Over the bank jolliday I took a long overdue trip to Nottingham and as well as a picking up a few of the necessities (aka shoes and make up) I visited the Bird in Borrowed Feathers Summer Market right in the heart of Nottingham on Smithy Row.

Hosted in association with Handmade Nottingham, all Bird in Borrowed Feathers Markets showcase the best in local design talent ranging from illustration, crafts, ceramics, textiles, photography and well pretty much any other beautifully designed handmade gifts! Now a regular event within Nottingham that brings together a huge range of designers, makers, creatives and small businesses, how could I pass up the chance to visit. Especially when so many of those I stalk, sorry I mean follow, on Facebook and Instagram had a stall.

So many amazing stallholders to mention them all but you’ll see a certain Green Kitchen Cakes, Hannah Stevens Illustration and Pop Press in the cheeky phone pics I took of the day above. A massive shout out has to go to Letterbox Lane, Katie Abey and the Primrose Parasol too, I’m officially in love with your work!

Oh and you might even spy a familiar ‘face’ in the form of Hello Sunshine by Jo Want! I know I say it quite often but I’m so unbelievably proud to not only have been friends with Jo for over 5 years (where on earth has that time gone!) but to see her dreams come true and have Hello Sunshine be her full time job.  I even happened to bump into the amazing Mark of Cryptology fame despite having a full day puzzling the citizens of Nottingham. Words can’t describe how much I love my job, not only do I get to work with some incredibly talented people but I love the fact I am a part of their journey (albeit a small part) and get to see them living their dreams. It's so unbelievably rewarding. 

Even though I was only in Nottingham for a few hours, it would have been rude not to pop into Handmade Nottingham itself too. I’ve wanted to go for so long and I’m constantly browsing their online shop, I couldn’t resist. So amazing, yet again, to see so many talented peoples work, especially Hello Sunshine in it’s own little section. I even picked up a couple of bits while I was there, well it would be rude not to!

Not only did I have an amazing day meeting so many creative people and being overwhelmed with inspiration I kind of got carried away a picked up a few little bits and bobs for little ole me. It had to be done right?!

How pretty right?! My mini-haul included a couple of prints and postcards from the brilliant Katie Abey that not only satisfy my love of all things cute but also my geeky side. I’m never one for being able to pass on gorgeous stationery and these Newton and Apple pencils and ruler by Ding Ding were impossible to resist. Last but not least this gorgeous hand decorated plate by Letterbox Lane had to be purchased especially as we will be picking up our gorgeous Labrador puppy Ellie in 12 days (and counting)!

As you can probably tell I had a truly inspirational day on Saturday and couldn’t wait to share with you all. It feels so great to meet and support so many local creatives, I can’t wait to see what you all get up to next!