Paris: Made by Hand and Flea Markets of France
I've recently treated myself to two newly published books on France. The first, Paris: Made by Hand is by stylist and blogger Pia Jane Bijkerk who reveals 50 of her favourite craft studios and boutiques all featuring works made by hand. If you have come across Pia's...
A trip to Kew Gardens
We squeezed in a visit to Kew before heading back home from London on Sunday. It is years since I've been there in person, but really enjoyed watching 'A Year in Kew' - the TV series the BBC ran a couple of years ago. I love the Victorian splendour of the Palm House...
Stourhead NT Garden in Wiltshire
On our way back from Studland recently we stopped off at a National Trust garden in Wiltshire for lunch. What a discovery! We stumbled upon 'one of the finest landscape gardens in the world' and I confess I had never heard of it. Stourhead was designed by Henry...
National Nest Box Week 14 – 21 February
You may have noticed I really enjoy watching the birds in my garden, particularly when they choose to nest here and especially if they choose one of our nest boxes. They have been pairing up over the last month or so and I am keen to find out who is nesting where. ...
Angie Hughes – textile artist
I bumped into lots of fellow makers and friends at the Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair on Friday. One whom I hadn't seen for a while was Angie Hughes. Angie is the very talented textile artist and tutor, from Ledbury in Herefordshire. We met in 1994 when studying...
Tim Harding master of colour
I first saw Tim Harding's work behind the reception desk at Discovery Cove in Orlando last year. The piece was a triptych commissioned from his Water Series. It was stunning. I loved the colours, the texture and the depth. It perfectly suited its environment. The...
ArtShades at Decorex 2008
Here's a sneak preview of the two bespoke half lamps that will be displayed at Decorex in London next week from 21 - 24 September. The Decorex website describes the show as providing 'professional interior designers, retailers, architects and hotel designers with a...
63% Loathe their Lampshades
Thank you to all of you who completed my survey 'Do you Love or Loathe your Lampshades?'. Here are the results: 48% of you own more than 11 lampshades, but sadly 30% of you don't love any of them, with 63% actually loathing some or all. 40% haven't bought a new...
