Mrs Stokes Vintage China

LOVE FOOD FESTIVAL/BLIND LEMON VINTAGE

2011-10-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? It's nearly Halloween and time for all those little kiddies to come round dressed in their mothers' black tights and little leotards wearing skull masks while they ask for sweets (or when I lived in London, £5 notes). I do not have children so I can only imagine the stress that fancy dress must cause parents at this time of year - first ghouls, then the dreaded Nativity only weeks later. It must be a relief if your child gets to play one of the Shepherds at the school play because at least you can use the old sheet they wore as Caspar the friendly ghost for trick or treating and turn it into something holy with a teatowel round their head.

Anyway this weekend is going to be full of all kinds of freakishness but all kinds of events too, like Love Food's special Halloween fair at Paintworks in Bristol. Lorna who organises it does a majestic job of creating family friendly events with a very cool edge, so this weekend she's booked spooky arts and crafts face painting, pumpkin carving and a fancy dress competition as well as all the usual delicious food. I was at the Bath Love Food at the beginning of the month at Green Park - here are some pictures from it. It's nice to see Green Park being used properly and full of life on a day other than the Farmer's Market.

Love Food Festival in Bath, October 9th

The lovely Ally came along too, check out her blog, Of Cake and Science

Dick Willow's Cider Bar. I did not get to sample it but it looks GOOD

I didn't spend the whole day working my stall at Love Food that day though. Mr Stokes came down and gave me some time off to go and have a look at the Blind Lemon Vintage Fair at the Guildhall organised by the dapper Edwin Dyson (below). He's a Nottingham lad and I like that because that is where I went to University.

Edwin Dyson organises Blind Lemon Fairs

Gotta get one of these signs for It's darling! Vintage & Designer-Makers' Fair

The amazing chandeliers in the upstairs room at The Guildhall

And here come the traders:

Cock-A-Doodle Vintage:

A dressing up dream

Cock-A-Doodle Vintage will be at the Bath VA this weekend (30th October) as will I. And don't forget to put the 19th and 20th November in your diary for the Christmas It's darling! Vintage & Designer-Makers' Fair at the Guildhall (but not in the room with those gorgeous chandeliers)

BATH VINTAGE & ANTIQUES MARKET

2011-09-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

After a great night in watching the tears and the tantrums of X-factor with Mr Stokes, whom I felt I'd been badly neglecting in the name of crockery, it was up early on Sunday for my first time selling china at the Bath Vintage and Antiques Market, organised by the lovely Naomi Knight. I'd had a tearoom there for the first two month's but a lack of resources (mainly easily reachable water source and tables) meant it was too tricky for me to do and best left to a catering company with all the gear.

The Concourse at Green Park Station busy with Bath VA traders - I'll be in on here for October

I shuffled up, bleary eyed, about 8am to find the whole place (Green Park Station) busy with stallholders unloading transit vans full of oak wardrobes, old telephones, vintage clothes and to my amazement (and disappointment?) loads and loads of vintage china. It seems everyone has gone crazy for selling it.

Still all the business books say competition is good so I set up my stall and felt pleased that I managed to make it look presentable. The good thing about having a market stall is that you can create a new shop display each time you unpack. The bad thing is that you have to unpack. And when you are unpacking china that means hundreds of separate bubble-wrapped precious items one after the other. How I envy textile makers who can throw things in bags and baskets and they look so wholesome.

My stall at the Bath VA with my mum's handmade bunting

I'm taking another stall there on the 30th October and hopefully in November and December too as I'm making it my regular Bath outlet, along with selling sets in The Canary Cafe in Queen Street. My October calendar is a bit bare for fairs though so if anyone knows of good ones, please let me know.

MY FAVOURITE FAIR STALL (APART FROM MY OWN)

Vintage Telephones - oldphones@btinternet.com

MISS B'S POP UP BOUTIQUE IN BOX

2011-09-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

When I moved to the South West just over a year ago, there were very few vintage/handcraft fairs, especially not in Bath. Everyone I met there talked wistfully of the old Saturday antiques market at the Tramshed as if Bath had once had a heyday, never to be repeated. The only fair that anyone talked about was The Original Vintage and Handmade Fair in Chipping Sodbury, which I visited once and which was very busy, chock full of amazing stalls and a lot of ladies fighting over fabric.

My friend Becky and I wanted somewhere we could sell our products (she makes teacup candles). We couldn't get stalls at Chipping Sodbury so we decided to start our own fair, the It's darling! fair, a mix of vintage and handmade sellers in the Bath Guildhall. We loved doing it although it was extremely hardwork, but the traders we met are wonderful and each fair (we've had four over a year and a half) has been a success, certainly in terms of its awareness.

This year we're delighted to see that there are so many more events spring up, all with different creative twists.

Today, for example, I had a stall at Miss B's Pop Up Boutique and Vintage Tea Party at the Selwyn Hall in Box, just outside Bath. I have no idea who Miss B is, I suspect she might be ficticious.

Miss B's flyer

It was organised by a group of ladies I'm just getting to know, who meet informally for a knitting group each week and who all have their own busy careers, but who fancied putting together a kind of clothes swap with a difference. They asked their friends to buy a rail and to sell their cast-offs, plus invited stallholders like myself to participate too.

I love what they did with the hall, which on a hot day, could have been very oppressive with its blood-red walls. However, Joanna, one of the organisers, made the most fantastic bunting - all in one long length - that criss-crossed the entire hall and gave it a wonderful, festive, extremely English feel.

Selwyn Hall, Box with Joanna's one-length bunting

Joanna is obviously very talented because as well as being a one-woman bunting machine, she has also started making/upcycling upright lamps which are beautiful. I want one! She was selling them for £95 each which I think is such a bargain.

Wish I was this clever!

The main focus of the day was the clothes but I didn't get much of a chance to have a rummage. It looked like everyone was having fun looking for a bargain though and I thought it was a good idea for an event, as it gave it a homely, wholesome feel, a cross between a jumble-sale and a swish.

Bagging a bargain

I was lucky enough to have quite a lot of space as someone next to me didn't turn up so I made full use of it and tried out using my 1970's magazine rack as way of alternating the height of the china displayed on the table.

My stall at Miss B's

The lighting in the hall combined with my flash has made these pictures look really 1960s/1970s!

I wasn't the only non-clothes-rail seller though. Some others that were there were:

Debbie from Jumble Jelly, her haberdashery in Bradford on Avon

Kaz Lammie (left) and her original prints

Flower headbands from Fairyglass

Kay Tanna and her handmade brocade from Something Different

I was also really happy to see my friends The Pop Up Parlour there, the vintage makeover stylists who work with me when I run vintage tea parties, The Secret Tea Party.

Eleanor from Pop Up Parlour

AND FINALLY.......

RATE THE CAKES

I give 'em 10/10

This weekend in Bristol

2011-04-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

I've been having a good old think about how best to take the world of Mrs Stokes this year. I started off with a street stall in Union Street in the centre of Bath, which I had to pay for everyday and which demands 6 day a week attention. I really enjoyed it, but it was very hard work and the figures didn't really add up to me becoming a millionaire any time soon so Mr Stokes wondered if I'd be better off using my time to promote www.mrsstokes.com and www.thesecretteaparty.com and of course www.itsdarlingfair.co.uk. I'm still thinking about trying Union Street again though, now that the weather is drier and warmer, the city is flooded with tourists and now that I have a van!

My stall at the show - loved the larger size, so liberating! I had some non-vintage things there too, like novelty watering cans (right of pic) as it was a Garden Show and I didn't come across any vintage equipment

For the next few months I'm going to try selling at various fairs instead and try and boost my website which has been sadly neglected over recent months. My first fair was this weekend in Bristol in Broadmead, called The Garden Life Show.

Now, I have to admit I did have cold feet about this one, as it was quite expensive to do and it slowly dawned on me that actually it wasn't really a fair or a show at all, but street trading in Bristol's forgotten high street (everyone goes to Cabot Circus now). And I was right, in a way, because no-one who came to my stall seemed to realise that there was anything special going on at all - they all kept asking what was happening. So it was quite disappointing that the organisers (Bristol Evening Post) hadn't really spread the word, although being one of the organisers of the It's darling! fair, I can sympathise. Sometimes you can go really heavy on promotion and still people don't seem to know about it.

The main event - Mrs Stokes' China Teasets

It wasn't all bad though. The people who did come through were really lovely, bought things (always good), took my card and seemed geniunely interested in what I was doing. For me one of the best things about the show, though, was that I had a huge space (10ft x 10ft) which when you usually sell on a 6ft by 2ft table was just genius. I also managed to persuade the guy from Lazy Lawns, an artificial lawn company, to give me an off cut of lawn to make it look like my stall was on grass in the middle of the city.

Check the artifical lawn

These Red Riding Hood picnic baskets were really popular

Under Construction for now!

2011-01-31T10:38:00.001-08:00

Mrs Stokes Vintage China blog is having a makeover and will be back with a brand new look very soon!

The Secret Tea Party - November 6th, location to be revealed!

2010-10-07T10:19:00.001-07:00

I've changed the date of the Secret Tea Party, from this weekend to November 6th, mainly because I was waiting for the fabulous artwork to be finished. And here it is....let me know what you think.

The Secret Tea Party...November 6th

2010-09-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

So, in one of my naively optimistic/brave/deluded moments I've decided to arrange an event that I'm calling "The Secret Tea Party." I've been inspired by London's "Underground Tea Party" blog by Miss Fairplay and Miss Lenoir, two fabulously creative women who hold stylish tea parties in a top-secret location - the details of which are only announced when you have booked.

I've arranged the date - Saturday November 6th - and booked the venue - a glamorous and intimate location in central Bath - and also asked Gemma Lye who runs the Bath agency, the House of Go Disco, to come along and tell us all how to do the perfect vintage hair style. She's super-glamorous and will bring along a hair stylist who will be able to give us a makeover there and then if we wish (although we'll need to pay a little extra on the day if we want to do that).

There'll also be bubbly, cake, tea and scones, a complimentary cup and saucer from me, plus I'll bring all my china along for some exclusive Mrs Stokes Vintage China shopping. Tickets are on sale now, either via the website from £15.00 or the Facebook page.

But will it work? I hope so, I really want to create a fun and sophisticated gathering, with sumptous treats to eat and drink, gorgeous china to enjoy (and buy if you wish), insider tips on perfect vintage glamour, great music and the chance for a little pampering and indulgence. I'm also quite new to Bath, so it will be a bonus to meet some lovely people too. What do you think?

Now that the party's over...

2010-07-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and wondered what to do with myself. You see, I've spent the last four months helping organise "It's darling!" Bath's Vintage and Handmade fair. I've been getting up early, jumping online to post messages on the blog or Facebook page, going into town to litter the place with leaflets and posters, meet up with Becky to chat through details, send of press releases to the press and worry worry worry. Now that's over, it's time to get back to what I'm really about - vintage china! So I wandered into Bath today and what did I find in the very first place I looked? Six darling trios with little rosebuds on them. I just had to buy them. So I did.

Suzanne Lenihan

2010-07-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

My mum is just fabulous. Her name is Suzanne Lenihan and she is amazingly talented at all things crafty, especially sewing - cushions, bunting, lavender bags, you name it, she makes it beautifully. I have sadly not inherited her talent - I don't have the patience - but she does and it shows. She is having a stall at It's darling! - Bath's first vintage and handmade fair that I am helping organise at The Guildhall in Bath on Saturday 17th July. Here are some pictures of some of the things you can buy from her, taken at her gorgeous Hampshire home - and I hope I have done them justice. If you want to know more, or buy something, do leave a comment here or email me or come to It's darling!

Beautiful Bunting

Beautiful Mum

Suzanne's handmade cushions

Lavender bag, lavender-filled cushion and painted trug

Teacosy, cushion and lavender bag

Roses are pink

2010-07-08T03:43:00.000-07:00

I'm rushing around, counting down to It's darling! fair today which is next Saturday. I was traipsing round the city yesterday, giving yet more flyers out and just generally telling everyone I met all about it. I better get on with organising my stall now. Luckily I've come across four of these lovely trios with pretty pink roses by Woods. I'll be bringing them along to the Guildhall - see you there?

Green Park Friday!

2010-07-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

So it was up bright and early for me and off to Green Park Station Market in Bath for the first of their Green Park Fridays. They're trying to create a buzz about the place, the first Friday of every month, and get a whole load of stallholders together who sell vintage and handmade. If anyone wants to join in, then get in touch with me and I can give you the details.

Teacups on the stall today

I've sold there on Fridays before and gave up on it because it was so quiet. However, with a few more sellers today, there was more of an atmosphere, especially in the morning, including a group of Japanese tourists, scurrying after a man with a flag. They swarmed round the stall at one point and I thought that the Mulberry handbag I covet so much could soon be mine. In fact I only sold a locket (a nice one though), so only enough for a Primarni bag this month.

And as is the way with my business, I ended up buying china today, not just selling it. Last week, Soleil who was looking after the stall for me, bought this lovely blue and white Victorian trio.

Today I ended up buying this lovely little milk jug and sugar bowl.

I'm also selling a gorgeous coffee/teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl for Becky Amesbury at the moment too - it's Meakin. So if you like any of the above or below, email me.

It's darling! Bath's Vintage and Handmade Fair

2010-06-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Did you know that I am helping to arrange It's darling!? It's a vintage and handmade fair at the Guildhall in Bath on July 17th. I'm putting it on with Becky from Purple Sparkle Crafts because we both realised that there was no-where central in the city to sell vintage and handmade items unless you have a shop - and the rents for those are very high. I sell my china on Saturdays at Green Park Station Market in Bath but it is a little off the main streets and if you were a visitor to Bath, you wouldn't realise it was there. So we have hired a room in the town hall, have already been in the local paper talking about it, have printed flyers, posted messages on websites, talked to journalists and generally told anyone within earshot who seems vaguely conscious! So if you are around that day, please come along - it's free, I will be there and so will Becky along with lots of other lovely ladies with goodies to tempt you with.

Here's the proof of our leaflet - see if you can spot them round the city!

Check us out on Facebook too, and on our blog. Join both for all the news and updates! And please come and see us on the day.

Observer Food Monthly uses Mrs Stokes' China!

2010-06-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago (16th May to be precise), the actress Dervla Kirwan appeared in the Observer Food Monthly with some of my china! Deputy Fashion Editor, Helen Seamons had been in touch with me to borrow some bits and pieces so she could create a "Mad Hatter's Teaparty." It's a fabulous shot, so sexy and beautiful and I was so honoured to be able to lend my things to the shoot. The credit is in tiny writing up the side of the picture but it is there, promise! Helen is a fantastic stylist, really one of the best. She said that Dervla loved the china too, so everyone was happy. If you need a freelance stylist you can contact Helen on helenseamons@yahoo.co.uk

Market Stall - This Season's Look

2010-06-02T00:45:00.000-07:00

My good friend Becky from Purple Sparkle Crafts took this picture of my stall at Green Park Station Market in Bath recently. You can see I've got slightly different boxes at the moment - they are a bit more colourful than the original ones. I love having a stall because it feels like, for a day at least, I have my own shop. But I don't want to commit to a shop right now because I don't want to get tied into high fixed rents. So I'll continue the market trader's life for a while - and try and sell my wares online of course!

Special cups from a sprightly lady

2010-05-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

So today I went to see Susan, a very agile 72 year old lady who really puts me to shame. She's never driven (I don't drive either) so has spent her whole life getting to places by foot or by bus (and so do I, but it hasn't given me the Su-Factor). And she is strong. She brought two bagfuls of china to me which filled up both my bike panniers and made me cycle from side to side like I was drunk. But she carried them from her home, on the bus and to the place where she works without complaining and then sat cross-legged on the floor and told me she felt a bit tired from the 4 mile hike she did yesterday. Ok, she might have been bragging a bit, but if I was her, I would too! Anyway, here is what she sold me.

This is a Foley trio that used to belong to her Grandmother who died in 1950 at the age of 82. Apparently her grandmother got these in 1908 when she married a man who already had children. Not sure why that is important but Susan told me it as if it were significant. It's a beautiful set, I have ten. They're a bit pricey because although Susan wanted to sell them, she was attached to them sentimentally and wants them to go to a good home. Click on the link below to find out more.

Mrs Stokes' Foley China Trios