Work on Display - at Highland Love'Arts

I just thought I'd do a little blog post about a little gem of a shop that's opened in the next town - and where I'm pleased to say you can find a good selection of my work for sale.

Dornoch Cathedral

Dornoch is a completely charming little place, when the honey and rose-coloured stone glows on a summer evening it's just magical. Famed for it's golf course, it has an attractive cathedral, a castle that you can stay in (it's a hotel) and one of the loveliest beaches around. Its streets team with tourists, and with interesting shops selling books and baked goods, venison and honey antiques and newspapers, bras to Barbour.

The High Street Dornoch

The welcoming shop front at Highland Love'Arts

Along the High Street, facing the north door of the Cathedral is a brand new little Aladdin's Cave called Highland Love'Arts. Just opened a few weeks ago it aims to champion local arts and crafts, along with offering a smattering of antique treasures, Highland gifts, and an already popular baby and toddler clothes agency.

Vintage and crafted jewellery in a period cabinet

Hand crafted tartan corsages

As you walk in the door a woodburning stove greats you with a cheery glow, and the whole shop has a warm and welcoming feel.

The friendly hearth

Wonderful, locally made knitted, sewn and felted bags, amongst other giftware

Handmade teddies peek of out baskets and boxes

Word has been getting out to local creatives, and the shops been rapidly filling up with home-made teddy bears, scarves, bags, corsages, paintings and prints, and all manner of treasures...

Artwork, tweed and woolen goodies create an eclectic but complimentary display

Friendly proprietor, Geraldine Aust, has also actively been seeking out locals with talents and skills to commission special pieces she has particularly wanted to feature. One such happy arrangement came after a fruitful search for a locally based, talented sewer - and the production of these gorgeous wedding ring cushions were the result. She's currently seeking someone handy with crochet hooks for another such project...

Handmade ring cushions

The shop hopes to offer a good selection of items for those getting wed, or having babies christened in the cathedral, which is just a few steps away. A happy marriage, you might say, of business and location. Later in the year the second phase of business will fire into action - a gorgeous, boutique B&B, including one extra special suite with just perfect for a brides wedding preparations, or honeymoon night. Also space for receptions and celebrations, or private dining.

Cute display of the most gorgeous christening dresses

The shop displays a wide range of artwork, and the largest wall has been given over entirely to a gallery of work by artists from around the Northern Highlands. Local scenes nestle with arty nudes, and famous castles hang by glowing angels.

At the time of typing this is the largest selection of my own work hanging in any one location. There's quite a selection of my angel paintings currently on display - and for a very special reason, which I'll hopefully be able to tell you more about soon (so ready those diaries if you are up for a creative and nurturing retreat adventure!).

Gorgeous light streaming across some of my paintings

Just part of the gallery wall

If you are in the area, do take some time to discover this wonderful little shop, which is blossoming into something rather special even as we speak.

Web Links...

Highland Love'Arts website (currently being developed and expanded, so worth bookmarking) - http://www.highlandlove-arts.co.uk/

Carinhill B&B, Therapies and Retreats - http://www.cairnhillbandb.co.uk/