Every year we go to the degree show of the Fine Art dept at Chichester University. The complete highlight of this year’s show was the work of Lauri Hopkins. The pieces are constructed from old book covers sourced from books too damaged to be used for anything else. When faced with a wall of these pieces I found it very tricky to move from the spot, as they are almost hypnotisingly beautiful altogether & the struggle to find my favourite was very tricky.

Lauri describes it at ‘colour porn’ and for visual folk it really is a feast for the eyes. All of her work is for sale with prices starting around £100. You can see more of Lauri’s work here & contact her at lauridavis@hotmail.co.uk.

P.S The island shown is ACTUALLY WHERE WE ARE GOING…SQUEAL!

The image above shows some of the heavier issues that the Indian children faced, and the UK children’s content did tend to be lighter…sweets, TV and fashion featured heavily! It was just so lovely though to be able to browse these children’s lives put together in such a creative way. If you are local to Chichester then it’s definitely worth a visit – it’s on until the 25th March.

Winter’s Moon is very spoilt with the loveliest customers. One of the very loveliest sent me this book as a present as she know that I love my oddities & my textiles, and this book has projects that wholeheartedly tick both boxes.

I am actually quite hankering after the rug on the wall in the back of the cover shot – it has something a little Josef Franck about it – but I doubt I have the skill or endurance to actually make one.I really like the display images like this one above. Pegboard, weird woollen creations and the painted faces are a look that works for me.  The book has some very good practical projects & some that wouldn’t necessarily get included in a contemporary craft book ‘Plastics In The Oven’ being one & ‘Here Are Some Projects Dad Might Not Think He Can Do – But He Can!’ are two that stand out!

Needless to say this is a book that is going on the shelf to be dipped into & enjoyed for a long time to come…..thanks Anne!

 I think the cream kettle is my favourite – that wooden handle had such a pleasing shape and goes so well with the shape & colour. The next time I find one like that I won’t be quite so quick to part with it.

The sofa was a perfect fit for the space and the new fabric was a very classy choice as it let the shape of the sofa shine AND it copes really well with cat hairs, we love a happy ending!

(We have other ugly ducklings ready and waiting to be transformed into swans, please get in touch for more info.)

We have been in our studio a year now, we moved in early December 2010. This is what it looked like when we first saw it.

We landed on our feet when we knocked on the door at Horton’s Yard, it is owned by the loveliest of landlords who is very supportive of small businesses and keen to get new life back into a place that has been a huge part of his life.  After lots of clearing, cleaning, painting, door moving, new wall building, staircase constructing, sink installing, the studio was transformed into how it looks now.

A bright and airy space that always feels like home. When we first moved in there were only two other businesses in the yard, a builders & a classic car restorer. Now we have Green Man Carpentry and their 18th Century barns and shepherd hut restoration. And in the new year Le Salon du Chocolat and Handprinted are moving in to the main building and joining our little community which is really exciting, and lovely that the yard will be full and busy again.

This time in cool grey wool.  We are really pleased with it – very classy & it goes beautifully with the rich tone of the legs….good choice!  If you fancy a perky little Parker Knoll of your own….please let us know, we have a great range of fabrics at our disposal or can work with something you find too.

Bespoke is all about individuality. We have over 20 years (god that sounds old) experience of working with fabrics and upholstered furniture and love helping our customers create something special.

When? Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd December, from 10am – 4pm.

Where? 4 Horton’s Yard, Melbourne Road, Chichester, PO19 4ND.   Click here for a map (please don’t listen to the sat nav as they don’t seem to like the postcode – we are at the junction of Melbourne Rd & Spitalfield Lane).

What else? Parking is available in the yard, and please note we can only take cash or cheque…sorry!

You can also catch us & some Christmas Fun at the following fab events:

THE RARE BRAND CHRISTMAS MARKET, Goodwood Racecourse.
Wed 9th & Thurs 10th Nov, click here for info.

THE PETWORTH HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR.
Sat 26th & Sun 27th Nov, click here for info.

FARNHAM MALTING’S CHRISTMAS FAIR.
Tues 13th Dec, click here for info.

Really hope to see you at one or other!

Julia x

I had the joy of going to see the new Power of Making exhibition at the V&A this weekend, and it was one of those exhibitions that makes you just feel happy in your soul.

The main theme of the show is ‘the importance of being skilled’, so for anyone who enjoys making either professionally or as a hobby the show will have resonance.  You come away with the feeling that practising, learning and developing your craft is a fundamental part of being human.

The range of exhibits and techniques on show is very eclectic from the Alphabet Tip pencils above by Dalton Ghetti to very functional pieces such as prosthetic limbs, wooden bicycles and a fantastic crocheted bear by Shauna Richardson.

I am hoping to go again with kids this time as any show that includes the Mr Fox puppet from Wes Andersens Fantastic Mr Fox and a giant gorilla made from silver coathangers isn’t just for grown ups. Making is good….go see it!