. oooooh you're venturing further South to the Land of Teabags and Instant Coffee!!!!
    ;)) xx

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  6. What a lovely surprise Julie, you really made my day by popping in.
    So glad you like the sack, its a real gem.
    I'm glad you had nice weather while over here.
    Can't wait to see your finished dresser.

    Joasia x

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  7. What a lovely break....just the ticket for this time of year. Your goodies are rather gorgeous too xxxxxx

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  8. Hello Julie:
    The wonderfully mellow stone of the Cotswolds is so very attractive. Your buys look marvellous, so good when one finds a store which really matches one's own taste in things.

    We have only ever strayed to Zoffany paint from Farrow and Ball so will be interested to hear how Annie Sloan matches up!!

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  9. Hi Julie - what a shame you didnt get in touch, Staion Mill is only 35 minutes away, (I used to manage it) I could have met you for a coffee, and also you were sooooo close to The Old Pill Factory it is such a shame you missed it. I am glad that you had a lovely weekend, maybe next time??
    T x

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  10. Julie, I have that exact same pine cabinet!
    I left mine as wood but I love it as its perfect for hiding our big ugly TV in.
    Good luck with the painting- make sure and put photos up when its finished-you might persuade me to paint ours! xx

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  11. Ha ha only today I bought some Annie Sloan French Linen....a bookcase is going to get the treatment. Let's hope all the hype is true.

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  12. Hi Julie, looks like you are having a ball. I am so jealous, I love the Cotswolds. Your purchases look great and I love the repro. Linen Press. Much love, Linda x

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  13. Looks like you had a lovely time in the cotswolds, The Perfect Whimsey is a lovely shop and so is Joasia. The french linen postal sack looks great, what are you going to do with it.
    have a lovely week.
    Jillx

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  14. More great finds! I am looking forward to seeing the makeover with the Annie Sloan paint. We have a shop close by which sells her paint but I've not tried any yet. I'd not even heard of her until my cousin went to stay in her house in France but there seems to be a great resurgence in her popularity.
    Ruth x

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  15. What do I like this, great!
    I love you England, with your beautiful landscape and beautiful antiques and flea market!!
    Also, I have a webshop where I sell this.
    I really like to follow you and a little to feel that I am in England.
    With warm regards,
    Silvia

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  16. Hope you managed to relax a bit on your break Julie? Did you enjoy the drive down?

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