**********IMPORTANT NOTICE**********

We will be closed between 1st -10th August for a short summer break and battery recharge!

We are currently fully booked until mid October 2009 but we are taking bookings now for then onwards and into 2010/2011. For this reason we will be suspending the sample service until September to allow us to concentrate on this summer's weddings - reception stationery orders, which have grown much larger and more elaborate than we anticipated earlier this year!

LETTERPRESS PRINTING WORKSHOP - HARRINGTON & SQUIRES

I had the most fabulous day in London today attending a one-to-one workshop for letterpress printing. It was run by Chrissie and Vicky who own a letterpress studio in Tufnell Park

www.harringtonandsquires.co.uk

I learnt to set traditional hot metal type and prepare a chase ready to print from, as well as the basic operation of the press and tips to get the best result from it. And I even got to prepare a little trial project of my own to take home with me. 

I couldn't have had more patient and helpful teachers, Chrissie and Vicky made me feel very welcome and were so helpful answering my (probably quite daft) questions. They showed me their gorgeous work, so tactile and inspiring as only letterpress really is that - I can't wait to get started again! Thank you Vicky and Chrissie! x

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MOON LANDING

Time sure flies! I was just a one year old when the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon so although I didn't watch it actually happening it is part of my generation's life.

However, I recall a lesson at primary school some eight years later when the teacher asked us who was the first man on the moon. I thrust my hand skywards desperate to answer . . . "Sir, sir" I cried, "it was "Louis Armstrong!" 

Oh the shame! - I'm so sorry Neil. Happy Anniversary!

THE KENT COUNTY SHOW

We spent a lovely day yesterday at the Kent County Show near Maidstone. It's mainly a livestock exhibition but also large market and fair and general exhibition of country pursuits. 

I feel madly in love with the alpacas. They are from Appledene Alpacas on the outskirts of my village, Marden. They are the most gangly, odd looking creatures - as if they are modelled on some 50's style kitsch bambi toy and of course I'm smitten!

THE HOP FARM MUSIC FESTIVAL - KENT

I recently spent a gloriously hot weekend of music in the company of good friends!

Particularly loved Ash, Paul Weller, Super Furry Animals, Doves and Pigeon Detectives but had a seriously great night on the Saturday watching The Fratellis and nursed my sunburn.

MORE DETAILS FROM THE WEDDING

REBECCA & LEE'S WEDDING

As promised I've some photos from my niece's wedding to share. It was the most fabulous day, and was incredibly moving and joyous at the same time. 

The couple chose a great vintage theme with chocolate brown, pale dusky pink and ivory as the main colours - from the stunning vintage cars to the dashing suits of the groomsmen. The bride shone in an exquisite ivory wedding gown and beautiful flowers - the bridesmaids were dressed in a flattering dusky pink with little pearl details in their hair. 

Special memorable touches included the male voice choir who broke into a medley of Abba songs during the signing of the register to the pure delight of the congregation, the casino tables in the evening and of course, the cutest little pageboy and flowergirl- their son Jac and niece Rosie! A special mention to my nephews, Peter and Simon who were totally dedicated to their special usher duties.

And apparently some random auntie was later caught windmilling violently to "This Charming Man" - by the Smiths but luckily there aren't any photos (ahem).