The Essex Flower Show

Just thought I would share with you all some quick snaps (I'm afraid they're poor phone quality pics - but doesn't the beautiful mess app make everything so much prettier?!), I took at the Essex Flower and Garden Show. It was the very first show of its kind and my sister Alie and I were really excited to be asked to exhibit through our blog Flowers in The Window. Alie did a beautiful floral display with a vintage ladder and accessories, while I did workshops including decorating glass jars and pinwheels, here are our displays.....

Textile Workshops at Just Imagine...

I've posted here before about my absolute favourite Independent bookshop, Just Imagine in Chelmsford, but I just wanted to share with you some exciting textile workshops I'm running there. I know I've said it before, but it is such a wonderful place, they always have the most amazing books, workshops and events. I feel so lucky to have it as our local bookshop, and I'm beyond thrilled to be working with them! I'm doing a series of workshops called Textile Talent. I started by doing a decorating a cushion session (the finished cushions were amazing! Wish I had more photos - we had smiley faces, skulls, a friendly cat and turtle pattern all adorning beautifully designed cushions, I was so impressed with the design skills of the children who came!):

Followed by a making your own Springtime bunting - this was such a lovely session, we used simple applique techniques to decorate brightly coloured bunting with felt. One thing I also enjoy about being at Just Imagine is the lovely atmosphere you get while making, I had lovely conversations with the girls who did this workshop about the St.Clare's books by Enid Blyton (one of my favourites). The following photos are from a very talented Georgia who was at the workshop, I think you'll agree her bunting is so gorgeous and I'm so glad that she now has it proudly displayed in her room. Many thanks to Georgia and her mum for letting me use these pictures.

The next session I'm doing is, how to create an applique notebook cover. Here's a little sample one I've made - the workshop will be led by the children that come, so I can't wait to see what kind of things they want to apply to their notebooks :) to book a place on the workshop please visit the Just Imagine website: http://www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk

Arts Trail Workshops At Make Do And Mend

Morning! Happy 1st September, I think I may be in the minority, but I for one am thrilled that we are now coming into the Autumn months! Just think of all the lovely cosy evenings in and crunchy walks.

Anyway, just thought I'd let you all know about some workshops I will be doing at Make Do & Mend as part of the Chelmsford Arts Trail. The workshops are all free and in the case of the tile decorating workshop you can drop in at any time during the day to do them - really looking forward to them! Here's all the info on the website:

Tile Decorating - Tuesday 13th September 11 - 5pm
To celebrate Georgia's tile designs as part of the Chelmsford Arts Trail come and decorate your very own tile to adorn your home! Be inspired by the fabric, papers and textures all on display in the shop and get making! We will use permanent pens, ceramic paints and stencils to adorn and embellish your unique tile - all tiles will be photographed and digitally made into a large pattern exhibition on the Arts Trail website.

Vintage Paper Dolls - Tuesday 13th September 6 - 8pm
Ever spend a few hours dressing paper dolls with little paper dresses and accessories as a child?(remember the little tabs you had to cut out and bend round?) Well come and do some more! Using Georgia Coote's designs patterned papers will be used to dress and design little clothes to go onto vintage ladies to be exhibited as part of the Chelmsford Arts Trail.

Paper Patchwork - Thursday 15th September 11 - 5pm
Come and create some simple pattern and print making with paper to make a paper patchwork. Be inspired by actual patchwork and surface pattern designs to create your very own piece of art!

To book please visit: http://makedomend.com/workshopsnew.html or go into the shop!