Why Willows Weep

How the Oak Tree Came to Life….Why Crab Apples Are Sour….Why Birches Have Silver Bark….

These are all titles of fables in an absolute gem of a book I’m currently reading.

It was my friend, Milena, who alerted me to Why Willows Weep - Contemporary Tales from the Woods (thanks, Milena!).  It’s just been published by the Woodland Trust to raise funds and awareness for their cause.  The trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, and every book sold will enable the planting of five native trees.

The tales are written by nineteen of Britain’s leading authors; and the book is gorgeously illustrated by Leanne Shapton (and I mean, gorgeously!).

If you’re looking for presents for a certain celebration beginning with C (which we have no intention of mentioning just yet), then this beautiful little tome might just fit the bill.

Nicky Dillerstone

I spent a hugely enjoyable day yesterday at a Fabric Jewellery workshop run by Nicky Dillerstone.

I’ve long admired Nicky’s work.  She’s a Grimsby-based artist who creates intricate, textured and often sculptural pieces.  Above is one of her stunning necklaces; below an assortment of pretty cuffs.

Nicky is a total delight: enormous fun and very generous in sharing both techniques and materials.  She’s also a first class teacher.

All in all, it was one of the best classes I’ve ever taken.  If you’re a textile artist, I highly recommend you seek her out.

Savouring The Season…

We’re sinking into the season, Joss and I.  Practising mindfulness.  In various small ways.

If you’d like to join us, there are just three days left to sign up for Falling Into Place – the Dixon Hill e-course.  It’s a sure-fire way to ground yourself….in your surroundings….in the moment.  A way to connect.  A fantastic way to savour the season.

Two Years Old!

It’s a beautiful autumn day here in Dixon Hill land – the perfect day for a birthday!

Which is fortuitous – because it just so happens we’re celebrating one.  A special one at that.  Today my beloved blog is two years old!

That’s pretty young, I acknowledge – even for a blog.  But, like a proud mama, I smile at its progress so far and look forward to seeing what it grows into in the future.

If you have a glass – or cup – of something to hand, then join me in a toast: to my toddler blog and all the lovely folk who find their way here to visit!  Thank you all!

The Nature Table: September

It’s all fruit and fungi on the nature table this month….with a few fallen leaves in between. 

It’s the bountiful harvest of the hedgerows - a feast with which to begin autumn; and a surplus to squirrel away for the dark days of winter.

Our virtual display space is crammed to overflowing with apples, rowan berries, rosehips, blackberries, elderberries and other ambrosial treats. 

Best not to eat the toadstools, though - unless you want to vanish into a wacky dreamland (or worse!).