A Yorkshire Rose

To celebrate our 1st birthday we asked our favourite designer Helen McAllister of Helkat Design if she would make a cushion especially for Nora's. 

As always she has come up trumps and her 'Yorkshire Rose' cushion is perfect for our little Yorkshire shop!

We are so proud and honoured to have been one of her first retail stockists - her rustic designs inspired by the natural world complement our rural surroundings perfectly.

Each cushion Helen makes is hand made, hand screenprinted and finished with different ribbons and trimmings.  You are always guaranteed a completely unique cushion which is something you definitely won't find on the High Street.  Our favourite feature? The back is always as beautiful as the front...

  

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT NORA'S, ILKLEY

Skipton Sheep

It's true, I'm a Yorkshire lass born and bred -  I love the Dales; it's in my blood and pumps all the way through me. 

I like to think that my heart is nestled between two wonderful Yorkshire towns:- Ilkley and Skipton.
Ilkley is where I was schooled and where I now spend most of my time and Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales is my heritage.

My wonderful Grandad was born in a picturesque little hamlet to the North of Skipton called Kirkby Malham.  I'm proud to say that I can trace my family back several generations to Kirkby Malham and the surrounding area, and I think this goes a little way to explaining why it feels so right for me to be settled in this part of the world.

In honour of this I have asked the brilliant Kate Thornton to create one of her amazing map decoupage prints just for Nora's.  

As we already have our 'Ilkley Cow and Calf' print, we would now like to introducing our very own 'Skipton Sheep'


Skipton Sheep
Exclusive to Nora's


Some may know that Skipton has a long and significant history and it's name actually comes from the Saxon word for 'Sheep' - hence our little sheep!

The colour I have chosen for the background is 'Yorkshire Dales National Park' green and is the same colour they use in their logo.

I have to say, I think it's just lovely and I can't wait for them to arrive with us!

Sunlight on Closed Lids

A couple of weeks ago a lovely lady called Kate came in to Nora's; with her rainbow coloured umbrella and red shiny shoes she asked if we would like to take a look at her illustrated cards and pictures.

Now, I have to confess that I'm not an easy person to impress when it comes to illustration and I do have very specific taste however, it wouldn't be an understatement to say that I fell completely, totally and utterly in love with Kates work.

Her bold colours and imagery from a bygone era create such a wonderful nostalgic feel that you couldn't fail to be delighted to receive one of her cards from a dear friend or loved one.  The brightly coloured envelopes she uses are enough to make you smile before you even see the card.

 


As for her fabulous prints, I can't wait take this one home and give it pride of place in my living room.

Orwell & Goode Textiles

Back in April we went to the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate - probably our favourite fair that showcases British handmade talent at its best.

Out of all the brilliant stands, one really stood out to us - we love new upcoming designers and we think that Bronagh and Zuzana of Orwell & Goode are going to take 2011 by storm!

Their stunning range of textiles and prints are quirky and beautifully finished - we love them and think you will too!

Mrs Orwell and Mrs Goode met in 2008 when Mrs Orwell taught Mrs Goode how to silk screen print.  Mrs Goode had a blast and thought Mrs Orwell was such a brilliant teacher she returned twice more. They had lots of fun working together and giggled far too much!  Mrs Orwell and Mrs Goode were on holiday in Ireland together when they had the idea to design a collection together and so came about 'Orwell and Goode'.  Together along with their small and very talented team they design, hand print and stitch their many many ideas into the most beautiful of creations for living, dining and giving.

Happy Birthday Nora's!

Twelve months ago this week Nora's story began...

To celebrate we're having a bit of a 'doo' this Saturday at the shop!  A glass of Pimms and a Cake Pop plus 10% off voucher for our lovely customers!  What more could you want?

(If you haven't experienced a 'Cake Pop' (aka: little pieces of heaven on a stick) come and try one, we guarantee you'll get addicted!)

We hope you can join us in the celebrations!