Using up the scraps!

My dear friend Sarah gave me the inspiration for this cushion. I have cut circles of fabric[scraps from my wedding gowns] and gathered them up, pulled the running thread tight and made a Small mushroom shape. I have then flattened them with the iron to make little flowers. The stems are ric-rac sewn on in green thread, all mounted on a lovely linen and tied with a silk bow. I have made two, One for Sarah and one for my Studio. Oh and a few vintage sparkles on the odd flower, to catch the light!

A good day today. Flora has sold six of her paintings to a delightful shop in the village, so we are all excited for her . Our house is a hive of creative activity. Long may it last!!

Web site on its way!

Over the last few weeks, I have been working hard with the help of my daughter Flora and my web designer Phil. I am very happy to say that we are nearly finished and I am delighted with it.I had know idea that so much went into web design and its language, but I feel very proud that I was so involved and have been able to learn so much. I have had a very distinct vision of the way I wanted it to look, so I hope very soon you will be able to take a look and see for yourself.

'Flora's Garden'

My inspiration for today is this amazing picture that my daughter Flora has painted for me, for my Studio. She does all sorts of colourways based on the garden 'Flora's Garden', and has been lucky enough to sell quite a few already. Flora has a wonderful eye for colour and design and she has helped me so much over the last few months with my Collection.
Thank you Flora.

Painted to order £120.00

Sea Holly

This is truly inspirational and has my mind in a whirl.....Sea Holly found at Crow Point. The colours are so beautiful, a soft blue merging into a delicate grey/green. I feel the need to explore the possibilities of a gown!

Stunning!

I simply love this gown, it is so elegant with a little touch of vintage going on. Made in a dark Ivory Taffeta and adorned with vintage camellias. All of this gown is in separate pieces. The underskirt is A line ,with a huge over skirt and train cut with a waterfall front. The bodice is separate which crosses over to the side. The back is simple too, a low 'V' back finished off with five little covered button and a beautiful hand tied bow.

Tidy up time!

Today I thought I'd get ready for the holidays and have a good tidy.After emptying every box of silk and sorting out flowers and trimming,I turned to my notice board and thought it looked rather appealing, it is certainly showing all the things I have been working on these last few months,things that appeal to me ...Photos, cards ,pattern pieces, sketches , news paper article and the like...Can you believe that the photo in the middle is me on my Wedding Day 22 years ago, in my going away outfit! This all reminds me of a very busy and happy past few months.

Don't forget the back view!

I thought you might enjoy looking at the back view of my Gown Isabella ,which I posted up last week. The beaded chiffon bodice is left open at the centre back,it has a button at the neck, and it is finished with 5 little button at the waist.Flowing out into a long train at the back. On the mannequin is a fun little gown called Alice, it is again in the Ivory Duchess Satin with an A line skirt. The bodice sits separately over the skirt , it is covered in a silk net with a flock pattern . I have finished it off with a pleated cummerbund tied in a knot. It has a 1950's feel to it and could come in a variety of shades.

A Night in with the Girls!

My evening last night was a huge success. They were the most charming ladies I could have wished for and they made me feel at ease, so much so I didn't stop talking for 2 hours and we laughed and laughed and had such fun, they even forgot to sing Jerusalem. So Thank you Newton St Petrock WI for coming all the way to Buckland Cottage, and making me face my fear of getting up and talking to a crowded room.I thoroughly enjoyed it and maybe I'll get asked to do it again.

Wish me luck!

Tonight is going to be rather exciting I think! As I am giving my first talk about my gowns and my journey to where I am today. I have 20 ladies coming to my studio to listen to me, yes me! I do hope I'll deliver what they are after, I am a little anxious. I have decided I cannot write notes or reams of bullet point for me to read along the way , I will just say it as it comes into my mind. So wish me luck and I will report back!

I hope you like this picture, Its one of my favorites.

Isabella Gown

This gown is called Isabella , it is made from Ivory Duchess Satin, with the bodice over-laid in a fine floral embroidered chiffon , which I have beaded. The centre front has a pearl broach, this gives it a rather elegant look and finishes off the Gown.

The front of the Gown has fitted panels which flow into a train at the back. It hangs beautifullyand has a luxurious feel. This Gown along with Racheal my model were photographed in Sarah and Ben's beautifully converted Barn in Devon, along with the rest of my collection. How can I thank them enough!