Mardi Gras Beads

For a few weeks a year our city gets draped in the most lovely assortment of colorful beads... cast-offs from all of the parades of Carnival.  They hang from trees and fences, glisten in the sun like jewels, and remind us of just how lucky we are to live here.   The party is over now, but I just stumbled upon these shots and wanted to share them.  They were taken the day after Mardi Gras.  They will have to do until we see them again next year!

Lace and Silk - Vintage French Quarter Finds

Fabulous vintage textiles uncovered from a grand French Quarter estate on Royal Street. 



Romantic Lace Boudoir Pillow Sham

Antique Silk and Lace Wedding Handkerchief:

Amber Tiffin Depression Glass in the "Julia" Pattern - Found in a Grand Old New Orleans home

In a grand old New Orleans home just around the corner from us in Uptown, we were lucky enough to source these from an awesome estate sale.  I rarely see a whole set like this, and also rarely see things in this good of condition.
 
Depression Glass - by "Tiffin."  This is the "Julia" pattern in amber:

I fell in love with these footed tumblers first:

But the tumblers could not be separated from their family. So they all came home with me. 

Cocktails, anybody?

And this pitcher is in absolute mint condition.  It lived in a box and was never used by its original owner.  Can you believe it?  It is completely fabulous and flawless.  Such a rare find!

 

Beautiful etched torch design called "Julia."  And the glass remained so clear after all these years!

 Ahhh - I just love these!!

 

More pictures and purchase info available HERE.

 

Vintage Finds from An Estate on Napoleon Ave in New Orleans

Some really great vintage finds from a recent estate sale on Napoleon Ave in New Orleans...

Chic Demitasse Set of 4 vintage Silver Porcelain Cups & Saucers and a beautiful embroidered organza tablecloth!

 

A pair of graceful vintage silverleaf painted California Pottery peacock figurines - by Freeman McFarlin Anthony.  These can really grow on you.  So unique and beautiful!

My favorite find - a vintage silver plated tea tin with an awesome weathered patina.  This piece is very heavy - it is really something special, isn't it?

All together now:

And a few charming retro accessories to round out the day.  Great finds!

Retro Jetsons Candy Dish

 Vintage handbags and Pierre Cardin tie from New Orleans!

Antique French Market Basket / Rolling Cart - Marché Panier - via New Orleans

You are not going to believe this one! Look what we came across last weekend: an authentic French Rolling French Market Basket! This is a real gem!

We were lucky enough to find this at an estate sale here in New Orleans. Not sure of its exact history, but it clearly has seen many markets in its day - perhaps both here in New Orleans and in France? Given this city's French influence, it might have been brought here from France many, many years ago?  Hope so...



"Marché Panier"

So great for shopping at today's farmer's markets.  You can load it up and pull it behind you as you go.  Fantastic design!  The French always seem to know that they are doing and what is good.

 Here it is at our local Patisserie - looking so cute!

And check out the old time construction on this thing.  It has held up for many years - they don't make things like the used to.  Check out the cast iron wheel system - very sturdy.

You could also use this as a decorative piece in your home, shop, cafe or studio.  Would make a nice umbrella stand or vintage display piece... If I can part with it, that is. :)

 I can't get enough of this thing!  

Weekend Wanderings and Yard Sale Finds in New Orleans

Another fun weekend of exploring New Orleans! and hitting yard sales and estate sales.  Here are a few shots from The Bywater - where we started our day. We love those funky old cottages.  Such character!

Love these yellow trumpet flowers against that raspberry colored cottage!

And of course we found some cool vintage stuff.  Green depression era glass dishes, fabulous white linen napkins (sold just hours after posted!), cool old 1970 French wine bottle with New Orleans import labels, an antique Singer oil can, and a Gold Imari Japanese Vase!

Probably a relish dish back in the day, but great for displaying rock, shell, or sea glass collections

almost art deco-looking in style



Also found these vintage linens from a woman who told us they belonged to her grandmother here in New Orleans.  Imagine the scrumptious meals these have seen!  They sold in my Etsy Shop immediately - I will be on the hunt for more!

Love the Fleur de Lis Pattern - very New Orleans



Hours of fresh laundering and ironing these vintage beauties.  Love them! 

Admittedly, I got into the Rose to help pass the time while I ironed... and yes, it helped!  :)


And this was just too good to be true - look at this little poser!

Then - on to an architectural salvage shop down the road.  Mounds and mounds of antique treasures! 

Does that say 1870?  Oh my!

Too bad I'm not remodeling a house right now, but we did manage to find a few gems in the small boxes in the back...

And here's a little find - a Gold Imari Vase!  Beautiful!  All hand painted - from Japan.  Check out those beautiful jades!!

We finally made it home - to a wonderful brunch cooked by my loving husband.  Lucky me!!