Hercules

Hand-cut collage on card, approx 4" x 6". 

Palace of Versailles

Scale model of Versailles

Model of Louis XVI's bedroom

It's probably no secret by now that I love a little bit of bling (ahem, yes, just a little...). So where better to soak some up than the Palace of Versailles. The place is a maximalist's dream come true. Even the gates glisten in the morning sun. No such thing as 'shabby chic' in that place, and thank Liberace for that! 

Restoration of ceiling murals

So much gilding, ornate frames, beautiful silk walls, and some really ornate ceilings including this one above. Just so much detail to drink in, really. Very much more is more, and a far cry from discreet and minimalist. Honestly, my brain was feeling pretty exhausted towards the end of our visit, but we discovered some lovely secluded, fairytale-like areas in the gardens where I could recharge and just let my eyes rest a little. We spent about 6 hours there, but the whole complex is huge, and I could easily have gone back the next day for another visit. I kind of had a giggle at the people who rented golf buggies or hopped on the Petite Train to get around, but at the end of the day, we gave in and hopped on one of the little trains for a ride back to the main gates too. 

Angry skies at the Petite Trianon

Narwhal Twins

Scarred for life.

More Cards

A few new handmade cards - some vaguely Christmas-themed - are now available at my Tea Rooms stall from this weekend onwards. If you're interested in one but can't get to Brick Lane, send me an email and I'll try to reserve it for you. 

Cards

I made some any-occasion cards.

All handmade and one-of-a-kind, they have been left blank inside so you can include your own messages. These and more will be available at my stall in the Tea Rooms, Brick Lane, every Saturday and Sunday. 

Out/About

Some things I've seen and eaten in the last couple of weeks. 

Ron Mueck show at Hauser and Wirth

Slow-cooked miso marinated pork belly at Akasiro in Chinatown. Lovely, especially when paired with hot steamed rice.

Insanely detailed chocolate creations at Choccywoccydoodah in Fouberts Place. 

 

Be warned - enter with your sweet tooth in tow. My friend Sheree and I shared the peanut butter milkshake and chocolate sundae between us - a dastardly concoction of chocolate ice-cream, whipped cream, brownie, fudge, some kind of berry jam-like thing, as well as plenty of chocolate buttons and who knew what else. We had to admit defeat about three-quarters of the way through. The milkshake tasted like a cold, soft Snickers bar (if you like that sort of thing, which I do), and went down slightly easier, but we still left without finishing the whole thing.

St. Paul's looked lovely in the last light of day. 

The Willow Tea Rooms

I am aching to go on holiday again. Nothing big or fancy or far-flung, just a short two day break from real life. Unfortunately, real life is rather pressing at the moment (isn't it always). In the absence of an actual break, I decided to relive my recent holidays by taking a trip through my photos. It reminded me that I had yet to post these images from our visit to both Willow Tea Rooms while in Glasgow.  

We arrived in Glasgow just before lunchtime, and discovered that the Willow in Sauchiehall Street was just a short stroll from our hotel, so headed there to fill up and warm up. 

The holiday ended just as it begun, with a visit to the Willow Tea Rooms, this time at Buchanan Street. If you're ever there, I suggest you try for a table in the blue-tinged Chinese Room, so much more atmospheric!

Giant Cat Project Exhibition Opening

The Giant Cat Project exhibition and auction officially opened on Monday night in St. Botolph's Church, beside Aldgate Station. The eponymous Giant Cat is the first thing to greet you as you step inside the church. 

 

Anne and Petra worked hard all day setting it up, and the donated items all looked beautiful together by the time I got there at 6pm. The warm interior made a perfectly cosy retreat from the drizzle outside. 

Cat Mask by Saskia 'Wild' Doornbos and Graciela Abicher

Cat Tapestry Skirt by Ali Wall

Hummingbird Bakery provided lots of cupcakes, and there was plenty of wine, coffee and tea too. 

The exhibition will be open til the end of this week, so do drop by for a look if you're in the area. The auction will end on Friday, so there's plenty of time to put in a bid if something catches your eye. You can also pop in to stroke the Giant Cat and pose for pictures with it too!

http://www.giantcatproject.com

Catwalk

Aldona and I (as Inadot) are donating this cushion to help raise funds for the Giant Cat Project. Do pop along to the exhibition in St. Botolph's Church next week if you're in the area!

The Giant Cat Project

(photo courtesy of the Giant Cat Project blog)

The Giant Cat Project is a fundraising effort in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, in memory of little Maymunah, who passed away aged only 5. Anne Kilroy has asked a number of artists and crafters - including me - to donate cat-themed works for an auction that will help raise money for GOSH. 

Those involved include Kitty Valentine, Mr. Martin, Halo Jones and many others from the Tea Rooms. Aldona and I will also be making a special cushion cover for the auction. An exhibition will be held at St. Botolph's Church, Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AB from November 7th to 11th. The opening night will be on November 7th, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Do come along then if you can, or visit during the week and see if there are any artworks that you might be interested in. 

 Cat People by Kitty Valentine

Ginger and Me, by Mr. Martin

The Assistant, by me

I'll leave you with a photo of the tireless Anne Kilroy looking cute in her hi-vis vest shaking a bucket beside the eponymous Giant Cat. The Cat was painted and decorated by the young students of Sir John Cass Foundation School.