It’s hard to put into words exactly why I love beach huts so much.  I think it’s to do with lots of things really.

It’s their cheery, bright colours . . .

colourful beach huts

it’s the fact they’re in such a superb position, right on the beach . . .

beach hut in the sand dunes

it’s that they’re all about escapism. . .

escapism

it’s that they’re oh-so-British . . .

beach hut with painted bunting

it’s the thoughts of snuggling inside with a pot of tea and a blanket while the rain lashes down outside on a typical British summer’s day

pot of tea

it’s the simplicity of them. . .

beach huts through the trees

and it’s the creativity surrounding them . . .

stripey beach hut

Speaking of creativity, I plan to create lots more things related to beach huts next summer.

Right now, though, I’m starting to get ready for the Christmas rush.  A little corner of my studio houses my packing table – and . . . you may have already guessed . . .

I have some little reminders of summer there, which will remain all winter and remind me that summer isn’t ever very far away, even when the sunshine is!  And if you look carefully at these photos, you may be able to spot my beach hut pen pots, which house pens, pencils and craft knives.

packing corner in studio

The packing area is not  just a tiny bit more summery, it’s now more efficient than it used to be.  There’s room for boxes on the top shelf – I have a ready supply of these and cut them in half to make the perfect size for chalkboards, large clocks and 25cm canvases.  When I have lots of these, the extras get stored flat under the table.

box storage

This wooden frame on the wall is perfect for hanging scissors, tape and notes.  It started out life a packing pallet for my woodburning stove when it arrived and I just sanded the edges and stuck it to the wall.  The peg you can see at the bottom left is where customer orders get pegged after they’ve been packed.  From here, they get taken back to the computer in a bunch and an email is then sent to each customer to let them know their parcel is on the way.

frame for hanging essential stuff

The shelves are just pieces of MDF, painted and edged with gingham ribbon and bunting-shaped pieces just glue-gunned into place.

shelves

The shelves sit on jars of shells and pebbles

coffee jars of shells acting as slightly unusual shelf supports

and even the little bits and pieces get the beach treatment.  This was a shell I found on a beach in Anglesey:

shell used as mini bowl

I love how the little things all have memories attached to them.  Not that I’ll notice much of this in those manic few weeks before Christmas.  In fact, I’m guessing one of my daughters will be promoted to chief packer then and I might not even get a look in!

It’s no secret I love the seaside . . .

seaside houses painted on wood

driftwood, pebbles, shells, fishing boats, beach picnics, waves, seagulls and big skies. . .

Oh, and beach huts!

sandy toes and salty kisses

Most beach huts don’t allow overnight stays (let’s face it, most are just painted sheds with a stunning location) but some are slightly posher, with beds, bathrooms and kitchens!  I decided I wanted to stay in a beach hut.

I wanted to stay in this one but 15 minutes’ walk from any sort of civilisation (including your own car) was a bit much for the man.  The compost loo put him off a bit too!

So we compromised and stayed a few nights in this little beauty in Aberdesach on the Welsh coast:

beach hut home from home

Four nights and five days precisely: it’s the longest time I’ve taken off from the business since I started.  I drafted in help in the form of one of my daughters, although all she was doing really was emailing customers who’d ordered or made an enquiry.  It was a big help though – and reassuring to know there was a point of contact there.

what better place than by the sea?

And us?  We had a lovely time and I came back with lots of inspiration: photos, sketches, driftwood, shells and ideas.  I also came back to a big fat wad of orders waiting for me.

beach chalet from beach

If you’re waiting for your order to be processed, I’m sorry.  But I’m back now and I’ve already made a start   Although I certainly enjoyed my little seaside break, I was itching to get back and start painting again!

how's this for a view from the garden gate?

P.S.  I got excited by colour and shape at Portmeirion, beach huts at Abersoch, sunsets, skies, pebbles – and an amazing little driftwood art shop.  I’ll be back very soon to bore you with tales and photos!

If you’ve been reading this blog recently, you’ll know I was thrilled to find out I was the lucky winner of a blog giveaway over at Charlotte Macey‘s blog Stitchtales.  I was even more thrilled when my fabulous gift arrived!

opening the parcel

It was a bit like Christmas . . .

a lovely note inside

with a lovely note inside from Charlotte.

The teacosy looks right at home in my kitchen, don’t you think?

teacosy in kitchen

What made it even more wonderful is that this teacosy could have been made especially for me.  I love, love, love beach huts.

beach huts

I love natural linen.

the back of the teacosy is embroidered too

I love blue

the attention to detail is superb

and especially blue stripes

beach hut with blue stripes

And I totally love and admire Charlotte’s work.

teacosy label

Oh, and I have quite a fondness for mint tea. This particular one is spearmint and chamomile, which is my current favourite, although I do very much like peppermint tea too.

mint tea

Now there will be no excuse for my tea getting cold while I work

teapot

This lovely prize has actually been a decider in the finishing off of my kitchen.  My kitchen is white with blue tiles, which looks clean and crisp and I love it

kitchen

but I knew the character would come with the finishing touches.  I couldn’t decide whether to finish off with old advertising signs, which I love

this one hangs next to my cooker

or a beach theme (which I also love).

beach huts on wood

Following this win, it has to be the beach theme, doesn’t it?  If I go for beach huts as the overall theme,  the advertising signs are going to fit right into that, I think.

I’m now planning to paint some beach huts for my kitchen and. . .

OHHHH!

I’ve just had an idea!   OK, I am off to explore my idea, but I’ll definitely share it once I’ve made it up!  It is a beach hut idea and that’s all I’m saying at the moment.

Did I mention I love beach huts?

beach huts in the dark with fairy lights

Oops – nearly forgot!  I want to say a big thank you to Charlotte for my very lovely prize

Do pop over to her website and see what other lovely stuff is on there – if beach huts aren’t quite your thing (and if they’re not, I’m amazed you’ve read this far ) you’ll find other things that are sure to take your fancy.

even more beach huts