Flea Market Fun

Being at the flea market last weekend brought back so many childhood memories. I adored when my grandmother would take me antiquing with her and can remember walking around the original Lakewood Antiques Fair in Atlanta helping her hunt for the many beautiful pieces she collected.

The original flea market is rumored to be the long established Marché aux puces, or the “Market with fleas”, in the northern suburbs of Paris. Origins of the term vary; either the people were so busy they looked as if they were hopping like fleas, or, quite possibly the vendors, shoppers and the goods had fleas. Regardless, today’s flea markets can be fun entertainment and sources for all kinds of treasures. It’s one bug you won’t mind being bitten by.

Scouting for unique pieces is a passion of ours, one of the things we all have in common, and the idea behind our name, Vintage Scout. As a matter of fact, to celebrate our anniversary each year we hold our very own “French Flea Market”. This September 19th, the Scouts will take a cue from our Parisienne friends and put our wares outside under tent for a charming day of sales, inspired design, and refreshments. You won’t want to miss it! Email us at info@vintagescout.com to be added to the invitation list for this event and all the other Scout fun and sales.

Romo and Oxfam

We love when we get a vendor who is philanthropic as well as can supply an amazing product. Romo Fabrics is one of these. The Scouts recently found out that this English purveyor of gorgeous fabrics is teamed up with Oxfam, a British charity, to support their project of renovating and supporting schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vintage Scout is proud to offer these contemporary fabrics and wallcoverings to our clients.

Things Are Looking Up

Barbara Berry Reflection Semi Flush Ceiling Fixture 15" diameter , $800

Audrey Flush Mount Fixture 16", $570

Here's a quick update for your home; replace those builders' grade or outdated ceiling fixtures with new modern ones.

It's a great way to add a little personality to a boring hallway, mudroom, or small foyer.

Square Flush Mount 14", $380

These are some of our favorite options. All come in different finishes.

The Green Fairy

The Scouts are intrigued by the resurgence of the ritual of drinking absinthe. It seems absinthe takes its name from the botanical identity of wormwood and dates back to the late 1700’s when a French doctor first came up with the concoction. In the mid 1800’s the potion became associated with the Parisian bohemian scene and was often featured in the paintings of Picasso and the like. It was the inexpensive imitations of the liquor that began to give absinthe the evil reputation that led to its banning in almost every country.

So what is modern absinthe really like? It is an anise flavored spirit, not a liqueur, as true absinthe is unsweetened. It has only been recently distilled again here in the United States, just since 2007. The ritual of preparing an absinthe cocktail is quite a production. A shot of the green spirit is placed in the bottom of a glass. A sugar cube is placed atop a slotted spoon which is laid across the rim of the glass and ice water is poured very slowly over it, so that the absinthe is diluted to a ratio of around 4:1, until the drink becomes very cloudy and white. With the increased popularity of absinthe, fountains are often used to disperse more than one cocktail at once. Note: there is no burning involved in the preparation of absinthe and it is certainly not a hallucinogen. However, it does contain a fair amount of alcohol, and if you drink too many of these, you WILL see the “Green Fairy” the next morning.

The Scouts have recently sourced our own paraphernalia for those of you wanting to explore the mystery and ritual of absinthe. All our wares are made in France and we currently carry a lovely pressed glass, two different specialized slotted spoons and a four spigot fountain. Why not have an absinthe party with a green theme? How perfect for Halloween. Swing by the studio and let us help you brainstorm a fun and unique event.

Monday is Laundry Day

We are super excited about our new line of fabrics, French Laundry. Inspired by vintage burlap feed sacks, yet improved for today's lifestyles, this assortment of textiles goes back to basics- a huge trend at this past market. Prices range from $38 to $66 a yard. The line also includes seven custom bedding collections and a range of chairs, sofa, ottomans and upholstered headboards. All the fabrics are available to see at the studio and furniture will be arriving soon. We know you will fall in love with this line as we have! C'est magnifique!

50% off, while they last

All our remaining Willow+Vine Pure Soy Candles are on sale, 50% off. Scents include Macassar Ebony, Olive Bamboo, Burl Willow, and Sweet Kenya.