The Great British Public (bless them all) ...

Well dear RRs and OVs, Shepton was not a great success for me.  The Great British Public was in a non-buying mood and nothing would shake them from it.  They picked up, turned over, opened, admired, asked the price and put things down again.  So it was as I thought - we are between seasons.  We all like to believe that we are individuals but the years have shown that actually we are herd animals.  Something affects us on a particular day - the weather, the economy, the time of year, bad news, good news - and we all collectively buy or do not buy together.  Hence I was not alone in having a slow day but at least the outside pitches managed to set up this time, unlike the last two fleas.

I did, however, get one piece of classic rudeness to add to my collection;  a lady picked up a knitted mince pie and showed it to her husband - 'lot of work in that' she said.  Then she noticed the label with the price on it (£4.50), harrumphed, and put it down again.  'Too much for that' she said and walked off.

That wasn't quite as irritating as an incident at Farnham.  Three ladies stood by my stall next to my green painted butler's tray (which I have decided to sell as I've bought several more).

 

One said to her friend 'you could rub that down and paint it over with Farrow and Ball paint'.  She's right, of course, flowers are not to everyone's taste, but sometimes I despair at how rude (a very few) people can be!

Now to recent purchases ...

My mother and I had a trip out to Bridport last Saturday morning and went round the street market.  I bought this very pretty brooch there.  I'm not sure what it's made from - fimo possibly - but the modelling and painting are lovely.

 Then, by chance, I came across this one at the Flea which is also made from the same material.

Also at the Flea I bought these wax flowers, probably from a Victorian or Edwardian bridal bouquet ....

And, as we seem to be on the theme of bunches of flowers, here are some vintage wired wool flowers which I bought at Shepton Flea a few months ago ...

I hope those give you all some inspiration for the long autumn evenings. They make me want to start off a whole new hobby!