As a self-confessed Cornwallophile (is there such a word? if there isn’t there should be!) and a mum-to-be, it’s probably no surprise that I’m a huge fan of innovative photographic gift company The Day That.
Every morning since midsummer’s day 2005, founder Gavan Goulder and his team of photographers have woken before daybreak to photograph the dawn of a new day over the dramatic Cornish coastline. The images are then printed, mounted and framed along with a personalised handwritten message, to celebrate a special day or memorable occasion, such as a wedding, anniversary or the birth of a child.
Sounds like hard work? Don’t take my word for it, watch their video and see how it’s done… every day, come rain, snow, or sunshine! To browse the photographs taken on your special day, take a look at www.thedaythat.co.uk.
We’re thrilled that Country Living magazine have featured us in their August issue, highlighting these charming embroidered egg cosies by Charlotte Macey. You can discover more of Charlotte’s handmade textiles and buy online at www.charlottemacey.co.uk.
A big thank you to House Beautiful magazine who have featured FromBritainWithLove.com in their August issue. We’re mentioned on the ‘Favourite Things’ page alongside a gorgeous Semaphore linen cushion by Cotswolds-based textile designer Sarah Hardaker who they spotted in our directory. You can see more of Sarah’s range of British made fabrics and wallpapers at www.sarahhardaker.co.uk.
You may already have taken a peek at our latest Course Notes feature, where craft journalist Clare Kelly visited the London studio of Smashing Chintz and learnt how to make a mosaic mirror, but I just couldnt resist adding a few more of Clare’s beautiful photos here.
They show the mosaic work of Smashing Chintz founder Janine Nelson who combines fragments of old discarded china with vintage plates to create stunning new pieces. Janine says that chintzy fabric and china have suffered from a poor image in recent years, but now she’s on a quest to bring chintz into the 21st century in a new, slightly quirky way. From the photos below, I’d say she’s definitely succeeded!
Want to support Eng-er-land, but not keen on hanging a flag out of your bedroom window? Here’s the perfect alternative… what could be more patriotic than one of these limited edition St George cushions from Ian Mankin? Made in England from English woven fabrics, they cost £45 and come complete with a luxury duck feather cushion pad. And if it all goes horribly wrong, you can always just bury your face in it and sob! But of course it won’t come to that, will it? Come on Eng-er-land! Buy online at www.ianmankin.co.uk.
Like all of Pure Light’s candles it’s made using only 100% natural ingredients: a hand-blended combination of pure essential oils and plant-based soy wax, and even the wick is made from natural unbleached cotton. This new fragrance combines Mitcham peppermint, zesty lemon and a hint of cooling eucalyptus. Perfect for outdoor entertaining this summer, this refreshing blend will not only bring a breath of fresh air to your home or garden, but it can also help to keep bugs away – naturally.
Find out more about Pure Light Candles and buy online at www.purelightuk.com.
We’ve been thrilled by all of the wonderful press coverage we’ve been getting recently, and this month we were delighted to be featured in Homes & Gardens magazine. They said… “If supporting local businesses and shopping more sustainably is high on your agenda, you’ll love this new online directory showcasing Britain’s most talented designers and craftspeople”. The feature included a beautiful English bone china Butterfly Teapot by ceramicist Polly George, whose work you can find out more about in our Meet The Maker interview.
Fans of recycling and upcycling will love these quirky clocks by Fizzy Popov. Handmade in Wales using reclaimed gramophone records, vintage books and tins, each one is completely unique. With Father’s Day coming up next month, these delightful timepieces would make a perfect gift for nostalgic dads and grandads. Priced from just £14.00, you can buy online at www.folksy.com/shops/fizzypopov.
It’s competition time again, and this month we’re giving you the chance to win this beautiful Adirondack Garden Chair and Footstool, handcrafted by Ian Barley in Surrey, and worth over £300! You can find out more about Ian’s handmade garden chairs and buy online at www.Adirondack.co.uk.
We’ve been featured in the May issue of BBC Homes & Antiques magazine, along with a fantastic giveaway from one of the businesses in our directory. Sitting Spiritually produce beautiful handcrafted swings and swing seats made from locally sourced English Oak at their workshop in Dorset. Perfect for adults and children alike, this stunning swing is carved with the words ‘just a bit of fun’.
For a chance to win this fabulous garden feature worth £269, simply send a postcard marked ‘From Britain With Love’ with your name, address and phone number to: BBC Homes & Antiques Magazine, PO Box 501, Leicester, LE94 0AA. The closing date is 5th May 2010.
Hello! I'm Nicky Sherwood, Editor of FromBritainWithLove.com, and I'll be sharing all of my latest discoveries as I trawl the nation in search of the very best British made products for you, your home, your family and friends.
