Thursday, 8 August 2013

Hope you like jamming too!

Making the most of a glut of soft fruits in the greengrocers, I had a good jam session!


Strawberry 

 


Nectarine and blueberry
 



Some as gifts, some for us when the weather is chilly, for a memory of this hot summer.

I am off for an Antipodean adventure to visit my sister and family - see you in a couple of weeks!

Wednesday, 7 August 2013

Looking up in Lille

So many wonderfully interesting things high up in windows, to advertise the shop's wares, for function, or just for fun!



Everyone should have a Fairy in the Attic!
 


But not a Flea in the Ear!
 


Here the Green Witch peddles her wares 
 


 
Simply stating what services are provided here
 

 
here
 
 
and here
 



More beautiful ironwork
 


 

 
Love the way the pigeons lined up so beautifully for me!
 
 
 And I really don't know what this was all about - most surreal!

Monday, 5 August 2013

Doors

The doorways in Northern France are a wonderful example of iron work. Even before Sean was a Blacksmith, I have always loved wrought iron. I remember we had some on the glass door of the porch at home.











Sunday, 4 August 2013

Eurostar awayday to Lille

I love hopping over to Lille for the day; it's less than an hour and a half, I can have a whole day in France and be back home by 10pm.

 
There is a Metro, but I prefer to walk around as you can see more. Lots of 'looking up, looking down' (Thanks, Rinda, I borrowed the phrase from you!)
 
 
Just one of so many beautiful doorways
 
 
The floor of Oxfam Friperie, where I found for 2 Euro a sweet pink and grey paisley skirt.
 
 
 Above  doorways
 
 
 
Lots more photos to share - tomorrow!
 

Thursday, 1 August 2013

Hand made gifts

A couple of friends are leaving their jobs for pastures new or retirement, so I wanted to make them some jewellery.

 
For Pauline, a musician who loves gardening / gardener who loves making music!
 
 
For Kathryn, who is off to teach English in Dubai.
 

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Fashion and Textiles Museum and Zandra Rhodes

Sam, Elisabeth and I went to the Fashion and Textiles Museum in Bermondsey St yesterday to see the Summer exhibition, Zandra Rhodes Unseen. For those unfamiliar with her, Zandra is a wonderfully eccentric designer with pink hair and a passion for pink and purple busy prints. She studied at the Royal College of Art in the early 1960s, and has been her own person ever since, setting trends, not following them, and always adding her own twist. She opened this museum in 2003, so this exhibition celebrates its tenth birthday.


A video sets the scene, with Zandra explaining her thinking behind some of her collections, then on to the dresses. Her own style is toned down for her collections - eminently wearable, and not just for the catwalk. Some of her beaded (by hand!) evening gowns from the 80s, in Art Deco style were amazing! Her latest collection embraces new technology as she uses Computer Aided Design to print her drawings on to simple white shifts - lovely! I'd certainly wear one! Sam chose one the with sunflowers, mine would be the one with pink and navy blue flowers. Highly recommended if you like pretty posh frocks, it's on until August 31st. Go to the Teapod for delicious Devon cream tea too! And drool at the wonderful jewellery and books in the shop. Coming soon is a celebration of Sindy's 50th birthday! I will go and see that one for sure!


Elisabeth is a fashionable little madam, check out the bling on these Converses! As usual, she won the hearts of everyone at the exhibition! 


And what a fabulous floor! I'd love this somewhere in my house!

Saturday, 27 July 2013

Baby Prince George

Hooray! News of a Royal baby is always a feelgood thing - welcome Prince George Alexander Louis!

  Marks and Spencer did the honours again with this sweet biscuit tin.
 

And this one for the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation earlier this month. 
 
 
They taste delicious, too, shortbread petticoat tails!