Category: Art
Treasure x
I’ve been looking for this wallpaper with its exquisite clusters of blemishes. Turns out it’s called Queen of Spain by Schumacher.
It’s also not a modern design – as this black and white of a young Mick Jagger proves.
In fact, it goes back to 1963.
Pretty amazing.
There are companies that stock it in the UK, but Schumacher is an American brand going back to 1889 with a heralded passion for luxury and an unwavering commitment to beauty: This wallpaper is sold by the yard.
So it’s not a cheap choice.
Potato prints??
Laters, Kate x
Make it x
Remember these beauties? For me a hark back to the eighties but the concept must actually be a lot older. I was looking for something to naturally moth proof wardrobes and drawers when inspiration dawned. A quick check on Ebay proved invaluable..they still existed and this little lot were bought in a bulk buy. The relative quiet of half term was the perfect time to renovate their little interiors..
Some of them had beautiful vintage labels that we managed to gently peal away.
Lots of the pomanders had a blingy gold loop so grosgrain ribbon has to be an upgrade. We found the easiest way to replace this was to feed both ends of the ribbon in through the top and pull them through with a pair of tweezers.
You need to pull the two ends through leaving as little ribbon as possible on the top. We found the tweezers used as a brace was a wise thing to do. Then just knot ends together and pull the loop back out again.
After attempts with funnels, the best way to fill the pomanders was with a little jug. We used lavender and essential oils.
For those pomanders missing their bottoms we cut out discs from vintage material and simply glued them on.
Strangely satisfying with a definite whiff of pure nostalgia. To be recommended.
Laters, Kate x
Wood Craft x
It’s half term so we’ve been busy doing very little. One thing we have achieved is a bit of stick weaving…a strangely satisfying art form…first you need to find a good selection on Y-shaped sticks = outside jaunt.
Then wrap each side of the Y.
To do this you tie the string on, then create a loop at the back.
Then bring the other end through the loop and pull tight.
Continue till both sides are done.
We measured two arm lengths of string for the next bit. (This is Bella doing her Christ the Redeemer impression)
Using a large darning needle (new it would come in useful) weave between the two sides to create the horizontal lines.
Ta-dah!
Finally weave wool in V shapes vertically from one side to the next. This is Bella’s finished creation.
Being an adult, I wanted mine tighter…therefore it’s still a work in progress…
Surprisingly satisfying.
Laters, Kate x
Light Fever x
So which one should it be? Blow a bundle on the iconic Regina from Skyfall..a piece of cinematic history mine for a chunky seven and a half mill..
Tempting……very tempting…
Or go for class and opt for Soufriere, Daniel Craig’s mode of transport in Casino Royale, a mere snip at £600,000?
Then I wake up. And the lottery win fades in the morning light.
Damn.
Laters, Kate x
Holy holes x
This post makes me think of gentle waves lapping on sandy shore complete with bucket, spade and cricket bat. It’s old fashioned, timeless and harks back to simpler times in an eat it now sort of way.
Celia Pym is a knitting/embroidery artist and much of her work centres around visible mending – taking something worn, discarded and unloved…
..and adding a new, contrasting layer to marry the piece together.
The finished work takes on a whole new personality – the ghost of the past with the mend of the future. The work is seamless but showy, in the best unshouty kind of way.
It makes me think I would love to do something like this to a much loved cashmere cardigan that’s seen better days. 
Or mend the knees in my jeans like this. Maybe it’s the integrity of the craft that’s so appealing? But I looked up on You Tube to see how to do it..
(All pics Celia Pym)
Even watching this was meditative.
Now where’s my darning mushroom?
Laters, Kate x
Alice Cicolini x
Alice Cicolini’s jewellery fluidly mixes a rich tapestry of eastern traditions with cool modern sensibilities.
It’s a keen eye, passion and superbly talented craftsmen that bring her jewellery together.
Together with a total love of colour.
Each piece proudly nods to its heritage roots whilst still being totally unique.
Not an easy gulf to cross.
(All pictures Alice Cicolini)
But Cicolini’s work is a third retro 80s, a third Indian, a third British…and totally fabulous.
Laters, Kate x
Flashbulb x
Is it too late for New Years resolutions? The dust has finally settled and now I know what I’d like to do…keep a sketch book. I have a words/ideas book (which apparently is the classic sign of an introvert – who knew?) to keep treasures like assonance and sibilance that otherwise would float away. But a book of dabblings and drawings? If this Blog is a collection of thoughts and sources of inspiration, then a sketchbook would be those thoughts made physical. I think it’s a calling….
(All pictures not mine but from Pinterest)
Laters, after an arty online shop for supplies, Kate x
Home Comforts
Sometimes the best designs are those frozen in time that create that link from nostalgia to modern day with the seamless flow of a painters brush.
Away from the noise and frenzied activity, Devol – more normally known for their exquisite kitchens – have been quietly honing their own beautiful ceramics range with the help of potter, Claire Fowler.
The range includes this nest of three lipped mixing bowls to rival – nay, supersede, Nigella’s original iconic offerings that are so hard to find now.
(All pics from Devol)
There are somethings in life that you know will just live long and prosper.
Laters, Kate x
Magic Carpet x
If there’s a theme over the last few post it’s re-invention. And the carpet industry is ripe for it: 400,000 tonnes of unwanted carpet is buried in UK landfill every year.
Isabel Webb has decided thats where the rubys in the dust lie – she’s taking both domestic and industrial carpet waste and giving it her own unique twist through dying, tufting, embroidery and shearing to reveal new patterns and textures and expose the potential within.
(All pictures Isabel Webb)
Isabel only graduated in 2016 so this is the embryo of a work in progress. But we like it. And we need more.
Laters, Kate x
Yellow! How are you?
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
