Love London 2... Spitalfields

I've had a lovely day today with my friend and fellow Textile maker, checking out Spitalfields Market and the Sunday Up Market in Brick Lane, London. We've shared a stand at Spitalfields on a Friday several times and we're aiming to start selling there on a Sunday soon... Watch this space! Markets are a great chance to meet Designer Makers and discover beautiful unique pieces- my idea of a great Sunday!

Spitalfields

Heaven, millions of vintage  scarves! We both invested in several!

Yum! Lovely cakes and doughnuts from the Big Doughnut stand 

The Sunday Up Market is just a couple of minuteswalk up the road from Spitalfields

Inside The Sunday Up Market, which was amazing, cram packed with lovely clothes, jewellery and food

New Brooches!

Some new pieces I've made in the studio today today... Harris Tweed brooches and also knitted brooches, embellished with recycled fabric pieces. Each one is unique and perfect for accessorizing in the cold with big knits and a winter jacket! I like to wear a big cluster of them together for a hit of colour.

These ones are heading to an event I've got coming up (more on this soon!) but you can check out similar ones in my Etsy shop.

(Mis)adventures with a Light Box part 1

I'm constantly making new pieces which are always photographed by me before they head off to a shop/gallery/their new home as I like to keep a visual record of everything I make. I also have a  photographer friend who takes beautiful professional photos for me (visit her studio here).

However, I would like the photos I take to be better than a quick snap and I'll admit that I'm really not a great photographer (although I'm very keen to learn!) so I ordered a Light Box from ebay! Good lighting is one of the major obstacles I have, so the Light box was ideal as it came with two lights and a camera stand!

 I've read tutorials on making your own DIY Light Box using cardboard boxes, but due to being slightly  really clumsy I wanted something more substantial. This one folds away neatly into a carry case as well so it's very portable for taking between home and my studio (a cardboard version wouldn't last five minutes in my hands!)

I've made a start today having a play around with it and although I did manage to break a light bulb knocking the lamp off my desk (told you I'm clumsy!)  I hope with a lot of practice and learning I can start taking some great photos! Bare with me with the photos below, just practicing!

I'm currently running a competition to win one of my handmade brooches from the photo below! Head over to my Facebook page to find out more- best of luck!

Thank you for visiting!

Thank you to everyone who came to visit me at Open Studios, I've met some lovely people over the weekend!