Goodness, March really is flying by isn't it? We've been very busy in the studio with Mother's Day orders, so thank you! And of course there is still just enough time to order if you haven't been that organised!
We've also been prepping for our first show of the year, up in lovely sunny Bristol! We will be at The Bristol Artisan at the Arnolfini over the Mother's Day weekend. I went to uni in Bristol so it is one of my favourite places to get back to when I can! The line up for this event is great - I already have a list of makers I want to buy from (that's allowed right? If I sell lots of pieces I can spend the money on new stuff yes?!) so I thought I'd give you my round up of who to make a beeline for!
First up we have Bristol based Bee Hayes who works under the name As The Crows Fly - as soon as I saw this beautiful collection of yellow pieces I was hooked - the shapes, the colours, it is just so striking and I want it all please!
Continuing with the ceramics theme (does anyone else love ceramics as much as me? I secretly want to be a potter, though I know I don't have the patience for it!) we have the very lovely Julia of Julia Davey whose whimsical illustrations decorate her beautiful range of tableware and also textiles. I've known Julia for a few years now through the events we do, and she is as delightful as her drawings! My particular favourites are the Robots (being a mum of boys has certainly increased my appreciation for all things mechanical!) and the Cornish Coast ranges!
Next onto some textile based goodness in the form of The Pocket Pirate - a fellow exhibitor from the Contemporary Craft Festival, Alys Wall uses reclaimed fabric and leather for her beautiful bags, clutches and purses - I am coveting this amazing pleated clutch!
Now. Look at this bench. Is this bench not the most beautiful bench you've seen in a long while? We moved house recently so much of my time is spent looking at furniture and wondering how I can fit it in - and oh how I would love to fit this bench in somewhere! It's by Temper Studio, who are based in rural Wiltshire and who describe their influences as 'broad, indiscriminate and irreverent', and isn't that just a great way to sum it up - there is so much to be inspired by in this big old world of ours - why should we limit ourselves?
Onto another textiles designer, with the work of Kate Bond Surface Design. Her beautiful work looks at the intricate detail of pleating and combines it with digital printing to create beautiful cushions and lampshades. Such lovely muted colours too!
Finally, I want to share the jewellery of Eily O'Connell, and in particular this amazing crab claw necklace which has been cast in solid silver from a claw found on a beach walk on the west coast of Ireland. This really resonates with me as a designer as I am inspired by the things that you would overlook - and let's be honest, who wouldn't overlook a crab claw lying on a beach. Really beautiful work that I am excited to see in the flesh at the show.
I really hope you can make it along to the fair - and as it is over the Mother's Day weekend what better place to take your mum for a day out! Please do come and say hello if you are visiting - we'd love to see you!
Rachael x