Dartmouth Holiday- Part 2 - cakes & insparation

On the last few days of our Dartmouth trip, my obsession with cakes became more apparent...

Firstly I introduced Mike to fine French patisserie called Saveurs in Dartmouth. I had managed to go nearly a whole week without cake - for what reason I have no idea - so now was the time to indulge!

This was just the most fab little deli/cafe/patisserie I have ever seen. When you enter you are bombarded with an array of colourful, intricate and delicate sweets. Perfectly formed and colourful, glossy-glazed fruit flans, ice cream-coloured macaroons and thin baked crispy nut topped biscuits to name but a few. Fine chocolates, salamis and exotic cheese were also in array. This was the place for me!

We found a table nestled at the back of the cafe and I decided on French Onion Soup & mike had a baguette. The soup was delicious and mike loved his sarnie - which has much to be said for as he is a pub grab man! As we were so full we picked our desserts to go!

I had the Lemon & Raspberry 'boobie' cake; soft lemon mousse on a Breton biscuit filled with rasperry sauce. I insisted on getting back to the tent and eating mine with a fork and spoon (as the deli lady told me) so I could eat it the way it should be eaten - savoured. Mike on the other hand, ate his in a few messy mouthfuls in lay-by! Hummmm. The sweets were delicious and you just must go there for the experience if you are thereabouts.

My holiday was also accompanied by a lovely cake filled book by author Jenny Colgan. An easy to read, mouth watering novel including recipes and some inspiring concoctions kept my appetite for cakes satisfied. I'm just finishing reading it now. I've only got a few chapters left and my head is full of new ideas for cakey images.


Since my time away I have seen loads of colourful postcards covered with cakes, tea, and beach scenes etc by talented artist & illustrator Martin Wiscombe. I'm sure you have seen his popular designs on ceramics, prints and textiles, but now his work can even be found on rollerblinds & deckchairs! I may just have to treat myself again, this time minus the calories. 


So I returned home from our break away happily inspired, hopefully ready to crack on with some more illustrations - inbetween my other jobs - after there is no rest for the wicked!! hehe

P.s. you can see this print below and others in my Etsy shop.

Oh and if you haven't seen it already i'm doing a PRINT GIVEAWAY on my Facebook page, so don't miss out!!

Dartmouth Holiday- Part 1 - What we did and where we went...

As you may or may not know, I've just returned from camping in Devon. Wet at times, blue sky at others, but fun none the less. Here is what we got up to...

Blue skyes on the way back from Brixham (on the boat)

Grey skyes on the WAY to Brixham

We camped near the lovely town of Dartmouth. Colourful buildings, arty stuff and lots of boats. 

Browsing the shop and galleries I came across a few fabulous finds; beautiful paintings by Emma Williams at the Dart Gallery & Emma Dunbar, Vanessa Cooper & Vanessa Bowman at White Art Space Gallery in Totnes. I just love their bright & colourful styles! Check them via the links.

Totnes had some of the most AMAZING shops. Gazebo (pictured above) featured a colourful collection of beautifully designed & detailed bits I just loved. Selling goods from the likes of nkuku, Wu & Wu & Pip Studio, how could it go wrong??

half way up Totnes' colourful high street

Another fab shop in Totnes was Penelopetom. Some beautiful cushions made by Devon creative   Rubydoohome caught my eye, as did the bold designs on some notebooks by Roger la Borde. Sadly I did not part with any cash as there was too much I liked!!?  Ironic I know....

Me and Mike on the steam train

We enjoyed a good few boat trips, fish and chips and the steam train ride from Kingwear to Paignton

The model village I wish was real...

Here are a few photos I took from Paignton. If you like the sound of Blackpool then it may be for you. I on the other hand busied myself with capturing the 'essence' of the place...

and so the sun, cloud, wind and rain continued as did my time away....

So please stick with me whilst I take a break - as this is still my holiday.

More pictures and stuff of insparation in part 2 of my holiday blog to be posted soon

xxxx