Trip to the Country Living Spring Fair '14

Images by Country Living Magazine

This week I took a trip to the Country Living Spring Fair to get some ideas for the home and garden, and of course, to spend my Birthday money - yippee! I have been looking forward to the trip for ages, in all honesty, ever since the Christmas Fair! The atmosphere at the fair was less pressured than before, and as we went on Wednesday (the first day) it wasn't too packed which gave you a chance to properly chat to the stallholders and ask about the products. There was a good range of stalls ranging from gardening (behold the gardening section of the fair below!) homes, vintage goods and even fashion. Hilariously, according to the website: Average visitors to the fair are 95% female (well, that was blindingly obvious, apart from the handful of husbands there to carry the bags!) are 49 years old, twice as likely to have household income of over £50k and have a high second home ownership. Well, I'm a part-time working 25 year old with a shepherds hut, but I felt quite content with what was on offer I can assure you! (Although I did notice the age gap...and the fact I wasn't wearing a pashmina!) 

The first stall we admired was Jonart Design's Wind Spinners that moved in multiple directions all at once and came in some very striking graphic shapes. My friend Anni was considering buying this model, which in a generous garden would look absolutely stunning - They are on my wish list too!

These prints by Emma Hardicker were my favourite artworks at the fair. She has a studio at the Custard Factory in Birmingham, where she creates these beautiful silkscreens on handmade paper. I adored this new Blue Hydrangea design, and I will be contacting Emma to purchase one soon, once I've saved up especially! Her choice of colours are so special, fresh and cheerful but with plenty of influence from 20s/30s design. Emma's work has been stocked in Liberty's and you can see why, their iconic prints immediately sprung to mind when I spotted these! Really beautiful work, do check out her website for more. In her own words,

"My work is heavily inspired by nature and botanicals from walks around the Midlands and sketching in the garden. However, I also love living in the city and therefore the harder urban surroundings also feature in my designs. I design limited edition prints, commissioned paintings, greeting cards and a fabric range; all proudly produced in the UK. I have created a distinctive style that runs through all my printed work, giving it a timeless quality and design that works with both modern and classic interiors."

These amazing, wild and loveable creatures are from Furniture Farm and are actually footstools! They come in either sheep, highland cow or bull designs, all made from the finest natural materials and in a variety of wood frames. Anni's choice was made from British Oak and quite an usual rare breed sheepskin. In Ali's own words: "Our animals are often bought as presents for farmers, vets, other animal admirers and those who would like a trouble free pet (ie completely housetrained – No vets bills – No fuss diet). They become part of the family." There was no way Ani could carry this chap home, so he will be arriving in a nice box (with air holes of course!) very soon! One of those thing you never realise you wanted...until you see them!

Just a few more brands I wanted to mention, but was too busy shopping to photograph include Glover and Smith who make beautiful pewter jewellery and home ware with some gorgeous designs inspired by nature. My Mum received one of their Oak necklaces for Christmas and was thrilled, so I went for the little wren necklace and sugar spoon, I am a sucker for anything with a birdy on! They are beautiful quality and very reasonable, considering the detail of them.

Glover and Smith

I felt awful abandoning Mollie for the day (even though she had a lovely time with our friend across the road with lots of treats and walks!) so I stopped by Hugo&Hennie's stall to pick up a few treats for her. They have some beautiful dog beds and dog blankets that looked so cosy and snuggly, all made in England, and Liberty print collars and leads - I know I know...but it's fun! The gentleman on the stall was so friendly and helpful, Mollie really loved the lamb treats, and I need to invest in a proper sturdy bed for her now.

Hugo&Hennie

I commissioned a print of a Shepherds Hut from Penny Lindop after seeing and loving her work at the Christmas Fair. Her prints and gifts are wonderful animal themes, from farmyard to safari and all made with fluffy fleece detailing, a perfect gift for any animal lover! We particularly loved the Alpaca and Guinea Pig prints, just so cheery! It was this print which inspired my Over-Heard at Country Living Quote of the Day: 

"Ah yes, you had Guinea Fowls once, didn't you Jilly??" - It's not everyday you hear such a sentence!

Finally, the wonderful Plum & Ashby who make my ideal kind of home and kitchen ware. It's classic British utilitarian in styling, with timeless good quality. Oh, and it has lots of lovely dogs on too - the first thing I spotted when their stall was on the horizon! I highly recommend taking a look at their website, their whole branding is so strong, it's hard to resist a purchase! Also head over to their exquisitely curated Pinterest page!

Plum & Ashby

I really enjoyed the pop up market as well, where new makers and creators could apply to win a free pitch on the Wednesday. In many ways, this room was my favourite part of the fair. It just seemed more honest and with a more of a 'buzzy' atmosphere, I sometimes felt the more commercial fashion/beauty stalls bring down the atmosphere at fairs that should be celebrating more artisan products, but I understand exhibiting costs make this difficult for smaller companies. All in all, I really enjoyed my day at the fair and came away with some very special artworks and fun purchases, good old Country Living! Thanks for reading,

Katie

Monthly Wish List - January

I always dread January, knowing what dark dank days lie before us before the first signs of Spring brighten our spirits - so with that in mind, lets go shopping! Even if it is still a bit early to be sowing this years crops, it's never too early to plan, I'm probably lagging well behind compared to many determined gardeners! This Gardeners Seed Set from Goodbye1979 looks the part - wonderfully rustic and not afraid of getting grubby! The garden markers are made from FSC certified pine with 2 coats of antique oak wood stain, sealed with a natural mineral oil&organic beeswax mixture - they will be a great feature in a carefully planned kitchen garden!

Continuing this years garden Wish List are these gorgeous gardeners aprons from Pinks And Greens who I found on Etsy, their product photography is wonderful too! They use vintage buttons and these even come with a spool of twine included, bonus! Better get saving! They also make brilliant dungarees which I would be very happy pottering in, all those handy pockets - be proud to buy British!

I have been lusting after this book ever since I heard a rumour about it last year, I am expecting great things.
The author, Caroline Zoob, is a textile artist who has lived at Monks House for over a decade as a tenant of the National Trust, caring for the house and garden. She explains how the garden developed over the years Virginia and Leonard lived there. They were both very interested in their garden; Virginia was keen to have one as attractive as her sisters at Charleston House, and Leonard soon became quite the expert on fruit and vegetables. Virginia worked in a writing room in the garden, a wooden lodge in the corner of the orchard, and she and Leonard also had a ground floor bedroom built for Virginia, as she found it a wonderfully light and inspiring room with its garden views. In a letter to her friend Ethel Smythe, Virginia wrote "I sleep and dress in full view of the garden." She also added one day she noticed the gardener looking in at her - I say! I can't wait to be absorbed into this book.

Virginia Woolf's Garden by Caroline Zoob

I'm including this Leuchtturm1917 Five Year Memory Book because it could be the only way to encourage me to write a diary, I've never made it past the first few months before resigning to only putting in my work hours and hair appointments - not exactly a riveting read! I own Leuchtturm notebooks already, and I can confirm they are fantastic quality, firmly bound and the paper can cope with heavier ink - unlike Moleskin since they changed their production line! 'Memory Book' seems a much more approachable project to me, something special to look back on.

This beautiful Mountains bowl by TimGeeCeramic is made from translucent porcelain with the interior finished in a delicate blue glaze. "Mountains; this surface is based on the image of mist gathering in the valleys." Honestly, It's one of the most unusual pieces of ceramic I have seen in a long while, the scene very dreamlike and tranquil, I don't see how you'd ever tire of gazing over those mountain tops!

I'm currently burning this Kew Gardens Orange Blossom Candle that my Grandad bought me for Christmas, it's absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend for a more uplifting scent than just all the cinnamon and spices of winter fragrances.

Hope January hasn't been too much of a drag, we're nearly out of the woods now! Payday and hopefully brighter days lie tantalisingly close! 

Thanks for reading,

Katie

Monthly Wish List - October

I agree whole heartedly.

October has flown by so far and as yet, not a scrap of knitwear has been worn around here, it's still far too mild and a part of me is definitely disappointed! I have also (so far) avoided Pumpkin Spice flavoured anything (but have been baking some tasty orchard-fruit cakes!),  and have yet to go into the attic to retrieve the box marked 'HALLOWEEN!!' so I think I have practised some control...enough control that I can delve into this months wish list guilt free! As I am almost finished decorating my new bedroom now, I have been immersed in nothing but interior goodies this month, you have been pre-warned!

When the autumn nights start drawing in, I instantly reach for the candles and hurricane lanterns to put a soft glow of homely cosiness back into things...however I think I may have found this beautiful alternative! Amy Cooper's beautiful porcelain lamps come in a variety of sizes and designs, but 'Coral' really stuck in my mind, i think it's the varying tones of light and the little nibbles around the top. This would never fail to look warm and welcoming, makes a real change from a pillar candle alternative too, and all made in England of course! In her own words:

"Organic atmospheric porcelain lighting. Inspired by the world under the sea and the world under the microscope. This lamp is slipcast and pierced when soft before being high fired and diamond polished."

Do pop over to her Etsy shop to see further examples of her work!

Coral porcelain lamp by Amy Cooper Ceramics

I have been eying this 'Girls that axe' print by Jonathan Ashworth for quite some time now, it's currently being sold on St Judes Prints website, where I could spend literally every penny I own on beautiful prints and wallpaper...I wouldn't regret it too much! I love the textures at work here, it never fails to make me want to get outside pronto!

'Jonathan's prints aim to meld the age-old sensibilities of the natural world with contemporary concerns of city life; they show the ambition of individual lives, the context of social divide as well as ‘windows’ into the pastoral and rural world, as a reminder of natural growing rhythms and cycles which are part of us and on which we depend. His imagery shows the need for urban development to respond to the needs and wellbeing of diverse ecosystems – from nightingales, ash groves and foxes, to teenagers, lovers and our respected elders.'

It wouldn't be my autumn home without an abundance of flickering candles, however these are both styles I've been wishing after this year. I found these on notonthehighstreet.com which I haven't actually bought from before as I've been purely Etsy, but I was pleasantly surprised with what I found! What i like best about both these lanterns is you can include other decorations such as foliage/berries/pinecones around the candles - I am a mad collector of such things this time of year! The wooden bases on the first two are beautiful, but they also up the price! Never mind, that's what a 'Wish List' is for!

Cove hurricane lamp by Rowen&Wren

Mini glass cube candelabra by Rowen&Wren

I stumbled across these beautiful brooches by Jo Lucksted just by chance on Etsy, and immediately fell in love - my two best things are birds and trees. Therefore.....MINE! :) I think they are utterly beautiful pieces, very different, but I also love her luggage tag labels, brilliant how they include the image that inspired the painting! She has other lovely jewellery and gifts in her Etsy shop, I suggest you take a look for special Christmas presents!! In her own words:

'Each one of my porcelain brooches has been hand cut, cleaned up then left to dry. Once they have been bisque fired I hand paint every one with a silhouette of the skyline outside my Somerset house. I add little birds flying in the sky. I then paint the surface with transparent glaze to protect the surface and make it nice and glossy. Once taken to stoneware temperatures I securely glue a brooch back to the reverse. The brooch is pinned to a specially made tag onto which I have printed a photograph of the skyline which was the original inspiration for the decoration.'

Bird and Hare brooches by Jo Lucksted

This is a bit of a cheeky mention because I am lucky enough to have Catherine Tough's wonderful knitwear stocked where I work, so I have had plenty of time to choose which design I like best - foxes won! Always love a Fox! These will look so jolly with wellingtons, really cheer up dog walking duty when It's depths of British Winter! They are gorgeous soft lambswool, not itchy in the slightest, and I also highly recommend her other ranges of gloves, cushions and knitted animals, all high quality and adorable!

Fox lambswool socks by Catherine Tough

And finally something I have actually bought...probably shouldn't have....but I had 20% off so what was I supposed to do?? Just leave it there?? ;) I do love Seasalt, I've never purchased any of the printed items, but their plain daily staples are fantastic. A good parka is always on my list, and I've had to accept the one I've been wearing for 3 years needs to go in the recycle bin...hence why I replaced it so quick! This is actually called a 'Plant Hunters Coat', and is fully waterproof and breathable but also, not as bulky as most parkas can be. I will be appreciating that warm fleecy lining very soon I'm sure!

Seasalt Plant Hunter coat in Treefern

And to finish with, just a couple of pumpkin inspirations - it would be rude not to! Hope you're enjoying the weekend, thanks for reading! Katie

The Buzzzzz about Beefayre Products

I love bees. Short and simple. Ever since I was little, I've been facinated by their antics in the garden, nothing makes me happier then a chubby, fluffy bumble weaving amongst the flowers, their happy hum providing the perfect summer soundtrack. Could you even imagine a world without them?
Sadly, if recent studies are correct, that could be the apocalyptic outcome of our modern world of chemicals, bulldozers and concrete. We all know about the plight of the bees, but I think we also all know not enough is being done. Personally, I have spent the last month digging/sowing/planting bee friendly patches of flowers all around my garden, after deciding we weren't pulling our weight in this fight.

Needless to say, when I find a new product which is fighting the bees cause, I can't wait to be involved! I was browsing my favourite shop in Tunbridge Wells at the weekend, Gardener & Cook -which always has some lovely things I want to take back on the train with me! But this week, I spotted their selection of beefayre on the shelf, and was immediately taken by the gorgeous packaging - stunning botanical and bee illustrations on every one.

In their own words: "Our aim is to promote health and happiness with our products while also informing a wider public about the plight of the honeybee...

beefayre donates 3% of its profits to bee conservation and research, and aims to encourage a deeper understanding of our connectedness with bees and their plight.

Our Beethos

• Protect our bees & their habitats - without them our very existence is threatened. 
• Consume with care - create quality products that do not cost the earth - literally!  
• Champion biodiversity - to encourage a diverse habitat for bees and other pollinators.
• Sustainability top to bottom  - to ensure ingredients are sustainably sourced and to keep packaging low impact.
• Rediscover ancient wisdom – to learn about bees and the healing products from nature’s own larder.
• Think interconnectedness   –  the health of our bees is a barometer of the health of our planet."

It was impossible to choose between such delicious fragrances all themed around bees favourite flowers, such as Bluebell and Wood Anemone, Buddlia and Linden Blossom. Eventually, I decided on the Honeysuckle fragrance which just reminds me of walking through my garden in summer. All the candles are hand poured natural plant wax, with added beeswax. The glass of the holder is every bit as decorative as the box - who wouldn't want to receive one of these as a present!?
I also picked up a 'waggledance' rose petal organic soap, because I was so surprised to actually LIKE a rose scented product, usually they are too sweet and powdery, but this one is perfect.

Beefayre are an absolutely steller company who should be highly in demand for their beautiful quality products and excellent beethos! Please visit their website to see their huge selection, from honey to lip balm, diffusers, body lotions and cards. Personally, I'm just going to collect the whole set.

www.beefayre.com

ALSO, this is the book I have been using as inspiration, highly recommend it!

'The Wildlife Gardener: Creating a Haven for Birds, Bees and Butterflies' By Kate Bradbury

Monthly Wish List - April/May

I'm afraid to say I slacked off last month and didn't provide my usual monthly wish it, no excuses, as I was certainly up to my usual shopping tricks! My garden has been taking up ALL of my time, thoughts and efforts, I will endeavour to update the blog on that news soon!

In the meantime here is a bumper April/May post, I am veering away from my usual Ebay trawl, and instead we're going to stick at my Etsy finds, I'm so pleased at the increase of UK sellers there over the last year!

The flying bird wall motif is one of the most recognisable in (all be it, retro) British design, and I must admit I've never been a huge fan...until I saw this gorgeous contemporary set by Anna Wiscombe, who I spotted at a craft market on South Bank just before Christmas, but couldn't justify buying presents for myself! Visit her shop for a wide range of lovely handcrafted birds, from brooches and magnets to these wall motifs, it's tricky to choose a favourite!

Next up, are these rather charming 'Random Notes Of Appreciation' from Bread and Jim who produce all manner of hand printed goods, all of which are super gifts, IF you can bear to give them away! They describe these notes:

"Imagine you're having the worst day ever, your boss has shouted at you for no apparent reason, you look like you've been dragged through the hedge backwards and to top it all, its been raining for the best part of a year. Wouldn't it be nice to find that someone has slipped a tiny note of appreciation into your bag whilst you weren't looking. Surely that would bring a smile to your face and that's what these notes are intended to do."

They are perfect for putting a smile on someones face!

These hand rolled beeswax candles from Utopia Home and Garden just look so tactile, and the packaging is equally as pleasing to the eye! Best of all, they are 100% Natural Pure British beeswax, paraffin and soy free. Visit their shop for a selection of vintage style hand painted signs and rustic home wares  all handcrafted in North Berwick Scotland.

It's not often I can resist tea paraphernalia, and this handmade Bird House Tea Cosy by Ellsey Bellsey would be a wonderful addition to my collection, it's one of the most individual patterns I've seen in a long time, makes such a refreshing change from endless chintz and florals!

I think this tote bag by Helen Naylor at Pocket Wren speaks for itself! I will be treating myself to this ASAP, I love the jaunty wellingtons, and the fonts are perfect for the theme, really nice design!

This chirpy gardening apron by Apseed Crafts deserves a mention, as I have had Ira's items on my favourites ever since I joined Etsy, but it is the only non-uk seller on this wish list! These aprons are every bit as jolly as they are practical, and have lots of handy pockets which makes them suitable for a range of craft and household activities, not just pottering in the garden! She always chooses perfect colours, keep an eye on her shop for new designs! 

And finally, some inspiration for the up-coming bank holiday! This Union Jack Deckchair  from Bye Brytshi is the most perfect strawberries and cream hues, and I usually don't touch pink with a bargepole! You could sit and enjoy a glass of Pimms on the lawn in full Blighty style, knotted handkerchief headgear optional! They have a good variety of deck chairs in all types of finish, take a look!

I hope that was a good collection of Etsy inspiration, if you've yet to experience it, try searching through the UK sellers first, there's some fantastic sellers on there now who need our support!

Thanks for reading!

Katie