treasure

I've been sat at my desk, radio on, making a few more pieces for my next show at West Ox Arts Gallery in Bampton. I will be exhibiting along side other members of the Oxfordshire crafts guild.

 Hidden in this mess are some little lace brooches I have been working on. Can you spot them?

and this mess resulted in some cards being made.

enjoy the rest of your week..

 

faded charms

I've had a lovely day at home today, enjoying the sunshine in the garden, sowing salad and herb seeds. I so love having a little outside space to potter around in.

When the sun goes in that's my cue to go back inside and start working on my little lace brooches for the next exhibition in July. 

These ones I sold at my last show. I'm really pleased that people like them as they are my favourite things to make at the moment.

back home

The weather has turned crazy! Gale force winds, torrential rain and little old me with an umbrella is not a good combination, anyway back home and dry now.

I've been getting ideas from pearly coloured buttons, pretty plates, vintage crochet lace and tiny seed beads...

I must admit that I'm slightly lacking inspiration at the moment.

I'm off on a trip to Lisbon, Portugal with my boyfriend next week. I'm really looking forward to some blue skies (hopefully) and to come back refreshed full of ideas.

Have you ever visited? I would love to know x

 

lovely things

A few nice things from my week...I've just subscribed to Selvedge magazine, and this 'souvenir' edition dropped through my letter box the other day, lots of inspiring articles inside....

I have a bit of a thing for china birds, this one was a present from my very lovely friend 'Candy Pop' Thank you, I love it! It now looks happy in it's new home by my jars filled with vintage lace.

...bits and pieces from around my work room; a beautiful reel of pale blue taffeta, part of a diamante necklace, a piece of lace waiting to have beads stitched on to it, a lovely old tea spoon case and stamps from the market....

What nice things have cheered you up this week?

simple florals

I've been house sitting, looking after my mum's cat for a few days and took these photos of the little garden 'beach hut' yesterday,  it's had a spring clean ready for the summer and looks lovely at the moment...we use it to serve tea and cakes in during my open studio exhibition which is coming up in May. I think secretly we both love the idea of having our own little cafe, if only to have an excuse to buy more vintage china.

inspiring colours

Have you been enjoying the lovely weather? I was stuck inside at work yesterday, but I'm going to make the most of tomorrow and get my boring jobs done first thing and then outside to enjoy the sunshine.

A few photos from my work room; I bought some beautiful silks recently, inspired by the colours of the Hellebore flowers on my pin board. I have already made some little purses out of it with broderie anglaise detail.

I have filled this old glass sweet jar with lace and trims, it's perfect as I can see what pieces I have rather than them being hidden away.

sketchbook

Thinking about what to make next.....looking at all my favourite things; handmade lace, vintage buttons, faded tea stained colours, bronze and cream, pleats and folds.

matchbox challenge - the antique one

 Have you been enjoying the snow this week?....I was hoping for a 'snow day' off work, but only a light covering around here, probably a good thing really.

 I hope you have been joining in with The Lobster and Swan matchbox a day challenge set by Jeska. Today is the 'antique one' I have made mine decorated with gold paper, vintage lace, a piece of a hand written french letter and a beautiful stamp. Inside are hidden mother of pearl buttons and beads.

I'm not sure if I can make one for every day of February, but I love making them and seeing what other people have created.

Remember Jeskas'  is selling her lovely matchboxes for charity in her etsy shop.

faded tones

A few bits and pieces to inspire my designs. I love their faded tones of creams and bronzes.

The stem of honesty is beautiful with it's flat silvery discs.

The pocket watch was given to me by my grandad, which I treasure, the little frame I bought last weekend.

Satin bow purse with pink vintage gloves

Bronze drawstring purse, made with shot silk and Victorian handmade lace. The colours work so well together.