Last Sunday was the annual Bric a Brac sale in Vitric St Vincent. I went along and parked the car next to some neighbours from the hamlet; they were only too happy to help me if the French got too complicated! I had a number of ornaments to sell, many that I had brought from South Africa and now have no space for. Also some blinds which I had bought for the kitchen here in France, forgetting that the windows open inwards, so the blinds did not work efficiently. From time to time, I get energetic and make African jewellery, so I decided that it was also time to put the entire production up for sale.
My car with the few items for sale. As I had a small area, the whole stand only cost me €3 which I would say was very good value.
A sample of my home made jewellery.
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My neighbour's stand. The beautiful oak chest in the front sold for a good price to a British woman, so on that occasion I was able to help them, especially as she had a very strong Scottish accent!
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A general view through the park; a small river runs through the centre.
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Yet another view.
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More neighbours were selling these lovely hand baskets.
All in all we had a really great day. Although a bit chilly first thing in the morning when we were setting everything up, the sun soon rose over the hill, so after that we all discarded bits of clothing until we were down to bare minimum; the temperature at mid-day was a tropical 34 degrees C (93.2F). We were then all trying to find a bit of shade in which to sit. The people in the shade of the trees were just fine, but we had the prime selling spot at the entrance (thanks to my neighbour) and there were no trees available there!! I was more than happy with the results of the day and sold all my jewellery, the blinds and a large number of ornaments. Financially, I was pretty pleased with myself :-)
I just love boot sales... it brings neighbors together and helps distribute wonderful things that might have lost value for the original owner. You capture that spirit beautifully!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen anything like this in Africa, probably 'cos I'm so antisocial ...
ReplyDeleteLove your home-made jewelry - it seems that there is quite a market for things African there?
Longpastremembered it was great fun, and it always a case of one man's meat is another man's poison! It amazes me what some people buy, David's comment was that most of the things for sale he would have sent to the dump!!Diane
ReplyDeleteGraham I had never seen anything like this in Africa either. The car boot sales are very popular in the UK, and here during the summer months. All African things seem to sell well here and the French are massive fans of Johnny Clegg. He quite often performs here. I could kick my self as I gave away one of their records when I left with all their autographs on. I may have made my fortune with it here :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane
I love these kinds of sales. I'm glad you were successful in selling the items you decided to part with. I must say I thought your jewelry was amazing. You have hidden talents, my friend. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteHave always enjoyed going to sales where people come to one location to sell. It seems almost like a festive occassion. Glad you had a fun day and profitable too. Not surprised your jewelry sold - it is very lovely. The African continent looks like an animal's head. - I would have bought that one for sure.
ReplyDeleteMary not a lot of talent is needed, just the material and a bit of patience! (Something I normally have none of!) I brought a lotof bits with me when I left S.A. so just have to find the time to do it:-) Have a good day Diane
ReplyDeleteMya glad you liked the jewellery, maybe I will put some up one day as a gift on the blog. Just have to get working at it again! Diane
ReplyDeleteThis IS my kind of sale. If I'd made any money I'd have spent it there. Or maybe some trades with fellow vendors. I really like your jewelry and am not surprised it all sold.
ReplyDeleteGround squirrels have no stripes on their faces like the smaller chipmunks do.
Gaelyn thanks for pointing out the difference between the squirrel and chipmunk. I have never seen a chipmunk so this is quite new to me.
ReplyDeleteThe money filled up my car fuel tank, diesel is not cheap here any more! (€60 just vanished). What was left over I spent on me, something I seldom do:-) Diane
I love this kind of gig. Seems the French have taken to it with gusto!
ReplyDeleteVide Grenier's seem to pop up everywhere. Back in the UK it's Car Boot sale.
Spend the cash wisely, a good burgundy seems sensible to me!
Enjoy the weather.
R
What a fun sale! I could literally spend hours pouring over the treasures there. Your jewelery is lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good day out, and you sold your jewellery too!
ReplyDeleteWell done on selling everything! Love the look of your jewellery, so I'm not surprised that it all sold.
ReplyDeleteI love sales like that. Your jewelery is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very pleasant and profitable way to spend a day.
ReplyDeleteThe social aspect is appealing - getting to meet new faces.
Leon
Rob a good burgundy would have been just great but my car was in need of liquid as well so a lot of the cash went to gazole!! Diane
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised you sold it all Diane as it is really lovely stuff you made.
ReplyDeleteFaith they are great fun even if you don't but or sell. Everyone is there and it is a great get together. Diane
ReplyDeletechaiselongue It was a good day out and I was pleased to sell most of what I took. Diane
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan for the comment, I was happy to have sold all the jewellery. Diane
ReplyDeletePam it was a good day out and I was very happy with the result. Diane
ReplyDeleteLeon I am a person who is very fond of my own company, but I do enjoy a social day like that, especially amongst the French who I find are such lovely people. I have some wonderful French friends, I just wish my French would improve but memory is a problem nowadays!!!!!!! Diane
ReplyDeleteThanks Joan, I have quite a good supply of African bits and pieces, I now have to find the time to make some more. Everything is here in France, but perhaps I should take it back to the UK where I have less to do. Diane
ReplyDeleteIt's great when you sell everything you brought with so congrats :))
ReplyDeleteThanks Philip, I have to say I was more than happy with the day. Diane
ReplyDeleteThis is so great and looks like a lot of fun also. Way to go with your sales and wish we had something like this here.
ReplyDeleteSo, you had a fine, sunny day, spent in a picturesque park, and spent little money to bring home much more while cleaning out your house. Yes, it sounds like a day to be pleased with yourself, indeed!
ReplyDeletePam it really was a good day, and a good way to get rid of bits and pieces that are sitting in boxes in obscure corners! I thought you had yard sales like this over there. Diane
ReplyDeleteMarjie you have said it perfectly. It was a great day. Diane
ReplyDeleteThe jewellery was lovely. When you think that each piece is both unusual and unique, I am not suprised you sold it all.
ReplyDeleteI love vide-greniers and brocantes. Always a good day out and the chance of a bargain. Not to mention a sausage and frites, too !!
Thanks Jean for your comments. Your own jewellery is stunning so if you want to make some pocket money you know what to do! Diane
ReplyDeleteWell I am very impressed with your home-made jewellery!
ReplyDeleteYou're very gifted!
Quite a reward with this sale!!
BRAVO!!!
Cheers, Diane, have a great day!
Love the jewelry! Nice day!
ReplyDeleteNoushka, thanks. I will have to get busy and make some more for next year:-) Diane
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie, yes it was a nice day all round. Diane
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good day Diane. Think you should make more jewellery - it looks lovely.
ReplyDeletelooks like the kind of fete I love rumaging around - my eyes were immediately drawn to that chest!!!
ReplyDeletewell done for selling everything and not bringing home more than you took!!
Marianne that is the plan, to make more jewellery for next year. I just have to get my act together!! Diane
ReplyDeleteRoz that chest was lovely but.... I made a point of not looking too hard at any of the stalls to avoid buying anything. Not easy, but I am selling to try to make space..... Diane
ReplyDeleteGlad to know your business went well. :-) Your jewellery is lovely.
ReplyDeleteAs to your new header shot: WOW! Truly amazing!
Thanks JM. Must make some more jewellery for next year:-)
ReplyDeleteAs for the header shot it was quite a storm!! Diane
Lovely jewellry. The bric a brac sale looks like it was fun. So sorry I missed it, lol.
ReplyDeleteJoyful the bric a brac was fun and a good day was had, I think, by everyone. Thanks for the comment on my jewellery. Diane
ReplyDeleteWe are busy unpacking our boxes after having major renovations done at home. I actually told my wife this weekend that we need to go and pull our car up at a boot sale place and get rid of some of the things.
ReplyDeleteFirefly, it amazes me what people buy, many things that I would take to the dump you see people buying :-) It seems to be very successful. We had a garage sales in Joburg Put ads up a week in advance and they seemed to work a treat. Diane
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