Patina

Whether in the world of museums, antiques or rare books, patina is a word often used to describe an artefact or object. It can mean fading, darkening or other signs of age, which are natural and/or unavoidable, and often enhances the value and appearance of the item. With the arrival of yet another birthday, I feel patina could describe me as well!

So when I wandered into a shop in La Selva Beach, CA, near Santa Cruz, called PATINE, I knew it was my kind of place.

The shop is filled with imaginative displays, and objects of charm, with just the right amount of wear around the edges.

We met Lauren, a very elegant woman who watches the shop on weekends, so the owners can go off to work various markets and shows.

Pillows and Bolsters in French ticking and linen

Vintage and Antique Nightwear from the 1800s in cotton, linen and hemp. See how lovely Lauren looks in hers.

Antique French children’s cloth "rag books"

Cushions made from some of these cloth book covers

Looking like two Parisian rag-pickers, we had a ball rummaging through an industrial-size laundry bin full of vintage designer scarves priced at $5-each. We discovered and liberated several brightly colored and patterned vintage treasures from YSL, Vera and Schiaparelli.

A rustic, French produce sack made of hemp, with great lettering and a red star, was hanging on the wall behind the counter! I fell in love with its patina, particularly the primitive repair stitching.

Here it is, proudly hanging over our red Chinese settee.

Patinated and proud,
Marjorie