On Instagram in April

Happy May everyone! I love this time of year in the UK, the countryside is looking so pretty and we're (almost) in Summer, my favourite season. April sped by but there was plenty of making and walking in the countryside in some lovely sunshine. Here is a look back at April through my Instagram photos...

I've been wearing my favourite Fair Isle cardigan from Boden lots this month, accessorised with my Fair Isle brooches. I think I'm a bit obsessed with Fair Isle! I'm going to be working on some new Fair Isle jewellery designs to launch later this year

On Easter Sunday the first Bazaar Food and Craft Market took place at The Waiting Room in Colchester, Essex. I was so pleased to have a stand there with my jewellery, it was such a lovely day with a great atmosphere. I'm actually there with my jewellery again today, selling with the Made in Colchester Collective (more on this soon!), come and say hi if you're in the area!

Starting work on a range of upcycled denim brooches and rings with Liberty fabric pieces! Watch this space!

I wear something handmade every day and in April I have been accessorising with my handmade brooches

I don't like to be in doors all day so I love that there were some lovely sunny days in April where I sat outside during my lunch break to do some making. The hard thing is then dragging myself back inside!

On the chilly days I retreated back to my trusty duffle coat! Lots of people say my brooches remind them of spring blooms

Beautiful sky and flowers on a hot day in the garden

A walk to peaceful Beeleigh Abbey Gardens, Essex. I love water and have always wanted a pond. I could just imagine sitting here in the peace and quiet when there are no visitors

This is the amazing view across the river Chelmer at the back of the gardens

Beeleigh Abbey

Walking close to where I live. I'm sure my love of water must come from living by the river!

Nelson cat! Chilled out as always

He has recently taken to diving under the throws on the sofa and sleeping like this (it's a cats life!), but I don't leave him like it for long incase someone sits on him (cue unimpressed looks from Nelson!)

A rare pic of him awake!

Spending time with a good friend- we had home made apple pie and lots of fun with her lovely Basset Hound Penny. I found it hard to get a good pic as she was bouncing around so much!

So that was April, here's to a lovely sunny May. You can follow me on Instagram here- come and say hi. I'd love to follow you on Instagram too!

What did you get up to in April?

Beeleigh Abbey Gardens, Essex

I live in a small town in Essex surrounded by beautiful countryside. Not too far from where I live is Beeleigh Abbey and periodically throughout the year the beautiful gardens are open to the public. On Friday my mum and I walked there and I'd like to share some photos from our our visit with you!

The Abbey itself was founded in 1180

I kept saying to my mum as we walked round that I think the Abbey and the grounds have a real Midsummer Murders feel to them- the episodes are always filmed in lovely picturesque countryside locations, so I often wonder if they will visit Beeleigh to film one day!

I've always wanted a pond, I love water and it must be lovely to spend an afternoon sitting here

The grounds are vast but immaculate, so much work must go into maintaining them! 

It was a chilly but bright day

Spring Daffodils

The gardens are open periodically from April to August- it would be interesting to visit in the summer to see the change in the seasonal flowers and plants

There's something lovely and quaint about greenhouses. I had to capture the impressive stack of plant pots over by the shed too!

The gardens back onto the River Chelmer. A peaceful spot

Walking home through the countryside after a lovely morning. Find out more about visiting Beeleigh Abbey here

Happy Sunday everyone!