Oh summer, stay forever! How has your summer been so far? I took some time off in July and have been trying my very best to unwind and more importantly – have fun!

 

My Favourite Summer Activities have been:

 

1. Paddleboarding and sea swimming

From my window in Hove, I spy so many people enjoying the sea. I haven’t invested in a paddle board yet but tried it many times. Getting friends together and heading out is a gorgeous way to enjoy the outdoors. You can rent paddleboards all over the UK for really reasonable prices. Wild swimming has become a craze and there’s nothing better on a hot day than heading into the water.

 

2. Tablescaping alfresco dining 

Tablescaping is a big trend influenced by lockdown restrictions. I love following tablescape aaccounts on Instagram for inspiration and enjoy creating something special for my loved ones. Below inspiration from, Duchess & Bulter,  Eve Johnson Embroidery  and Lucy Green Designs. 

3. Hand marbling 

If you’ve been following my Instagram you’ll have spotted something a little different. Hand marbling has been around for a long time. The floating ink technique dates back to Japan in the 12th century. In Turkey, Persia and India in the 15th century, marblers used thickened water similar to the solutions used today. The technique became popular in European bookbinders during the 16-17th centuries.

 

This summer I’ve been creating a new Christmas product featuring this fabulous technique. I’ve had great fun marbling fabric, building a stockpile for when the product launches in September.
There’s some great DIY marbling kits you can pick up online. They’re really easy to use and fabulous for creating something really unique and beautiful.

*****

“I have been a fan of StephieAnn since I met her and her mum at Handmade at Kew many years ago. I adore her cami’s and love the poems and stories behind the designs of her material. She always delivers unique, beautiful, well designed accessories and loungewear. I have ordered many family presents from this wonderful ‘small business‘. A real find!”

Kay has purchased a selction of StephieAnn gifts >