Bejewelled...

Spring has sprung on our front lawn and him outdoors can feel proud!

We have a "bejewelled mead" in our front garden at this time of year and when the sun (occasionally) shines, the colours and shapes come to life and I feel excited about the possibility of warmer weather being on the way. It is May Morning tomorrow and I have cheered myself up on this chilly day by enjoying this little glimpse of some Morris Dancers on May Day in Oxford from a couple of years ago:  

I love the sound of the sticks and what a joyful and wonderfully daft bunch! (You might see a familiar face dancing there too.)

I have also been feeling inspired by spring in the workshop - particularly as Oxfordshire Artweeks is just around the corner - detailed info below.  I have been busy busy busy and still have loads of ideas in mind:

Work in progress!

Artweeks 2018: 10 artists will be exhibiting and demonstrating in 4 venues in the village of Great Coxwell from the Great Barn down to the Church over the last two weekends of May.  I will be there for the 3 days of the second weekend (26th-28th May, which includes the second May Bank Holiday) and this year I am excited to be showing in Peter's Barn for the first time.  So it would be lovely to see you if you are around and about.  Also, during the second weekend the National Trust are putting on a family friendly Arts Festival in and around the Great Barn – so check out what’s going on there too! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-trust-great-barn-fest…

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Poster block for Oxfordshire Artweeks in Great Coxwell, 2018:

Finally here is a little bit of poetry that seems to say it all...

“SONG ON MAY MORNING
Now the bright morning Star, Dayes harbinger,
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her
The Flowry May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow Cowslip, and the pale Primrose.
Hail bounteous May that dost inspire
Mirth and youth, and warm desire,
Woods and Groves, are of thy dressing,
Hill and Dale, doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early Song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long. ”

— John Milton, 1608 - 1674

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Pressies...!

GIFTS & PRESENTS

BIRTHDAY?  MOTHER'S DAY?  ANNIVERSARY?  CHRISTENING PRESENT?  CHRISTMAS? (ouch...)

I like to think about giving people "presents" rather than "gifts" - it's a word thing!  - but whatever you call them, and I know not everyone possesses this gene, I have always really enjoyed finding presents for people.

Of course I think all my jewellery and vintage items would make really lovely presents!  But here is an idea for a pretty special gift - perhaps for those who struggle even to see the point of them!  It is a little hallmarked, silver-topped antique, faceted glass pot - which would be enough of a sweet thing all on its own: 

Silver-topped glass rouge / dressing table jar - Hallmarked silver, Birmingham, 1921

But, hey! What's that inside?  

How about making it even more gorgeous by wrapping up and popping in a little piece of jewellery as a further surprise?  

Here is how it might be as the lucky person opens their dream gift! - see below:

The little jar would be perfect for keeping your earrings in by your bed at night - or you ear plugs during the day, in my case (oops...sorry...tmi!).  Little glass jar available to buy under Antiques and Vintage.  And I am always up for a chat about any possible presents or commissions.

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