From Britain With Love

Seize The Day

Nicky — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:07:03 +0000

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.

Press Press Press…

Nicky — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:43:24 +0000

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.

Skye’s the Limit

Nicky — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:26:03 +0000

Fancy getting away from it all at this retro-styled highland retreat on the Isle of Skye? Mungo’s Den have a last minute week available from 24th July, but you’ll have to be quick as it’s the only week left before November. Or why not book early for a cosy winter break?

Check out our Great Escapes feature to find out about all of the fabulous arts and crafts, delicious food, places to visit and local events on the Isle of Skye, or visit www.mungosden.co.uk to make a booking.

Shoes on Film

Nicky — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:43:54 +0000

Hoorah! We now have video on our blog, so here for your viewing pleasure is some inspirational footage from London-based bespoke handsewn shoemakers CarreDucker. You can read more about their work and what inspires them in our Meet the Maker interview with co-founder Deborah Carre, or find out about their handsewn shoemaking courses in London and New York at www.carreducker.com.

Even More Press…

Nicky — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:29:49 +0000

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.

Win a Joseph Lamsin silver necklace!

Nicky — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:17:32 +0000

This month’s competition must have one of the most fascinating prizes we’ve offered to date. Inspired by his coastal surroundings, Cornwall based jewellery designer Joseph Lamsin uses locally hand-picked cuttlefish shells to cast his beautiful jewellery designs in silver and gold, making each piece a truly unique work of art.

For a chance to win this sterling silver necklace worth over £200, click here to enter…

Smashing stuff

Nicky — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:39:36 +0000

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!

Find out more about Janine’s work and her mosaic workshops at www.smashingchintz.co.uk.

Coasting into Summer

Nicky — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:22:41 +0000

Sally Parkin, founder of The Original Surfboard Company is profiled in this month’s Coast magazine, where she shares her passion for the classic British sport of surf-riding. We’re loving that cozzie, Sally!

Don’t forget you can win one of Sally’s handmade retro style wooden surfboards in this month’s competition. Click here to enter now…

Footie Fabulous

Nicky — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:23:56 +0000

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.

Feeling Puzzled?

Nicky — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:40:34 +0000

There’s nothing quite like getting all the family together for a bit of puzzle action, and I’m firmly of the opinion that jigsaws, like parlour games, should not just be for Christmas. I can clearly remember the delight of spreading a zillion piece jigsaw on the dining room table as a child and the great sense of satisfaction as that last piece finally dropped into place.

But if you thought jigsaws were just for kids, take a look at these fabulously stylish and very grown-up creations from Wentworth Wooden Puzzles. Based in the Cotswolds, their beautifully crafted wooden jigsaw puzzles include this funky (and probably quite tricky!) patchwork quilt design, and these innovative jigsaw placemats – perfect for a spot of after dinner puzzling. Wentworth are also one of the only companies still producing traditional British ’whimsy’ jigsaws, where specially shaped themed pieces are cut ‘on a whim’ by Victorian hand cutter (below right).

With Father’s Day coming up, why not challenge a jigsaw-loving dad or grandad to an afternoon of puzzling? There are plenty of sports themed jigsaws on the Wentworth website, and they’re offering our readers 10% off until the end of June. Simply quote promotional code FBWL10 when you order by phone, or online at www.jigsaws.co.uk.