Just had a busy few days :
London for the 2012 Design Festival -visited 100% Design at Earl's Court which showcased some amazing products such as the stretch ceiling system from New Mat Ltd which incorporates both lighting and sound proofing !
Then off to Design Junction -fantastic furniture - a mix of new and retro-reinvented, followed by Tent London at The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane.

Overall Lighting shone out -from handmade to high tech.

Sunny Saturday morning found us sitting outside a great cafe in Bloomsbury sipping coffee and eating a gorgeous orange and polenta cake.

Had to give the Cake and Bake Show a miss but by all accounts it sounded like this first show was big success -  so back home to Nottingham.

Sunday: The Rock n Gem Show at The Newark Showground - had to resist buying everything! Managed to get some awesome pearls and rock crystals as well as glass beads, garnet and pyrite.

So it's back to school today for most kids - so to cheer you up this is Florence -the doll I made recently with her school uniform and satchel. Her grey coat and pink and grey tartan dress and hat are 100% wool. Her satchel is real leather. Adorable!


She is available to buy from Dezigne.

One jewellery designer whose necklaces I have been greatly admiring recently is Barbara Acton-Bond.

She uses semi-precious stones, gemstones and other unique beads and pendants to create beautiful balanced and harmonious pieces. Her colour and texture combinations are are amazing.

Looking forward to going to Athens in October -especially to the Acropolis Museum.  I have been before but I really want to go again. There were far too many things to look at all in one (very hot) day.

Inspired by this I thought I would try and take some `Museum inspired' product shots.

This is my snowflake jasper, blister pearl and hematite necklace from Dezigne.

Introducing a new range of handmade Greek leather sandals, bags and jewellery to the Dezigne shop.

Perfect for summer and holidays  - all are individually embellished with beads and charms.

The sandals are available in wedge style, flip flop style or flat.

I have been working on some new clutch purses lately - this tulip clutch purse is perfect for summer parties and weddings -a really pretty accessory. Or if you are going on holiday and you want somewhere to keep your jewellery and small bits and pieces. It has a chunky brass kisslock frame and is lined with cream cotton.

This purse is now available to buy online from Dezigne

So the London 2012 Olympics are officially open! The somewhat frenetic opening ceremony had some good and bad bits......

The Red Arrows looked awesome as flew over the London skyline as did David Beckham arriving by speedboat with the Olympic Torch - more like a scene from a Bond Movie - better than the James Bond scene itself. Unfortunately the Queen did not look at all amused.

The forging of the five Olympic rings was amazing as was the copper cauldron sculpture (by Tom Heatherwick). It's a shame they stuck Paul McCartney in at the end though.

Anyway looking forward to visiting our stunning capital in September for the London Design Festival and the Cake & Bake Show at Earl's Court.

`The first live event dedicated to the world of cakes, breads and the art of baking' featuring many celebrity bakers such as Paul Hollywood,  Mich Turner (of the Little Venice Cake Company) and Tom Herbert (from the Fabulous Baker Brothers)

There will be masterclasses, speakers and of course lots of cakes!

I have recently been looking at handpainted cakes- they can look amazing when done well. I have had a go but definitely need more practice. Here are some to feast your eyes on...