Studio Journal

A winter studio, a frozen pond, and a small group of stitched animals quietly finding their way into the world. A reflection on making, stillness, and the little companions that keep us company.

Snow has a way of slowing everything down. In the studio, winter days invite quiet stitching, thoughtful making, and time to simply look and reflect. With tea, cake, and inspiring textile work on display, the studio is open by arrangement for those who’d like to visit.

As the year gently turns, I’m looking ahead with gratitude and curiosity. This year marks ten years of Eau Brink Studio — a decade shaped by making, teaching and shared creativity. With new workshops now live and more planned for the months ahead, it feels like the perfect time to pause, plan and make space for creativity in the year to come.

The worktable holds several pieces at different stages. Some are nearly finished, others are still being questioned. Fabrics are being handled repeatedly, stitched sections unpicked and reworked, edges refined, proportions adjusted. This stage is slow, but it is essential. It’s where intention becomes tangible.

Winter invites a different kind of creativity. It’s a season for slowing down, for returning to unfinished pieces, and for paying closer attention to materials and technique. Hand stitching, sampling, testing ideas, mending rather than starting anew

A quiet winter studio becomes a space for reflection, sampling and creative development. Anita shares how winter months are used to test workshop ideas, plan the year ahead, and create mixed-media textile art, transforming her own photographs into embroidered works for exhibition using an embroidery machine.

Discover the quiet beauty of sustainability through clothing made from repurposed textiles. From forgotten buttons to vintage fabrics, each piece carries a story of renewal, creativity and conscious making. Explore how reclaiming materials can inspire unique, meaningful garments that celebrate both individuality and the planet.

Turning a photograph into stitch isn’t as simple as pressing a button — it’s a dance between software, patience, and creative decision-making. But once the design reaches the embroidery machine, colour takes over, transforming the same piece into endless possibilities.

A quiet moment, a warm kettle and time to breathe — this month I’m slowing the pace and leaning into the calm side of creativity. Read the blog for a gentle pause and a little winter inspiration.

Don’t worry about the A47 evening roadworks — Eau Brink Studio is still open and easy to reach! Find out how National Highways’ escort system keeps access clear for evening workshops, plus discover our new late-night Thursday openings and creative gift vouchers for the festive season.

Sometimes the best creativity happens when you pause. At Eau Brink Studio, taking a moment to breathe - whether during a relaxed Social Wednesday or an Experimental Thursday full of playful mess - can be the key to fresh inspiration and renewed joy in the making.

It’s been another wonderful whirlwind at the NEC Creative Craft Show — full of laughter, colour, and shared creativity. I’ve come home with tired feet, a full heart, and a head buzzing with new ideas. Thank you to everyone who came by my stand — it’s meeting like-minded makers that makes these big shows so special.

Anita reflects on a hectic but rewarding week preparing her new range of Dancing Haberdashery needlecases. From late-night battles with Wilcom software to getting the whimsical designs (pins, scissors, irons) to behave, it’s been a rollercoaster of creativity and chaos. Today, she’s loading the van and heading to the Creative Craft Show at the NEC Birmingham, ready to exhibit on Stand K34. Visitors are invited to stop by, see the new designs, chat about textile art, and share in the fun after a week of tangled threads and triumphs.

At Eau Brink Studio, we’ve noticed a steady drop in workshop bookings during school holidays as families juggle childcare and changing term dates across the UK. Anita Rayfield shares her thoughts on adapting to this trend — including offering group bookings only during holiday periods — and invites readers to share their feedback on shaping future creative sessions.

When my mobile phone went in for repair, I didn’t expect to feel such unease. Backing up files, pressing “factory reset,” and hoping everything returns safely made me realise how much we rely on our phones — especially as small business owners and creatives. In this personal reflection from Eau Brink Studio, I explore our connection with technology and the balance between digital tools and handmade creativity.

The studio’s a whirl of thread, fabric and sparkle again — which can only mean one thing… the Creative Craft Show at the NEC is nearly here! ✨

An unfinished coastal embroidery — where the sea and mountains mysteriously vanished mid-stitch. A reminder that even mistakes have their own kind of beauty.

The trees are finally down around the pond at Eau Brink Studio, making way for fresh inspiration. After a fabulous 3 days at the Creative Craft Show in Exeter, we’re now preparing for the NEC in Birmingham this October. In between, join us for Social Day, Experimental Thursday, Chinese Brush Painting, and workshops with Angie Hill and Ruth Holmes.

Celebrate autumn with Eau Brink Studio as Anita prepares for the Creative Craft Show Exeter (25th–27th September). From glowing seasonal colours to the Luminescent Bauble Workshop, discover how fabric, threads, and sparkle capture the magic of autumn. Read the full story and join Anita in Exeter for inspiration, kits, and creativity.

Blustery weather hasn’t slowed things down at Eau Brink Studio! We’re busy planning new workshops for 2026 and updating the website with exciting creative opportunities. Plus, a heartfelt thank you for the wedding wishes we’ve received—it made our small celebration truly special.

We’ve just updated our website with Ruth Holmes’ brand-new workshops for 2026! From vibrant stitched fish to creative bookmaking and textile adventures, there’s something for every maker. Explore the full line-up today and book your place to start the new year inspired and stitching with us.