Oxfordshire Artweeks

Thanks to everyone who has visited my Artweeks open studio exhibition so far. I've meet some really nice people and had lots of wonderful friends come along too. Natasha and Zoe took some lovely photos from their trip last Sunday. The sun was shinning and everybody was drinking tea and eating cake in the garden. Bliss!

I'm just getting ready for the last few days of the show, making some more handmade cards and lavender bags to sell. The weather has been wild today, so some sunshine tomorrow would be great, thanks!

Open Saturday 25th May - Monday 27th May: 12-6pm. More details here.

open studio

Well, my studio exhibition is all ready to open this Saturday, here are some photos from last years show. I've made lots of new pieces; from vintage lace brooches, coin purses, jewellery pouches to clutch purses, lots of handmade cards and also three special little vintage collage pictures.

Exhibition starts Saturday 18th -27th May - details here

 I always really enjoy displaying my work alongside some vintage treasures. I recently bought a lovely 1950's glass fronted cabinet for my show and it looks great with my textiles displayed inside. I can't wait to take some photos to show you.

  

Are you on Twitter? I've just joined, so if you would like to follow me click the link in the side bar.

a week of ...

Here are some more photos from my show.....thanks for all your kind comments, it's wonderful to have your support. I've really enjoyed this week, meeting all the lovely people who came to visit me and my work, being tempted by homemade cakes, stitching and sewing through the day and spending time in the garden. My little vintage lace pins have been very popular, I love making them,  just a few left for Sunday, the final day.

exhibition weekend

I spent Saturday morning finishing off the final touches to my show, I always really enjoy setting up my exhibition adding a few of my vintage possessions that have inspired me in my designs. 

The doors to my summer house studio opened at 12pm, the sun was shining and lots of visitors came out to see my new collection, including two of my lovely friends Natasha and Clare. 

Natasha, also know as Candy Pop took some great photos of my work which you can see on her beautiful blog - here. We all enjoyed cups of tea and slices of homemade cake and chatted about our favourite vintage finds, a perfect afternoon!

My Show continues until May 13th, details can be found here. I hope you can make it.

summer house studio

Every year in May I take part in Oxfordshire Artweeks, I set up my exhibition yesterday in a summer house studio at my parents house. This photo is from last year and I'm hoping for some of that sunshine and less rain! I have a new collection of handmade bags, purses and accessories, as well as handmade cards and lavender bags for sale. Our little garden cafe will be open too, serving tea and cakes using our collection of vintage china. The exhibition runs from May 5th - 13th. 12pm -6pm.

Please leave a comment to let me know if you would like details for my exhibition, I would love to see you there.

Happy Easter

Here's a sneak peek at something I've been working on for my open studio exhibition. A drawstring bag made with vintage floral fabric and a handmade linen pocket. I'm making a range to sell at my show.

I'm looking forward to the next few days of the Easter holiday, on Monday we're off to the Malvern flea market and on Tuesday a trip to Petersham Nurseries in Richmond and a birthday lunch for my boyfriend at Skye Gyngells famous cafe.

I was so pleased to be featured as 'Friday photographer' on my friends lovely blog today.

Natasha aka Candy Pop has a beautifully inspiring blog of which I am an avid reader and she was the person that got me into blogging! take a look ....

handmade purses

 A bit of a rainy grey morning here in Oxford, so I thought I would share these little purses I've just made with you and my pin board for inspiration. I love the collection of mirrors and plates in the pages below. I think I may be off bric a brac shopping later.

Before you go, check out my studio tour at Offbeat Homes...

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. )

open studio exhibition

 My open studio exhibition finished on Sunday, thanks to everyone who came to see my work. I was really pleased with how the week went and it was nice to talk to everyone, I enjoyed hearing about all the weddings and other occasions that my bags and purses were bought for. I had some lovely comments and it was great that people appreciated the vintage fabrics, lace and buttons that I use.  

 One thing I love about a show is creating an atmosphere around my work by using my favourite vintage finds, like my stockman, Singer sewing machine and sewing box.

 My Singer sewing machine which belonged to my great grandmother got a lot of attention.

The garden again proved to be a popular place to enjoy a cup of tea and some home made cake.

I've got so many more photos of the week to share with you now all the hard work is over.