Winter Doldrums, Cabin Fever, and an Indoor Market

Is this frigid midwest winter as difficult for everyone else as it is for me? I slept until 7:45 Sunday morning - don't remember the last time I did that. I sat around in my robe until after 1:00 in the afternoon, since we were not going to church until 5:00. I really want to hibernate.

I was working on a couple of promotional pieces (in my robe), one for myself, an ad for a monthly newspaper, Market Street Press.  Lisa, the editor, publisher, ad salesperson called on me a couple of times, and I decided to give it a try just in time for her Valentine's Day edition.  I added red, my favorite color to an ad I had originally placed in a neighborhood newsletter. I had wanted to use the business card ad shown on the right below, but, it is not as easy to read.

The second project was a postcard for Jeanine who has a new business called Stella and Notte. It is another vintage store.  Jeanine has decided to have a winter indoor market event in her big bright beautiful space with street-lined display windows. She named it, what else, but, Cabin Fever. Jeanine already had the artwork, so after downloading a new appropriate font, I designed the card.

I will be helping her get the store set up for the event.  Markets are fun because you get to hang out with people who share your interests. It motivates me to find new products, develop a theme, work on a display, and hopefully attract new customers.

With Cabin Fever, I will work on a lodge theme with rustic and outdoorsy projects, introducing some spring-themed items since March will be just a week away!

There will be some new and interesting vendors  with hand crafted and, of course vintage goodies. And, we are hoping all of our blog followers who live in the area will put this event on their calendars and join us the weekend of February 21 and 22 from 10-4.

With the cold blizzard conditions descending upon us, a huge pot of chicken soup made, and the shop closed on Monday and Tuesday, hibernation will continue. Stay warm.

Happy New Year, Downton Abbey Fans

 

Breakfast is served. Breakfast time, anytime, it's tea time. And what nicer way to serve it, than in this Ellgreave English china teapot.  Note the hanky in the background.  It is part of a delightful hanky, lace, and girly print garland, hand made and perfect for a wedding, tea party, shower, or any other girly function.
 

Oh, and don't forget the wee ones with this English Royal Doulton delight: Bunnykins  child set of dishes, cup, bowl, and plate. Judging from the mark on the back, these are from the 80's and they are in beautiful condition.

 

At breakfast, you will also want this English plated toast rack. Toast your bread, cut it on the diagonal, and place in rack. Serving it on a crystal/silver pedestal stand serves two purposes: helps stage your table and catch the crumbs. 

Dip your toast in a soft boiled egg served in the vintage stainless egg cups shown behind the rack.

Note the cruets in the plated mini carrier, perfect to accompany your salad luncheon.

And, of course, we have decanters for your post dinner sherry or brandy by the fire.

All occasions call for a "chapeau", a nice little vintage wool hat complete with hat pin, plus a feather or veil.
White gloves and scarf complete the picture.

For the occasional trip to London or the sea, don't forget your train case, complete with long handled bakelite or plated clothing brushes. 

Silver, crystal, finery of any kind help make your Downton Abbey experience memorable.

Enjoy Downton, and visit Just A Second to enhance your decor with a few bits of England.