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18 July, 2010

Fabulous Quimper Finds...or...My Little Piece of Frenchy Heaven!

IMG_2396 I am sooo excited to tell you about this week’s thrifting find! If you know me, you know that I am a big fan of Quimper ware…faïence or glazed pottery from the town of Quimper in the Brittany region of France. Well…I was at my favorite flea/antique market, when I stumbled across this…


IMG_2386 …lovely vintage Quimper plates and bowls in various sizes…stacks of them…


IMG_2387 …including a wonderful little cream pitcher, a lobed plate and two marvelous old serving bowls…21 pieces in all!


IMG_2395 So I picked up the pitcher to see its price…hmmm…$199 plus 20% off. I quickly did the math…$160. I wasn’t shocked, but that seemed pricey for a pitcher. So I began to pick up the other pieces…no prices on them. Could it be? Had I misread? Be still my heart! Yes…$160 for all 21 pieces! A single piece alone can cost much more than that!


IMG_2394Most of them are in excellent condition, but  a couple of the pieces had little chips…not unusual for plates this age… and, sadly, this wonderful old bowl had been broken…but lovingly glued back together. The glaze isn’t perfect on some of them, but my friend Sarah at Hyacinths for the Soul, a fellow Quimper lover with a fabulous collection, tells me that it is the result of a wood-fired kiln which indicates that they are truly vintage pieces. And the imperfections don’t bother me…


kitchen-house-luberon  …because I just picture them as coming from a kitchen like this somewhere in the French countryside! Sarah says that the marks indicate that they are probably from the 1950s with the exception of the two lovely old serving bowls which are circa 1940. Whoever owned them lovingly served big family meals and simple suppers from them, carefully hand-washed them in the big farmhouse sink and put them away until next time. Or that’s what I think. And somehow they made their way over here to me!


page Aren’t they wonderful? It makes me smile just to look at them! I love the shape of the plates and the fluted bowls! This is the closest I have come to Quimper heaven…


IMG_0372 …since I visited the factory during my retirement trip to France three years ago…the highlight of my trip! Can’t you see by the look on my face?  Sigh!


IMG_1574And where have I put my new collection? This is the wine rack in my breakfast nook as I last showed it to you a few months ago…with one shelf (the middle one) dedicated to part of my modest Quimper collection…


IMG_2418  …and here it is now! Absolutely filled with Quimper ware! Woooo hooo! I have mixed the vintage pieces in with the modern. It makes me happy just to walk by!


IMG_2398 Baby Kitty thinks I have lost my mind! They’re just old plates, after all! But not to me! They are a connection to a place and a time that I love!


IMG_2397 And how did I do? Well…I found one of the smaller plates on an antique website for $33for just the one plate! So I think I more than got my money’s worth! But more than that, I will have years of pleasure from just enjoying seeing them in my home!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  And thanks so much for your help, Sarah!
Please visit these wonderful ladies and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Alison at The Polo House for Favorites on the First
Suzanne at Privet and Holly for Collection Show 'n' Tell
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for Today’s Thrifty Treasures
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie for A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday
See you next time! A la prochaine!

85 comments:

  1. Your post makes me smile, Debbie. What an amazing collection of Quimper and what an amazing price!

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  2. Wow Deb, that had to be the score of the century! I wish I had been there with a stop watch, I bet you grabbed those in 2 seconds flat! Your wine rack looks so happy too :) Congrats on finding such a deal. It's beautiful, and it found the perfect new home. Hugs, Kat

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  3. Debbie, I saw that collection, too, but I wasn't interested in them like you. I am so glad you got a fantastic deal to add to you collection. I am having a giveaway so come on by. Have a great week.

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  4. wow....gorgeous! I love them and the price!

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  5. I didn't think that wine-rack could look any sweeter but you managed once again. When visitors walk in that room it will stop them dead in their tracks. That is gorgeous! Love, love, love the collection. Hugs, Deb =^..^=x5

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  6. WOW!! They were meant to find their way to your home. I'm smiling, too. Sally

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  7. I think you are the luckiest girl in the world!!! I too love and collet QUimper, what a beautiful collection you have now, and you live up to your name "Plate Addict"!!!!
    Kate

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  8. Debbie, it all looks right at home in your breakfast nook. I'm thrilled these little pieces of France are now living with someone who will cherish them. It makes me smile to see a bowl lovingly glued back together rather than thrown into the trash. I thrilled for you with this recent find. ~ Sarah
    PS
    I see Kate is also a collector. :-)

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  9. Nothing beats that moment when you find something you love, does it? Well, maybe except for the moment when you realize that you have found something you love and the price is outstanding!
    I am doing the happy dance for you. I got a kick out of your discovery of something you love...that is what looking for pieces in yard sales and GW is all about to me.
    They look beautiful on your wine rack.

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  10. Wonderful find. The price was amazing. I found some of my Mom's china plates at a flea market and thought the same thing, $75 for the covered vegetable bowl. Nope the whole 25 pieces. Platters, sugar, creamer, plates and all.

    Looks great on your bakers rack.

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  11. Congrats! How exciting to find something you truly love at a good price-they look great, enjoy!

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  12. Debbie, each week you astound me with your fabulous finds...you did a good job this week finding all the Quimper. I love the shape of that pitcher. I am hoping you will do a tablescape using some of your pieces, pretty please. Give that cute Baby Kitty a hug for me.
    Have a great week...

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  13. Congratulations to you!!!! What an incredible find.,

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  14. Oh Debbie! They were meant for you! Just think how happy the lady who left them at the store will be to know that they are in a beautiful home being cherished by a true Quimper lover;)!

    They are all gorgeous!

    What a wonderful post!
    Cathy

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  15. Oh Debbie, what a fabulous find. I am so thrilled for you. I know how much you love Quimper and these gorgeous pieces couldn't have found a more perfect home. Your hutch is gorgeous, and your new display is so pretty. Fantastic. Thanks for joining TTT. Love ya, and hope you're having a super day. Hugs, Marty

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  16. Debbie, I am not normally the jealous type but I have to admit reading this I am totally jealous!!! I am a huge Quimper fan and this has to be the deal of the century! They look fantastic on your bakers rack. Congrats on this great find.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  17. Oh Wow Debbie!
    You really hit the jackpot there! What beautiful pieces and they fit so perfectly in your lovely home which I have always admired! I love hearing about the history too, so fun!
    Have a great week,
    Cindy

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  18. The glued cracks mean this dish was too loved to simply be discarded because of the damage. I think it gives it more character.

    I often wonder about the lives of the prior owners of the previously loved items I buy.

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  19. It's the thrift store gods looking out for you!!

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  20. Deb this is just fantastic. You really did hit the jack pot!! I can not believe all of those pieces for that price unbelieveable. I bet you really did a happy dance inside when you discovered that!!! They look perfectly on your wine rack. I am sooooo Happy for you!!! I am smiling too! Hugs Kathysue

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  21. Debbie your joy in finding this wonderful Quimper ware just jumps off the page. So Happy for you. It looks gorgeous and Baby Kitty will like it that Mama is happy!

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  22. Oh my heavens, you did great, I could feel your joy all the way to Texas! What a deal!

    Have a great day and thank you for sharing such a great story with us today!

    Nancy

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  23. What an awesome find! Lucky you! I love the fact that the bowl was glued back together. The person who owned them before obviously loved them and now they have a new home where they will continue to be loved. :)

    Yay!-Baby Kitty!

    Donna

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  24. Congratulations on such an excellent find!! They look beautiful on your bakers' rack. The whole breakfast nook area is gorgeous.

    Blessings to you,
    Patti (Fill My Cup with Beauty)

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  25. If Laurie suddenly decides to visit yu, you will know why! Watch out if she brings a REALLY big suitcase! :)
    What a wonderful find!
    Keep it up though as you will be back waiting for those big yellow things to arrive...chalk, paper, you know what I mean!

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  26. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.... You are one lucky girl! I would love to own even just one piece.... I used to have a client who had a small collection. Yours now puts hers to shame. Congrats on your major find, Debbie.
    hugs, Sue

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  27. Debbie, your quimper is just beautiful. I'm always amazed at the thrifty finds you get. You have a gorgeous home!

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  28. Your excitement at such a fantastic find makes me smile :) They are beautiful dishes and look so pretty where you have them displayed! Congrats on such a great buy!

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  29. Hi Debbie,

    What a wonderful find! I've never heard of this before but the yellow and blue are stunning!

    Hugs,
    Dena

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  30. Isn't it such a thrill to get a bargain on things you really love and will cherish for years! So glad you found such a great deal. The plates and bowls are beautiful and look wonderful in your beautiful home!! Thanks for sharing!

    Miss Bloomers

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  31. Congratulations on your lucky find Debbie. I,too, love Quimper and once had a small yellow spoon rest, but alas it got broken years ago. Maybe one day I find a treasure trove like you did!

    Janet@Housepeepers

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  32. Debbie - it's magnificent! What a gorgeous display, and I love the whole rack filled with 'em! It would make me smile, too. What a deal, and for just the right person and the right price! Woohoo! Linda

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  33. I was smiling though this whole post! I could tell how happy you were. That is a wonderful collection and the price is great. If you ever want to know what to do with a broken piece...maybe I can create something for you. I am a mosaic artist and I create things from broken china...
    Penny

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  34. Girlfriend, YOU hit the Quimper JACKPOT! :) How cool is this? Love it all! And the new makeover on your hutch is BEAUTIFUL! This definitely qualifies as the DEAL of the DAY! :) Hey, I seen something else that makes it the IDEA of the day! You have rolled placemats and put them in the area of the rack that typically could be used for winebottles. I LOVE IT! How creative! I'm happy you had a great weekend! I checked out the new consignment store you told me about.....VERY NICE! Definitely worth checking in there weekly! They said on Saturday when I went back for the 2nd time that they were VERY busy and did great. So, that's a good sign that she'll be staying! :) Hugs friend.....~CC

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  35. Oh My! What a wonderful find!! I BET you were excited! You have a wonderful collection.

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  36. It is always such a thrill to find something you love and at a bargain price. What a great collection.

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  37. Oh dear friend...I would have loved to have been there when you walked upon these treasures. I can see your beautiful blue eyes just light up. I bet there was some squeeling and maybe a little jumping up and down too. LOL I cannot imagine a better home that these lovelies could have found. Hopefully whoever gave these up, deep down hoped you would find them. :) I love how they fill your hutch....perfect!!! Hugs, Barb

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  38. Debbie, you more than got a bargain! Woohooo, good for you. That's quite a deal on that many pieces. So happy for you. I've heard lots of good things about Quimper.

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  39. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250665638474


    I just Love the collection and thought you might like to see this to add to it!

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  40. As one plate/china addict to another j'adore the Quimper plates! They have always been a favorite of mine.
    Paula ~ Mise en scène

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  41. great collection..I can see why you were do excited..

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  42. I'm deliriously happy for you. What a treasure for such a reasonable price. You hit the jackpot. Thanks for sharing.

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  43. Great job on finding such a bargain for your quimper collection! Take care, Mary

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  44. I've been reading your blog for some time but this is my first time writing to you. I just had to!

    First of all, the name of your blog has given me great validation. My three children think my obsession with plates/china/ceramics is crazy and they think I'm nuts. However, having lived with me their whole lives, they've grown to accept it. My son-in-law, being a newer addition to the family, still does not understand "plates on the wall". I showed him your site and he said, "Oh, so there are other crazy people out there?" Thank you!

    I too visited the HB Henriot factory and had my picture taken exactly where you did. But my Quimper jackpot took place right in my hometown, Miami.

    Every year a friend and I try to be the first at the door at the famous "Ramble" fair held at Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Each year I find a Quimper dish or a cup or some other small item. A few years ago, one of the ladies who vounteers there remembered me and showed me what she had - a five-piece place setting in the Mistral Blue pattern for $100. I thought about it and was undecided until the woman behind me pushed me and said, "If she doesn't want it - I'll take it!" Well, that's all it took for me to make up my mind! As I started to write a check I asked if there was a box where I could place them. The kind volunteer said, "Oh honey, they're all in a box down here; I only took out one place setting, but there are five other sets all wrapped up in the box! I FELT I WAS FAINTING! She went on, "Oh, I hope you don't mind that there are only five of the covered soup bowls, instead of six." The woman pushing behind me almost hit me! "Service for six AND five covered soup bowls for $100? That's NOT FAIR!" ... and walked away huffing and puffing!
    As for me, they almost had to call the paramedics!

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  45. Debbie the plates are beautiful and you displayed them so nicely. You look very happy in the photo! I enjoyed seeing sweet Baby Kitty too. He is a doll.

    Have a wonderful week.
    ~Melissa :)

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  46. What a find that was! They are displayed so well too...lovely!

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  47. Absolutely gorgeous!!! What a wonderful find. I love that they make you so happy - I have dishes like that, too, where just seeing them makes me light up. Heavenly. :)

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  48. My goodness how pretty!!! What a wonderful day you had! Wishing you well!

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  49. I have loved Quimper since I was a teenager. I only have enough for a small display of it in my kitchen. I know you are just tickled pink with your find!

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  50. Thanks for dropping by, Susie Q! You are right...that is what thrifting is about! I am doing the happy dance!...Debbie

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  51. Oh, Ana Marie! Thanks so much for sharing your Quimper story! You really got a haul! lol I can just imagine the look on the woman's face! And yes...I am another one of those crazy people when it comes to plates! Happy week!...Debbie

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  52. Hi Poetrycherie! Thanks for the link...they're lovely! And a great price, too! Thanks for dropping by and following! Happy week!...Debbie

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  53. Congrats of finding that collection -- wow what a buy. They look just right in your room as well. Hope you'll stop by and see my garden project. Jane F.

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  54. Hi Debbie, only one word will do...SCORE! The FIND of a LIFETIME you lucky girl, you.

    How are you doing? Read any good books lately? Perhaps you've been too buys searching out Qwimper - love that pic of you!

    Have a great week, Bonnie

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  55. Lucky, lucky YOU! It is so wonderful that these lovely pieces were found by someone who would really love and appreciate them.

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  56. Oh my gosh, Debbie, I love your find. What a great set and for such a good price. Oh, how exciting.

    I really enjoy your blog, too. And your kitties. I'm a big kitty fan myself.

    I hope you have a beautiful day,
    Susan

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  57. Your joy is contagious! I'm sitting here grinning ear to ear for you. It is so much fun to find something you love, when you don't expect it! Your dishes are beautiful...so exciting!

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  58. What a wonderful find for you!! I agree, they will make you happy every time you look at them. Enjoy!

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  59. Great score and a wonderful display you have there now! It looks so cherry and homey...love it!

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  60. Oh!!! You have SO NOT LOST YOUR MIND - I have been away (Charleston) and am thrilled to find out about your Quimper "find"!
    I may be as happy as you are!
    This windfall looks fabulous- great fun for you...

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  61. They are pretty and what a great find! I love the wine rack display!

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  62. Wow! You hit the mother lode of Quimperware, Debbie! I am so happy for you. I love the different shapes. No, no, I better stop looking or I might start collecting Quimper, lol. I think I will stop at what I have right now, a tea set and a bar set, which I really love. I'll show it one of these Saturdays for my favorite...Christine

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  63. WOW! What a SCORE. That is so much fun, a bargain and something you love a rare combo but one you will remember forever!

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  64. Wonderful find and of course your
    hutch is perfect. It's so nice that this collection went to someone who will appreciate and treasure it. Thanks for sharing.
    Sandy

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  65. What a great find! That whole area is just beautiful with all your dishes!

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  66. Can you imagine if that collection had gone to someone who'd use it at the cottage...or to a dealer? Instead, it went to a true lover of the dishes, and that's a wonderful story!

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  67. Hi Norwegian! I always love to see that you have dropped by! I hope you had a wonderful time in Charleston...beautiful city! Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie

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  68. Amazing!! Every piece is just so beautiful and PURRfect [notice the 'purr' in purrfect?] LOL ---couldn't resist with Baby Kitty here in your share this week.

    For your convenience, Here Is My Show and Tell Bargain Link. Hope to see you visit with me.

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  69. Debbie,
    OMGosh...what a deal! Your pieces are sooooo PRETTY...love the colors! Thanks for coming to my NTT party:) Hope you have a FUN weekend!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  70. Very pretty…I am hosting a CSN Giveaway on my blog. I would love for you to stop by.

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  71. Debbie, I am in SHOCK and so absolutely envious! My post was about being a thief, but I think yours should have been also! They are beautiful! So many unique pieces - so many pieces for so little money! How beautiful it all looks displayed on your shelves. I'm on my way to your house now. I'm sure you won't wonder why I have such a large suitcase with me. Of course, if you find that I have not packed anything in it, you may get a little suspicious! I just have to say again that I am green with envy! Wonderful Favorite Things post - I just wish it was MY post!! Thank you for linking up, you lucky lady you! Have a great weekend - just sit and look at all of that beautiful Quimper. laurie

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  72. what a blessing for a lovely quimper lover. lol

    I remember last time you showed us this beautiful room. It is complete now.

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  73. Wow, your pictures are just beautiful! I love your table!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Have a good evening!
    Leticia

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  74. Debbie, You are so lucky. What a great find. I must share your blog with my neighbor who also collects Quimper. Your collection is lovely.

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  75. OMGoodness, what a fabulous find!!!! And what a great deal!!!! I know you must have been beside yourself! I am so happy for you! I love your bakers rack where you have them displyed! XO, Pinky

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  76. Wow. A box full of your favorites at just the right price. And your cabinet is now complete.

    I am coming over from Suzanne's at Privet and Holly.

    Fondly,
    Glenda (link #27)

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  77. The joy that you have expressed in finding them brings a smile to me as I read about it!

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  78. I'm smiling ear
    to ear and your
    wonderful luck
    and appreciation
    of your good deal!!
    My sister in law
    has Quimperware dishes
    that she inherited
    from her southern
    grandma down in
    Louisiana. I had
    no idea it was so
    pricey as she uses
    it every day AND
    puts it in the
    dishwasher {tsk tsk}!!
    I am also loving
    your crew on your
    sidebar and really
    got a chuckle : )
    Thank you for the smiles
    and for joining my
    first linky party!
    xx Suzanne

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  79. Beautiful collection! Luck You! Thanks for sharing! happy New Year!

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  80. Debbie!

    This is one of those fateful finds, right? You were MEANT to own this!
    I am so excited for you!!!

    Sarah is the perfect person to consult on these. Love it when you see a price and find it is for much more than ONE piece!
    Such an excellent story.

    Thanks so much for linking this up with my Favorites on the First, Debbie!

    Happy New Year,
    Alison

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  81. Just gorgeous! I am your newest follower. Happy New Year!

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  82. Debbie, it was fun to read through this story again. I love that this found you and is now living on your kitchen hutch. It was meant to be! Glad you linked this up to Alison's Favorites on the First. ~ sarah

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  83. Debbie this is so, so exciting, I can just imagine your heart racing!
    Quimper Ware is truly so beautiful!

    A Happy New Years to you and yours!
    Please come and enter my Giveaway from Serena & Lily.

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  84. What a wonderful find! I know for sure that Quimper Faïence is very expensive... I live in Brittany!

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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie