Brighton Festival - Artists Open Houses 2011

So the Brighton Festival started this weekend, and the one thing I look forward to most of all is the Artists Open Houses. I love nothing more than being invited in to browse round looking at works by artists and designers, getting inspirations, finding someone whose work you just fall in love with and possibly picking up something beautiful for yourself or a lucky someone. Its a great way to spend a day and perfect if you want to get something unique and handmade. Its now in its 30th year and this year there are more houses to wander around than ever before.

This, not so sunny, morning was spent visiting a couple of places in West Hove, and I would highly recommend a visit to both.

The first is Cherry Picked For You. A beautiful house featuring a nice seletion of artists and designers. There was a lot at this house I liked, so I have picked a few of my favourites to show you.

Caroline Green makes these stunning porcelain bowls, like this one above which is decorated with wire and bead trim around part of the rim. I really want one of these and a small bowl costs around £10 which I think is a bargain.

These super cute tea light holders are by Anna Perring of Luna Lighting. My favourite is the dragonfly. Again at £12 each they are very affordable. I  might go back for some!

This beautiful heart card is by textile artist Wendy Dolan. Its a very simple, understated design, but its gorgeous and pink and lovely.

All of the above artists work can be seen and purchased at http://www.cherrypickedforyou.co.uk/ Please go and have a look as its full of wonderful things.

The second house we visited, Aymer Arts, was equally lovely, but at this one I actually made a purchase, albeit a £3 one. Jules Miller makes very sweet greeting cards, featuring her own printed illustrations which are hand finished with jewel and glitter embellishments. You can see a range of her cards at http://www.julesmillercards.com/

Here is a small selection of some, but im not showing my purchase in case the recipient happens to read this!

The Open Houses are on until 29th May, so thats my next few weekends filled up then! But of course I will keep you posted on all the yummy, pretty things I find.

Hope your all having a good weekend!