a trip to sussex (part one)

Just got back from a lovely week in Sussex. We were staying on a beautiful organic farm called Hawthbush Farm, in the depths of the East Sussex countryside, surrounded by wild flower meadows, woodland, cows, sheep, butterflies and birds. It really is a magical place.

 

We were staying in the Piggery, which I could quite happily move into. 
Every morning we would wake up to these ladies.

 

We wanted to stay a few nights in one of their shepherd huts but they were all fully booked. There are a few to choose from dotted around the farm with views over the meadow. This one was my favourite with its little stove, lanterns and vintage pictures, maybe next time...

We also visited Lewes for the first time which is really pretty, lots of lovely shops and cafes and Brighton which is always full of inspiration.

I'm still editing lots of photos of the beautiful gardens and houses we visited, so more to come!  

snow days

I've had a few (unexpected) days off work due to the snow, so my boyfriend and I have been trapped in our little village, which has been quite nice, but hopefully back to normal soon...

 

Have you been enjoying the snow?

 

The little china deer in the photo above was a gift from my lovely friend Natasha of (Candy Pop). Looking around my house I've realised I have a thing for for china animals and birds...Is this wrong?

 

market day

Last Sunday we took a little trip to Bath's Vintage and Antiques Market, which is held on the last Sunday of every month. It's a really lovely market with lots of different stall holders. I came home with a beautiful crochet blanket, a 1950's straw basket, which is a great size for shopping and a kitchen stool.

I also bought a pretty little china pot. I love going to flea markets, you never know what you will find...

kitchen kitsch

A bit of Kitchen Kitsch for you today. The pink rose teacups with emerald green saucers are my favourite charity shop purchase and the donkey picture my boyfriend bought a while ago and I've just given it a new mount and a clean up, so looks as good as new.

I've had a little break from my work since my Artweeks shows, now I'm thinking about some new designs for my next show in July.

teacups & roses

I treated myself to a bunch of roses from the farmer's market, they won't last long, but I couldn't resist their beautiful butter colour and they smell amazing, plus with this autumnal weather we are having lately, it reminds me that it is still summer! 

What is it about vintage china that is so appealing, I love the rose patterned plates, but amazingly I managed to walk past without buying anything!

a year of blogging

 I can't believe I've been blogging for a year now! I've really enjoyed sharing my ideas, inspirations and finished work with you all. I love receiving your kind comments, which are always so encouraging. Thanks for taking the time to visit me here at found and sewn.

I've been looking back at some of my favourite posts....here are a few of them. (Click the titles to see the post.)

 books and butterflies

 vintage lace

bright and breezy

Embellished

old and new

thursday market

Last Thursday I cycled to the market before work. It was a warm sunny morning, so I knew it was going to be a good day. I bought this china plate for 50p! I love faded floral patterns, which can be found dotted around our flat like this rose cushion cover.

 I also bought these old stamps. It's always so hard to choose, there are so many. I went for the flower and butterfly designs and the kind stall holder even gave me a pack for free.