Weird and Wonderful
The legendary Addison girls have done it again. Twice a year, they stage fabulous Studio Sales at their Oakland shop, where they offer an eclectic assortment of European vintage items, often gathered from one of their antique-hunting trips to Paris. Each of the Addisons is a brilliantly talented artist, known for delightful letterpress designs as well as marvelous paper crafting and illustration.
When the announcement arrived in my mailbox a couple of weeks ago, I was powerless to resist… even the reality of arising before dawn could not keep me away! The beautifully letterpressed flyer read like poetry, promising a “Mysterious Accumulation of the Weird and Wonderful”: French silk ribbon, Victorian die cuts, unusual antique pigeon hole display case, fab vintage plastic alphabets, gilded picture frames and soooo much more!
Doug and I arrived an hour before opening, to see that a line of twenty or so people in raincoats and umbrellas had already formed in the morning drizzle. A favorite of professional paper crafters and antique collectors from around the San Francisco Bay Area, these sales are always well-attended. You truly never know what you may find, but you always know that it will be an unforgettable experience.
We came away with a bagful of treats sure to find a way into one of my next projects: a pair of porcelain figurines that will top the next birthday cake, antique rhinestone cabochons, an assortment of tiny beads, gilded paper Dresdens, a whole box of shimmering faux pearls and beads, vintage pipe cleaners, and rich damask fabric.
My mind is filled with possibilities, and I can’t wait to get out the paper and glue!
Oh how much fun! Wish you were here - tomorrow the big brocante at Chatou opens! I will take lots of photos. xo
Posted by: Paris Parfait | Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Howdy from Texas! I am Susan P. from Texas & I won the wonderful box of Peperment Twist goodies! I am embarrassed I have not sent you a thank you note yet. I have written the note a dozen times in my head & have visions of creating a one-of-a-kind hand made thank you but alas "life" has gotten in the way. I am a full time student; getting my Teaching certification. I am responding to the post regarding Addison in Oakland, C.A. My husband & I are traveling to San Francisco to visit a dear friend and was wondering if you have any other stores you might recommend us visiting. I have Addison Endnotes & Tail of the Yak on my list so far. Any recommendations from the Famous Brenda Walton would be greatly appreciated. I promise I'll get that fabulous thank you note sent off soon!
Thank you for sharing your passion & artistry with the rest of us!
Susan Parnell
Posted by: Susan Parnell | Monday, March 03, 2008 at 10:58 AM
What a fun treasure hunt!
Posted by: AnnetteD | Saturday, March 01, 2008 at 03:46 AM
Oh, that would be so much fun to attend!
Posted by: ruth | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 06:17 PM