All Folk Get To This Pop-up Shop

I met a friend of mine for lunch today in South Kensington (London). As we were walking down the street we saw a pop-up shop. I know these are all the rage at the moment, and are a great way for small businesses to get their products out there. This pop-up shop is called Paper-Hare and you need to decend down some old tiled steps surrounded by wintry twigs into the vaulted basement of the building.

They have some really beautiful items to buy, including the gorgeous stained glass medical bottles above. But they also had an amazing sculpture made out of delicate metal leaves. So intricate with an amazing structure.

The pop-up shop is actually a part of the Museum of British Folklore - check out their website here. I have actually spoken to the Director Simon before and he is so passionate about British Folklore. The museum doesn't currently have a proper venue and need lots of support from all us folk. So if you want to find this lovely little shop then exit outside South Kensington tube station and take the exit on your right. If you head down the road to the busy crossing there is a french cafe on the corner and it is opposite there. It is only open until the 21st so you may need to hurry. I would suggest teaming your visit to the shop with a visit to the Hummingbird Bakery which is just down the road - the whoopie pies are hard to beat.
xx

Tutorial: Paper Mache Bowl

While I'm at Ashbury market tomorrow, and the shop will be closed, I thought I should keep you all busy with a tutorial. However, I must confess, this tutorial is actually from another source but I thought it was so lovely that I wanted to share it with you all.

From the etsy shop - Up in the Air Somewhere

Inspired by the designer above but shown 'how to' by the people at The Happy Home, this tutorial is to create a beautiful paper mache bowl with a gleaming gold interior.

To get instructions go - here. I think this bowl would be perfect for the festive season, but the arrangement in the image above is stunning.

Have a fun weekend. Wish me luck at the market.
xx

A project for the weekend by Poppytalk

All the leaves have almost fallen, there is a nip in the air. We have had some foggy nights and crispy mornings. You can almost feel christmas creeping up. I haven't started singing jingle bells yet, but give me time. And what is christmas all about? Family.

Now, along with discovering a fantastic blog called Poppytalk, they had a brilliant idea for a family tree orientated house decor.

They have a brilliant tutorial on the blog - here - and I definitely want to do this in my own home. When I get one of my own that is. I think this is perfect for christmas time as well. Give each frame a little red gingham bow and they will be perfect.
xx

Take a bit of London with you

The date is set. After the 18th December we will no longer be Londoners. But, if I'm honest with myself, I never really was a city slicker. I find the pase too fast, the people too rude and although I have had some good times here, I'm afraid the only thing I will really miss are the friends I have to leave behind. Sniff, sniff.

In my mind I have started to compile a list of things I would like to do before I go. Hit Gordon's wine bar, make sure I stuff myself with really good mexican food. But I have also been thinking about taking something away with me. I am on the hunt for a print or photograph that will remind me of London and will help swell my art collection. In the future I can look at that print and remember how brave I was to set myself up in the big city. Maybe one of these beauties below would fit the bill (click on the caption for the link)....

Sepia map from art.co.uk

Famille Summerbelle print as seen on Bodie and Fou

Typographic Map sold by bouf.com

London Map by Mark Webber

There is very much a theme going on here but I think all the images above sum up London for me. Busy, often frantic, the murky colours reminding me of my stained black fingers from the free newspaper print, and flashes of colour showing the excitement, danger, genius hidden round the corners.

I think I might be a bit sentimental. But we must look to the fast approaching future and what do we have planned? Well, I fantastic trip to Japan.
xx

I love all the elements

So on my wanderings around spitalfield market the other week, I found a shop that is my complete inspiration. Elemental has such a great range of industrial inspired furniture. But I've said too much already - just look at all the pretty pictures...

Sigh, I'm in love.
xx

Finding a chandelier in the newspaper

One of the things I will miss about London is free newspapers. I won't miss the 45 minute journey squished up against someone I don't know whilst trying to read the free newspaper. But it is nice when you are in the mood to connect with the wider world to pick up a paper and peruse through. As I left work today I just had this feeling that I should pick up the paper instead of reading my book (Jane Austen - Northanger Abbey), or playing on my nintendo DS (Professor Layton - the Lost Future), and I believe it was fate. I found the most amazing little article tucked in the pages all about beautiful chandeliers.

The chandeliers are made by Madeleine Boulesteix from tea cups, jelly moulds, cupcake tins and old clay pipes. They fit so perfectly with the Springy Beard ethics, to find a new use for old unwanted things. But they are at a such an inspiring level - I just wish I could reach this.

You have to check out her website - here.
I'm sure we could all do something similar on a smaller scale....maybe start off with a smale scale candelabra made from reclaimed items....give me time and I might surprise you.
xx