In Summer 2018, a bright and bubbly florist caught my eye who was on the cusp on launching her unique floristry boutique in Poundbury, Dorset. I was instantly impressed with the passion and precision with which Lauren Hooper set about opening the doors to her new floristry business, at a time when so many new florists are working in a studio set-up. The shop floor has provided a brilliant platform for Lauren to host workshops and events, it’s given her public visibility and she’s even hosted a Royal visit. I asked Lauren about the journey leading up to her living her floral dream. Has it all been roses and Royalty?

Describe The Happy Blossoms. What’s it all about?

The Happy Blossoms is a family business, co-owned by myself and my lovely Mum, Barbara. We stock only the very best flowers from around the world, mostly from Holland, the UK and Columbia. We specialise in beautifully rustic florals that are inspired by the countryside, always creating our designs with seasonality in mind. I really love to stock the shop with flowers that you would never have seen before, from proteas to pineapples, we have it all! We are a very environmentally-aware shop, all of our packaging is environmentally friendly and can either be recycled or composted.

When did you first decide you were going to launch your own independent and unique floristry business, and was the shop always part of that dream?

Yes, absolutely! Whilst training in floristry I was very fortunate to take part in The Princes Trust Enterprise Scheme and this really helped me to turn my dreams into a reality through lots and lots of planning; writing a business plan is an absolute must and helps to show you the big picture and whether it is a feasible plan.

What are your credentials? What’s your career path that brought you to the point where The Happy Blossoms idea was conceived?

I am a professionally qualified florist, trained at the very wonderful Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester which is just a stones throw from my shop in Poundbury. I worked in a few florist shops in Dorset before opening The Happy Blossoms which developed my knowledge, confidence and skills before taking the plunge!

I interpret your brand as creative, environmentally-aware, natural, nurturing, and a bit jolly. Am I on the right lines? Tell me about the brand identity process.  

You have summed up The Happy Blossoms perfectly! We are a very happy team that are exceptionally creative and passionate about what we do. Our Graphic Designer Wesley at the design agency openday (www.openday.studio) knows us very well and therefore encapsulated our personalities into The Happy Blossoms branding which is why I think it reflects us so perfectly.

I strongly believe in the #communityovercompetition philosophy of business. Why do you think it is such a talking point amongst female entrepreneurs?

I think that opening your own business can be very intimidating and everyone needs someone cheering you on. I love that Instagram in particular is full of wonderful people that are supporting you 100{fc4ffa2697ca570e43b5816fe716a05c0e7f059c4d464a857cd73bdc5a1ff7f7} even if you haven’t met them in person yet. There is nothing that I love more than attending a floristry event where you meet people who you follow on Instagram and share stories of how gorgeous their work is.

Read my blog post about #communityovercompetition here

What’s the big dream for The Happy Blossoms?

This is a very good question, we have big dreams for The Happy Blossoms! We have just started selling our bouquets nationwide online at thehappyblossoms.com and we have lots of wedding bookings for 2019. So, at the moment we have our hands firmly full. But we shall see what the future brings – one thing I am sure of, is that we will keep reaching for big things!

Read about my Wedding Bouquet Illustration Service here

Find The Happy Blossoms…

2 Lydgate St, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3SJ
01305 268878
hello@thehappyblossoms.com

WEBSITE 

INSTAGRAM 

FACEBOOK

PINTEREST

Six years ago, in a small meeting room in Kensington, I said to my line manager, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.” 

I was working in a fast-paced brand strategy agency, where my role as a Fashion PR Director had me working at London, Paris and Milan fashion shows. Every week, I’d be at glamorous parties, award shows and store launches, dressing celebrities and working closely with a diverse mix of journalists and stylists from Vogue to the Financial Times.

“I don’t have a creative bone in my body” – botanical illustrator Charlotte Argyrou

 

That’s me in my home studio, updating my inspiration board

At the time, it was the role I felt I was born to do. I found myself a niche managing guestlists for fashion shows across all four fashion capitals, including my dream destination – Paris Haute Couture. But finding this deskside niche coincided with my silent struggle to conceive a baby. Obeying doctors and a nutritionist, I dramatically cut down my alcohol and caffeine intake. I exercised more, though sometimes in place of dinner, and I started to shy away from the party scene or even from meeting new journalists that could help to expand my network and grow my career. I had a secret, and intended to keep it that way.

So I squashed my creativity. I willingly took on admin duties that others rejected, happily favouring invisibility. I kept my head down, enjoyed working hard and didn’t give much thought to creative pursuits that had once been my dream. Eventually, and maybe dramatically, I quit the job I enjoyed so much and was intrinsic to my identity. My husband and I bought a one way ticket to Greece to live by the sea. It was what my body needed, and eight weeks later I was pregnant. 

CREATIVE BUSINESS OWNER

As this is a blog post, not an autobiography, we will fast-forward to today where I now run my illustration business around being an almost full-time stay-at-home mum. I found my creativity laying dormant beneath years of neglect, insecurity and doubt. And in 2018, I underwent a personal renaissance, smashing through that fear and confronting doubt head-on with courage. 

At home, my sanctuary of greenery

Looking back to that meeting with my manager six years ago, I can clearly see that I have spent much of time since then feeling totally overwhelmed. I’ve let people and situations around me lead my decision-making and I’ve given very little regard for my own mindset or urges to create. 

Taking time to read and self-study more in 2018 than in the previous 15 years has been essential to this renaissance. Excitingly, I’m starting to formulate my own conclusions about feelings of overwhelm, and particularly those feelings of women in their 30s, 40s and 50s who are relentlessly stressed-out. 

Creativity is integral, and in my case, I can say with certainty is my antidote to fear and stress. And “Creative Living” is a term that can be broadly used to explore freedom beyond all the “should”s and self-imposed deadlines we cruelly cultivate. It doesn’t mean swapping television for oil-painting, or getting more piercings, or dressing in long, swishy skirts (though of course it can, as you wish). It’s about being intentional in your actions, rather than going through the motions of your life, and creating more joyful moments – all curated by you. It does not require money or possessions. Rather, it’s about making choices that serve you well. 

“Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart” so brilliantly articulated by Elizabeth Gilbert in her book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Find more of my bird illustrations for sale here

JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP

I’ve started a Facebook group called “Creative Living for the Stressed-Out Soul“, where together we explore ideas to gain back more time in our days and use it wisely and mindfully. There are mini challenges, that each require no cash or grand commitment of time. You are welcome to join in with challenges that appeal to you and ignore those that don’t. There is space to air creative ideas in a small, friendly community of women who understand the limiting entities of time, energy and self-belief. 

If this appeals to you, please come and find us on Facebook by searching “Creative Living for the Stressed-Out Soul”, or simply click here. 

For this post, I interviewed three stylish entrepreneurs who are each dreaming of a green Christmas. If you are still searching for gift ideas, but looking for something a little unusual with a big heart, please have a read and let us know if any of these brands are a new discovery for you. Each of us love #communityovercompetition and to #shopsmall.

KATIE CASTLEY, THE HOME OF EVE

Katie Castley is founder of The Home of Eve, a curated online gift shop presenting coveted, luxurious and holistic products which uplift and bring about positivity to the everyday. Katie sources items that are natural, local, authentic and by brands that promote well-being and self-care.

Mandarin & Sicilian Bergamot Candle, £28, The Home of Eve

“Nothing encapsulates a memory or an experience quite like a scent from a candle burning. The Mandarin & Sicilian Bergamot natural soy wax scented candle. Hand poured in England with a lead free wick by Abahna. All packaging is recyclable or reusable. A soul nourishing feast of essential oils, featuring the festive mandarin whose oil is believed to inspire positive energy.” 

Mimi Emmett England cushion, £55, The Home of Eve

“To buy from our own fair isle supports our economy and encourages home-grown talent like Mimi Emmett. A young artist who uses family run British manufacturers to ethically make her gorgeously fun nature inspired drawings into accessories. This Pomegranate cushion is full of punch and will make a perfectly plump present on Christmas Day.” 

Scenthusiasm by 4160 Tuesdays, £65, The Home of Eve

“To buy a present that has little to no carbon footprint is rather green if you ask me. The British perfume house 4160 Tuesdays hand makes its indie scents, inspired by people and places, in small batches of 50-200 bottles in their London studio. Perfumer Sarah McCartney explains how even “Our boxes come from Baddeley Brothers of Hackney, so transport is minimal and they are 100{fc4ffa2697ca570e43b5816fe716a05c0e7f059c4d464a857cd73bdc5a1ff7f7} recyclable”. For the G&T lover on your Christmas list I recommend their delightfully aromatic and floral Scenthusiasm. With cucumber, Juniper and white woods this perfume was inspired by gin, it has gin notes accompanied by rose and iris, with the herbs dancing around it.”

LYNDA ATHEY, LYNDA LOVES

Lynda Athey is founder of Lynda Loves, a luxury stationery brand. Lynda designs and produces bespoke and customization stationery suites for weddings and events, and manages branding projects for small businesses. She has transformed her make-up bag this last year to include organic products that are kind to her skin and our planet.

Exfoliating Serum, £25.99, Mad Hippie

“I’ve been using this US skincare range for a while and apply before bedtime. A gentle exfoliant that leaves skin super smooth by morning. Paraben free with no synthetic fragrances, this product range is all natural. Stocked in my local village health boutique, it has pretty packaging too.”

Reverence Handwash, £27, Aesop

“My luxury splurge would be on this Australian brand with exquisite packaging. Any bottle looks gorgeous in my bathroom, but my current favourite is the exfoliating hand wash.”

Rose Hip Seed Oil, £9, The Ordinary

“I’ve been an avid user of the Rosehip Facial Oil and lip and skin ointment this year. They are my go to staples all year round. Unfussy, clean packaging, vegan friendly, key ingredients in proper concentrations. Super affordable and under £10!”

Bee Potion, £25, Hives of Hastings

“I love these cute little pots from ethical & organic apothecary, Hives of Hastings. I’m a sucker for packaging and was instantly sold on these. I’ve been using the Bee Soothed Balm since summer, perfect as a lip balm, for dry skin problems, cuts and bites and it smells delicious. Healing and nourishing too.”

CHARLENE RUSSELL, CHERRY TREE CAKERIE

Charlene Russell is founder of Cherry Tree Cakerie, a bohemian bakery specializing in unique, often botanically-inspired wedding cakes. She’s always looking out for new ingredients and kitchenwares and loves to support small businesses and responsibly-sourced products. 

Charlene Russell, Founder of Cherry Tree Cakerie

Chocolate Hamper, £55, Seed and Bean

Medium Bowl Grey, £22, House of Kind

Dungaree Apron, £49, Throw Me Down

At some point during the 35 degree heat of Summer 2018, I boldly declared that my Christmas 2018 would be Sellotape-free. Christmas is a time of huge wastage in terms of packaging (amongst other things) but as December draws near, I’m very aware that I don’t really know how I’m going to present my Christmas gifts without compromising on style. Thankfully, Kate Stuart has stepped in to offer practical guidance for us to create environmentally-friendly gift wrapping. Kate is an artist, writer and runs The Phoenix Green Store – Newcastle’s first zero waste solutions store. She contributes to No Serial Number Magazine, a publication promoting ethical and sustainable crafts.

3 Tips for Environmentally-Friendly Gift Wrapping

Kate begins, “With Christmas mere weeks away, many of us are wondering how, and indeed, if, we can get through the gift-giving season without Sellotape, glitter and sheets and sheets of shiny, sparkly, ever so festive plastic infused wrapping paper. Stepping away from plastic wherever possible is important work, but can feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially when we’re also challenging the festive status quo a little. But fear not, here we have our 3 top tips for you to make the very best environmentally-friendly gift wrapping with things you probably already have at home.”

1. The Furoshiki Wrap

“Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese method of wrapping and carrying using cloth, rather than paper. Cloth can be up-cycled from unwanted fabric in the home, and printed or dyed for the occasion, then used as a headscarf, bandana, tablecloth or sandwich wrap once the gift has been unwrapped. Perhaps you have an unwanted duvet cover, table cloth or old pair of pjs that have a standout print – consider repurposing this fabric for some Furoshiki wraps. You could even have a stash of personalised cloth wraps that come out every year for birthdays or Christmas. Check out this YouTube video to learn the basics, grab some cloth, and get started.”

The Furoshiki Wrap, beautifully demonstrated by NURTURE Magazine editor Kate Cullen

I think silk scarves are a gorgeous way to achieve this and are an extra gift in themselves. I’ve found authentic vintage Liberty scarves on Ebay for £4.99, Christian Dior from £10. It’s a barely even a couple of pounds more than you may spend on luxury wrapping paper, bows and ribbon, but chic additional gift that can be kept and reused forever. In the You Tube video Kate recommends, it takes the creator Marianne mere seconds to create a beautiful parcel – another blessing!

2. Rethink the Ink

“Paper is most people’s go to for gift wrapping, but how to make it more environmentally-friendly? You could try using recycled paper – newsprint, sheet music, old maps and handmade paper can give an alternative to the shiny sparkly papers on the high street. Etsy has lots of sellers of these types of paper if you don’t have any hidden away in a cupboard somewhere. Tie your gifts with ribbon, string or twine for a well secured package without a hint of Sellotape in sight, and add handmade gift tags for a personal touch.”

No Serial Number Contributor, Kate Stuart, demonstrates alternative paper wrapping

I’ve inherited a thrifty habit from my parents and grandparents. Every Christmas and birthday when I take down the cards from the shelf, I spend 10 minutes cutting them up into gift tags and punching a hole in each. The festive ones go in the Christmas Box, ready for next year. The birthday ones go in a paper bag in my Party Box which I sift through, throughout the year. It’s not difficult or time-consuming, but simply requires a commitment to being tidy, organised and willing to recycle. (It’s also a lovely prompt to reread each card before it gets the chop!)

I use fabric ribbons that hold up well to be used and stored year after year within our family, unlike the plastic-coated paper curling ribbon that goes straight in the bin.

3. Re-imagining Usefulness

“Is there a reason why we traditionally wrap presents in paper? Do we have to? Why not re-imagine your gift giving traditions, and put gifts in a wooden box, basket or even a repurposed biscuit tin? We have so many containers around our home that could be used to hold a special gift and kept by the recipient afterwards. If your home is devoid of suitable containers, check out your local charity shop for low cost, recycled boxes, pottery and baskets. So many of us have made the switch from plastic shopping bags at supermarkets, so why not think about switching from plastic coated gift bags to reusable cloth bags when it comes to gift giving.”

I love the idea of using tins to package gifts. Emma Bridgewater has a vast array and I think the stackable sets will look fabulous piled up under the tree. Either the Christmas designs, which can be bought out each year in all their nostalgic splendor, or for maximum usage, choose the non-seasonal designs to store toys and household bits and bobs beyond Christmas Day. Check out Thornback & Peel for their stackable botanical set, and this bramble design that I think looks festive enough, but not restrictive to the holiday season. 

Blackbird and Bramble tin, £10, Thornbeck & Peel

MY LEARNINGS

So of course I had to put this into practice. 

My first challenge was to use no Sellotape for my daughter’s third birthday. Instead, I used brown paper, secured with fabric ribbon. It worked fine, but I think mostly because I only had to transport the gifts from one room to another within my house. I wouldn’t feel confident my parcels would have held up if they needed to travel further, or by post. In this instance, I’d recommend Kate’s third tip – place each item in a box or tin and then wrap in non-platicized paper. 

My second challenge to myself was to create and package a Secret Santa gift, totalling less than £10. I bought the Kilner jar (£3), confident that they are useful in everyone’s kitchen. Then I filled it with homemade granola, jam-packed with cranberries, pecans and all kinds of seasonal loveliness (probably around £2, if that). I used a scrap of fabric ribbon that’s already circulated around my family many times. And added a tag from my Party Box – this one was formally the cover of a Prada accessories catalogue! Finally, I placed the Kilner jar in a reused paper bag, and simply added my recipient’s name in a chic understated script. 

ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY GIFT WRAPPING CONCLUSION

It is possible to wrap gifts without Sellotape

It can still look good

We just need to be organised, and think about wrapping at the time of purchasing or creating the gift

Thanks to Kate for sharing her ideas and guiding my Sellotape-free Christmas. I’ll be sharing more photos with my progress, and Kate and I would love to know your ideas about environmentally-friendly gift wrapping.

KATE STUART:

Kate Stuart is an artist, writer and craftswoman based in the North East of England. She runs The Phoenix Green Store, selling zero waste solutions, handmade quilts and original art. She also writes for No Serial Number Magazine, a quarterly paper and digital magazine, committed to offering a platform for environmental and heritage crafts, grass roots eco movements, maker activists and conscious citizens.

Further reading:

Find out more about Kate’s zero waste boutique: The Phoenix Green Store 

A great resource for sustainability information and inspiration:  No Serial Number Magazine. Use voucher code ECOWRAPPING for a 15{fc4ffa2697ca570e43b5816fe716a05c0e7f059c4d464a857cd73bdc5a1ff7f7} off a subscription to the quarterly magazine, for my blog readers.  

No Serial Magazine links: Facebook  / Pinterest / Instagram

Click here to read more of my blog posts

After a few weeks of wardrobe despair, eagerly dressing in cashmere in the early morning and stripped down to a vest by lunchtime, it happened. It got cold. Things can officially get cosy. Here are five of my favourite Instagram accounts that I reference for autumn inspiration. 

The Future Kept

British Made Herringbone Throw in Ochre, The Future Kept

The Future Kept is a collection of consciously crafted, responsibly sourced, sustainable and ethical products for the home, and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. But founders  Jeska & Dean Hearne are also photographers and stylists, with experience in interior, graphic and product design, writing, and brand development. Meaning The Future Kept brand, and especially the Insta account, offers a wealth of creative inspiration alongside the beautiful products. I love their simple mission statement: 

“Our primary goal with The Future Kept is to inspire more people to think carefully about the items they have in their lives, by putting together a collection of beautifully designed handmade products from honest origins all with a story to tell.” – Jeska & Dean Hearne, Founders, The Future Kept

The Future Kept’s gorgeous photography is a bountiful resource for autumn inspiration

Soho Home

Soho Home, the homewares brand under the Soho House umbrella, offers up an Insta account full of interiors inspiration and products to lust after. I kind of love that it’s seasonality is subtle, not all pumpkins and orange tones. Plus it lets us have a sneak peek inside the gorgeous global private members’ clubs and the homes their aesthetic inspires. 

Soho House Amsterdam members Dax Roll and Joyce Urbanus’, a beautiful 18th century apartment in the Jordaan area of the city

Canopy & Stars

The Woodsman’s Treehouse in Dorset, via Canopy & Stars

Guardians of gatehouses, glamping, treehouses and trucks, Canopy & Stars presents a edit of the most most weird and wonderful places to stay in the UK and beyond. Ahhh minibreaks. You have eluded us for five years, thanks to our babies who struggled to settle and love to party through the night. But gradually, we are getting into a place where we feel we can book the odd night away. Canopy & Stars, you are on my hitlist for 2019. The Insta account will have you daydreaming about autumnal escapes, hot chocolates and crunchy leafy walks galore. 

The Woodman’s Treehouse in Dorset, via Canopy & Stars

Sarah Ann Macklin

Nutritionist and model Sarah Ann Macklin shares informed nutritional guidance with a hearty dose of foodie and fashion gorgeousness. I love how she weaves issues surrounding wellness and dietary support into her highly creative seasonal content. Her quick IGTV recipe idea updates are filmed in Emily Murray’s The Pink House (also home to the original version of my Prickly Pear illustration), and focus on delivering delicious dinners in 20 minutes. 

Nurture and Bloom 

Nurture and Bloom is a collective of soulful creatives, with “racing minds and wild hearts, drawn to create.” I’m a contributing writer and illustrator for the quarterly magazine NURTURE (£6.50, currently digital with plans to grow into a print edition next year). The Insta feed showcases the best of the community’s makes, bakes and words alongside editor Kate Cullen’s creative adventures. Expect plenty of greenery alongside a fuzzy glow of golden hues, and an urge to get your wellies on and get outdoors.

NURTURE Magazine editor Kate Cullen’s foraged wreath and home- and hand-dyed silk ribbon

Who am I missing? I’d love to hear about your favourite accounts that inspire your autumn.

You can also find my Autumn style inspiration edit here on Pinterest 

Weblinks

Wrap up with British-made blankets from The Future Kept

Ogle at dreamy interiors by Soho Home

Fantasise about treetop getaways beneath the Canopy & Stars

Find rainbow platefuls with a fashiony flourish by Sarah Ann Macklin

Join me and a creative community of high end crafters at Nurture and Bloom

I love looking at imagery from exquisite floral designers and events companies to find inspiration. It’s fun to see which trends may filter through into my own home, and indeed my client’s commissions and wedding bouquet illustrations. Here are a handful of my current favourites, all with distinctive floral styles that make up their signature. 

The Glamour Queen: Amie Bone

“Woah”, I mouth frequently when Amie’s impactful weddings and events fill my Insta feed. Her signature style celebrates full-throttle florals and high glamour. Expect prestigious venues, beautiful brands and bold brides. 

The Innovators: Grace and Thorn

Grace and Thorn offer a distinctive, edgy style with a focus on foliage. The blog “The Cut” is entertaining, diverse and informative and I highly recommend for those would want to read around the subject of florals and houseplant care. 

The Art Influence: Shilpa Reddy

A firm favorite of mine, Shilpa’s signature recalls the oil paintings of the Dutch Masters but with contemporary updates I adore. Her workshops are held in at Covent Garden member’s club The Library, so you can enjoy a beautifully-executed cocktail along with your lesson. 

The Single Stem Statement: Flowerbx

Selecting the very best stems from the very best species, Flowerbx delivers perfection. For my own home, I instinctively select single-species bouquets. The blog “The Cut” features some of London’s most stylish insiders and allows an elegant insight into their homes and floral obsessions. Right up my street.

The Artisan: Botanique Workshop

I hugely admire Botanique Workshop for their appreciation of colour and form. I love the asymmetry that makes up a modern signature style, and attention to hand-crafted details. Classically beautiful, and I feel the love and artistic eye in every bouquet. 

I’d love to know your favourite floral styles and designers, so please do leave a comment below. 

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” I sang merrily as I assembled the cafetiere for breakfast time this morning. “What’s with you?” enquired my husband, but I’m pretty sure he knew. You see, September is my New Year as I love all the things it represents – and it’s just around the corner.

As I type, the rain is beating against my studio window and I couldn’t be happier. It’s full-on pounding rain, bouncing off the window sill, with long, fast drops descending the pane and no sign of easing up. It’s the deluge we have been thirstily awaiting, after six weeks of hot, heavy weather.  I am thrilled for our droopy tomato plants and delighted for the dahlias, who are truly alive and abundant today. But mostly, I’m giddy on that first pang of excitement in my heart for Autumn. 

NEW PENCILS

Assorted Pencils £12.50, by Katie Leamon

As a child, the new academic year = new pencils. I used to love when my mother took me into town mid-August on an annual pilgrimage to visit WHSmith. We’d perfectly, precisely and arduously agonize over selecting a couple of ring binders, maybe a pencil tin, and a new set of felt tips. A new eraser was the Holy Grail, as I used to hate the feel of a crumbling old one experienced by summer. The same spirit of a “fresh start” lives on with me today, and I’m a big believer the today is the first day of the rest of your life. 

HYGGE / LAGOM AND OTHER DELICIOUS DANISH WORDS

Autumn Style by John Lewis

Hygge, loosely translating to “cosy” and Lagom, translating to “not-too-much-not-too-little” are the guiding principles to my September. This month celebrates darker evenings, but without bitter cold. Sunday roasts and hot chocolate, but not the excesses of December. And for a knitwear obsessive like me, I relish the opportunity to unload my winter archive box from it’s hiding place at the top of my wardrobe. Maybe a surprising combination with a summer skirt with be expectantly revealed. Ahhhhh the comfort of long leather boots. A stomp through the woods with an inviting pub as the destination. The gathering of friends, in from the light chill. A happy outdoorsy weekend unwound with a Sunday night whisky in a proper glass. These are a few of my favourite things. And The White Company autumn catalogue. I audibly let out a squeal when that drops through the letterbox. 

Autumnal vibes with The White Company

THE COMING OF CHRISTMAS

The gentle buzz of the coming of Christmas nestles in my heart and won’t quit for three months. I expect it will be my busiest time for botanical illustration bookings. Last year, I was overwhelmed to know that three unsuspectingly recipients would be unwrapping gifts created by me, commissioned by their loved ones. Two were Summer 2017 brides, and I had secretly been in cahoots with their relatives who purchased my Wedding Bouquet Illustration Service. The other was a red-breasted robin illustration, which I gave to my father knowing he always feels in good company when this jolly little bird comes to visit him while gardening. 

Autumnal colour palette by Elena Morelli

This time last year I didn’t even have a website, so I’m nervous, excited, upbeat and grateful to see what opportunities this Autumn/Winter brings. It is, afterall, the most wonderful time of the year. 

My limited edition tawny owl print is available now

LINKS

Wishing to own everything ever designed by: Katie Leamon

I’d spend my last penny in: John Lewis

Always aspiring to the wholesome home decor presented by: The White Company

In fact, this should be entitled, “How To to Start Spring Early Because You Suspect You Have Seasonally Affected Disorder and You Are OVER This #BeastFromTheEast”.

So I have this weird thing where I am very much in denial about January-March.

I take down the Christmas decorations on 27/28th December and then in my mind, skip straight to Spring. Neighbours and people in the street comment on my bare ankles. My husband, now accustomed to my ways, just laughs as I gleefully unpack my summer brights from the top of the wardrobe in early January. Now I’m not for a moment going to try to seduce you to join me in this weird lifestyle choice. However, if you too are completely done with Polar Vortexes, here are my three ideas to bring Spring into your home right now.

10th Jan 2018: It’s time to bring out the daisy headband

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, PLANTS AND TREES

Now these used to be awful. But if you only associate faux flowers with bad B&Bs, have a look at retailers like Abigail Ahern and Wyld Home. All your favourite succulents, ferns, eucalyptus and flowers are now available as good reproductions and will last for years, not days. 

Advantages include:

• they can be placed in dark corners of your home, stairwells etc – unlike the real deal which may demand some sunlight
• some designs can be wiped down with a damp cloth, though flower heads will need a shake to remove dust.
• some stems can be placed in water-filled vases, so you can mix in with real flowers to plump out a bouquet. Perfect to upgrade a bunch of supermarket flowers. 

The Ashprington Bouquet (faux flowers) by Abigail Ahern £81

2. PICK-ME-UP PURCHASES

This doesn’t need much explanation, but a quick coat of paint or one freshly-wallpapered wall can be so refreshing and transformative. Some of my favourite brands I’m currently coveting:

• Cushions by Bivain

Bivain Zellige Indigo 63cm Floor Cushion £130

I used to work with Rachel Fong, co-founder of this beautifully eclectic and colourful brand. She was at Agent Provocateur HQ, while I was agency side – but we’d share many giggles and a love of Grecian holidays. She’s amazing, so is her brand.

• Wallpaper: Lucy Tiffney

Lucy Tiffney Santa Fe Wallpaper 10m roll £135

Lucy, who will perhaps always be subtitled as “Finalist on BBC 2’s Great Interior Design Challenge”, had great advice for me while I was considered starting up my business. She’s funny and kind and I greatly admire her playful style. Plus, if the wallpaper blows the budget, tea towels are £14. 

• Glassware: Serax at Amara

Serax Glass Jug £25

Serious design doesn’t need to be boring. This jug is always going to be a talking point on the dinner table and really makes me smile. Fill it with orange juice at breakfast time and Spring is served.

3. INDOOR GREENHOUSE

Grow Table by Elho, from B&Q £28 table and lid 

We are re-purposing our daughters’ yoghurt pots to start off the seeds

Now this one I am really excited about. The severe weather is messing with our planting schedule, so we have to decided to buy a raised planter to keep in my Studio. If you follow my Stories on Instagram, you’ll know my south-facing workspace suffers from serious overheating. Bad for me, great for tomatoes. We bought one from B&Q by Elho at £28 for the base and lid, and it’s smart and streamlined. (Shop around for the best price though, as B&Q has a different price in-store to online). It has drainage through the legs, which is an innovative feature for outdoors  – and we’ll just invent something to protect the floor indoors. So far, we’ve planted tulips, peas, tomatoes, chilis and coriander seeds. In your face, “Beast From The East”! We have genuine Springtime excitement with the first little sprouts peeping through, despite the snow laid thick upon the ground outside. 

So there you have three ideas to beat these winter blues. I’d love to hear your ideas too.