sunday

 Sundays are normally spent relaxing after busy Saturdays at work. But this Sunday I woke up feeling like a change of scene, so we hopped on a bus to London's East End.

First stop was the 'Sunday Up' Market, which was jammed packed full of stalls selling handmade items, vintage clothing, bric a brac and lots and delicious foods.

 With the sound of funky soul music playing through the streets we headed

up through Brick Lane to Colombia Road Flower Market, where there were loads of amazing independent shops.

Wanting to buy everything, I came home with this lovely necklace, an original oil painting- only £8! and a red 1940's magazine rack. It's great to visit new places and I love my new finds.



delicate & faded

All things delicate and faded........

... pages from my sketch book, looking at seed heads for inspiration

... on my dressing table I have a vintage teacup with a string of pearls and a diamante bracelet. Old jewellery has a softness that I love.



I made this bag using vintage lace, pearls and seed beads.

I have a fondness for these beautiful muted tones. I've used some really special pieces of Victorian handmade lace on this bag, which works well with the background satin fabric.

postcards & tulips

Here's my lovely tidy workspace . I'm sure it won't stay like this for too long.

I've been looking for a new (old) desk for a while now, I know just the sort I would like, but haven't found it yet.

Every time I go to the local bric a brac market, I buy one of these vintage postcards. I just love the writing and the old addresses.

I have a bit of a thing for Tulips at the moment. They look so bright and cheerful, which is ideal especially when it's been raining all day.

Hopefully tomorrow will brighter .....

bright & breezy

 After days of dark winter skies the sun has finally come out and I'm thinking about new designs. I've got a cup of tea, the latest Vogue and a brand new sketchbook .....So lets see ....

I also need to tidy up my workspace, I always seem to find bits and pieces I have forgotten about, like these vintage buttons and postcards.

I thought you might like to see this finished bag. I love the colour and texture of the shot silk I've used.

new year

 I hope everyone has had a great start to the new year so far.

I had a lovely Christmas at home with my family - lots of long winter walks to burn off all that indulgent food, then back inside to the warmth of an open fire, just what Christmas is all about.

Even though it's grey and cold outside, there is still inspiration to be found in nature. I love how the snow clings to these seed heads.

Pink Hyacinth for the living room .... sometimes a little colour is needed to brighten up those gloomy dark days.