Wow what a wonderful group of talented friends. Here they are, well rather their work on display every weekend in May, 11am to 5pm. Frankly it is like stepping into a modern day version of Aladdin’s cave.
This Open House is spread over two enormous rooms, a large conservatory, an art space hall and the garden. What a lovely place to take someone to buy a present or to stock up of a few goodies for imminent birthdays. Or, if you are like me, you will come to have a look at all the lovely handmade things and treat yourself to something made in felt, or some earrings or some beautiful cards.
There is an enormous range of unusual things and some particularly eye catching metal sculpture in the garden. The heron was particularly appealing and lovers of wood will find the grain and workmanship of the handmade boards of beech, cherry and ash a joy.
I think I should confess a personal interest here, as I first met Teresa on a one day a week course at Brighton Uni in creative writing six years ago. We soon learned that she was an established artist, had a special talent for drawing that led to much sought after lino cuts. There are some large ones framed as well as wonderful array of greeting cards. I particularly love the owl and the pussy cat series. Teresa’s friends who share this space give the place the feel of an art gallery.
The list of contributors include Lux and Love – Extraordinary teapots; Karen Ra – Art Felt; Anna Tilson – Crockery mosaics; Marion Brandis – Dccorative ceramics; Peter Brett – Wood; James Fenner – Ceramic studies; Gail LeCarpenter – Silver Jewellery; Susan Thompson – Recycled Leather work; Sarah Burnham – Fine Silver Jewellery; Marion Tilyard – Animal cushions; Emma Hicks – Recycled Textiles; Chanchala – Steam Pink Jewellery; Karen Halbrook – Animal Sculpture; Linda Ayres – Rycycled Vintage Jewellery; Sarah Richard – Ceramics and last but not least Nick Hulme – Wood Carving. 
It is noticeable that the goods on sale range from a card for £1. 50 to a metal animal sculpture at several hundred pounds. But the joy of it is that there is absolutely no pressure whatsoever to buy, but obviously it is welcome when sales do occur!
Ann Perrin 