{market memo} old spitalfields antique market

Last Thursday I spent the morning combing the aisles of the Old Spitalfields' antique market. I can't believe that it took me so long to get out to a London treasure trove! Perhaps Paris's Vanves Market was that good?

I really enjoyed hunting at Old Spitalfields despite it feeling more commercial than traditional markets. Well actually, the location is where markets (previously food) have been held since the 1800's. So it is traditional but today a modern shopping center surrounds the historical square.

What's nice is that the market was totally manageable in size for a morning visit. The vendors were super friendly and there was a little bit of everything for all curiosities. I was hoping for some more furniture since that's where my head is at but no such luck. I did however find some great pieces for future projects and a few knick knacks for the home like my first English tea cup!

I'll definitely go back soon and also take advantage of its proximity to the famed indie shopping street, Brick Lane. There is much to see and do in this town!

Descriptions + more photos here!

Pick of the Week: Pushpins

Autumn is here and even though I live in LA, I know how lovely fall folliage is. I spent a semester at the University of Rhode Island my junior year of college (yep, RI, and it was awesome!) where I indulged in all things New England: sailing, clam chowder, basement keggers, and admiring the reds and oranges that lined the views everywhere you looked.

This pushpin set makes me yearn for a long walk to find the perfect leaves to adorn my bulletin board. I can just see the speckled colors popping behind these textured mini-buttons...

Don't live where the leaves are a-changin'? No fret. Vintage button pusphins are always great for posting favorite items ... or not as they look great on their own too.

ANAMU: Pick of the Week

Once a week I'll gush about an ANAMU accessory that is for sale on my Etsy shop. I'll tell you why I love it, provide some "making of" insights and, and maybe even entice you to buy it!

Kicking things off with a Vintage Button Magnet Set of 5.

I love this set in particular because it reflects my taste the most. There's a perfect balance of soft and hard lines, feminine and masculine details, and the colors can compliment nearly any background. These buttons have just the right amount of wear and tear on them too...really playing to their vintage appeal.

Eons ago I set out to buy vintage buttons to serve as pillowcase closures. Never got around to doing that but I did test the buttons out as rings and ultimately decided they would make awesome magnets too. I was standing in the kitchen,  eating cereal and staring at the random magnets we've accumulated over the years. Thought...I know it's just a fridge but I want something pretty/cool to look at while I eat like a soldier (my mom's saying for eating upright).

Easy enough right? Stick a button on a magnet and presto. It's almost that simple. These vintage magnets have metal shanks (the protruding loop the thread goes through) and they need to be removed so the buttons lay flat on each magnet.

First I cut the shank off with metal shears (actually, I think they are gardening shears but it works!) and then I sand the remaining metal off so the back is as smooth as possible. No, no sand paper here...I use an electric mini-sander that spins like a maniac. Does the job but it creates so much metal particle dust that a face mask is usually in order.

After that then it's glue and then presto!

There's plenty more I have in mind for buttons but it may require learning to solder. Very excited about that but for now I'll let the magnets have their moment in the sun.