Treats all round

The other day I went for lunch with my dear sister in my favourite cafe for lunch. Our boyfriends came too, which is always lovely. I love how even with the age gap we all get on. The boys are really good friends now, which makes me and my sister spend more time together.

We had delicious coffee/tea and yummy sandwiches. Such pretty cups. The view from the cafe is always so gorgeous. Sunny or rainy, looking out of the window and seeing the cathedral is always a lovely sight. 

Later on in the afternoon myself and David treated ourselves to frozen yogurt. It's actually my favourite! And a lovely new little place has opened up in Canterbury. It's been there for a while, but we hadn't tried it. So today was the perfect day!

Beautiful colourful walls and friendly staff make for a perfect little place. We wandered around Canterbury after our yogurt hand in hand. Life is so good sometimes. It's just the little things that make everything so good.

Home and Away at The Beaney

On a rainy Monday evening in May I was lucky enough to be invited to the private view of 'Home and Away' Eduardo Paolozzi's General Dynamic F.U.N at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge. Lots of people had dressed up so the whole evening had a wonderful 60s vibe. The evening started off wonderful with Babycham being offered. Drink in hand I picked up a pretty patterned mask. There was lots to choose from, so it was very hard.

General Dynamic F.U.N is a series of 50 colourful screen prints and photolithographs. The first thoughts that popped into my head was how bright and colourful the work was. These pieces all stemmed from his interest in collecting and collaging found materials. I found the work very interesting as my own art is about collecting materials and placing them together to create something new.

There was also a collage wall where you could add to to create a giant piece. We had lots of paper, magazines and other paper materials to look through and cut up. I added my little piece to the giant collage.

The whole evening was a fun experience. I always think that The Beaney is a wonderful venue and I can't wait for the next private view.

Matalan Oxford street adventure

So I went to London for a couple of weeks for work. I went to help set up the new Matalan in Oxford Street. I was super excited by this! Helping set up such an awesome store with work, and in London! So awesome.

We worked long days, but they were always good. Hotel life is hard to get used to, but it's fine! I loved it after a while. We also got days off, which we could spend in London. My first day off was spent shopping in Westfield, which was where our hotel was. I also ventured to Forbidden Planet for new comicbook day. Grabbed some comics and went for a teylatte and cupcake.

I kept falling in love with pretty items that I hadn't seen before. These clutch bags were just the best! I wanted them all!

After lots of hard work the store was ready to open. It looked just beautiful. Everyone worked mega hard, and the results really showed. This store just looked so amazing, and fancy.

I can't wait for the next new store opening! They are always so fun.

Nicola the maker

Woah, I feel like time has just jumped forward. So much has been happening. And I will totally catch up on everything. Before I went away with work I had lots of arty bits and pieces going on. A few exhibition visits and getting crafty. I have been working on making some pretty brooches. I'm very excited to be making them. The butterflies are currently my favourite, but I am trying out different things.

Also I am super in love with my Mr Fox brooch. He's such a cutie, and looks great with a bright jumper. These will be in my Etsy store soon.

Having a messy desk seems to be normal life right now. Which is bad, but at least I'm being creative. However sometimes a messy desk can give you more ideas and work harder. Or sometimes it can just cloud your mind. It's about getting a happy medium.

Life seems a little like my desk too. Messy in a good way. Everything seems to be all over the place! I guess spending two weeks away from home with work does that to you. Plus when you get home, you end up being sick. Ugh. Trust me! Anyway, just need to keep my spirits high, and carry on with life! Keep smiling!

Sea air and colourful thoughts

All I seem to be doing is writing notes about new ideas and thoughts swimming around in my head, plus drinking lots of tea and coffee. And using my new Lion King mug, which I found in a charity shop. Mega win.

Also colourful trips to the sea always make me smile. Waking up early and grabbing my pens and notebooks, all walking down to the seafront is my perfect start to the day. Walking along with the bright blue skies and the forgives fresh sea air, seagulls squawking, with music playing in my ears.

Creative meetings with homemade carrot cake are always a good idea. Plus friends with beautiful homes makes me dream for my perfect little place. Plus cutie little frenchies running around the house making me laugh with their cute little crazy faces. I'm also dreaming of my own little pug, to take on trips and have snuggles with.

More and more recently I have been looking at colour. Noticing it more and more when I am out and about. I feel like my senses are always searching for bright fresh colours. I hope this will be reflecting in my work, but I'm happy if it's just showing in my life at the moment. Life is good, and happiness should be enjoyed.