Category: Craft
Creative x
The aim of Creative Coffee last week was to create felt cushions in the style of Jan Constantine
Surprisingly easy and therapeutic..
Sophy’s sewing basket also provided some Christmas inspiration, but more on that later..
It’s a work in progress..but rather nice to finish on these dark evenings with a roaring fire and a glass of red wine..
Laters, Kate x
Mwha-ha-halloween!
If you ask my kids what celebration most floats their boats they won’t say birthdays or Christmas..It’s Halloween every time…and I’m not sure it’s just about the unlimited supply of sugar. For them it’s the drama of being out in the dark with their friends, dressed as something totally alien, doing something that would be utterly forbidden in normal life. This year Bella went as a wolf..who might have a few cat tendencies..we got a bit confused..
Charlie was Batman!
This year we went to a friends for a party..first time I haven’t decorated our house in years..
Ready for the off, treacle treating bags at the ready..
It’s not America..but people and their houses do embrace Halloween in SW London..there were some impressive sights..
We all thought this was a statue standing next to Robin Williams grave….until he went Boo!
Loved these pumpkins with their noses!
Returning home..a scariest costume of all..a vision of the teenager-to-be…
Mwha-ha-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Laters, kate x
Book of Life..
We’ve just been to see the ‘Book of Life’ at the cinema..perfect for the run up to Halloween – a family friendly fiesta of Mexican culture bursting with vibrant colours and life where you can literally touch the heat of the Mexican sun..you don’t need to be a kid to enjoy this one – I absolutely loved it! If I could jump on a plane now and head to Mexico to see the Day of the Dead celebrations for myself, I would.. I’ve been utterly seduced by the folk art and magical artistry…
It’s inspired me to look at Mexican decorations for Christmas: We buy one special decoration for the tree each year – last year it was this one, but this year I think I’m rather spoilt for choice. Just one??!
So today we’re heading to Columbia Road (has a wonderful flower market at the weekend) to check out this Mexican shop..then we’re heading home via the poppies at the Tower of London..what’s more the sun is shining and the sky is blue my chilaquiles!
Adios! Kate x
Chutney and Oat Cakes..
The joy that is Creative Coffee – wholesome and happy with stunning aromas and rich rewards, like the incredible (honestly, some of the best I’ve tasted.Ever) mango chutney and melt in your mouth oat cakes (why haven’t I made these babies before??).
I took away two things from the session:
1. To invest in a pan like Sophy’s (she’s kindly sent me a link) which not only holds an extraordinary amount but also has delights such as a spout for pouring and an extra large handle. Genius.
2. To buy the book by Annie Rigg we often use at Creative Coffee.
The recipes make your mouth water just reading them and – just as good – always work.
I’m thinking jars of spiced cranberry with edible glitter as the perfect cupboard gift for unexpected gifts this Christmas….
Laters, Kate x
Creative Magic x
After the long summer break, it’s the much anticipated start of Creative Coffee (click for details) this morning – chutneys and oat cakes today, but above are pictures from a previous session of sausage making rather than a demonstration of what happens to unfortunate attendees..
We made them right through from mincing the meat, adding bread crumbs and spices (for three different kinds of sausage no less) to the requisite comedy moment, complete with lubricating oil..
There was much tittering!
A plate of very special bangers!
It’s hard to explain, but when I go to Creative Coffee – which essentially means making something from scratch that would be easier to buy in a shop – I realise what a privileged life I lead..
Laters, Kate x
Stamp of Style x
Using badges and logos..not invented by Marc by Marc Jacobs but cunning all the same…
A rather delicious collection of fonts and styles married to the perfect boyfriend jeans..just add a smile and a killer pair of heels..
Penelope Chilvers has also got in on the act, although is hers a more traditional, preppy version..and the meanings are meaningful..I’d love to be able to buy the patches individually..
Also to be found on her boots and shoes..
Anya Hindmarch has pushed the creative boat out even further in her own offering of luxury-retro-street. Inspired by stickers from her school days, the graphics are embossed onto the leather in a three step process. Utterly edible.
But the real joy is that this trend has it’s roots deep down in freedom of expression and do-it-yourselfs.. you could just follow your heart and DIY your own fashion statement like Fun in the Making..
Or cover a Louis Vuitton bag like the courageous Sue. Because the truth about badges and patches, despite what the designer brands would have us believe, is they’re really about individuality and being unique in a stylish and remarkably accessible way..now, where’s my needle and thread?
Laters, Kate x
Scotland Calling..
No joke..since the remains of Hurricane Bertha blew through, the temps in London have kept falling..we were down to single figures this morning – but it does make looking at autumn clothes that much easier…
Like the new, vibrant ready-to-wear collection by Barrie, the historic Scottish cashmere manufacturer now owned by Chanel.
Chanel purchased Barrie Knitwear in 2012 saving the jobs of all 176 employees when it went into administration at a time when it seemed mass-produced synthetic fibres would rule the world.
This is their first ready-to-wear collection, designed by Odile Massuger and it magically weaves all the best elements both Companies have to give: Quality, luxury (3 fleeces used per jumper), care (they bathe their yarn in Sottish river water to make it softer) and cutting-edge design that’s allowed to take risks: clashing colours and mashing patterns..camo with fair isle, modern with old..
Take this scarf...the front..
But lets not forget the back..all in all, it’s an incredible, edible combination..
Laters, Kate x
Into the Groove x
All around the sign of the moment appears to be the evil eye, an ancient symbol that crosses cultures and religions, always ready to ward off danger.
What I didn’t know is that different colours have different meanings..adds to the appeal..
But instead of following the jewellery sheep, maybe there’s another way to embrace the trend..
(All pictures from pintrest)
Simple, effective…different…especially that last one..
Laters, Kate x
De-light! x
A new website for me: Re-foundobjects.com, courtesy of a good friend who knew it would be right up my alley. I’m in love…
Laters, Kate x
A Stitch in Time..
The Joy of the blogsphere is the treasure hunt that is discovering all the ideas and amazing products out there in the big wide world. This beauty was first spotted by the lovely Andreannadais on her Blog, but it was so good I feel the need to spread the love a bit further..
Harvey and Quinn is a jewellery company set up by Rachel Harvey and lucy Quinn that specialises in creating jewellery that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Their main source of inspiration are vintage buttons and the wealth of workmanship and wonder they have to offer.
They say: ‘For us each button tells a story, an intriguing glimpse of a forgotten past.’
It also helps that their pricing is incredibly sensible, starting at £32.00 and rising for special bespoke pieces.
For me they represent every thing I love: A forgotten quality item turned into a beautiful butterfly ready to fly forever. The magpie within is singing with joy..
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 