I'm happily back in the studio (and in the sunshine)

This blog post is all about what I've been up to over the last couple of months, from freelance work which has kept my busy, to all the antiques markets I've been to and what I found, plus news about in-person workshops launching in March.

It's finally starting to feel like Spring outside, my bulbs are bursting into life and the warm rays of sun are a welcome break after all that rain. This week is the first week I'm back in the studio, working full-time on my new collections and commissions after two months of artistic hibernation – I'm so excited to get back.

I haven't of course been lolling about, hiding under the duvet, reading and drinking hot chocolate (although doesn't that sound wonderful) January and February are busy months for me as a freelance graphic designer. I only work with a couple of clients and although it makes me feel really behind with my artistic work, it's a nice big financial boost that will keep me going creatively for the next few months. 

I did have some odd days off and on these I went out hunting for vintage and antique treasures for my up-coming collections, and wow these fairs didn't disappoint. First up was Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Racecourse. Unfortunately, it was a rail strike that day which meant it was an incredibly long journey, but the array of vintage smalls I got my hands on more than made up for this. You can find such quirky items at Kempton, I resisted the jar of false teeth and a beautiful tin of foot powder, they were so weird and wacky it was a struggle to keep walking. 

Next up was Newark International Antiques Fair, this is one of the largest markets in Europe and with up to 1500 stands it's an amazing place for whatever you are in search of. I got my hands on a huge box of values, they were in great condition but absolutely covered in dust and grime so a big clean up job is needed. These values I'm planning on using these in one of my new installation pieces – more to be revealed soon. 

Here's a little snapshot of my finds, and you can see a video here and head over to Instagram to see a reel about my favourite finds.

Finally I picked up a few gems on my travels during half-term. There was the usual rummaging in Hastings (check out my blog post; My perfect weekend in Hastings for all my favourite antiques shops) where I found a job-lot of metal toffee hammers and this hilarious ceramic mince pie and this fabulous cat painted stone, it reminded me of the cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland, which may turn into a lovely artwork. I also found a wonderful little shop at Sherwood Forest Arts & Crafts Centre called Three Little Daisies, which has a lovely array of vintage haberdashery alongside her lovely stitched creations. I picked up some carved wood lace bobbins and a knitting tension gauge, loved the retro brown and orange colours.

Another exciting project I have been busily working away on behind-the-scenes is the launch of my in-person Memory Box workshops. Yes, they are back and will be launching in March! I have a beautiful central London location to run the workshops from and I cannot wait to guide people through the process of creating their own personal Memory Box. Are you interested in finding out more? Hop over here to read more and leave me your email address so you are the first to hear about the next workshop dates.

I hope you have enjoyed finding out what I've been up to behind-the-scenes in the studio.

Enjoy the rest of your day, Pip x