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/