Spring Vintage : Easter Markets in Germany

Happy Spring!! 

Saturday, my family and I visited the Easter Market in Eberbach, Germany. 

It was amazing! 

Take a look at the unique vintage containers used to display eggs--

Old trays

Vintage chocolate molds

Antique egg baskets

Vintage wooden serving trays. I
 love the idea of filling them with grains.

Vintage Box with leather straps

                                                      Vintage tin chocolate egg mold's

Old garden planting trays with moss bedding

                                                                   Variety of baskets

Birds nest style basket

                                                           Vintage Christmas ornament boxes

Tea light candle holder

Unique eggs on mini cake plates and candle holders.

I loved that you could purchase your own different size eggs to decorate!

Our family split up at the beginning.  It was so crowded that it worked best for us to team up.My daughter and I stopped at this one booth and the lady showed us the step by step process to the Batik method. Here is a photo below of the 8 step process:

We had the hardest time narrowing down which egg to purchase. I really wanted to buy the red one you see in the middle with the two hearts. But my daughter really wanted me to buy a different one. After several minutes, we finally decided on one with 2 small bunnies. 

Little did I know that minutes before I even saw it, my husband had purchased that VERY SAME egg. I had no idea he purchased an egg for me. When we all met up to head home, my son noticed that my box was the same as the box my husband got me. When I wasn't looking they switched out the boxes.  My husband asked me to take a look at my egg and see if the stand he bought fit it. When I opened my box (thinking it was the one of the bunnies I purchased) it was the egg with the HEARTS! 

Of ALL the eggs at this entire market- how is it that he purchased the one egg I had wanted? 

He knows me so well..... Love! 

There is a poem on the back of each of the eggs this artist designs. I just can't remember what this one says! =) 

So glad I took these photos so I can remember exactly where my "love" egg came from! 

As you set out your Spring  decor, think about the unique ways you can use your flea market finds to display your eggs! 

I have a set of wooden, hand painted eggs in my dough bowl on the kitchen island. 

I love using natural elements in decorating. It's cheap, and it's easy to find. 

 What unique items do you use for seasonal decor?

Second hand shops in Europe

Have you ever wanted to know what's really in those second hand shops in and around France, Belgium and Germany? 

These second hand shops are packed with furniture of all kinds! Many little trinkets, and lots of dishware.  No clothes in these shops! 

Located all over Europe, these shops are easy to find and stop in during your travels. 

Most of the shops are consignment shops. Prices are average to high depending on the item. If an item has been in the shop a long time you can sometimes ask for a discount. But this is not a flea market style establishment. The prices are set by those consigning.

You never know what you will find! 

 Always look the piece over before you buy for damage, mold or worm holes.

Some of the shops offer delivery to the Ktown area. You can also purchase an item, pay for it, and come back in a week to pick it up.

The shop keepers have the keys to cabinets at the front.  You will have to ask them for the key if you want to look inside a piece. So if it's locked, head up to the front and ask. 

You can find a wonderful piece at an affordable price in these shops! 

Some antique pieces are priced at value. If you truly love the piece - GO for it!

If you are looking for lamps, or chandeliers, ask if they work. Sometimes they have it written down if it's been tested. I have purchased 2 before. One worked great- the other didn't. Sometimes it's a hit or miss. But the shop keepers will do their best to help you!

Go during the week when its less crowded. Some shops are open Sundays from 2-6pm.


Once in a while you find some cool signs like this- but not usually. This sign was 300 euros. But it was about 4ft tall. =)

So visit the left toolbar on the blog and check out some of the second hand shops! 

Have fun! 

Paris Flea Market - Porte de Vanves

I visited the market in Paris that is just down south a bit. It's a lovely Market.  I decided to skip the large one (St. Ouen ) since it's SOOOO overpriced.  The prices here were pretty good! It's hard to buy stuff and take the metro unless you are prepared. You have to carry everything. =) But if you drive it's easy. I personally do not care for driving in Paris. It was February when I went, and cold. Dress warm! 

click here for more info: Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

Address: Avenue Georges Lafenestre and Avenue Marc Sangnier, 14th arrondissement 
Metro: Porte de Vanves (Line 13)
Tel: +33 (0) 6 88 64 82 77
Hours: Open: Every weekend all year long, 7am to 2pm. Entry is free.

                                                   There was a little bit of everything!

A friend of mine bought some Coco Channel Buttons, and some trinkets. I purchased some linen. Another friend purchased some vintage luggage.

It's always entertaining to visit these markets! Everyone has such a great time. Vendors spend the morning chatting, or playing cards with each other.

                                             Worth the visit if you are in Paris!