Day . to . Day

"...if Happiness can be a profession, then this is it..."

...since as early as I remember my time has been filled with the simple acts of drawing, making, creating, arranging, filing, organising, hoarding and collecting details that I found interesting.  This time spent, all the way back since childhood, been such a true investment.   

All these interests from the list above have been collated to form my 'profession' over the years.  Professions and roles such as a Textile Designer, Greetings Card Designer and a Lecturer in Design at various colleges and universities.  However, now that my role within The Linen Garden takes my attention full time, I don't think there is a single definitive word that can describe this day-to-day job of mine. But if Happiness can be a profession then this is it.

The Linen Garden is the name I used to affectionately call my studio when it was mainly filled with collections of haberdashery, lace and fabrics and hand made creations of my own.  The studio has changed a little since then with the introduction of all kinds of treasure now adorning the shelves, cupboards and walls but the name has stayed. 

The studio is a place where I can easily lose hours and even days, not one decorative day is ever the same. I am beyond passionate about continuing the journey of all these old, beautiful pieces. Decorative items and painted observations, all originally created by artists, practitioners, designers, craft and trade apprentices, all considered and thoughtfully made.  

Isn't it wonderful that an old vase, that now sits quite happily on a kitchen table, has lived in so many different homes, listened in on so many conversations through the decades of its life, has been admired by so many visitors and used for an assortment of occasions.  It is an absolute privilege that we can be part of their history and help all these treasured stories continue their journey.  

The Linen Garden maybe only (currently) online but I always imagine it as a wonderful red bricked building, with a single leaded shop window that sits at the top of a steep cobbled street.  Walk through the old wooden front door, painted in a deep smoked rose pink, to an array of shelves and cupboards and still life arrangements, and where the display in the shop window changes weekly.   A department store where you will find you have favourite floors, departments and shelves.  With every visit I hope you discover something to take home with you...it is a store where you can call in for 5 minutes or stay a while to browse and lose hours, just like I do...enjoy the details.