Tea towel works of art

In Homes and Gardens this month I spotted this fantastic tea towel by Julie at Cloth Ears. It looked good enough to frame and put up on the wall, so I set out to find other great art on a tea towel.

If you are looking for an unusual wedding invitation or thank you then these are ideal. Made by Ben and Karen at The Original Wedding Tea Towel, you can choose from a selection of designs or if you are feeling artistic you can come up with your own design.

The idea came about as an eco-friendly option that could be kept by the recipent, instead of being thrown away after a week on the mantlepiece.

From Lizzie Prestt Designs comes this fabulous England-upon-Sea tea Towel. Available from To Dry For, the tea towel combines all the great things about the seaside, the pier, ice creams, beach huts and many more. To Dry For stocks a great range of tea towels from dinosaurs to cakes there is something for everyone.

In her studio in Leicestershire Teresa Cole of Teresa Green Design creates a range of fabric designs from aprons to artwork and table linen to tea towels. All the items are designed and hand printed in her studio on fabric from the UK. I love this Leggy Bird tea towel.

 

Finally I found Clare Nicolson who's site is full of wonderful fabric prints including this Milky teatowel, which would look great in any kitchen.

So there is no excuse for having boring check pattern tea towels in the kitchen. Buy something that would look just as good framed and on the wall.

Poetry Gifts - National Poetry Day

Today is National Poetry Day, and has inspired me to search for poetry related gifts. Poems are a thoughtful way to express thoughts and feelings, so make a gift very personal. So be inspired on National Poetry Day to express you innerself.

From Zazzle you can purchase a variety of poem quotes on mugs such as the one shown, in cards or on coasters.

Not On The High Street have a range of poetry inspired gifts but my favourite has to be this tea towel by Kitchen Sink Dramas with the a poem by Carol Ann Duffy about tea. Great for drying up or framing for the kitchen wall.

Loobytoo on Folksy has used a poem to create a piece of art that would enhance any room. Called 'The mean reds' after a piece from Breakfast at Tiffanys.

On Etsy I found this fantastic calligram designer Joni James who creates poetry in the shape of the object of the poem. I love this apple for the teacher example.

You could also treat someone you know to this Penguin book from Amazon - Poems for Life - which brings together a collection of the best-loved English poems to mark the stages of life from birth to death.

Alternatively, if you are feeling really inspired - and have more poetic talent than I have - then why not write someone an original piece of poetry and create something truely unique.