Authentic Shopping….

I have been travelling around Spain for five months and during that time I have spent a little bit of time (well quite a bit really) looking in traditional shops rather than the high street shops. It is possible to shop in many of the same shops as in the UK; even Primark has come to Spain. But the question I ask is why would you want too?

 I have found some wonderful authentic shops selling baskets, hats, ceramics and so much more. I think to buy a product which is locally made by hand is a very special thing. By doing this it ensures the survival of rural crafts and supports local business. Unfortunately in Britain we have started to lose my traditional crafts and young people are not learning these skills, this is such a huge loss on many levels.

So please next time you are on holiday buy something made locally…

Sara xx

Made To Last....



Rust-Jewellery

 I love jewellery not bling or certain high street shops who charge a fortune for pieces of string with a few beads on, (I am sure you know who!) but beautiful crafted pieces that can be passed onto your children and give pleasure for years.

One of my favourite jewellery companies is RUST, who is based in London.  All their jewellery is handmade in London using traditional methods and tools by a small team of highly skilled jewellers. Not only is their work unique and beautifully crafted, I love the inventive way their pieces are displayed and the wonderful personality and sheer British-ness and sense of humour.

Nao Utsumi came to London (from his native Japan) at 18 years old with the dream of studying shoe-making at Cordwainers. However he realised he had a talent and passion for jewellery making.  He joined forces with Artemis Russell, an English fine artist and together they formed Rust.





By purchasing from RUST Jewellery, you are showing your support for British Manufacturing and are helping to keep alive the traditional techniques such has hand engraving and stone setting. Every ring is unique, as each and every one has been hand made and/or worked on using tiny chisels. You also a purchasing a beautiful, unique piece of jewellery and I am sure an antique of the future, I am not too sure that a piece of string with a few beads on will turn up on the Antiques Road show!

Also check out Artemis’s blog which is really stylish, a little bit eccentric and great fun.

http://www.junkaholique.com/

 Go to   www.rustjewellery.com for further information and to view the full collection of rings, lockets, bracelets and vintage pieces

All the Best

Sara x

Flowers

My Favourite Florist

I love flowers, if I was able to function before 9am I would be a florist, but alas I know my limitations and I will never be a morning person. I think floristry is so under-rated for both the skill and commitment required. Flowers can cheer up or even make a room, and there can be no greater gift than receiving beautiful flowers. Its great fun to buy flowers too.

Scarlet and Violet

In 2006 after working with flowers for 14 years Vic Brotherson opened her wonderful florists shop in 76 Chamberlayne Rd London NW10 3JJ. This has to be one of the most stunning and individual florists, I have ever seen.

Vic, who studied fine art, runs her business with her sister who is a textile designer, and you can definitely see the artistry in the colours and vibrancy of their work. What I love is the randomness and freedom. Unlike more traditional florists who follow a structured style which is fairly generic to florists in general. This is really unique, and Vic provides flowers for many celebrity clients, for their homes and weddings.  The style is textural, unstructured and painterly. Like a country garden. Seasonal flowers are used and English country flowers like; English dahlia, lily of the valley, gorgeous foliage and blossom. Unusual vases (often vintage) and jars are used which is much preferable to crystal vases.

I have included this in my book choice of the week but to tell you a bit more about her book, Vintage Flowers, I have also included some pages for you. I loved this beautiful book; it is full of eclectic ideas and stunning arrangements. Vic really is an artist using flowers rather than paint. This book is so hard to put down and is just full of inspiration for any aspiring florists or flower lovers. It is well worth reading. 

 http://scarletandviolet.com

Time Out says

This exquisite flower shop takes your breath away the moment you walk in the door. An abundance of flowers are displayed casually in old jugs, buckets, glass jars and even milk bottles. The artless containers serve in fact to draw the eye to the extraordinary artistry displayed in the bunches made up in the very personal style of the owner, Victoria Brotherson (at her happiest when arranging flowers for parties in people’s houses). Old-fashioned and traditional country garden flowers are plentiful, including nodding peonies, and tall sticks of hollyhocks and delphiniums. Highly recommended.

I have attached some lovely images of floral displays and as always I have a board in pinterest on flowers and gardens which also has some unusual flower arrangements.

Sara x