a rainy day

It rained all day today, so to brighten up the grey afternoon I visited some of the Artweeks open studios in Oxford, near to where I live.

There was a range of art from beautiful handmade glass tiles and ceramic sculptures to amazing paintings and photography. It was very inspiring to see what other people have been creating and the spaces in which they work.

(sorry to grey and wet to take any photos. )

tea and lavender

Here are a few more photos from my show....you can never have too much bunting

 These little lavender bags made using vintage fabrics and Cotswold lavender smelt lovely as you walked into the summer house.

 my mum's cat was keeping an eye on everything and thought all the comfy cushions and chairs were for her.

Enjoy your bank holiday weekend.

open studio exhibition

 My open studio exhibition finished on Sunday, thanks to everyone who came to see my work. I was really pleased with how the week went and it was nice to talk to everyone, I enjoyed hearing about all the weddings and other occasions that my bags and purses were bought for. I had some lovely comments and it was great that people appreciated the vintage fabrics, lace and buttons that I use.  

 One thing I love about a show is creating an atmosphere around my work by using my favourite vintage finds, like my stockman, Singer sewing machine and sewing box.

 My Singer sewing machine which belonged to my great grandmother got a lot of attention.

The garden again proved to be a popular place to enjoy a cup of tea and some home made cake.

I've got so many more photos of the week to share with you now all the hard work is over.

colourful collections

 Just a quick post to show you these little button cards I have made to sell at my show tomorrow. As you know I have quite a collection of lovely buttons, so thought I could share a few of them. I love the little red ones with the painted white flowers.

Have a lovely weekend....I'll show you some photos of my Artweeks 'open studio' exhibition next week.

vintage lace

 On Monday I spent the day helping out with an art project at a local primary school where my mum works. It was so much fun, we were making giant bug  sculptures, butterflies, ladybirds and spiders were just a few of my favourites. We decorated them with tissue paper, sequins and paint.... I wish I had my camera with me.

I have also been finishing off bits and pieces for my open studio exhibition near Oxford, which starts on Saturday 14th -22nd May. If you would like to know more details about my show, please leave me your contact details.

As usual vintage lace will feature...I seem to be overflowing with it at the moment. I love making these handmade cards, adding stamps, botanical prints, old french letters, and of course, lace!

I've just finished these blog cards off with stamps and lace too.

This little orchid was a present, and because I couldn't find a flower pot small enough, I thought this teacup would be perfect.

close up

 Corsages are by definition decorative flowers, which can be pinned to clothes or tied around your wrist, so with this in mind I have been looking at seasonal flowers for inspiration. I took the petal shape of the yellow flowers below, and used this new peach coloured felt with soft lace to create a similar effect. 

 I love the way these pale purple Lilac flowers cluster together, and I aimed to design a similar feel on the clutch bag below, where i've used lace flowers mixed with seed beads, buttons and pearls. 

may morning

 I hope everyone was up at the crack of dawn this morning to welcome May Day in!

I love this time of year and especially May with it's blossom trees, bluebells and cow parsley in flower, gardens and the countryside turning green again and more days spent outside in the warm sun.

 Here is the finished purse I have been working on, I have also used the rest of the fabric to make a drawstring bag. It definitely has a spring like feel.

The little needle case was made by 'Hen's Teeth'  which I bought from Viv in Ludlow. I love it's design and inside it's lined with liberty fabric.

My local flower shop 'Daisies' getting in the spirit of the royal wedding celebrations.