Today’s offerings are gathered together under the heading of ‘Around the House’ as they are just a few of the things that have escaped the workroom/studio (the place where most of my trinkets are squirreled away) and are more than pulling their weight, cheering up wee corners of the flat.
First up is this gorgeous willow tasker that sits on my kitchen table, making it all beautiful…..
by All About Willow. Catherine and Pascale were diagonally opposite me at Edinburgh last year and I was loving all their baskestry, so when Catherine suggested a swap I jumped at the chance. All their willow is organically grown on their croft on the Isle of Eigg, harvested by hand and then woven into baskets of all shapes and sizes, including caskets (by the way, they told me that most willow caskets sold by undertakers are imported from China so if you find yourself in need of one – go to a basket maker!) When I look at this, I don't just see a lovely piece of willow basketry, I see all the hard work, love and effort that Catherine and Pascale have put into following their passion and nurturing their business.
In the bathroom I have this wee pot by Julia Smith (a replacement for a large, ugly metal thing that I got from God knows where, that used to scratch the paintwork)….
and a lovely unglazed ceramic tile by Foto Ceramica – bought for me as a birthday gift by Caireen from Potfest a couple of years ago. They brighten up a wee corner of my bathroom!
Yet more Deepfired in the bedroom…
A replacement for an ugly glass bowl (where did it come from?) to hold all my bits and bobs. At the time I bought the bowl I bought 4 of the insect brooches as I had an idea to make a picture with them. I got the frame in a sale at TK Maxx and hot glued the brooches into it. I left the glass off as I like to be able to see the texture of the ceramic brooches properly – I really love it.
Last but not least are these woven cushions by Angharad McLaren…
I first saw her work at an open day at WASP’s Studios but as I had already spent too much money I was unable to purchase. When I finally got some money I Googled her and realised that her work is available at NOTHS so I bought 2 cushions to brighten up the bedroom. However, they didn’t look right and ended up on the sofa bed in the workroom where I think they look perfect! They go really well with my crocheted blanket and tweed cushions.
Changing a few small things really does make a difference - back tomorrow with some more precious things!
You certainly have a good eye for some lovely things. All beautiful and beautifully handmade - such talent! Hard to pic a fav.
Posted by: Bella Bheag | March 22, 2011 at 09:33 AM
Hey Suzanne, it's so interesting seeing your favourite bits and pieces.
I love the willow tasker and knowing a little bit of how it came to be, really does make it all the more interesting. It makes me think of the spaghetti type freeways in Los Angeles...........
It is very beautiful.
Great idea framing your brooches too. The little pots and cushions are lovely, I think I'm starting to see a bit of a colour theme here..........
Claire :)
Posted by: Claire Smith | March 22, 2011 at 11:01 AM