I love Paris in the Springtime...

Doing the Country Living Fair was such a draining experience I really felt the need to get away for a while, so Mr.T. and I decided on a whim to book a little hotel in Paris! This wonderful statue of the poet Sir John Betjamin stands on the upper level of St. Pancras International, where we caught the Eurostar train to the Gare du Nord, a journey of just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The hotel in Montmartre was just perfect, small and intimate, in a cobbled square with trees and benches and a fountain, and right next door to the building known as 'Le Bateau Lavoir', where Picasso amongst others had his studio back in the early 1900's.

A pavement cafe on the corner was a popular spot for visitors to take their ease and admire the fine view over the rooftops of Paris.

A few flights of steps up from the hotel and you enter the Place du Tertre with more wonderful pavement eateries, particularly atmospheric at night.

No trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, again great to view after dark when it's all lit up....

Suffice to say we both had a blissful time - just what the doctor ordered - and we hope to make a return trip very soon......

Back to the shop.... and things are looking more springlike for Easter....

These delightful bunnies....

and mice are handmade by Chloe Cyphus using antique French linen and other gorgeous fabrics.

Some more views of the shop....

A close-up of a necklace by Louise Taylor-Bowen, made up of vintage crochet lace and other recycled bits, truly one-of-a-kind.

Victorian silver-plated Berry spoons

This mermaid is made from pure sheep's wool by Jane Eyers from Totnes, and embellished with beautiful ribbons on the tail and a beaded necklace

Two of Angela's vintage Liberty fabric Suffolk puff corsages

and one of Jane's Victorian girl butterfly fairies

Jane, Gertie and I hope to welcome lots of you to our second Homespun Easter Fair on Bank Holiday Monday, 10.30am - 3.30pm at Portscatho Memorial Hall, (there will be signposts in the village), where there will be loads of gorgeous vintage goodies on offer plus oodles of delicious cake! The shop will also be open all day, 10.30 - 5.30, so come and enjoy a fun day out at the seaside!