New Discoveries and Finding Inspiration in Chandler’s Ford

It’s another very welcome bank holiday weekend and for many of us there will be more time to relax, catch up with friends or indulging in a creative pastime. As someone whose artistic attempts are, at best, minimal, I do find it interesting to hear how others find the inspiration or ‘spark’ that leads them to put pen to paper (or should that be fingers to keyboard?) to write a play or book, or to pick up brush and oils to paint a picture.

A former neighbour of mine liked to paint in his spare time and said that his inspiration often came from the most unexpected, adding that new discoveries were often made without having to travel far. That was certainly my experience this morning when I decided to investigate the Produce and Craft Fair at the Chandler’s Ford Age Concern Hall. My visit had been prompted by reading Hazel’s blog post, and as I’d never visited the fair before, it would be my new ‘local discovery’.

So what caught my eye?

I am always willing to indulge my sweet tooth but just as Hazel had found for herself last month, the cakes sell very quickly (Memo to Self: on my next visit, arrive promptly for the 10am start!) However, browsing the other stalls I did purchase marmalade and then a pair of earrings before bumping into Janet Williams who had set up the Chandler’s Ford Today blog several years ago. We were both admiring Jane’s work displayed on the ScrabbleArt stall, and I was interested to hear what had prompted her to create bespoke gifts using Scrabble tiles mounted in box frames.

Jane’s inspiration had followed a conversation with her daughter last September when she had been looking for a special present for one of her friends. It’s a scenario I am all too familiar with, searching for a gift that is ‘just right’ but often meeting without success. Jane had solved her daughter’s present-with-a-difference dilemma by taking Scrabble tiles found at home and mounting them in a frame to create a unique and personalised piece of art for her daughter’s friend.

Hearing her story reminded me that inspiration can be both unexpected and can come in many forms. Hmmm, perhaps I should use some of this May Day Holiday to clear out a forgotten cupboard at home and possibly find a little inspiration of my own to create a bespoke present?

Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market from Chandler’s Ford Today on Vimeo.

Here are some photographs of the day:

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