Category: Craft
X marks the spot..
There’s a delicate balance when it comes to Christmas: too early is crass, too late misses the boat. And there’s another element now that seems to be sneaking in..that too much is just…too much. Both sides of my family have thought about how to change expectations. On one side we do a secret Santa, one person each with a price limit. On the other side it was suggested last year for handmade presents only, something that requires thought and time. I would love to make the above.
(All pics Pinterest)
So I’m going to: Why should doing the right thing need universal agreement?
Laters, Kate x
Wood you?
The laws of the universe suggest that for every action there’s an opposite. It’s what I keep reminding myself when I hear the news. I’m hoping there will be a reaction, a realisation that everything has gone too far, too much, too greedy. That where true pleasure lies is in integrity, authenticity and honesty. And sometimes you can get this all happening at once – reaction and authenticity literally fused together…this is fractal burning. A rather wonderful after burn that happens when wood is coated in a conducting fluid and electricity is passed through. Check out Youtube from some truly mesmerising videos.
(All pics Pintrest)
Burn, baby burn.
Laters, Kate
Fix it x
My computer broke. The poor hard drive went to meet it’s maker. Not something I could sort without help, because if I could, like these inspirations, I would.
It’s back now. And so am I.
Laters, Kate x
Projecting x
Never have winter coats been so exciting or offered such a visual treat – wear black all season, and you’ll still make a statement. Gone is military uniformity, symmetry and blending and say hello to loose cuts, colour and freedom of expression.
But be prepared for the odd gem that’s breaks the rule…
(All pics Pinterest)
Because this year, there are no rules…
Laters, Kate x
Burn baby burn!
Saw this on a Pinterest board and loved it: Well crafted, obvious quality with a quirky sense of humour. Shame the price point was in the couple of hundreds. But it did remind me, there is an alternative to burning candles and that the plus point with incense is the choice of burners.
(I did have a quick google dive to see if I could find a similar cat. This one from Etsy was a tenth of the price. But I suspect you know that already…)
And then there’s this type, with backflow incense, which turns the whole thing into a living, moving sculpture. (From what I have read though, you have to be careful about the quality of the incense, otherwise you get mucho smoke, bad smell and residue. Another alternative is to make your own backflow cones – you tube has some videos…)
(All pics Pinterest)
Too much? The tacky side of tacky?? I just can’t decide!…
Laters, Kate x
Stone Faced x
It took me a while to understand the appeal and connection that I felt to these little pieces of art from the moment I first saw them. I think it’s to do with the every day made beautiful, the worship of nature, a celebration of simplicity and a special sense of appreciating there’s something in the act of giving over time to create something that has honour but no practical purpose except it’s own sense of wonder.
(All pics Pinterest)
I also think, on a subliminal level, they remind me of the sea urchins we go diving for in Greece.
For objects so small, their voice is big.
Laters, Kate x
Totes amazing..
No metaphor represents the end of summer more than abandoned, once loved inflatables, lying discarded like an unwanted skins by over flowing bins, waiting to be hauled off to landfill. A couple of weeks pleasure in return for environmental chaos. But one man’s poison is another man’s pleasure – for Georgia Wyatt-Lovell and her husband, Steve Lovell this is the perfect raw material for their bags at Wyatt and Jack. From deckchairs in the big smoke, bouncy castles in the suburbs and lilos from the beaches, all are gathered together and given new life and new purpose.
(Particularly love this one, designed for bikers and doubles as a pannier. Genius.)
(All pics Wyatt and Jack, and Pinterest)
This is the sweet spot where design, practicality and awareness coincide.
And what a rich place that is.
Laters, Kate x
Patios x
(Still away – another re-post – because the summer should be about creativity)
Saw this on Pinterest and thought, what a brilliant idea for a Garden Patio, particularly when the budget doesn’t stretch to tiles, but even when it does – because tiles crack and fashions change but paint is cheap and cheerful.
Particularly like the white on dark..
And you can even make your own..
Laters, Kate x
The power of the written word..
Silver Lining x
I remember at Christmas being drawn to coloured fairy lights over the classic, style leading, Scandi simplistic white and that pull to colour is still strong: In the opening episode of Tales of the City on Netflix, there’s an outdoor party in San Fransisco festooned with every kind of light, shape, size and colour and it was an eclectic, mad, happy joy to see. When the weather is grey, the politics greyer and the country feels like it’s going to the dogs, we need colour….and the bigger, the brighter, the more ebullient, the better.
(All pics Pinterest)
Simple pleasures.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 