Losing Your Inhibitions to a Camera

Try this it's brilliant.
I decided today that I needed a new picture of myself on the sidebar so after applying the old slap to the face I did a whole load of pictures of myself. It was hard at first as you feel a bit of an idiot smiling at yourself but after a while it became enjoyable.
I have little or no inhibitions in the company of others but by myself I tend not to let go. Losing my inhibitions in private this morning was so theraputic I would recommend it to everyone.
By the way it's not hot here I had my nightie on.

Branding Your Home

I absolutely love this idea of burning a pattern onto your walls and furniture which is how this effect is created. I have to say though that I wouldn't dare try it in case I set the bloody house on fire.
By Sarah van Gameren

Chic Belgian Fashion

Never underestimate the Belgians they don't just make good chocolate.
From Francoise Pendville

A Fragrant Tassel

I really do like this idea - air freshener in a tassel. I hate those plug in things, these are so much more stylish.
From Agraria Home

Boys Will Be Girls

My grandsons Sonny & Billy have a thing about this dressing up dress. Billy even likes to sleep in it. I can't wait to show these pictures to their first first girlfriends.

I Am One Proud Grandmother

I mentioned yesterday that I was away with Georgia, my grand daughter, at a recording session. Well she blew us all away by producing this in under half an hour.
This is her version of Bridge Over Troubled Water which she is singing next Thursday in the talent contest she entered.
Please take a moment to listen and make my day.

I Want These

I just WANT them. From Free People

Little French Hideaway

It's a glorious day here today but I would still trade it to be here. Petites Maisons dans La Prairie in Plelo, France.

Fab Flowers

Fab Felt Flowers by Fab Stuff

Green Sheep and Brown Polar Bears

I'm not at all bothered that these needle felt animals are the wrong colour - why not, thats what I say.
From Roselane Studio at Etsy

Away Day - Take a Walk Around My Cottage

I am off to the big city - Newcastle - today to take my grandaughter Georgia to make a record. We bought her a recording session for her 15th birthday and she is going to record the song she is singing in the semi finals of the talent contest she entered.
I am leaving you with a guided tour of the area around my cottage. Put your wellies on and ENJOY! Pop into the cottage for a cuppa when you have finished, Harvey is in.

Our little hamlet, my cottage is the second building on the left with the 3 windows.

Just along the lane from our cottage we have access to the River Tyne and all the little streams that lead from it. Moss abounds around these places.

The wonderful River Tyne that winds its way down to Newcastle upon Tyne and out into the North Sea.

A kindly farmer has created this seat carved into a tree trunk. This sits by the river so you can rest and take in the view.

Its lambing time so all the rams are kept well away from the women. They are not happy as you can see from the expression on this one's face.

Approaching the hamlet from the other side I notice the horses still have their coats on.

This silver birch has the whitest trunk I have ever seen. It stands outside the farmhouse and I swear I haven't tried to turn it into a piece of Ghost Furniture.

An ancient bastle that belongs to the farm. These buildings were named after the French Bastilles and were fortified to keep out marauding Scots. The walls of this one are 4 feet thick.

Down the hill from my cottage sits this beautiful unused railway bridge. I love that it is covered in grass. The house on the left of it is for sale. It was originally 2 railway cottages that are now one house. It needs a lot of work but it has a hoard of people bidding against each other to get it. Here take a look.

Leaving You In Safe Hands

As you know today I am away all day so I am leaving you in the safe hands of - Karine of Bodie and Fou, who bought wheredidyoubuythat.com from me has a brilliant article in the Independent. This is a seriously good read. She was interviewed and asked to give her best shopping addresses for homewares. Well for one she is French so she will lead you to some lovely places and two she has a brilliant eye for design, lastly she mentions me in a follow up article on her blog. Go, go, go

Thanks to Ebay

I won this gorgeous frame on ebay but it had no back to it. I puzzled for weeks as to what to do with it then just the other day I saw these stunning Victorian Ballet Shoes on ebay and actually won them. The two were made for each other don't you think. Watch this space for the finished result to become a piece of Ghost Furniture

Do You See What I See

More Ghost Furniture pieces and what inspired me to create them. These are not on the site yet as we are waiting for a long sunny day to photograph them - keep everything crossed for me.

A wine table in those gorgeous blushing grape colours.

A piece of shattered silk I nearly bought via Tara of Paris Parfait. It inspired me to create a chair using shattered silk from a Victorian skirt. Thanks Tara

Caviar and Oysters - a girl's gotta dream.

A Venetian carnival mask becomes a chair.

Fried Green Tomatoes, inside green outside crisp and dark gold.

Terracotta Like You've Not Seen for Ages

You just know when you look at these fabulous terracotta items that they are going to be French. You see this sort of stuff in old charcuterie all over France and find that they were made eons ago. I am thrilled I found these as I want them some of them for my new kitchen.
All hand made and fired at 1000 degrees in a ceramic oven then hand painted. From Guenilee Courcoux

Make Your Own FABULOUS Jewelry

Gail Crosman Moore will supply you with all you need to create your own stunning jewelry. This is seriously high end stuff. Go and take a look for yourself

The Stuff You Can Knit

Things have come a long way since I was a knitwear designer in the 80s. It seems you can knit anything nowadays. I just wish I could knit an extension for my cottage then I wouldn't have to have another meeting with a builder.
All found at The British Hand Knitting Association

Sassy Paper Ladies

Something to help start your weekend with a smile. Papier mache by Inge Bruss of Germany. Now who said the Germans have no sense of humour?

Garden Banners from France

I really love this idea. D Garden Collection in France does some fabulous banners for people like me who can kill a plant by just looking at it. A great way to decorate a big plain garden wall or separate an area. I could hide my wheelie bins behind some of these.

An Ornamental Inheritance

Beautiful ceramics beautifully photographed - Ornamental Inheritance from Jo Meesters

A Different Sort of Bouquet

Different bouquets but I'm not sure they will catch on though there would be somewhere to put your lippy. From Hatch Creative Studio

Simple Solution

When we had our offices and warehouse and two homes I used to be like a jailer and would have to mark my keys with colours so I knew which was which. 2 years later and I find this and only have one set of keys to worry about. Oh well.
From Vadim Kibardin

Up Market Felt Work

I've seen a lot of fabulous felt work around but never anything as fabulous as these. Whatever next I ask?
By Stephanie Metz

Organon 9 Worlds

Don't be shocked when you go to this site, the screen suddenly shrinks to fit but travel around it and you will find some beautiful pieces of jewelry.
Organon 9 Worlds (whatever that means)

A Great Way To Show Off a Carpet

There's nothing special about the carpets shown here but there is something special about the way they have been photographed.
From Stepevi

Quirky and Innovative

Twentytwentyone has a fantastic range of products, everything just that bit different. I particularly like the idea of a portable campfire, the relief interior of the big lamp, the simplicity of the wooden clothes hooks and the piggy bank without a head.

Lara Grace Seasons

SPRING
I love these gorgeous depictions of Spring, Summer and Autumn on the Lara Grace site. Lara Grace do a fabulous range of fabrics and has some beautiful photography.

SUMMER

AUTUMN

Stunning Stichery - Paula Sanz Caballero

Take a close look by clicking on the images at these fabulous pieces of needlework by Paula Sanz Caballero. I so admire anyone who can be an illustrator and put their talents into a totally different medium. Go and see more of her work I promise you will thank me.

Sieze The Day

My sentiments entirely. Beautiful ceramics from Paloma's Nest at Etsy

Carboard Stools/Tables

Made from cardboard and can be used as a stool or a table. CLEVER!
From Poaa in the Netherlands

A Silent Child

I love this Papier Mache child. For one it's a lot less bother than a real one.
By Tiva Noff

Double Deckchair

I came across this Double Deckchair at Cox and Cox the other day. What a fabulous idea. The beaches here in the UK can be a bit chilly so you can cuddle up to keep warm or even plonk all the kids on it to keep them out of trouble (not so easy to get out of you see).

Meet Another British Blogger - Sea Angels

Us UK Bloggers are few and far between so I am more than a little ecstatic when I come across another one. Sea Angels is a blog by the most talented woman. Her work is stunning. I have added her to my Blogs Worthy of a Mention and urge you to do the same.

How Do They Do That?

These carvings from white radish, carrot and pineapple were done for an advertising campaign by WMF the German company who make those super sharp knives.
I found these over at Enzie Shahmiri's blog, which by the way you should visit. She is not only a fabulous artist but features some really stunning stuff.
Back to the sculptures - WOW!

Gibbous Fashions

Gibbous Fashion based in Portland and San Francisco so it's miles from me. They collect bits of discarded history and turn them into fantastic items of clothing.
I spent more time than was healthy on their site it's like the Ghost Furniture version of fashion.

Making Use of Deflated Balloons

I didn't know how beautiful deflated balloons could look. Susie MacMurray has created these fabulous pieces that can be used as ornaments, wall art of cushions from hundreds of balloons. Not sure what they feel like as I am not keen on the feel of rubber but they are real eye candy. She does clever stuff with feathers also.

A Lamp With My Name On It

I received and email from PID in Sweden this morning and they directed me to these lamps that are called Mr and Mrs Di. Now, I am only too pleased to have my name on these.

Photography by Debi Treloar

This is so my sort of photography and styling. Debi Treloar is originally from Zimbabwe but has lived in London for the past 15 years and works for numerous publications.

If Ghost Furniture Had a Shop

If Ghost Furniture had a shop it would look just like this. I have no intention of opening a shop as I am so enjoying working from home and not having to commute to a place of work. The walk down the garden does me.
This is Felt in London that stocks an eclectic assortment of products old and new.

Easter Treats From Me To You

Fabulous Easter Flowers from Herve Gambes

Laduree do Easter in Colour

Felt Rabbit for keeping your food warm from Rose and Radish - if you love it it's in the Easter Sale

Beautiful nest of handmade eggs from Zanz in Norway

Jean Paul Hevin has created this amazing Arty Compression Egg. It would be a shame to eat it.

Delicately detailed, hand painted eggs from Hungary

Shabby Chic Knickers

I really don't think I have ever seen a pair of knickers quite like these. They are called Midsummer Maiden and they are gorgeous and of course they are French. By the way the site - Second Sexe.com is for adult ladies only, go on be a devil.

A Different Sort of Salt and Pepper

I'm crazy about these Salt and Pepper Pots. What a great Idea to put handles on them.
From Design Fenzider

Octavine Illustration

I adore these illustrations by Octavine available at Etsy. Her blog of the same name is full of such illustrations which transport you back in time.

New From Feinedinge

I have always been a great fan of Feinedinge's ceramics and this new collection hasn't changed my mind a jot.

I Have Been Crowned

Suzy of Love Surface Design has Crowned me Blog of the Week. Thank you Suzy and I just love the crown - what an imaginative touch.

Russian Photography

Stunning photography out of Russia from Robert Jaso. He works for some huge companies, well deserved I think.

Curiouser and Curiouser

Curious Sofa is based in Kentucky City and when you visit their blog - Curious Sofa Diaries - you should be given help with the symptoms of withdrawal. Flea Market finds, interior images of their shop. Anyway enough from me just GO AND TAKE A LOOK but be warned you will need help when you leave.

Not What It Seems Decal

It's a bit like hunting truffles, when I find even more innovative decals I am ecstatic. Take a look at the two chairs - those buttons are decals, how clever is that? The suitcase has ribbon decals attached and I could think of a million things to do with those. Brilliant stuff from Exquise Esquisse

Fafi at Mac

This is the female version of Banksy. Fafi is a hugely talented French artist. Not only does she do fine art but she does wonderfully girly graffiti. So talented is she that Mac the famous cosmetics firm have commisioned her to do a range of products including those crazy little dolls.
Love, love, love her work and her style - take a look at the picture of her below.

True Love Always

This perfectly plain bedding by True Love Always appeals but not as much as those crazy ornaments on the beds. Witty stuff!

Crystal Lampshades

I love the mix of modern and vintage in these lampshades from Zanz in Norway

How To Live In a Dust Cart /Garbage Truck

How cool is this? This was a dust cart or garbage truck as the Americans say. It has been turned into an amazing mobile home, it's even got an office and the storage is ingenius.
My daughter Charlotte in Paris sent me this to show you all. I think she is after a job as my researcher.
What I want to know is - how long did it take to get rid of the smell.

Ambitious Projects

I have been experimenting with felt for a piece of Ghost Furniture and up to now I am not having a great deal of luck because whenever I look at something like this I have to start all over again. Give me time (maybe ten years or so) and I will get there.
Ambitions to be like Ulrika Ay

And God Created Woman

I love nothing better in the evening than slipping into a gorgeously comfortable dressing gown. I really could do with a new one so on searching the old internet I found And God Created Woman and now I'm spoiled for choice. I think God created woman just so she could wear these.

I Thought I'd Seen It All

Just when you think you've seen it all you find out that you haven't.
By Kristin Andersson

Being Ambidextrous

My daughter Charlotte sent me some images of painted hands. I have featured this artist before but had not seen this one. This person paints his hands, photographs them then washes them. Well you would have to I suppose but what amazes me is that he can paint both hands - he has to be ambidextrous.

And Now, Aged Decals

It's never ending this decal thing. Just when I think I've seen them all a new type comes along. I adore these aged decals, called Time Passing from Harmonie Interieure in France. I adore them so much there will be the one in the 6th picture in my new extension, above my desk.

Is It a Drip Or a Console Table?

I just love this console table by Michael Coffey. It looks like paint running down the wall, though it's called The Heron II Table - is that because Herons have skinny legs?

Mixed Up Ceramics

Gorgeous ceramics by Ruth Lodder

A Jumper For Your Car Seat

OK, I've seen everything now.
By Gabriella Matheny

Keeping Your Coffee Warm

Love these little Coffee Mugs with their own cardigans. Each one has a different vintage button. By Julee Que at Etsy

Bedtime Reading

I have an awful habit of stacking a pile of books next to my bed. Now this would be just the ticket.
By Josefin-Hellstrom-Olsson

Look What Harvey and I Made This Morning

Click the picture to see an enlarged version

Harvey and I made this for Ghost Furniture this morning. We use the term - hauntingly beautiful - a lot for Ghost Furniture and this is, to me, the epitomy of that
Watch this space and you will see what we are using it for.

Flower People

Elista put a comment on my blog the other day and when I visited her blog and then her Flickr pages I was totally blown away.
This is just one example of her work. Flower People have always conjured up images of the 60s when we used to paint flowers on each others bodies and wear masses of strings of love beads - these put a whole new angle on it for me now.
YOU MUST go and see her felt work, paper sculptures and numerous other stuff!!!!

Beautiful Old Shoes

Old shoes are full of mystery for me. Where did they walk, who was walking in them, who were they kicked off for and were they so comfortable they were worn until they were thoroughly trashed?
I found these images somewhere but forgot to take a note. If they were on your site - apologies.

Simple, Smooth Design by JBA of Sweden

I love simple, clean designs like these. JBA in Sweden are masters of their art. Beautiful!

Salad Plant by Black + Blum

I have always been a great fan of Black + Blum. I used to stock their products on wheredidyoubuythat.com. I can assure you that they are of the highest quality. I love this new product from them - The Salad Plant. Not only can you stand the servers up in the pot to look like a plant but the pot can be used as a mixing bowl for your salad dressing.

Kaat Tilley - Wired

Kaat Tilley uses her incredible design talents across a broad range of disciplines. These fabulous dresses are from her Wired Collection.

That Human Touch

Dom Trapp a designer from Nice in the South of France (lucky him) invited me to be linked with him at Linkedin the other day. Off I went to take a look at his profile and found his company Human Touch and am I pleased I did. Look at those gorgeous Boo Sketch Books - I want a shelf full.

Now for the Quad - Quad is a modular and decorative storage system. It evolves with your needs and changes shape according to your wishes.

A bookcase, a night table, a stool, a column of bathroom storage, a coffee table... The Quad fits together to suit your needs.

You can easily change the composition, add or remove blocks at any time, without tools.

Each piece comes from a single sheet of metal cut, folded with precision and lacquered in the oven.

Quad is designed in the preservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Quad is made of steel a 100% recyclable material. Quad is designed to be durable and multifunctional.

Dom wrote that for me - bless him.

Stunning Under Water Photography

I'm sure these images are put together on a computer but the photography itself is certainly done underwater. I tell you, if being under water makes you look that good I'm jumping straight in.
By Zena Holloway
Via Notcot

Dress Your Table - Literally

This is so clever. A table with real legs that you can dress anyway or in any colour you wish. I wish I'd thought of that!
From Felipe Morales

Softly, Softly - Goat

I know that every season I feature Goat and it's just because I want you to join me in the joy of seeing those creamy soft materials that they always use.

A Fabulous Shop In Estonia - Homeart

I have never been to Estonia and I doubt I ever will but if I did I would really want to visit this shop. Homeart have some glorious images of the interior of their shop. Go take a look

Think Pink - Fauchon Paris

Whenever I approach Fauchon in Place de la Madeline, Paris I think PINK. I just love their corporate ID. They even light under counters with exactly the same pink. Understated yet in your face all at the same time.

Brunella

Not only are these fabulous clothes and fabulous fabrics but the photography is awesome. From Italy (where else)? Brunella

Sit Back and Reflect

I can't stop staring at these. I mean how difficult it must be to paint reflective items like these. I am in awe.
By James Hollingsworth

Miss Clara's Bags and Bookmarks

I am drawn as always to the designs of Miss Clara. Take a look at these Bags and Bookmarks. Now I have a thing for bookmarks but since I received one with a picture of 2 of my little grandchildren (Sonny & Marcie) on it I can't use the others. Nothing is better than reading a good book in bed and when you are ready to go to sleep you place the bookmark and the last thing you see before you close the book and your eyes is two little smiling faces. Bliss!

Imagine

Look at these French Earthenware Pots and imagine sitting under a tree, eating at a long table, with family and friends in The South of France. Aaaahh....
From The French House

Fairies

I just can't put my finger on why I am drawn to these Fairies but I am.
From Helihietala

It's a Mystery To Me

You know, sometimes you are just merrily collecting great stuff from the internet and you forget to copy the URL of the place you found something.
Here is a prime example but aren't they gorgeous. Leather and Wood Chairs from...................

Essentiel - FOR ME!

Not only are these clothes fabulous but that model has a beautiful timeless look. She could be from the 20s the 60s or now. How come my hair is like that when it's down but I don't look like her? I know - I could give her a good 30 years :(
From Essentiel in Belgium

Be Sweet

I am a big fan of felt. It's versatile, hard wearing and can be made to look so beautiful. These pieces from Be Sweet are certainly no exception.

Little Egg Cosies by Snapdragon Garden

What I love most about these Egg Cosies from Snapdragon Garden is that they are done freehand on a sewing machine and are modeled on the owner's actual hens. They come in a gift box with a gift tag. Perfect for Easter.

And So To Bed

Ever feel the need to spread yourself out when in bed? Well here's the answer. The Bedroom by Nelly Agassi

Paper Fashion

I'm being to think that some of this paper fashion is better than the real thing. These gorgeous pieces are by Violise Lunn

Whoops

Sometimes you need something to make you smile on Monday
Via Hard Core Judas

Origami Shoes

Look at these Origami Shoes. You put them together yourself whilst putting them on and end up with a pair of really comfortable shoes that fit you perfectly. I love the colour and they look so soft. By Catherine Meuter
Bringing a whole new dimension to shoe making.
Via Notcot

Watch The Birdie

Are these delightful or what? Little birds in Cages and perched on Bird Boxes. Absolutely delightful. Available at Tiny McSmall - isn't that a great name?
Via Bloesom

A Perfect Little Retreat

I would love to put this little house into my garden. Imagine curling up on a comfy chair with a good book and a little wood burning stove burning. When our extension goes on there would be no room for it but if you are interested you can buy it here.

Jean Paul Gaultier - My Picks

In my opinion Jean Paul Gaultier is pure genius. Each season his designs just get better. Feminine with a real edge. These are just some of my picks from his latest collection.

Bodies

My initial

A very versatile thing - the human body, don't you think?

Ford Car Ad in Canada

Sculpture - courtesy of Cote Maison

A Pretty Handsome Tree

A Laptop That Looks Like a Handbag

How about this for a laptop? I absolutely love it. It comes as a limited edition from Jan de Bouvries. One for the girls!

Georgia's On Her Way - Hear Her Singing Now at 15

Just before Christmas I posted a song by my grand daughter Georgia here on Designers Block. At the time of the recording she was just 11 years old, now she is 15 and has qualified in a talent contest here in the UK. Chosen from 3,000 entrants she is in the final 20.
She has been taking singing lessons for the past year and her voice has matured and become even stronger but she still has that distinctive style. The semi-finals are on 10th April with the final on 24th April and today she appeared on TV. Fingers Crossed!
This is her singing the song she qualified with - One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston.

Annette Goertz - Spring Summer

Great Jacket and Dress from one of my favourite designers Annette Goertz. Oh how I wish it were Spring already. The sun is shining here but it's still cold and windy. One can dream.

Animal Cushions

Weird cushions/pillows from Do Shop. I'm not an animal lover but I'm sure my grand children would love these.

A Merry Cristal Chandelier

Go and take a look at the choice of Chandeliers at Merry Cristal. There's some stunning pieces.

Yummy

I would love to have a stash of these in my fridge. From J Crochoux in Paris