Wee Birdy

Wee Birdy testdrives: Rebel Rebel flower school

I recently found myself on a particularly dark and dismal Monday afternoon in the warm environs of one of my favourite London florists, Rebel Rebel, surrounded by the most exquisite and vibrant blooms. I was test-driving their first-ever flower school, which will be popping up at East London restaurant Bistrotheque in a couple of weeks’ time.

The first lesson involved a quick tour around the shop’s seasonal flowers, followed by a tutorial in de-thorning roses (super-easy thanks to a rather nifty little tool) and lots of hands-on practice. Then it was time to put my floristry skills to the test, with a workshop on how to make a hand-tied bouquet. After practicing on roses it was time to pick my own mix of blooms, which was a very Rebel-Rebel assortment of ruby hydrangeas, Italian mint, pistachio foliage, purple anemones and yellow dill. Here are some pics of my tutor, Gus, going through the steps…

For the finishing touch, I was tutored in the fine art of tissue and cellophane wrapping – and how to make a little water bubble to keep the flowers fresh. Et voila, here’s the final product, which is now taking pride of place in my living room… what do you think?

The first afternoon flower school will be held on Friday 20 November from 2pm to 5pm. You will learn how to make your own hand-tied bunch of gorgeous, seasonal flowers and foliage, which you can take home at the end of the day. £80 per person.

There will also be an all day Christmas workshops on Saturday 21 November from 10am to 4.30pm, where you will learn expert techniques to create your own door wreath or table centrepiece. Lunch at Bistrotheque  included in the £195 fee, and you get to take home your wreath and other goodies.

For more details, call Rebel Rebel on 020 7254 4487 or email mairead@rebelrebel.co.uk, or visit the website.

Shopping in London: Broadway Market

I finally paid Broadway Market a long overdue visit recently to re-discover some old favourites (Violet has some of the best cupcakery in London), as well as stumble across some exciting new finds. Since we moved to South-East London it's a bigger effort to 'make the trip' to what was once my little local market. It's more of an event than just nipping out to stock up on veg (and uh, cake) for the week. Can't wait til they open up the new rail line next year...

But first, I need to indulge my Violet obsession with a pic of their incredible chocolate devil's food cupcake with marshmallow icing (no wonder this stall was one of the first things I blogged about when I first started Wee Birdy)...

And I loved the look of these apples sitting in the sun...

But it was Karin Andreasson's jewellery that caught my eye this time: a mapgie's nest of vintage-style hairpieces, pendants and jewels. She's a local East Londoner and I love how she's used old ballerina jewellery boxes and mannequin busts to display her wares. It all adds up to a rather charming little stall...

I really love the '20s-style single-feather hair pins embellished with antique lace and vintage diamantes, which are perfect for tucking into a bun or chignon for a special occasion. And if you like quirky pendants, keep an eye out for Karin's re-purposed watch-faces, miniature hand-mirrors, keys and crocheted-edged charms. 

(You can also pick up some of Karin's gorgeous pieces online from Wee Birdy sponsor Cerise.)

Broadway Market, every Saturday
Hackney, London, E8
Nearest rail: London Fields
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Click here for more Wee Birdy reviews of stalls and shops on Broadway Market.

Wee find: Half-pint tees for Father's Day

I spotted these pint and half-pint tees for adults and kids in Fabrications recently, and thought they were would make fun gifts for Father's Day. I'm usually wary of matching slogan tees for parent and child, but these are actually quite clever and rather adorable, and are available in a range of colours. They're made by quirky London-based company Twisted Twee, and you can buy direct from them online. Otherwise pop into Fabrications on Broadway Market on Saturday, and you'll have Father's Day sorted for Sunday.

Fabrications
7 Broadway Market
London E8 FPH
Tel. 0207 275 8043
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 12noon-5pm
Or call for appointment.
Nearest tube: Bethnal Green Station
Nearest train: London Fields BR

Wee finds: Teapot and teacup enamel jewellery

I first came across the wonderfully quirky work by London-based jewellery designer Buddug Humphreys at the market stall she shares with Jessie Chorley at Broadway Market. It’s difficult to resist the charms of her teapot and teacup enamel jewellery range, which were inspired by her grandmother’s tea set. They’re also available to purchase online from her website or from Lapin and Me.

Birdy pick of the week

Hand foil-stamped birdy plant labels, 40p each, by London designer Kim Jenkins at Broadway Market. Non-Londoners can also buy them online here.