A few treats for the long weekend

The mini-heatwave is set to stay for the long weekend and whilst we'll be making the most of the great outdoors, the weekend is also perfect for making a pot of tea and browsing, at your complete leisure, some of our amazing new collections, reading our Designer of the Month feature and perhaps immersing yourself in the spotlit-rooms of The Menagerie exhibition - which closes next month after ten months and has been our most visited exhibition in the history of the shop!

Whatever you're up to we hope you have a great weekend!

Threadbare Birds

For all of you who are currently collecting, or just love Abigail Brown's birds, get ready to be excited! She's added four new species to her stunning Garden Birds collection

The Hoopoe

The hoopoe is an exotic looking bird that is the size of a mistle thrush. It has a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black downcurved bill, and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It does not breed in the UK, but as many as 100 birds can turn up in spring.

The Kingfisher

The Jay

The Bullfinch

View the full collection of birds here

The Golden Egg

It just seemed like a natural progression after the Threadbare Birds to display our Gold lined quails egg necklace. We've been selling this necklace for three years now it's popularity shows no signs of slowing down. We often have to create waiting lists but luckily we have a new batch which has just arrived in time for the Easter weekend!

Designer of the Month

Elinor Voytal

We interview the textile and jewellery designer to see what inspires her to create the most beautiful and tactile of pieces.

Click here to read the article and see the full collection

WALLPAPER

April and May are apparently the months that most people decorate the house. It must be something to do with the change of light that makes us look at our interiors with fresh eyes.

We have a lovely collection of papers and are always happy to discuss requirements with you and provide samples ( you can call the studio anytime on 01229 581159)

Pick of the Week

Our pick of the week is the lovely Pink Star clutch bag by Dolapo James. Made using her beloved collection of African textiles, this large clutch bag looks both retro and modern.

Much more can be seen at

www.theshopfloorproject.com

Country Pursuits by Alice Pattullo

A set of limited edition prints by Alice Pattullo exclusively commissioned by The Shop Floor Project

Inspired by traditional country fairs, Alice Pattullo has created a set of prints which celebrate the folk traditions found uniquely in different counties of Britain. From swan-upping in Oxfordshire, sword dancing in Northumbria, wrestling in Cumbria to the pipe smoking competition at the Egremont Crab fair. It’s a glorious way to celebrate and document these eccentric traditions that are rooted in myths, folklore and the seasons.

Alice will be launching a new set of prints each season as part of the Country Pursuits collection.

Limited edition of 25 per print, 30 x 42 cm, £45 each.

Swan Upping

Swan Upping is an annual ceremonial and practical activity in Britain in which mute swans on the River Thames are rounded up, caught, marked, and then released. Traditionally, the Monarch of the United Kingdom owns all unmarked mute swans on the River Thames. This dates from the 12th century, during which swans were a common food source for royalty.

Cumberland Wrestling

Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, also known as Cumbrian Wrestling, is an ancient and well-practised tradition in Cumbria at the agricultural summer fairs. The origin of the this unique style of wrestling is a matter of debate, with some describing it as having evolved from Norse wrestling brought over by Viking invaders.

As The Shop Floor Project is based in Cumbria and the field behind our old studio was used for an annual country fair, we've seen these dramatic, silent matches first hand. The wrestlers wear beautiful hand-embroidered vests, purple velvet pants and white long johns - and take it very seriously indeed!

The Egremont Crab Apple Fair

Pipe Smoking Competition

Every year since 1267 the townsfolk of Egremont hold an annual celebration after harvest time, known as The Crab Fair. The events held are traditional and do not involve the mechanised swings and roundabouts which became part of so many fairs from the late nineteenth century. The modern-day fair is held on the third Saturday in September and is eagerly awaited by the whole community. Events at the fair include the celebrated World Gurning Championship, the pipe smoking games and the singing of traditional hunting songs.

The Sword Dancers of Northumberland

The rapper sword tradition is traditionally performed in the mining villages of the Northumberland and Durham North East England, especially in Tyneside on May Day. The dance is a fairly rapid one, performed at around 100–160 beats per minute, with different team styles using different rates. It should nonetheless be performed in a smooth and graceful manner, with one figure flowing seamlessly into the next. A number of acrobatic figures can be employed, including forward and backward somersaults over swords.

The collection is available here...

Tamasyn Gambell's new collection featured in Elle Decoration this month!

These stunning notebooks are designed by eco-textile designer Tamasyn Gambell in her signature style which references faded flags and modernist architecture.

Made using blank ‘reject’ sheets from a local printers in Holborn and environmentally friendly inks, these little gems show how beautiful ethical products can be!

£11.50, for a set of three notebooks