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Press, lately

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Having a busy time at the minute, working in two jobs for a few weeks, so taking the opportunity to savour moments like this when I can; but thankfully things are ticking over nicely in my shop, thanks to a few recent features such as this idea for using washi tape as a frame in June’s Elle Decoration.

I often send things to photo shoots and you never know if they’ll be used; so I was very pleased to see this feature, as I’ve always had a great response to being featured in this magazine. Thanks, Elle Decoration!

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Glitter tape

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Once upon a time a basket full of washi tape was always close at hand, but these days I’ve all but abandoned it in favour of this new glitter tape. It’s so sparkly {as if the glitter is sitting on the top of the tape}, and comes in lots of beautiful hues, my favourites being the bright pinks and pale gold. Do you have a new favourite craft discovery?

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#blognic

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A quick post to let you know about Blognic, a picnic for lifestyle bloggers in London on 2nd June which I’m hosting with Ellie and Bethan. If you’d like to come, RSVP here – and please spread the word! We held the same event two years ago and it was lots of fun {there are some roundups here and here.} Feel free to ask any questions below, or on Twitter with #blognic!

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To Petersham, again

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Another trip to Petersham Nurseries, which always makes for easy blog fodder when inspiration is running low. Isn’t it interesting how people see things differently? I was with Marga and a few others and her photos are so different. Not a single photo of the food, my expensive banana cake was gone in moments, but such good moments those were…

The following day I passed by there again, on a walk from Hampton Court to Richmond, and I noticed this little tea spot, run by a scout troup – I love, love this kind of thing {always sucked in by kids with stalls, though have to say I didn’t spot any drumming up business} but didn’t have time to stop. Maybe next time, although not sure I can give up my Petersham Nurseries cake!

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In the test kitchen: rhubarb and ginger cordial

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I’ve wanted to make cordial for such a long time, and it’s so easy I don’t know why I never bothered. Over the weekend I made this rhubarb and ginger cordial {inspired by memories of my grandfather’s rhubarb and ginger jam.} I halved the  recipe as I didn’t have enough rhubarb, but next time I’ll definitely make a full batch, as it’s rapidly depleting already.

{Have leftover strained rhubarb with yoghurt, for breakfast.}

Diluted with sparkly water, with pink striped straw and doily {of course.} Do you have any other cordial concoctions you would recommend? I’m going to stock up on the little bottles, and keep in mind for homemade gifts.

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P is for…

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….an exciting project to be revealed next week. This week has been busy, with photo shoots and prep, and savouring the last few moments of freedom for a while!

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend. It’s lovely to stay in London when the sun is shining! I’m going on an excursion to Petersham Nurseries, hope to make this, plan for this, and have an idea for a Meetup group… {have you ever been to one?}

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Happy weekend

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Well, the sun is gone in these parts so I’m pleased that yesterday was the day I went to the National Maritime Museum for the Ansel Adams exhibition, which closes tomorrow. I’ve loved his work since I saw it in the Vancouver Art gallery almost 20 years ago, and I especially loved the documentary at the end of the exhibit. So interesting. Favourite quote “if you take more than one photo, you don’t know what you’re doing.” Ahem.

*This Eat and Snap brunch looks fun!

*A polaroid photo template for your own photos.

Have a lovely weekend!

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Guilty, as charged

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This morning I went *foraging* in the streets nearby. A deft clip with my sneaky secateurs when no-one was looking, and I soon had a little collection which has already brought me much happiness! I carefully chose {or at least that’s what I’m saying} plants in neglected communal gardens, overhanging branches from the downstairs flat, trees lining the streets, and a few snips from the local Common. Just a few…

I’m not much of a florist, but I love my little arrangements. I may go on another undercover mission next week…{not so undercover if you blog about it.}

I’ve added this to Lou’s Nature in the Home series for this week.

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Tin can decorating

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I wouldn’t even define this as a project, these washi tape strips on an old tin can, but its cheery presence is very welcome, and I think this would be a great idea for bringing flowers to a friend, as they can just recycle it if they don’t share your washi tape vision! Daffodils are my favourite flower, so these are still hanging around even though they’re slightly past their best. I have my eye on some roses in my neighbour’s garden next {technically, it’s shared…}

PS Just added this to Lou’s Nature in the Home series; check out the other links here.

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Making, most days

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A few months ago, I read an article in Red Magazine, which featured a friend of a friend who tries to do something creative everyday, even if she has to make other compromises {a sandwich for dinner} to enable her to do so. Since then, I’ve been trying to make something every day, but something quick and easy; a new recipe from the contents of my vegetable box, some pretty wrapping, or moving things around to make a new vignette.

This week; doily wrapping, spotted decorations and ribbon strips at a birthday party, trying to re-use the pages and pages of watercolours I did when I was trying to style some new string {this and this is what I eventually came up with!}, and arranging prints.

Have you made something today?