As the proud owner of Alice and the teacup (www.aliceandtheteacup.co.uk), I’m always on the look for my next exciting find; when traveling around I simply cannot resist a rummage around a local charity shop or flea market. My mind is ever-bubbling with ways, from the conventional to the extreme decorative, to make use of my array of pieces as I dream and aspire to create a home reminiscent of an old black and white movie with trinkets and sentiment from an era gone by.
I like to think my passion for design and craftsmanship allows me to see the wealth and potential in the objects I find, with my greatest delight coming from putting these things together to then share by hire and making someone else's vision for their special occasion come to life.
My love affair started with a tatty box from the loft that contained a beautiful tea set that once belonged to my beloved late Nanny Cox. My Nan always hankered after the ‘posh’, always putting on a ‘well-to-do’ accent when on the phone to family and friends and taking great pride in getting out the expensive china when guests came for tea. My memories of Nanny Cox are those of someone who was always active, either on the bus to Brighton with her friend Ethel or nipping to the shops, but whatever her adventure, it always ended with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
It’s funny to think that only a few years ago I would have dismissed the tea set off as another dust collector, but there was something about this fragile, part broken tea set that I just loved. It was part of Nanny Cox’s heritage and it’s now become part of mine. I now have what I can only describe as an addiction to buying vintage crockery and accessories. I’ve lost count of how much I have and I do my best to make good use of them at any given opportunity; even getting the crockery out for breakfast on Christmas Day! I must say that the beautiful china made the pigs in blankets look practically elegant and the fresh pot of tea tasted even better.
The one question that I often get asked at events is ‘where do I find it all?’ and to which my answer is always the same ‘I go on my own adventure’.I’ve been collecting vintage crockery for years now and have built up a rather large collection, which has now grown to include other vintage accessories such as tables, books, milk bottles and linen – a list that I will continue to grow and nurture.
It’s not just luck that gets you a collection like Alice’s; you really must put in the time and miles. The main thing is that you have fun finding it!
Shout about it
Let everyone know what you are searching for. If it’s going to become your hobby then share your enthusiasm with family and friends. I’ve found many items like this or shall I say they’ve found me! If people around you know what you are looking for, then they too can keep an eye out on their travels. Do remember that they might not have the same vision as you, so don’t be scared to tell them it wasn’t right. My mum kept buying plain white crockery made in China and now after seeing my collection she has a clear understanding of what I’m after and has picked up some beautiful pieces for me.
Feel free to rummage
You have to be prepared to delve and explore; you never know when you might find something fabulous. No junk yard, flee market or boot fair is the same. Your luck might be in and you will find a great piece, but more often than not, you may head home empty handed. Don’t discard the place, go back the next month, week or even the next day as their stock is constantly changing. Don’t forget the early bird catches the worm and don’t be afraid to haggle!
Upcycle/recycle is the future
Many of the items you find will be distressed or in need of a little TLC. This adds to their charm and means it has been part of history - imagine its very own great story? Be creative with it, you might not use it as it was originally intended and it’s always fun to bring pieces back to life. I took an old chair and mounted it onto the wall, which I now use as a bookshelf
Mismatch is the perfect match
There are no rules…it’s all about personal taste and don’t worry about mixing era’s. Your collection is about you and all adds to the feel and look of your very own vintage style. Just be aware that there is a lot of reproduction out there, so do your homework. In the end if you like it, that’s all that counts.
Ebay the buzz
For those who don’t have time to search high and low for vintage treasure, there is always Ebay. It’s a giant collection of anything and everything. You’ll soon be hooked and it’s a great way to search for all those random items you wouldn’t normally know where to find; the ‘watch’ button is in constant use on my computer. The golden rule is to post your bid right at the last minute/second and make sure you read the description before committing to that bid.
I hope that you in touch with everything that Alice and the teacup are doing and wish you the best of luck in starting your very own Vintage Love Affair...
