FINDINGS OF A MAGPIE

Are you looking for inspiration for a Valentine's gift? We love the handcrafted designs by Catriona McCambridge at Orio. Her 'Findings of a Magpie' collection is based on the use of 'new to me' materials including previously-loved clothing, buttons and brooches. Choose from cuffs, necklaces, brooches and hair accessories.

Catriona sells her beautiful creations on Etsy but they are also stocked by the exclusive Una Rodden boutique in Belfast and The Boudoir in Dungannon, and on February 6th they will also be available to purchase at Frock Around The Clock.

The Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair is on Sunday 6th February which takes place at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast from 11am to 4.30pm. Admission costs £5 for adults and £3 for seniors and students. See http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/ for more information.

PIMP MY PLATE

We can't get enough of pretty vintage china at our vintage fairs so lucky for us that we have a new seller coming along to our February outing of Frock Around The Clock with a new take on an old idea.

Me Auld China will be travelling from Dublin to Belfast on 6th February with their stash of china cake-stands created from authentic vintage matching and mismatched crockery, and we can't wait to get our hands on them!

Me Auld China use plates from Edwardian times through to the Art Deco period to make single, double or triple tiered cake stands of all shapes and sizes, with patterns ranging from shabby chic to vintage elegance.

All cake stands made by Me Auld China are one-of-a-kind, ensuring that your purchase is truly unique and individual. And if you want something a little more personal you can opt for their 'Pimp My Plate' service to give your old plates a new lease of life. A lovely idea if you have sentimental or heirloom pieces of china that you want to showcase.

You can contact Me Auld China from their website or from their facebook page. Better still, come along and meet them at the Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair on Sunday 6th February which takes place at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast from 11am to 4.30pm.

Admission costs £5 for adults and £3 for seniors and students. For more information visit http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/.

LIMITED EDITIONS

Rita Hayworth © Sara O'Neill

Not only can you find the most fabulous collection of vintage clothing, jewellery and homewares at Frock Around The Clock, but Northern Ireland's leading vintage fair is also home to a hotbed of home-grown and talented designers.

One of the latest people to bring their talents along to Frock Around The Clock is fashion stylist and illustrator Sara O'Neill who will be selling illustrative artworks that range from beautiful images of vintage icons emanating raw emotion to modernist portrayals of contemporary idols.




Sophia Loren © Sara O'Neill





Billie Holiday © Sara O'Neill





Girl With The Gun Earring © Sara O'Neill





The Face, July 1990 © Sara O'Neill


If this taster has left you hungry for more, you will be able to satisfy your appetite for Sara's limited edition prints at the next Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair. But hands off Rita, she's mine!

Frock Around The Clock

Sunday 6th February, 11am - 4.30pm

@ Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HS

Admission: Adults £5, Seniors & Students £3

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN

After a long break from blogging over the Christmas and New Year period I'm back for the countdown to our first vintage fair of 2011. Frock Around The Clock will take place on Sunday 6th February and we can't wait! In past years the February fair has been the busiest of the year so we are gearing up for a fabulous time.

There are lots of updates coming over the next couple of weeks to let you know what's in store for vintage lovers, but first here is our Events Calendar for 2011.

Sunday 6th February - Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair

Sunday 6th March - The Retro Rooms Show - Vintage Interiors & Design

Sunday 3rd April - Totally Bazaar - Vintage & Handmade Fair

Sunday 12th June - Decadence Vintage Bridal Fair

Sunday 2nd October - The Retro Rooms Show - Vintage Interiors & Design

Sunday 6th November - Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair

Sunday 4th December - Totally Bazaar - Vintage & Handmade Fair

We haven't booked any of our summer dates yet as we are still looking for a venue, but I will keep you updated.

THE DAY WE WENT TO BANGOR

The first Seaside Frock Vintage Fair, held at Cairn Bay Lodge on 5th December was a great success. Despite the icy weather conditions we had a fantastic turnout of visitors who came to sample some Christmas cheer in the atmosphere of yesteryear.

On the day over £500 was raised for the Kiwoko Hospital charity! A big thank you to everyone who was involved.

LET IT SNOW!

Sunday 5th December is going to be a fantastic day at Cairn Bay Lodge, Seacliff Road, Bangor when the Seaside Frock Vintage, Craft & Collectables Christmas Fair takes place from 12-5pm. Admission is free so you have no excuse not to wrap up in your winter woolies and make your way to Ballyholme for a day of vintage loveliness! Here is a preview of the exhibitors:

Salvage Kitten

Decadence

Arbee Cards

Norma Jean

Lulu Rose

Peggy Button

Bells and Bows

Strictly Vintage

Jennifer Robinson Jewellery

Annie Rose Vintage

Button It

Ani & Lulu's Cupcakery

Gifts In A Jar

The Folderol Dolls

Cairn Bay Lodge Gift Shop