Great ships and flocks of gulls

Winter is closing in on our house today, swirling winds whipping leaves from their branches and throwing them up into the air. The sky is as dark as dusk and it is only just after 10am.

The winter in my imagination however, has been captured perfectly in these top images by local Hastings artist Claire Fletcher. Where is my knowing reindeer to guide me through the snow? (will add to December wishlist)
Many of Claire's illustrations and paintings are inspired by a magically nostalgic view of local attractions, surroundings and traditional British past times. How lucky to see the world in this playful way. Great ships and flocks of seagulls, mermaids and sailboats, favourite pets and toys, dress ups and exploring games.

I see life in a similar way in my head, I just can't draw or paint for toffee.

If you are falling for claire's work as I have, be sure to catch her at the Selvedge Christmas fair.

All images Claire Fletcher.

Today things

My new (old) camera, hope to have some pictures soon.

It is dark, dreary and cold out, perfect excuse to stay indoors, spruce the notice board and then use these super cute marzipan fruits for a batch of Autumn cupcakes.

Colour cards and paint pots

When we first decorated out apartment I used Farrow and Ball paint in every room. I love the natural colours and delicate chalky finish of their paints. We were quite bold with choices of dark greys to mimic our English skies. A while ago I repainted the two biggest rooms white, Now reading this lovely book-Farrow & Ball Living with Colour by Ros Byam Shaw- I am seriously wondering where I can add some striking colours again. My top six colours for adding a drama are Blazer, India Yellow, and Minster Green, Drawing room blue, Pelt, and Babouche. And if you want to paper a wall or two, these four wallpapers are definite keepers Wisteria, Orangrie, Peony, and St Antoine.
"Paint is the least expensive way to transform a room. And, unlike knocking down a wall or tiling a floor, it is not difficult to rectify if you have a made a mistake. Colour should be fun; at its best it is joyful." Ros Byam Shaw, Farrow & Ball Living With Colour.

Book is available from Ryland Peters & Small.

Happy colouring.

Volcanic ash

Still trapped in the UK, should fly out to Marrakech tomorrow instead, if the volcanic ash cloud moves away. On our round trip to the airport at 4am this morning I noticed all the lilacs are out. Saw so many all pretty in deep purple, lilac and white. Hope I don't miss my chance to collect a basket full from my Dads trees this year.


Painting by Brian Simons

The yellow painting

I was asked by Kari of Artsy Mama where I got the the yellow painting that appeared in my post earlier today. I bought it in a local vintage clothing boutique. It was made by a local artist called Melissa White of Fairlyte hand painted interiors.

Melissa developed this technique that imitate's old, cracked and ageing walls by plastering a flexible surface like a loose weave fabric, she then uses different methods to distress the surface so it appears time worn. The final pieces are left dusty and matt or finished with bees wax for a rich, shiny patina. I have wanted my own piece for so long so you can imagine how happy I am that this pretty bird on a cheery yellow background hangs on my wall.

Pop over to fairlyte and learn more about Melissa's lovely work.

She also has an Etsy shop.

stitches and ribbons

Paint paper glitter stitches and ribbons. Trying to get back in the swing over at Etsy I have listed this set of four little postcard size artworks in my shop.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Looks as though our run of good weather has ended for now, but I have no need for sunshine, we are going to a house warming party tomorrow evening and I intend to say home and bake cupcakes tomorrow morning.
Does anyone have a favourite or unusual recipe link that they would like to share? I must head over to Cup cake bake shop and have a read of the archives for inspiration.

the colours of calm

While the husband sleeps I am Just catching up with a few favorite places from around the web. I came across these two images which kind of capture the pale calm I hope to achieve in the lounge.

This sweet little message fence (top) is from the wedding of Kate and Dan featured on Snippet and ink and the wonderful inspiration wall (below) is from the home of Shanna Murray.

goodnight.

Butter sugar flour

I tidied. I painted. I baked. I iced. I stitched. I ate.

What did you do today?

Must do

My paint water this morning looked like a cocktail. Thank you Tamzin for my new notebook for my "lists" Just writing lists helps my memory a little bit, sometimes I actually do the things on the lists sometimes they just float around in the linings of my various handbags or on the surfaces in our house and annoy the husband. Now they will drift no more secured in their new parisian home. Thank you my sweet sister. x