I believe I must have been born under a lucky sign- I stumble, quite literally sometimes, into the most wonderful crafty situations. This happened on three occasions on my London trip- and I’m so tickled to share them with you.
The first was happening across a lovely paper shop while out tromping around with my kids. We were heading to Regent’s Park- quite a walk from our hotel- and we passed right by Shepherd’s Falkiner’s store.
Oh, the fine papers…oh my. Oh, indeed.
Formerly Falkiner’s Fine Papers, it offers the most marvelous papers, book binding classes and supplies, stamping classes, and traditional albums. I could have spend MUCH more time in this shop…and money…but the kids were persistent. Oh, well…next trip!
The second serendipitous craft event was on our trip up the Thames to Greenwich. We took a river cruise, and hopped off for some sight seeing. Little did I know that I’d run across a paint-your-own-pottery shop Biscuit Ceramic Cafe!
This charming cafe also has a full coffee shop, so you can order biscuits (cookies) and tea to nosh whilst you paint. FUN! But I didn’t stay to play…because I’d heard a rumor that there was a craft market further in to check out! Sure enough, we found the Greenwich Market and I felt like I’d found home!
The first stall I laid eyes on had these amazing Fascinators! *yum*
And these are boxes of SOAPS! Can you believe it?
Wire-worked sculptures, done before your eyes. My our kids asked for souveniers from this vendor. (I raised them right!)
My breath was taken away by these pieces by Nicola Quilter. YES, I will be ordering. Click the photo to visit her website. You won’t be disappointed!
OH! So much crafty goodness! But it doesn’t end quite yet. My third Happy Craft “Accident” was finding the Bermondsey Craft Club. Right in the neighborhood where we rented our flat (in Soutwark), this weekly club let me sit in and craft along.
Bermondsey Craft Club
This enthusiastic crew of crafters- mostly card makers- pay 3 pounds sterling- about 5 bucks- per week to come to the community’s rec center and craft. Since for most, space is scarce, they buy tools and craft supplies communally and share them.( And it was a well-stocked craft cabinet, I must add!) They chat, share techniques, and have tea. Can I stay forever, please? It was so much fun to meet fellow craft enthusiasts. Stephen is particularly fond of Tim Holtz, and I got the low-down on the state of craft in the UK. Right now fancy papers and layering are really all the rage.
Cards made by the Bermondsey Craft Club- they sell them a local shops & markets to raise money.
I had such a wonderful time, and my daughter did, too- she stamped a lovely picture to say “thank you” for letting us come and play.
So…. do I have the best luck, or what? Stay tuned, because tomorrow I’ll be reviewing some crafty magazines from the UK.
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- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
- “OLT” Craft Challenge for 2018 - January 16, 2018
- Cutting Shrink Film with a Cricut Die Cutting Machine - January 12, 2018
- Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Glitter Brush Pen Review from Tonic, Demo & Comparison - January 9, 2018
One word- Awesome!
hmmmm, think I might have to take a wee trip to London myself 🙂
Debz
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