Happiness is blowing out candles on your 5th birthday cake.
x
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Hello!
Just popping to see how you are doing?
I've been sorting out my studio - gosh it was a total wreck. To much busying and not enough tidying.
Whilst clearing the decks I found a few prints which I had kept as they were slightly flawed during the printing process but still look ok to be framed.
So I though maybe I'd sell them reduced.
There are only a few... so grab them whilst you can.
Over in my shop - marked SECONDS SALE.
Have a lovely one!
xx
Friday, 28 September 2012
I've been thinking of holidays for next year. Need to start saving some pennies!
Since Rufus has started school and the realisation that I only have weekends and holidays with my kids, makes it all the more important to me to have great school holiday adventures.
Being in Bristol you can't help being seduced by the docks. There are many a canal boat moored along it's walls. Some are there permanently as house boats and others are sailed in under the Clifton Suspension Bridge or from the East via the canals.
My boys have always wondered what it must be like to sail away on one. So I've been thinking of going on a canal boat holiday. Both boys can swim, they would have to wear life jackets. But a short break around the Stratford on Avon canals might be wonderful.
When I was 12. My parents hired a canal boat for a week during the summer holidays. And we sailed the Thames. Starting in Oxford and on down to Reading. I remember helping with the locks, lounging on deck and watching the world go by. It was bliss - or maybe it was bliss for a 12 year old. Perhaps my mum would say otherwise!
I think it would be a great adventure for the boys. Travelling a slower pace of life and seeing the wildlife on the river bank.
What do you think?
Have you ever done a narrow boat holiday?
x
this is a sponsored post.
.
Yep - I most certainly am drawing again.
After what seem like months, I am working on a series of hand-drawn illustrations designed for Children's Rooms.
First up is Toadstool.
I have a love of Toadstools and all things Fungi. I love to walk into the woods in Autumn and smell it's deep earthy scent. I love to forage for edible mushrooms - although I am far too scared to cook them, in case I might drop dead!
I have an early childhood memory of gathering large red capped Fly Agaric Toadstools in the Ashridge Forest (close to my Nan's). I gathered them all up using my jumper as a bag and ran back to show my family. I must have been 8. Instead of being told they were poisonous, my Nana took them home with us and placed them all on her kitchen windowsill and decorated the house with them. And why not. They are beautiful.
I have a small pinterest board - just for Toadstools. You will probably see my inspiration there.
So what do you think?
Do you love Toadstools too?
Toadstool A3 Print is now available in my big cartel shop.
Also - I have changed the size of the Blossom Geo and Yew Geo. I think they look better as an A3.
x
Thursday, 27 September 2012
So we have recently started to have a fire on here most nights. Autumn has come around much quicker than I hoped.
Most days I feel completely under dressed. Not at all prepared for the colder weather. I am in desperate need of some new / old / vintage winter clothes. But from where?
I love to mix it up when it comes to my style. The dress above is one of my favourites. A vintage 80's dress from Germany, which I bought on etsy at a snip. When I think about it, my most favourite clothes are vintage. But I hate to rummage in a charity shop. Yes - I really do. Most of the clothes in there are from Primark anyway and I really don't like their clothes.
No, not a clothes snob. But I just don't agree with the clothes of a throw away nature. And how can they sell stuff so cheap? I do know, I just can't think about it. So yes, Primark - I don't go there.
So this leads me to where do I shop? I love Toast and I love Plumo, but they don't love my budget. I am looking for clothes mid/low budget which are ethical and seriously stylish. Eco fashion but without the hemp.
I've recently heard of my local vintage clothes shop is having a swaparoo.. a kind of swish. I think I should go. Have any of you every been swishing? Is it embarrassing when you try something on and it looks awful but the person who it belongs to is standing right there? What if everyone is a size 10? Now that would be embarrassing!!
Eco Fashion has certainly come on recently. People Tree Atumn/Winter range looks super cute. With Orla Keily designing part of it. Gorgeous stuff. Again outta my league.
So can we be stylish and ethical on a budget? There must be some bargains out there that really doesn't cost the Earth!
Tips please!
x
this is a sponsored post.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Oh my beautiful, happy, wild, life loving boy has turned 5 today.
As a mama, deep down I don't want this day. 5 is such a big year, everything changes. A year of letting go by me, just a little.
My baby has grown.
Rufus:
* Giggles uncontrollably and loves to be tickled.
* Is obsessed with Treefu Tom
* Always has to take a toy animal with him everywhere
* his best friends are Morgan and Henry
* Loves to eat
* Will skip everywhere
* Sleeps with his toy tiger - Tigey
* Loves to eat Blackberries
* Loves to cuddle his brother on the sofa
* Favourite phrase - 'That's really cool'
* Like's to dress up
* Doesn't like to go to sleep
* Always smiling and busy
Today we are having a quiet family celebration, and in a weeks time he is having his birthday party in the woods.. his good friends (and ours) will come together to have a wild rumpus. I cannot wait.
Happy Birthday my gorgeous boy. Ru - you rock my world.
x
Rufus
Rufus - Four
Rufus - Three
This weeks Nature in the home - belongs to Carolina Gomez.
Her whole home and studio is pretty special. As are her gorgeous designs. So very French..
I love the bleached beech wood of this console. The Cocon branch on the wall alongside The Cabin on the Hill plate. Everything is gentle and easy on the eye. Two small architectural leafy plants placed on the console is all it needs to lift this room - to make it feel lived in, rather than just a corridor or entry way. See the whole home tour here. And her beautiful shop here.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Hello!
Hope you are well. Life here is getting slowly better... slowly, slowly. I am overwhelmed by the love and incredible support you have all shown - thank you.
:)
This week's shop love belongs to Melanie Wickham. Mel is actually a good good friend of mine, she lives 100 yards down the road from me. Charlie and her daughter Edie are in the same class.. and even our allotments are neighbours! So I kinda know her.. you know?!
Not only is she a great friend, she is a talented lino printer too. Her latest work is incredible, I think her best yet. I am loving the natural drawing style of each print... my favourite has to be Bat. You must have a look at her shop, there are prints, teatowels, cards and tote bags too.
Mel is currently having a giveaway over on her blog. A chance to win one of four lino prints. Please hop over and take a look. Giveaway closes on 30th September.
x
Monday, 24 September 2012
Hello!
I am now open to sponsors for the month of October.
Really great packages available with competitive rates.
Would you like to promote your blog, independent shop or business, here? Littlegreenshed has a strong following now with average page views over 16,000 per month. Those 16,000 views can be looking at your site too.
Currently advertising with me are: a gorgeous studio/online shop, a photography e-course, a large clothing & interiors shop and an eye wear retailer.
Please have a look at my Sponsors Page up there on the top. It will give you all you need to know, such as costings and size of button.
I would love to have you here.. lets help each other.
x
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Friday, 21 September 2012
Hello!
Happy Friday lovely beautiful people.
Again thank you for your wonderful heart felt comments and emails. I do feel loved.
Life here is slowly coming back to good.
It will be a slow process, but we are strong and will overcome this eventually...
It just takes time.This weekend it is the Vernal Equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere.. which signifies the 1st day of Autumn. I am planning to bunker down at home.. and take life slowly. Pancakes for breakfast, a lego marathon, the log burner on. Listening to the radio and baking. This recipe above for Plum and Marscapone Pie I've been waiting to make. If you follow this link it will show you recipes of what we should be cooking and more importantly eating in September! YUM!
Hope you are all hugging loved ones tight this weekend... feed your self well.
x
Thursday, 20 September 2012
If you follow me on Instagram or my facebook page - you might have already seen a sneaky look at my two new A3 prints.
Flora - Each day I find a new favourite flower... tulips one day, hydrangeas the next... such is the beauty of nature.. you fall in love over and over again. An original photograph of summer blooms.
Dreams - I love to day dream. Lying under a big leafy tree, gazing up at the sky on a sunny day. An original photograph of an Indian Bean tree.
Both are now available in my Shop. - take a look in the NEW section, you will find lots of things I've been recently working on.
x
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Hello!
Firstly thank you so much for your kind, supportive and loving comments. Each one actually made me sob a little.. it is so comforting to know you guys are there for me to reach out to if I need it. Life has certainly changed here and I am unsure when and if ever things will be like how it used to be. Taking each day step by step is the key. I am so happy in the knowledge that when I reached out you all held my hand. Thank you! * breathe *
Any way - life must go on. And it's Wednesday so it's my weekly Nature in the home series. I discovered these quite beautiful hanging test tube vases over on Etsy. Perfect for simple stem blooms or branches of blossom. Hang them from a picture hook amongst your display of artworks for an interesting gallery display. Yes - as it's almost Autumn, a branch of bright red berries might look fabulous.
x
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Hello!
This Tuesday's Etsy shop love belongs to my friend Andrea's shop - Rhubarb & Apples.
Andrea has a beautiful blog - Little Buckles. Making me ever so jealous of her idyllic life in France with her cute family.
Andrea and I have been blog friends for some time now... you might remember she guest posted for me back in May whilst I was on holiday. She has such a great eye for finding beautiful children's clothes and vintage French home wares.
Recently Andrea has been making these gorgeous apple cushions. Using vintage sweaters each one is unique. I love this black and white one with a flash of bright green - right up my street!
Pop over and say hi to Andrea..
x
Monday, 17 September 2012
This past week has been a true test for us as a family. I cannot see an end to the troubles yet.. I wish I could say more about what is happening, but I can't. I feel scared, worried, and sad. I am trying with every part of my being to maintain 'normal' at home. It is hard. But to see my son's rolling carefree, giggling down the hill. without knowledge of the problems that we as parents are facing... it makes me feel good to know they are unaffected by this. I just hope I have the strength... I HAVE to have the strength.
Sorry for the glumness of this post. But this blog is my diary, and I have to be true to that.
x
Open publication - Free publishing
I am sure you have all seen this beautiful magazine by lovely Jeanette Lunde of By Fryd.
This particular issue is beautiful!
Summer memories.
Gorgeous photographs, interiors and craft ideas.
I love it.
x
I am sure you have all seen this beautiful magazine by lovely Jeanette Lunde of By Fryd.
This particular issue is beautiful!
Summer memories.
Gorgeous photographs, interiors and craft ideas.
I love it.
x
Saturday, 15 September 2012
After the week we have had, the best medicine for poorly people is fresh air - doing little and nothing.
One of our favourite family places to play is our local National Trust property Tyntesfield. A place we can relax, know the lie of the land, every hill, tree and blade of grass. Perfect for chilling, tree climbing, rolling down hills and general silliness.
We collected fir cones for future Christmas decorations, found the perfect spot for rolling, and played hoopla in the garden.
It felt good to laugh.
x
Friday, 14 September 2012
Hello!!!
It's once again Friday... it comes around quick doesn't it?
We've been full of sickness this past week. Not me (thankfully). Rufus woke on Sunday night, standing by my bed. He said he didn't feel well. Next minute I am dodging a full case of tummy upset (all over my bed!). Erghh... so he missed the first 2 days of reception.
Charlie has been off school yesterday and today with stomach cramps - I think his body is fighting the bug, as no sign of the sickness as yet. But if a 6 year old boy puts himself back to bed for a couple of hours mid afternoon, then something is not right.
Dan - well Dan is off sick too. Last night my poor love spent most of it in the bathroom.
*sigh*
It will pass.
In the meantime.. I have my family home and around me. I am playing nurse and we are watching lots of movies and playing lego.
I am hoping for some respite tomorrow... Saturday's are the day for fun, shopping and adventure!
Speaking of shopping... I just love this image of the general store. I would love to have a little shop of my own (I know I have my online shop), but a little shop with a bell that goes DING every time some one comes in. I would sell little potted succulent plants, bees wax candles, rolls of linen napkins, pretty postcards, stationery, cosy hand knitted socks, ... ah yes a girl can dream.
So... enough about dreaming and poorly beloveds... what you are up to on your Saturday?
If any of you are off to Renegade Craft Fair - enjoy (wishing I was with you!)
Fun?
x
►▲◄
In other news.... My pal Kerry is having a solo exhibition at the Lomography Store in Soho - launching this evening. There is a little party there tonight 6 - 9pm. Her show run's until 28th October. So please pop in and see her beautiful work! Alas I cannot be there... but please give her a squeeze from me. x
x
Thursday, 13 September 2012
So that day came.
He was oh so excited and I couldn't help get caught up in his energy.
He skipped to school, madly waving at friends and announcing the world he was wearing his uniform.
He ran inside without a backward glance, playing duplo and cars with friends.
I stood that waiting for a hug or some kind of ceremonious handing over of my baby... but there was none. So out I shuffled. Luckily Dan was with me for moral support. (only a few tears were shed at home).
At pickup he loudly shouted - 'Oh no!' 'I don't want to go home!' - great! Other parents found this hilarious... what does that say about me?
Rufus then showed me the climbing frame and proceeded to show off doing stunts and hang like a sloth!
So that was that... he cannot wait to get back there again today...
My baby has grown.
x
Since being pregnant and having children I made the decision to use a greener way of cleaning my home. (yes I am going to talk about cleaning.. bare with me!).
I normally use a vinegar and lemon juice for just about everything, except for the loo, washing up and the laundry. It does the job and smells good too. I also know that there are no harmful chemicals and toxins that could potentially harm me, my kids or the environment.
Keep it clean and keeping it green, eh?
So when it comes to the dishes and clothes I use Ecover. And recently I have bought Ecover Zero. Ecover Zero is from the makers of Ecover. But with a difference.
Here's what the manufacturers say:
ZERO is Ecover’s new fragrance-free range, specially crafted to give great washing results while being suitable for sensitive skin.
ZERO - our first ever range to be awarded with the stamp of approval from Allergy UK - consists of Laundry Liquid, Washing Powder, Fabric Conditioner and Washing Up Liquid. We chose to focus on these core products as these tend to be the key culprits for irritating skin and causing allergic reactions. Like all of our products, Ecover ZERO is also made in our ecological factories using only gentle plant-based and mineral ingredients and with no nasties like optical brighteners or phosphates.
Ecover ZERO has been made especially for people with sensitive skin and has been approved by Allergy UK, and we’re finding that many different types of people are interested in the range, such as eczema sufferers, mums with babies and young kids who don’t like the idea of using unnecessary cleaning ingredients, parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders who have sensitivities, people with allergies to commonly-used fragrances, and people who simply don’t want their clothes to smell of a laundry product.
Rufus has eczema. And whilst we know it's an allergy to milk that brings it on, I try to use products that are close to his skin to be as pure and natural as possible. So Ecover Zero is pretty perfect for us.
So if you are thinking of changing or have someone you love who has sensitive skin.. give Ecover Zero a go. You can buy it from here.
x
This is a sponsored post.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
This room is the work of stylist Rosie Brown. She uses plants and flowers in most of her shoots. I love this room as it has made use of the space above a door. I often think in a house small as mine, that that area is good storage space. Although we have a lot of door slamming going on round here that the vase might not stand a chance. This little room area is just beautiful. The single stem on the table, the red coral postcard, and the blooms in the window. Simple and stylish. Rosie not only is a talented stylist but runs a cute shop too called Papa Stour. Perfect!
x
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
This weeks Etsy shop love belongs to - Karolin Schnoor.
Karolin Schnoor is a German freelance illustrator and designer based in London.
Her website and Etsy shop say little about her, but all I know is I like what I see!
Folksy / Scandi graphic illustrations in a monotone colour pallet.
Gorgeous aren't they?
I am coming round to monotone... I used to be all about the brights. But just lately I am loving simple clean lines that do all the talking. I think this lady and this lady have a lot to do with it. Just follow their Instagram feeds and you will understand!
What do you think? Are you loving it too?
x
Sunday, 9 September 2012
You might have noticed in my shop or seen a sneaky peek on Facebook - my new A4 prints, called the Botanic Geo Series. They are from the top: Nettle, Creeping Thistle and Rough Hawksbit. All British wild flowers or as gardeners would call them - WEEDS!
I chose weeds as my topic because they are just as beautiful as flowers but most of the time get ignored or composted!
They are all now available to buy in my shop....
I do hope you like them.
x
Friday, 7 September 2012
Feeling like this does make me question why I send them to school? I would love to have the opportunity for a year out. A year of un-schooling, a huge family adventure. Rent our home out here and rent a house somewhere in the south of France for year. Have an orchard, some chickens... free range eggs and free range kids... a BIG dream.
*sigh* - I have actually been looking at houses on the internet. I am serious!! (although I haven't worked out what we would do for money yet).
Anyway... enough dreaming. This weekend we are seeing two of our lovely friends tie the knot. It shall be a beautiful ceremony and so good to see faces again.
What are your plans? Enjoying some sunshine I hope?
Whatever you are doing... have the biggest fun.
x
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Hello!
Just a quick post to thank you all for your lovely comments of support on the boys starting back at school. I am feeling a little better today. I still have Monday when Ru starts to come... ah well.
In other news my Geo postcards are finally back in stock over on my Etsy shop. Thanks for those of you who are patiently waiting for your orders. They will on their way to you tomorrow.
Hope you are enjoying this glorious sunny weather!
x
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Oh where has the time gone? Year2?!!
Charlie you are such a handsome big boy. I know you are going to do so well this year. Last year of Infants.
I've had such big empty hole in my stomach all day. It was tough a drop off. I felt choked. I have missed him so much!
Gawd knows how I am going to cope next week when Rufus joins him!
GULP!
Big mummy tears, I tell you!
x
Big mummy tears, I tell you!
x
I love this kitchen.
Just the right hint of vintage, with soft subtle hues. It's so pretty.
That large plant on the window sill wouldn't stand a chance in my home. Rufus would have it knocked off in an instant.. flailing his arms doing kitchen dancing!
And the little plant up on the shelf just lifts the eye up to the quote on the wall. I wish I knew what it says..(sigh).
If anyone can translate? Please?
x
Unfortunately I cannot find the original source of this image - if you know please tell me so I can credit it.
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Today's Etsy Shop love is Butterscotch & Beestings.
A shop full of circus wonders.
The brainchild behind the shop is the incredibly talented Camilla Westergaard.
Her shop Bio:
My name is Camilla. I've always loved children's books and illustrations, and now I have a little shop called Butterscotch & Beesting where I sell my own stories and illustrations. Butterscotch & Beesting follows the adventures of two of my characters, Miss Betty Butterscotch and Mr Bumblewick Beesting, who are best friends and run an ever-so magical circus. The circus is also home to several troupes of unusual yet remarkably gifted animals, as well as the quite bizarre creatures of the Magical Menagerie.
Everything I make is part of the Butterscotch & Beesting adventure, so the candy bags all have stories on the back that tell you a little bit more about the circus, and the prints and fabrics feature creatures and characters from the circus. All the drawings are by me too.
I love it all. If you are in love with circus like I am, then you are going to fall in love with Camilla's creations. I am thinking wouldn't it be a great kids birthday party, all things circus?
Do hop over and say hi to her blog too...
x
Sunday, 2 September 2012
Thank you everyone for such positive support of my new shop and postcards. I am overwhelmed by it. I have been asked by many of you if I could turn a couple of the most popular cards into A4 Prints.
Ta Dah! Your wish is my command!
A4 print of Blossom Geo & Yew Geo.
There is still chance to use that lovely code too - THANKS15 at the checkout - pop over to the shop to see. Offer is on until tomorrow.
Hope you've had a wonderful weekend...I am off to pick Charlie up from a birthday party.. (think over excited 6 year old full of sugar! - eek!).
x
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