Queens Parade - New Windows on Willesden Green

Last weekend, Mr Man and I went to Teddington for a friends birthday. It's so picturesque and quiet, I could so see myself living there. Until that is, I got back to NW10. It's not quiet or pretty in the same way but it's electric, diverse and has this unmistakable energy. Born and bred in inner London, even though I toy around with the idea of 'moving out', I'm not sure I could ever actually leave. This becomes apparent when I discuss the things that wherever I move has to have and number 1 is a tube station... 

One thing I particularly love about London is how quickly things move, people come and go, always something to do, different events every weekend, pop up shops. Willesden Green has a great new initiative that I've mentioned previously on my blog called Queens Parade. I went to their launch party and can't keep away! It's like a mini Portobello Green with an art shop, juice bar, interior design and craft shop to name a few plus a great vintage clothes shop, Vintage Green, that has a weekly clothes swap, hmmm...

The Unlimited Print Shop is really cute and offers screen printing classes for all where you can design and print your own cushions, bags and t-shirts! I'll show you my efforts soon (maybe)

I can't explain it, but I was quite smitten with this hen

The lovely Roses and String ladies, I love everything in this shop, especially the frames.

The Art Lobby, such an very inspiring display that i tired to recreate in my bathroom but is harder than it looks!

Christmas Windows

I think i'm going blind, or i'm just stupid! I walk down Willesden High Road every day without pretty much noticing very much at all. However, in the run up to Christmas, Willesden Green has become an artists playpen courtesy of New Windows On Willesden Green which has  curated a series of window animations along the high road marking the 25 days leading up to Christmas - a shopping advent calendar. The windows have been created by emerging designers and there have been loads of events including card and gingerbread making, screen printing and vintage hair tutorials curtesy of the lovely Lena Weber Vintage pioneer and editor of  and The Vintage Guide to London. 

My favourite window - The Samaritans by Caroline Collinge & Edmond Salter

The New Windows on Willesden Green project is funded by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund and is being delivered for Brent Council and Design for London by The Architecture Foundation in collaboration with Meanwhile Space. From January to March, they will be  making empty shops in Willesden Green available for individuals, companies and community groups to try out their ideas. They are particularly interested in creatives so If you're interested in knowing more click here!