In Search Of Interesting Old Treasure...........

With planting being bought to a swift halt due to a change in the Moon, I decided to have an hour or two wandering one of the local antique fairs at the week-end.
Apart from deriving an immense amount of pleasure from the garden, as friends and family will know only too well, I also have a passion about hunting around junk shops and antique markets!!!
The fun, for me being when I find treasure at a very good affordable price!
With the stream of TV programmes over recent years, it has become much harder to find bargains!
These days I no longer buy just because I like something, it has to have a practical use and purpose!
I love old kitchen items as long as they are in good condition, feeling something old compliments the new and brings not only character to a room but a tale of one kind or another from a previous life!
Of course, the tale very often is not known, however, wondering about the previous owner and their life can prove just as interesting!
I also collect old fabrics, particularly linen when I can find it and trimmings, tassels, buttons and ribbons.


I found this lovely old wire basket which looks great on our kitchen table!
I have already used it for oranges and lemons and used it to display cookery books!

I was also lucky enough to find this beautiful Liberty carving, dating back a 100 years or more.
Such a beautiful face, I found it quite beguiling!
Now wondering whether to place it above an internal door frame or mirror!!!
What a lovely lovely morning!
Happy hunting!!!
 

New Olive Board

 
During my recent travels around this beautiful area of Northern Tuscany, I stumbled across an interesting, colourful character making lovely chopping boards from Olive wood.
The one that really caught my eye was this amazing metre long design.

Love the idea that each one is unique, not only in shape but also bearing rings of time and individual knots and gnarls, giving it character.           

The craftsman has used the natural curves of the wood to craft the shape, which all lends itself to this amazing elevated board, so it tapers away underneath.

I have found plenty of smaller ones but this size really is fab!

I couldn't resist, thinking it will be perfect for serving salami, cheese, bread, figs and nuts, a great centre piece for the kitchen table!  
How about using smaller olive boards instead of plates to give a rustic 
theme ?!
If anyone is interested email me at vita.uk@btinternet.com
I shall be placing an order but have to allow time for them to be made!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!
Welcome to my new Blog! The place where I will write a weekly blurb on interesting information I stumble across during my travels and whilst driving around Lunigiana, this stunning area of Tuscany.

Tomorrow I will carefully wrap the Christmas tree decorations in tissue, returning them to their box for another year.
The last signs of a wonderful Christmas spent at home celebrating with my family almost at a close.
Hole dug in readiness to plant the tree, with the hope that it's roots will spread and we can enjoy seeing it grow outside the kitchen window!

An exciting time, the beginning of a bright New Year, a time to make new plans and resolutions!
Eat less, exercise more, always at the top of the list!
However this year  I really want to write more.
A passionate photographer I am totally inspired by this stunning area of Northern Tuscany. My plan is to write a regular Blog connected to my website, to inspire and offer ideas and information to whoever is interested. Information about local artisans, thoughts on interior design, places to buy useful items for the home in Lunigiana and surrounding area of Tuscany.
As well as pass on information about houses and rental properties, and quite honestly anything else of interest I may stumble across whilst on my travels!
Please dip in when ever you fancy and comment or contribute your own ideas.
I am looking forward to the New Year, wish you fun and laughter as well as good health and success in all you do!