eclectic mix

A great area of Brighton are 'The Lanes' home to an eclectic mix of unique shops, cafes, retro and vintage shops. There is so much to see...There is also a lovely fabric shop which I always visit. This time I bought some lovely silk in dusky pink and some linen fabric to make some cushions.
Lunch at Bills Produce Store is a great place to have a break before some more shopping!

I love the vintage and bric a brac shops in Brighton, I bought an amazing pink art deco mirror box. It needs a good clean but will look lovely.

This shop 'Last' had the most amazing shoes and tights.

As a special treat we had dinner at the famous vegetarian restaurant terre a terre. The food was delicious!

trip to brighton

Just got back from a trip to Brighton with my boyfriend. It was lovely to get away to the sea!

We have been to Brighton a few times, but there is always something new to see and do....

We walked along the seafront, stopping to look in the art galleries, shops and studios which are under the arches.

...and of course we ate lots of seafood...

flea market finds

I visit my local flea market almost every week. It's a great place to find the vintage fabrics, cottons and beads that I use in my work.

There are so many different stalls selling all sorts from china and vintage clothes to stamps and jewellery. I can never resist a visit.
I picked up this old dress pattern - I love the packet design.

The wooden cotton reels are so cheap and are a lot nicer than the plastic ones.

I made this small envelope purse with vintage cluster detail.Perfect to take out or keep your trinkets and treasures in.

fabric & paper

My desk is covered in fabric samples, buttons, stamps, paper and lace...... I've been busy making cards. I love using a mix of fabric and paper, stitching the two together. The stamps are so pretty especially the French ones in blues and pinks.

There is always time to stop for tea.

I pass this street on my way home from work, each house is painted in a different pastel colour.

I love this time of year when the sky is so bright blue with a slight chill in the air.

Autumn is here.

precious palette

I love the nude colour and lace detail of this silk camisole, which I found at a flea market.

A cluster of daisies that I saw on my way home gave me the idea for this design.

Here is the final piece, a clutch bag made using a nude shot silk and vintage lace flowers and buttons.
The letter belonged to a great, great aunt. It's beautifully written and dates back to the 1930's.

broderie anglais

An artist who exhibits in the art gallery I work in, kindly gave me a selection of beautiful vintage broderie anglais, lace and buttons.There are some lovely pieces, like these lace daisy chains.

I love the colours of these old buttons, slightly worn and faded, just the way I like them.
I've used some of the pieces of broderie anglais to decorate my found & sewn blog cards. A little reminder of my work.