The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed the addition of some new icons on our website of late. Their appearance heralds Chalcrafts journey further into the 21st century with our newly launched facebook and instagram feeds.  We hope to share, local and business news with you on facebook and give sneak peeks and first glimpses of new stock on Instagram, alongside some more social media meanderings.  So, come......... join us, follow us, like us, regram us as you please - we'd love you to get in touch, connect with us via the big world wide web or, of course, as always, in person in our lovely local shop!

selected images  from www.instagram/chalcrafts_antiques                                                                              #chalcraftsnewstock

So it's another big apology from us for such a gap in posts, but as the title may suggest, the lack of news only stems from the fact that we have just been so busy with all our extra curricular activities. Car rallies, bus rallies, and tractor driving are normal fixtures in the Chalcraft calendar but even we couldn't have predicted that summer 2016 would also bring steam engine driving and cream teas with mini beefeaters! With more vintage outings and treasure hunting trips planned, we hope you are enjoying the "summer" as much as we are!

When it came to looking through our stock for something Saint Valentine would approve of, it become immediately apparent that "The Chalcraft Men" in general are not your "hearts and flowers" kind of guys (having been married to them for 40 years and 4 years respectively, we probably could have told you this before a stock check!) but anyway, this is not meant to be a character assassination - far from it in fact.

After a quick look around the shop we were not disappointed - we decided on a 1930s biscuit tin with some appropriate contents added - perfect!

So "The Chalcraft Men" didn't let us down after all - in fact they taught us an important lesson - when considering making a purchase to symbolise your affection for someone - think outside the box. Does your beloved really need, or indeed want, anything quite so red and fluffy that the big chains have to offer? How lovely to show your loved-one you really care, by taking some time to consider a more heartfelt and unusual purchase. Shopping independently is rewarding, you come away knowing you have purchased something truly unique and timeless, whilst supporting local businesses - making sure your high street remains an interesting and fun place to shop.

A big hello to all the hardy individuals that we met at Petworth Christmas Fair this past weekend. The weather might not have been in our favour at times (we even saw some snow during set-up!) but we can honestly say that we had a  fabulous time chatting to you all and showing off some of our finest smaller items. Please feel free to give us a call in the coming weeks if a particular item caught your eye (or a loved ones eye!) as we may still be able to help you find the perfect gift, and remember that it's the Christmas light switch on in Emsworth on Friday, so we will be open late with another opportunity for you to browse our Christmas stock!​

​Being the child of an antique dealer can be a mixed blessing - you get dragged around more than your fair share of trade shows and on bad days you have to wait out what seem like eternities at auctions, but...... on good days you become Chalcrafts' vintage-toy-tester-in-chief!

So yesterday was definitely a good day, with Henry being allowed to test out all the vintage toy stock for our stand this coming weekend at Petworth Christmas Fair.

​You'll find us in the outside stalls with a festive selection of occasional furniture, gorgeous glassware to brighten the Christmas table and a large selection toys of yesteryear. From cars to trikes, robots to rocking horses, you can be assured that they have all received our new expert's seal of approval! 

Arriving in the post this morning were these leaflets reminding us that yet again we are hastily arriving at the festive period.
That time of year that promises so much, yet so often, can leave you deflated and disenchanted. With this in mind, here at Chalcrafts, we are making it our aim to bring the fun and wonder back to your Christmas shopping.

We have yet again been squirreling away our choicest stock to bring you best of vintage and antique shopping at one of the circuits most enjoyable
 Christmas events.
Find our stand of Christmas loveliness and treasures at 
 Petworth House Christmas Fair
2015​
Saturday 21st November
& Sunday 22nd November 
10.30am - 3.30pm each day

We will be conveniently positioned by the refreshment and edibles marquee, so pop by for a browse, on your way for a well deserved cuppa and mince pie and enjoy the intimate and personal experience you can only get when shopping for unique and beautiful items​ from an independent family run business.
 
We look forward to seeing you!​​

Those of you that are regular visitors to our blog may have noticed that our posts petered out to nil sometime around March. For this we sincerely apologise, but equally, we are sure you will forgive us when we unveil our newest acquisition. So, have we discovered a hidden Holbein? Uncovered a Celtic hoard? Far from it - instead we are extremely happy to introduce you all to the latest member of the Chalcraft clan! Beautiful Thomas was born in September to very proud parents David and Rachael. Having already been on a couple of buying trips, Grandpa Martin is wondering whether he will soon have to have the company delivery truck repainted with "sons and grandson"!