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 · August 30, 2017

Simple pleasures and local finds in Cornwall

love Lantic Bay in Cornwall. Click through to discover the special places and local finds we share because we think you'll love them too

Simple pleasures and local finds in Cornwall.

I love Cornwall and have been going for holidays there since I was a child. My memories are of long, sunshine-filled days spent on sandy beaches and then a steep walk back up to the car loaded with wind breaks, buckets and spades. A meal out that might include grapefruit juice – as a starter – or prawn cocktail if we were somewhere really fancy. Sunburnt shoulders and the best ice cream you’d ever tasted. Thinking you are learning to swim in the sea but never quite letting go of your dad’s hand. Bottles of green violet perfume with brightly coloured pixies sitting on top. It’s the sort of nostalgia that makes you smile and almost cry at the same time. Smile because you realise how lucky you are to have such happy memories. Cry because so much time has gone by and loved ones have been lost.

I’ve been to Cornwall many times with my own family too and it makes me happy that they are building up their own sunshiney memories (without the grapefruit juice starter, so far…).

We spent last week in south east Cornwall so I thought I’d share some of the special places we found with you.

We booked at the last minute, and decided to push the boat out. I wanted to hear the sound of the sea as I fell asleep. Our teenager wanted somewhere modern and ‘not all rustic with old furniture’. Our 12-year-old wanted to be walkable to a beach so he could take our cocker spaniel, Woody, for a run there whenever he wanted. My husband didn’t mind – he just wanted me to sort it. So I did just that and booked Sea Edge in Downderry.

sea edge downderry cornwall click through for more beautiful images of this coastal dream home and other great finds in the areasea edge downderry cornwall click through for more beautiful images of this coastal dream home and other great finds in the areasea edge downderry cornwall click through for more beautiful images of this coastal dream home and other great finds in the area

We knew from the photos on the website that it was a stunningly designed modern house, but our jaws still dropped slightly when we arrived. The whole house faces towards the ocean and sparkling sea views fill every room. Huge sliding doors allow the sound of the crashing waves to wash into all the bedrooms as well as the main living area. So I definitely had what I wanted. I did worry a little at first that we might be too chaotic for a house like that and that we might ruin it somehow. It was all so perfect. But I realise that it’s actually quite easy to live a zen-like, minimal life when there is so much storage space to choose from. When every single thing has its place. And you never have to put something in a cupboard and shut the door quickly to stop it falling out…

sea edge downderry cornwall click through for more beautiful images of this coastal dream home and other great finds in the areabeautiful limestone and driftwood bathroom at sea edge downderry cornwall click through for more beautiful images of this coastal dream home and other great finds in the area

I really like this textural stone wall behind the beautiful Corian bath with insets for essentials – candles and pretty shells. I also LOVED this wide picture window with upholstered seat and soft cushions below. The perfect place to lie and take in the amazing view. The design plans for the house are framed on the wall, and are by Cornish firm Kast Architects in Truro.

sunset over the sea at Sea Edge Downderry

We had one wild and windy day and this best window seat ever was the perfect place to sit and enjoy looking out with a cup of tea and a holiday book.

stormy view over the sea at Sea Edge Downderry

My greatest simple pleasures in Cornwall

Rather than ramble on about everything we did, I thought I should pick out the best simple pleasures from the week to share with you.

love Lantic Bay in Cornwall. Click through to discover the special places and local finds we share because we think you'll love them toolove Lantic Bay in Cornwall golden sandy beach with blue green sea. Click through to discover the special places and local finds we share because we think you'll love them tooLantic Bay

Locals told us that Lantic Bay is south east Cornwall’s best kept secret and they were right. It’s a quiet, sheltered cove with golden sand and turquoise water that feels more like the Med than Cornwall. It can be quite hard to find, which is probably why it was so wonderfully quiet when we got there – on a gloriously sunny August afternoon!

butterfly on yellow flowers by the sea in Cornwallwild yellow flowers by the sea in CornwallLantic Bay in Cornwall. click through for beautiful images of this wonderful area of Cornwall You park at the National Trust car park on the headland and walk down a steep cliff path to the bay. Just beautiful. I took these photos on the way – including this chance butterfly that landed just as I was looking through the lens.

Blue Plate Downderry cornwall restaurant bar and deli by the sea Blue Plate Downderry cornwall restaurant bar and deli by the sea

Blue Plate, Downderry

This great local eatery/bakery/deli was a five minute walk from the house so we popped in most days for freshly baked sourdough bread, pasties, house olives and local crab tarts. We had dinner there too – which was really nicely cooked fresh Looe Bay fish and chips for me. When fish is that fresh and well cooked, I’m happy. Add a glass of cold white wine and I’m in heaven.

jo downs glass shoal fishesJo Downs Glass shop Padstow Cornwall

Jo Downs shop Padstow

Jo is listed in our directory and I was already familiar with her beautiful glass designs, so I recognised the stunning blue/green glass shoal of fish darting around the skylight above the stairwell of our holiday house. My photos don’t quite capture how beautiful this shoal looked as light shone through and across it at different times of day. We popped to Padstow one afternoon and so I made sure I didn’t miss out on a trip to Jo’s shop there. I wanted to take something home, so I bought a really pretty blue green bubbly glass coaster with three copper fish swimming inside. I drink a lot of tea, so I’m going to be using – and enjoying looking at this – every day.

jo downs glass blue glass and copper fish coaster. Click through for more local finds and simple pleasures in Cornwall

I couldn’t help snapping as I we meandered around Padstow, a little randomly I know, but I was on holiday…

Rick Stein Patisserie Padstow

We bought a couple of delicious fruit tarts at Stein’s Patisserie in Padstow – one strawberry and one with a whole poached mini pear, packaged in pretty little white cake boxes. I love Rick Stein’s passion for good local food and he has done a lot to put Padstow well and truly on the foodie map but to be honest we were quite glad to leave the crowds behind. It’s so much quieter on the south coast.

interiors shop padstow with colourful flowers and seaside coastal accessories

I snapped this because I just loved the jumble of colour and texture. It was outside an interiors shop called Teri Walter which sold coastal and seaside inspired gifts and home accessories.

padstow brewing co cornwall craft brewery

I’m not a beer drinker and to be honest, I took this photo because I just liked the look of this black and white clapboard shop. Then I discovered that it’s a craft brewery run by the only Head Brewster (female brewer) in Cornwall. I love that the business (run by husband and wife team Caron and Des Archer) started in 2013, brewing in a converted surf shower and a half-size brewer’s barrel. Though small by brewing standards, the barrel was still too big for their space – only one person could get in at a time and whoever was outside got wet if it was raining. The beer sold as fast as they could make it, so in Autumn of that year they invested in a substantial new British-built custom made brewery. Now they make around 9000 pints a week and their spent grains go free to local farmers for animal feed and hops for compost. Love local business stories like that.

cornwall soapbox shop padstow Cornwall Soapbox lavender bath foam body wash

Cornwall Soapbox

I liked the look of this pretty shop and was drawn inside. I met Mike, who owns the business with his aromatherapist wife, Suzanne. It was lovely to hear the story behind the brand and their passion for what they do. They started out making cold-pressed natural soaps (made by hand by Mike and scented with unique essential oil blends created by Suzanne). Mike still makes the soaps (he uses the traditional “cold process” method which ensures that the naturally produced glycerine is retained in the bars for an extra moisturising lather. Ten years on, the brand now also has an impressive range of natural bath and skincare products as well as home fragrance candles and gifts. I decided to treat myself to a body wash and bath foam so Mike talked me through the four different fragrance blends and their properties.

I went for Lavender and Rose Geranium body wash (balancing if you are feeling a bit hormonal!) and Lavender, Rosemary and Patchouli Foaming Bath (their signature scent and very relaxing before bedtime).

Downderry beach Cornwall in the morning light

Downderry beach early morning

It may not have powdery white sand like other bays in the region, but I loved walking Woody on Downderry beach in the morning. I say ‘walking’ but he really just ran in and out of the sea, trying to collect all the stones. So many stones, and so little time for one small spaniel…The early light made the sea and sand seem silvery and magical.

dog friendly Downderry beach Cornwall in the morning lightThere was hardly anyone else there. Walking in the morning sunshine with the waves crashing and having the whole, sweeping bay almost to ourselves is a simple pleasure I will always remember.

driftwood sculpture beach art downderry beach cornwalldriftwood sculpture beach art downderry beach cornwall

I loved this driftwood beach art structure by the steps up from the beach. It’s been created by people adding and tying on colourful finds, messages and sketches.

St Kitts Herbery cornwall rosemary and bergamot hand wash

St Kitts Herbery

I’d never come across this brand before but their Rosemary and Bergamot liquid soap hand wash and soaps were at every sink, bath and shower in the house and I’m now hooked. We all loved the herby, fresh and natural fragrance. I noticed that Blue Plate sold the range too, so I got to find out more. Turns out St Kitts Herbery is based in Camelford in Cornwall on the edge of Bodmin Moor. They grow a wide range of herb plants as well as producing luxury toiletries and artisan chocolates and food gifts. Their Rosemary and Bergamot hand wash is used by Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall restaurant among others.

quayside fresh farm shop looe cornwallseagull on wooden post beside boats in harbour at Looe in Cornwallcolourful boats in harbour at Looe in Cornwall

Looe

Our nearest sizeable town, Looe was like going back in time for me. There was a relaxed, timeless seaside feel to the place that I liked. The harbour bobs with colourful boats and there are some great local shops and bakers. Well worth a visit is Quayside Fresh (pictured above) on the harbour. It’s a fantastic family-run farm shop selling the finest local Cornish produce and groceries as well as top quality meat. Their street café sells great coffee and simply prepared fresh local food, particularly seafood from the local fish market or bought directly from the boat. No wonder it tastes so good. I can recommend the pan fried Looe mackerel with chorizo and lemon pepper creme fraiche wrap.

our cocker spaniel woody in beach towel

Dogs in towels

We all love this image of Woody at Lantic Bay, post-swim and swaddled in a jaunty blue and white beach towel. He loves being wrapped up and cuddled. I think the joy of it is something to do with his serious expression and the way he expects to be tended to in this way after a bracing swim.

spaniel waiting for crisps

Whilst we’re at it, I thought I’d also share this image of him on the balcony, very much up for some evening nibbles…

sunset over the sea at Looe Cornwall

Seeing the sun go down

Each evening the whole holiday house filled with honeyed, and then rosy, light as the sun set. It really brought home to me what a wonderful thing it is to watch the sun setting each day. It reminds you of the bigger picture – beyond your daily busyness. I also love it on grey days when you suddenly see a magical, silvery pool of sun far out to sea. I imagine what it would be like to be right in the middle of it. Like being in a natural spotlight, but only for a moment or two.

pool of sunlight on grey sea

 

 

 

In: LIFESTYLE

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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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