february flowers

Brrrrrrrr it's cold! The sunshine we had didn't last very

long, instead there is a flat grey sky and an icy wind that makes you want to stay wrapped up inside, but hopefully this drawstring bag will add a touch of spring to your day. The floral fabric is so cheerful, I've made a few pieces out of it, from little purses to lavender bags. This one has a vintage lace pocket on the front. 

I've made a few for myself too in all different fabrics and they are a great place to keep pretty underwear or hung up storing special bits and pieces in.

 

Keep cosy and warm x

sunday plans

Woken up to a misty morning, from the window I can see the fields and trees fading into the fog. After a lazy breakfast of toast with a delicious black cherry jam, I'm about to head out to help with the Christmas craft exhibition in Woodstock.

These little purses are coming with me too, now they have had their photo shoot and will be ready for sale along with my clutch bags, corsages and handmade cards.

What are your Sunday plans? 

finishing touches

 A blustery autumnal day outside and I'm inside with a cup of tea finishing off the last pieces for The Old Fire Station gallery.

I love these pearly silver greys I've used on this clutch bag, perfect for when the nights draw in and you need a bit of sparkle and shimmer to catch the fading light....

Looking forward to the weekend, I'm off to London to find inspiration and new boots.

vintage lace bag

 As you know I love to collect pieces of vintage lace and when I designed this clutch bag I wanted to make lace a real feature.

There are some really beautiful pieces which I have mixed with buttons and beads. I wish I knew more about the techniques and types of lace that I've used..... I think some of it's crochet and tape lace.
 Finding these special pieces and incorporating them into my designs is a really important part of my work. 

This lovely bag is now on sale in the Gallery at Waterperry Gardens along with some other pieces of my work.

a rainy day

It rained all day today, so to brighten up the grey afternoon I visited some of the Artweeks open studios in Oxford, near to where I live.

There was a range of art from beautiful handmade glass tiles and ceramic sculptures to amazing paintings and photography. It was very inspiring to see what other people have been creating and the spaces in which they work.

(sorry to grey and wet to take any photos. )

old and new

I now have a selection of my work at Waterperry Gardens gallery near Oxford. This is one of the bags that will be for sale along with a selection of my corsages and purses.  

I normally use vintage lace, but these little daisy chains were so nice I bought them new. I have just stained them in some tea to add the faded, worn look I love.

The top little bird was £5 from the local Thursday market. It's now pinned on to a jacket. I can't believe I spotted it on a stall full to the brim with jewellery. The stall holder said it was a 1930's brooch.

delicate & faded

All things delicate and faded........

... pages from my sketch book, looking at seed heads for inspiration

... on my dressing table I have a vintage teacup with a string of pearls and a diamante bracelet. Old jewellery has a softness that I love.



I made this bag using vintage lace, pearls and seed beads.

I have a fondness for these beautiful muted tones. I've used some really special pieces of Victorian handmade lace on this bag, which works well with the background satin fabric.