Absolutely ShabbyLass

03/09/2026

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Our latest window display is dedicated to THREE fabulous local artists who deserve to be celebrated! 🎨

We’ve filled our window with a selection of their beautiful work, giving you the chance to discover the incredible talent we have right here in our local community.

Alongside their artwork, we’ve included a little introduction to each artist — their story, their inspiration and what makes their work so special. ❤️
Because we believe that LOCAL TALENT DESERVES TO BE SEEN, CELEBRATED & SUPPORTED.

So next time you’re passing, take a moment to stop and have a closer look at our “IN THE SPOTLIGHT” window. You might just discover your next favourite local artist or better still, a new addition to display in your home!

🎨 SUPPORT LOCAL
🖌️ BUY LOCAL
❤️ CELEBRATE LOCAL TALENT

03/09/2026

19/08/2026

MEET THE ARTIST — SQUID INK DOODLE

We’re really excited to welcome Mo Rahman, aka Squid Ink Doodle, to Absolutely Shabbylass!

Mo is a Bedford-based illustrator and artist whose work is anything but ordinary. His distinctive style combines vivid colour, strong silhouettes and figurative imagery with influences from 80s cyberpunk, manga and Afrofuturism, creating pieces with a wonderfully retro-futuristic edge.

Originally working predominantly in digital illustration, Mo has also been exploring traditional mediums including acrylic, experimenting with different techniques and styles along the way.

We love discovering talented local artists and makers, and we’re delighted that you can now find a selection of Squid Ink Doodle’s artwork here at Shabbylass.

So if you’re looking for something a little different for your walls — something with colour, character and a story — do come and take a look. 🖤

Welcome to Shabbylass, Mo!

11/08/2026

Send the perfect gift 🎁💐

From beautiful handmade treasures to thoughtful personalised gifts, there’s something for everyone.

The beauty of shopping local is having talented, artistic makers right on your doorstep — creating unique gifts you simply won’t find on the high street.

Have a special request? 💚
Pop in and ask — we can usually oblige!

Whether you’re looking for something personalised, a particular colour or style, or have an idea in mind, we’ll always do our best to make it happen. 🎁

07/08/2026

Exciting news! ☕️
You can now take home the coffee you have come to love.

We’re delighted to offer our Beanworks Coffee Roasters beans for you to enjoy at home.
Roasted in Northamptonshire using ethically sourced beans, every cup is rich, smooth, and full of flavour.

Whether you’re recreating your favourite morning coffee or treating yourself to a relaxing afternoon brew, you can now enjoy a little taste of our café wherever you are.

08/07/2026

🌺 IT’S OFFICIAL… WE’RE OPENING! 🌺

The wait is finally over…

The Hibiscus Tea Lounge will officially open its doors on Friday 10th July, and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Step inside and discover a truly different tea experience. Sip your way around the world with our carefully selected premium loose leaf teas—because we believe great tea deserves to be brewed properly. No tea bags. Just exceptional loose leaf teas from around the globe.

From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll find a calm, tranquil space designed for you to slow down, unwind and simply enjoy the moment.

Of course, every great cup of tea deserves something delicious alongside it, so we’ll be serving a beautiful selection of artisan handcrafted cakes, perfectly paired with our teas. We’ll have both traditional and vegan bakes available from day one, with gluten-free treats joining the menu very soon.

✨ And now for the big reveal…

You’ll find us inside the already fabulous Absolutely Shabbylass on Castle Road, Bedford.

That means you can now:
🫖 Enjoy a beautiful pot of tea.
🍰 Treat yourself to cake.
🛍️ Browse unique gifts and homeware.
🎨 Join one of our creative workshops.
💚 Support talented local independent makers.

All under one roof!

And that’s not all…

This Saturday we’ll also be hosting our Makers Pop-Up, where you’ll discover even more beautiful handcrafted gifts from local creatives. It’s the perfect excuse to spend a relaxing morning with us.

We honestly can’t wait to welcome you and share everything we’ve been working so hard to create.

See you from Friday 10th July! 🌺🫖💚

05/07/2026

New chapter ahead..

Life throws curveballs.
We adapt.
We grow.
We diversify.

But don’t worry, Bedford- we are not going anywhere!

Your favourite makers are staying exactly where they belong too.

We’re simply creating an even more incredible experience for you. 🤍

09/06/2026

New in the week,
A Valentino’s Red Book, a collectible book published by Rizzoli in 2000.
It was curated by Franca Sozzani and includes a “Fashion Photocopy Manual 1960-00”.
The box set explores the brand’s iconic “Valentino Red” and includes photography by masters like Helmut Newton and Peter Lindbergh.

Great little treasured piece for the designer in you, or to have as a showcase on your coffee table.

In near perfect condition and at a great price compared to other places.

DM if interested or pop by a grab this Limited Edition.

05/06/2026

It’s back! 🎉

Our much-loved Makers Pop Up is returning for a third year to Castle Road with two exciting dates for 2026:

📅 11th July
📅 5th December

We’re thrilled to be welcoming some fantastic new guest traders for the very first time, bringing even more unique, handmade and locally created products for you to discover.

Alongside our new faces, you’ll also find all of our wonderful resident makers who make Absolutely Shabbylass such a special place to visit. From handcrafted gifts and jewellery to artwork, homeware, clothing, flowers, cakes and more, there will be something for everyone 🛍️

Come along, support local makers, shop small and enjoy a day filled with creativity, inspiration and one of a kind finds.

We can’t wait to see you there 🫶🏽