Here's what's happening in our creative space, the Sail Loft, the NaviStitch shop, and on Manningtree High Street over the coming weeks...
In the Sail Loft
It's not long now until we pack away our Factor 50, drink our last cocktail and head back to Manningtree and the NaviStitch shop. Although we've loved our time away, we can't wait to fling open the doors to both the shop and our Sail Loft Gallery, and all the exciting things that we know both will bring in 2025!
First up is our Pre-Loved Art Sale!
🎨 Buyers - find something unusual, rare, or bag yourself a bargain
🖼️ Sellers - find new homes for art that you no longer love, or have space for. Either original art or numbered, limited edition prints - you can submit up to 5 pieces into our sale and set your own price!
You've got until Saturday (18th), to look in your loft or search your sideboards for unwanted art and deliver it to the NaviStitch shop. More details here
Don't forget, our new opening hours for the winter season, 2025 are:
Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
See you next Wednesday!
Looking ahead...
We'll shortly be opening up the application process for those of you who would like to exhibit work in our Spring Exhibition.
This year, the dates are 14th March to 12th April. Details of how to enter your work coming soon.
Add to your diary our preview evening on 14th March from 5pm-8pm when you'll get to meet some of the artists in the show.
News from Sam
A quick reminder that, I'm launching a new Instagram account for my own work as an independent artist - you'll find me on Facebook too, and I'd love it if you could give me a follow; I'll be posting lots of my own work - some nautical stitched art, but also my watercolour paintings, lino, textile, mixed media and digital art.
Making Memories...

Once I'm back in the NaviStitch shop next week, I'm going to look forward to talking to you about commissions. I really enjoy bringing people's memories to life, and to creating keepsakes as gifts for people.
If you're making memories and would like to celebrate them, or you know someone who's celebrating and would like to mark the occasion, think about commissioning a piece of nautical stitched art.
Take a look at how easy it is to order your own unique piece created from maritime charts, both new and old - many of them fairly local. Always ask if you're looking for somewhere special - I've a huge collection.
Now that we can also take orders for bespoke framing in-store, the whole thing's as easy
Show off!

If you're an artist or maker, we've got our calendar open for 2025 bookings. Take a look at details of how to book.
Think creatively too - our space is not just for individual exhibitions, consider collaborations - If you're a fledgling artist or maker and want to enter the world of exhibiting, let us know and we can help you with introductions, with display materials and with advice. We've got a whole host of events lined up with artists such as Ann Plummer, Peter McCarthy and Gina Sandford-Nash, as well as our Autumn Exhibition, our Affordable Art Fair and a Magical, Mystical Manningtree event. However, there are still lots of spaces for you to have your own exhibitions. Get in touch if you have any questions or want to come and take a look around.
And finally
If you're a gift shop or a seller of greeting cards or nautical wares, if you're a coastal retailer, a nautical-themed venue or a seaside store - or even if you have no nautical connections whatsoever but like good greeting cards, take a look at our dedicated wholesale website.
My many greeting card collections can now be purchased direct from me, online, via my trade website. Cards come in multiples of 6 and you have the option of biodegradable cello or without.
I'd love you to take a look and let me know what you think. You'll need to register for an account as it's a retailer-only site.
Until next time...
I wish you calm waters and plain sailing.
Sam
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