Pen&Pringle

Good Grub in Wincheslea

2012-02-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we paid a visit to the delightful Winchelsea Farm Kitchen which is about a 15 minute drive from where we live and is most definitely worth the pleasant road trip.

Enjoy a bit of tea and cake in the conservatory before shopping for your local, fine produce. If you like a good sausage (wink), they have a super tasty selection and their wine cellar is the perfect place to get yourself a decent bottle.

I'm a sucker for nice food packaging and pretty foods are in their abundance here. I also loved their tiled floor in the cafe area which is going in my inspiration file for my new kitchen for sure!

If you fancy a nice drive through the country, this is the perfect place to stock up on good, local tasty grub. Yum!

A little perspective

2012-02-02T11:41:00.001-08:00

I was sitting reading the March issue of ELLE Decoration in my lunch hour today and editor Michelle Ogundehin featured a quote by Mother Teresa which made me stop and think about how easy it is to hamster-wheel our way through life. I think these words are a nice reminder to gain perspective sometimes. One for the wall me thinks.

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is struggle, accept it.
Life is tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”

Mother Teresa

You're Wheely Fun print

2012-01-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

What a perect Friday. The sun nourished us with some very much needed vitamin D, the weekend is finally here, and the lovely Good Homes mag has featured Pen&Pringle's bicycle print "You're Wheely Fun". Happy days! To check out my bicycle print and the rest of the collection, simply visit Bouf.

The Happy Branch

2012-01-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

On one of our recent walks through the countryside near our house, I picked up a strewn branch that had a nice shape to it. My husband rolled his eyes wondering how long it would sit in the house for before I decided to do anything with it. Well it didn't sit gathering dust for long, as it is now officially what I call our "happy branch". With a slap of white paint followed by splashes of my favourite colours, the happy branch is a most useful tool that brings happiness wherever pointed. Every household should have one. Available in all good retailers.

Lego Taxidermy

2012-01-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Antlers are on my wishlist however they don't come cheap and I was half tempted to try and mould some out of clay. However after seeing this lego kit from Brooklyn based designer David Cole, maybe there's an easier option!!!

Source: apartmenttherapy

Dusting off the old watercolours

2012-01-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

Pretty in Pink

2012-01-20T02:16:00.001-08:00

In my search for some kitchen inspiration yesterday I came across the lovely work of Photographer Dominic Blackmore. I love how this simple white kitchen is brought to life. The use of vibrant pink teamed with the moorish tiles gives a creative yet elegant look and the juxtaposition of the modern dining table with the old bistro chairs oozes eclectic charm. Another one for my kitchen moodboard!

Loving...

2012-01-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

...this video a friend just told me about. The tune I adore and the video is just brilliant yet oh so simple.

Somebody That I Used to Know - Walk off the Earth (Gotye - Cover)

Listening to... Icarus from Madeon

2012-01-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

Say it with flowers

2012-01-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

Chores that aren't a bore

2012-01-13T03:49:00.000-08:00

Don't you hate it when you have what you think is a great idea, you lazily sit on it, and then discover someone else has had that very same idea except they've got off their fine rears and made it happen? Well let that be a lesson for 2012; less talk, more action I say.

And so this "great idea" has arisen locally on our oh so pretty High Street in my lovely town of Old Hastings. Introducing to you the A.G. Hendy & Co. Home Store. If you love Labour and Wait in Shoreditch, you will be salivating in this store. For here we have many floors of functional products in rooms that tell you a story and have you fascinated by its Victorian dilapidated charm.

Brooms and brushes galore, chores are certainly no bore in this store. I personally would like one of everything please - purely for display, none of this cleaning malarkey.

This store is a welcome addition to the old town and a must-visit for our visiting friends. So if you're in town, add this to your list!

A.G. Hendy & Co. Home Store, 36 High Street, Hastings Old Town, TN34 3ER

Pretty in Pink

2012-01-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

These are my rustic looking cupcakes I rustled up this morning. They're not perfect, but they're super tasty with their secret tunnel of raspberry jam. Now that's love in a cupcake.

Cod and chips please...

2012-01-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Being beside the seaside, us Hastings folk love our fish and chips. And I'm loving this 'Fish & Chips' Necklace from the V&A. What fun.

Source: Retrotogo

Some Folky Charm

2012-01-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

Handpainted tin mugs from Plümo.

I'm in the mood for love

2012-01-04T12:03:00.001-08:00

It won't be long before Valentines rears it's head (!) and if you fancy scoring some brownie points, check out my Valentine's limited edition print of "You and I Go Together". Now for sale at Bouf.

Special delivery!

2011-12-09T03:29:00.001-08:00

The Pen&Pringle elves are busy getting Christmas card orders ready for delivery!

Ooh that's nice

2011-12-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

A look at my latest loves collected on my Pinterest:

1. Twentytwentyone 2. Shophorne.com 3. catstudio 4. wildandwolf.com 5. Marks and Spencer 6. Liberty 7. Anthropologie 8. tattydevine 9. ourworkshop

"Roll up, rollup..."

2011-11-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

...get yourself some lovely Pen&Pringle Christmas cards! Now available here at Bouf.

A hole with a view

2011-11-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Today was the perfect day for a stroll by the sea and me and the hubster decided to pop along to Bexhill for a mooch. Bexhill is looking great at the moment with all the wonderful works finally coming to an end. I took the opportunity to snap this cyclist behind one of the many weird and wonderful garden features that align the promenade.

Making an entrance

2011-11-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

I'm chipping away at the house trying to get it nice before Christmas and it's so nice to see the hallway looking less like a building site! I love monochromatic schemes and there's still quite a bit to do but this is certainly a start. Can't wait 'til we mount one of our vintage bikes on the wall!! But for now, I think I'm going to put my feet up and have a brew.

Thrifty Find #009

2011-11-08T02:45:00.000-08:00

Barratts of Staffordshire 18 piece set. St Michael's Hospice, St Leonards on Sea.

Thrifty Find #008

2011-11-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

Brass Heron. Hastings and Rother Association for the Blind

Piece of cake

2011-11-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Great birthday card from Present & Correct.

Who care's if it's raining...

2011-11-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

...when you have one of these. One for my shopping list!

Carousel umbrella by David David.

The Linnet

2011-10-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to dust off my watercolour set today and have a little play. As I flicked through some of my old children's books, I was drawn in by the colours and markings of the Linnet bird and so here's my little doodle/painting which I'm rather happy with. For those of you who have never heard of the Linnet, they're a British bird and interestingly, when Linnet's call to each other, apparently they sound rather like the banjo?!

A Pitstop at the Pelican

2011-10-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

We seem to be spoilt for sunny Sundays here in Hastings this October and I am certainly not complaining. Had a lovely potter in the Old Town and it could have been May. The streets were bustling, the fishmongers were busy and the fish and chippies had queues of day visitors. It really has been a glorious day.

Whilst taking a stroll along the seafront, I came across a new little frozen yoghurt cafe called the Pelican which was adorable. I love finding a new place that I know I'll go back to. The friendly owners have given the listed building a new lease of life and I have to say, their homemade frozen yoghurt was divine. Heavenly yet guilt-free.

Sitting outside the Pelican, watching the fairground attractions whizz round as I soaked up some autumnal sun, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Sunday.

Thrifty Finds #006 and #007

2011-10-21T04:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I last went hunting for gems but yesterday I came across these 2 items at YMCA, Tunbridge Wells which I've now given a home.

The knitted vintage toy soldier I just had to buy. I love to collect London reminders so this dear little thing will take pride of place on the sofa...along with the cats who like to muscle in on photos the cheeky monkeys.

And this elegant deer I spotted a mile away which will probably find it's home above the fireplace along with my owls and pigeons and what not!

Well that's my latest thrifty finds for now. Happy Friday peeps and have a lovely weekend.

Snap Crackle Pot

2011-10-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hastings always has a jam-packed diary of events and this weekend saw Hastings Bonfire celebrations which involves a torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks to commemorate the Battle of Hastings, as well as the traditional gunpowder plot. It's one of those lovely evenings where you wrap up warm and go for a pint. Beats a night in with Xfactor any day! Here's some of my fave shots I took on the night.

Sew into You

2011-10-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

"Sew into You" giclée print now available at Bouf.

The Caravan Gallery

2011-10-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Received White Stuff's brochure today and read about a really interesting arts project called The Caravan Gallery. In their words:

"The Caravan Gallery is a mobile exhibition venue andvisual arts project run by artists Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale who are on a mission to record the ordinary and extraordinary details of life in 21st century Britain."

It's fascinating to see The Caravan Gallery's snapshots of British culture and the insight it gives into the society in which we live in today. Some images will have you laugh, some images are quite thought provoking. Click here for upcoming events.

Beautiful Books

2011-10-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for a nice book cover and I love Penguin's collaboration; Penguin Ink where they have teamed up with the world's leading tattoo artists to create a limited edition set of six classic novels. My favourite, which I've just bought, is Valerie Vargas' cover for Notes on a Scandal which is a great read. And the film with Dame Dench and the beautiful Blanchett is really good too but read the book first!

I feel good today

2011-10-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

Love this optimistic and motivating piece of wall art at the erste liebe bar in Hamburg. Makes me smile and inspires me to maybe think about creating a happy piece of wall art for my home.

Wall art created by Niels Bruschke, Santiago Design.

Source: Cool Hunter

Pen&Pringle's new shop at Bouf!

2011-10-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

Now available at the lovely online store that is Bouf, you will find my very own limited edition prints inspired by my love for old gems. Check out my wee shop now by clicking here and remember to keep your eye out for more exciting additions to the Pen&Pringle collection!

Tequila Watermelon Popsicles

2011-10-01T02:22:00.000-07:00

I think we'll be needing these today!

Source: Tequila Watermelon Popsicles | Love and Olive Oil

Can'ts into Cans

2011-09-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Source: Pinterest

Home Highlight: Still Life from Sanderson

2011-09-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

This week my home highlight is Sanderson's new collection Still Life. I adore the work of Matisse and this design takes my breath away. If this sofa were to be mine, I would never leave home. It makes me smile with it's joyful colourways and really makes me want to get my easel and paints out. Hmm, perhaps I should dust them off this weekend?

La Dolce Vita

2011-09-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Recently returned from Lake Garda. In a word - magical. Surrounded by mountains, the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda shimmer as serene swans float by minding their own business. A beautiful place where you never tire of the view and every perspective is a picture postcard. A place I'm sure to return.

My latest woman crush...

2011-09-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

I love Keiko Lynn's style and with her tutorials, Keiko helps you achieve many of her effortlessly chic looks.

The backing track to my daydreams

2011-09-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is how we do it

2011-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love a lazy Sunday. I get pretty grumpy if I can't have a lazy Sunday. A lazy Sunday itinerary usual entails pottering about the house, reading the papers, baking...I think you get the picture.

Well on today's lazy Sunday, I decided to do something a little crazy. I attempted a different flapjack recipe. And for the first time ever, my flapjacks didn't completely fall apart! So in celebration of my perfectly square flapjacks, the hubby and I skipped to Pett to enjoy said flapjacks with a nice hot tea. Ok so we didn't skip but we made our way merrily to the beach.

I'm never one to follow instructions exactly so here's my thrown together recipe. Particularly tasty for those who like cakes that aren't too sweet.

Ingredients:

4 tbsp honey

200g olive margerine

150g porridge oats

100g dessicated coconut

50g dried fruits

1. On a low heat, melt margerine and mix in honey.

2. Turn heat off and add oats, coconut and dried fruits to melted mix.

3. Add mix to grease proof tin. I like to spread my mix so it's about 2cm thick and use your hands to press the mix down so that it's nice and compact.

4. Bake for 25min at 180C/350F/Gas 4 or until slightly golden brown on top.

5. Whilst hot, gently score into squares.

6. Leave to cool before turning out.

2011-09-04T06:35:00.001-07:00

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Badass Beanbags

2011-09-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

Loving Woouf's ultra cool beanbags and cushions. Woouf is a quirky design studio based in Barcelona whose work is packed full of fun and joy. I'm all about design that makes you smile and Woouf's collection has me beaming. For anyone starting to think about what to get me for Christmas, I'll have the keyboard above thank you very much. Woouf deliver to the UK but Im sure it won't be long before these are snapped up by UK homeware retailers. Keep an eye out for this bright and bold bunch.

A trip to Rye

2011-08-21T04:02:00.000-07:00

Pottered about in the lovely town of Rye yesterday. It's only a 15 minute drive from where I live and I always find a gem or two to take home. I love rummaging in Rye's vintage shops and it was nice to have a nose in some of Rye's new-ish stores too.

Pale and Interesting, a boutique homeware store had some gorgeous things and I had to get myself this lovely piece of glassware. They've just published a beautiful interiors book which is definitely on my list of things to buy. Take a look at their website and also follow the links to the couple's own websites for some pale inspiration.

I also came home with this French tin hook which I'm going to use in my floral themed bedroom for dressing gowns. Bought this in Country Ways - Jane Wicks Kitchenalia on Strand Quay. She has an amazing collection of 50s kitchenalia which had me drooling with absolute envy.

On the way home, I nipped into the Windmill Orchard Farm Shop in Icklesham which was delightful and is now going to be the place where I get my fresh groceries. Everything is locally sourced so I bought some apples and plums from Peasmarsh, milk from Guestling, you can refill your Ecover liquid products and you can fill your own bottle of their olive oil of the season. I'd highly recommend a visit if you're passing or live nearby.

Anyway, that's enough from me for now. Time to get some lunch ready me thinks!

Ciao for now. x

Sources: The Woman's Room, Windmill Orchard Farm Shop

Bunga Bunga!

2011-08-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

I love finding new places to try out and this place is the next one on my list.

Bunga Bunga appears to be a pizzeria like no other. Based in Battersea, diners can expect karaoke, cocktails, cheesy DJs and much more. My kinda place.

Source: Daily Candy

Something's fishy

2011-08-10T00:46:00.000-07:00

Love this from Made in Design.

Things that inspired me this weekend...

2011-08-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

1. My lovely hometown. I love how there's always a festival or fete of some sort in Hastings. This next week sees the Hastings Old Town Carnival Week which has a packed diary of outdoor fun from sea boot leg races to a street party, it's all happening in Hastings.

2. My neighbours blue passion flowers. I've never ever seen these flowers before and they are absolutely beautiful. I think they could quite possibly be my official favourite.

3. I was in Barnes at the weekend and on my way to the pub I just had to get a photo of Orange Pekoe's handpainted patterns in their window. They make me think of those beautifully decorated Indian elephants.

I love to snap things that catch my eye and store them in my inspiration lock-up. Now I just need some time to raid it and make something of it all!

Michiko

2011-07-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

One of my latest illustrations, "Michiko" the Geisha doll, now available as a print in various sizes. Click here.

I love lazy Sundays

2011-07-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

I love a Sunday that involves pottering about the house, enjoying the garden, eating good food, catching up on all the papers and supplements you've failed to read for the last month and just generally chilling. Today was one of those. And on my pottering day, here's a few things I rustled up which you might want to try yourself.

Homemade Potpourri

A nice chore I like to do is deadhead my flowers in the garden and collect up all the flowers/ petals to make my own potpourri. I add a few sprigs of lavender to my mix and simply leave it to dry in the airing cupboard (making sure to stir it each day so that all the petals dry). Then once dry, I simply add a scented oil. This mix can then be stored either in a pretty vessel or placed into sachets to scent drawers or wardrobes. They also make lovely little homemade gifts for that personal touch.

Sundays for me are all about eating good home cooked food and crumble today went down a treat. Here's my own personal recipe which is a very much chuck-it-all-together-and-enjoy recipe!

Homemade Crumble with Vanilla Icecream

Ingredients for the filling:

Handful of raspberries

Handful of Blackberries

2 apples

dash of water - approx 2 tablespoons

2 tablespoons of brown sugar or more if you have a super sweet tooth

Ingredients for the topping:

Cup of plain flour

2 large tablespoons of marg/ butter

2 tablespoons of brown sugar

1 tablespoon of dessicated coconut

1. Place all ingredients for filling into pan and simmer until mix is rich in colour and well stewed. I normally simmer for about 15-20mins on a low heat. Always sample the mix as you may want to add more sugar depending on how sweet your tooth is.

2. Whilst your mix is simmering, chuck all the crumble topping ingredients into a bowl and mix together with your fingers until the mix is of a breadcrumb texture.

3. Once your filling is stewed, place into an oven proof dish and allow to cool.

4. Once filling has cooled, spoon over the crumble topping and place in oven for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown. I usually bake it at 200degrees in an electric oven.

5. Serve with good old vanilla icecream!

Crumble is a great idea for using up sad old fruits that haven't gone bad but are a shame to throw away. I do this often with apple and rhubarb which go great together.

Anyway, that's enough from me today folks. Have a good week.

Bexhill's new wind shelters

2011-07-17T14:41:00.001-07:00

On my Sunday stroll today, I was quite excited to see Bexhill's striking new structures designed by Duggan Morris Architects. These controversial shelters have been the talk of the town.

Sundown Silhouette

2011-07-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

As the sun sets, the orange sky beams through our dining room creating a pretty silhouette that lasts only for a moment. Catch them when you can. x

Ay-ya Babushka Babushka Babushka ya-ya

2011-07-10T14:07:00.001-07:00

One of my latest illustrations now available as a print or Tshirt at Society6.

Prints starting from $18 USD / £11.21 BGP

Tshirts $22 USD / £13.70 BGP

Dear Photograph

2011-07-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

I've been really moved by the blog Dear Photograph; a blog of people's photos from all over the world. The idea about the blog is that the photos are made up of a person holding up their old photo in the exact location that the photo was originally taken, bringing the past back to life. Such a beautiful idea.

Source: Design Milk

Thrifty Finds #005

2011-07-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hennessy XO Cognac Decanter. Hospices of Hope, Tunbridge Wells.

What lies beneath

2011-06-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Another weekend, another DIY duty. This weekend I made a start on the spare bedroom and was amazed to reveal a football wallpaper in quite good condition. I'm not sure how old this wallpaper is. I'm thinking 70s but other family members are saying maybe 1950s? Anyone have any ideas?

I had set ideas on how I wanted the spare bedroom. I was going to go for bright and scandi but now I've unearthed this, I'm half tempted to keep this and turn the room into something a little quirky - I'm thinking flea market chic meets industrial style. I envisage lots of framed prints, grey and neutral textiles, an eclectic mix of metal coat hooks with vintage men's suits/ accessories. And a wall of brogues and interesting shoes.

I know the wallpaper is very boy-bedroomy but it's vintage quality has so much character I think it would be a shame not to give it a chance. Oh I just love how something that currently exists in a room can dictate how a room should be designed/ styled. Watch this space...

Ravishing Radishes

2011-06-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Mmm, freshly picked this afternoon! And here's a few little recipes from the lovely Able&Cole to show you what you can do with radishes.

Thrifty Finds #004

2011-06-25T05:53:00.001-07:00

Candlesticks. YMCA, Tunbridge Wells.

Neat teatowel idea

2011-06-21T12:17:00.001-07:00

Love this simple idea from Jane Cumberbatch. Many of us have a cupboard full of teatowels, some that never see the light of day yet are too nice to discard. So this little teatowel trick is a great way of adding a little character when setting a table.

Source: Remodelista

Make do

2011-06-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

I had been scouring the tinternet for a key rack and I wasn't prepared to pay £14.99 for a piece of MDF painted white. Nothing took my fancy and everything seemed to be characterless and mediocre or highly overpriced. Anyway, Mr P had been moaning about a piece of driftwood I had picked up from the beach about 3 years ago that was just gathering dust. And so a rare brainwave struck and I simply added a few hooks and what do you know, I now have a lovely key rack made with my own fine hands. And it's a damn sight more interesting than what's available to buy. So get hunting for some old bits of wood and create your own key or jewellery rack yourself. x

Thrifty Finds #003

2011-06-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

Crochet lace tablecloth. Salvation Army, Ore.

How recipes should be

2011-06-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the most gorgeously filmed recipe I've ever seen.

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Burger Monday?

2011-06-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

No, this is not an advert for Little Chef. You have indeed read correctly. If you're creative and love burgers, this is for you. On Monday 27th June, Chelsea plays host to a one-night-only art exhibit and pop-up dinner.

There will of course be burgers, burger-inspired art and design, and every guest walks away with an original piece of artwork that pays homage to the burger, presented in the form of a paper placemat that has been designed and signed by one of 24 leading illustrators.

It's 40 smackeroonis so not a cheap night out but sounds like a night to remember. See here for more info.

Source: Coolhunting

Burgermat Artwork: James Joyce

A basket that demands a trip to the local deli!

2011-06-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

I love this basket from Design Stockholm House. It's called the Carrie bicycle basket and is inspired by traditional crocheted tablecloths. So simple yet oh so pretty! Now available in Heals.

Source: Style

Thrifty Finds #002

2011-06-11T15:00:00.001-07:00

Spice pots. George Street, Old Town Hastings.

Thrifty Finds #001

2011-06-11T14:40:00.001-07:00

I'm always on the look out for little gems and so from hereon in I'm going to report on my thrifty finds! So here's thrifty find #001 - a wooden hand painted hanging vessel of some sort, bought from Courthouse St, Old Town Hastings.

I haven't a clue what it is but I'm going to use it in my desk area to hold some of my pens. It's a cheerful little thing and I love it's folksy feel - it makes me smile. If you've any idea what this is actually used for, drop me a line!

Festival of Britain

2011-06-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of the 50s and 60s and I've got many a piece from these decades adorning my home. So when I went to the Museum of 1951 it was like being a kid in a sweetie shop. The exhibition is at the Royal Festival Hall and forms part of the South Bank's celebration of the60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain - I'd highly recommend a visit as it's absolutely fascinating and there's lots of fun and quirky things going on in and around the area as part of the celebrations.

Luscious Liberty

2011-04-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

It takes me hours to get around Liberty. 5 floors of pure joy. My favourite floor being the 4th floor, a haven of things for the home. I have to touch everything, be it a thousand pound cushion cover or a £10 pug plate. Today I died and went to heaven. There was just so much, I had to sit down. There was Zoe Murphy's bespoke printed furniture which would bring a smile to anyone's face.

Re-Found have a section of pure delights - my particular favourite was their vintage throws which came in gorgeous candy colours. I spent ages in the book section thumbing Angie Lewin's Plant's and Places and also Penguin's recovered classic series.

My absolute highlight was discovering textiles from Josef Frank. Never have I seen his work before and at first sight, I was in love.

It was also nice to get my hands on Thomas Hopkins-Gibson's work who was discovered on the BBC's Britain's Next Big Thing. His work was beautiful and in particular I liked his wooden bowls that featured pins and fastenings used to repair areas of the reclaimed wood.

I just can't wait to go back and get lost again in the latest creations for the home. My absolute heaven!

Sources: Liberty, Design Sponge, Dezeen, Apartment Therapy

A load of old rubbish

2011-04-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

I know this is a good few years old but I only discovered Noble and Webster recently and just love their shadow art turning trash into something beautiful. I'm sure we could recreate this in Hastings quite easily!!

Tim Noble and Sue Webster
Dirty White Trash

Union Jack epidemic

2011-04-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's official, the UK has been hit by a serious case of union jack fever. I can't even go to the loo without seeing a flag.

Grammar innit.

2011-04-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

This made me smile today.

Letterpress Card from Sapling Press Source: Design is Mine

Hidden Tracks

2011-04-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Having had the longest Winter ever, it feels like it's been ages since I enjoyed the delights of Hastings on a sunny day. Last weekend I was walking by Claremont and as I passed the old Observer building passage, I spotted some street art I hadn't seen before.

I've always admired the urban feel of the little alley round the back of the Old Oberserver Building. I've even used it before as a backdrop for a photograph and I think it would make a great location for a fashion shoot.

I decided to check out this street art I hadn't seen and as I walked down the quiet and eerie passage, I felt like I was in an American teen supernatural series. In a few steps I found myself transported. I was no longer in Hastings. Perhaps the outskirts of Paris somewhere? I didn't have the courage to stay and investigate further but maybe next time. And who knows where I'll end up? Perhaps in the gutter minus my handbag but then where would we be if we weren't a little curious hey?

Springtime ride

2011-04-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when you make plans, something else super cool comes up at the same time? Aubin & Wills are having their third annual bike ride this Saturday, but not just any old bike ride I'll have you know. But a bike ride in tweed. See here for more info. I'll just have to book this in for next year...but then something else just as fantastic will be on at the same time I'm sure!

Terada Mokei

2011-03-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

Came across this chap today on my daily alerts from Cool Hunting. Not only is his website super cool but his paper engineering is divine. I love clever uses with paper and Mokei's scenes are simply beautiful.

Sunday Style

2011-03-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Sundays are most certainly a day of rest in our house. Tea in bed followed by a trip to Judges for their gorgeously doughy croissants. Then it's back home for Something for the Weekend whilst reading the Sunday papers.

The first thing I do when I get the Sunday Times is break into the sealed magazines and read Style. And boy what a gorgeous issue it is this week. The Big Spring Issue is bursting with colour and is most certainly a serious tease for the warm months to come.

If you're a graphic design student I'd seriously recommend taking a regular look at Style magazine. It's a synopsis of fashion today and tomorrow. And fashion, like graphics, is influenced by what's happening now, economically, environmentally, technologically and so on. Design is so fluid and what is seen on the catwalk often transcends into other design disciplines.

So what's hot? Vivid colours like tangerine, coral and lime are going to be big this year. These bold statements of colour are optimistic and celebratory and are an escape to the uncertain times in which we live. So I can see lots of vivid colours being used across design generally this year. Take a look at the wonderful work of Lesley Barnes. I adore her use of colour and her style of illustrations that for me capture some Midcentury magic and a trip to Dior en Paris feel about them.

Someone else embracing colour is the Cambridge Satchel Company whose satchels are to die for. At first glance of their website you might think you've accidentally tapped in a website for one of those little catalogues you get with the papers selling all in one thermals and feet warmers however do not be deterred, for they have some absolute gems if you take the time to browse. I think I'll definitely be 'bagging' one of these - boom boom.

Right, enough of my ramble, I'm going to get back to the papers and put that kettle on.

Sources: Style Mag, Cargo Collective and Retro to Go.

Chocolate Highs

2011-03-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight I came home high on chocolate. And not just on any old chocolate. Green and Blacks chocolate to be precise. For chocolate taps into the same receptors in the brain that marijuana taps into. Yet the chocolate alone wasn't the sole cause for my increased state of consciousness. Tonight I came back truly inspired by Mr Craig Sams, cofounder of Green and Blacks who gave the most intellectually stimulating lecture about not only cacao and the Slow Food movement but also his career journey which left me truly in awe and eager to go get. It's easy to get bogged down with the day to day and it's only by steeping out of the box now and then and doing something a little different that you look at things with a new perspective.

Go Wild

2011-02-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Recently teamed up with Maika Crampton of Whisk Illustration to produce some promotional materials for local charity Mallydams Wood who are putting on a fantastic charity ball on 9th April. It's going to be a 'wild' night - I can't wait! To find out more, click on the above image or look up The Wild Mallydanimal Ball on Facebook.

DIY moves with the times

2011-02-23T12:45:00.001-08:00

In this day and age, you'd think DIY would be much easier. We can read the daily paper at the swipe of a finger yet putting up wallpaper still requires a pasting brush, a pasting table and the patience of a saint - oh and glue of course. Well that could all be set to change. Yes there's paste-the-wall wallpapers now but let's be honest, that's still a faff. But looky here, NY company Tempaper have come up with sticky yet removable wallpapers that come in really cool patterns. Hmm...now for a wooden floor that sands and stains itself!

Design a Deckchair for the Stade!!

2011-02-22T14:12:00.001-08:00

How cool. A competition to design a deckchair for the new Stade in Hastings Old Town. See this link for more info. 20 winning designs will be selected by the Judges and made into real deckchairs!! Love it.

Harper's Swan

2011-02-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

I love the work of Charley Harper. Harper's animals have so much charm and I adore the colours he used. I've been trying to find some art to go in my bedroom and I've fallen in love with this vintage screen print. One worth saving up for me thinks. Take a look at more of Harper's wonderful collection at Castor&Pollux.

Beautiful Brooches

2011-02-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Clever little idea by Biribis.

Source.

Blurgh

2011-02-09T13:30:00.001-08:00

I feel blurgh. I've a poor excuse for a cold and I wish it would either try harder or just not bother at all. To add to my woes, it has been another dreary pantone ref 414C day. But all is not doom and gloom. Check out this little beauty that will brighten up anyones day. The absolutely genius Goggles umbrella by 25togo.com. Isn't it just delightful. They should have a whole range of different style goggle shapes. Mine would be a Dame Edna style goggle umbrella!

A cup of rosie with your home made cosy

2011-01-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

I love tea. I estimated the other day that on average I drink around 2080 cups of tea a year and my work colleagues believe it's likely to be much more than this. Tea for me equals a breather. It's funny our little routines, my tea o clock schedule in the week goes a little something like this: 6.30am, 9am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm and then 7pm. And often there's a cheeky cup or 2 snuck in inbetween. I'm actually quite alarmed as I type this!!

Anyway, as I was drinking my tea today, I spotted my rather sorry looking tea cosy - a vintage one I picked up in a charity shop a few years ago. I would love to get a Jan Constantine tea cosy but at £66.50 and being into craft, it would seem a real shame not to make my own. And so I share with you this great little piece from the Guardian on How to make a tea cosy. Guardian online is great for handmade projects and you can keep online clippings of your favourites. I'll make sure I post a picture of my finished tea cosy!

I like a good nose

2011-01-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I love looking round other people's houses. In particular creative people's homes. I find it fascinating seeing how other people live, other people's passions and comforts. Which is why I love the work of Todd Selby, a New York based photographer who takes photographs of very interesting people in their homes. Be them candid or incredibly contrived, they are an insight into that person and who they are. Here's some shots chez Monsieur Starck who, I will quite happily admit, is on my celebrity cheat sheet! I think it's the French accent.

Anyway, I digress. Getting back to nosing at other people's homes. Local to me photographer: Daniela Exley takes beautiful captures of interesting people's homes in Hastings and St Leonards and one of her recent visits was to the home of artists Peter Quinnell and Claire Fletcher. Owning many prints by Claire and having been taught by Peter, it's fascinating to look at their trinkets of inspiration and see their living arrangements are as pretty and sugar coated as Claire's illustrations.

I love eclectic interiors that represent their owners and tell a story. Once I finish getting my house together, maybe I'll treat you to a nose chez moi. x

My kinda heaven

2011-01-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

On my next visit to the big smoke I will most certainly be paying a visit to the V&As's new Reading Room. For you folks based in London, pay it a visit and tell me what you think! Ooh, and guess whose wallpaper features inside - (local to me) designer Deborah Bowness whose work I'm a big fan of.

Source: Remodelista

Danke Schoen

2011-01-25T14:33:00.001-08:00

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of my favourite films of all time. So much so that my official funeral song is going to be Wayne Newton's Danke Schoen. Anyway, I got emailed about this today via The Mid-Century Modernist : Cameron's House for sale. Love it.

Love:

2011-01-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Apothecary Shower Curtain by Izola.

Source: Remodelista

Deja-vu

2011-01-08T10:07:00.001-08:00

I haven't submitted an illo to Illustration Friday for an age but my blogpal over at Maldito Columpio inspired me to get to work. So here's a little something for this week's topic 'Deja-vu'. It's been my first week back at work after the festivities and my daily commute most definitely feels like deja vu. This one's dedicated to all you commuters who travel a little further to do a job you love.

2011-01-04T13:21:00.001-08:00

Piece of cake

2010-12-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

Knitted this birthday cake for my mum-in-law. It's taken me weeks but I finally finished it! I love doing something different for my loved ones birthdays and giving them something they'll always remember and cherish. If you fancy trying to make a knitted cake, I'd recommend Knitted Cakes by Susan Penny which is where I got the pattern from.

Line Up

2010-12-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

Loving these pouches by Pi'lo.

Just my type

2010-12-03T03:54:00.000-08:00

As I trundled along to the bakers in the snow I spotted this gorgeous sign. It was tucked away in a doorway next to the bakers on Mount Road, Hastings. I have no idea how old this is. I've tried to see when Hastings phone numbers were only 3 digits but haven't had any joy finding out. The telephone came into action late 1800s. I'm thinking this might be early 20th century? Anyway, Hastings is full of beautiful things like this so I'm going to try and build a Flickr collection of painted signs and ghost signs of Hastings. If you know of anywhere local I should be paying a visit, drop me a line! I only hope these signs will be here for many more years to come.

Baby it's cold outside

2010-12-02T03:48:00.000-08:00

With the snow a foot and a half deep outside, there's no other place to be than in front of a nice warm fire. Richie and Flower are getting all toasty in front of the fire, the fireplace of which we're strangely growing to love. We were going to have it removed but this 1930s relic adds character and we like a bit of different. What do you think - should it stay or should it go?

How cinemas should be

2010-12-02T03:30:00.001-08:00

Once you go to the Aubin & Wills cinema in Shoreditch, there's no going back. Never will you step foot into the likes of the Odeon ever again. Sofas to sink into, blankets to snuggle in, footrests to stretch out on, a bar to order your choice of beverage, wine coolers to keep your wine chilled. I know where I'm going for the next blockbuster.

These boots are made for walking

2010-11-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

In the winter I always get in the mood for knitting but I'm a very impatient knitter and pretty unadventurous too. Bored of not venturing beyond scarves, I attempted Heidi Neurauter's 'One Hour Baby Booties' pattern from Stitch and Bitch Nation and boy was the pattern easy to follow. If you're after a quick knitting fix, be sure to look this pattern up.

"The boos always come from the cheap seats."

2010-11-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

Listened to a fascinating interview last night on the radio with James Lee Burke, an American author and an absolute character. Anyway today, Radio 2 read out some of his wonderful words from his web chat with listeners after yesterday's show. After hearing this little piece of advice he gave to a young girl, I just had to share it with you all as it's truly inspiring.

"Thanks, Miss Sophie. Never give up. I believe that talent comes from a hand outside us and that it is given to us for a reason. Never let the naysayers get you down. Write one day at a time and write for one reason only, to make the world in some fashion a better place. Eventually every artist learns the following lesson: Take pride in rejection and excoriation. The boos always come from the cheap seats. You stay on that oldtime rock and roll and grin and walk the cannon smoke and let go of the world. It will drive your critics insane."

What a wonderful way with words.

Lightbulb moments

2010-11-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Every creative person should have one of these by their bedside.

The Tag-it designed by Ham & Cheese. Source: Design Milk

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner

2010-11-09T06:46:00.001-08:00

London home accessories always catch my eye. I have a growing collection of London gems to remind me of the city I grew up in and still miss to this day (as happy as I am on the south coast).

Loving the above: The London globe from John Lewis (other cities also available - see link) and this dear little lampshade by the inspiring Charlene Mullen.

Source: Living Etc, Dec 2010

Cardboard City

2010-11-07T11:33:00.000-08:00

I love it when designers do clever things with paper. Truly inspired by Daisy Lew's Pop-up NYC. At first glance, each spread represents an icon familiar with NYC. When viewed from another perspective you get a cityscape - genius.

Pen & Pringle Purchases

2010-11-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

I can often be found rummaging in junk shops - I love it. I love hunting for quirky finds that bring a touch of uniqueness and charm to a home. I'm slowly building up an eclectic mix of both old and new to create what I feel is a vibrant, happy and characterful home that's true of me and the hubster. As I clutter my home, I'll keep you posted on my finds. Here's a look at some of my latest indulgences:

I've always liked the idea of having a valet stand. I like leaving things lying about for a day or four - it's called living I tell the other half. I like the lived in look and in our Victorian house this valet stand will look lovely in the bedroom with a few of my usually strewn garments.

The globe I got as a present for the hubbie. Although it's not old, the vibrant colours look great on the shelf with my vintage bits. It's actually really nice to look at the globe and daydream about flying off to the other side of the world. I think every home should have one.

The Woolpack

2010-11-06T06:35:00.001-07:00

I've been saying how it's high time I picked up my knitting needles and what do you know, I get an email about a knitting pack whose packaging is so cool even hoodies might be tempted to knit. Ok maybe not quite.

They're on the pricey side starting at around £50 for a basic kit but the package design makes this set very tempting, plus it's not just any old wool and the wooden needles are very slick too. Check out their website to see their collection.

To paint or not to paint?

2010-10-29T12:54:00.001-07:00

It was like all my Christmases had come at once when I snapped up 4 ercol dining chairs in wonderful condition along with a 60s extendable dining table made by McIntosh the other day.

As they currently sit and gather dust whilst we do up the house, I'm wondering, do I paint the chairs and add some eclectic charm to our dining room? Or is painting a classic chair a serious crime? They do come up a treat when painted:

Oh!! What to do?!?!