Do you have a local flower farm or cutting patch? A beautiful place where you can visit and gather yourself a beautiful bouquet of flowers to take home? I was delighted to discover Blooming Green, a flower farm where you can pick your own seasonal, organically grown flowers.
I wanted to share you with you some pictures of my visit there last summer. These were taken last June, but better late than never!
Beautiful cottage garden flowers, freshly picked!
Blooming green gardeners hard at work keeping the cutting patch looking fabulous
Beautiful candy colours!
There’s always time for being silly!
I even roped my husband in to help šSo much choice! Enjoying a peaceful moment gathering my bunch of flowersPretty pickings!I love the dolly mixture colours of these cornflowers!
I bought my gorgeous bunch of flowers back home, where they filled 3 large vases and enamel jugs and amazingly lasted for well over a week!
Blooming Green are open every Friday April to October, 10-4pm for PYO flowers
This Spring, some exciting news came to Staplehurst, the village where I live. An opportunity arose for our seasonal pop up shop, known as Kentish Made and run by Katie Higgins, to become a permanent fixture in the high street!
Katie, of Marmaduke Scarlet and her team of hard working helpers soon had the shop (formerly the old bakers), looking great and ready to fill with lots of handmade goodies.
Gorgeous handmade luxury clothing by Marmaduke Scarlet
Beautiful flowers supplied weekly by Ginkgo floristry
There’s a great community of independent designers, makers and businesses in Staplehurst and it’s so exciting to see them all under one roof, all year round!
Local baker Claire’s Bread supplies freshly baked bread daily and weekly sausage rolls too!
As well as delicious brownies and biscuits, every Friday there’s a cake of the week, all baked by Rebecca of Vallance and sonsĀ from her home bakery. Rebecca also makes gluten and diary free bakes, which is great for me, having to be gluten free. A lovely treat for the weekend to look forward to!
Rebecca’s fabulous cakes!
There’s something for everyone, with a wealth of handmade goodies to choose from!
Lola’s Little Glass Studio
Myrtle Makes
Blended Therapies
Olo Potteries
The Little Red Hen Jewellery
Polly had a dolly
Blazing Needles
Homemade cakes, a different flavour every Friday!
Creative Mashups
I’m thrilled to have a selection of my handmade jewellery available to buy at Made by Kent and I’m so pleased with the support I’ve received so far!
My Silver and copper handmade jewellery AND my jewellery bust Maud, looking very happy in her new home!
So if you’re local or passing through this part of Kent, do pop in and have a browse, you won’t be disappointed!
yummy local preserves
Ginko Floristry
Tatty Tess, Myrtle Makes and Ginko floristry
What’s in the shop today board
De Veley Vintage Mirrors
Brays Bees local honey
St.Applehurst Roast coffee
Creative Mashups
yummy local preserves
What’s in the shop today board
De Veley Vintage Mirrors
St.Applehurst Roast coffee
Tatty Tess, Myrtle Makes and Ginko floristry
Ginko Floristry
Brays Bees local honey
To find out what’s new in the shop and for more information on the makers, please take a look at the Made by Kent Facebook page!
I’m so pleased to be stocking a range of my handmade jewellery in the new Whitefriars Food and Craft Market in the beautiful city of Canterbury!
This vibrant pop up shop in the retail centre of Canterbury, is packed full of gorgeous handmade goods, gifts and produce, all from Kentish Makers and local businesses.
The Little Chick views the ‘In Bloom’ window display
Gorgeous handmade and local goods
Whitefriars Food and Craft Market was launched during the ‘Whitefriars in Bloom’ festival in the city of Canterbury and the lovely floral themed window display reflected this.
a peek of the beautiful catherdral
Of course we came home with lots of local strawberries!
punting on the river
I love visiting Canterbury, as it’s such a beautiful vibrant city and I’m so pleased with how my jewellery has been received.
I really recommend a visit to the Whitefriars Food and Craft Market, if you’re visiting Kent. I guarantee you won’t come away empty handed!
Take a look at the Whitefriars facebook page, for more information about the shop, designers and their products.
It’s that time of year again. Each spring I have to go to the woods and visit the bluebells.Ā As I was driving through the country lanes one afternoon, I spied a few bluebells nodding their heads by the edge of the hedgerow and it reminded me that it must be bluebell time again. We’re so lucky to be living in rural Kent where there are many ancient woodlands carpeted with bluebells. I took a short detour home through the lanes to my favourite bluebell woodland and I wasn’t disappointed!
From the car window…
a beautiful carpet of blue
Each year the mass of blue flowers seems even more vibrant than the last.Ā This year the wild garlic was in abundance, its pungent but not unpleasant scent, mingling in with the perfumed bluebells.
All was quiet in the lane. I had parked my car and switched off the engine. I couldn’t resist jumping out and taking some photos to share with you here, then stayed a moment longer to breathe in the beauty of the woodland bluebells until next year.
Last November, I was lucky enough to be involved in an exciting pop- up shop held in the village where I live. Katie, the owner of luxury handmade accessories brand Marmaduke Scarlet lives in a beautiful beamed house situated right at the top of the hill. This lovely old house used to be a grocery shop decades ago ( I still remember it from my childhood!) So once again, for a few weeks in November, Katie’s front room was converted back into a shop, albeit this time the groceries were exchanged for gorgeous handmade goodies!
I was excited to be showcasing my handmade jewellery, alongside a selection of talented local makers, including Polly had a Dolly; Ginkgo Floristry; tatty tess and Ddesignmakebake. The shop and Starlight shopping evening event were a runaway success and lots of fun was had and friendships made as a result.
the little red hen jewellery
Ginko Floristry Christmas door wreath
Even the doll’s house has a Christmas wreath!
Gorgeous collar from Marmaduke Scarlet
Ginko Floristry’s Festive Wreath
Gingerbread house by Dippybake
Lots of Christmas floral goodies!
When I heard that Katie was opening Kentish Made this winter for a special Starlight Shopping event, I was thrilled to be invited along! I will be selling a lovely selection of handmade silver and copper jewellery which will make perfect Christmas gifts and stocking fillers.
This year the Starlight Shopping event will feature some familiar faces and new people too, including local home-roasted coffee company StApple Hurst Roast and gorgeous handmade candle company The Hazel Tree. I’m really looking forward to buying some Christmas gifts myself!
If you’re local to Staplehurst, please do pop in and enjoy Kentish Made’s Starlight Shopping event, this Thursday 1st December,Ā 7pm-10pm or if you can’t make the evening, why not drop into our open morning the following day Friday 9.30am -2.30pm
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Why not check out the Kentish Made Facebook page for updates on the event and lots of information about the makers, and their lovely products!
Last Saturday I attended a Wedding Fayre in my home village of Staplehurst. The fayre was organised by Donna from Bombalicious who makes gorgeous bath bombsĀ and soaps that make perfect wedding favours!
Staplehurst has a beautiful Norman church and it was a lovely idea for the wedding fayre to be held there.
All Saints Church, Staplehurst
It was really inspiring to be in such a beautiful setting (which also happens to be the church we got married in!)
I make a range of freshwater pearl, Swarovski crystal and Sterling silver jewellery, all of which are suitable for bridal wear. I made sure to have available images of my previous commissions, as many of these pieces were personalised bridesmaid pendants. Please take a look at the commissions photo album on my Facebook page for ideas.
A selection of commissioned pieces of jewellery
As well as my handmade silver and copper jewellery, there were a good variety of stalls, all selling different items and services essential to prospective brides (and grooms!) Most were local business too.
Pre-loved wedding dresses for sale-one careful owner!Lorna Green’s beautiful handmade tiarasEco silver pendants, earrings and silver stacking rings from The Little Red Hen JewelleryFreshwater pearl and Swarovski crystal drop earrings, perfect for brides!Adjustable hand – knittedĀ wire bracelets with pearls and Swarovski crystalsMe and my stall; photograph courtesy of Stephen Barker PhotographySterling silver personalised bridesmaid’s pendants by The Little Red Hen
It was a really good day and I met lots of lovely new people too! Thank you to Donna for arranging the Fayre.
If you’re interested in ordering a bespoke item of jewellery for your wedding, please feel free to email me: redhenjewellery@gmail.com
A fortnight ago, I paid a visit to the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair. This annual summer fair showcases lots of lovely businesses, many of them local.Ā All exhibitors are hand-picked for their high quality, craftmanship and design.
The Midsummer fair was held at the beautiful Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden, Kent. This rural Kent village is just a stone’s throw from where I live, so it’s an ideal trip out for me while The Little Chick is at playgroup.
I arrived fairly early and before it got busy, enjoyed a stroll around the beautiful gardens, which were open during the fair to ticket holders.
Then it was time for tea…
Of course I couldn’t resist a cake from Cocolicious‘ beautiful cake stall. Luckily, they always have a range of delicious gluten-free cakes on offer!
Cocolicious – always a beautiful stall!Cream teas and pink fizz…what more could you want!
Then it was time for a look around the marquees.
Here’s a selection of my favourite stalls.
Tatty Tess Ā unique, handmade, lovely clothes for little girls. It’s always lovely to see Tessa and her gorgeous vintage inspired creations. As usual, her stall looked lovely! I’m particularly fond of her miniature sewing machine and till (which she always explains are definitely not for sale!)
I really love the colourful, original jewellery ofĀ Victorious Bee Ā Their stall looked really striking to compliment their bold jewellery. (I’m a big fan of the bee logo too!)
Champions of British made goodies Happy and GloriousĀ had some lovely new products for sale. Ceramic button earrings and brooches in shades of blue were one of my favourite items.
Other stalls which caught my eye were The Indoor Botanist with their original mini-terrariums and bottle gardens.
Salt and Pamper’s stall looked good too, with modern styling and simple packaging.
The Wealden Times Midsummer Fair is truly a feast for the eyes! I can definitely recommend visiting next year; I’m looking forward to it already.
May bank holiday weekend, we decided to make the most of the sunshine and visit our favourite bluebell woods. During late April and early May, the woods on the National Trust Sissinghurst Castle estate are carpeted with bluebells. We’ve been eagerly awaiting their arrival all through this dismal Spring and when we finally saw them, we weren’t disappointed.
One of my daughter’s favourite outdoor games is Pooh Sticks and hidden in the woods is the perfect Pooh Sticks bridge. There’s even a handy box provided for the purpose!
We followed the path around the estate, spotting some fairy doors along the way…
The Little Chick found a big stick, which of course she insisted on carrying the rest of the way! We discovered the jetty on the lake and watched the ducks and moorhens. We even got a glimpse of some fish, swimming in the depths.
All too soon it was time to return home, with the beauty of the bluebells still fresh in our minds.
Where’s your favourite bluebell wood? Have you been able to visit this Spring? I do hope so! I can’t wait to visit the bluebell woods at Sissinghurst again next year.
April has been a very strange month this year. As well as the customary April showers, here in Kent we’ve been treated to hailstorms and even a flurry of snow! However, when the sun did shine, I was ready with my camera to snap some of April’s floral magic. Below is a grid of my favourite photos I posted on Instagram in April.Ā
Last Friday I attended a Kent bloggers’ day event at Park Mall in Ashford. The event was organised by the lovely Kate from Happy & Glorious one of the new independent gift shops in Park Mall.
The invite
It’s been several weeks since I’ve finished showcasing my jewellery with Made in Ashford and I was interested to catch up with my fellow creatives and see what’s new!
As a designer maker myself, it’s so encouraging to see a town regeneration project that encourages small, independent businesses. I’m also a fan of unique, handmade gifts, so I was really looking forward to discovering what Ashford’s newest indie shops had to offer.
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Happy & Glorious -British Made Gifts
The bloggers’ goody bags!
The first stop was Kate’s shop Happy & Glorious a gorgeous, beautifully displayed space, packed full of British made goodies. Happy & Glorious are a small, family-run company,which prides itself on supporting British home-grown talent, design and manufacturing. They’ve been trading online since their beginning in 2012 and have found a bricks and mortar home at Park Mall since late last year!
The always-fab window displays
Gorgeous UK produced ceramics
Some of the product lines Kate designs and creates herself, including some very pretty gift cards and mirrors. There are lots of yummy scented, handmade soaps and candles on offer, but my favourite gifts are the cute succulents!
The best of UK made gifts
I love these cute succulents!
Quirky and Gorgeous
As a special treat, I’m able to share with you some discount vouchers, to be spent in store or online at www.happyglorious.co.uk
Ā£5 off Ā£25 with code BLOG25
15% off with code BD2016
Valid until 31st May 2016
Just around the corner is Fabric Heaven or Emporia Fabric and CraftĀ a truly wonderful shop filled with a great selection of modern fabrics, trimmings, wool, haberdashery and every thing you could possible need if you’re handy with a needle and thread!
Emporia Fabric have the most fabulous window displays!
So tempting…
Pretty pastels; I came away with some of the turquoise fabric
Don’t worry if you’re a sewing novice, Emporia Fabric runs regular sewing classes and workshops, just check out their website for details.
Some ready made garments for sale
Take a stroll down Park Mall
The shop’s workshop/ demonstration space
The trail of balloons led me along the Mall to Made in Ashford a great collective of Kent-based designer makers and creatives. I’ve been lucky enough to sell my jewellery here and as the shop duties are shared between the makers, it’s a great way to gain retail experience, get customer feedback and make new friends.
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There’s something for everyone, all locally made!
The inviting, colourful shop front
Below is just a selection of handmade gifts on offer, I really recommend you pop in and take a look for yourself!
Cards, jewellery & giftware by Lucy Alice Designs
Gorgeous unique retro inspired clothing by Aye Aye
Cute cards & Prints by Made in Pixieland
Unique ceramics, cards and homewares by JuJu Art
Local Scenes -prints by One White Sugar
The fabulous Mini-Medley childrens’ wear
Fellow Kent Blogger Nicola Jennings Art
There really is something for everyone on offer at Made in Ashford and if you’re a local maker who’s interested in selling with them, please email: madeinashford@outlook.com
There was just enough time to meet up with fellow Kent blogger and local friend, Lydia from Polly had a Dolly and have a coffee & cake at new independent cafe Stag CoffeeĀ This smart new cafe had only just opened and I was impressed by the modern decor, friendly staff and excellent coffee. I was pleased to see it was child-friendly too, always a bonus to a busy mum!
An Aladdin’s cave of scarves, purses, bags and accessories. Very tempting to a scarf-a -holic like me! So IĀ treated myself to a lovely silver scarf using their voucher code which you can use online too: –
20% off your first online order with code GLAM20
Lots of lovely accessories
Perfect for any scarfaholic!
Just opposite is the Creative Collective a thriving gallery, exhibition and community space for local artists. They offer an affordable art scheme and even host film and poetry nights. Yet another reason to visit Park Mall if you’re out and about in Ashford.
So if you’re looking for somewhere new to shop, somewhere that supports local independent businesses, check out Park Mall in Ashford!
