In support of local artists …..

Tabitha Mary's Embankment Suspension Bridge print - image from the website

Back in March, I took my little ‘Evie and Lola’ business to Westoning Spring Market. It was a lovely event with lots of fabulous small businesses showcased – most of whom I have followed since, with interest.

The one that stood out to me the most was Tabitha Mary. A collection of really beautiful, modern illustrations of iconic places in the UK. I loved the style, and it fits in well with postcards I have been collecting on our caravan travels, with the intention of decorating the caravan with them, as a kind of log of our travels.

Back at that fair, I admired the art, but was disappointed that none of the pieces were of places special to our family. I made a note to myself to keep an eye on the website, in the hope that Tabitha would add a print that was relevant to us.

A few months later, I heard that Tabitha was exhibiting at one of my favourite, and certainly most frequented, cafes in Bedford – Pavilion in the Park. (whilst on that subject, if you life anywhere close to Bedford, you must go there!  it's beautiful both in the day; for breakfast, lunch or coffee, or even better; go along to one of their excellent Supper Clubs.  You won't be disappointed - I promise).

But back to Tabitha's collection … I loved every print, as I knew I would, but just couldn’t choose between the newly commissioned Bedford images.  So, I did what I almost never do; I spoke up, and asked for what I wanted. I e-mailed Tabitha, explained about my postcard collection, and asked if she could do postcard sized prints for me.

Tabitha Mary's Bedford Park print - image from the website

Of course, Tabitha was incredibly lovely and helpful, as most owners of small businesses are. She explained that she would print four images to a page, and directed me to her website to choose the ones I would like.

While on the website, I spotted the Kilimanjaro print. This immediately brought back memories of seeing that very view, from a hot air balloon, on our honeymoon, five and a half years ago. So along with the postcards, I had to order a customised version of that too. It was supposed to be a gift for my husband on our 6th anniversary, but when it arrived, I couldn’t wait that long, and gave it to him right away instead!

Tabitha Mary's Mt Kilimanjaro print - image from the website

So my point in this story is twofold; support small and local businesses – they are usually extremely happy to go the extra mile for you, and if you want something, speak up and ask for it. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

I was inspired to write this after reading this lovely post from Katie Gregory - another Bedford blogger, who also asked for what she wanted, which ultimately added to my choice of beautiful Bedford artworks to be displayed in my caravan. Go and have a read. Then check out Tabitha’s website and blog for yourself. And maybe even commission a piece for your own town!

Bargains, and creative inspiration

I had a little mooch around Dunelm last week. I'd popped in purely to buy thread and a stretch needle, ready for my skater dress and coco projects.

So I was supposed to buy this:

But came away with this:

Oops! But there were bargains too great to miss!

These cushions were in a big crate marked £1.99 each. The pads inside are worth more. Not that it matters, because as soon as my girls saw three Minnie Mouse cushions, that was that. Adopted.

The 'Cars' cushions will be making their way to a friend's little boy. The door hanger was also a bargain, and says 'a little bird sleeps here'. Well, you know me and anything bird/deer related .......

Whilst in Dunelm, I did a bit of snooping in the ready made cushions department, for creative inspiration. I thought I might as well share some of my favourites with you.

I love these little door stops. They would be quite easy to recreate. Watch out for a version of this house appearing on here sometime soon.

I'd like to make a mini version of this sweet little bird.

I have so many knitting and crochet projects to finish, but I love the look of this and it would be quite quick to knit up in a chunky yarn. I'd like one of these for a bit of extra texture in our caravan.

I love this button cushion (ignoring the missing button!) but I think I'd like to see lots of different coloured buttons. I fancy a go at this, but how comfy would it be? Hmm ... Not sure.

I had a go at making a caravan softie a few weeks ago. Evie loves it and sleeps with it in her bed, but I'm not happy with it. I need another go at it. This is a good starting point, but I think I can do better.

Oh, I love appliqué, and of course, anything bird related. Something similar to this will be attempted soon.

What a fab use of teeny tiny scraps this would be!

 

 

Another bird. This is machine embroidered, but I'd like to try something similar using a freezer paper template and fabric paint. Or screen printing. Both things I've not attempted yet, but are on my 'to do' list.

How gorgeous is this fox? Appliqué, embroidery, forest animals .... What's not to love? I'd like to have a go at something similar to this, but maybe a deer?

Oh, this is too cute. Another one for my 'to do' list. I think this would be nice framed, on the wall, rather than as a cushion. Not sure it would hold up to the abuse from two preschoolers!

I do love cushions. Can you tell?

 

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