Country Livin'

Portrait Prizes

Seems like it has come around ever so quickly this year... but back again and one of my fave exhibition's at one of my favourite places in London-the BP Portrait Award 2012  at The National Portrait Gallery  I absolutely love this exhibition as almost always the subject being immortalised on the canvas is someone close to the artist's heart. Children feature quite a lot, grandparents, lovers which tends to add a delicate quality and is just beautiful to see. The works on show range from the uber realistic photo-esq quality where I find myself millimeters away squinting to try to understand the process, to the more brushstroke heavy. Though this year I think there was more from the realism camp than the non.
 The self-portraits are always hugely interesting-particularly one painful looking one by Ben Ashton titled 'Linsey Lohan'...!!! -No further explanation necessary! A somewhat prettier image is by Richie Culver of his pal,apparently he wanted to capture his fellow artist friend's character... here below. Which I think in them there eyes is definitely a certain something... and for which he received Second Prize.

Anyway, GO because it is FREE and wonderful... and quite inspiring. I did attempt a self-portrait upon my arrival home and is looking like this,thus far-

... Hmm may just keep it as this 'un-finished' stage ala Nathan Ford with his Joachim piece (of his son), below. Really love it.

Cameras & Canopies

...Well it is july in England after-all! 

Though perhaps the bleakness added to the ambience of the scene that was being shot out my window, down below, through the geraniums and lavender... and back, back to the 1950's for 'Call The Midwife' earlier this week. Some familiar midwifery faces were certainly spied along with some adorable cheeky (no doubt faux) east-end kiddie ones! With their finest hand crafted gadgets I must add!

Synonymous Stripes O' Sonia

Spotted some Sonia Rykiel Maison fabrics in a magazine recently.

Love the Rykiel synonymous bold stripes.. but with the added feminine edge of florals in the mix.

Gypsophilia n Her Gems!!!

'Gypsophilia' at her Big Fat Gypsy Wedding hen do!!

-And i did!! My glue-gun and I creating this... and thoroughly enjoyed every second!

Utilising faux gems, flashing lights, glitter glue, fake flowers, sparkly netting and a cat face!

...Prices on application for similar one-off garms ;)

Wunderbar Wires

Spotted in a studio down my very road... love this kitchen area and the use of the wires and metal shapes being echoed from the ceiling lampshades,wall decoration and down on to the chair frames. Just peeking through in the distance are the salvaged cabinets made from cargo boxes. All set off with gingham and geraniums (red too-but of course!) 

A place to fill with home-baked goods for sure... cooling on a wire rack!

Ohhh That Orange!

A precursory warning to anyone thinking about sporting bright orange head-to-toe... you will be a source of interest and intrigue. Stopped in the streets by strangers and asked questions on a multitude of topics. I declined the 'flawless woman' quote for obvious reasons (evident below!) explained to one eager wannabe psychoanalyst that my choice of dress was nothing more than embracing a bit of summer. Yet did happily give my official opinion on the forthcoming olympics... :) ha

This can be found in e-form at theatlantic.com and totallycoolpix.com

Diamonte's Are Forevs

Unison Jacks!

Marv Marmite!!!

In honour of HRH Lizzie's Diamond Jubilee my favourite toast topping has gone all out for the occasion! LOVE it!

Toothipegs

My mouth got Instagrammed... 

http://instagr.am/p/LJEmdaLOz8/

Sunday... FUNDAY!

Wully Wedding!!!!!

 My glue-gun and I have been bonding lots of late and have branched out into celebratory nuptials sentiments! Excitingggggggg!! 

Hand-crafted wedding day card for the delightful Mr & Mrs W. Created with various fabric pieces and a mini pink glue gun!!

Frilled Finery!

As a younger version of myself without a doubt the fashion idols that subsequently shaped my existence were firstly Stephanie Zanoni -circa Grease 2 and secondly JEM & The Holograms-of cartoon fame. 

No doubt through over-exposure to their epic tune 'Glitter and Gold' which I implemented as staple themes throughout my wardrobe, though am yet to find my own pair of star cum hologram earrings! Anyway in ode to Jem, 80's wedding steez and the fact tomorrow I will witness such antics, a vid of Kimber's pre wedding jitters/styling/sing-a-long is here!! Cue the organ... 'Tomorrow Is My Wedding Day' in all it's 1980's frilled finery!

Miss Zanoni <3

Well Red

Nails. Lips. Barnet.

:)

Crafty Clerkenwell!

This time next week-Craft Central in Clerkenwell will be throwing its doors open and inviting people to shop, meet designers and check out the handmade stuffs on offer.

Purple Power!

The amazing colours of the foliage spilling out on to the pavement is not really done justice in these snaps. Lilacs and blueberry tones looked just wonderful on this London road today... even some wistera was spotted peering over a wall too. Garden envy for sure!

Beauts of Bath!!

-Feauturing the most beautiful of them all... Frederic le fox! 

Bought from a junk shoppe as a total joke-but happy to give the silver fox chappy an outing!