I.m gradually coming to terms with losing my dear George.....it all happened so quickly......but I keep telling myself she had a short but very happy life.  As ever, I am cheering myself up with flowers and paints.  This is such a bright time of year, it is clearly reflected in my colours!

I had to fly back early from Italy because my beloved dog George became very unwell.  Sadly I had to make the decision to have her put down.  She was only 5 and it has broken my heart.  She had a suspected spinal tumour that was extremely aggressive.  Within a few days she became paralysed and was in a lot of pain even though we had put her on very strong painkillers.  Bless her......she gave me so much love and joy- I shall never forget her xxxxx

I,m enjoying all things Italian.  there is so much history here and fantastic architecture.  I am also showing a pic of a friend,s art. I love her style and she,s such an inspiring person.    after a late night I shall spend the day chilling out ..... And doing some weaving!

Here I am in Italy and this is what greeted me when I opened the shutters this morning!  I love being here ...staying with my best friend who has lived out here for the last 8 years.  Another bonus is that there is an art studio and a workshop full of looms and weaving - so you can guess where I'll be off to later today!!

From sheep to shawl......so the saying goes.  Well, I might not create a shawl but this fabulous fleece definitely came from a sheep.  It is beautifully soft and has a long (very spinnable) staple.....I'm really enjoying spinning out in the garden during this wonderful weather.  Those of you who have followed my blog over the last year will remember The House Move and the Art Shed creation.   It is all settling down beautifully and as you can see the garden is beginning to mature and the Art Shed is extremely well used.  All in all I feel happily settled.....

This is the most amazing place where I took a workshop yesterday.   Everywhere you look there's something beautiful to look at....and just look at the paper shed!!  It really is made of paper (old magazines).  I have yet to work out how it didn't completely disintegrate in a heavy downpour early in the morning!!  If ever you get a chance to visit the Prairie Gardens in Henfield, West Sussex , I highly recommend it.  A wonderful space filled with unusual plants and art.

Two pictures of fabulous flowers in the Bishop's gardens in Chichester today. The sun was shining so I couldn't actually see a thing on my I-phone. It was literally point and shoot but I think these shots are pretty stunning!!

Isn't this a delightful building?  I have just been out with a friend to have tea and cakes there as it has been turned into a cosy, countrified tearooms.  A few years ago this was a delapitated old shed...broken down and filthy - and it was my husband's idea that this could become a small hub in the local community - which it now is!!  There is even a knit and natter group!!  Anyway if ever you are in the West Sussex village of Clapham - I suggest you pay the tearooms a visit.....

I've been playing around with the idea of making small concertina-type books/cards.  Very easy and quick for people to make and fun to do!!