Vintage Twee

Out of a lifelong dream to become an artist, Joanne Linder decided to set up Vintage Twee - a range of handcrafted, vintage-inspired table decor for tea parties and weddings. “My aim is to provide a unique and lovely dining experience,” explains Joanne. Her Alice in Wonderland themed 'Eat Me' party picks look oh-so-cute atop an iced cupcake, and Joanne suggests filling her tea pot favour boxes with Dolly Mixtures.

 

 

She also has a range of English afternoon tea recipe cards for scrumptious sandwiches, classic high tea, and cakes. The tea bag holders are another of Joanne’s sweet ideas! “Everything I make is hand-crafted and inspired by my British heritage and my love for tea and classic romance,” says Joanne.

And her adorable wedding favours range from her classic music sheet rose cones and 'pillow talk' favour boxes to these retro mini popcorn holders.

Now Joanne is busy working on a Halloween table range including gothic spell books with spooky party recipes. Joanne’s pieces are custom-made to order so she’s happy to accommodate specific requests. Visit her website to find a link to her Etsy shop: http://www.vintagetwee.com/

Summer: nailed

Now that the weather’s finally hotting up it’s time to embrace the new colour trends that say ‘summer 2010.’ These three delicious nail varnish shades are taking me through the season in style...

Minted by Revlon Ok so it’s not Chanel in Jade, but hey, at least you won’t have to go on a waiting list to get your mitts on a single, coveted bottle, or risk becoming the unsuspecting victim of handbag hurling in the aisles of Selfridges. This shade says cool, green seas, peppermint creams and pistachio gelato. It’s pure go-with-anything good fun and top of the fashion pops.

Beanie by No7. On paper it’s murky and pretty grungy, but in practice, it simply oozes sophistication. Silky praline and iced latte in a bottle – good enough to eat.

     

Totally Tropical by Revlon Bursting with the freshness of ripe papaya fruit and exotic hibiscus, this shade is a perfect partner to nude, feminine dresses and tops in airy silk. For maximum impact wear with a bold-print maxi dress.

Additional images: http://ladies-with-bottle.blogspot.com, www.myrecipes.com, www.rootsofhawaii.com

Simple curiosities

I recently discovered the illustrator Ros Shiers. Her subject matter varies from curious finds, to stories of her experiences and patterns inspired by the natural world. This Alice print (£39, ros-shiers.com) particularly caught my eye:

The charm is in the eye-strainingly intricate detail, which means every time you look at her work you see something new. The regular, linear arrangement of the items in the space, and the pure simplicity of black lines on white set off the quaint vintage-edge, giving a modern, minimalist feel. These monogrammed mugs (Anthropologie, £6 each) are equally covetable; black patterns on crisp white, yet dainty china.

And I couldn’t resist this lace cake stand (www.roostliving.com, £92), for the same reasons...The design plays with our expectations. It’s clean and simple, yet wonderfully wonky.

Finally I just had to show you these - Salt and pepper shakers with TV heads?! (www.roostliving.com, £38) Bizarre yet strangely elegant and a bit cheeky. I can just imagine them performing a secret dance across the dinner table when no-one’s looking...OK, maybe that’s just me!

Once upon a time...

...seven princesses lived in an enchanted palace. Their secrets and histories have been magically brought to life in the rooms of Kensington Palace’s State Apartments by theatre company WILDWORKS. Follow the clues as you explore the tales of the real princesses who the palace was once home to. The whisperings of servants long-gone will guide you through tales of love, hate, surprise, sadness and jealously, which have been depicted through theatre, art and film.

The room of Royal Sorrows is Queen Mary II’s bedchamber, Aminaka Wilmont has created a dress of tears, which hangs in this room symbolising, through the tradition of collecting tears, the sadness that neither she nor her sister Anne were able to have children.

 

Queen Victoria’s bedroom is where the young princess went to sleep one night and woke up as Queen. Designer William Tempest’s origami ‘Dress for dreaming of freedom’ plays on the trick of the eye effect as it merges into the background, and evokes the feelings of independence and power Victoria felt at the time.

In the Kings Drawing Room Echo Morgan’s cabinet of curiosities draws on the passions of Queen Mary III and Caroline of Ansbach to collect exotic objects. Every draw, door and compartment can be opened to reveal intriguing historical pieces. Equally fascinating is Echo's 'Dress of the world,’ made from paper and printed maps.

In the council chamber you’ll find the dresses of Princess Diana and Princess Margaret encased in glass, themed around the dancing - a passion shared by both.

The piece de resistance though can be found in the final room – the Queen’s Gallery, where silhouettes of princesses and their princes dance around the shadowy, ethereal ballroom.

The exhibition is on until January 2012 and there will be themed events and activities running throughout.

21 May, 18 June, 16 July and 20 August – see the Enchanted Palace by night (last entry 8pm)

3-6 June – create your own cabinet of curiosities (5-13 year olds)

3-4 July – The Big Dance workshops and free dance classes

Visit http://www.hrp.org.uk/

Caged beauty

Birdcages conjure up images of lavish Victorian lifestyles, when people kept exotic birds with colourful plumage in elaborately designed enclosures. It brings out a conflicting desire in us to both keep and protect the beautiful creatures entrapped within, and set them free. Perhaps it is this intrigue which explains the emerging trend for these pretty and delicate structures; from vintage trinkets to more modern designs in fashion and home ware, we’re seeing birdcages everywhere. Here’s my pick of the prettiest...

For you:

Necklace www.natashabailie.com, £25

Umbrella, http://www.luluguinness.com/ £28

Handbag, http://www.handbagsandgladrags.co.uk/ £403.59

For your home:

Mirrors, http://www.anangelatmytable.com/ £115

From a selection at www.lollipoppottery.com

Wall stickers, http://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/ from £35

The butterfly effect

Natural artist Nick Jeffrey is setting the art world all of a flutter. His signature pieces involve setting real butterflies in resin or a perspex casing. Some are backed with a mirror effect so they appear to be moving and the result - whether a stand-alone piece or integrated into a piece of furniture - is a beautiful and intriguing vision.

But before those green alarm bells go off, panic not. All of the butterflies Nick uses are sustainably sourced, and he goes to the ends of the earth to find them. Farmers worldwide are running butterfly breeding projects to help bolster populations which are threatened by disease and habitat destruction. White Nick uses a small portion of them in his work none are rare or endangered.

This gent has had his fingers in many an arty pie. From food and wine to advertising and photography. He started up as an artist around seven years ago but it’s only in the past couple of years that his work has really come to the fore with the likes of Tina Turner and Roger Federer buying pieces.

Nick is now taking part in the artists in residence scheme at the InterContinantal Park Lane where his pieces are displayed in the lobby as well as in some of the suites. If you happen to be staying – or just passing by – why not pop in and have a chat to Nick about his work.

And for his next project...? A life-sized resin sculpture of a silver-back gorilla with a single cluster of red butterflies at its heart. There’s a ‘save our rainforests’ message in there somewhere but personally I just can’t wait to see how he pulls this off. Watch this space...Move over Damien, Nick Jeffrey’s in town!

All images from http://www.grandyart.com/

Be my (anti) Valentine

Ok, so Valentine’s Day isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (mine included!) We can’t help but feel it’s just an excuse for commercialism to rear it’s ugly head as hearts and flowers invade high street window displays, couples are already arguing over their plans for the big day - rugby at the pub, or that romantic meal for two? (which will cost twice as much as it would on a ‘normal’ day!) - and all the while the ‘ching ching’ of gift shop tills hangs in the air like a bad case of tinnitus. If you’re sick of cringey cards, loveheart-shaped paraphernalia and floral offerings, I suggest breaking the mould by making a tongue-in cheek gesture with one of these quirky finds...and there’s not a heart or flower in sight.

1. No more fights over the washing up – even the most argumentative couple can be King and Queen of the kitchen with these his and hers (Rex and Regina) tea towels, £10 each, http://www.lushlampshades.co.uk/

2. Thinking or popping the question (er...or not)? Leave your options open with these ‘I do’ and ‘I don’t’ necklaces, £39 each, www.plumo.com

3. Say it with...a typewriter! Who needs soppy love notes when ‘You’re just my type’ says it all? Simple, succint and stylish, £2.70, http://www.nancyandbetty.com/

Have a happy Valentine’s weekend!

Unite and pamper

This week I went along to the 20th anniversary celebration of luxury spa brand Elemis. To mark the occasion it’s launched two new products. One of these is a special limited edition of an old favourite, the luxurious Nourishing Milk Bath, enriched with Japanese Camellia Oil and Oat Extract, presented in an Italian glass decanter.

Noella Gabrielle, Director of Product Development for Elemis explained that this is an award-winning product “combining science and nature in perfect harmony.” The other is a new 100ml pot of the best-selling Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.

Some tried out the products and treatments in the pop-up spa amid the fizzing and flowing of champagne and the clicking of Louboutins. But beneath the glamour lay a serious message to the evening. Elemis has collaborated with charity Mothers4Children, and will be donating £1 for every one of the new products sold. Just under a year ago Lisa B (model and mum of two) set up the charity, which aims to improve the lives of children around the world who lack care, support and love in their lives.

It’s also got the backing of a whole host of celeb mums including Trinny Woodall, Yasmin Le Bon, Anya Hindmarch and Natalie Massenet (founder of Net-a-Porter). And there were plenty more familiar faces showing their support on the night, from TV presenters Jenni Falconer, Konnie Huq and Sarah Cawood to actresses Angela Griffin (Waterloo Road and Holby City) and Susie Amy (of Footballers’ Wives’ Chardonnay). All in all it was a rather glittering evening...and the goodie bags weren’t to be sniffed at either! You can buy the Nourishing Milk Bath for £49, and the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for £99 from http://www.timetospa.co.uk/

Treasure hunting

When an early copy of Australian stylist Sibella Court’s book Etcetera landed on my desk the other day I delved in hungrily and was immediately absorbed. This haphazard scrapbook is a treasure trove of a worldly curios and earthy colour palettes, that would throw any minimalist into a frenzy.

Sibella’s signature style is a fusion of organic rustic finds with vintage shabby chic. She’s inspired by anything from a gnarled and sun-bleached piece or driftwood to a beautiful piece of ethic fabric. Rather like a curator of a museum Sibella collects and salvages her objects of desire, then mixes them up to create something that’s both beautiful and intriguing. She has an enviable knack which she encourages anyone to emulate in Etcetera.

Her shop The Society inc, (http://www.thesocietyinc.co.au/) is based in Sydney - sadly a bit far to pop in for a browse, but if you’d like to have a go at re-creating Sibella’s style rummaging around your attic or local flea markets is a great place to start. I also love this website: http://www.re-foundobjects.com/ which has all sorts of interesting vintage and recycled bits and pieces, like these old rolling pins, driftwood wreath and the rusty metal shapes.

Remember to follow Sibella’s rule of choosing only things that you love, and you’ll be halfway there. Etcetera is out on 10 April in the UK.

Mirror image

Amid the Christmas frivolities I managed to get out for a brisk winter walk in the countryside. With the sun low in the sky the ground shimmered with a frosty, icing-sugar coating, and frozen puddles gleamed like gilded silver. It was one of those moments that make you pause to take stock and really appreciate your surroundings. I took this photo of an icy puddle - I love the shape it creates with the different layers of frozenness, like contours on a map.

It also reminded me of a stunning mirror which I had spotted earlier. This Glass Italia Rokoko Mirror has the same organic appeal as the frozen puddle, yet it is reminiscent of a classic, symmetrical shape and constructed from modern, industrial materials. Unfortunately though, at just £2 shy of £800 it’s still one for the wish list...

www.macandmacinteriors.com

Iced gems

If you’re looking to add that home-baked touch to a special occasion, give an individual gift, or even treat yourself to a little delectable indulgence, Estella cupcakes will fit the bill deliciously. Natalie Seldon, the culinary creative behind Estella has spent over four years testing and creating recipes as part of the cookery team for the foodies’ favourite read, Sainsbury’s Magazine. With this experience behind her, Natalie has concocted a selection of fabulous cupcake flavours including Virtuous Vanilla, Lively Lemon and Cinnamon Cream, using organic eggs and cocoa, unrefined sugars and natural colours. Topped with the creamiest butter icing and a handmade decoration or a sprinkle of prettiness, you will have your very own bespoke piece of edible artistry...good enough to eat!

To order, contact Natalie by email, at: Natalie.Seldon@live.com or call her on: 07770 306832