Non-Traditional Christmas Wreath Workshop - 2nd December, 2015 - 11am-1pm

Bored of the seeing the same old style of Christmas Wreath?  Why not come and join me for a fun morning and be inspired to make your own decoration that will really make you stand out from the crowd!

In the inspiring surroundings of The Stage Room at The Halfway House, Earlsfield I will guide you through the process of making a very different style of wreath this Christmas.  Choose from either a bead, brussel or rag wreath and I will supply all you need to join in for a few hours of fun and crafting, letting you leave with your own masterpiece.

Tickets are £35 each (which includes a glass of bubbles and all materials) and places are limited to 10 people only so I can ensure you get the help you need during the workshop.  To book, just drop me a line here, tell me which wreath you would like to make and I will then get in touch with all the final details.  I look forward to creating some magic with you!

Images courtesy of shabbychicks.blogspot.com, greatbritishflorist.co.uk and  etsy.com

Creative Christmas Wrapping Workshop - 18th November 11am-1pm

As that wonderful time of year will soon be here again it's time to get crafty with your wrapping.  We spend hours choosing presents for our loved ones so why not make it memorable and give your gift that extra special touch?

Come, join me and explore the unlimited possibilities with creative Christmas wrapping for 3 hours of fun and inspiring ideas at The Halfway House Earlsfield on 18th November at 11am-1pm.

In the comfort of The Stage Room I'll guide you through how to tie perfect bows, make animal present toppers and use unusual materials to wrap your gifts.  Please also feel free to bring along any personal elements you may like to include on your present for that extra special personal touch.

Tickets are £25 each (which includes a glass of bubbles and all materials) and limited to 10 places only.  To book your ticket message me here and I will get in touch with you to arrange all details.  I look forward to a fun morning with you!

Images courtesy of ifitshipitshere.com, onegoodthingbyjillee.com, liagriffith.com and shopwalkin.com

The season of simplification - "Love in a Cold Climate"

A crispy cold yet sunny morning, a steaming hot cup of coffee, a vase of daffodils and the most exciting feeling that Spring could soon be on it's way. 

It's at this time of year my thoughts turn to the joy of the coming season, an uplifting feeling of hope. I also think this is a reflection of optimism that the country currently shares, made even more poignant after the further recession news of yesterday. 

Even though our world is currently a challenging one, it is made even more so with our daily modern life.  Full of mobiles and computers, innovation, dialogue and connecting.  And the speed at which we consume information is at times a little fast, even for those of us that can keep up with the pace. 

As humans we need to sometimes switch off from our daily lives and step off life's roller coaster.  Time when it's not just about social media, apps and gadgets but something far more simple like a walk on the beach, time with a loved one to talk and a home where we can shut the door, be ourselves and, if we so wish, silent.  Our minds need time to rest, to be cleared to allow for the next stage of understanding and life needs simplifying.

So with this thought I started to think about interior trends for S/S 2013.  If you look around the trends are a direct reflection of this simplicity we need.  It is a well known fact that whenever a recession hits we crave uncomplicated comfort in our homes and the interior world begins to reflect this in it's products, colours and designs.

Dulux has captured this feeling in one of their 2013 trend colour palettes "Collective Passion" which was my starting point for this simple moodboard "Love in a Cold Climate".  Colours and interior pieces to bring joy and a smile to your face.

1. Snooze Sofa; Graham and Green  2. Greyhound and Pug Table Lamps; Graham and Green  3. Peach Leather Shopper; Folk Clothing  4. Regency Velvet Cushions; Habitat  5. Image courtesy of Miss Pickering  6. Store Room Lilacs image courtesy of heinrick05  7. Part of "Collective Passion"; Dulux

2013 - outward bound

I know most of us start a new year with many resolutions - some achievable, some not so, but this year I have one very clear vision and a resolution I have never set myself before. 

In life when we have a vision there are some of us mere humans that tend to put many obstacles in the way, and it doesn't matter how many of those we overcome, trepidation is normally the fundamental emotional obstacle.  What if I fail....?  Those of you who don't feel this, I'd warn you to stop reading now as I don't know one human being who does not experience this feeling during their life.

I'm not saying you can't overcome this - nothing ventured, nothing gained right?  What I am saying is that you have to come to terms with the fact that during the process of following your dream or vision you are going to experience this challenging emotion from time to time.  I do believe though that once you have come to terms with the fact that this is going to happen, then there is nothing really to stop you.  No more excuses, no more procrastinating, no more standing by while others succeed in their dream and you watch from the sideline, no more loosing yourself in Pinterest dreaming about what could be.

So it is with this thought that I have entered 2013 with a very strong determination to make my vision and dream reality. Yes there will be doubtful days, there will be days when trepidation consumes me and there will be days when I wonder what on earth I am doing - but if I don't try, I will never know.

image courtesy of https://pinterest.com/HelenaRh/ and balidora.tumblr.com

Opulence at Harvey Nichols this Christmas

It's that time of year and Harvey Nic's have done it again in style (with a little prop help from me!) - mesmerizing bejewelled windows, dazzling with temptation.

Their theme this Christmas is full of eastern promise, a trend that has remained in both fashion and interiors since The First Emperor's Terracotta Army exhibition at The British Museum back in 2008.

These windows take you on an extraordinary trip to the Orient.  Sumptuous and opulent, the displays evoke a modern take on the 16th and 17th century opium dens. Beautifully hand-crafted props are framed by geometric Oriental screens; a gateway into this fantastical, exhilarating and enticing world.

Make sure you visit at night as this is when the display comes into it's own.  Glowing splashes of fluorescent colours and luminous tinted metallics. Mannequins stand as both traditional Geishas and Harajuku teens, with doll-like makeup and chopstick speared rolls of hair on the women, striking eyeliner with statement Mohawks on the men. Surrounding them, every surface is richy embellished, sparkling and lit – a wonder-world grotto full of promise and intrigue.

Images courtesy of Harvey Nichols, London.

August Summer Break 7

A day's planning

August Summer Break 6

Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

The August Break 5

Know it's a day late but Friday nite's alright.....

Culinary Inspired Paints

Eco-friendly paints from de le Cuona.

Rich raspberry, bold glistening marigold, delicious smoked chocolate hues and calming unassuming greys, sounds like paint on a plate. What more does a designer need?

The August Break 4

Could that cloud be breaking? This is for you Jo Jo x



Day one for me on The August Break 2011 challenge. Let's hope I can keep it up...

Children's Spaces

As much as our environment shapes who we are and how we act (and as we all know have a great affect on how we feel in general), children's spaces normally need to be far more multi-functional than that of our adult environments.

Sleeping, studying, playing are all everyday occurrences within their space but most importantly it is widely documented that the environment has a direct impact on their development in general. Textures, colours, patterns, shapes are just a few 'tools' which can be used to aid this.

In my advertising career I worked with many children's brands and one thing that was consistently at the forefront of any research and thinking was the importance of 'play'. Many parents put play into a box which is seen as 'time out' and some even see it as time wasting, for example they feel their children should be reading a book or learning a new subject.  An unfortunate and sad reflection on our competitive world. However, play stimulates many development factors of a child; creative thinking, interactivity, self-esteem and general social skills such as sharing etc. It's their one chance in life where they can be in charge and by doing this allows them to develop as a person, learning their boundaries as they go. The role of play therefore should never be underestimated.

Putting the play theory together with design 'tools' means you are able to develop the perfect children's space be that a simple or elaborate interior/exterior environment.

And my parting thought.  Many times, when we are designing a child's bedroom, we forget to tap into one of the key inspirations, the child themselves.  After all their minds are at times far more creative than ours.

Now for the first board in the series is Harry's Room. A vibrant space for a young lad using a combination of shapes, patterns and colour. A repeat pattern penguin wallpaper is complimented by a colour range of off blues brightened by striped blinds with an indigo denim trim and a height chart wall sticker. The playful feel is finished with a large mushroom lamp, antique style 1920's race car and unique yet practical ways to display their belongings.



Suppliers:
Isak Penguin Wallpaper Turquoise
All paint colours Farrow and Ball, Great White, Skylight, Blue Ground, Drawing Room Blue
Ian Mankin Worthing Stripe
Ian Mankin Indigo Denim
Shelving via Pininterest (sorry lost original link)
Punkin Patch Thomas Bed
Baby Face Striped Rug
Baby Face Gingham Bedding
Harry's Toy Box
Egmont Large Mushroom Lamp
Marquant Vintage Toy Car
Boudie and Fou Wall Chart

On Yer Bike

Douglas and Gordon have for years struggled to express their personality within the muddled estate agent market. Therefore when 'i am' associates re-branded and designed the interiors of their offices D&G were at last able to run with the big boys. One of their values D&G hold dear is their ability to be innovative and caring within a profession rarely associated with these qualities. But caring and innovate they are and to highlight this back in April they announced a new addition to the fleet, a vintage style bike.

This is a brilliant idea for this brand, highlighting their values perfectly and at last someone is jumping off the 'branded mini' wagon and into a unique branded transport area. I am just wondering if they have male and female versions? If not I feel they may have missed a trick - using old butcher's bikes for the men in the office would allow them to leave their property newspapers onboard for people to help themselves when they are left in the streets.



I just do hope no one has uttered the 'office bike' gag.

http://www.i-amonline.com

Rummaging on a grand scale

Those that know me know that I love a good rummage, but this is a rummage on a rather grand scale. Reminiscent of the recent sale held at our beloved Chatsworth, much of the late Dutch Queen Juliana's possessions are going under the hammer with Southerby's in Amsterdam this week.

Interested viewers from around the world have been found musing through a maze of oak tables, silver, threadbare armchairs, marble mantle clocks and giant chandeliers. Walls lined with oil and watercolor paintings with images of where once they were homed. And with much respect to the late Queen, even the paddles are orange.

I felt for one bidder, described as a collector and a royal fan, and was hoping to buy some antique porcelain he was quoted as saying

"I have the same problem as the royal household, where do I put it all?".

I know the feeling!

Delicate Days

Aedh Wishes for the Clothes of Heaven

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

William Butler Yeats

Photo courtesy of BendyChange

Foraging Foray

Autumn is here in all it's glory and we are off this weekend foraging in Epping Forest for 'shrooms! Not sure what to expect, except the guaranteed influx of rain which is due tomorrow morning. So wrapped up to the hilt, basket and flask at the ready we are off to join Andy Overall for a day with a difference. If I can manage to get the camera out without it and myself being washed away I'll be back early next week to unravel the adventure! Have a lovely weekend one and all, now where are my wellies?...




Mushroom shots courtesy of fungi to be with
Deer shot courtesy of Iain West

A sad sad day in our household

The 4th August was a dreadful day, one which we had dreaded for a long time. Our dear sweet boy left us, drifting away calmly while he slept. Our hearts are broken, a massive gap in our lives has been created and our house is so quiet. We will miss you dearly Jo Jo, you gave us so much unconditional love and joy, more than we could have every asked for. Sleep peacefully, we'll never stop loving you. xx.

4 Sleeps To Go!

Everything in my life has been on hold for a long time now and in four days time I am able to reclaim my life again. I have to admit I have had a ball being back in advertising, with some real challenges, but most importantly some great people and colleagues that I have worked with. However, now I am ready to get back to RedFish, my interiors, my vintage buying exploits, sourcing wonder pieces for people and getting Teacups & Pearls truly up and running (more on that another time). So my first challenge is to create and build a website for RedFish and Teacups & Pearls, and for this I have given myself three weeks. I am going to use this space to show the countdown and see if 3 weeks are possible. Let's see shall we?

My best friend T believes that if you think hard enough about something it will begin to happen. There is one thing just recently that has happened in this way, but I will save that for another post as the culmination of the thought is on Monday and I don't want to tempt fate.

The thought I do leave you with is that today at the market I bought 4 1920's pen illustrations of ladies head fashion and a sale poster scamp for Derry and Toms (which I will share with you when I find their full history). Derry and Toms were one of the largest department stores in 1920's London. They were rivals of Selfridges and Swan & Edgar attracting vast queues on their opening sale days and standing the test of time until they sadly closed on January 13th 1972. Most people would then have known the building to have been taken over by Biba with the amazing Rainbow Restaurant and the famous Roof Gardens, commissioned by Derry and Toms, and now owned by Richard Branson.

So imagine my surprise when I am part way through researching the history of the illustrations I had bought and clicked onto a blog I read regularly Ted and Bunny. Her latest post was about yellow and how much she would love to wear it but sadly cannot, as the colour does not suit, and the last time she had bought a yellow piece was in Biba in the old Derry and Toms building on Kensington High Street - weird, random, coincidence?

Catwalk Capsule

Would love to be wearing this today, grey and yellow hues with white accents - bring on the sunshine!

All images courtesy of Anthropologie

Getting Away From It All

We all have dreams, some of us are lucky enough to live them, some of us tiptoe around them and others just continue to dream.

Mr S and I have been dreaming and talking for a long time about what we would like to do if we were ever to get out of the big smoke. I guess we are still at tiptoe stage, however, we do have a small list:

• A boutique B&B,
• A Delicatessen with a vintage tea room,
• An interior business we could combine with the B&B,
• A goat farm or
• A combination of all of the above!

And, it is with this dream that I gleefully stumbled upon this wonderful small boutique B&B in Hastings, right near the coast. It's not totally what we dream to have, but there are beautiful snippets of the building and interiors that can't do anything but make you smile.

So if you like what you see in this post why not pour yourself a steaming cup of tea, click on here and plan that long deserved weekend away. We can all dream.

Lucienne Day - 1 January 1917 to 30 January 2010
Thank you for your inspiration.