string

I've been sending my handmade card orders from top drawer.  Lots of brown paper packages tied up with string.

taste

A midweek pick-me-up.  A glass of tiramisu on a cocoa-dusted plate from Beatrice Peltre at la tartine gourmande.

Her food photography is often styled with colour/pattern.  I love this image for the sense of taste she inspires.  I've scooped spoonfuls of dense tiramisu with bitter-sweet cocoa and left the empty glass!

paint

An artist's palette stained with a spectrum of vibrant colour.  An artist's studio appears in the most unlikely of places.   This one is at anthropologie on Regent Street.

I love their creative display of homeware.  Paint-dipped brushes rest in jam-jars on tables covered with spills.  These nestle between towers of beautifully coloured china, glass and linens.  As joyful as the swirls of colour on a palette.

top drawer spring

"Looking forward to Spring" was the message of my show top drawer, London.     Sailor with a perfumed posy of scented hyacinths and blossom.

Designs for Spring include jewelled birds, pretty florals, Valentine's and new Easter handmade card designs. 

Sugared almonds wrapped in layers of coloured tissue.  A little handmade gift to thank everyone who visited my stand! 

spring

Happy New Year! 

I've returned to the studio, making handmade invitations to top drawer spring.  The trade show is 16th-18th January at Earls Court and I'll be  showing new Easter designs with powdered birds & pastel eggs.

I send as many personalised handwritten invitations as possible.  On this grey January day, the sugared pink envelopes are a promise of brighter days ahead... 

message for you

Wishing you a Merry Christmas! 
I hope you share it with family & friends.

tradition

A sweet slice of Panforte from Corsini with a cup of earl grey tea is my perfect Christmas pick-me-up.

My family traditions include spiced Panforte at Christmas, Pandoro dusted with vanilla-sugar for New Year and dove-shaped Colomba for Easter.  I've enjoyed these cakes as part of the festive celebrations and believed they held a traditional and historical significance.  As discussed on radio 4's Food Programme today, they may simply be a modern marketing dream! 

vintage crimson

This beautifully photographed bouquet as seen at saipua reminds me of a faded embroidered tapestry.  I love the colour palette and it's soft and unstructured selection of flowers.

uptown girl

Sailor prefers rambling woodland walks to city life. Looking for a new adventure, she took a trip to Belgravia today.  A beautiful winter's day, she dressed for warmth in a new handmade coat.

Elizabeth Street is home to the delicious bakery of poilane and many other pretty boutiques.  Sailor made a dash for mungo and maud where she was kindly welcomed with dog biscuits.

Next stop Pimlico Farmers Market in Orange Square where Sailor  discovered delightful scents, tasty treats and the company of new friends!

top drawer autumn

Thank you to everyone who visited my stand at top drawer autumn and met my dog Sailor.  She's a friendly little terrier and the inspiration of my new illustrations. It was lovely to see you all again and a pleasure to meet new people too.