A Spanish Sabbatical

Whilst the world started to turn topsy turvy, Jim, Bryn and myself made the decision to go on an adventure to our home in Catalonia - not really sure whether it was the most sensible decision or not. With grand plans to put a new roof and veranda on our little Casita, we embarked on the two day drive with a laden Citroen Berlingo. Little did we know what we were letting ourselves in for, and two months would slip into four.

Within a week of arriving at our home, and hastily changing our plans of starting to remove the roof (it was far too windy) we set about refitting the kitchen, and finally installing a proper gas cooker. As the completion neared for our first project, we were plunged into the depths of Spanish Lockdown. Navigating the new rules in another language and trying not to loose the plot, we felt marooned with our neighbours, but were ever so thankful for the companionship and camaraderie. And with each passing day, we fell more in love with our little slice of paradise, grateful for the space it provided us with.

As Lockdown eased coming into mid May, we were finally able to focus our attention firmly on the roof again. With the ability to buy materials, and no option but working late into the evenings, yet again, our neighbours proved to be invaluable.

Kirstie's Handmade Christmas - Table Decorating Winner 2019

A little earlier this Autumn, tucked away in a corner of Kirstie Alsopp’s Christmas HQ, I had the great pleasure in taking part in the Table Decorating competition. I had originally applied to take part in the Christmas Tree Decorating competition, but with some jiggery pokery I resubmitted my brief and got through to the series, with only days to spare. Because I never do anything by half, or like to make life easy for myself this also happened to be the week I moved house and studio.

A small selection of the preliminary drawings for my brief , “The Twelve Birds of Christmas” There is some British folklore that depicts the Victorian Christmas Carol as all British Birds, with each line interpreted as a different species. From Blackbirds for Calling Birds and Cattle Egrets for Maids a Milking.

Christmas Candle Carousels give a nod to a traditional Christmas tables.

Christmas Candle Carousels give a nod to a traditional Christmas tables.

The Twelve Birds of Christmas Table Centrepiece, featuring 78 individual British Birds.

The Twelve Birds of Christmas Table Centrepiece, featuring 78 individual British Birds.

Winning the Christmas Table Decorating Competition 2019 for Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas.

Winning the Christmas Table Decorating Competition 2019 for Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas.

The day, absolutely flew by, with cameras and lights everywhere. We had 5 hours to complete our Table Decorations. Each of us were allowed a certain amount of things to be prepared in advance. I had each bird cut and etched but had to hand paint and embellish 78 birds in total, as well as construct the centrepiece and each place setting. The main detail for my centrepieces were the Candle Carousels, that I enjoyed making as a child. I wanted to incorporate the an element of sparkle and movement. I wanted to bring as much of my usual Lily Faith style to the table, including lots of natural seed heads and hand painted leaves, much like my wreaths.

You can enjoy one my Candle Carousels on your own Christmas Table this year, follow the link here

 

New Circle Wreaths are coming . . . .

It s all in the edit at the moment. Its been slow progress around these parts of late. Its been a flurry in the studio, but replenishing shops and galleries after a Summer of sales. But I’ve been slow to update the website, with, well anything really.

So for now, here’s a sneak peek at what’s being edited. Today I managed to tie up all the loose ends of sample stock, and photograph it - hooray!

New Beginnings and the First Days of Spring

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring in Devon; and despite the drifts of snow slowly thawing, there was a slight lightness to the air today, and a warmth in the sunshine. With a change in the season, comes a new beginning for Lily Faith, a website again hoorah!

So welcome to the fresh Lily Faith website, its been a while huh?! I know it has been a while since I've felt so settled and attune with what I've been making. I feel that having taken time to focus on a smaller palette of colours, patterns and materials; I have created a capsule collection I'm truly pleased with.

So take a look around, and have look at my new Spring collections. I'd love to hear what you think. 

Spring 

Circle 

Wreaths