Ruffld Blog

Crowds of people from all around the world lining The Mall and the magnificent streets of London. Bunting and Union Jacks everywhere. Happy, smiling faces out to enjoy this historical event. A great way to forget our dark and dismal days for a few hours. Even the rain didn't dampen peoples spirits - and the colourful umberellas added to the ambiance.

King Charles lll and Queen Camilla arrived at Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, and returned to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach pulled by the magnificent Windsor Greys. They were amongst a procession of immaculate military personnel, dressed in their official...

Well, the daffodils have been out for their party, but are now gone and building up their strength for next year. The tulips and forget-me-nots are still around. We even had some pasque flowers in the garden but now they have disappeared. So pretty. Waiting for next year.

The sun is stronger when it decides to make an appearance between the rain clouds!

We have a few events coming up. One on 11th June at Abridge. Always fun. Then on 5th August it is Toot Hill Country Fair. A traditional summer event with loads going on. 

Hope everyone has been able to get out and about to enjoy the springtime. Roll on summer!

We were very saddened to learn that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died.

She dedicated her long life to serving her country and the Commonwealth. She was an inspiration to us all. Someone who was a constant in our lives and whom we could always depend upon. A guiding light. She loved her corgi dogs and horses, was kind, caring and had a sense of humour. 

We will miss her and her wonderful smile.

For 70 years she did her duty. Now she can rest in peace.

Our sincere condolences go out to King Charles III and all the Royal familly. 

Well, here we go again!! The amazing countdown to Christmas and all the wonderful events we will be attending to show you our unique and unusual gifts and artwork once again.

We are so looking forward to meeting our lovely customers and helping them discover just THE perfect gift for that special person.

Below is a list of places where you will find us:-

23rd / 24th November 10am to 4pm

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Christmas Gift and Food Fair 2019 at Chelmsford City Racecourse, Moulsham Hall Lane, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 1QP. So many brilliant stalls selling an array of amazing products.

Friday 29th November...

Ruffld is extremely busy up until Christmas with lots of fairs and events.

Why not come and visit us if you happen to be nearby? We would love to see you and say hello.

Below is a list of places where we will be showcasing our unique and unusual gifts and artwork. Perfect for finding that elusive Christmas gift!

24th/25th November 10am - 4pm
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Christmas Food and Gift Fair at Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, Essex CM3 1QP

Friday 30th November 6.30pm - 9pm
Theydon Bois Christmas Market in Forest Drive, Theydon Bois, CM16 7EY

Saturday 1st December 12pm - 4pm
Haven House Christmas...

Suddenly our site is sparkling with wonderful hand blown glass, full of glorious colour.

Martin Andrews is one of the leading glass makers in the UK, originally graduating from West Surrey College of Art and Design in 1991, and now gaining acclaim worldwide. He has exhibited in Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, Canada and the USA, as well as in the UK.

Much of Martin's inspiration comes from the natural world - water and landscapes, to show movement and power.

Martin creates his beautiful designs by melting coloured glass into different layers of molton glass (1050oc) and gradually builds it up into a unique and individual piece by...

To begin the New Year we have just added some wonderful chickens to our collection. All wearing coloured cowboy boots with white spots these will certainly attract lots of attention!

They are all in a natural wooden finish, and polished to make them smooth and tactile. They are hand carved in sustainable Indonesian bamboo and all designed on a farm in Devon by DCUK.

DCUK are helping to preserve some of Indonesia's traditional skills, providing employment to local carvers and painters in Indonesia, and giving them a good income, twice the local minimum wage.

These chickens compliment our range of ducks and penguins and each one is...

We have a wonderful selection of ceramic animals and birds, designed and hand-made by Rob Whelpton.

Rob trained at Dartington Pottery in Devon, and he and his wife have their own pottery in Wiltshire.

Rob produces a wide range of interesting designs, including his hand-built birds and animals. These are Raku fired in a kiln, which means they are fired very quickly, and as soon as the glaze has melted they are removed and put into sawdust. Rather a hot job!!  This results in stunning effects and colours, and a blackening of the clay from the smoke from the sawdust. It is a very exciting technique producing some fantastic...