interactions of lace

All my tools have been put to bed for a little while as I am about to embark on a couple of months researching and planning the events of the next two years - well, I call it 'Research' which is the formal title of being sheer indulgent in pottering around, collecting, drawing, magazine flicking, re-visiting books like old friends, visually drowning in pinterest and generally doing as I please without being dictated to by an order book.

So it all starts here....a pretty collection of antique reclaimed lace that was delivered to me last week.  As I am unsure of whether to use it in my makings, pop on the shelves of The Linen Garden or keep it to look at every once in a while, it has been orderly pinned to my studio wall.  This little task has now lead to a rather charming 'interactive lace wallpaper'.  I can't be inspired or creative unless my surroundings is just that too....so down with the old and up with the new so to speak.  

As it is making me feel rather cheery - I thought I would share the studio wall with you too and I'll keep you informed of where my research takes me - feel free to add to your research boards too by 'pinteresting' any of the images too - I love uncertain journey routes - don't you?

 

 

the making table

www.thevintagedrawer.com

studio snippets

'remain inactive for extended periods'

We hit October faster than a speeding train and something happens to me.  I want to hibernate.  The colours of Autumn seem to nurture even more intense ‘home sweet home’ feelings. 

I ‘do’ cherish Spring and the warmer months. I am an early riser.  I take great satisfaction in gaining 2 extra hours from a morning by rising naturally at 5 before the rest of the house stirs.  That first pot of Lady Grey tastes far better than the 25 later in the day.  The early light is inspiring.  The stillness is cleansing and the slight north east breeze felt, while taking tea in the garden chair, is more refreshing than the splash of water on your face.

 

 

Hibernate = (of a person) remain inactive or indoors for an extended period.

Origin: Early 19th century (earlier (mid 17th century) as hibernation): from Latin hibernare, from hiberna 'winter quarters', from hibernus 'wintry'

I have become besotted with all that is ‘cosy’.  Excited by the return of ‘thicker’ layers (I tend to be layered up even in the Summer).  Annoyance initiated by over powering electric lights.  General contentment initiated by early dusk and the lighting of candles before 7pm.  Slow cooking and autumnal puddings.  Bed.  Eiderdowns. Wool blankets. Winceyette. Expensive ‘lie-about’ socks. ‘Early-nights!!’…….

So I leave you with my current pictorial addiction.  I would love to know what makes you smile through autumn…..

 images are linked to their origin

and you can follow my other pictorial loves over on Pinterest

...curling up under lamplight...

I find the start of a month exciting.  I tend not to wait until the first of January to document resolutions and make illustrative ‘what I want to achieve’ lists.  Every month as I step onto the first day I tidy my studio.  I really do not fit well with the structure of days and weeks being the same, I struggle with routine.  Apparently, I am told, it is because my birth sign is Aries (?)  

Each month I prefer my studio to look different from the last and by changing around furniture and re-arranging boards and shelves, painting the odd section of wall allows each month to re-invent itself visually.  So today is the first of October and I have done just that.  I have dragged, lifted, dusted, swept, organised and drawn lists, and it is the best therapy that money can’t buy.

So hello October. I am not too sure how we have arrived in this autumnal month so quickly, but I welcome with embracing arms the early drawing of curtains, the blankets on the arms of chairs, milkier drinks of an evening and curling up under lamp light.  The house feels smaller and cosier as the garden closes its gates for the chillier seasons and we hibernate in the blanket of central heating (I would like to romantically say open fires and a wood burner but there are no fireplaces in my semi detached).

I am also ready to stop by here more often than my work schedule has previously allowed.  So I hope you can join me here and there and we can enjoy the chillier seasons together. xxxxx