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Sunday lunch and a visit to Craft renaissance.

32 comments


The day began with a Sunday lunch at The Beaufort pub in Raglan.Three courses later plus a glass of wine,we headed for The Craft Renaissance Art and Craft centre near Usk,Monmouthshire.It is well tucked away in the countryside. On first sight looks so attractive and welcoming!The building is an ideal subject for water colour painting.

It is home to a working community of artists and makers,who produce site guitars,textile art through to glass,porcelain and metal work.
There is an oak-framed gallery,tiny cafe, where the chocolate fudge cake was devoured very quickly, and a shop.

Whilst walking around the shop I spied this beautiful “smoked porcelean” bowl which somehow fell safely into my bag!!!Thank goodness we always carry bags around with us in Wales(something that was introduced last year in order to cut down on the use of plastic ones) and this one was just the right size!The bowl has pink,terracota and grey twisting through it..Now,where to place it!!??


As we left we were closely scrutinised by a family of geese! Only one gosling to be seen probably why they were so protective.


On returning to Usk we came upon Llancayo Windmill which is privately owned and let for holidays!
Built in 1850 by Edward Berry.Worked for 26 years until burnt down.A restoration project was then set up.The walls are 21/2 " thick and the diameter at the base 26’

Hope you enjoyed our day out within a small part of the Welsh countryside. Usk itself is a very attractive town with the river Usk running through it.Each year it wins a floral award for the best hanging baskets.The local artists work so hard producing such interesting and original crafts.We will certainly return during December when they will be exhibiting pre-Christmas gifts.

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Comments

 

I enjoyed my walk and enjoyed my afternoon tea. thank you very much,

11 Jul, 2012

 

What a lovely place, Julia, and what a gorgeous, beautiful bowl. (never heard of smoked porcelain before!)

11 Jul, 2012

 

Sheila has beaten me!!
AGREE!

11 Jul, 2012

 

what a lovely place ~ i would like to go there!!

is this the windmill in kasy's photos??

11 Jul, 2012

 

Think you may have it reversed ML.... ;)))

11 Jul, 2012

 

oh im sure i can easily be enticed, thats a definite for my list ~ its going to the top!! thanks again meadowland ~ lovely to see places you dont know about ~ lovely blog, thank you.

11 Jul, 2012

 

A lovely afternoon for you all Meadowland. Both places look lovely.
I love windmills, it would be a dream come true to live in one :)

11 Jul, 2012

 

they are very creaky scottish!

11 Jul, 2012

 

Sticki...I live under a flight path...a few creaks won't bother me :))

11 Jul, 2012

 

thats ok then!!!

11 Jul, 2012

 

I am driving past it every day on my way to work. Have to pop in there one day, really.
The windmill is the same Sticki:)

11 Jul, 2012

 

Lovely blog

11 Jul, 2012

 

i thought i remembered it kasy!!

11 Jul, 2012

 

well done Sticki:) you've got very good memory:)

11 Jul, 2012

 

only for some things!! cant remember anything im meant to.

11 Jul, 2012

 

oh, no need for apologies. I drive pass it every day - but I just love it... Can't get enough of it, really.

11 Jul, 2012

 

enjoyed you blog julia and lovely trip, sounds a great place to visit and that windmill is great, are you going to paint the first pic?
like your purchase to :o))

11 Jul, 2012

 

Love the place and love the bowl that you found! It must have been a really lovely day out. It all looked so calm and inspiring.

11 Jul, 2012

 

Very nice Meadowland, thankyou for sharing..

11 Jul, 2012

 

You are so lucky to have so many lovely artisan style places to visit that are nearby. I too have always fancied living in a windmill. English Country cottages used to have one on their books to rent out for holidays - somewhere in Suffolk I think. It would be a good way of finding out if its as idyllic as it looks. Love the bowl btw. Did they have any dark ones?

11 Jul, 2012

 

that would be lovely julia :o)

12 Jul, 2012

 

just refreshed my memory julia, its a lovely picture, will keep it in mind thanx, not sure if i want to do something different away from landscapes etc, i fancy trying a portrait haha, but no experience in that, just something i would like to do :o)

17 Jul, 2012

 

Hi Julia! How did I miss this blog in July? This looks a wonderful place to visit, especially the Windmill - I'd love to visit/stay in a windmill - it looks very romantic. Will have to add this blog to favourites for when I'm visiting the area! :o)))

29 Aug, 2012

 

Hi Julia - Yes we are a little further forward with the arch! It's all made up now and has been given a good coat of wood preservative. It's been drying off and currently is standing beside my work room door - I can see it now from my desk... There's still a little work to do leveling the border where it's going to be placed... However, we are both at home this weekend and more to the point if I play my cards right it could be in place before we go on our holidays......!!!

30 Aug, 2012

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