bluebells

A mist of bluebells brings an ethereal quality to one of my favourite places.  

It's bluebell season and the local woods are awash with a spectrum of colour.  Soft lavender hues, cobalt blues through to deepest purples. 

Walking under the canopy of trees, we took a meandering path through the heady scent of bluebells.

We spotted a lone deer...

and Sailor enjoyed her beautiful surroundings.

egg

It's Easter weekend and I've been making gifts of personalised eggs. 

The eggshells were first dip-dyed in food colouring and then decorated with painted initials.  Happy Easter!

beauty





I visited "The Cult of Beauty" at the V&A today which features this painting by Leighton.  The Aesthetic Movement influenced many areas of design including interiors, architecture, fashion and the decorative arts. 

Alongside paintings, the exhibition draws together prints, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and furniture.  Many of the interiors are in a colour palette of  sludgy greens, punctuated by intense peacock and china blue. 

I liked the detailed etchings by Whistler, architectural drawings by Godwin and beautifully painted fan that is "autographed" by different artists.

Upstairs is "Picturing Plants" an exhibition of different styles and techniques used in botannical illustration.

"Linden" by Henry Bradbury, 1854 was made by pressing the plant between soft sheets of copper and steel producing an embossed nature print.

spring

Spring is in the air!  Sailor and I walked through a confetti-shower of cherry blossom today to visit my local florist. 

The shop was overflowing with the prettiest of early blooms and fragrant foliage. 

I liked this soft textural selection of ranunculus, cow parsley, eucalyptus and scented broom.

pick me up

The Embankment Galleries at Somerset House is currently home to Pick Me Up, a contemporary graphic art fair.

The diverse showcase of international artists/illustrators includes Victo Ngai and assembled images by Polly Becker

There are prints for sale, illustrator Anthony Burrill in residence, live music and creative workshops.

Alongside the fair is Joy of Living a charity project that raises money for Maggie's Cancer Care Centres. 

Leading designers have submitted original artwork on a simple sheet of A4 graph paper.  The result is a diverse collection of illustrations, cut-outs, collages and 3d paper engineering. 

All the designs are sold anonymously to encourage buyers to purchase the artwork they truly desire. 

butter

I found a pair of butter pats in my local antique shop today, perfect for making homemade butter. 

Traditionally butter would be churned by hand, water wheel or even using a dog!  I used a recipe from Jamie Oliver to simply over-beat double cream in a mixer until you're left with butter in a pool of buttermilk.  Squeeze any extra moisture from the butter and pat into shape. 

Lovely on sourdough toast with apricot jam.



birds eye

Last night was the opening gala for birds eye view film festival at BFI Southbank.  I really look forward to this annual event.  It's an inspiring evening that celebrates and supports the creative talent of women filmakers.  This year, the guest speaker was Zoe Wanamaker followed by a selection of short films made by international directors. 



"Little Children, Big Words"  directed by Lisa James Larsson was sensitively filmed and the most memorable short of the evening.

In complete contrast I loved the animation and humour of "Tord and Tord" directed by Niki Lindroth von Bahr

ardingly

It was a bright day at Ardingly Antiques & Collectors Fair.  I loved the colours in Chris Holmes' display of decorative interiors.   

 














Sailor made lots of new friends and I enjoyed spending the day with Ellen from Anzu.

flavour

I finally purchased a copy of "The Flavour Thesaurus" by Niki Segnit.  It's a little book of inspiration, beautifully written, designed and bound. 

The flavours are divided into themes including "Woodland", "Green and Grassy" or "Bramble and Hedge".  Many of the flavour pairings are classic combinations like fish/anise or ginger/rhubarb, then there are surprising combinations too.  It's a good read and her flavour descriptions are so precise, you can taste them!

 



little plates

A dish of clams, one of many delicious plates at barrafina

There's limited seating and queues wrap around the bar.  The "chipirones", "gambas al ajillo" and "pimientos de padron" are worth the wait.

wrapped

The best gifts are thoughtfully selected and a joy to unwrap.  My mother gave me this souvenir from Paris.  Layers of paper, crisp tissue and beautiful ribbon. Inside, an aromatic packet of earl grey and a glossy tea caddy from Mariage Freres. 

This little package from a kind friend made me smile.  Scattered with ladybirds and " a rose tinted spectacle" from Peyton and Byrne

amour

Happy Valentine's Day to you. 

Many thanks to everyone who helped make Friday's Valentine's Day event at Liberty memorable.   It was lovely to meet you all.

My little writing desk was adorned with vintage boxes displaying Valentine's cards, a pretty posy by Wild at Heart and delicious chocolates by Prestat.

The number of visitors was overwhelming! Thank you for patiently waiting for cards to be personalised and perfumed ink to dry. 

I was delighted to discover your messages were thoughtful, poetic and celebrated love.  Also that many of you send my Valentine's Day cards to family and friends too. 

Thank you x

porcelain

These slip-cast porcelain vessels by Natasha Daintry are exquisite.  

I love her sense of colour, poetic vision and perfection to detail.

love liberty

I’m delighted to be in-store at Liberty in their new Stationery Room, 11th February for a special Valentine’s Day event.  I hope to meet you and personalise my handmade cards to make your Valentine's Day memorable.

Select one of my Valentine's Day cards and you will receive a handmade heart, it's a token of love for you to give.  On your heart, I'll write the name of your loved one and secure it to your card with grosgrain ribbon. 

Your paper heart is decorated by hand with flowers, embroidery and silk.   Every heart is individual and you may give the heart of your choice.

I'll write your personal message and address your envelope using pen and ink in my own handwritten style.  Send your message as a secret admirer or simply say I love you. 

If you're visiting the store between 12 - 3pm I hope to meet you!