Friday Folksy Finds - Spring Tide

Formby Beach by Joe Cornish

We had the most wonderful walk on Formby Beach yesterday. For those who don't know it, it is a little piece of heaven on the Lancashire coast to the south of Southport.  It has dunes, miles of sand and red squirrels in the pine trees - an amazing spot. You would have thought it was the middle of summer yesterday it was so warm and even the Irish Sea managed to look inviting enough to maybe chance a paddle, but we kept our wellies on - such cowards.  We almost had the beach to ourselves, had a long languid amble and left as the sun had the makings of a stunning sunset. So, naturally my mind was all spring tides and sand dunes this morning and I went looking for finds that took a seaside turn.  Please enjoy.

Ruth Lyne

These tiny studs by Ruth Lyne are fused glass and then sandblasted to give a unique frosty finish.  They just reminded me of the tide line, white water and the horizon, very delicate.  I particularly liked Ruth's shop because there are all kinds of glass studs, in a range of colours.  I can admire dangly earrings on others but being built like a bear I have no neck and it is pleasing to find earrings that would suite, are pretty and a little bit different.

Fiona Carver

I love everything about beach huts, the colours, the style and the location.  We don't get them up here but I have seen them on the southern coast lines and in magazines.  Some interiors are little works of art.  Fiona's linocuts are all hand done, with very lovely seaside themes and designs.  This one is Suffolk Beach Huts and is so evocative of the east coast. Have a peep at the shop, the colours are amazing and the prints so incisive and clear.

Julia's Driftwood Furniture

This shop is an absolute treasure trove, there are mirrors and lamps and quirky shelves, just have a look.  Everything is so well made and so suggestive of the Cornish Coast where Julia Horburry lives and works.  I love driftwood as much as I love sea glass and this lady makes the most of her finds.  They look sturdy and well made with a real shabby chic twist, a very happy find.

Little Stick Creations

I found this wonderful delicate wrap just browsing colour combinations and discovered that Sarah had been inspired by a stormy sea painting by Constable.  This is a hand woven piece in the most beautiful and subtle sea and sand dune colours.  I just love it.  The shop is run by Sarah Cross in Wales and she has made some truly inspiring pieces with delicate colour combinations suggesting natural dyes and with interesting yarn mixes. Have a peep.

Celtic Shore

Scottish sea glass and pebbles together make up this wonderful necklace by Laura at Celtic Shore.  I have visited this lady's pages so many times, she lives in Ayrshire and collects her finds on the beaches along the Scottish Coast.  This cairn pebble necklace is so pretty and sings of the sea side, pebbles and sea glass are such a charming combination.  Love this lady's work, have a peep at Celtic Shore for a taste of the Scottish Coast.

This has been a very satisfying Friday Finds post, it will always remind me of a lovely afternoon all three of us together at a magical place.  I love my cats but at moments like yesterday I miss having my dogs, Spider my Jack Russell would have loved the sea side treat. Memories of her naughtiness and character still make me smile after twenty years, she was a great friend and I miss her still.  Good Days.

Heads up to anyone in my neck of the woods, The Northern Contemporary Craft Fair people are having a Spring Fair this Sunday, 26th April at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys in Bowden Cheshire, the satnav for the car park is WA14 2UJ and is on Heath Road.  It is open 10am to 5pm and as always the Vintage Tea Room will be there.  I am really looking forward to it and would recommend anyone interested in contemporary craft to visit.  Have a great weekend and my warmest wishes.