I'm a little obsessed with...

..Fungi.

I see growth everywhere, spring into light tucked away in corners, growing on logs, in tree, popping up from the dewy grass.

Life, nature, growth. 

Circles, rhythms, patterns.

Amanda.x.

Meet the Maker - Amanda Mercer

One of the most beautiful stands at Country Living was that of Amanda Mercer, who won the Editors Choice Award and her ceramic star decoration was used in the promotional adverts for the show. 

More exciting is that she lives in my home town, I remember seeing her graduation show in 2009 at University of Cumbria and thinking what intricate work it was then, it's wonderful to see how far she's come.

The stand was well laid out and oozed vintage Christmas, I think I'll be having a tree like this in my house this year, her decorations looked so delicate.

Yet by far my favourite item is these ceramic earrings, I couldn't get close enough and her stand was packed out but they have vintage bird and insect pictures on them. 

Her designs would make great Christmas gifts but I'd be too tempted to keep them all for myself.

Amanda's site can be found here.

Thanks for reading

Love Amanda.x.

Country Living Christmas Show part 2

This post is very photo heavy, but the Country Living show was all about the sights and sounds, so I can give you a taste of one of those at least.

This stand had the most amazing colourful angora wraps and beautiful headbands woven with flowers and gemstones, I really wished I'd bought one now. The lady doesn't seem to have a website but can be contacted here.

There was a beautiful array of food on offer. Although this stall which had an amazing selection of Mediterranean food; was responsible for The Feta incident.  My friend Mhairi was offered a sample of Feta as we walked past, I also had some and it was lovely, however she'd never had it before and I can quite honestly say I've never seen a look of horror more complete, caused by eating something. Poor thing I thought she was going to throw up on me, which was unfortunate for the Belgium chocolate lady who's stand we where then stood by. She kept saying "please don't be sick in front of my stand", Mhairi recovered her composure and the chocolate lady gave her some samples to take the taste away but I don't think she'll try feta again soon.

More beautiful food on show, this stall was showing you how to make these wonderful Christmas cupcakes, with local classes taking place in Glasgow.

Ah Demijohn, what lovely glass bottles you have, as well has being happy to give out lots of samples. They had a great selection of liqueurs, wines and whiskeys but I still think my Damson Gin tastes better.

A huge light up tree sparkled in one of the furniture display areas.

The displays were beautifully done, as someone who does a lot of visual merchandising they were very inspirational.

This is Sue Quinn and it was great to see her actually crafting her unique little handmade bears and other animals, she was sewing a small mouse but I especially loves this basket of hedgehogs on her stand.

Rustique Interiors reminded me of my Grandma's house a colourful mish mash of patterns and textures. The patchwork chair below looked so comfy, I was very temped to nap in after all the show walking.

Christmas design and inspiration was on display in every small space around the fair.

It's always great to see Gillian Kyles stand at fairs, her products always look amazing quality and really takes me back to my Grandmas kitchen, the labels make me so nostalgic for those times and have great appeal. 

This stand needs a mention, Caurnie Soap Company it's real asset I'm afraid I can't pass on, it was the smell. Oh it was glorious, his whole stand looked like a old potting shed they were selling handmade soaps and natural beauty products, and we could just not stop smelling them.

Well we all had a wonder time at the Country Living Christmas Show, so if you need Christmas Gift ideas please click on my links or go here for the exhibitors list and find something beautifully handmade for a friend this year.

Have a happy handmade Christmas this year

love Amanda.x.

Country Living Christmas Show, Glasgow.

Well I've been so busy with shop job work I've not had the chance to blog about the wonderful 

Country Living Christmas Show which was held in Glasgow, they do quite a few shows all over the country.

This was extra special though as my friend Catherine Ball was having a space there and had asked if she could take some of mine and another friends stock too. This post shows that stand and gives you links were you can buy from these lovely ladies, but I'm going to do some other posts showing stands of note.

 This is Catherine unpacking stock quick as possible as it was selling out quickly, I loved her space using antique furniture, especially the letterpress tray she uses to display rings and small items in.

 You can see some of my stock here, my crocheted covered tea light holders sold well.

 The drawers attached to the wall worked really well showing off the pieces but making them very shop-able, Catherines pieces are all unique and incorporate laces relief texture or are stitched, which is beautiful.

To keep up with Catherines latest news and products click the link here, Stitched Ceramics.

 Above you can see her amazing hand stitched vessels, I love the flower design.

 I think my crocheted pieces work really well along side the textures of her ceramics, here you can see my Hurricane Lamp, I've only made the one so far, but think they could make lovely wedding centre pieces.

 Showing my pieces here, tea light holders, purses, cosy cups; it was great to hear feedback from customer at this, and other stalls. I'm thinking of going back next year but with my own stand. 

Below is a suitcase of treasure from the other seller in the stall Natalie from Flossy Teacake, she is certainly a crafter to watch out for. Her work has instant appeal styled from her childhood memories, using mixed media, she creates amazing 3D models of buildings and townscapes. 

Click the link for her facebook page, Flossy Teacake.

The atmosphere around all the stalls was amazing, and it was great to see that even in the grim economic climate we currently have people still treasure the quality and uniqueness of the handmade.

Hope to be there next year,

Amanda.x.