Monthly Wish List - November

Considering the truly gloomy weather we've had this week, there's no better time for a wish list full of lovely things!

Starting with this absolutely beautiful painting by Dorothy Cooper - a close friend of one of my favourite artists, Edward Bawden. She trained as an art teacher in the 1930s, and also produced illustrations for publications such as Vogue. I think this watercolour is absolutely beautiful, and if only I could have afforded it, I never would have grown tired of looking at it! The shape and textures are just so delicate, all my favourite plants to use in arrangements too! I really must do some research on Dorothy's work, this particular painting sold for £225 on Ebay HERE

Another one of her works (from the same seller) this time a 1950s print 'The Garden Urn' sold for £304 - linocuts are certainly popular at the moment! The colours are subtle, and I love the floral detail on the urn, I really have to try this technique out for myself!

The next find is so special, it breaks my heart that I couldn't afford it! I adore sunflowers as they have a very special personal meaning to me, so needless to say, this SHOULD have been mine. There's nothing more said about it than it's an original Arts and Crafts example of stained glass, but to be honest that's all I need to know to fall in love. It's just so happy and vibrant, how could you not smile when you see it? One day, I will commission my own sunflower stained glass panel. It shall be mine.

Continuing the botanical theme, how about something for your indoor flower friends? This 1950s studio pottery 'Cactus Can' is certainly an oddity! It was made in Germany, and I can't say I've ever seen one before. It's incorporates all the best things about Mid Century design - simple clean lines, elegant shape, yet still that little bit futuristic! I don't even like cactus, but I would get a dozen if it meant I could use this often!

I enjoyed a brilliant trip to Brighton to see my best friend Claire, and we certainly hit the shops hard! I adore wandering through the flea markets and antique centres, there's still bargains to find despite everything being so damn trendy! In one particular flea market I found this brilliant condition Victorian scrap-covered screen. I have collected a few Victorian scraps myself, I just love how strange and surreal they can sometimes be! I am never a fan of cutesy cherubs or babies BUT just look at the little birds around the centre of the screen! They are the stars here, the Jay is my favourite.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time I stopped shopping for myself and turned my efforts elsewhere! As I did last year, all my presents will be either handmade or vintage - it's much more enjoyable that way.

Thanks for reading!

Katie