MUSTN'T GRUMBLE

We know this is a little late but the last couple of weeks have been very busy and it's not been an easy post to write. After last year's amazing Thames Festival our expectations were high but sadly not fulfilled. We were located with the We Make London team near Tower Bridge and as there were no events taking place on the Saturday and very little advertising it meant there was not much footfall (excepting the odd stray tourist or local resident surprised to discover an artisan market taking place on their doorstep!)



This did give us the opportunity to have a wander in the vicinity and we came across this wonderful sculpture by artist David Kemp at the Hay's Galleria. The Navigators looks like a creation from a Jules Verne novel and was made using recycled and found objects.



The final day of the festival was better, there were choirs and bands performing in the Scoop near our stalls and people were wandering along enjoying the entertainment and making the most of their Sunday.




We were informed that the budget for the festival was reduced this year but then why did the organisers  stretch the event across two weekends? The spectacular fireworks finale was greatly missed by stall holders and visitors alike and the atmosphere of carnival and colour we've come to expect was non existent. Our fellow stall holder Jane sums up the experience precisely here.

The event is called the Mayor's Thames Festival so come on Boris let's put a little more thought in for next year or you may find yourself celebrating on your own!

UNDER THE SEA

It seems like ages ago that we were on holiday, not only because the weather has taken a serious turn as Autumn sets in but also because we are unbelievably busy. I know we are lucky that there are two of us at Clementine & Bloom but this week it would be good if there were four! I hate to say it but we are now in full preparation mode for...Christmas...


Fear not though because as promised here is our second inspirational post from our holiday, a trip to Monaco's aquarium was a real highlight. All the amazing colours of the tropical fish against the deep blue ocean background was so visually exciting and to top it off I got some great snapshots of a few interesting underwater creatures.


  


We love the vibrant colour combination of orange and ocean blue.

Reminds me of something I've seen before...

THE GREAT ADVENTURE


Hello to all our lovely readers (old and new!) we are back from our summer holidays and boy what an adventure we have had. Having flown to the South of France we then rented a car and drove in the most spectacular zig-zag back to Paris to catch the train home. Rather than bore you with the hundreds of holiday snaps that we took, the next few blog posts are intended to inspire.


One of our greatest loves is to travel, there is nothing more inspiring than immersing yourself in different cultures and the best way to do that is to shop with the locals. I can't tell you how many times we have both come back with weird and wonderful purchases stuffed into our suitcases or taken on board as hand luggage - all because of the desire to build a home full of treasured memories and possessions.




So what did we buy on this trip then...on the last day we decided to head out for a little bit of antique rummaging and we came across this beautiful Singer sewing machine. This is potentially the best bargain we have ever had, a mere €8!


P.S : all market photos were taken in the Old Town in Nice. There is a flower market most days except Monday when it's full of antiques.

POSTCARD

 
 A picture postcard from our holiday. 


We will be back in the studio from next Monday 9th September, until then enjoy the sunshine everyone!