Spring is in the air and hopefully we’ll soon be enjoying sunny days and the great outdoors. Since the beach and spring have been on my mind, here are a few British buys for this month that conjure up the best of the British coast.
Jam First Store
Calling all cream tea lovers! #JamFirst started as a Twitter account to promote the Cornish way of eating your cream tea. Its popularity grew and they now host a weekly #CreamTeaHour where you can chat all things scones, cream, Cornish, and delicious. And now there is also a Jam First Store where you can buy masks, cookware, clothing, and stickers, all bearing the cheerful little cream tea image. Their Cornwall tea towel is fab, but when I saw their newest tea towel, I knew I had to have one. Who doesn’t want a bright and colourful array of jammy scones on display in their kitchen! It’s red, white, and blue, and a good reminder that you need a cream tea. Plus you get free UK delivery on orders over £5. Don’t forget to also follow them on Twitter: @jam_first or on Facebook.
Julia Mills Glass Designs
You may not be lucky enough to live along the coast but you can keep a visual reminder with one of the beautiful pieces from Julia Mills Glass Designs. Based in Cornwall, Mills creates eye-catching pieces inspired by her surroundings. She hand cuts each piece and also takes on commissions for specialized pieces. We love her window and glass door panels, bring to mind azur ocean waves in the summer sun. If your budget doesn’t run to a full door panel, she also has smaller pieces available. Hang one where it will catch the sunlight and cast a colourful glow upon your home. Check out her Etsy store.
The Island Makers
When the COVID-19 pandemic started and tourism was reduced to nothing, the artisans and craftspeople on the Isles of Scilly banded together to a create an online community for selling their wares. One of the artists who sells her work is Emma Bagnall-Oakeley. Originally from Norfolk, she now lives on Tresco. Her Instagram profile bills her as a beachcomber, a label which is probably far too modest since she also turns her findings into pieces of art, such as the bowl pictured here, made from pieces of fishing rope found washed up on the shore. Each woven basket or sea-inspired mosaic is unique and will make an eye-catching addition to your home. Check out Emma and the other artists for some fab British buys at The Island Makers.
