Secret Garden

picture from Graphics Fairy

Vignette is a word that Bloggers seem to like, to describe a little still-life area in a room or on  a table. I rather like the word myself so I looked it up in the dictionary. Mine is quite old so it didn't refer at all to the modern meaning of it, but rather talked about art or decorative illustration on a page, and this bit appealed to me ' to make a vignette of, by softening away the edges'. I thought I would soften away the edges by making a little display under my stairs, on top of a chest of drawers with a 'secret garden' theme.

It is really a bit too wet and miserable to go out into the garden at the moment, so I thought a little display would keep me going until I can get out.

I have a lovely pop-up book of 'The Secret Garden', illustrated by the Artist and Muralist Graham Rust, the detail in it is superb and it is a joy to look at. The  magnetic calendar at the back was a present from a friend as was the little bird in the nest. If you take the bird out, there are tiny eggs inside. I usually keep this by the side of my bed, as it reminds me of my dear friend who just loves everything to do with nature. The paper fairy, you may have seen before, is from my fellow blogger Lynn at Sea Angels. Mr. O.K. made the birdhouse, which I love and it normally lives outside. The wreath of eucalyptus is left over from Christmas, as are the toadstools which I made from papier mache (and rather cunningly I thought, garlic stalks!!) So there it is, I hope you like it?

I am also planning to plant some tulips for inside, and I loved these ideas I saw for Terrariums.......

 Martha Stewart magazine has a tutorial on how to make a Terrarium here.

The above image is from Martha Stewart, all the rest, apart from my own are from Pinterest.

Wishing you all a happy and productive week. With love, Linda x.

A Rosy Glow

My bathroom has recently had a slight makeover. I had previously painted the walls 'slate grey' and I loved the colour but when I made the roman blind (which was black) it did make the room quite dark.Mr.O.K. wasn't happy, he couldn't see to his ablutions properly! He doesn't usually complain about my paint choices, so I rather reluctantly set out to rectify it.

I remembered that I had a tin of 'Persian Rose' by Craig and Rose. Having previously had a bold colour on the walls I was quite confident that this colour would look well. However it was still a little nerve wrecking until the slate grey was totally obliterated.

I had some old Laura Ashley curtains belonging to my mum, that I was able to recycle into a blind and a cover for the side of the bath and the shower. The room feels several degrees warmer now, and everyone is happy. Oh, and it didn't cost any money, just a little time!

I even managed to fit in a drawing of our daughter, that was done by a street Artist in Monmartre. He really managed to catch the essence of her, even though he did it in ten minutes, and she didn't stop talking!

Some roses to go with my new bathroom. They have lasted extremely well, I have had them for 10 days.

 Whilst the sewing machine was out I made a plastic bag holder from a lovely old linen cloth that came from Parna.

Lastly, this is my attempt at a still-life style photograph, to show off my flowers for Jane's 'Flower's in the house party'.Visit Jane here if you would like to see some lovely flowers.
I saw a rainbow when I left my daughter to school this morning, and it has brightened up into a lovely sunny day. So I would like to wish you all a lovely rosy, sunny rainbowey day, love Linda x

Would you like to swing on a star?

Carry moonbeams home in a jar, and be better off than what you are?
You guessed it, I've been daydreaming again, it is such fun......do join me. I have left the fancy Paris apartment and have moved here.....

Gorgeous isn't it? Don't worry I have plenty of room for you to stay, in the Guest Cottage.

The gardens are looking particularly lovely at the moment, perhaps we can have lunch out there?

 Drinks anyone? The local baker delivers bread daily, so it's always so fresh.

If it is a bit chilly we can come inside for something to eat, or a nice hot cup of tea.

If you are tired after your travelling perhaps you would like to take a little nap or have a long hot soak in the bath?

Now that's better isn't it. The fire is lit and I have lots of good books. So why don't you stay a while?

So whether you believe in magic or not, thankyou for taking the time to read my fairytale nonsense, and I hope you have enjoyed my little story?

Love Linda x

pictures taken from here and here.

Still Life

 There are some things in life that make your soul do a little leap for joy. Still Life paintings and Dutch Interior paintings do that to me. I love the way everyday life and things are somehow magnified to be noticed and seen for the first time, with new eyes. I love the design element to the still life paintings  how a group of related or sometimes unrelated items are grouped and arranged. The different textures of the linen, the fruit, the lead crystal and the pewter vying for attention, it really does please my eye.

The above images are from www.tate.org.uk and www.essentialvermeer.com.

What also pleases my eye are the many wonderful still life style photographs taken by clever bloggers and photographers. They may not be able to paint like Jan Vermeer but with digital technology and a bit of creative flair, they can certainly make my heart sing! I have put together some wonderful examples that I found on tumblr. See if you agree with me.

 Just stunning aren't they! There are some very talented people in this blogland of ours. I am so grateful for the constant inspiration and joy that I find. I have been like a little squirrel hoarding and collecting and gathering my 'nuts' my nuggets of inspiration and beauty and ideas, and now is the time to start putting some of these ideas, projects and schemes into action. I plan to be busy over the coming months, decorating, cooking, crafting, making plans to move my business on. I will keep you posted. I know you are all busy with plans of your own. Have a great week, and a warm welcome to my new followers and my old ones too! Love Linda x