Trees and Things

 

 Fallen Feathers Wreath

I'm excited this evening! 

After yet another week of terrible weather, torrential rain and all, we've lit the fire and have started putting our Advent Calendar together. I hope it works out OK - watch out for some pictures on Monday if it's a success!

We're never very extravagant when it comes to Christmas decorations, prefering to bedeck our home with simple natural wreaths, garlands, candles and fairylights. I really love crafting things with the kids at this time of year, and I think they enjoy creating a magical, handmade atmosphere too.

I seldom buy decorations but Anthropologie in the States has some real beauties this year, including this fringed tapestry made from silk, cotton, wool, acrylic, paper and wood. It must look stunning, and would certainly be a welcome addition to our festive home.

If you're tempted, it's Black Friday in the US and Anthropologie have a huge site-wide sale (- 25% using code HOLIDAY25). Go on, treat yourself, it's - almost - Christmas!

Bon week end!

Inspiration: Plainly So

 

 

Bonjour !

Busy, busy, busy! Why is it everything happens at once, when you really could do without it? I seem to be juggling with one too many balls at the moment, so please bear with me while I get my personal, family act together.

 Despite the chaos and mad rushing around, I am missing sharing snippets of my daily life on instagram. The South of France is beautiful at this time of year, and Christmas decorations make it even more special. I am counting the days now until Santa brings me a new phone, so, again, if you follow me there, you'll have to be patient just a little while longer.

Today I'm craving simplicity. In contrast, perhaps, to all the bright lights, tinsel and  inescapable pressure to over-consume. Yes, I'm a simple girl at heart! 

If you're still thinking about Christmas decorations, do take a peek at VDJ's gorgeous collection. I love all their stickers, tree murals and handmade paper garlands, and I'm convinced they'd look stylish and creative in any home all year round. 

Thanks for the inspiration!

1) Shanna Murray Sticker from VDJ

2) Wooden French frame from La Mère d'une parisienne

3) Black Beeswax Candle DIY by Justine Hand, Designskool

4) Paper lamp DIY by Caisa K

5) Blackboard wall mural from Rebel Walls

6) Love this display of old wooden shutters and this Indian window

Holiday Gift Guide: The Floral Family

Well, I'm back in the land of the living after catching a nasty sickness bug last week.

I'm sorry it's been so quiet, it's not like me to stay offline for so long.

I'd like to start the new week with another selection of gifts, this time with a floral theme. I'm really into all the modern and vintage botanical prints that are trending right now, so here are a few arty ideas for plant lovers, big and small.

 I hope you'll find something inspiring amongst them!

Happy Shopping:

1) - Mountain tapestry - Belles and Ghosts

2) - Black paper flower garland - Les Copirates

3) - Turtle softy - Jo Waterhouse

4) - Ficus cushion cover - Vontrueba

5) - ABC for the spelling bee - Rebel Walls

6) - Zoe organic floral bonnet - Roar Haus

7) - Morning Kite - Fredericks & Mae

8) - California palm trees - Luna Reef

9) - Dark wall mural - Anewalldecor

10) - Tulip photograph - Oh Pretty Shiny

11) - Fabric Feather - Puur Anders

Holiday Gift Guide: Minimal Kids

 

No Mercredi Moodboard this week, I'm afraid.

I'm getting excited about Christmas, and I've been pinning like mad!

  

As you probably know, despite all the colour on this blog, I love black & white. 

Our own French home is very monochrome, with lots of worn wooden objects and vintage finds to add warmth in the Winter months in particular.

I don't like clutter or excess or waste; simplicity is for me.

I try to buy less but better quality even if it costs a few extra pennies.

 

I hope you will be inspired by the Christmas Gift Guide for Kids I'm curating over on pinterest. This small selection is just a sample of the beautiful black & white, handmade or minimal children's products I am in love with right now. But gosh, there will be more, I promise!

Happy Shopping! 

1) Christmas PJs & Beanies from Hello Dear Kids (ta!)

2) Twins Wooden Blocks from Folklore

3) Penguin Stacking Game from Muji

4) Set of Three Soft Boats from Les Copirates

5) Sweet Alphabet Print from Audrey Jeanne

6) Crown from Les Copirates

7) Batman Moccassins from Mini Mocks

8) Moon Dominos from Fredericks & Mae

9) Golden Forest Doll from Dolls Unique

10) Wonderful Doll Kits from Bodie & Fou

 

Shop Watch: Little Wood

Well, you should know by now how much I love wooden toys.

 

That said, after more than five years online, I'm getting somewhat choosy when it comes to new designs.

I came across these very quirky toys the other day, and was pleased to see three different types of modern family. A welcome, refreshing change - thank goodness someone is moving with the times!

Christmas is obviously on a lot of people's minds right now, so if you're looking for an original, handmade memory game, an unusual DIY dollkit, a toy robot, or even a plain wooden city set to decorate in the comfort of your own home, wander over to Little Wood, a gem of a Spanish shop selling on both etsy and dawanda.

A happy find, don't you think?

Please Santa - Wishlist 2014

Bonjour!

I've been working on My Wishlist for Santa this morning, collecting some of my favourite recent finds. I actually started this board (and one for kids) last year, and have been adding a few things that take my fancy here and there.

Father Christmas knows I love fashion, and pinterest and  tumblr have been wonderful platforms for me to share my discoveries on a daily basis. However, with a bit of luck he'll bring me a gift for our lovely home as well. Fingers crossed...

I hope you see something you like over the coming weeks - it's time to treat yourself, after all!

Shop / Product Links:

1) Neemic Button-Up Jumpsuit

2) Oakwood Make-Up Brush Holder

3) Black Wool & Leather Scarf by Lake

4) Black Leather and Alpaga Wool Bracelet

5) Faithful Shaggy Jacket

6) Grid Woven Blanket by Bastis Rike

Happy Shopping!

Inspiration: My Xmas!

Well, My Xmas

And so much more...

It's been a long, long week here and I'm ready for a couple of days rest with my family.

We don't really have much planned, and the weather forecast is pretty lousy, but it's starting to feel a bit Christmassy here. I couldn't believe the lights were up in our village when I nipped to the baker's late last night. 'Twas a magical, surprising sight!

With Christmas in mind, I'd like to sign off by sharing these few images from French company Hytt Design's new My Xmas collection. You may already be familiar with Aurélie Richard's beautiful work, especially her vases or lights (Edward is amazing!).

Wooden spinning tops decorations, green pompom garlands, snowflakes, stars or an unusual wicker tree (designed by Aurélie in collaboration with Pascale Comte) - these are the things that handmade, original and poetical Christmases are made of!

 A special address for a very special day.

Oh, before I forget - Don't be put off by all the French, use an online translator or shoot Aurélie an email in English, she studied in the UK!

Bon Week-end !

Photos: Fabien Perrier 

Mercredi Moodboard: Birds of a Feather

"Birds of a feather flock together"

Bonjour !

I've been working on my art / fashion tumblr

Plumes and Feathers

for almost a year now.

It's my favourite place to be the web.

It feels like me, the real me, now.

I love curating this collection of images, so thank you for following me there too.


Who's bought a pair of over-the-knee boots yet this year?

Dare I, I wonder?

Have a fabulous day!

Images:

(top left to bottom right)

1 / 2 / 3  4 / 5 / 6

Shop Watch: Have Company

Bonjour!

Yes, I'll HAVE it all please!

Seriously, ever since Marie tweeted to me about Marlee Grace's beautiful shop, gallery and residency space in Grand Rapids, USA, a short while ago, I've discovered so many inspiring artists and makers.

 

If you're like me and get excited about finding new, unique home goods, textiles, jewelry and clothing, or can never resist an original zine or good-looking card, you're in for a treat over at Have Company's online shop, blog, instagram feed and facebook page.

 

Marlee appears to have a knack for sourcing unusual, one-off items, made by hand by passionate creatives. Her bricks-and-mortar boutique is the kind of place I dream of doing my Christmas shopping in; somewhere small, friendly and very special, with a great sense of community.

I encourage you to take your time browsing this address, Marlee loves drinking tea, so pour yourself a cuppa and enjoy!

Inspiration: Slowly Now

  Alp Mirror / Shop Tent

 Philippe Soussan's artwork

 Martina Lasinger

  Gift / storage boxes - Rockett St George

Amy Tavern, Silently ( I Saw A Robin Today) 2014

  

Industrial chute sorter - Owl Song Vintage

 

  

Graphic stairs by Andreas Martin Lof

 

 Beautiful handmade leather books by Marlen

Yes, to writing on the wall!

Slowly Now.

Yes, I've been busy being slow this week...

My iphone has died, so no instagram for a while.

No pinning, no checking emails, no on-the-move connection, how can I survive?

After years of translating market research in telecommunications, and swearing that I would never ever grow dependent on a phone, I admit I suffered withdrawal symptoms the first few days. OMG, NO PHONE!

And then, I felt relieved, free. I've been getting up at the crack of dawn, going running, writing, working on the house, spending more time with my family and I am focused. I'm not sure how long this will last, but I am enjoying not being 24/7 right now.

Perhaps you should try unplugging this weekend and let me know how you get on?

In the meantime, some favorites from around the web, gathered here, there and everywhere, ever so slowly.

Bon week end !

 

Mercredi Moodboard: Deeply Green

Deeply, Deeply Green.

Non-stop rain here again yesterday. No, I'm not ready for that yet.

Time to hibernate, shut out the cold, drink tea, snuggle up in blankets,

 please, let's light the fire.

 Today I am feeling inspired by the colour green and the warmth of wood

My mood of the day then.

All images from my tumblr

Plumes & Feathers

(top left to bottom right)

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/

*

Inspiration: Barely There

 

Igor the Penguin Mirror

  

Beautiful Wire Bear Sculpture

  Cardboard Nativity Set

 

 Sea Creature Set

  

Mokkasin's Dreamcatcher DIY for Family Living

Wooden House Blocks

Wooden Toy Camera

Good Morning!

Time to start thinking about Christmas? It seems a bit early but if you are looking for something a little different, from a foreign maker perhaps, last postage dates are often sooner than you think.

I have started adding some new ideas to last year's Christmas Gifts pinboard on pinterest, as well as my curating my own Please Santa wishlist here. Christmas is the one holiday I love, and I really enjoy looking for festive decorating ideas. My Xmas pinboard is one of my most popular, so please feel free to browse my finds, hopefully you'll be inspired to create something unique at home this year, à la Kickcan & Conkers?

Anyway, a small collection of favourites for kids for you this morning, to kick off the gift selection season very simply.

Enjoy!