So, I want to start a new Sunday series of ‘small brand shout outs’ – independent businesses that I have discovered and genuinely love. No ulterior motive, or sponsored posts – just sharing the brilliance.
So to kick things off, I bring you the amazing Gill Prendergast and her faux taxidermy.
I’ve been Insta-lusting after her felt animal heads for a while, and as soon as the paint was dry in the playroom at La Retraite last month, I knew exactly the pair that were going to keep guard over the doorway – Leopold the Lion and Giuseppe the Giraffe (I’ll do a full room tour soon!).
Gill’s menagerie are all handmade by her in Wales; how amazing is this octopus?!
They’re not all felt, she uses Liberty print fabrics too.
The photos don’t do them justice; the finishing is amazing and they all just seem to have proper personalities. We have spent 1/2 term giving both Leopold and Giuseppe back stories – so far the 6yo has decided that Giuseppe has 9 children and likes pizza (nothing like an Italian stereotype) and Leopold has been given the responsibility of guarding his Lego constructions when we are not there – i.e. Serious Business. Well and truly part of the family.
Details: Leopold and Giuseppe were both £58 from Gill’s Etsy store.