Sandlings

28/05/2026

It is very hard for us independents on the High Street. I am sharing Refill ‘s post in the hope that Leiston doesn’t lose another shop!

This is a call to arms for all my customers, and everyone else too!
Refill is struggling and needs your help! 🙏

I don't like having to broach this honest truth, I'd much prefer perseverance, a smile and my usual positivity. But the time has come. This is our Hail Mary and I will have to close if things don't improve swiftly!

I began Refill because I wanted to shop this way myself and I knew there were a lot of others that wanted this option too.

I CHOSE Leiston to host Refill as I wanted to show that shopping is not just for the affluent, it doesn't need to be done in an "everything matching Influencer style", and is indeed accessible for everyone!
I wanted to bring a different independent shopping option to the high street as an alternative to the supermarket offerings in the area.
It was, and still IS important to me to bring this to the town that raised me, that I am now raising in and that I've lived my whole life in!

has faced many difficulties over the years. Most recently in the last 6-12 months, the exodus of locals as housing is made available to the more transient workforce, the extra diversions and road closures making it harder for people to travel into Leiston along with the closure of a couple of large retail options within the town - why bother making the harder trip when there's so much less available here now? 😞

In addition, the financial climate over the last few years has been extremely difficult for everyone - indeed with my work at Project40Seven I've seen just how hard it's hitting everyone locally.
I have struggled both personally, and with Refill. This year so far has been particularly rough! We are now at a crossroads.

I implore anyone who has been thinking about using Refill.
Anyone who is interested in being more environmentally friendly. Anyone who wants to see how shopping local can actually benefit your budget.
Anyone who has used Refill in the past but hasn't been in for while - please please come and see what's available, have a chat, see how it works (it's very easy - just bring containers and I do all the hard part for you!)
I hope you will be pleasantly surprised at the ease, competitive pricing and range available.

My regular Refillers - thank you, you are awesome! ✨
Please please keep coming in, talk to friends, family, neighbours - bring someone with you!
Let's spread the word even further about Refill, about the affordability and value. How its reduced your waste and how easy it is to shop Zero-Waste!

I don't want to become another closed business in Leiston. I don't want to have to let down the regular customers who have come to love being able to access environmentally friendly, affordable options locally! But I can ONLY keep going with more wonderful people gracing my shop! 💚

26/05/2026

If you’d like to learn how to make lovely origami tulips why not book onto our workshop. Rika will teach you how, all materials included and a bonus cuppa and a piece of cake! Just £15 per person. Tuesday 2nd June 10.30-12.30. Message to book your space!

25/05/2026

The sea this evening is stunning, barely lapping on the shore. If I didnt have 2 dogs in tow I would have gone for a swim 🏊‍♀️
☀️

24/05/2026

It was such a gorgeous day we took a drive down to Bawdsey Beach, timing it just right for low tide. What a glorious beach! Some nice fossil finds too - always a bonus.

14/05/2026

‘Twas the night before “Bin Day”
and all round the town
People were shouting…..

“Which bin are they emptying?”
Blue, Green or Brown?
Maybe it’s Black?
Maybe it’s Grey?
Make sure the lids close
and you’ve got the right day!

Consult your booklet and get it all right,
If you don’t you might get a fright,
For your bin won’t be emptied for many a day
Perhaps ONLY 3 weeks if you obey.

“Where will we put all these bins please?” I ask
What about people without a large path
And kitchens so tiny that they barely fit.
Streets with bins always out in a row,
Nowhere at all for pedestrians to go!

Perhaps it might work?
I’m not sure it will,
People might worry and make themselves ill.
Others won’t bother and then what will happen?
Who knows where they’ll put all their wrappin’

So please don’t ask me which bin it will be
For the answer is “I simply don’t know!”
Perhaps they should have a tell & show?
Let me consult my chart and my leaflets
And then perhaps I can see
But it won’t help at all if you argue and shout
And don’t hold your breath whilst I figure it out!!

13/05/2026

i managed to do 50 days! All hand stitched.

11/05/2026

TUESDAY 2ND JUNE - 10.30-12.30

We will be running our first workshop in Origami!! Lead by Rika Shortland who will be showing you how to make one of these lovely paper tulips.
The class will include all materials just bring a pair of paper scissors and a small jar to take the flower home with you. £15 per person. If you would like to book a place please let me know.

09/05/2026

Interesting find on the beach yesterday! Not sure exactly what it is yet. Its mineralised bone and was jointed - some sort of claw? Tusk? Horn?

07/05/2026

Yet another journey has finally come to an end! After months of hard work from fixing leaking pipes, new lintels and windows, dirt, dust and grime - the last inside space is finally finished!

We now have a light, bright room that is suitable for small groups of around 6-8 people. So if you are looking for somewhere to hire for crafting, a skill you’d like to teach others or a favourite hobby you’d like to do more of you can hire our room by the hour at very reasonable prices (DM me for details). We have versatile tables and chairs, a sink and small cloakroom.

We will be organising our own workshops too so keep an eye out for those! Suitable for art, sewing, knitting, crochet, decoupage, patchwork and much more…
Get in touch if you have any suggestions or would like to organise your own.

06/05/2026

New in stock Stylecrafts “Head over Heels” sock yarn! Available in 2 colourways Bondi Beach and Great Barrier Reef. 75% Superwash wool and 25% polymide. £6.80 per ball.