At shows, I often find myself chatting away with my customers about all kinds of things that I like and that interest me, and I always like to share in a good 'tip' of who and what's fabulous, so I decided to compile a 'Lovelies List' for you.

If you think they're as great I do, be sure to tell them I sent you!

Amazing Authors:

Carole Matthews

Carole Matthews is an internationally acclaimed author of brilliantly funny romantic comedy novels. The first book I read of hers was 'Let's Meet On Platform 8' and I've been hooked ever since. She's a Facebook friend of mine and her daily posts make me howl with laughter!

Carole is offering the chance for one of her readers to win an especially made Philippa Day Satchel Bag in her competition this month, be sure to check it out...

http://www.carolematthews.co.uk/

Julia Jarman

Julia Jarman is an award-winning children's author and I'm certain those of you who are looking for wonderful picture books for tinies, through to gripping novels for teenagers, will be spoilt for choice. Her books are available from Amazon. I met Julia at one of my shows, after she'd received one of my bags as a gift, and I have to tell you she is one fab woman!

http://www.juliajarman.com

Linda Newbery

Linda Newbery is the author of more than 30 books for children and young adults. The Shell House and Sisterland were both shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and Set in Stone won the Costa Children's Book Award. Linda and I met at one of my shows, she is also a happy owner of my bags and she's a really gentle, delightful and hugely talented woman, who I'm delighted to have met.

http://www.lindanewbery.co.uk/

Delightful Designers:

Carol James - Silverfish Designs Silver Jewellery

Carol James of Silverfish Designs is a jewellery maker, specialising in silver. She lives in the Malvern Hills, and has the Little Studio at Blue Ginger Gallery.

Carol's work is absolutely beautiful; it's contemporary and organic, it's intricate and easily wearable. Not only is Carol a superb silversmith; she is also an archeologist; and this shines through into her work, particularly her new Bachwen range, which is inspired by the Bachwen burial chamber, a noteable and fascinating piece of Welsh Rock Art. Carol is a member of the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen. All in all, she's a pretty smart cookie, as well as being a fantastic person to know.

I am a complete devotee of Carol's jewellery; if you have a look at my picture on the home page of this website you'll see I'm wearing a Bachwen necklace, which I never take off!

http://www.silverfishdesigns.co.uk/

Fiona Sands Lampwork Bead Jewellery

Fiona Sands is a lampworker and jewellery designer from Cheltenham. She creates stunning lampwork beads which are then turned into beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Fiona's beads feature on some of my textile bags; they're the perfect embellishment. She and I are members of the Cotswold Craftsmen and show regularly throughout the year; come and say hello to her at the next Cotswold Craftsmen event we're doing.

http://www.borobeads.co.uk/

Garry Jones Ceramics

The marvellous creator of a whole universe of ceramic smiles!

The ceramic world of Garry Jones is full of humour and fun; through his work Garry’s unique play on words brings a whole new meaning to familiar phrases and a smile to everyone’s face when they meet his menagerie of clay creatures. These highly individual sculptures reflect not only Garry’s fantastic imagination and creative twist on humour; they are also fine examples of his skill as a designer and ceramic artist.

I'm the very proud owner of several pieces by Garry, which never fail to make me grin when I look at them.

Garry's studio and gallery, The Lighthouse Works, is in Astwood Bank, Redditch, where you can find a brilliant selection of his work, as well as gorgeous artworks by his extremely talented and equally lovely partner, Shirley George. (Top insider knowledge: Garry does like a nice bit of chocolate, so fling him a Kit Kat and he'll be a happy chap!)

http://www.garry-jones.co.uk/

Maggie Brown - Indigo Brown Fine Art and Creative Holidays

The wonderful Maggie Brown! Maggie is a Fine Artist, who works in mixed media to create vibrant, moving and beautiful works, influenced by the rugged, wild Pembrokeshire landscape where she and her family live. She trained at Winchester School of Art and has now been a successful artist for many years.

The combination of Maggie's talent, love of art and her nurturing, lively nature make her the perfect teacher. She and her husband Andrew (a talented chef and interior designer) own the idyllic Swmbarch House, an old Welsh farmhouse, located between Fishguard and St David's, Pembrokeshire. They have lovingly extended the house and now run full-board creative holidays there.

I've sampled the delights of the Indigo Brown creative holiday experience, a mid-summer 3-day watercolour painting course, and I can honestly say that being there was a little slice of heaven.

If you've got that urge to pick up a brush, get creative and be looked after royally, or you want a short winter retreat on a self-catering basis, gather up your friends, jump in your car and head West to Maggie and Andrew's!

http://www.indigobrown.co.uk/

and there's more! Full details of all my other 'Lovelies' to follow: in the meantime, google away and you'll find them...

Carol Thompson - Illustrator and Author

Hazel Morris - Arkane Jewellery Anglo-Saxon-inspired silver jewellery

Jo Dewar - Contemporary Textle Artist

Jo Verity - Decoupage Artist and Maker of Handrolled Paper Beads

Merlith Morrison-Hutton - Artist

Sam Hemming - Handmade Designer Glass and Gemstone Beadwork

Sharon McSwiney - Jewellery and Metalwork

Fabulous Foodies:

Mother Goose Puddings Wonderful homemade puddings from the Vale of Belvoir

Marvellous Musicians:

Karen Tweed - Queen of the Piano Accordion

Tyler Massey - American Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter

Vo Fletcher - Guitar God!

Other General Lovelies:

Skinny Dip Skincare - Handmade natural Skincare made with Malvern Spring Water