Alice Gabb Illustration

Christmas Time in Munchen.

2011-12-22T22:37:00.005Z

Jasmin Cafe

Puppet shop

Sam & Sons

Trachtenvogl Cafe

Carta Pura - Papierladen

Hofbrauhaus

Marienplatz Christmas Market

I could not manage to finish the year without another little expedition, so I picked all the most festive places I could find, and picked the one with the cheapest flight (I'm not bitter at all, Lapland....) So off I flew to Munich. It was so beautiful and Christmassy, chalet huts everywhere, faux medieval castles, gluhwein, brass bands, sausages, lederhosen, it was just as my wildest dreams had imagined. And it snowed, yes it did.

Above is a little sneek peek of all my favourite places. Now, I know most of them are controversially touristy, but what Brit doesn't enjoy being served a litre of beer by a busty lady dressed as a milkmaid, whilst a group of men in lederhosen play Bavaria's greatest brass hits..? Other amusingly traditional haunts I enjoyed for a wiessbeer or two were the Oktoberfest Museum and Jodlerwirt, the latter of which was equipped with a charming accordion player.

Of the more design orientated places I visited, and I have to say they were few and far between, the Design Museum in Munich was a marvellous retreat form the snow, and absolutely vast, putting our London equivalent to shame. Papierladen was a beautiful bookbinding shop stocking the most through and stylish materials I have ever come across. Trachtenvogl and Jasmin Cafes kept us warm, with the former serving forty varieties of hot chocolate, and both turning into very swish places to hang out after dark.

I highly recommend a cheeky little visit, it is definitely on my list to visit for Octoberfest next year....

Wish Wish Wish's Wishlist.

2011-12-10T19:27:00.003Z

Hooray for me, my products are on somebody's Christmas wishlist! And not just anybody, the very stylish Carrie who writes the wonderful blog, Wish Wish Wish. Thank you very much nice lady.

Lovely Merchants.

2011-12-10T18:27:00.003Z

What a lovely fair! Last Sunday I dragged my stock over to The Victoria Pub in Camden, to join a very thoughtfully selected little market, Lovely Merchants. The Victoria had a very grand upstairs area, where we all set up, and I had a lovely day meeting the fine people of Camden. There was a nice mix of vintage clothing, home ware and handmade skin care.

Lovely Merchants will return for a Valentine's Fair in February....

Amanda selling very fine things from None Such Things.

My stall full of paper goods.

The Long Table.

2011-12-10T17:56:00.005Z

What a lovely surprise it was when I discovered that every Friday up until Christmas, a late night food market was opening up in my area. Unfortunately every time I went to visit, there was a queue a mile long.....but I decided this was an experience not to be missed and so last Friday I joined the masses and waited for......1 whole hour and forty minutes. While groups dropped out and headed to the McDonald's on the corner, it only made us more determined and, despite the icy wind willing us to do the same, we finally made it in.

Immediately warming ourselves with mulled wine, we sat and looked curiously around the dining tent. Unlike any other food market I had attended, long tables were set up, where everybody enjoyed their food together, lit by many candles in waxy empty bottles. It was an extremely lovely sight and we enjoyed a delicious Eastern pancake, piled high with cheese, cabbage and spring onions.

I have to say I would never queue again to go, but I think it was worth it just that once. There was a wonderful atmosphere of locals simply enjoying eachother's company, and some nice food, all together....

Here is what The Long Table have to say:

'The Long Table is all about conviviality and bringing people together. Grounded in the importance of local chefs, purveyors and producers, the Long Table celebrates all different types of foods and tastes. As visitors graze the wealth of dishes on offer, they will experience the sense of warmth inherent in a big gathering.

Markets are the heart of many communities, a place where people come together to eat and socialize. East London has a rich cultural diversity and with that comes an interesting mix of foodies, chefs, artists and musicians. We wanted a place that allowed locals to come together through the sharing of food.'

Christmas Frolics at Columbia Road.

2011-12-01T22:24:00.004Z

Jessie Chorley and Buddug

Rob Ryan

Wednesday saw the first of this year's late night shopping events at Columbia Road. As a relative local, I visit frequently on a Sunday for the stunning flower market, but this was really rather something lovely. With stylishly simple Christmas lights, children playing carols on their trumpets, and not a queue or crowd in sight, it was a perfect way to start getting into the festive mood. If you have visited the street before, you will be familiar with the very limited weekend only opening hours of the shops there, but every Wednesday until Christmas they will be opening 5pm-9pm for Christmas shoppers.

After exploring the shops, we sat in the cobbled courtyard and drank mulled cider, ate mince pies and listened to the lovely band below whilst little children danced around. It was a lovely sight, with some very amusing interpretive dance going on. For more information, click here.

The Pop Up Vintage Fair & Handmade and Bound.

2011-12-01T21:54:00.003Z

A couple of weeks ago I took the liberty of having a day off to look at lovely things...

I was very pleasantly surprised at how well organised the Islington Pop Up Vintage Fair was. Like walking into a village hall in the blitz, there was fabulously nostalgic music, and a lovely array of very affordable vintage vendors. Up on the stage, there was a bustling tea room, well stocked with mismatching crocks and edible treats. After a while of hunting around, live music appeared in the form of the three lovely ladies above, and I really felt perfectly content. It is a rare feeling to find such a lovely atmosphere at a fair. For future events click here.

Next stop was to Handmade & Bound, the affordable book art fair. Despite my absolute hatred of the 'zine', the fair featured some interesting print work and book binding. It was outrageously busy though and I actually had to fight my way to buy some of Samantha Lippett's cards, which were worth it. Sadly I cannot name the artist above as he didn't have any cards, but his work was very fine indeed....

Matters of Lavender.

2011-11-25T10:06:00.005Z

A couple of weeks ago I was chatting to a customer at Broadway Market about my teacup candles, and she asked me why I used French organic lavender essential oil. I replied, 'Because French lavender is the finest, highest quality lavender oil around.'

I am very proud of the quality of my ingredients, and the above answer usually satisfies the most difficult customer, so I was surprised when she was not impressed.

'What about British lavender, Norfolk lavender?' she questioned.

'Ooh, I'll look into that...' I replied, a little saddened and shamed that I had no idea of its existence, and wanting to end the conversation as soon as possible.

Hmmmm, I thought. It would be lovely to stock British Lavender oil....

So now I do! Sadly it is not organic (sorry fields and animals), but I think it is very important to support British farmers and produce and so Norfolk lavender will be a permanent fixture in my candles.

I will have lots of royal tea cup candles at all the fairs that I will be part of up to Christmas:

Sat 26th November: Broadway Market

Sun 27th November: BUST Christmas Craftacular, York Hall, Bethnal Green

Sat 3rd December: Broadway Market

Sun 4th December: Lovely Merchants, Camden

Sat 10th December: Broadway Market

Sat 17th December: Broadway Market

Sat 24th December *CHRISTMAS EVE*: Broadway Market

Have a look at my wonderful candles here.

A Feast For Your Eyes...New Products!

2011-11-19T18:47:00.005Z

Have a look at my shop and you will see new products! Both are available here or at any of my Christmas market days.

Festive Frolics.

2011-11-17T22:42:00.007Z

BUST Craftacular / York Hall / Bethnal Green / 27th November / 12-6pm

I cannot harp on about how marvellous these BUST Craftaculars are. Featuring live DJ's, a fabulous cafe, DIY workshops and a vendor line up that I am extremely proud to be part of. There is always such a fantastic lively atmosphere, and best of all, I can pick up a copy of BUST magazine.

Lovely Merchants / Victoria Pub / Camden / 4th December / 12-5

I'm very looking forward to being part of the first Lovely Merchants Fair, intimately placed in the Victoria pub in Camden, it promises to be a joyous and sophisticated festive affair, with goods ranging from delicious treats, to my fine stationery. I do hope they have mulled wine ready for me.

Fair Dates

2011-09-30T16:49:00.008+01:00

This is a highly organised and informative post for me, but just so you know exactly where to find me up until Christmas for all your stationery needs, here is the current calendar:

Christmas Fair Calendar 2011:

Sat 5th November: Broadway Market

Sat 12th November: Broadway Market

Sat 19th November: Broadway Market

Sat 26th November: Broadway Market

Sun 27th November: BUST Christmas Craftacular, York Hall, Bethnal Green

Sat 3rd December: Broadway Market

Sun 4th December: Lovely Merchants, Camden

Sat 10th December: Broadway Market

Sat 17th December: Broadway Market

Sat 24th December *CHRISTMAS EVE*: Broadway Market

How exciting! I will have lots of marvellous Christmas treats this year for you all too. Hope to see you all there.

In the meantime, please enjoy this image of the cats. I think it's my favourite.

Pies, Manners and the Naughty Chair.

2011-09-16T20:41:00.003+01:00

Yesterday saw the grand private view of MIEN Magazine's Charm School, as it opens for two weeks of masterclasses and joyously old fashioned events such as letter writing and recipe swapping. With a King's Ginger in one hand and a scrumptious Simple Pie in another, the space was merrily bustling, with one or two guests committing social faux-pas and being sent to the naughty chair to read the 'A-Z of Modern Manners', (including the Mistress of Manners herself when she shockingly offered me -a vegetarian- a pork pie *gasp*)...the whole atmosphere of the Charm School is relaxed, beautifully nostalgic, and has a wonderful sense of humour about the whole concept.

Classes are running every lunchtime and evening, with a few spaces left....for a wonderful alternative evening out have a look at the schedule.

And the lesson I learnt from the Mistress of Manners?

You can never be too charming.

Charmed, I'm Sure...

2011-09-09T22:34:00.004+01:00

Well, I am very pleased to announce that I will be giving a little stationery workshop on Thursday 15th September, as part of MIEN Magazine's 'Charm School', popping up in Exmouth Market as of next week.

'Improve your posture, make your own stationery, learn how to mix the perfect martini, discover the benefits of escaping to the countryside, exchange recipes, and more…

Enrich your body and mind with after-school activities for grown-ups, hosted by MIEN Magazine’s Mistress of Manners and a dedicated team of specialists.'

I for one am finding it tricky to decide which of their tempting workshops to squeeze into the next fortnight. Fear not, you can find the schedule here.

To purchase advance tickets for my class on making your own stationery, which includes tea and a treat, click here.

Culture. Etiquette. Style. I am counting down the days....

Renegade Handmade.

2011-09-09T09:52:00.002+01:00

Sound the trumpets! Renegade Handmade Fair is coming to London......finally! I will be there with all your stationery needs and new products. Huzzah!

Blog & Buy's Pix & Mix.

2011-09-09T09:43:00.002+01:00

My trusty stationery will be available this month from Blog & Buy's online marketplace. If you haven't already checked out their website, you must, it is a wondrous source of information about all things design and handmade. I especially find the interviews and London shopping guides very interesting indeed.....

Anyway, here is my online stall!

State Of Craft.

2011-09-04T14:47:00.006+01:00

The time has come! Captain Bert has finally made it to print. Here he is, majestically sitting on the front cover of this marvellous new book, in which I explain how to make him. (And lots of other lovely people explain how to make their snazzy things...)

Available for pre-order here.

Found and treasured.

2011-08-17T11:42:00.002+01:00

So here is a small selection of my finds from my treasure hunt holiday. The above shelf was found for £1 at a car boot sale, previously a drawer that I painted white to store useful things in my studio. The flying ducks were my most expensive but treasured item from the Toot As in Foot stall at Old Spitalfields at £14. I also found many a Kilner jar on my travels, I went a bit crazy and bought five, but they were a cheeky £2.50 each which is a steal. And sadly I now refuse to drink out of anything but my set of six Charles and Diana glasses, which I found for £10 in Hunkydory-24.

I found many other random treasures, an A4 Victorian book paper press, many, many ceramic and enamel bowls for my kitchen, and of course about twenty Royal Coronation mugs ready to make candles.

I thought I would show you bits of my studio with all the flimflammery I've collected. Below shows some of my favourite souvenirs from artists I love such as Lizzie Stewart, Lucy Jane Batchelor, Helen Friel and Jessie Chorley.

The bottom picture shows my tiny shrine to the Royals where I keep the mugs I've clumsily smashed but still love and have made into candles. And of course a picture of my dream dog, the Pembroke Corgi.....

Props for Rokit.

2011-08-09T13:21:00.006+01:00

Last week I made a couple of props for The Science of Style's feature windows in Rokit's Covent Garden vintage store. If you look closely there is a birdcage and a giant gingerbread man hiding in there. I have bought many an item of clothing from trusty old Rokit, so I am chuffed to have been involved- I especially like that my website is printed on the window.....Huzzah.

Vintage Adventures and Other Tales of Margate.

2011-08-01T11:32:00.006+01:00

One of my favouritest favourite things to do, is wander around car boot sales and peruse junk and vintage shops. I could do it all day and forever, treasure hunting my way to a house full of wonderful things. So when I moved to London a year ago, I was very excited to have such easy access to wonderful vintage shops. (All time favourites: Old Spitalfields market on a Thursday, Rospo, and The Shop, Vintage Heaven).

However, these wonderful things come at a price, a very fair price might I add, for such marvellous shops, but not the prices that I long to discover again from squirrelling in charity shops and car boot fairs and house clearance shops. London, I'm afraid in my opinion, you fail in this department.

Thus, the idea was born, to take a week off work, borrow a car, and scour the South for vintage treasures. I'm pretty sure we must have averaged fifteen shops a day...we were on a mission to kit our houses out with lovely things, at a very low cost. Lymington served us well, and Brockenhurst surprised us with Pineapple Retro, a fabulous charity shop in Milford on Sea, Highcliffe had many many charity shops and Pokesdown blew us away with an amazing number of vintage clothing shops.

The real surprise however, was our final trip to Margate. It had everything we could have ever dreamed of. Some of the very finest vintage shops I have ever come across at very reasonable prices. Incredibly low prices at the British Heart Foundation furniture shop, we were almost crying that we didn't have a van with us. There were so, so many great vintage/junk/antique shops but the best were Showtime Retro Furniture, Junk Deluxe, Hunkydory-24, and the very best charity shop EVER on Market Street in between Madam Popoff and 20th Century Frocks. I shall be revisiting Margate frequently just to visit these shops, they were that good.

I picked up some absolute steals that I shall cherish forever, filled my car boot to the brim of secondhand/vintage homewares and came back with change from £50. When most things are under £1, my money went a very long way. We finished our trip with an ice cream sundae at the art deco Morelli's Icecream Parlour and returned, very cramped back to London.

Hooray for other peoples things, and hooray for all the lovely shop owners who we chatted to and helped us along the way!

All Aboard!

2011-07-19T19:09:00.005+01:00

Featuring vikings and pirates, this summer's Anorak magazine is a hearty beast. It's packed full of beautiful illustrations and fun activities as usual, and I even did a drawing to illustrate one of Essie Jain's lovely songs.

A lovely feature in Oh Comely.

2011-06-16T13:54:00.006+01:00

This month Oh Comely magazine has arrived in its sixth edition, and I am lucky enough to have a lovely little interview in it. For the more curious and creative of us, the charming magazine boasts that it is to,

'Inspire people to be creative, talk to their neighbours and explore new things, rather than buy stuff or lose weight.'

With fantastic articles on how to make a cardboard camera, stunning photography and a lovely little visit to the the delicious couple from Hope and Greenwood, I think Oh Comely should be a definite feature on your coffee table.

Available from all of these places and most WH Smiths.

1940's Stationers for Secret Cinema February 2011

2011-05-06T16:12:00.003+01:00

Back in February I was asked to set up a 1940's Stationers as part of the vintage market that was created for Secret Cinema's viewing of the Red Shoes at Tobacco Docks. Here is my little shop that I had for two weeks....

I have heard tales that SS April in the tunnels of underground Waterloo station was sublime. Book your tickets for a spectacular night of surprises here, and to read my full post on the wondrous event itself here.

Royal Letter Card for Souvenirs and the Suchlike.

2011-05-05T18:03:00.005+01:00

Hooray! Finally after all the excitement of the Royal Wedding, I have created a piece of my own Royal memorabilia, vintage style.

Based on old fashioned 'souvenir cards' for our seaside holidays, it is a little illustrated booklet that you can write on the reverse and fold into its own envelope; a little piece of London to tell of your city adventures.

Available in my little shop, here.

A Very Royal Window Display.

2011-04-20T13:46:00.002+01:00

I have created a jolly window installation for Beautiful Interiors in Walthamstow. It sells lovely vintage furniture as well as many a handmade treat from lots of London artists and designers. If you dont have your bunting for your Royal Wedding Street Party, this is where to get it.

A Trip to Amsterdam.

2011-04-20T11:41:00.007+01:00

1953 Retro and Chic

Boekenmarkt

Someone's strange house full of dolls

The Darling Boutique and Cafe

Fairytale Gypsy Village

Ahhhh, Amsterdam, you were not what I expected. I thought I would see ladies of the night and 'lads on tour' and general red light hideousness. Yes, I did see all of the afore mentioned, but luckily they are confined to only a small area. The rest of Amsterdam is dream of beautiful cobbled streets with canals, lined with little boutiques and design stores and bizarre little shops. It was a delight.

Day one was spent wandering the Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), a grid of independent shops and bars. We stumbled across 'The Darling', a very sweet clothing boutique with a little upstairs cafe serving tea and cupcakes. The walls were adorned with teacup lampshades and hyacinths and beautiful vintage furniture.

We visited the Postzegelmarkt, a market for medals, coins and stamps, where I picked up many early stamps of the Queen. The streets nearby were lovely to explore, especially Rosmarijnsteeg which was full of antique book and stamp shops. We also made it to Antiekmarkt De Looier which was an indoor antiques market full of interesting bits. The Otherist was quite a sweet little shop full of curiosities, and Kitsch Kitchen made us smile with its garish colours and plastic tat.

After accidentally exploring a gypsy village, Day Two was spent wandering Waterlooplein Flea Market, in my opinion the best of the bunch and Boekenmarkt, a little alleyway of books, maps and prints. We found 1953, easily the best of the vintage shops were stumbled across and we feasted on sumptuous chocolates at Puccini Bomboni.

Other lovely activities worth a mention across the rest of the trip included the best hot chocolate at De tart van m'n tante, an outrageously camp cake shop which had a 'Kate and Will' cake exhibition followed by lots of relaxing in the Sarphatipark.

A marvellous trip.

Darling

1953

The Glasses Museum

So long, farewell, adieu....

2011-04-02T18:31:00.002+01:00

Just a little note to let anyone curious know that I am off to far away places here and there for the next few weeks, please email hoorayfor (@) alicegabb.com for any desperate enquiries as I will be flitting back and forth to London.

Normal service will resume after Easter. I hope you all have a lovely break and are all as jolly as Elizabeth and Margaret up there. I'm so excited about the Royal Wedding!

Back at Broadway.

2011-04-01T22:48:00.004+01:00

After too many projects and general kerfuffle and mischief, I am back at Broadway Market, every Saturday 9am-5pm. I still don't have a set stall so just to keep you on your toes, I move around weekly....here I am playing Market Trader.

If you still haven't visited Broadway, you are missing out sir, located between Regents Canal and London fields, it makes for a grand day out.

Dress sharp mind, these Hackney residents have a fine eye for fashion.

(Well....some more than others....)

See where it is here, and read what TimeOut have to say about Broadway here.

The House of Hackney Pop Up Tea Rooms.

2011-04-01T14:26:00.004+01:00

Quick! Get up to Dalston and visit the showrooms of the beautiful House of Hackney. Only open until Sunday 3rd April, Castle Gibson's flaking walls have been taken over; upstairs hosting two floors of House of Hackney's magnificent collection homewares and textiles, and downstairs hosting Lily Vanilli's tearooms. With more mismatched floral crocks than you can shake a teaspoon at, for £10 you may dine for high tea, sampling three baked treats and drinking unlimited pots of tea. I sampled the flourless orange cake, chocolate brownie and a lavender meringue, and they were spectacular. I do feel I missed out not sampling the absinthe and mint chocolate chip ice cream though....

I was lucky enough to have a consultation with the guest doctor, adorned in a fine tweed waistcoat and bow tie, he held my hand for a few moments across the desk and asked me to close my eyes, he then rang a bell and typed away my diagnosis and prescription at his typewriter. The treatment for my problem is apparently 'presents' and 'a good time'.

It was a very surreal experience, but I liked it.

Have a peek at the flyer here.

Poisson sans boisson- c'est poison.

2011-03-17T17:11:00.016Z

Melodies Graphiques

Deyrolle's Taxidermy Emporium

Brocanté

Angelina's

Tombees du Camion at the Marche aux Puces.

Café des Deux Moulins

Here are the best bits from my recent adventures in Paris. On the first day we swanned down the Rue de Rivoli and it's back streets visiting gorgeous chocolates from Josephine Vannier, lovely design items from Astier de Villatte and Colette, and then to Angelina's for a well deserved macaroon and apparently the best hot chocolate in Paris (a bold statement I thought). It certainly was the best I have tasted, and despite being fairly touristy you could not fail to enjoy the beautiful setting of the high ceilinged decadent tea room, and despite the stroppy Parisienne waitress, I loved it. Once feeling feverishly full, we went to hunt out Deyrolle's taxidermy exhibition, which was definitely the highlight of the trip. I have never been so disturbed and amazed...ever. I saw a polar bear, a grizzly bear penguins, a giraffe and all the other safari animals and many other beasts all proudly posing against the wood panelled walls and antique cabinets. A fabulous collection.

We also sniffed out the Rue du Pont Louis-Phillippe to visit the paper and stationery shops, Melodies Graphiques, being the finest. I had a lovely chat with the owner who helped me pick nibs and a practice book to practice my penmanship.

To finish the day off we dined at the Café des Deux Moulins to lounge about pretending to be in Amelie and drink lots of red wine. I was pleasantly surprised at how similar it still is to the film, although the Tabac has been removed...

The following days were more relaxed (mostly due to sore heads), a picnic at the Champs de Mars to pose with the Tour Eiffel and a fabulous wander down the Canal St Martin for more Amelie reenactments and to visit the marvellous Artazart, a Magma-esque design book shop (better, in my opinion) finished off with a stroll around the beautiful cemetery Pere Lachaise where I went to visit Edith Piaf's grave.

The final day featured a strut around the Marche aux Puces, which was filled with over 2000 antiques stalls- heaven- with more vintage textiles than I have ever seen. Sadly it was bitter sweet as the prices were sky high *weep*. To distract from this sad discovery we visited the endless parks and lakes of the Bois de Vincennes, and finished with more wandering around lovely Abbesses in Montmartre where we stayed. It's been a year since I last stayed there and now every other shop is a stylish boutique with the occasional vintage treat. I highly recommend.

A marvellous weekend away.

Paper Heaven.

2011-03-17T16:56:00.003Z

February saw the arrival of the Ephemera Society bringing their finest paper collections to Bloomsbury. Now, I make it my business to spend many an hour seeking out these 'ephemera' stuffs, but blimey do these chaps know their stuff. I spent many a shilling on beautifully typeset penmanship posters and advertising from the 1880's to 1930's, and picked up a hearty selection of books about the history of letter writing, paper folding and the type point system. The most lovely thing about the event was that the stall holders just loved talking about paper and printing, I was there for hours chatting about my purchases...a magnificent outing.

I also found some little treats for my stall at Broadway, including some original Edwardian embossed notecards, come and have a look if you get as excited about old paper as I do.

Check here for the Ephemera Society's up and coming events all over the country.

The Royal Bears Take a Trip to Selfridges.

2011-02-25T14:45:00.004Z

My tweed bears are now available to buy in Selfridges as part of the fabulous Supermarket Sarah installation in the Stationery department. What an exciting day.

Other delights featured on the wall include the truly wondrous Merrimaking hoods, that I will get round to buying one of these days. Tatty Devine also have some marvellous treats up there too, and the excellent flat pets by GARUDIO STUDIAGE.

The wall frequently changes, so go and have a peek.

Things What Are Royal.

2011-02-23T13:03:00.004Z

I am designing some invites for a London Underground themed soiree, and I came across these whilst swooning over old transport posters.

I wish I could own these typefaces.

If you like these, the London Transport Museum is holding a talk on London Underground's poster campaign during the Second World War. Sadly I cannot make it....

Harrington & Squires.

2011-02-22T22:31:00.002Z

One of my favourite shops in the Secret Cinema, was Harrington and Squire's printing shop. As well as selling their beautiful letterpressed stationery, they had set up a press so that you could hand print your own Secret Cinema souvenir ticket (beautifully typeset in Gill Sans).

Other shops that deserve a mention are the lovely Swell Vintage for jewellery, Bunnies Forever for boutique underwear and The Powder Room for a well styled vintage makeover.

Secret Cinema.

2011-02-22T22:22:00.012Z

I don't know how to even begin to describe the intricacies of what happened at the last Secret Cinema event, I know I wont be able to cover half of the beauty and madness that took place, but I shall try to explain the best I can what I have been doing for the last month...

This time the film was the 1948 classic, The Red Shoes, and the location was the now derelict Tobacco Docks, a failed east London shopping centre. The Secret Cinema team transformed the lower level labyrinths of the venue into a 1940's Covent Garden, featuring a mixture of actual shops and shop installations, with amusement and fairground props in every spare corner. You were collected at Wapping tube station and marched in a huge procession to the venue where actors and musicians entertained the queue.

I was asked to design and set up a 1940's stationers in one of the abandoned shop spaces. The attention to detail was really outstanding, there was even a designer for the area behind my shop which was transformed to give the illusion that you had entered a dark, eerie backstage area.

When you had entertained yourself with the hustle and bustle of the market, and explored all the beautiful theatre inspired installations and spent all your money on all things 1940's, the upstairs maze of oversized glass rooms were transformed into rehearsal rooms, as if the first dress rehearsal from the ballet in the film was about to take place. Ballet lessons were held, set props needed painting, Lermontov's office was set up, all dragging you further and further into the dream/dillusion that you were actually involved in the production and that the year was actually 1948.

As everybody religiously followed the 1940's dress code, you were unaware of who were the actors, and who were the audience. Dancers pulled you onto raised stages and danced to the Charleston, workmen made you stand on a step ladder whilst holding window shutters on either side of your face and made you recite the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. A drunken policemen in a tutu skipped around blowing a whistle, meanwhile 'Act 2' is suddenly called and dancers rush past you in a frenzy. After you had watched a circus act perform miraculous stunts suspended from the roof rafters , the atmosphere changed and the crowds were encouraged to witness the final climax of the show, which saw almost every member of the audience dancing together in a bizarre frenzy whilst dancers in nude lycra suits and rather disturbing masks which resembled animal skulls put on their finest show.

Just when you thought that there couldn't possibly be any more, you remembered that you were there to watch a film and dashing gents ushered you to your seat.....

For seventeen nights I manned my stationery shop and got to play make believe every single evening. Thank you so much to the team, I was so excited to be part of the project, and sorry to the actors who tried to bring my dramatic side out of me; I'm afraid my impov skills leave a lot to be desired.

All in all, I think it's best if next time, you take a chance and you book those mystery tickets. You are guaranteed a night you will never forget....But remember, it wasn't me who told you alright?

The Evolution of English.

2011-01-30T16:08:00.007Z

I suggest if you have any free time at all over the next few months, that you pop along to the British Library to see the 'Evolution of English' exhibition. It was such a fantastic collection of how we have come to speak and use language the way we do now, what has influenced it and the huge importance of slang and dialect.

Very interesting indeed.

Present & Correct.

2011-01-30T15:48:00.007Z

Before Christmas I was lucky enough to sneak a visit to Present & Correct's lovely pop-up shop, The House of Propellers. A complimentary mix of vintage and new, it was filled with an outstanding selection of stationery, all of the highest taste, carefully placed on cardboard school desks.

It made me feel warm inside.

Get yourself some tasty office morsels HERE.

Big In Japan.

2011-01-12T21:42:00.005Z

Hooray for Madame Figaro magazine, they have done a little feature on me in their January London guide. I got to wear some wonderful vintage pieces from Lucy in Disguise and meet two lovely ladies from Arthur and Albert magazine.

As well as uncomfortable pictures of me, and despite being in Japanese, there is an amazing plethora of lovely London boutiques/markets/cafes to go and visit, so I am slowly working through a checklist I have made and will report back. Tomorrow I am sampling what 'Tina, We Salute You' has to offer....

With that, I leave you with one of my all time favourite videos. Enjoy.

Super Supermarket Sarah

2010-12-09T18:01:00.004Z

I have been very busy beavering away, preparing for Christmas fairs and whatnot, but this was one of my favourite projects. I made some giant clocks, potion bottles and a key, from some of my favourite hoardings of vintage pattern papers and old books, as part of the 'Gabberdashery', the travelling shop of lovely things that follows singer and stylish lady, Gabby Young.

Here she is in all her glory for Supermarket Sarah, a favourite stop of mine for a touch of online retail therapy.

If you ever get the chance to go and see Gabby sing, you would be a fool to turn it down; dancing and flailing merrily with other audience members will ensue.

Here are a couple of marvellous articles about her: HERE and .......HERE.

Bobby Dazzlers take over Selfridges!

2010-12-09T17:39:00.004Z

Hooray! Over the past few months I have been working on Bobby Dazzler's Selfridges order in the Dazzler HQ, and they've made it into the Christmas window display!

They look absolutely splendid, and I hear there are only a few cheeky stragglers left, so go and get yours...

Hackney Treats.

2010-11-21T19:06:00.008Z

It's been four months in smoky old Dalston where the streets are paved with....well...er...stolen goods...

But I am settling in well here and whilst exploring this mysterious place I thought I would share my favourite haunts in the East where I spend my days ferreting out treasures and drinking tea.

J & B- Jessie Chorley and Buddug Humphreys, 158 Columbia Road

The Vintage Emporium, 14 Bacon Street

Violet Cakes, 47 Wilton Way

Rospo Antiques, Hackney Road

Pelicans & Parrots, 40 Stoke Newington Road

'The Shop', Cheshire Street

The Museum of Everything.

2010-11-05T09:02:00.005Z

If you have any spare time on your hands between Thursdays and Sundays, you would be foolish not to visit this incredible and freakish and ingenious exhibition at the Museum of Everything. Tucked away in Primrose Hill, it's an absolute gem, with a lovely (cheap) cafe where your tea will be served in mis matched crocks and complementary biscuits were placed on the table- a sure fire way of impressing me.

A mixture of visually overwhelming 'outsider' art, from Peter Blake's beautiful and disturbing collections of ephemera, to more taxidermy than you could shake a stick at from Walter Potter, and blindingly kitsch circus memorabilia, this is one of my all time favourite exhibitions ever- and it's on until Christmas. Read a slightly more thorough article here.

In other news....

2010-11-05T08:27:00.003Z

Almost every week my outfits get photographed at Broadway market by various magazines and blogs, but sadly, due to my hideously awkward nature, I have never actually made it into a feature due to my constant camera-shy habits that include grimacing, blinking, looking at the floor or slouching....

I would like to say thank you to talanted and patient Vanessa Jackman for being the first photographer to persevere with me, and take a lovely picture of yours truly at London Fashion Week. Hooray!

Check out her website of lovely stylish ladies.....

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!

As well as being at Broadway Market every Saturday 9-4, I will be at these Christmas Fairs:

Handmade Winchester...Saturday 13th November 11am- 5pm

Winchester Guild Hall

BUST Christmas Craftacular...Sunday 28th November 12pm- 6pm

York Hall, Bethnal Green, London

We Make Christmas Wonderland...Saturday 4th December 11am- 5pm

Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Road, London

Of Cabbages & Kings Christmas Market...Saturday 11th December 11am- 5pm

St Mary's Crypt, Upper Street, London

Shop handmade this Christmas! xxx

New Beginnings.

2010-08-31T21:39:00.003+01:00

I love this photo, it appeared on the beautiful blog Loulou and Oscar- showing one of my tweed Captains at the Spider and the Fly pop-up shop.

So I have now officially moved to London....come and visit me at Broadway Market in Hackney every Saturday to see many more tweed friends!

The Standon Express.

2010-08-13T20:45:00.010+01:00

Last weekend happened to be Standon Calling- the most spectacular event I have ever been to (...bear in mind my favourite place is probably the library).

There was burlesque life drawing, dressing up, cupcakes and tea, a dog show, all night bars and an incredible line up. Not only this but my work was being sold in the Gabberdashery, purveyors of all things nice, by Gabby Young and Katie Antoniou AND the theme was Murder on the Standon Express. So here's to them and here are my favourite photos that I would like to share....

Thank you so much to Revere and Gabby Young & Other Animals and Katie.

Gabby Young & Other Animals

The Bright Lights of Broadway.

2010-07-20T13:41:00.001+01:00

The summer holidays have finally arrived and I have had a flurry of nice projects and good news...

This is Edith.

She is my doll on the very first part of her journey as part of the Doll Consequences project this year, organised by the wonderful Lucy Jane Batchelor. Over the next nine months some very talented young ladies will be making a doll, and sending it to the next and continuing the chain until all nine of us have a spectacular textile character customised by each and every one of us.

But I can only show you a little bit of her....as it's a secret for the other doll makers.....

In other news I will be a regular member of Broadway Market every Saturday from now until after Christmas, so do come and say hello, it is a very lovely place to be of a Saturday strolling along the canal.

Bust Craftacular

2010-07-11T17:35:00.003+01:00

Bust Craftacular 2010, originally uploaded by lucy_davidson.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of finally being a seller at this years BUST summer event, the highlight of my fair calendar... Between purchasing and workswaps I came home with handfuls of goods from Teacakes and 78s, Andrea Garland, Me Me Me, Gemma Correll and Heart Zeena.

There is always a fantastic atmosphere there, led by the DJ's on stage all day, and despite being the hottest day of all time- Swing Patrol's dance class could not have put me in a better mood as they were dancing to all of my favorite 1930's tracks... number one on my list of things to do when I soon move to London.

BUST a move.

2010-06-23T22:13:00.002+01:00

HOORAY FOR BUST!

It is back in London to tempt us all this summer, but this year I'm in it too!

I cannot wait, the line up of designer makers is awesome so check out all the details here and all the amazing vendors here.

Remember it's July 10th!

Letter headed paper for dukes and captains.

2010-06-13T18:38:00.004+01:00

Whilst playing around in my printing studio I made these very serious letters for a soldier friend of mine, I thought I would share them with you all....

More news!

I will be at these fairs:

We Make London: Chelsea Town Hall, London- 26th June

Handmade: Guildhall, Winchester- 4th July

BUST Craftacular: York Hall, London- 10th July

Come and say hello! x

Lasso The Moon.

2010-05-26T15:58:00.004+01:00

Hooray! After much faffing around on my part I am finally up as a designer as part of Lasso the Moon's beautiful online boutique. Lots of lovely British made treasures to be found here.....

Bits and Pieces.

2010-05-18T18:13:00.003+01:00

A quick post to let you all know what the blazes I have been doing.....

I have had some splendid news from lovely Lucy Jane Batchelor of young Ernest there guarding his chair until his little owner is big enough to sit in it. I'm so pleased he has settled in!

Delightful images by a favourite of mine Hannah Waldron on the wall too....

Also I shall be making an appearance at the 1st Edition Summer Craft Market so please come and say hello and marvel at lovely handmade goodness.

1st Edition Saturday 29th May

From 10 am to 5pm. Free entry. Free refreshments.

A collection of fine designer makers showcasing a plethora of quality, original, hand crafted wares. From jewellery, recycled fashion, home wares, millinery, accessories, art, soft furnishings, paper goods to beautacious and lush vintage inspired cakes!

Venue:
Beautiful Interiors shop garden
34 Orford Rd.
Walthamstow Village, London
E17 9NJ

Annnnnnd I shall be at the fabulous We Make London fair, 26th June at Chelsea Town Hall. Mmmmm. I do like fairs.

PICK ME UP

2010-05-05T18:05:00.006+01:00

A festival of all things graphic design related, Pick Me Up was an absolute feast for the eye. Rob Ryan and his team of minions had set up their own beautiful studio and were filming the progress of a live paper-cut. I loved Mr Bingo's cheeky selection, and the collective Nous Vous had some good treats too.

An Extended Trip.

2010-04-28T16:45:00.008+01:00

Well, what an adventure. Thanks to the trusty volcano, I was stranded in Berlin for a week, and then had to go home via Paris for two days. How lucky am I? Well while I was there I went to visit all these wonderful vintage shops I had heard about, and stumbled across on my travels.

I highly recommend Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn Sportpark and Arkona Platz on a Sunday for Flea Market splendidness. They are within five minutes walk of each other and were full of visual delights. The first is HUGE with hidden treasures and the second is much smaller with less tat.

'Paul Knopf' was an amazing shop dedicated solely to buttons, it was so tiny but floor to ceiling was boxes and tubes crammed with every button imaginable- and the staff knew the history and origin of every single one.

Next is 'Eichhornchen' (which means 'Squirrel' in German) was packed full of vintage goodies, from art deco furniture to vintage magazines and linens.

Below is a photo of the beautiful shop 'Mimi' for antique textiles- this was a pretty serious boutique full of real collectables.

'Tombees du Camion' was a delightful shop full of bizarre and beautiful oddities, we stumbled across this in Montmartre- but I hear they have three shops dotted around Paris.

For more photos of these wonderful places take a look here.

Huge thanks to Design Sponge's guide to Berlin, and Eastseven for being the greatest hostel I've ever stayed in.

S T O U R S P A C E

2010-03-28T20:15:00.007+01:00

Oh what a day was had...

Stour Space was a very special find; hidden in Hackney Wick with one of the nicest little cafes I have ever been to (it had illustrations of Tom Selleck everywhere; a fine way to embellish any establishment)- Ruth Clifford and I set up my little stall after the causing the usual disruption on public transport with my trolley full of goods...

There was a cat called Merlin, an array of men with excellent facial hair, and lovely customers to talk to- not to mention other fantastic designers and makers, and Anorak Magazine which was very exciting as I am in the new issue (as seen freshly coloured by Ruth).

We ate cakes, coloured in, drank tea, and then packed up and caused another display of clumsiness and embarrassment while I dragged my little trolley of goods back across London.

There are monthly markets at Stour Space- have a look here.

vis/res Issue 2...(mine's the one on the left)

2010-03-18T15:41:00.003Z

Here is the splendid second edition of 'vis/res', a new bi monthly little zine full of new designers and illustrators- and joy-oh-joy I was allowed to be in the second one, based on the blurred line that now occurs between reality and the virtual world. So here is mine! (the one on the left...)

There are only ever 100 printed, available to purchase here.

Notecards for Formal Informalities.

2010-03-18T15:35:00.004Z

New notecards with matching envelopes for your visual delight!

Available to buy in my lovely Etsy shop.

Market Days

2010-03-16T14:01:00.004Z

The market days in Stoke Newington were a lovely little treat, here is a photo of my little stand- the market is continuing monthly so have a visit (there are delicious cakes on sale too).

I will also be appearing at Stour Space Designers Market in Hackney Wick on the 27th March which should be packed full of nice things...

Stour Space
Designers Market
7 Roach Road,
Fish Island,
London,
E3 2PA

Lovely Market Dates...

2010-02-17T17:34:00.004Z

Ooooh it's so exciting, I will be at 'Of Cabbages and Kings' new market on the 6th and 7th March tempting you all with my writing finery. Brand new writing notecards will feature, so come and say hello and get inspired to write a letter and buy handmade.

As well as yours truly, some of my favourite designer makers will be there too; Lady Luck Rules OK will be there with trendy jewellery, and one of my favourite illustrators Hannah Melin.

Fetch the Trumpets!

2010-01-30T14:07:00.004Z

Well well well....this is Captain Hector. He is a very important little chap who likes cigars and shooting (clay pigeons only, of course).

Made with a vintage Coronation Medal, he is on his way to Sandhurst for some new adventures.

I also wanted to show off this charming writing tin that I found that is joining Hector on his travels.

It's been a rather surprising month for me, I shall be appearing in the latest vis/res, a lovely limited publication which should be out towards the end of February. I shall also have some drawings in the Spring edition of Anorak magazine, which is possibly the most beautiful children's magazine I have ever laid my eyes on.

AND I'll be at Of Cabbages and Kings new monthly design markets on the 6th and 7th of March, in Stoke Newington, with new writing sets and other splendid treats.

But for the moment, rather unexpectedly, I am temporarily somewhat of a boarding mistress at my old prep school.

I am also holding a workshop this week teaching 10 year olds how to monoprint which I'm very excited/terrified about.

How did this happen?!

Roll Up, Roll Up...

2010-01-19T20:11:00.004Z

Finally all of my favourite original prints are now for sale in my Etsy shop. Keep your beady eyes out for some new writing stationery too....

Artist of the Day.

2010-01-04T15:03:00.003Z

Today I pay homage to Lizzy Stewart, illustrator extraordinaire. I bought her splendidly splendid zine of fine vintage women, and here it is for all to see.

Lots of her other work can be seen here.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T14:57:00.002Z

My etsy shop is now fully stocked, ready for the new year ahead. I have a pile of projects yet to do that I'm very excited about.

But for now, here is George. He is a king.

BUST.

2009-12-17T11:30:00.008Z

Saturday was the day for Christmas shopping and I went to get myself some fine treasures. Bust was splendid as usual, beautiful ceramics by Louise Graham, Glazed and Confused, and Me me me, and general lovely things by Jessie Chorley, Jill and Custom Made and the most beautiful but slightly disturbing taxidermy by Jazmine Miles-Long. And of course my favourite handmade cosmetics by Andrea Garland.

The Mangle Xmas Fair was a pleasant surprise too, I purchased an A1 newsprint screenprint from Rob Ryan for £5 and he signed it for me. JOY! I totally abandoned buying anything for anyone else and bought myself a tote bag with one of my favourite prints by James Brown of General Pattern.

Now for my favourite festive part... wrapping!

Letters for the Regal Writer.

2009-12-10T11:11:00.007Z

Finally some of my new writing paper is available from my shop. It is all screen printed by me, in hope that you will all write more letters. Hooray for letters.

Available here.

My First Ever Craft Fair.

2009-12-07T21:31:00.005Z

On Sunday it was the Christmas Craft Guerrilla Fair at the lovely William Morris Gallery. I was a little nervous as it was my first fair but it was a very good day, with the help of my assistant Mared Edwards who also makes lovely things.

There was a cheery, festive atmosphere, surrounded by the beautiful architecture itself, and a choir even came to sing to us.

A very good day indeed.

Bust Craftacular!

2009-12-07T21:14:00.005Z

Cripes! Only a few days until my favourite event maybe ever (apart from my annual camping trip). Yes, Bust Craftacular has returned once again in Bethnal Green. Possibly the finest selection of crafty designs one could hope to lay one's eyes on.

There'll be D.I.Y lessons, a Pop Up Tea Shop from Lady Luck, and some excellent records being played all day, and over 60 designers.

What more could you possibly want?

Also on the same day is an excellent Vintage Fair which looks well worth a visit.....

The World Famous Tea Cosy Tearooms.

2009-11-22T18:37:00.012Z

Today I visited Brighton to deliver all my work for the Brighton Ourhouse Fair, and decided to visit the Tea Cosy. I had heard that there was a strict tea room etiquette, so I read all the rules on their website and wore my Sunday best. It was exactly as I had hoped; a shameless shrine to the Royals, every crevice piled high with incredible memorabilia. I got to sit underneath a splendid portrait of Queen Victoria, and whilst embracing the spirit of the venue, listening to some of my favourite songs, including Vera Lynn, we decided to order the full works:

"Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, Queen of Hearts, 10 year Anniversary, Your Death Has Torn Our Lives Apart, Fairwell Dear Princess Queen Of Hearts, Forever In Our Thoughts, Memorial Afternoon Tea"

Oh my days, it was the most glorious afternoon tea I have ever had. A giant tea pot of almost never ending tea, and a cake stand which featured unashamedly soft white bread with no crusts, and lashings of salad cream, scones and all the biscuits you could ever want for. To top it all off 'Candle in the Wind' was played on the piano when it was served to us (this may have been a coincidence).

So even though I couldn't really make much of a dent to the biscuit mountain, and I kept having to silence my mother, loudly singing the words to, 'We'll meet again', whilst clearly breaking etiquette rule number eight of, 'Conversation should never be louder than two tones above the chink of a tea cup and good table manners are expected at all times.', I highly recommend a visit.

But seriously, don't break the rules. I've heard there are consequences.

Christmas is a coming!

2009-11-20T15:03:00.008Z

Another little look at what will be on offer at the Brighton Open House Fair, which opens it's doors next weekend!

Those teacup candles are my absolute favourite, I am almost sad to part with them. Weep.

They are laced with lavender as it's lovely and calming after a hard day's Christmas shopping, and they are all sourced by me, quite literally from all over the country.

I have also been playing shop with my awesome new stamp as modelled by Edward the royal bear. He has a little rosette made from a 1900's edition of a women's newspaper, and is made from reclaimed tweed and my Grandmother's finest blanket.

He will also be making an appearance at the fair.

Brighton Open House Fairs.

2009-11-12T11:05:00.002Z

These woolly creatures are ready to be stored away in their little travelling case and sent down to Brighton for the lovely Open House Fair where I will be selling some of my wares. It will be full of splendid handmade festive treats and gifts and artwork, check out the list of participating artists here.

Some Right Bobby Dazzlers.

2009-11-12T10:56:00.003Z

A sneek peek of some little friends from the Brick Lane studio of Bobby Dazzler.

I am nowhere near as fast as Rosie and Fumie who make them, but my stuffing and stitching is getting super fast (for me anyway).

Click here to see my favorite.

Christmas shopping ahoy!

2009-11-08T18:17:00.003Z

I am very excited to announce that I think I have just confirmed a stall at this years Craft Guerrilla Christmas Market. It looks to be a lovely festive day with a Christmas Choir and crafty DIY lessons being held. I will be selling my brand new range of writing paper and lots of friendly creatures too. Come and say hello!

I am also taking part in Ourhouse Brighton Fairs which look splendidly fabulous too.

Open for 3 weekends:
November 27th 28th 29th
December 4th 5th 6th
December 11th 12th 13th

Opening Times:
Friday evenings 5 - 7pm
Saturdays 11 - 7pm
Sundays 12 - 5pm

Why don't people yodel more?

2009-10-12T19:44:00.001+01:00

this. is. amazing.

Treasure Chest.

2009-10-02T15:29:00.010+01:00

What a splendid surprise. I was instructed to visit Spitalfields Market on my Thursday lunchbreak, and what a delightful sight to behold. It was filled with beautiful curiosities and antique treasures; I admit, I was foaming at the mouth.

Anyway, as I was speeding around trying to sneak a peek at everything without being late, I picked up this creation for my imaginary stall that I do not have yet.

Note to self: visit every Thursday.

The chap inside is my experiment of how to put a crown on a bear...not yet perfected.

Lenka and Micheal.

2009-09-28T16:48:00.006+01:00

I am thinking about new projects to do now that I (think) I have found a printing studio, and new writing paper is on my list. While I was working on new designs I remembered how inspiring this 'Mysterious Letter's Blog' is.

'In April 2009, we sent a personal, handwritten letter to each of the 467 households in the small Irish village of Cushendall. We hoped these unsolicited letters would prompt neighbourly discussion, spreading across the town, promoting community curiosity.'

An Excellent Weekend.

2009-09-28T10:44:00.011+01:00

This weekend I went exploring at Broadway Market and had my usual 'Island Refresh' juice, and then had a jolly walk down the canal to visit Craftaholics. The amazing Emily Warren was there and I bought my very own bear head.

Now I'm saving up for an owl head.

Artist of the Day.

2009-09-25T13:40:00.003+01:00

I bought one of her matchbox books at Bust Craftacular earlier this year, but I have just discovered that Emily Warren is also the creative genius behind these amazing giant creature heads.

Mmmm. Woodland creatures.

Craft. Craft. Craft.

2009-09-25T13:29:00.003+01:00

Mmmm lovely craft fairs that I will be visiting.

Artist of the Day!

2009-09-22T17:13:00.005+01:00

Well well well. What a find. I have just stumbled across Victoria Whincup's work and I like it very much!

Letters are better.

2009-09-16T12:02:00.004+01:00

Best letter award goes to: Lucy Jane Batchelor.

This morning I received these lovely blue objects to make lovely things from!

The bear chocolate packaging will stand pride of place.

I am currently rounding up all my crafty bits and pieces to send off to the Brighton Art Fair, which is on from October 1st-4th. The lovely boys from Just Us are holding a stand for all members of the collective to sell our work, so there will be stacks of snazzy things to buy.

I am a sheep.

2009-09-09T13:32:00.002+01:00

Here is a sneak peak of a new collection of creatures I have been making! There will be a little deer and a bear too.

Razzle Dazzle.

2009-09-08T19:34:00.004+01:00

I am so excited on Friday I am going to work for Bobby Dazzler for a day!

I love their converted horse box and they make very fine creatures indeed.

Pom Poms and Harlequins.

2009-09-02T11:46:00.008+01:00

I love Holly's circus collection, she is a fine knitter.

Otherwise known as Lola, she was a fellow Bath student and she has been featured in a very snazzy interview here.

One day I aim to own a piece of my own. I will dance and skip everywhere I go.

Here is her blog.

A tribute to Kirstie. (I love you.)

2009-08-13T15:17:00.006+01:00

The time has come to abandon shame and celebrate the marvelous Kirstie Allsop.

I couldn't help but be addicted to her series, 'Homemade Home'.

I have been making more things ever since, and, more unfortunately, it fuelled my desire to fill my room with lovely old things.

So, in tribute to you Kirstie, I have made tea cup candles and created a wall of crocks (yet to be completed).

A few teacup candles that I can't quite squeeze in anywhere are available at my Etsy shop.

A lovely day of sewing.

2009-08-08T20:05:00.008+01:00

Today I was lucky enough to go to one of Jessie Chorley's story book workshops for a day of biscuits and making on Columbia Road.

It was delightful to be surrounded by her collection/ museum of beautiful things; a feast for the imagination. Whenever I visit I can't help but daydream about the stories behind each piece of fabric or book.

I decided to make a sewing book so I can take it with me on the train, which was a bit of a cheat as there is not much meaningful narrative going on there, but I will work on it and post the finished article!

Craftwerk

2009-08-01T18:01:00.010+01:00

On Saturday I visited Craftwerk at St Aloysius Social Club to find lots of nice things.

Visiting such crafty fairs is always my favorite as you can buy direct see and the face behind the work, although I always get to shy to talk to anyone...

I really went to get my mitts on some of Julia Pott and Gemma Correll's work, but there were lots of other treats too.

I was very pleased to stumble across Helen Friel, a paper engineer/illustrator, whose little books and cards were so beautiful, I had to buy one. Amazingly she has just graduated too, which made my heart sink a bit...anyway, take a peek at her website and her etsy shop.

I also picked up a flyer for a monthly event that goes on at the same venue, a jumble sale!

Set up by Wills Moody, it has become quite the event. Huzzah for jumble sales.

Artist of the Day

2009-07-28T13:26:00.002+01:00

I love this work...

Check out Caitlin Shearer's shop it is full of wondrous images.

But don't buy this one because I want it...

Happy Belated Birthday Pandora!

2009-07-27T16:50:00.005+01:00

I must admit I feel a little guilty making one of these when Esther Coomb's actually lives in the same village as Pandora (what are the chances?).

This is a particular favorite of mine though, I hope she likes it.

For the real deal visit Esther Coomb's etsy shop.

Lucy May Schofield

2009-07-27T16:38:00.003+01:00

I sometimes wander into 'Beyond the Valley' just to check if Lucy May Schofield's little box of lovely things has anything new in it, and last week it did!

I purchased two of these beautiful letter-pressed cards, I kept flicking through the pile and everyone seemed to have a different sentence (this could have been a mirage in my excitement), but this one was my favourite.

For more incredibly heart felt words and an insight into the mind of Lucy read her blog.

Her bookbinding workshops are very good too.

Handmade Nation

2009-07-26T20:48:00.006+01:00

On Saturday I went to see the premiere of Faythe Levine's documentary 'Handmade Nation' at the V & A. It is one of my most favourite books, documenting contemporary crafters/makers/artists in America and the growth of the D.I.Y scene over the past five years. It absolutely lived up to my expectations, and, pretty much self funded for five years, it is an amazing accomplishment. I feel very inspired.

Thank you to 'Prick your finger' for alerting me of the event.

I love bunting!

2009-07-22T13:42:00.000+01:00

I have just finished making my beautiful niece some embroidered bunting for her nursery using all my scraps of hoarded floral fabric. The first triangle is my great, great, great grandmother's antique silk that has been handed down to me which I think is pretty cool.

Treasures and Treats

2009-07-22T13:27:00.002+01:00

Huzzah for car boot sales!

One huge thing that I will miss from Bath is the car boot sale which I religiously visited most Sundays. However I am a fickle customer and Winchester's did itself proud last Sunday, as I found some beautiful vintage jewellery boxes which I absolutely love.

The pink rosette is from Jessie Chorley who I have been doing some work experience with, she has a fabulous new shop which everyone should visit!

KKareer Centre

2009-07-06T10:18:00.003+01:00

On Thursday night twenty of us from Just Us Design Collective had our private view at the KK Outlet in Hoxton Square. It was so nice meeting other members of the collective who have some fantastic work, and Mark Simon and Will who set it up did an amazing job setting the space up like a job centre.

(There's even a phone booth with the Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack playing....that bit was my idea)

It's open until the 27th July if anyone's around...

www.kkareercentre.com

Thanks to Creative Review for the photographs.

Goodbye Oliver Polar Bear

2009-07-02T08:52:00.000+01:00

I found these amazing bears on Fred Flare at Christmas, made by Jessica Sutton of Crafternoon.

I got the last one, and after six months of adopting him my new baby niece, Eleri, has finally arrived and so I say goodbye to you Mr Oliver.

I will miss you!

Custom bears available here.

Alice Gabb Illustration

Christmas Time in Munchen.

Wish Wish Wish's Wishlist.

Lovely Merchants.

The Long Table.

Christmas Frolics at Columbia Road.

The Pop Up Vintage Fair & Handmade and Bound.

Matters of Lavender.

A Feast For Your Eyes...New Products!

Festive Frolics.

*Fair Dates*

Pies, Manners and the Naughty Chair.

Charmed, I'm Sure...

Renegade Handmade.

Blog & Buy's Pix & Mix.

State Of Craft.

Found and treasured.

Props for Rokit.

Vintage Adventures and Other Tales of Margate.

All Aboard!

A lovely feature in Oh Comely.

1940's Stationers for Secret Cinema February 2011

Royal Letter Card for Souvenirs and the Suchlike.

A Very Royal Window Display.

A Trip to Amsterdam.

So long, farewell, adieu....

Back at Broadway.

The House of Hackney Pop Up Tea Rooms.

Poisson sans boisson- c'est poison.

Paper Heaven.

The Royal Bears Take a Trip to Selfridges.

Things What Are Royal.

Harrington & Squires.

Secret Cinema.

The Evolution of English.

Present & Correct.

Big In Japan.

Super Supermarket Sarah

Bobby Dazzlers take over Selfridges!

Hackney Treats.

The Museum of Everything.

In other news....

New Beginnings.

The Standon Express.

The Bright Lights of Broadway.

Bust Craftacular

BUST a move.

Letter headed paper for dukes and captains.

Lasso The Moon.

Bits and Pieces.

PICK ME UP

An Extended Trip.

S T O U R S P A C E

vis/res Issue 2...(mine's the one on the left)

Notecards for Formal Informalities.

Market Days

Lovely Market Dates...

Fetch the Trumpets!

Roll Up, Roll Up...

Artist of the Day.

Happy New Year!

BUST.

Letters for the Regal Writer.

My First Ever Craft Fair.

Bust Craftacular!

The World Famous Tea Cosy Tearooms.

Christmas is a coming!

Brighton Open House Fairs.

Some Right Bobby Dazzlers.

Christmas shopping ahoy!

Why don't people yodel more?

Treasure Chest.

Lenka and Micheal.

An Excellent Weekend.

Artist of the Day.

Craft. Craft. Craft.

Artist of the Day!

Letters are better.

I am a sheep.

Razzle Dazzle.

Fair Dates