How delicious is this?  In the heat of summer (and yes, London had had its share, but not so hot as the East Coast of the US or in Italy) Mint has filled its windows with delicate, frivolous pales in playful shapes as part of its Kaleidoscope exhibition.

These pastel vases with incised patterns are by Mara Skujeniece.

www.mintshop.co.uk

Tobias & The Angel at 68 White Hart Lane, SW13 has been an inspirational destination shop for more years than I care to remember. Tucked out of the way of central London in Barnes (not a quick trip), it's a wonderland of vintage finds, especially amazing printed fabrics from all over Europe, often made into cushions and table covers, and organized into charming mini room sets.

At the moment, there are stacks of printed, striped and plaid vintage bedlinens (unfortunately not fitting any modern beds) sold by the length to make whatever you choose, cleaning cloths dyed into deep, rich colours, bright hand blocked lino-cut printed cottons, vintage lamps and hand painted tables, old chairs covered with simple checks and stripes, and a constantly changing selection of antique china. In short, a must see!

Among our favorites are these doorstop cats, hand embroidered in old or hand blocked prints.

www.tobiasandtheangel.com

The 3rd "Art in Action Fair" at Waterperry in Oxfordshire has just finished, with over 25,000 people enjoying the four day show. Filled with textile artists, painters, printmakers, metalworkers, jewellers, sculpture, calligraphy, illustration, and glass blowers (have I left anyone out?) demonstrating their methods and techniques, it's filled with exciting, inspirational work on show. Wonderful to see, the return of figurative drawing - both life and still life.

Here are just three of our favourites:

www.artinaction.org.uk

Applique artist Clare Beaton's number picture

www.clarebeaton.com

 Alice in Wonderland inspired teapot called "Alice Wouldn't Come" by Gwen Bainbridge

www.gwenbceramics.co.uk

Bright pottery by Mirka Golden-Hann

www.claystone.co.uk/mirka-golden-hann.htm

If it's summer it's time for the Chelsea Arts Club here in London to repaint itself once again - and this year there is an amazing circus theme with acrobats, elephants and performers of every kind.

Yesterday more than a million people in the UK participated in "The Big Lunch" the second of The Eden Project's campaign to get people together and have fun with their neighbors.

And that's it - for no other reason but to have fun and bring people together, with everybody bringing something to put on the table and share, like a big pot luck supper. And all the kids played on the street (how's that for a great blast from the past?) What could be better?

Like village fete's, church suppers and holiday parades, street parties have a long tradition in many countries - the last nationwide assembly of street parties here in Great Britain was for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

Here's The Big Lunch on our street. We can hardly wait for the next one!

www.thebiglunch.com

www.edenproject.com

In the deep, deep boredom of the summer sales season, what could be more uplifting than arriving in Liberty's wonderful knitting, needlework and fabrics department and finding that it has leapt in space and size!

Now embracing about 50% more floor space, the knitting wools and patterns are now placed overlooking the central atrium with an expanded area for fabrics of every kind.And there are also more kits, more accessories, more lovely gifty things!

Not to be missed: the Oscar de la Renta limited edition Ipad clutch!

www.oscardelarenta.com/?folderId=/shoponline/ipadclutch

Spotted in a neighborhood shop, Grace & Favour, here in London:

Yesterday my sister-in-law's huge damson plum tree in her Brighton garden was almost bursting with fruit well on its way to ripeness in the July sun. And while Damsons may not be the most delicious eating plums, they do make the most wonderful jam!

Which reminded me tnat Teflon's jam making machine has been reported as a bestseller for my favorite British kitchen supplies website, Lakeland - www.lakeland.co.uk -  a spot where you can while away many happy hours!!!

Back to Venice in Los Angeles again, and these declious handmade vases spotted at the Alternative Space Gallery.