On our radar: Rush Matters

Rush Matters is led by Bedfordshire-based artisan Felicity Irons BEM. She produces the most stunning handmade rush pieces, from tiny items such as drink coasters, to expanses of flooring such as the one she created at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.

In a craft that has remained virtually unchanged since the age of the Anglo Saxons, she’s one of the last remaining freshwater rush cutter/weavers in England.

It was her flooring that I first encountered, but I would love a bathmat or giant dog bed to grace our humble cottage!

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A post shared by Felicity Irons BEM (@rushmatters)

Win Village Leathers accessories

The 1st of November is All Saint’s Day, Day of the Dead and – here in Wales – Calan Gaeaf. We begin the month, as ever, with a brand new give-away; and we think you’re going to love this one! We’ll be giving one of you a trio of leather accessories from Village Leathers.

There’s a key holder, card holder and glasses case in the winner’s bundle – available in a range of gorgeous colours. You can choose matching or clashing brights or timeless classics such as black, burgundy or tan. Personally, I’ve been lusting after their Chroma yellow range – so bold & beautiful!

Village Leathers is a family business based in London and has been trading since 1974. All their items are handmade, created using top quality materials in their creaky Victorian workshop. They use all-vegetable dyes and only use leather that’s a by-product of the meat industry.

Village Leathers and H is for Home share an ethos. Here’s what they say:

I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than a product design being so old that it rolls back into fashion.

To enter, leave us a comment below saying what things you miss or would like (or hate, if you prefer) to see come back into fashion. It could be food, TV programmes, fashion, music… I’d like to see ‘Penny for the Guy’ return and be as popular as Halloween has become!

As usual, complete all the social follows, shares etc for extra entries.

Trio of leather accessories from Village Leathers

A papercut you’ll want to receive!

Hi guys! We’ve got a wonderful giveaway offer this month from Lana & Ivan over at Twenty Fingers.

We’ve recently had a wedding in the family – and we presented the happy the couple with this gorgeous, framed papercut to commemorate their big day.

You could go for the kettle, toaster or cruet set gift option, but we felt that this is a more personal choice. If you missed the big day, paper is the traditional 1st anniversary gift, so you’ve got a second bite of the cherry!

A papercut can be displayed against a wall or window – and are a perfect reminder of a special occasion. It’s not all about weddings, though – it makes a great gift to yourself or others for all manner of event or celebration.

Have a look around the Twenty Fingers website for ideas. You can choose any standard-size framed papercut with standard glass. Comment below about for whom and for what occasion you’d design your very own bespoke, hand-made papercut.

Twenty Fingers bespoke, hand-made paper cut

Shared on: Superluckyme | The Prizefinder | Loquax | Competition Database | U Me and the Kids

Etsy List: Winter Walks

'Etsy List' blog post banner

Yesterday saw the end of the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks for another year. And what a glorious winter’s day it was too! Bright sunshine, blue sky and crisp & frosty underfoot. We’ve had a leisurely stroll through Etsy to look at the various representations of this simple pleasure – snow, woodland and dogs feature prominently – our idea of the perfect winter walk!

Winter Walks
Curated by H is for Home

H is for Home Harbinger

Tag: handmade

On our radar: Rush Matters

Win Village Leathers accessories

A papercut you’ll want to receive!

Etsy List: Winter Walks