KnitNell

For one who lived in London for many years it is still easy to think of it as the centre of the universe – especially concerning all things cultural.  I am slowly realising, however, that there is so much to do and see on my own doorstep that there is scant time left to visit the Swinging City.

Take, for example,  the Festival of Crafts that took place at the Farnham Maltings last weekend.  Not only did this craft exhibition have a wonderful backdrop – an amalgamation of at least two buildings, one property dating back to the 1750s – (the reason I am always getting lost in its higgledy piggledy interior); but also the exhibition showcased work of – in my humble opinion – a fantastically high standard.

The Maltings have the catalogue of exhibitors on their website if you are tempted to find out more, however I will say a few words about those that lured me into spending my money.

Thomas born 1881 by Claire Lovett

I saw Claire’s work at last year’s Festival of Crafts, loved it, and took one of her postcards home and stuck it on my corkboard.  When I saw her stand last week – in the same room, in fact, in exactly the same spot as last year – I could resist temptation no longer.  This time the above came back home with me.

I really like the idea of peeling wallpapers – the uncovered strata revealing the past decorative styles the former occupants enjoyed and gazed at daily.  I remember as a child being fascinated by the glimpses into the still-decorated rooms of buildings partly demolished during projects to make way for new roads.   At the edges of the exposed rooms you could see the layers of materials as each occupant had put their individual stamp onto the building.  When we moved into our recent house which is a 1950s build (so fairly modern if you yearn to live in a Victorian house as I do) there was no build-up of wallpaper since the past tenants favoured paint however under the sad threadbare carpets we did find layer upon layer of newspapers.  So we knew the date that each layer had been put down and of course a glimpse into the headlines of that particular winter.  Not quite the same though.

Mug and hug fm top by Lucy Anne Harding

Mug and hug by Lucy Anne Harding

I had not come across Lucy Anne Harding’s work before. She is from Stoke on Trent and she labels herself as a ‘modern day milkgirl’ who creates textile illustrations based on happenings during her milk round.  Through her art she champions the cause of the British trader –  and trades – many of which are dying out.

Do have a look at Lucy Anne’s  website for a glimpse of her delightful embroidered screenprints.

Unfortunately I had already blown my art budget so did not purchase a picture – although there is always next year?

p.s. the mug & hug are too beautiful to use – I have found a perfect spot to display them.

I always try to carry a tissue, a pen and a small notebook whenever I leave the house.  Sometimes I will stop when I am out with Molly and doodle a few ideas or sketch something particularly lovely as we stroll past.

Tin Tin, The Thompson Twins and Snowy – delightful

Of course, this activity is greatly enhanced if the little sketchbook is hand made with a great cover.  Hand Made Books  have recently moved to Dorking – not too far from Farnham.   Katherine takes particular care to use recycled and sustainable paper in her work – what a lovely way to give a new lease of life to a much loved comic that has fallen apart at its seams?

Well – I will finish here.  This bloglet has taken me longer than expected as I had to pop over to the Tweseldown Artisan Market yesterday.  Raspberry was there with her gorgeous textiles – I wanted to take them all home – as was first-timer K B Sewing who had the most delightful dog jackets.  Then coming up there is An Evening with Ann Cleeves at Fleet Library  and Art in Clay at the Maltings is on again in November and I have my ‘Admits 2 for the price of 1′ card ready for that and there is the West End Centre (Westy) Open Exhibition coming soon and every year I say I am going to exhibit and every year I don’t.  The FLF Fabulous  Fashion Show is on at the beginning of December at Bury Court Barn. Plus so much more.

My cup truly runneth over.