It was a workshop day and off I set just a hop, skip and a jump away, to Cockpit Arts in Holborn (central London).
This is home to a whole bunch of creative folk.
Of course, I was in search of the studio of someone in particular...
Remember a few weeks ago when I went off to Anthropologie to take part in the Selvedge-led workshop with Abigail Brown to create one of her "matchbox tweeters" (read here if you fancy)? How could I say no when Abbie mentioned she was starting workshops to make her little birds?
The workshop was held in Abbie's studio which I really loved as I do like to see the spaces where people create. Those are always my fave articles in magazines and books. Nosy, moi? I hesitate to use that over-bandied-about word but here it's true, being in Abbie's studio surrounded by her work was so very inspirational.
A visual treat for the eyes.
I like nosing at other people's pin boards, too!
LOVE these little creatures!
Abbie's signature minty green tissue paper for wrapping purchases safe and sound.
Anyway, time to get down to business. In the centre of the table, Abbie had placed her examples of the bird which she was going to teach us to make.
In the interests of time (and our sanity, ha!) she had kindly asked us what colour bird we would like to make and pre-made the body for us. As you can see, Abbie favours a trusty vintage Bernina for sewing.
We were a group of six, all lovely fellow crafty souls and we had a good natter amongst the tea and biccies (and mini eggs!) Oh golly, we made a mess, didn't we? Abbie provided all the materials but we were invited to bring along any of our own fabrics we might want to incorporate.
I went for the yellow bird and Primrose began to take shape.
After the stuffing (hard work!), it was time to get on with the fussy bits. Time to choose pretty scraps of Liberty Tana Lawn, old shirtings and candy-coloured twills. From a choice of about 7 base colours, we could then "accessorise" our bird however we chose. I went for the Spring-like colours I love but what is great about these sorts of workshops is that people all create something utterly unique to them. Obviously, we had inspiration from Abbie's work all around us.
Primrose rocking her tail feathers!
So at the end, we had a little "show and tell".
What a truly fab day! It's always a treat to escape from the domestic life every now and then and immerse yourself in crafty pleasure, don't you think? Abbie was a great teacher, it was a privilege to peek into her working environment, and to come away with a handmade keepsake at the end of the day...bonus! (Did you spot the finished Primrose in the first picture up there?) Cockpit Arts holds open days periodically which I would really like to go to (so I can see all the other fabulous work which I know is made there). Abbie has a couple more workshops coming up this weekend, you might like to take a look at her blog for more info (she also has s Facebook page, complete with a shot of us all yesterday).
Finally, Happy Easter to me! I couldn't resist bringing home that gorgeous fox as a further momento of a fabulous day.
Now readers, I must love you and leave you for a good while. The sunshine of far-flung sandy shores beckons. I do hope it appears for you too and I'll be back before you know it, with bells on! XXX
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