Thursday 19 September 2013

Optimism and Vintage Seeking



It struck me recently that vintage fanciers are relentless optimists; each charity shop could conceal a pristine and worthy treasure, every flea market is rife with possibility and jumble sales are chaotic games of chance. We have all flicked our way through overcrowded racks of suspect garments or rifled determinedly in a box marked ‘50p’ just in case a treasure waits patiently unseen at the end of the trail. On coming up empty from a hunt we shrug our shoulders and reason that there have to be fruitless days in the name of balance and reason that we’ll have better luck next time out.

Treasure seeking is such a heady mix of possibility and stories that it is hard to resist - every find has had a life of it’s own before it comes to you and there lies so much of the appeal for me – endless promise.  The most mundane of objects could tell some of the most compelling histories; of themselves and of the hands they have passed through on their journey. Magpie tendencies can be troublesome - no matter how much space is on offer there are yet more curiosities to fill it with. Lately I have been slightly stricter with myself in what I buy; I’m a pushover and want to give a home to every orphaned teacup or woebegone book I see and can’t bear to think of them stuck on a shelf lonely and unloved, but that way hoarding lies! The funny thing is that less is more – a smidgeon of self-control is a beautiful thing – because now every treasure I decide to make my own feels more special for having passed the stringent ‘If I walk away from this will I regret it?’ test. I’m headed to Birmingham next week to one of my favourite hunting grounds for pretty old junk and I know I’ll relish every moment of the chase, I just hope that whatever I find will fit into my suitcase! 

Made.com just created a slightly tongue-in-cheek TV advert about how the makers of their furniture find the designs absolutely irresistible, they asked me to share it - and what I find irresistible - with my readers. If you've been dropping by Beautiful Clutter for a while you'll know I'm an incorrigible book fondler and page sniffer so the video struck a real chord with me, let me know what you think!


30 comments :

  1. That video made me chuckle :) I'm a librarian & when I get a moment away from the hustle & bustle of the desk that's what I'm like with the books :) As for vintage shopping you can't appreciate the highs if you haven't experienced the lows! Good luck in Birmingham..you'll have to pass on some tips & recommendations!

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  2. Bahaha, LOVE that video. It's so good to have you back, I've missed your posts recently! Totally true, and beautiful photos. Can't wait to see you next week!

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  3. That is absolutely true I completely agree with you. I think vintagey people are very optimistic really. Very can-do too about cleaning things up or restoring them. It's a nice thing to think actually and would be great to apply that to life in general lol!!!! The ad is brilliant! x

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  4. I love how every time I read your blog I seem to step into a beautiful world of vintage little things and endless inspiration :) I love how you described flea markets at the beginning of the post, they truly must be places of wonder. I just wish there were more around where I live, I would love to explore my way around one :)

    All the best,
    Valeria

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  5. That's a lovely way to describe it :) Every charity shop I enters carries that promise of the amazing find, more often than not you're disappointed but there's always next time! xx

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  6. I never thought of myself as an optimist! I will now...how very fun.
    Oh, the video is amazing and so well done...thanks for sharing.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I always enjoy reading yours.
    Linda

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  7. We have a lot in common, Jem! I quite often run back to get something i thought I could do without, then realise 10 mins later I can't!

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  8. when I've done vintage fairs in the past I've always had baskets of treasure for people to rummage through, they love it!! and I do to!

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  9. that teacup is the prettiest thing i've ever seen! i love vintage fairs, they are so fun!

    lindsey louise

    hellomrrabbitblog.com

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  10. I'm such a page sniffer too! This is a beautiful campaign and really inspires me to check out my local reworked and second-hand haunts ♥ Claire at Jazzpad

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  11. I too love flea markets. I'd buy more if I could but I lack the space. :/ I only allow myself to buy 1-2 things and only if I will use them or if they are better than their modern counterparts.

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  12. I am so happy to have discovered your blog! :) Can't wait to have a proper sit down and read, looks like my cup of tea xxx

    teacupsandfairywishes.blogspot.co.uk

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  13. Hey Jem, it's been too long since I dropped by! You are SO right about thrifting and being positive, I am always living in the clouds believing that everything has the potential to be something great! And as for the video - I do that to my coffee when I'm left alone with it!!

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  14. Absolutely love the tea cup and saucer, will have to keep optimistic about finding my own.

    Love your blog.

    http://tastingtheworldwithme.blogspot.co.uk/

    x

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  15. Hey Jem, my heart is absolutely with the forever hunt for the golden egg of treasures, and just when I think I have found it yet another comes along! Our home is bursting too! The video- soo true this is me with books, candles, fabric, wool......... Lovely to stop by your lovely blog!

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  16. ~ LOVE the thought of orphaned 'tea cups' goodness i have many....hehe!
    Popped in from , Wolves at the door, to say hello....Twinkles and kindest thoughts ****** Maria x

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  17. I really admire people who are really dedicated to seeking out those treasures - I love vintage things but it's so much work to hunt for them!

    http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com

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  18. Nice post! GA is also my biggest earning. However, it
    big fish online games

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  19. LOVE IT! You always find the nicest things my dear. :) xxxxx

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  20. oh my, this is just amazing! your blog is so lovely :)
    xx

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  21. Ha! I love the video! And can we talk about that tea cup?! Seriously. So cute!

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  22. Just fallen completely in love with your blog!!

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  23. Wow what beautiful china- I love miss matched vintage china, so pretty.

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  24. Just wanted to say that I discovered your blog recently, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I hope you come back to this in your own time, because your unearthed treasures have been a spot of beauty in my day.

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  25. This is such a pretty post. I'm also a massive hoarder of junk, lol - but hey! At least your never low on stuff to make your house look pretty. Love the blog :)

    Fifi x
    www.Fifisdiary.com

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  26. Hey! Maybe you want to win a x-mas card from Sweden? More info here: http://blueskyylar.blogspot.se/2014/12/rozdanie-swiateczne-kartki-ze-szwecji.html Skylar :)

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  27. Great photos, i love that advert!

    Check out my MAC Cinderella giveaway!
    http://www.abigailalicex.com

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  28. Hi Jem, I haven't been in blog land for a while, so just catching up!! As always love your posts!

    Sophie

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  29. That ad is brilliant!

    http://www.abigailalicex.com

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  30. I love love love love everything vintage! SO pretty. That video made me laugh, loved it xx

    hannie ; huemorist.blogspot.com

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