I first mentioned Woody Ellen in a blog I did back in April 2016 when I purchased a set from her amazing range.

If you have never heard of her, Ellen is a Belgian artist who paints the most beautiful floral and bird scenes, which are then printed onto bags, purses, silk scarves, compact mirrors and more. The scenes are just so spectacular that once I had seen them, I had to save up and buy a set.

I went for the “BLOOM” set; Birds on a pink background with pretty flowers all around. I loved the range and as there was a special offer on getting a bag and two purses, I went the whole hog. I bought the bag, large purse, coin purse and then the compact mirror.

The Bloom Set

Compact Mirror

My sister in law then very kindly sent me the box clutch bag as a gift to match the rest of my set.

Bloom Collection

When I went to Londonedge in September 2016 the very first stand I saw was Woody Ellen!

By  coincidence I was using my Bloom Set. We had an lovely chat with her and Maarten, her partner and I was on cloud nine for having met her. She was so fantastic to talk to and she kindly gifted me with a coin purse from her Eden range.

Eden Collection

So imagine my surprise this September at Londonedge when Maarten recognised me at the sweet stall and came to have a chat. We arranged to pop and see Ellen a little bit later in the day.

Eventually after fashion shows and stalls galore, we made our way to the Woody Ellen stand and there, in all their glory were the wonderful artworks, including a new as yet to be released design!

Woody Ellen herself

Ellen was so lovely again and we stood chatting for quite awhile and then Maarten took some group photographs with Boo Brown and Carrie-Ann Dring (my partners in crime for the day)

It was so lovely to catch up with them both and the new range was just stunning; well, as stunning as every other piece she has ever painted (can you tell I am a big fan??)

The Wonderful Woody Ellen

Now, a couple of days later Ellen got in touch to ask for the blog details of Boo and Carrie-Ann. I happily supplied them as she wanted to tag them in the photographs. She told me she would send me a little gift as a thank you. I told her she didn’t need to, as I really hadn’t done much at all.

Again, imagine my surprise when a large box arrived four days later from Belgium.

I was so eager to open it, but I made myself wait until I had taken the prerequisite photographs for my blog and then I tore into it.

A Belgian Suprise!

Well, you could have knocked me down with a swallows feather.

Ellen had so generously sent me three items from the Sweet Swallow range; a silk scarf, compact mirror and handbag!

How lucky was I?

A box of Goodies!

I have never owned anything made of silk before, so the feel of this gorgeous scarf was divine. In a paler blue than the bag and compact, it features the same beautiful pinky/peach flowers and swallow design and is cute as a button.

Silk Scarf

The bag is the same shape as my bloom bag, which is made from vegan leather, with a silky painted panel. The handle is a hard plastic which is capped with lovely golden ends. The catch is a solid gold colour rectangle which is both stylish and very secure. It also is a bit like Mary Poppins’ bag. You can fit far more into it than you would think!

Large Handbag

The compact has the same silk material with the floral bird motif. It has two mirrors inside, one slightly magnified. Perfect to check your vintage red lipstick in.

Mirror Compact

Again, Ellen has managed to capture a beautiful scene and translated into a wonderful piece of usable art. I know I will get so much use out of this set as it just compliments everything. I am especially looking forward to coming up with an outfit where I can use the silk scarf. There is something delightfully vintage about a silk pussycat bow tied around the throat. I literally can’t wait to show it off.

Bag and Scarf Set

Of course, I love shouting out about Ellen’s work. She really has cornered a niche market as I can honestly say I haven’t seen anything quite like her products, and unlike other manufacturers you don’t see these on every High Street, which makes them feel that little bit more exclusive.

Sweet Swallow Range

She has a new design that is launching soon, and boy it is a great one! I am already adding it to my Christmas list for my daughters to buy me….After all is only three months away!

Have you any of Ellen’s designs? What is your favourite one? I would love to hear your choices

Till next time,

Txx