28/09/2011

Storytellers

Embroidery- Sophie Parker, Photography- Daniel Sims

When browsing the internet, the sheer quantity of amazingly creative items and products out there is almost daunting! Whether I’m on Etsy, Topshop or a particular designer’s website, I often find myself fashioning wish-lists in my head and imagining these items or garments in my life, trying them on, seeing how they fit. I’m sure you must do the same?

But then I ask myself- Do I need the item? Will it make my life better? Probably not. So what is it that actually makes us take the plunge from longing and admiring to owning?

As with all devotees of design and fashion I own so many lovely bits and pieces, some bought, some borrowed , some collected, that I don’t want to make space for something in my life unless it is particularly special. And nothing attracts me more to an item than the sense that it tells a story. From relatable images to recycled materials, a sense of history to an old-worldly charm, I need to feel that the item ‘speaks’ to me. This is something I try to capture in my own work- a connection to the viewer on an emotional and meaningful level as well as an aesthetic one.

And sometimes an accent of antique lace or an illustration reminiscent of childhood is the perfect antidote to busy days and restless nights. So whilst I’m appreciating the story-telling nature of things, let me share with you the items below. They whisper thoughts of nostalgia, comfort and rose-tinted days gone by which is something I can very readily find a place for in my life!


L-R
Necklace- Stavroula, Bag- Star Bags, Pin- That Old Blue House, Rug- Cottage Farm, Brooch- House Jewels, Necklace- Black Star, Necklace- The Whirlwind, Cuff- Ponder and Stitch, Bag- Ocean Swept

26/09/2011

The Orchard

Ahh the weekend! And what could equate to a more perfect Sunday than sitting beneath the bough of an apple tree sipping Earl Grey tea and munching on scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream?

Tucked away in the idyllic village of Grantchester, The Orchard Tea Garden is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I have come across in the UK. With deck-chairs nestled between the trees and clusters of rested visitors indulging in the great English tradition of afternoon tea, it is the epitome of all things quintessentially British.

And whilst the rest of the world seems to be rushing and spinning by, The Orchard is a place to catch your breath and slow down to the pace of the countryside that surrounds you. Hazy light glints down through the canopy of leaves and the only sounds are the soft breeze and happy voices drifting in-between the branches.

It is one of my favourite places to be and, just like the array of cakes on offer (from chocolate to coffee to Victoria sponge) it’s a little slice of heaven!




All images Sophie Parker

20/09/2011

September

Illustration- Sophie Parker

September...perpetually caught between Summer and Autumn. It is a month of transition and slow but inevitable change. It marks the end of the light and flimsy summer months and hints at something a little darker with a little more substance. Or maybe that’s just my love of layers and knitwear talking!

With the turning of the calendar and the small scattering of yellow leaves that seem to appear overnight, along comes my longing for woolen jumpers and knitted cardigans, scarves with a purpose that is more than simply for aesthetics and shoes that you can really stomp around in. Yet it is not quite Autumn.

The light may have shifted to cooler tones and the breeze has built up quite a kick but the temperature still speaks of t-shirts and the last few days of bare legs. And whilst others are hanging on to these lingering days of warmth and light layers, I’m waiting for the day I can pull on my pink cable knit jumper and patent boots, feel a chill in the air and the crunch of leaves beneath my feet.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore a hot and humid August afternoon, a glass of dewy pimms and a deckchair on the lawn, the ability to wear a strapless dress with the thought of another layer as distant as a foreign land. However, there is something so alluring about Autumn days, perhaps it is a readiness for change, both in the atmosphere and the wardrobe, the thought of cosy evenings and cups of tea that warm you up rather than make you overheat.

So whilst winter warmers are definitely off the cards, I will patiently wait for the evenings to draw in and enjoy the beautiful jewel like hues of the season in t-shirt form rather than wool.

Below are my top picks to carry you through the month in style:


L-R
Hair-tie- EmiliaFaith, Shoes- Maries Vintage, Bunting- Heidi Adnum, Bracelet- Pergamondo, Earrings- Flight Path, Top- Minx Shop, Bag- Two and You, Shorts- Moon Circus, Cup- Lenny Mud

16/09/2011

Hello!


Welcome to my brand new sparkling blog- the 'behind the scenes' for my unique and beautiful range of textiles and paper goods. Here I will be sharing my inspiration, designs and thought processes as well as exploring the ever evolving wonderful world of design. So if you love all things imaginative, creative and whimsical you've come to the right place. Why not stop by now and again for updates, promotions, sneak peaks and much much more!