Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Flowers, Cards and... Tyres?

I loved all the Pause in Advent posts this second week - thanks so much to everyone who is making the event so festive yet thought-provoking. However, I hardly had the time to comment on most of them, as time is doing that thing it does when you have children, jobs and Christmas is approaching!
I did pop out and spend (whisper it) a bit of money at the all-year Vide Grenier this weekend. Largely, I was looking for stock for the Troc and Broc Vintage Shop (lots of rhymes there!) but I did pick up a little something for myself...These fabric-covered boxes are such a feature of French vintage - they were made for everything from chocolates to handkerchiefs, and I think that this one with its little compartments and drawer was probably for hankies.I intend to use it for my lace collection, which recently got much larger and much better when my mother gave me her own collection!
It's going to fit in beautifully.Let's just enjoy another self-indulgent shot...And it goes very charmingly with my first fabric box, which I bought with birthday money in Edinburgh this year...
j
I did buy a smaller second box (not pictured). Watch the blog shop for that one!Now, as for Christmas cards, we have tried to develop an Advent tradition which makes their arrival a bit more meaningful. When I find them in the post I pop the envelopes into this basket on the table. In the evening everyone takes it in turn to open them before we eat, and we remember the senders as we say thank you for our food. It all depends on how frantic everything gets as to how well this one works, but it's a nice idea...And finally, although less prettily, Ben has been on the look-out for a tyre for some thrifty Make Do and Mend, and today I found one for him by the bins on my morning cycle ride! It wasn't too hard to bring back on my bike...

He's going to try to use it to mend the heels on his favourite ski boots, which fit like gloves but have unfortunately crumbled away at the heel. I'll keep you posted on his progress!

22 comments:

harmony and rosie said...

Oh wow - that box is just DIVINE! Lucky you, what a find ..

VintageVicki said...

Good morning

The picture of the tyre on your bike handles made me chuckle - good luck to Ben with his mending :)

Am also loving the advent posts - all so different but around a common theme. Thankyou for organising this.

Off out on my bike in a while - wonder what I'll find to dangle from my handlebars??

Jackie said...

Floss ~ just popping in to say that I am also really enjoying reading all the Pause in Advent posts too:O)

Serenata said...

I am going to get to my advent post - hoping to today...

Love the pretty box Floss, it is perfect for your lace.

Good luck Ben with the tire heel!

Jen Walshaw said...

The box is a wonderful find. I must work on finding things to store my fabric and ricrac etc

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hello Floss

What lovely boxes! I love the fabrics used. What fantastic finds. I like your Christmas cards tradition, a fun thing to do with the family.

I am interested in seeing the final results on the ski boots, how imaginative!

Warm wishes
Isabelle x

Hen said...

OOoh, love that first box, well done you!
Hen x

Sal said...

Your boxes are fab..I'd have bought them like a shot...lucky you!
;-)

Elizabethd said...

I really think that box should be in the shop!!

Mary Poppins said...

Truly beautiful, thanks for sharing :) I have left a little comment asking if I may join in your Pause For Advent, hope I can ;)


X

Lola Nova said...

wonderful boxes! I can't wait to hear how the tire works out. I really enjoyed your Advent post.

BadPenny said...

so very pretty what a find !

Off tonight to see Jess receive her GCSE certificated and a prize giving at her old school. She will be 17 on Thursday & I'm feeling quite emotional

Heloise said...

Lovely boxes. I too would be interested to see repairs to the ski boots. Had my first Christmas cards today.

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Oh Floss I've been far too busy and I just haven't had a chance to post about Advent this week. I think I'll wait until next weekend now. I have so many photos of other things dying to get onto my blog. And today I have a freeish day which is soooo lovely.

You really should be much more careful what you put on your bike!! You might fall off and hurt yourself, which is so not what you need at this time of year.

Glad to see you found some lovely things to pick up this weekend. So nice to have special drawers for you laces.

Mary Poppins said...

Ohooo thanks Floss :) I shall link to you via your Pause for Advent Badge on my sidebar and look forward to posting, is it on a Sunday, are there any rules, being a late entry am a little behind ;)

Thanks

Mary

X

Lululiz said...

That picture of your bike and the tyre is too funny. Did you wobble at all riding home with that on your handlebar? Wasn't it a tad dangerous?

Love the boxes, sigh, I have never yet managed to find any. When are you going to put more goodies into your shop?

Olga said...

The drawers are amazing, Floss! You were lucky as usual with those finds, such a great find before Christmas, I already see many bloggers who wish those for for the shop :P

Dolly said...

mending boots with a tyre? very 'the good life' - i'm impressed!

Luisa said...

Love the envelope idea...would work well for Birthday's as well.
Luisa
x

Mami said...

Nice boxes!!How clever!
And I'm enjoing Advent Post of other blogers.

I'm looking forward Ben's sky boot...;)

Sarah said...

Ooohhh, loving those boxes, what a find!

Michela said...

..yes..flowers, cards and..tyres! You have a special gift, you're able to blog about such different things with the same grace!