Somerset Arts Week

The Somerset Arts Week began today. Lucky for me, three talented artists are exhibiting their works just round the corner from my shop - Situated on Town Street is a studio called 33.

I was able to call in on my way home for their preview day...and was allowed to take some photographs for you to enjoy...

The studio belongs to Jo, and is where, amongst many other pieces, she creates her beautiful ceramic angel sculptures.

She is joined for the Arts Week at her studio/gallery shop by two other artists - Their artworks will be on display until October 3rd, for viewing and for buying!

Any enquiries can be emailed to Jo via her blog.

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I'd certainly recommend that you take a look if you are in the area.
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I've been busy creating this week too - My latest items can be seen on my other blog here.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Niki x

Rose Lovers

I'm sure she won't mind me telling you...as she's an avid reader of many of the vintagey blogs (so loves to be mentioned on them :)...

Once again Maria and her husband Sergio came on buying trip to England from Italy...and in particular to Nostalgia at No.1 in Shepton Mallet!

I'd also like to mention Maria's sister Susy, who has started a blog - It is clear to see that these two ladies share a passion for Victorian rosey china...just take a look at Susy's blog and you will see what I mean! ;-))

She came baring gifts - VERY naughty!

Thankfully I was well stocked at the shop and so had lots of choice...

Even with some treasures on their way south to Italy now - there's plenty more filling the shelves if you'd like a quick peek...

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Niki x

Autumn Cometh!

I looked out of the window today...

And saw the tell tale signs...

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Enjoy the season...

It'll soon be time to snuggle up!

Niki x

Textile Treasures

Although there is a place in our home for the more 'usual' ornaments such as pretty china or framed pictures on the walls, it is the more unusual items that are more likely to have pride of place. I am particularly drawn to any textile related finds. The diversity can be remarkable - each piece fashioned from just a few scraps of fabric and some well placed stitches to create something beautiful and unique to each crafts person.
If items have some age to them too, then I am all the more likely to offer them a resting place...
Here are a few little treasures that I may not have shared on my blog before:

This little cottage shaped pincushion came from Denise. Her husband made me laugh when she handed it over to me - he thought it was a bit manky and wondered if it was beyond rescuing!
Its roof is a little bit bald, but it still has charm! - Its been used and loved!


I love this old handmade knitting bag...The crumpled velvet flowers finish it off a treat.

A hat box in my collection, covered in a textured brocade, has the most gorgeous 3-dimensional applique to its lid.

Sculpted from velvets and silks, and ingrained with dust(!), it is a treasure to me.

The grapes are worn through to the filling, but I just love the look of this piece.

A Victorian velvet log cabin patchwork of the teeniest size hangs on the banister rail down into my workroom.

Another little cottage pincushion - this was a recent find at a textile fair and was just a few pounds.

Hanging on a screen in our bedroom is a coat entirely hand stitched, and made from lengths of French lace joined together. I imagine it was an over-layer for a wedding dress, as the hemline at the back is shaped with a small train.

Ever on the lookout for textile treasures, the ones that usually stay with me are those which are a little tattered and torn - They have a history and have been enjoyed.

I know you know what I mean!

Have a lovely day,

Niki x