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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?

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String styling: the winners

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Hello! I’ve canvassed opinions from a fantastic panel of Jeska at Lobster and Swan, Emily Quinton and stylist Charlotte Love, and I’m happy to announce the winners of my recent string styling competition.

Favourite photograph:

Carolyn Carter wins a £25 voucher for favourite photograph. All the judges picked this as one of their favourites!

Favourite concept: we loved the string-as-wick idea! {and good use of stripy straws.} Congratulations to Jen from Mum in the Mad House, who wins another £25 voucher!

I’m awarding a bonus prize to Polly Rowan for her Liberty print eggs {with string, of course}, who had votes in both the photography and concept categories. Polly wins a £15 voucher.

Thanks so everyone who took part; you can see the rest of the entries here. Everyone who took part wins a £5 voucher for Papermash. Let me know if you have any ideas for future competitions!

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A sad tale

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A new fern, bought less than a week ago, and looking in a very sorry state already. Anyone know about these things? I’ve watered it every day, because I thought that ferns liked damp environments, and until now I’ve kept it in the hallway, in a shady spot. My aspirations of having a green oasis in my flat are quickly being crushed.

My succulents {which I keep reading are virtually indestrustible} are dying too. Can they be too dry? {I’ve been watering a few times a week, but they lifted straight out of the pot.}

An interest in house plants; a new trend, or a sign of age? {I’m a reformed house plant hater.}

Also shown, in a new corner I’m decorating; letterpress print / grey washi tape / string holder / grey and white string.

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Spring forward

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After a weekend away, today I walked home over Wandsworth Common, in the bright sun, and was itching to get home and start cleaning, making and organising. It only just occurred to me to strip my skirting boards and paint them myself {been waiting until I can afford a decorator – which may be never, and they’ve needed painted for at least 3 years already.} I planned a trip for tomorrow to the local garden centre to stock up on new things to grow {inside for now}. Here’s some pretty pastel images I’ve been loving lately, to spring things up a little around here.

{Washi tape bunting by Jeska.}

{Washi-taped jam jars at Selina Lake’s Pretty Pastel Fair; photo Sally Crane.}

{Inspiration board from Selina Lake’s Pretty Pastel Style, which I just ordered today; I can spot some neon pink washi tape and some prints from Charlotte Love.}

{Origami birds, because I’m trying out all kinds of crafts for my Bumper Crafternoon; only one early bird ticket left.}

How are you saying hello to spring?

All images recently pinned on my Pinterest boards.