Lately

A spot of period drama, a Withnail & I sampler I’m making for a good friend, wonderfully scented Hyacinths, the Heart Gallery girls sitting pretty, the tasty treats we gave out at the new exhibition launch, our lovely shoes (must wear my bow shoes more often!), babysitting for my nephew (peek-a-boo!), christening our new telly by watching Lord Of The Rings (obligatory), treating ourselves to a tasty Thai meal overlooking the marina at Hebden Bridge, afternoon walks and perusing my lovely gifted cake stand.

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Tote of the week: “They Ride Above It” tote by Chase and Wonder

I’ve had Chase and Wonder bookmarked on my laptop for a long time and have been coveting the T-shirts and prints, alongside this beautiful tote.

I love their mentality to ‘Ride above it’ – with that they got me hook, line and sinker.  If you’re an old romantic like me, you should take a minute to read their story too.

The ‘They Ride Above It’ dark blue tote is £10 – very reasonable for those days when you need a gentle reminder to ignore the stresses and strains of everyday life. Just ride above it, the clouds are much more fun!

We have a great weekend planned; drinks and putting the world to rights with family, a day of crafting and reading for me (computing and football for OH), spending a few pennies at the WI Rag Market and, weather permitting, a country walk. Perhaps, the mulled wine will make an appearance too.

Have a great one folks!

♥

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

I was lucky enough to be invited to the preview evening at Manchester’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) on Thursday evening. I had a blast!

Oh if you could have seen my face as I ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’d’ at the wonderful designer/makers from across the UK, with a glass of Pinot Grigio in one hand and camera in the other.

I also helped* Alison, of Heart Gallery, in judging the makers for a chance to win space to exhibit their work in the gallery for 2012. The winner was Suet Yi, a fantastic ceramicist, and graduate.

Alison and Suet Yi

 

Suet Yi

Others works I admired were:

Ken Eardley

 

Soda Kitsch

Soda Kitsch

 

Kate Lulham

 

Kate Lulham Via

 

Kate Lulham

Kate Lulham once more...one of my favourites from the show.

I really could go on, but I took a ridiculous amount of photos. Please, please, take a look at the GNCCF website which has direct links to some amazing talent in the contemporary craft world. You need not worry about finding unique and handmade gifts for Christmas, GNCCF has you covered.

Finally, other makers that I must give a heads-up to include:

Claire Armitage, Catherine Chester, Katherine Richmond, Emile Taylor, Alix Swan and & Made.

Oh and  little treat to myself, I bought these earrings from the ceramicist Katie Almond for an affordable £8.

Katie Almond earrings

*I helped Alison out as I now work at Heart Gallery! Very exciting news in this household, I’m a happy bunny. Those earrings will be perfect for my new job!

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Heart Gallery, Hebden Bridge.

Nestled in the Calder Valley in a wee town I call home, lives a very special place. In this place, your senses are treated to the very best in contemporary jewellery and craft by designers/makers from across the UK. Exhibiting original contemporary jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, furniture, accessories and stationery – Heart Gallery is a space for all tastes and purse sizes! Take a look at the Heart Gallery blog to meet the makers!

Five years have passed since Alison Bartram (owner) opened the former Baptist Chapel’s doors to her vision and passion that is Heart Gallery. Quite rightly, a milestone like that cannot pass without a celebration! Cue the Five and Fabulous Garden Party!

A snippet of the exterior building...

The Heart Gallery team (Alison seated). Photo courtesy of Heart Gallery.

 

A bustling party! Look at those beams, not to mention the cherubs!

Window peeking out onto Market St...

Don't mind if I do!

The most amazing cake pops! Strawberry and Cream delights!

Julia and the girls.I loved the flowers in the hair - it's all in the detail!

We were welcomed to these talented musicians...how lovely!

A tiny taste of the work exhibited at Heart Gallery...and those beams again (swoon!).

Bunting I made for the event, using hessian fabric and lace. Photo courtesy of Heart Gallery.

 

The Makepiece fashion show in the courtyard of Heart Gallery. Photo courtesy of Heart Gallery.

Cakepops, fizz, musical entertainment, new collections, a fashion show, familiar and new faces – It was a great evening! Congratulations and Happy 5th Birthday to Alison and the team.

Next time you are in Hebden Bridge, make it your first port of call. I promise, you’ll thank me. Now, I must begin writing my Christmas list…

♥

 

 

Thrifting in Hebden Bridge

 

The best day to ‘get your thrift on’ in Hebden Bridge is on a Wednesday. Before we begin though, here’s a couple of pointers.

It’s always best to be prepared, whether you’re just going for a gander or not. So, bring spare change rather than notes, your trusty brolly, a large tote bag (I carry an old newspaper in it sometimes to wrap things up incase the stall holder/shop has run out) and if you’re super organised, a list.

I take it quite seriously (I know, I must get a life!) and have a thrifty notebook. In it are lists of books (listed by author), DVD’s, vinyl records and latest wants (toast rack and a canvas rucksack).  It’s really helpful in charity shops when I’m staring at a bookcase of books forgetting what I’m after and also good to keep you on track and away from the obligatory tea cups and typewriters, tempting though they are.

OK, so you have your list, your brolly, bag and pennies? Let’s begin!

First of all there is the Hebden Bridge secondhand market (outdoors) every Wednesday, 8am-4pm. Usually around 20 stalls, full of clothing, furniture, antiques, vinyl, DVDs, kids toys & clothes and beautiful vintage loveliness. The type of place where you can still get bargains for 50p…my type of flea market.

 

Next up, over at the Holme Street Arts Centre, is a craft & secondhand market (indoors) where you can rest your weary thrifty bones and have some delicious homemade tea & cake. Perfect. Again, great bargains and the opportunity to see some local crafters and their lovely makery.

Then we have the charity shops. Oxfam, Overgate Hospice, RSPCA (my personal favourite), Tia Greyhound rescue, Age UK (another goody!) and Shelter – all located within easy walking distance. I can spend a happy morning browsing around these. Get delving in those boxes!

Finally, if you are still up for a bit of treasure hunting, take a visit to the Antiques Centre. Oh, how I love this place. Two floors of antiques, furniture, collectables, vintage clothing, jewellery and more. It’s very special and smells uh-mazing!

I hope you find this short Hebden Bridge thrifting guide useful! Happy thrifting!

♥