Charlotte's Days

Practice makes portrait

2011-06-23T23:24:00.000+01:00

I really hate having my photo taken, I always manage to gurn at exactly the wrong moment. Knowing I really should have some sort of profile pic on countless social and portfolio sites I decided to use it as an opportunity to practice my portraiture skills. Well, to be honest I have no portraiture skills, it could well be 15 years since I attempted to paint a face. There's room for improvement but overall I'm pretty pleased with my efforts. Might do mumsy next.

Petite Parakeet

2011-06-05T18:38:00.000+01:00

A little something from the weekend...

Butterfly Gardens

2011-06-05T18:35:00.001+01:00

I've got a few old designs kicking around which contain some nice elements but were just starting to look a little dated and frumpy. Still keeping things fairly traditional I've started to re-work them into something altogether brighter and a bit more fun. Designs are available to licence through Bright Art Licensing

Portfolio Books

2011-05-17T20:05:00.000+01:00

To chaos I bring order... eventually.

Woodfield Rd, Dinning Room Done

2011-05-17T19:52:00.004+01:00

Colour to Dye for

2011-05-15T09:29:00.006+01:00

For some time the students at work have just been using ready mix batik inks to dye their fabrics, I thought it was high time they learned a little more about the process of dying so dusted off an old box of Procion Dyes and led a dye workshop.

As usual some were more enthusiastic than others but those who were have taken this process and run with it. Some of the work is looking exciting so there's sure to be a follow up post to this.

Jack's Jungle

2011-05-05T22:48:00.002+01:00

With all the lovely sun we've been having of late things are greening up nicely on Mr H's balcony. Even the free lavender scavenged from the garden centre cast offs picked up surprisingly quickly. If the pesky squirrel doesn't eat everything by mid summer we should see a monumental harvest from the very productive 3x1 m plot.

The Phormium provides a wonderful splash of colour with the late afternoon sun shinning through his leaves.

Plant Hunter Bloggings

2011-05-03T17:37:00.033+01:00

Well this is nice, plant hunters collection has been blogged again. This time in Sarah-Leigh's Style files.

Frankly, she took some much better photos of the exhibition than I managed and interspersed them rather successfully with shots from around the wonderful gardens at Hyde Hall.

To see more of this post or other entries from Sarah's beautiful blog about styling, fashion and all things fabulous: Sarah-Leighs Style File

Brit Insurance Design Awards

2011-04-29T09:41:00.003+01:00

Toddled along to the design museum today where there are currently two exhibitions to enjoy. The first is the Brit Insurance Design Awards which showcases the most innovative and forward thinking designs from around the world, spanning seven categories: architecture, fashion, furniture, graphics, interactive, product and transport.
Highlights for me were working drawings for the Herman Miller SAYL chair, although not the chair it's self, and MIMOSA by the Jason Bruges Studio for Phillips who commissioned the artwork to showcase the organic LED technology (Google if your interested!) A motion sensor reacts to nearby movement which causes the the screens to open and close like the petals of the Mimosa plant.

Skanky chair to Swanky chair, student project

2011-04-14T13:07:00.000+01:00

Take two very sad old Ikea POÄNG armchairs add a generous dose of elbow grease, a dash of enthusiasm, handful of eager students and some silk screen printing workshops...

Woodfield Rd, Lovely Lounge

2011-04-13T17:50:00.003+01:00

Woodfield Rd, Bedroom two

2011-04-13T13:34:00.003+01:00

Enchanted Palace

2011-04-05T18:54:00.000+01:00

Last week I was lucky enough to be given a visitor pass for the utterly wonderful exhibition by Wildworks currently on show at Kensington palace. As the walls of the palace are being shaken by a £12 million renovation project the rubble and the dust is unleashing powerful and secret stories about the lives of Kensington's princesses.

At the heart of the Enchanted Palace journey is a quest for the seven princesses who once lived here. Their lives have been re-imagined as installations offering a fascinating interpretation of the palace’s hidden stories. The rebellious princess who ran from an arranged marriage into the arms of love. Sad queens who bore the pain and sadness of lost babies. The young heir to the throne who escaped the controlling grasp of her overprotective mother.

Visitors must use their eyes and ears to find clues that reveal the identity of the elusive royal residents. Guided by an enchanted map, the advice of obliging palace guardians and a few helping hands, their search will take them to all the hidden corners of the State Apartments and lead them to a glittering finale where they will at last meet the princesses face to face.

Frome the peculiar, beautiful and delicate to the slightly macabre it really was enchanting, I could have quite happily spent all day there and would encourage others to do so.

Woodfield Rd, Kitchen

2011-03-23T21:45:00.002Z

You've heard of shabby chic, well I give you my cheap chic kitchen. Nothing shabby about it mind. Reconditioned second hand white goods. B&Q take away kitchen, lamanate floor and work tops. If you know your going to refit your kitchen or bathroom plan to buy in a sale. They come around pretty much every bank holiday weekend and you can save heaps.

I'm not a Tesco fan at all but I saw these Lantern lights in the reduced section and couldn't help myself, they went so well with my string curtain. The glaze in my over sized mugs had started to crack and look unattractive so I planted them up with herbs for the windowsill. But take note if you buy from a supermarket split the plants first. They sew lots of seeds in one pot, it might look lovely and busy but what you actually have is lots of seedlings.
The blinds were left by the previous owner, just the bamboo sort. Coloured with mahogany and teak wood stain they now match the floor.

Splurges, the colourful string blind from Dutch by Design and frankly one of may favorite possessions a print of Jeff Bridges published by The Church of London.

Woodfield Rd, Behold, the Bathroom

2011-03-21T10:01:00.003Z

Ahh, I knew exactly how I wanted my bathroom to look from day one and managed it (almost) perfectly. Buying ex-display shower trays, cubicles and the suite during a sale all kept costs to a minimum and re painting an old hi-fi cabinet to house all the toiletries meant I didn't feel to bad about splurging on a nice French wicker laundry basket. The addition of the velux window in the sloping ceiling not only provides extra light to what could otherwise be a gloomy room it gives the illusion of space. It also means I get to soak away while looking at the stars.

Animal Enrichment Workshop

2011-03-17T18:20:00.015Z

Probably the best day at work I've had to date. Over the last couple of weeks our students have been designing and making food dispensers which will be used for animal enrichment at Colchester Zoo. Given a limited number of animal friendly items to work with they made vessles that presented problems the animals needed to overcome in order to get to thier tasty snack.

Adventures in Amsterdam...Dutch by Design

2011-03-16T23:45:00.014Z

Ooooh lot's of exciting things to be looked at played with and bought in this little treasure trove of a city. For the most exciting tea towels money can buy, fabulous things for your interior that manage to encorporate an element of humour without compromising slik design and limited edition furniture by emerging designers visit The Frozen Fountain.

If you like your clutter more kitch the Kitch Kithen is the place. Nothing in this two story homewares shop is sublte but thats where the fun is. I could spend hours looking at everyting in here, but I'm not sure I'd really want to take too much home

If your after super cool and have the cash to back up you design convictions you wont be dissapointed with a visit to Droog. Playful design is functional and thoughtful here.

Adventures in Amsterdam...Museums

2011-03-16T23:24:00.002Z

Next stop the Museum Van Loon A double-sized canal house dating from 1672. The first resident was the painter Ferdinand Bol but In the nineteenth century, the Van Loon family came to live in the house. The family's history is closely intertwined with that of Amsterdam. Several Van Loons held positions as mayor. Others, such as Willem van Loon, fulfilled decisive functions in the Dutch East-India Company. The house was a delight, especially the day room with its delicate eggshell and tropical hints in the silks that adorn the walls and windows. The kitchen too was charming, frankly I wanted to settle down fire up the enormous range and boil the huge brass kettle for a tea.

We also managed to pack in visits to the Rijksmuseum, packed full of jaw dropping examples by the Dutch masters and the Van Gough Museum. Home to an impressive array of his work it's also a very pleasing space. I would have always told you I was not a huge fan of Van Gough's work but was surprised to find it incredibly moving and uncomfortable. I am converted. It was also hosting an interesting exhibition entitled Picasso in Paris I felt fortunate to catch.

Adventures in Amsterdam...Flower Market

2011-03-16T23:12:00.003Z

I have rather fallen for Amsterdam, but I suppose that was to be expected. After all whats not to like about a city full of bikes, boats, flowers, art, delightful architecture and more than just a sprinkling of rather tasty Dutch design...and yummy beer, ooh and pancakes.
First stop the flower market, rather different to our own Columbia Rd I haven't quite been able to decide if I prefer one or the other. A lot of the stalls did seem to stock the same thing but as there were certainly things which I'd ether not come across before in the case of tinned tulip bulbs or at least wasn't expecting to be so common place in this part of the world such at Lotus flowers.

Woodfield Rd, the finished Bedroom

2011-03-16T22:11:00.005Z

OK, so all the building work was completed a few months ago but finally the house is starting to look how I want it too. I’ve been busy filling it with my trinkets and treasures, getting some nice colours on the walls, hanging art work and generally making the place feel like home.

I love all things Indian; well ok not widespread poverty, Delli belly, or the cast system for that matter. But barfi, bangles and Buddha are all things I can get on board with, not to mention the fabulous array of printed woven and embroidered textiles produced by this super secular nation. I give you the Main bedroom a collision of colonial, Indian and folk styles.

Colourful chintz cushion covers made from scarves old and new brighten up a duvet cover by Matthew Williamson for Debenhams. The throw at the end of the bed is a charity shop find, a fabric off cut for just £1. Another charity shop find, this paper lampshade. I love it’s outrageously riotous design especially how the pretty pink floral juxtaposes the garish cerulean and yellow check.

The Draws and mirror have been a part of my bedroom since I was a little girl, and I'm not sure anywhere would feel right without them. This wonderful little chest once belonged to a shoe shine man, now houses my sewing kit. Atop of it I keep a miniature painting, Jain Buddha from Ranakpur and some rather fun and adorable blossom tea lights. on the right a little mirror that belonged to my Nan picks up the dark wood of the box and provides a place to hang necklaces. Botanical wrapping paper provides cheap art.

I am immensely proud of the little bowl that I made, albeit with a good deal of help from my potter friend and colleague Neville Tatham. In it I keep some chunky silver jewellery from Rajasthan. Although their origins are likely far flung I purchased the painted bangles from rather less exotic places, accessorize and Sainsbury’s!

Cue Kew

2011-03-09T10:06:00.005Z

On Saturday Mr H whisked me off for a surprise visit to the Tropical Extravaganza at Kew gardens. Happy day, I love Kew at any time of year but point me to an orchid display and I can become quite giddy with excitement. As it was more than just a little nippy outside we spent most of our time in the glass houses ... and the restaurant, I can highly recommend the cakes in the Orangery.

After our botanical adventure Mr H had the forsight to book a table at The Elk in the Woods. A cosy little restaurant, where I proceeded to stuff my face with guilt free pleasures such as beetroot and walnut humus, pea guacamole and baked chili pitas. nom nom nom.

Snake in the Grass

2011-03-08T23:46:00.003Z

A little preview of a screenprint I am planning. It will be a two colour print and will hopefully create some fabric for my dinning chair cushion pads.

Hares of Hyde Hall

2011-03-08T23:43:00.000Z

Certainly the biggest work I've ever completed and most deffinitly the only one you can see on google earth. These gigantic hairs assembled on the hillside of Hyde Hall were created from several tones of mulch and aggregate as part of the Family Fun Day events at the garden. We had great fun making miniture versions with some of the younger and older visitors!

Whittards Windows

2011-03-08T23:31:00.000Z

My Plant Hunters work in the windows of Whittards of Chelsea as part of the Chelmsford Arts Trail.

Noah's Bear

2011-03-08T23:26:00.000Z

Cute crochet bear for little Noah, complete with little egg shaker in his belly so he has a little rattle.

You Float My Boat

2011-03-08T23:01:00.000Z

New cards published by Calypso featuring one of my designs. Happy days :)

Mr H's Christmas Stocking

2011-03-08T22:48:00.001Z

Ok so I'm out of season, but better late than never. Sharing with you the Christmas stocking a printed and made for Mr H.

My Knitting triumph

2011-03-08T22:33:00.000Z

It's not often I have the confidence try and knit something I intend to actually wear but with the help of Ma Day's expertise I must say, I'm pretty pleased with the way this turned out.

Knot Wrap

2011-03-01T20:49:00.006Z

While waiting for my train yesterday; I never aim to get there for any one particular train but somehow always manage to just miss one. The consequence of which is having to amuse myself in Liverpool st station for approximately 40 minutes before I wait to be transported on the cretin wagon back to Braintree. Well anyway, after the obligatory perusal of all the interior design mags and creative review generally offered up by WH Smith I ventured onto the mezzanine to poke my nose into Lush.

I was surprised and delighted to see there window festooned with vintage scarves. Being as these are a particular weakness of mine I quizzed the shop assistant to find out if I could buy one. Indeed I could. Turns out as well as producing some of their own designs Lush are using the vintage scarves as a kind of reusable gift wrap. They can be snapped up for just £3.99 with the purchase of any Lush product. So, after a brief lesson in tying scarves to be used as bags and wrapping I treated myself to some Daddyo Violet shampoo as I am still trying to persuade my hair it no longer needs to be red purple neutralises brassiness don't you know. and a little bottle of Flying fox perfume, I have long been a fan of the shower gel the blend of jasmine, ylang, cypress and palmarosa is quite divine so imagine my joy at discovering it was now available as a handy little spritz. And with my little sweet smelling treats two rather fab new scarves admittedly the geometric number does leave me looking a little like an air hostess but I'm sure with a bit of effort I can have it looking more Cannes than cabin crew.

Kinetica Art Fair

2011-02-08T22:47:00.006Z

On Sunday Mr H and I visited the Kinetica Art Fair. Initially a bit sceptical, I can get a little baffled by 'higher level thinking' sometimes and couldn't say I fully grasped all the text accompanying the exhibits. However it was a really exhibit. There is something fascinating and rather lovely about interactive artworks when done well.
From the charming automata of the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre to the piece by Kinetica Museum above that produces a mesmorising effect with spinning circles of steel and LED's that change and puls in time with an unnerving soundtrack of bleeps and hum.

My House...the middle

2011-02-01T19:13:00.002Z

From granny pad to total squaller in 4 weeks. Although some days were immensely satisfying, you haven’t lived untill you take the plaster off the walls all your new home with a shovel. The middle it has be said was not all fun, blood, sweat, tears, concusion and dust. Lots and lots of dust. Everywhere.

Woodfield Rd...the begining

2011-02-01T18:13:00.005Z

I kept the agents brochure after I bought my house to remind myself how it did look, and what our hard work has achieved. So this was the beginning …