Last year I blogged here about a vintage fair organised by one of my good friends over at The Vintage Suitcase. I love popping along to their fairs, not because I completely biased, ok maybe I am a little bit, but more so because the atmosphere is always amazing.
She doesn't just arrange a few stalls in fusty room. She hand picks the best venues to suit the needs of the traders, customers and sets a scene. A scene where Northern Soul, Motown and 60's hits are the backing track to this day, because going to a Vintage Suitcase event is like going on a daytrip. Except there's no need to pack your sandwiches because she's even got that covered by way of a pop up tearoom! After you've whiled away a few hours browsing the stalls and chatting to the ever-so-friendly traders, sit yourself down and enjoy some delicious homemade cake that's available.
What I love most about these events apart from the nostalgia and the buzz of finding a vintage gem, is the joy of stumbling across somebody new. A trader who specialises in something I haven't seen before. Last year it was Molly Felicity Designs and her photographic bunting. This year I was excited to discover two fabulous traders by the names of Lamplight Design and Peacocks & Pumpkins
Lamplight Design specialise in handcrafted signs, amongst other things, however the signs were what really grabbed me. I could definitely imagine them somewhere at home or maybe at a vintage inspired wedding. In fact I'm fairly tempted to place an order however I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to restrain myself at just one sign!
Peacock & Pumpkins is run by textile magpie and artist Alison. Her handcrafted lampshades made from vintage fabrics really caught my eye. Not only are these beauties available to buy, you can also try making your own at one of Alison's workshops. Perfect if you're looking for something bespoke for your home.
I spent the rest of the day trying to resist the nostalgia there was on offer but I didn't exactly do a great job. In fact I left the fair to find the nearest cash machine just to I could carry on shopping! There were just too many temptations, as always, but I'm saving those for another post!
Just in case you've never been to a vintage fair, here's a few snaps from the day...
Oooh and did I mention it's not just me who thinks The Vintage Suitcase are pretty downright fabulous? It turns out a lot of other vintage seekers do too as they're up for Breakthrough Business Award at the National Vintage Awards!! If you've been to one of their events or you think you could happily spend the day mooching around their vintage fairs, why not pop over and give them a vote. They're two of the hardest working ladies I know who create these events in between full-time jobs and child rearing! That deserves a vote in itself!
