It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to grow and blissfully fragrant in the summer months. 
They were my mum’s favourite flower, so growing them now feels like a precious connection. Especially when I pick some and arrange them in her beautiful old blue and gold jug just as she used to do with the sweet peas my dad grew for her every year.
There are some really handy tips for growing success from founder of The Real Flower Company Rosebie Morton over on the blog (link in bio). Rosebie has a whole farm dedicated to sweet peas near Chichester so she knows a thing or two about the subject!
Main thing I’ve picked up from her is to allow lots of depth for root growth at this stage and to make my own supportive wigwams from twiggy branches when the plants are really starting to go for it and need a bit of direction. This photo is making me yearn slightly.
I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying out tiny living for a feature I was writing - this was taken on our way to indulge in a spot of forest bathing. To be totally honest, we were both a little sceptical beforehand. But we were only saying the other day how taken aback we both were by the amazing effect it had. I’m working on some new ideas around the subject - will keep you posted. X
I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole site - which has meant lots of photo editing and reorganising so much content. What’s been lovely (despite the claw hand from so much keyboard work!) is revisiting work and becoming engrossed all over again. I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been (re) loving - with links in the bio to the old site for now, but not for long…! X
This  image is from a feature about preserving garden roses. I’m going to give this a really good go this year, now I have a better idea what I’m doing. I know there’s nothing quite like a fragrant fresh rose in Summer but there’s a fragile beauty to dried and preserved flowers that I also love, don’t you?
Snowdrops 🌱🤍 . . . . . . #capturequiet #ins Snowdrops 🌱🤍 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capturequiet #instabritain #natureandnourish #thewildernesstonic #cornersofmyworld
Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flower Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flowers Forever to be won! My bio has the link to enter as well as to get a peek inside. Beautifully photographed by Laura Edwards, I really enjoyed escaping into the pages and making plans for my own garden - hope you do too! X
To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Cla To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits has to be the perfect post Christmas craft project 😊 
If you fancy getting your needles out to make this adorable pair, the link to buy Claire’s pattern is in my bio. Happy knitting! X
Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists for a wonderful wreath making workshop yesterday. Such a special and creative space to spend time. I loved making my wreath - I went for a mixture of greenery arranged quite randomly with red waxed fresh apples, dried hydrangea, dried flowers, poppy and nigella seed heads and a winter white velvet bow. 
There were so many wonderful ingredients to choose from we were really spoiled for choice. 
Sarah’s new studio is such a beautiful, creative space. Think fragrant botanical candles flickering everywhere, mulled wine and apple juice simmering on the stove and containers full of fragrant festive greenery, waxed fruit, dried flowers and oranges, pine cones, lichen covered branches and even tiny gold wax-dipped fresh crab apples. 
Thank you for being so patient with my lengthy ribbon choice deliberations Sarah - and for bagging up a second choice option (dusky pink) to take home! X.  #wreathmaking #wreath #wreathsofinstagram #sustainablewreaths #wreathdecor #christmaswreath #velvetribbon #christmasdecor #festiveflowers
I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - s I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - she came up with the genius idea of embroidering on tulle using nature as her thread - and the results are sublime - like this Autumn colours beauty from her latest book.
I’m delighted that Olga is offering a fantastic prize bundle to my readers. For a chance to win one of her beautiful new dried flower embroidery kits (in collaboration with @driedandfloral ) as well as a signed copy of her wonderful new book(published by @quadrillebooks , pop over to my blog (link in my bio). It’s easy to enter so why don’t you give yourself a chance of winning this very lovely prize? Good luck! 
#driedflowers #driedflowerembroidery #olgaprinku #embroideryhoop #flowerembroidery #competitiontime #signedbooks #embroideryart #flowersontulle #autumn #autumncolours #hoopart #allthingsbotanical #instacraft
This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofp This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofpines and is from her beautiful new book Little Stories of Your Life. 
It’s packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you become a visual story teller. Because, as Laura says, it’s the little moments that make up the fabric of all of our lives - and those moments are worth capturing and sharing with others.
We have three signed copies of the book to give away - just click the link in my bio to find out more. There’s a peek inside and a lovely film by @xantheb to enjoy too! X 
#littlemoments #littlestoriesbook #alifeofwords #lostinwords #competition #booksarelife #mindfulphotography #bookstagram #booksmakemehappy #booksconnectus #igreads #whatareyoureading #signedbooks
Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has sh Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has shared her wonderfully creative ideas for visibly mending well-loved clothing in need of repair and a little TLC.
She had me at ‘sometimes I like to use giant sequins…’ 
Hope you like Lisa’s ideas as much as I do. The link to head over to my blog and get all her step by steps is in my bio x
  • LIFESTYLE
  • MEET
  • MAKE
    • KNITTING
    • CROCHET
    • Sewing
    • FABRIC CRAFT
    • FELTING
    • Craft
    • Christmas craft
    • VIDEO TUTORIALS
    • Recipes
  • FLOWERS
    • FLOWERS
    • Dried flowers
    • GARDENING
    • WREATH MAKING
  • Home
  • About
  • Features
  • Shop
  • Directory
  • Contact
  • Join

From Britain with Love

Sustainably Made in Britain

  • Home
  • About
  • Features
  • Shop
  • Directory
    • Makers
    • Workshops
  • Contact
  • Join

MEET · August 19, 2021

Carolyn Tripp

Meet Carolyn Tripp

It was an email from photographer Yeshen Venema that led me to ceramicist Carolyn Tripp’s work. Yeshen is the go-to photographer for UK makers and I always like to catch up with his news. Among the lovely new images he shared were some spectacularly beautiful ceramic vessels, with impossibly long, slim necks, intricate surface patterns and joyful bursts of colour. I had to find out more and that’s when I found myself browsing Carolyn Tripp’s website. Carolyn’s work is exquisite and, as I read more about her, I realised that she is also definitely a woman after my own heart. She works with adults recovering from mental health issues and believes passionately in the healing power of creativity.

I wanted to know more – and to share my discovery with you too. So I emailed Carolyn to ask if she might like to share her thoughts, ideas and inspirations with us. I love that she wanted to be a Blue Peter presenter when she was little, that throwing pottery at her wheel helped her process grief around the loss of her mother and oldest friend… and that she helps people to find their creative wings as a way to combat mental health issues. As I said, definitely a woman after my own heart. Hope you love discovering Carolyn Tripp as much as I did!

carolyn tripp potter and ceramics maker

Can you describe your work to us a little and give us some background?

Of course.

I wasn’t always a ceramicist. I started my working life in advertising and tried all sorts of things along the way, including being a scuba diver. At school I was deemed academic and steered away from the creative subjects I loved.

Frustrated, aged 30, I set about evening classes in ceramics and stained glass and realised that it was having a creative outlet, rather than financial reward that made me happy. That led to an A level equivalent in art which in turn led to a ceramics degree in the mid 1990’s and, ever since, clay has been a part of my life.

For the last 18 years I have taught ceramics in a mental health setting and maintained my own practice. In the last five years I have embarked on a range of thrown work, inspired initially by a small Chinese bottle gifted to me as a child by a well-travelled Great Uncle.

carolyn tripp ceramics blue and white

Today I find my inspiration in everyday life. I am intrigued by connection, to the past and to each other. Recurring themes in my work include love and loss.

Which part of your creative process do you love most?

carolyn tripp throwing at the potters wheel

The throwing is perhaps my favourite as it engages both my mind and body and I can happily lose hours at the wheel. I used to hate turning (the process by which you refine the freshly thrown piece once it is leather hard) but with practice I have learnt to love it as it’s when the shape of the finished piece emerges. You finally see the vision you have held in your head.

Which of your designs do you love best and why?

carolyn tripp blue and white ceramic vase vessel

I love throwing and decorating bottles with thin necks. Just getting the clay to go from a wide cylinder to a very narrow one is always a challenge and a thrill!

carolyn trip hand thrown ceramic pottery vases and vessels

Which parts of your process do you find most difficult or challenging?

Each piece takes about 6-8 weeks to make as there are stages when it has to dry completely before moving onto the next and I have to make enough to justify each kiln firing. So, it’s sometimes hard as I work very long hours and have little to show for it until quite a while later. Mind you, when the glaze kiln is finally ready to open I’m  then bombarded with work which can be just as much of a challenge in its own way!

Why is mental health such an important issue for you?

In my life I have been aware of mental health since my childhood. 

carolyn tripp with her grandmother and sister
Carolyn (left with the dog) with her grandmother Peggy and sister Aileen

My paternal Grandmother Peggy, due to a close bereavement, devoted her life to helping people leaving hospital after a stay for mental health. She set up a series of group homes in Lewes, Sussex and was eventually rewarded with an MBE.  As an adult I’ve experienced mental health issues myself, particularly anxiety and I am aware of so many people who have also been troubled. I started working with adults in recovery from mental health illness about 18 years  ago, using ceramics as  a catalyst to aid recovery. This formed into the social enterprise Studio 306 Collective, based in Wood Green, North London. Over the years I have witnessed many people receive help and relief through the medium of clay.

Can you tell us a little bit about the work you do in this area and why you do it?

At the studio we offer a short course of classes as an introduction to a new creative area. We work in silver jewellery, sewing and screen printing alongside ceramics. After learning the skills, students are offered the opportunity to become members of the studio. As the ceramics tutor I guide the makers to make products that we sell to help fund more courses. For each hour a maker spends making our products they earn an hour in the studio to work on  their own ideas. It’s wonderful to watch people progressing. It’s a fun, stress free and social setting, safe for those that may be feeling anxious or unwell.

How has creativity benefitted your own mental health?

carolyn tripp with best friend debbie
carolyn tripp mum

When I lost my mum after a long illness and a year later my oldest friend, I found that it was my wheel and making that gave me sanctuary to process my grief. I had spent a great deal of time looking after them both and when they died, I found I had a lot of time on my hands. Both of them had believed in me and the creative work that was emerging from my hands.

carolyn trip ceramic studio workshop

In fact, my mum gifted me my wheel. It arrived four days before she died, and I was able to tell her it was here. Her last words to me were that she wanted to have a go on it.  I didn’t sit down and use it until after her funeral when I felt ready, but I think of her each time I do and feel that she is spurring me on.  I found that I was keeping my promises to both Mum (above, right) and Debbie (above, left) to invest in myself and my work, and I was able to find a space where I was free of sadness and deep thought.

carolyn tripp potter ceramics maker uk

How have you seen creativity benefit the mental health of others?

Through my work I’ve witnessed people able to slow down and sit and concentrate when they think that will be the last thing they will be able to do. Often, medication for mental health issues can affect concentration and those that hear voices find it difficult to concentrate. The peace that comes through creative work can bring a respite and its always wonderful to witness. I still remember the feeling of satisfaction and achievement that I had when I first made something, and I always take the time to point out achievements no matter how small with my students.

carolyn tripp

Do you have any simple tips for anyone wanting to improve their mental health through creativity?

I think it would be just to start something, don’t be put off by thinking something is difficult, skills take time. There are loads of great You Tube tutorials out there that give a good indication of what’s involved in a creative process so that’s a good place to start. I’d also say, reach out to a maker whose work inspires you – they may be able to give you tips on how to start. Finally visit open studios and art events and engage with makers to work out what inspires you.

carolyn tripp blue and white hand thrown ceramic vessels and pottery

Are there creative activities or processes that might help someone suffering with anxiety?

You might start with a simple pen and paper and doodle. It’s amazing how quickly a doodle on a doodle can create quite an interesting picture. Or, tear magazines, look for pictures or colours you like and glue them down – I’m a firm believer that we can all draw and create, and you shouldn’t let the pressure to make something perfect from stopping you from starting.

carolyn tripp blue and green hand thrown ceramics

Are there any inspirational quotes you might like to share with us?

I have two. The first is “Connect, Connect, Connect “by EM Forster – the importance of human connection cannot be exaggerated.

And the other is my computer screen saver: “For a long time, she only flew when she thought no one was watching”

I have no idea where I came across it, but it’s about confidence in being who we are. It’s a reminder to make sure that I fly every day and look out for others who should be soaring too but might be weighed down.

carolyn tripp ceramics

What are you reading/watching/listening to right now and what are your thoughts?

between two kingdoms Between Two Kingdoms Suleika Jaouad

I’ve just finished a wonderful book called Between Two Kingdoms by an American Author Suleika Jaouad. She was diagnosed with leukaemia in her late teens and the book tells her story. She is inspirational and a great reminder to live life to the full each day. I attend an online book club with 3 friends, and we all gave it 10/10.

Also, I listen to a lot of podcasts, Joe Wicks, How to Fail and How did we get here, amongst them.

the archers

I also listen to The Archers every evening (I grew up in one of the villages it’s based on, so it reminds me of that time with the accents and farming talk!)

If you weren’t a maker, what would you be?

That’s a hard question but I have always loved television and production, so I’d like to think of myself working somewhere in that field. My daughter is an actor, so I get the chance to visit sets and I love the buzz and appreciate the hard work that everyone puts in. I’d be firmly behind the camera though!

What did you want to be when you were a child?

Two things :

A mounted policewoman – I think I was looking for a way to have horses, rather than the police in my life!

Or a Blue Peter presenter – as I said I loved to make!

What motivates you and gets you out of bed in the morning?

Usually my dog who has taught me that a long morning walk makes us bother happier.

If you could share just one lesson or piece of advice what would it be?

Don’t stay too long doing something that doesn’t bring you joy. Don’t wait for everything to be right to change things. Make small changes and opportunity will present itself.

Any resources you would like to share that might be useful?

For interest in ceramics there are many makers offering lots of great tutorials on You Tube.

For mental health, which thankfully is a far more acceptable discussion point than it ever has been, seek help through your GP. To help someone else, there are fantastic mental health first aid courses available through  https://mhfaengland.org. I have attended several over the years  and think that  they should be taught in schools alongside physical first aid courses!

INFORMATION


Find Carolyn Tripp in the Ceramics made in UK section of our Directory.

Find our more about Carolyn Tripp’s work on the Carolyn Tripp website

Yeshen Venema

yeshen-venema

Yeshen Venema photography – top 5 tips for taking great product shots

Meet Yeshen Venema – designer maker product photographer

Are you a maker, grower or creative course provider? Like to list with us and benefit from joining our supportive community? We’d love to hear from you. Check out the packages we offer on our Join Us page and get in touch…

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our blog posts are independent and in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

In: MEET · Tagged: carolyn tripp, ceramics, creativity, hand thrown, mental health, pottery, vessels

You’ll Also Love

meet charlotte meek founder of The Stitch Society which crafts the perfect maker's and artisan aprons built to last using sustainable materials in yorkshireCharlotte Meek founder of The Stitch Society
sophie englishMeet Sophie English, founder of So English beachwear
emma lycett of hibou home shares her inspirations and one or two simple pleasuresMeet Emma Lycett of Hibou Home

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Linen apron ideas to fall in love with

About Me
I'm so glad you're here. I'm Laura - national women's magazine editor and journalist now sharing my passion for sustainable and creative living here. Hope you find something to enjoy and inspire! X

Categories

  • MAKE
  • MEET
  • LIFESTYLE
  • FLOWERS

Reader Favourites

The Directory

Browse Makers & Workshops

Pinterest

Login (directory listees)

Log in

Create account
Forgot password?

trending now

instagram

Follow @frombritainwithlove

It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to grow and blissfully fragrant in the summer months. 
They were my mum’s favourite flower, so growing them now feels like a precious connection. Especially when I pick some and arrange them in her beautiful old blue and gold jug just as she used to do with the sweet peas my dad grew for her every year.
There are some really handy tips for growing success from founder of The Real Flower Company Rosebie Morton over on the blog (link in bio). Rosebie has a whole farm dedicated to sweet peas near Chichester so she knows a thing or two about the subject!
Main thing I’ve picked up from her is to allow lots of depth for root growth at this stage and to make my own supportive wigwams from twiggy branches when the plants are really starting to go for it and need a bit of direction. This photo is making me yearn slightly.
I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying out tiny living for a feature I was writing - this was taken on our way to indulge in a spot of forest bathing. To be totally honest, we were both a little sceptical beforehand. But we were only saying the other day how taken aback we both were by the amazing effect it had. I’m working on some new ideas around the subject - will keep you posted. X
I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole site - which has meant lots of photo editing and reorganising so much content. What’s been lovely (despite the claw hand from so much keyboard work!) is revisiting work and becoming engrossed all over again. I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been (re) loving - with links in the bio to the old site for now, but not for long…! X
This  image is from a feature about preserving garden roses. I’m going to give this a really good go this year, now I have a better idea what I’m doing. I know there’s nothing quite like a fragrant fresh rose in Summer but there’s a fragile beauty to dried and preserved flowers that I also love, don’t you?
Snowdrops 🌱🤍 . . . . . . #capturequiet #ins Snowdrops 🌱🤍 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capturequiet #instabritain #natureandnourish #thewildernesstonic #cornersofmyworld
Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flower Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flowers Forever to be won! My bio has the link to enter as well as to get a peek inside. Beautifully photographed by Laura Edwards, I really enjoyed escaping into the pages and making plans for my own garden - hope you do too! X
To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Cla To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits has to be the perfect post Christmas craft project 😊 
If you fancy getting your needles out to make this adorable pair, the link to buy Claire’s pattern is in my bio. Happy knitting! X
Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists for a wonderful wreath making workshop yesterday. Such a special and creative space to spend time. I loved making my wreath - I went for a mixture of greenery arranged quite randomly with red waxed fresh apples, dried hydrangea, dried flowers, poppy and nigella seed heads and a winter white velvet bow. 
There were so many wonderful ingredients to choose from we were really spoiled for choice. 
Sarah’s new studio is such a beautiful, creative space. Think fragrant botanical candles flickering everywhere, mulled wine and apple juice simmering on the stove and containers full of fragrant festive greenery, waxed fruit, dried flowers and oranges, pine cones, lichen covered branches and even tiny gold wax-dipped fresh crab apples. 
Thank you for being so patient with my lengthy ribbon choice deliberations Sarah - and for bagging up a second choice option (dusky pink) to take home! X.  #wreathmaking #wreath #wreathsofinstagram #sustainablewreaths #wreathdecor #christmaswreath #velvetribbon #christmasdecor #festiveflowers
I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - s I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - she came up with the genius idea of embroidering on tulle using nature as her thread - and the results are sublime - like this Autumn colours beauty from her latest book.
I’m delighted that Olga is offering a fantastic prize bundle to my readers. For a chance to win one of her beautiful new dried flower embroidery kits (in collaboration with @driedandfloral ) as well as a signed copy of her wonderful new book(published by @quadrillebooks , pop over to my blog (link in my bio). It’s easy to enter so why don’t you give yourself a chance of winning this very lovely prize? Good luck! 
#driedflowers #driedflowerembroidery #olgaprinku #embroideryhoop #flowerembroidery #competitiontime #signedbooks #embroideryart #flowersontulle #autumn #autumncolours #hoopart #allthingsbotanical #instacraft
This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofp This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofpines and is from her beautiful new book Little Stories of Your Life. 
It’s packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you become a visual story teller. Because, as Laura says, it’s the little moments that make up the fabric of all of our lives - and those moments are worth capturing and sharing with others.
We have three signed copies of the book to give away - just click the link in my bio to find out more. There’s a peek inside and a lovely film by @xantheb to enjoy too! X 
#littlemoments #littlestoriesbook #alifeofwords #lostinwords #competition #booksarelife #mindfulphotography #bookstagram #booksmakemehappy #booksconnectus #igreads #whatareyoureading #signedbooks
Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has sh Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has shared her wonderfully creative ideas for visibly mending well-loved clothing in need of repair and a little TLC.
She had me at ‘sometimes I like to use giant sequins…’ 
Hope you like Lisa’s ideas as much as I do. The link to head over to my blog and get all her step by steps is in my bio x
Thank you @therealflowerco for these heavenly swee Thank you @therealflowerco for these heavenly sweet peas - the perfect way to celebrate #britishflowersweek 
I just wish I could share the blissful fragrance with you too 💕🌸
#locallygrownflowers #flowersofinstagram #supportlocal #britishflowersweek2021 #britishseasonalflowers #flowersfromthefarm #sweetpeas
This heavenly knitted lamb is by Claire Garland ak This heavenly knitted lamb is by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits and just one of the creative spring projects you might enjoy immersing yourself in right now. To discover other inspirational ideas and to get all the info you need - including this free pattern by Claire - click the link in my bio. Hope you find something that brings you a little seasonal joy x
Thanks to Erin at @floretflower for sending me a s Thanks to Erin at @floretflower for sending me a surprise signed copy of her dreamy new book Discovering Dahlias - and another signed copy to share with one of you. 
To enjoy a peek inside - and for a chance to win - click the link in my bio. 
The truly beautiful photographs (including this one) are all by Erin’s husband Chris Benzakein #discoveringdahlias #floretflowerfarm #dahliasofinstagram #flowersgivemepower #giveawayuk
Thanks to @sarahravenperchhill for sharing a beaut Thanks to @sarahravenperchhill for sharing a beautifully simple way to arrange snowdrops and other early spring flowers over on the blog (link is in my bio). I’ve already made my own simple flower grid using foraged twigs and it works brilliantly! 
As well as sharing her simple step by steps, there’s also a video tutorial where Sarah shares more inspiring ideas for creating with early spring flowers. The beautiful photographs are by @jonathanbuckleyphotography - hope you enjoy! X
Last call to enter our Pippa Greenwood Grow Your O Last call to enter our Pippa Greenwood Grow Your Own gift bundle competition!
My favourite #gardenersquestiontime panellist @pippa.greenwood offers a range of totally brilliant Grow Your Own gift bundles - which include garden-ready veg plants sent out at the right time for planting, email growing advice, tips and recipes from Pippa herself as well as signed copies of The Gardener’s Year. It’s the perfect gift for anyone interested in growing their own fresh produce - and comes with the best expert advice!
We have two Pippa Greenwood GYO gift bundles to be won - the link to enter the competition, and to find out more is in my bio - Good luck!
Last call for anyone who’d like to enter our Cla Last call for anyone who’d like to enter our Claire Garland Christmas Mouse knitting pattern competition. The link to enter is the top one in my bio. Good luck!
If you’re finding the world a somewhat shouty an If you’re finding the world a somewhat shouty and overwhelming place right now, you might like to get behind Sarah Corbett @craftivists new project - she’s crowdfunding to create the final part of her Craftivism trilogy: the Craftivist Collective Handbook. It will be a beautiful hardback with 20 gentle protest Craftivist projects and tools to help readers become positive and effective change makers. Because slow and gentle can be more effective in the long run than fast and loud. I am 100% behind Sarah’s project and have no doubt that those of us in the crafty, creative community have plenty to contribute when it comes to making a better, fairer world. 
Stitching a powerful message can be  more effective than shouting it at someone who’s not listening to you. If you’d like to get involved or find out more, follow the top link in my bio.
Thanks to @botanical_tales for sharing beautiful d Thanks to @botanical_tales for sharing beautiful dried flower wreath ideas over on the blog - link in bio. I love this dried mini wreath as natural gift wrapping decoration (you can buy ready-made too) - all the links are in the post.
Thanks too to Kirsten @henthorn_farm_flowers for sharing her step by steps for creating a stunning giant foraged dried flower wreath as well as her beautiful simple wreath in silvery winter whites. 
I’m increasingly obsessed with the idea of growing my own flowers for drying and creating lovely things with them. Watch this space for more dried flower inspiration coming soon... X
One of the joyful things about this time of year f One of the joyful things about this time of year for me is making plans for next spring and summer in my flower cutting garden. After two years of growing cut flowers, I’m ready for some fresh ideas and to raise my game a little more. I would like to fill some gaps in shape and colour and to extend the flowering season in particular. I’d also like to start drying and preserving my flowers... so I am thrilled that Kirsten of @henthorn_farm_flowers has shared a beautiful glimpse into her seasonal and sustainable flowery world as well as lots of fantastic expert tips and ideas over on the blog - the link is in my bio. I hope you find some inspiration too. Kirsten lives in a very beautiful part of the world - the Ribble Valley in Lancashire. It’s an area very close to my heart as I grew up not far away. Loved spending a little virtual time there again, thanks to Kirsten - and I am yearning to go back in person one day soon and breathe it all in again.
To be honest, I’m still clinging on to the last To be honest, I’m still clinging on to the last moments of Summer. I do always eventually embrace Autumn but, this year in particular, I’m wanting to hold on for as long as possible to the quiet bliss of the last few months. 
I do really worry about what lies ahead for us all, but spending time outdoors, connecting, really up close, to what’s going on in the garden definitely helps. I still have roses, sweet peas, snapdragons, zinnias, asters and LOTS of dahlias blooming so there are always jars and jugs of flowers on every available surface. Rose geranium leaves have been a revelation for adding a fragrant green frilliness - and now I’m full of love for abelia. 
This beautiful photo is by @gandgorgeousflowers and captures the between-seasons beauty in the flower garden right now. I am inspired to create something similar as I have many of the same colours. 
I do realise that it’s silly (and utterly pointless 😂) to resist Autumn as it’s actually one of the most beautiful times of year. As soon as the leaves really turn, and everywhere starts to smell like Autumn, I’m sure I’ll be fully on board. 
With that in mind, I’ve shared lots of inspiring Autumn Flowers ideas over on the blog (link in my bio) from some of my favourite flower creatives including @gandgorgeousflowers @simplybyarrangement @therealflowerco @wildbunchflowers @floribundaroseflorists @thesussexflowerschool @electricdaisyflowerfarm 

Hope you enjoy - and find a little bit of creative inspiration too. X

INFORMATION

  • Join Us
  • Get in touch
  • About us

DIRECTORY LISTEES

Log in

Create account
Forgot password?

BROWSE

  • Shop
  • Directory
  • Features
  • T & Cs
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy

Copyright © 2025 From Britain with Love

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!