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!

May Instagram snaps

May was a fun month for me on Instagram. Mostly because of my amazing trip to Amsterdam, but also because it was colourful, bright and happy. I am looking forward to what June has to offer on Instagram. June should be a fun month with my friend Dillon coming to visit and stay with me! Hurray for adventures ahead!

Are we friends on Instagram? Make sure you check out my colourful squares over on my Instagram account: helloitsnicola 

The Fault in Our Stars bench

It's important to be in love and experience love. I never used to think this, well not until I met someone very special. I mean of course I loved my family and friends, but I had never truly felt love until David. That one special person that makes every dull day bright, makes your heart do little leaps for joy and gives you butterflies, and you smile whenever you see them. 

I read the Fault in our Stars a long time ago. Its a beautiful book by John Green. I decided to finally watch the film before my trip to Amsterdam. Immy said she would take us to the bench, the actual bench from the film. We walked through gorgeous streets in the bright sunshine for ages, until out the corner of my eye I could see it. I could see where Hazel and Augustus had sat. 

The bench had been removed a while ago so they could clean it up. However I was happy to see such cute messages written all over the bench. Lots of people have left their heart on that bench. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining down. Perfect way to spend an afternoon. Thinking about life and the people you have in it. Life is to be treasured, enjoyed and lived to the full.

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.

Hutspot, Amsterdam

While I was away in Amsterdam I was lucky enough to visit the gorgeous Hutspot. It's a beautiful store, which actually reminds me of a Urban Outfitters. So Hutspot searches for new and interesting brands, designers, artists and entrepreneurs, offering them the chance to expose their products in their own space within the shops. I love this approach. It feels so different when you walk into the store, its fresh, bright and airy. This is what you want when you go shopping. 

The store is laid out perfectly. Of course I have already said there is a Photo Booth in the front, which is an amazing plus. When you walk further in you are greeted by such clean and fresh displays. You feel as if you can really look at the items for sale. I am a huge fan of stores that mix their pieces together. I feel you can always shop this better.

While in the store I picked up these The Cool Club: Men playing cards. I purchased the Cool Men set, but sadly The Cool Club: Women were sold out, but I hope to go back and pick that set up on my next visit. The illustrations on the cards reminded me of Wes Anderson, so I was completely drawn in.

The great thing about Hutspot is that there is a cafe and restaurant upstairs. The perfect little spot to sit and relax. It has an office feel about it, and well as a relaxed coffee house. It really is the perfect place to grab a coffee and bring your laptop and type away. Plus chatting over drinks and lunch with friends works so well also. The lightening is bright and inviting. I really did fall in love with the amazing staff service and the overall atmosphere. I can't wait to go back and spend a whole afternoon there. Shall be thinking of this place when I book my next flight to Amsterdam.