A few days in Bristol

So when my week off work started I got to spend a few days in Bristol with my gal pals Ella and Mel. We jumped in the car and Mel drove us all the way to Bristol so we could stay with Ella and her partner Johnny. I was excited to finally meet Johnny, and he was simply awesome. So perfect for Ella! Such a nice guy. So when we got there we went straight out and visit a graffiti and street art festival that was happening. We walked for what seemed like miles and miles. We did catch a few Pokemon while we were out. Oh yeah, I'm playing PokemonGo and it's like my childhood has come back to life. 

When we got to Upfest, it was all happening. There was so much amazing work being created on the streets. It was so busy and full of life! Everyone was enjoying the work. These photos are a few of my favourite pieces from the festival and the streets we walked around in Bristol. Also, we found a funky wall and had to get a typical photo in front of it.

We also did quite a bit of shopping! I got to visit Forbidden Planet and picked up the new Loki figure, which seems to be rather hard to find! I was super happy about this, and made up for the fact they didn't have any of the new Ghostbusters pop vinyls. I also found my shop ban.do diary that I brought in Austin last summer, and I managed to pick up the new one. I love the shops in Bristol because you never really know what you will find! Surprises all round! Plus, while you wander around Bristol there is so much wall art and endless photo opportunities!

Ella also took us to a really cool Artists pop up shop, kinda like the Made in Ashford one, but in Bristol! It was called Colab. It was really interesting and I came away very inspired and filled with loads of new ideas! It's so wonderful to see other local independent shops like this around the country. we need more of this!

We also eat pretty good while we were there. Lots of different coffee shops and tearooms filled the streets. So much good food, and great cake!

And last of course, I managed to stumble across 3 Banksy pieces of work while I was here. My favourite was the angel in the museum, but I also loved the wall piece that we randomly walked past and then had to run back to look at. Bristol was super! It was my 3rd visit, and I can't wait to go back again. 

Yayoi Kusama show at the Victoria Miro gallery

A couple of Saturday's ago, I was lucky enough to get the chance to see the Yayoi Kusama show at the Victoria Miro gallery. Being on social media, you tend to end up seeing the same photos of certain art shows over and over. This was one of them. The bright yellow pumpkins were all over my social media, so I needed to go and visit them for myself. 

There was a giant queue outside the gallery. This was so strange, this show had really hit a mainstream audience. We queued for 10mins, and then we were let inside. I thought to myself, wow that was quick, however as soon as you walk through the door you see lots of different queues around the gallery. I didn't do too much research into the show, as I do like to experience art first hand, rather than read up too much about it. So the queues I did not expect.

We were taken straight to the back of the gallery and outside. The first infinity room we would visit would be the Where the Lights in My Heart Go. The outside of the gallery was beautiful. very peaceful indeed. This infinity room was wonderful. We only had 30 seconds in each room, but this one I felt like I faded away into nothing. Space, life, everything. For those few seconds life didn't feel real, I'm not sure how I felt, but I was peaceful. My eyes blurred and I felt like I was somewhere else. I am glad I didn't snap a photo while I was in that room. This room had a deep impact on me, I didn't even reach for my phone. For me, someone who is addicted to their phone, it took everything away. Breathtaking indeed.

Afterwards I enjoyed the surrounding, and there were mirrors everywhere. It was very peaceful, even though everyone around me was taking photos and uploading them straight to social media, hashtags and everything. It's a new concept for me. Of course I love social media, but it was weird for me to be in a gallery and people were continuously looking at social media. I am all for taking photos and sharing the love of art, but first please look at the art through your actually eyes, rather than a phone screen, experience it, and then photograph.

The second room we went into was Chandelier of Grief. All I remember of this room was the fact it was so bright. It went on forever, and sparkled so bright. I didn't really have an emotional connection to this room, it was just super pretty.

Then it was time to queue up for ages to finally see the famous pumpkins. All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins. We did wait for a long time, but it was pretty special. 



The whole room was glowing. It really did go on forever, these infinity rooms just seemed to never end. You end up getting lost in these rooms. I feel like they are drugs. They tease you, you fall into this amazing unknown place. The time goes by, and you don't really know how long you have been there. Yet you know you only have 30 seconds, but time moves in a weird way. Then suddenly the door opens and you feel like you are being ripped out and pulled back to the earth again. These rooms really did feel like that. Make sure if you are in London you check out this beautiful show, it really is worth the queues.

Wandering through the avenues of art

I think its important when you visit a different city or country you should go to an art gallery. You should see some art, wherever you go. While I was in Amsterdam I actually got to see quite a lot. Whether that was street art or visiting various galleries and museums. 

My favourite was of course the gorgeous Van Gogh museum. This was actually one of the highlights of my trip. I was looking forward to visiting for quite some time. When I walked in the museum I did feel like a kid again. I know that sounds very strange, but Van Gogh is one of those artists that you learn about from an early age at school. So I do feel very connected with his work. Of course seeing the work in real life is completely different. 

Wandering up and down the gallery looking at everyone enjoying his work is quite powerful. I really felt at home in that gallery, and very peaceful. Walking around looking at art work will always be one of my favourite past times. We had a coffee in the restaurant before we left. It really was a lovely morning in Amsterdam.

Current work

So I thought I would share a few snap shots of my current work. I am hoping to open my etsy store again soon, but I have been very busy making lots of new pieces. I am always sourcing lots of materials for my next work. I am drawn to paper and anything with a little history behind it. I have also started collecting different types of paper as I have been making some really cute bunting necklaces. They were just a trial piece, but they seem to have sold well with summer coming up. 

My table in Made in Ashford is always looking full at the moment. Sometimes I think one thing is selling better than another, and then something completely different sells well! It's always changing so I am trying to seep making various bits and pieces. I started to make some new earrings and I have just launched them in the Made in Ashford shop. So I am excited to see if people like them!

Made in Herne Bay pop-up shop

I am very proud to be part of an amazing group of artists and designers. I am part of Made in Herne Bay, a wonderful group of people I now get to call friends. We all came together because we all make interesting pieces of work, and thanks to meeting Kate, this group was formed. I am so grateful and hounded to be part of this up and coming art group. We have put on various events over the years, including our Winter and Summer markets. We are all looking forward to doing an exhibition at The Seaside Museum in Herne Bay. However we are currently enjoying using the amazing Pebble and Dash shop space to put on our Summer pop-up shop! We decided against a Summer market this year, and will be focusing on our Christmas Winter market, but we wanted a chance to sell our work over the Summer months.

The shop had it's first open day on Saturday 14th May. We had lots of visitors and even more on social media saying they couldn't wait to visit one of the other days we will be open. Our next open day is Saturday 11th June! We have lots of different pieces for sale as our group is full of different artists with different practices. You will find prints, cushions, stationary, jewellery, enamelware, ceramics, cards and lots more! Plus you will be able to meet many of the artists at our open days. 

We will be open Sat 11th June, Sat 9th & Sun 10th July, Sat 13th & Sun 14th Aug from 10am till 4pm, so make sure you pop down and see us and our work! You can find about more about this event, upcoming events and the artists on our twitter, Facebook and instagram pages.

Artist Series: Flossy Watts

The next designer I am going to be blogging about is the amazing Flossy Watts. So Flossy Watts is a creative hub based in Kent. They create beautiful handmade jewellery which is completely different to anything I have seen before. Jane is the driving force behind it. Jane is probably one of the nicest and loveliest people I have ever met. She is so positive and creative. When I talk to her I always feel so inspired. I have recently got to know her better through the Made in Ashford shop where her work is for sale.

Jane creates her jewellery using lots of different types of material, and that's what I love about her work. I love that she works with wood, metals, paint, resin, and silicon. Because she works with lots of different materials she has a large line of work, which are all special in their own way. My favourite pieces are her wooden squares, which have silver designs on them. They are the perfect statement piece for anyone.

The last piece of her work I am swooning over is a gorgeous necklace which is made out of driftwood. I love the bright yellow and the textures of this wonderful piece.

You can find out more about Jane and the amazing jewellery she creates over on her website www.flossywatts.co.uk She is also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

*Made in Ashford shop photos taken by me.

*Product photography taken from Flossy Watts etsy shop, where you can purchase these items.

Wander always

Sunday Funday. Last week on Sunday I woke up earlier and wandered down to a local Bootsale. Didn't really find much, but did pick up a couple of mugs and a cute plushie. After I went into town for breakfast and a little stroll around.

I spent most of the day wishing that Star Wars was out that day, so I could watch it. The weather was lovely, and well into the evening it was perfect. After dinner walks with the family were a great end to the day.

Kent Bloggers Day: Park Mall Ashford

On Friday I was invited to Ashford's Bloggers Day in Park Mall. I am very proud to be part of an amazing group of shops and talents makers in Park Mall. I met my wonderful fellow blogger pal, Charis of Floralfrosting for coffee. We talked about life, had a couple of laughs, took some photos, and enjoyed our coffees.

Then it was time to go pick up our goody bags! Happy & Glorious was the base for the Bloggers Day. We walked in and Kate greeted us with smiles. It's always smells amazing in Happy & Glorious. The shop sells products that are made in the UK, to support British manufacturing, and the designers.

I am a sucker for cards, and a collector of course! I fell in love with the cards on Friday. Pretty shiny foil cards are always a good idea. After purchasing a few bits and pieces, we picked up our goody bags with lots of wonderful gifts. Most of the goodies were from Made in Ashford and my dear colleagues.

We popped into the store, and it was looking as beautiful as ever. Plus the store was very busy! Lots of people enjoying the amazing pieces that we all make. These are a few snaps of the store, Aye Aye, Juju Art, and Lucy Alice Designs' work.

I also admire the wonderful window displays in Emporia. The new amazing cloud one really made me smile, after all I am a fan of clouds.

Their store is always full of bright fabrics, perfect for any project. You can pick up lots of materials, I love all the Star Wars fabric they have. In general the store is always bright and inspiring.

I am very proud of Ashford and the shops that are popping up! Life is good, and more and more people are being creative and opening up stores. I feel so lucky to be a part of a wonderful moment and community in Ashford. Here's to more great places and new people making this little twin greater.