A wonderful afternoon with Sophie Tilley

Hello Everyone, do come in and have a seat.  I'll pop the kettle on.  I have only just returned from a wonderful afternoon out.  In North Wales this weekend is all about artists opening their studios to allow visitors to view them and see the work that is going on.  One of these wonderful people is the famous Sophie Tilley of the gorgeous doll fame.  You might remember that I bought one of these lovely creations a little while ago and my dear husband was painting it for me.  Well she was nearly finished last night but I just need to tidy up her dress with some lace and fancy buttons. Would you like to see her?

I am calling her Sophie after her creator.  Here is a photo of us both in her studio.  Sophie is such a warm and generous person - she immediately puts you at ease the minute you meet her.  I didn't really know what to expect and was a little in awe of her at first but those feelings soon vanished.  Sophie and her lovely husband Andrew both made us feel right at home with tea and cakes and we were immediately invited in to view her lovely home and studio.  Lovely people you would give your right arm to have a studio like this in such a stunningly beautiful location in Snowdonia.  I think I did mention that my husband's Mother was born a little way from Sophie's home and had grown up in the area so it is a small world. 

Below is a photograph of part of the studio, the blue bag is full of my goodies which I will share with you in the next post!  Sophie's family are so talented and her wonderful Dad makes the dolls which is just amazing.  From a young age Sophie and her family were always involved in making things and creating something fabulous from practically nothing.  She was into the allure of vintage many years ago well before the current fascination with such things.  She is an incredible artist and designer and it was such a pleasure to meet her.  Folks if you get chance to meet her over this weekend please make the effort, I promise you will really enjoy yourself. 

 

Look at these little cuties below, aren't they adorable?  Sophie's Dad made the clothes rail for the gorgeous little frocks.  I love them!  You can just see a little cup on the bottom of the photograph which is part of a new range of china wear designed by Sophie. 

The fabrics below are all Sophie's own work and she is currently working on fabric design, they were just stunning.

Here are some little dollies getting ready to fly off all over the world.  Sophie was saying that she sends these sweet lovelies all over the world including Russia and Australia.  She talked about having a wall made up of all the finished Sophie dolls - what a wonderful idea.

Here is another of Sophie's creations - I could see her on the top of a Christmas tree.  I must admit that I felt a little shy taking too many photographs although Sophie was really generous about this.  I can see now that some of the pictures are not that clear but it was because I didn't want her to feel that I just wanted to just take photographs.  Anyway we were much too busy talking - she is so interesting and knowledgeable and I could have stayed all night.

A close up of the fabrics currently being developed by Sophie.

A corner full of fabric dollies currently being finished - I would love one of these but they do sell out super quick.  Sophie was saying how influential her lovely Mum had been to her - she was a really talented lady who taught Sophie so much.  Many of the stories that Sophie has written about in her books contain characters which link to her Mum and family.  Sophie is half French and you could certainly see the French style in her - I thought she was amazing as you have probably guessed!

Below is another view of Sophie's studio - it was such an interesting place with so many lovely things in progress.  I could have spent a fortune there and taken everything home with me if I could. 

Well lovely Folks that is all for tonight as it is getting late and I have lots to do before going to bed.  I hope you have all had a wonderful day with lots to look forward to tomorrow.  I have more to tell you plus news of an exciting giveaway in November - do have a wonderful evening and I shall speak with you all very soon.  Thanks for calling by, it wouldn't be the same without you all.  Lots of love, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx