We're into another new month already and are pleased to say that we didn't get taken in by any April Fool's pranks this year. Happy April to all of you, and to the beginning of Spring - although the snow on the ground earlier didn't do much to convince us did it?!
We've got news this month of Manningtree happenings, of Sail Loft activities and new products and commissions that we've been working on - dive on in and get carried away with all of the ideas that this Spring tide's bringing you!
A monthly event
First things first, there's a new event on in Manningtree and it's happening on the first Saturday of every month - last Saturday was the first and they carry on through until September. With this, a trip to see us at NaviStitch, a bit or a tipple at Estuary Wine Bar and so many fabulous events going on, why not plan your next day out to our beautiful little town on the Essex coast?
If you visit next month, you could combine your collectibles with 'Quantum of Colour' - an exhibition from local artist Sheila Martin.
A Counter Encounter
Last Saturday saw the first of the markets and we were lucky enough to be visited by Essex photographer / videographer Holly Leach who took some great shots of our NaviStitch shop - thanks Holly!
The Sail Loft - Exhibitions
There are lots of things going on in the Sail Loft over the coming weeks:
This Saturday sees the final day of David Downes' "Skies and Light in Constable's England" exhibition - we've been delighted by the number of visitors that David's had and his private view on Friday evening was a huge success. Don't miss out if you can make it before Saturday - David's work really is incredible.
Following on from this great exhibition, when we open again on Wednesday 13th, we'll be hosting a joint exhibition following one theme, by three very different artists: Joining us for two weeks until Saturday 23rd April, we're very much looking forward to their 'Exploring Memories - three approaches' exhibition from Christine Gallant, Chrissie Richards and Carla Watkins.
So, along with Sheila Martin's exhibition that follows, that's April sewn up from an exhibition perspective - plenty of reasons to visit us, and all visitors get to visit an art exhibition for free - what more could you want from your shopping trip? To keep up with everything that's going on in the Sail Loft, keep an eye on our calendar
Other Sail Loft News
Here's a heads-up on some exciting workshops coming to NaviStitch in June - we've not announced them on social media yet to so here's your chance to book early! Artist Madeleine Tapp is joining us with her own exhibition from 8th to 18th June and, during that time, she's holding four different workshops that you can get involved in.
Visit the Sail Loft page and click on each event to book but we'd advise booking soon as they're sure to be popular; Madeleine is a painter, maker and art teacher and her work involves mixed media and fabric printing from her paintings, emphasising colour, texture, atmosphere and character:
Shop News
To round things off for this edition, I thought I'd show you a couple of new things that I've been working on: the first is a new range of sailing boat cards that I've created that use multiple techniques - each one includes either some hand or machine stitching and they're available exclusively in the NaviStitch shop.
The second one is a commission that's I created - a Wrabness picture that includes Jacques Bay, which was gifted to a gent that has Jacques in his name and also has connections to this part of the coast. If you want to commission something for a birthday, wedding, leaving gift, anniversary, or simply for a memory of some coastal adventure, it really is a simple three-step process - take a look here and get in touch.
And finally, as Easter's just around the corner, don't forget that we stock a huge range of cards - nautical ones, nauti ones, and some just downright artistically beautiful. We also create map mugs - perfect to stick a chocolate egg in and gift to someone who loves the coast. Each mug comes in a box that highlights the chart and the year featured.
Talking of Easter, we'd like to wish you all lots of chocolate, family time and great holidays however you celebrate. We'll be open as usual on Good Friday and there's an art exhibition in the local Methodist Church that we'll be taking part in, then we'll be hunting eggs and eating our findings - back open Wednesday to Saturday as per usual!
As always, I wish you calm waters and plan sailing until the next time
Sam