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 🌱🤍 
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#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
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LIFESTYLE · November 27, 2018

Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton @5ftinf

Discover the new book, Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton, instagram queen and artist aka @5ftinf

I first met Philippa over a year ago, when I spent a day at her home in Brighton, discussing creativity and life in general over many good and strong cups of tea. I’d almost cancelled because it wasn’t long after losing my dad and I’d woken up that day feeling grey and lacking in any forward momentum. Like my skin was on inside out and my emotions overwhelming.

I decided to battle through and set off, crying my eyes out when the theme from The Onedin Line came on the radio. Dad had loved that piece of music (Adagio from Spartacus by Khachaturian) as well as the TV series itself. I was instantly back to Sunday nights when we’d all sit together and watch it. I could see the opening titles clear as day… the ocean waves crashing around the bows of the ship, my mum and dad sitting together on the sofa and our old dog Blue asleep across their laps. More tears. By the time I was knocking at Philippa’s door my eyes were puffy and I felt exhausted, like the stuffing had been knocked out of me. Certainly not bursting with creative energy, indeed much energy of any kind.

Artist, actress and Insta queen

Then Philippa opened the door, welcomed me in and put the kettle on. Within minutes I felt like I’d known her for years. An artist, actress and instagram queen, Philippa shared all sorts of things she has collected (and organised by colour) and what they mean to her. She gave so much of herself and her unique creative energy just swept me along. We spent time inside her magical shed and opened scent-filled boxes to sniff inside, examined shelves full of old clocks, discussed the painting Philippa was working on and how it was inspired by her deep fear of the underside of big ships…

If you don’t already follow Philippa on Instagram, here’s a taste of the colourful and creative world she shares over there…

love this moodboard of images from instagram @5ftinf by artist philippa stanton. Click through to see more wonderful images as well as a glimpse behind the scenes at the launch of Philippa's new book Conscious Creativity

You can read the full blog post about that day here, but suffice it to say that when I finally left for home, I was feeling re-energised, inspired and like a weight had been lifted. I could so easily see why Philippa has built up her enormous following on Instagram (just shy of half a million followers). A day with her had been such an inspiring experience and just what I needed. It made me realise that my creativity had become blocked by grief and day to day routine. And that allowing it to find a way through again had made a massive difference to how I felt.

love this book consciously creative philippa stanton @5ftinf click through for a peek inside and behind the scenes at the launch workshop

CONSCIOUS CREATIVITY IS AVAILABLE TO BUY ON AMAZON – CLICK HERE

Since then, Philippa and I have become friends and I know just how much she has put into her new book Conscious Creativity over the last  year. The book has been a true labour of love, and launched a couple of weeks ago. I am so proud of Philippa for what she has achieved and it was great to share the launch party with so many people who felt the same way.

Conscious Creativity is like no other book you’ll ever own and could actually change your life. The idea behind it is to stimulate your imagination, unlock your creative potential by opening your senses, encouraging observation, curiosity and experimentation. Find out who you are creatively, as you take a conscious step to note the colours, shapes, shadows, sounds and textures that fill our world and how they make you feel.

With the book by your side, you can start to connect your observations with emotions and transform your creative practice. Philippa shares personal experiences and lots of stunning images as well as masses of tips and exercises to try.

philippa stanton @5ftinf conscious creativity

Having just finished reading my copy, I can honestly say that this beautiful book is the perfect way for anyone to reconnect with their creativity the way that Philippa has helped me to connect with mine. I could hear her voice in my head as I read and love how much of herself she has put into this. It’s not surprising to learn that Philippa was an enquiring little girl, asking lots and lots of questions about anything and everything. Such as: ‘what’s the name for the jelly stuff inside a bubble of seaweed?’ Love that her brother told her it was called ‘bingle’ just to keep her quiet! Bingle is a much better word than agar (as it’s correctly known) don’t you think?

As part of the book launch, I was thrilled to be invited to join a workshop with a small group of creatives at The Regency Townhouse in Hove. It was the most magical and inspiring day, bringing to life so much of what the book’s about and I thought I’d share it with you…

The Regency Town House, Hove

The venue was utterly perfect. As we headed down to the basement with its peeling walls, dusty corridors, old doorways and dark cubby holes, we started to realise the sensory treat in store for us. I’d expected atmosphere and some seasonal wabi sabi, but I was totally blown away. With the help of florist Kate Langdale, the venue had been transformed.

love this atmospheric autumnal corridor at the regency townhouse Hove, just one of the images taken at the conscious creativity book launch workshop with philippa stanton aka @5ftinf click through for more inspirational images from the daylove this atmospheric wabi sabi doorway and shadows at the regency townhouse Hove, just one of the images taken at the conscious creativity book launch workshop with philippa stanton aka @5ftinf click through for more inspirational images from the daylove this atmospheric autumnal corridor at the regency townhouse Hove, just one of the images taken at the conscious creativity book launch workshop with philippa stanton aka @5ftinf click through for more inspirational images from the daylove this atmospheric autumnal corridor at the regency townhouse Hove, just one of the images taken at the conscious creativity book launch workshop with philippa stanton aka @5ftinf click through for more inspirational images from the daylove this atmospheric wabi sabi autumnal studio at the regency townhouse Hove, just one of the images taken at the conscious creativity book launch workshop with philippa stanton aka @5ftinf click through for more inspirational images from the day

Suspended above the old kitchen were celestial ‘clouds’ of wispy white Old Man’s Beard and gypsophila. Pumpkins and gourds lined and resembled the cracked old surfaces of the mantelpieces. Apples and leaves were piled in corners, stuck on surfaces and arranged around fireplaces. Strings of tiny lights hung within dark, recessed spaces. The overall effect was quite magical.

love this 'cloud' of white mans bead and gypsophila made by Kate Langdale Florist for the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton at The Regency Town House in Hovelove this golden yellow bucket of floers with dark old regency doors and dark cupboard beyond with a string of lights.love this image of artist philippa stanton aka @5ftinf at the workshop to launch her new book Conscious Creativity. Click through for a peek inside and lots more images from the day

Looking

Standing beneath the billowy white flower cloud, Philippa started the workshop with an exercise aimed at getting us to really look at and notice the details of our surroundings. It felt silly at first to turn and face a point on the wall and just look at it for a few minutes. After a moment or two I settled in, and started to take in the details on the fireplace, wall and mantelpiece behind me. The colours and patterns within the distressed and cracked plaster of the wall. The old thick pencil cross that marked a point in the middle above the fireplace. I got to wondering who had made that cross and when. If a painting had ever hung there and what it had been like. And where that painting might be now. How all of these different moments in time were held together by one pencil mark made by someone who didn’t know we’d be gathered beneath heavenly clouds of dried flowers so many years later. All from taking the time to turn, look and notice.

The value of boredom

I love that there’s a chapter in the book entitled ‘Boredom’, with a great quote from master of mindfulness, Jon Kabat-Zinn: ‘When you pay attention to boredom it gets unbelievably interesting.’

Philippa explains that boredom is an integral factor in the creative process and shouldn’t be ignored. Our minds are regularly tied up, often on our devices, and this constant stimulation leaves no space for idle thought. It’s this nothingness in time that allows our minds to wander and invent. It was because he was bored during a religious service in Pisa, apparently, that Galileo started to measure the duration of the oscillations of the cathedral’s giant chandelier by counting the beats of his pulse. By letting his mind wander he had discovered a way to measure time.

One of the exercises in this chapter is easy for anyone to try:

‘It may seem counterintuitive to set yourself the task of being bored,’ Philippa writes. ‘But I suppose it’s actually more about finding those moments that allow the boredom through. A lot of those moments exist in periods of waiting – time spent waiting for a bus, in a doctor’s waiting room, in a traffic jam or outside the school gates. It’s these boring times that tend to make us reach for our phones. The task is to resist your device, focus on your boredom and engage your senses. While waiting somewhere, count how many things you can see around you of just one colour.’

Next step is to start documenting – consciously collecting and organizing your observations and inspirations – and there is a whole chapter with ideas on how you might like to do this.

love this atmospheric wabi sabi autumnal studio at the regency townhouse Hove, just one of the images taken at the conscious creativity book launch workshop with philippa stanton aka @5ftinf click through for more inspirational images from the daylove this atmospheric wabi sabi autumnal mantelpiece with pumpkins and gourds at the regency townhouse Hove, just one of the images taken at the conscious creativity book launch workshop with philippa stanton aka @5ftinf click through for more inspirational images from the day

Shadow collecting

Philippa talked a little about the book In Praise of Shadows  by Japanese writer Junichiro Tanizaki and how it had inspired her.  A lover of colour, she came to realise that it’s the shadows between and within things that makes them truly beautiful. Tanizaki wrote in praise of delicate and nuanced, everything softened by shadows and the patina of age, understated and natural, such as the patterns of grain in old wood, the sound of rain dripping from eaves and leaves, or washing over the footing of a stone lantern in a garden, and refreshing the moss that grows about it.

Tanizaki’s relish in the world and its ordinary pleasures offers a sharp contrast to the functional, plastic, disposable aesthetic of modern western life. A contrast to our obsession with maximising light. Because you can’t appreciate the light without the shade. And, Philippa suggests, we shouldn’t be afraid of shadows. They are part of the whole experience of life and make the light bits even more beautiful.

So, our next exercise was to head off with torches in search of shadows and to see how they made us feel. It was like being a grown up at infant school, given free creative reign to do and try things, just because. I found myself trying out a much darker, grainier style of photography to usual. Even though I wasn’t really sure if it would work. There was something very freeing about giving into the exercise. I decided to be experimental and hope that I got some decent images despite going outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to try and capture something of the atmosphere of the place. The way it made me feel.

love this image at The Regency Townhouse in Hove with candlelight and a magical feel at the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf click through for a peek inside as well as more image of the workshop and the daylove this tulip still lifelove this vintage basket with crab apples at old regency window with linen and wooden clothes pegs at The Regency Townhouse for the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf. Click through for a peek inside and a look behind the scenes at the launch workshoplove this vintage red striped linen with crab apples and old wooden pegs at old regency window with linen and wooden clothes pegs at The Regency Townhouse for the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf. Click through for a peek inside and a look behind the scenes at the launch workshop love this moody candle light and distressed plaster wall with crab apples and old jugs on mantelpiece at old regency window with linen and wooden clothes pegs at The Regency Townhouse for the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf. Click through for a peek inside and a look behind the scenes at the launch workshop

Scent and memory

Like the book, the day was all about engaging our senses, so we spent some time exploring scent. The room was filled with the mingled fragrance of rosemary branches and piles of windfall apples. Glass lidded globes contained different scents, as did all sorts of other vessels, jars and old wooden lidded boxes. The same smell sparked such different responses in each of us. One small box of wood shavings, for instance, evoked memories of ponies, old-fashioned hardware shops and junior school to list just three.

We were asked to think of one smell from childhood and see where it led us, and I found myself remembering my old spaniel, Blue, and how I loved the warm, nutty smell of the fur between his toes! I could see him smuggled upstairs and lying on my bed, head on the pillow. Pretending to be asleep but wagging the tip of his tail. In fact I was back in my old bedroom with its 1980s M&S pink and white rosebud print bed cover, curtains, cushions and even slippers. I was obviously already a little obsessive about fabric even back then! I could see my 70s dressing table again, with my collection of almost-empty old perfume bottles arranged on top. I loved to take the lids off and sniff each one. Guerlain, Worth, Jean Patou, Dior glass bottles, many with gold tops. I also enjoyed seeing how the scent remnants went off over time. I suspect Philippa and I would have got along well as little girls too…

Listening and soundscapes

The next sensory treat in store was a soundscape that combined music, sounds and atmosphere. We closed our eyes and lost ourselves in the pictures and feelings created in our minds by what we heard. Brisk and pastoral classical music mingled with tinkling teaspoons on china cups and sent me to a sunny kitchen filled with yellows and bright blues, feeling sure there was a picnic packed up and ready to take out for the day. The sound of driving rain on a roof, and what I remember as intense, brooding Mahler transported me to a dark library with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere and deep, dark browns.

love this moody window shot with willow wreath, old candle sticks and nasturtiums at a wintry window at The Regency Townhouse in Hove with candlelight and a magical feel at the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf click through for a peek inside as well as more image of the workshop and the daylove this image at The Regency Townhouse in Hove with candlelight and a magical feel at the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf click through for a peek inside as well as more image of the workshop and the daylove this moody window shot with old brass candle sticks and nasturtiums at a wintry window at The Regency Townhouse in Hove with candlelight and a magical feel at the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf click through for a peek inside as well as more image of the workshop and the day

Taste

We were all creatively buzzing by now and it was amazing to hear how different our responses were. The next sense we engaged was taste – as it was time for lunch.

This was a Regency treat served in a candlelit dining room and washed down with Wyldwood Cider and Old Tree Brewery kombucha. Starter was homemade leek and potato soup decorated with nasturtiums. Individual handmade chicken or vegan pies were served with ‘blaized pippins’ – a popular regency accompaniment of baked apples. Dessert was creamy/zesty lemon posset decorated with a sprig of rosemary. All recipes were authentic to the Regency period and totally delicious.

One of the women who served us, sang as she walked the echoing corridors to and from the kitchen. She was dressed in Regency costume, and we giggled at the idea that she was a ghost that only one of us could  hear or see. So I laughed when I somehow managed to capture this image of her. I say laugh. I may have also felt just a tiny bit freaked out.

love this image at The Regency Townhouse in Hove with candlelight and a magical feel at the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf click through for a peek inside as well as more image of the workshop and the daylove this image at The Regency Townhouse in Hove with candlelight and a magical feel at the launch of Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton aka @5ftinf click through for a peek inside as well as more image of the workshop and the day

The afternoon was spent taking photographs, drinking more tea and sharing delicious, still-warm homemade cake. Just the best day ever!

When I got home I was slightly scared to look at my photographs in case they hadn’t worked. I’m not used to going grainy and dark. There were quite a few that didn’t work, but I love that I have managed to capture something of the magical atmosphere of the day. It felt quite exciting to risk something new and to push myself beyond what feels safe and familiar. It’s made up my mind to ask for a creative photography course for Christmas, so I can properly get to grips with my camera. I want to try more new things because I love how it made me feel.

The perfect creative gift

If you’re looking for Christmas present ideas, this wonderful book would be a great choice for anyone wanting to reconnect with their creativity. It’s full of the most wonderful ideas and practical exercises to try – and I defy anyone not to be inspired along the way. There are so many different suggestions to help you build up a creative practice that fits with your own, individual aesthetic and who you are. Topics include Texture & Wabi Sabi, Atmosphere & Nothing and Looking. There’s plenty of good advice on ‘Comparison Assassination’ too, so prevalent in these social media fuelled times.

I love this little stop frame film that Philippa made for her Instagram page. You can definitely see her own particular aesthetic and tone of voice. Anyone can play with stop frame film making but only Philippa could have made this. The key is to find your own, unique, voice too and build your confidence to use it, through practice. Exactly what this book will help you to do.

View this post on Instagram

 

📽…I was inspired to make this stop frame film today by @xantheb who made an absolutely amazing one on Friday ( you can see it on her feed ). Xanthe has also made some brilliant little films to bring my book to life and I’ve posted her first compilation one in my Stories today 🧡✨ #consciouscreativity @quartocreates #5ftinftable

A post shared by Philippa Stanton (@5ftinf) on Nov 19, 2018 at 10:10am PST

I was thrilled to be asked to join this creative day and I know I will continue to dip into the book and get something new each time. Most touching of all, was a message Philippa sent to me after the launch, just double checking I’d read page 160… It would never have occurred to me that I’d be mentioned in her acknowledgements, but there my name was. I was so incredibly touched and it has made what was already a precious book totally and utterly priceless.

BUY your copy of Conscious Creativity here >>

love this conscious creativity book by philippa stanton @5ftinf click through to find out more and see lots of inspiring creative images and ideas from this wonderful book

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love this conscious creativity book by philippa stanton @5ftinf click through to find out more and see lots of inspiring creative images and ideas from this wonderful book

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In: LIFESTYLE

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Comments

  1. Joyce says

    December 23, 2018 at 3:34 am

    Thank you for your sharing this experience. I’m a painter and potter living in New Zealand. It’s mid summer here and all the colours are vibrant. Oh but I have loved to have been there with you. The photos you shared are amazing!

    Reply
    • Laura Dunkley says

      December 28, 2018 at 6:27 pm

      Thank you so much Joyce – it’s quite grey today here, so some NZ vibrant colours would be very welcome right now!

      Reply

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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

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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 🌱🤍 
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#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

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