Cotton Print Trees

Christmas Time with bonded paper and fabric squares folded into mini trees.  

The delicate bright green floral sari prints are all the decorating these simple trees need.

They may be folded from a square of normal paper or light cardboard, but 
here they are made from a fine layer of cotton fabric bonded onto good quality book print paper (those annual share report books have their uses!!)
I love the way the typography gently emerges  through the botanical pattern.

How to fold:

Fold a preliminary base. Squash fold each flap.

Crease fold each point up

Reverse fold the points and tuck under. Once again, squash fold each flap.

Crease fold each flap up. Reverse fold and tuck under.

Join each inside point with a thread. Pull in and tie to secure the tree shape.

If you would like to try the fabric option, here’s how it’s done using fusible applique paper

Cut a squares of book paper . Cut a square of fusible bonding paper, iron it onto the fabric and cut the square out.

Flatten the paper square, peel the backing paper off the fabric square, and iron the fabric onto the paper square.

White Stripes and Green Leaves

I have a store room outside, where I keep a large part of my vintage collections.  Today I gave it a much needed clean up and tidy out.  I ‘found’ this vintage fold-up metal recliner chair with detachable foot rest.

 

I painted it white, when I bought it a few years ago, and although I love it, I just don’t have a place to display it permanently in my home.

 

I plan to sell it to someone who would like to add some cushions to those sprung metal strips, and give it a happy home.  

Late this afternoon, I took it to the top of the garden, picked some early blossoming azaleas, and let it pose for the camera!

Mail me or fill in the contact form if you are interested.  

My Shutter Views

Li Edelkoort’s Trend Tablet is a favourite read for me.  Well worth a regular visit! In the Collages section, readers are invited to submit the views from their windows.  [My Shutter Views]

I have enjoyed looking out of my window with refreshed eyes – seeing the paradox of our modern lives – Security and Beauty! 

Top Pic is the view from our bedroom window through the gated door
Bottom Pic is the view through the cottage pane window next to the door.

Sweet Vintage Books and Stationery

A delightful set of 6 books on the Lake District, gorgeous retro blue stapler and vintage KIM metal punch – made in Chekeslovakia

Stacked up next to a Freshly Found Record Cover House. All available on line, except for the stapler which SOLD at the market on Saturday. 

Not only are the books pretty on the outside, but they are beuatiful on the inside too – filled with handwritten typography and illustrations.  Delightful to look at, even if you never get to explore the Lake District! 
Fells Books here, vintage punch here, paper houses here and another delightful retro vintage punch here

Book Paper Candles

Book paper candle holders – now available in the shop. A folded recycled book with a recess to hold a tea light.  

Seen here with laser cut coasters from Green Grass http://handsomethings.com/2011/04/20/green-grass-parkhurst/ –  a recent buy from their amazing shop in Parkhurst.

[So pleased to come across a couple of Freshly Found products there too!]

These Book Paper candle Holders are available online over here!

Light, Leaves, Paper and Wax

I had some fun mounting leaves between sheets of wax paper.  

 

These small samples are mounted on my window with my Washi Tape. I believe the leaves will be fairly well preserved and maintain some of their colour.

I made some autumn leaf panels too and soon I will publish a tut on the process!

Vintage Silver and Greenery

 I asked my daughter Natalie to help me jazz things up around the house the other day.  

I just love all the vintage silver and random green ornaments she found and how she covered the sideboard with them in a symmetrical way.  She has such a good eye.  

I keep promising to photograph her home one day soon – It’s full of her clever style.

White Goblets and Green Ducks…

 …Help to draw attention away from the unremarkable old window frames in our second bathroom.

Just love my collection of vintage white!

More Paper Spheres

Pulling apart books for the work I do has given me a real appreciation for their construction, page quality, spine strength, etc.  I try to save pretty cover pages and have enjoyed making them up into spheres:

These 2 were made from pages from a garden book.  The leafy green jug is a retro find for sale at the markets early next month.

Maps are often printed on cover pages, and so that’s what this sphere is made from:

Cool, Bright, Green

We visited such an inspirational home last week! Not only was the meal delicious, but the decor was amazing too! 

I just love the way this old dressing table has been completely revived.  The collection of mirrors and other silverware as well as the crystal doorknobs all work so well! 

And then there’s the origami flower wall panel in the making too!
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but my daughter has cultivated her own spunky style. Well done Nats!