Lampshade Love

The other day I had an urge to learn how to make lampshades, it was a ping of inspiration from nowhere that made so much sense that I have no idea why I havent done it sooner! And I knew just who to call…

I met Ruth McAllister of Quincy Lampshades last year at the Lionheart Magazine Launch, her lampshades are bold, beautiful and modern and her successful business is an inspiration, she also teaches lampshade making in Bristol and Bath. I took along my Mairin Flora fabric and in three hours I had a gorgeous drum lampshade, Ruth is a wonderful teacher; generous and passionate about sharing the lampshade love. I enjoyed every minute and keep looking over at my finished beauty and smiling!

Little pots of paint

We are currently planning with military precision what furniture/ stuff will fit into our new 12ft home, I have been relishing in the downsize, ruthlessly editing my possessions and donating bag after bag to the local Oxfam, However I cannot quash my nesting tendencies, whatever size the nest may be. The other day I found myself buying some pretty green stemmed wine glasses from a charity shop (even though we have some perfectly functional ones already) and, inexplicably, three embroidered linen tablecloths have made the cut (THREE? In a forest?) These tendencies can also lead to painting furniture with little tester pots of paint. For our tiny new home I decided to brighten up some of the bits of furniture we’ll be taking;

This Chest of drawers is from Ikea for only £15.99, I chose to paint it my favorite of all colour combinations; Yellow and Grey. I used ‘Hustle at 5pm’ and  ‘Plumbago’  by Fired Earth.

This little wicker beauty was picked up in a charity shop and painted by my Mum, I spruced it up further by painting the inside with ‘Southbank’ Orange by Fired Earth and adding a vintage place mat.

A nifty weekend project:

I saw this and thought of you…

Pinterest via Interiors porn

If, like me, you or your walls need an injection of joy then how about this for a nifty idea. Perfect if you have some pretty handkerchiefs/ scarfs/ bits of material lying around, I think the addition of some doilies would be most welcome too.

Quilts, foxes and cats

I have decided to make a quilt, I’m not sure when it will begin or end, but this image of a FOX quilt sealed the deal:

Gorgeous fox quilt from Pip Lincoln’s home

and this cat design is pretty wonderful too:

Easy step by step pattern from Mer Mag

This weekend I have also been loving my Luna hugs:

Country pining

Pining: ‘ To feel a lingering, often nostalgic desire’, ‘To miss and long the return of’.

Images: 1. A Well Traveled Woman 2. Stephanie Wiegner 3. Cedars between the Pine 4. Where the lovely things are 5. Pinterest 6. Houzz 7. Print from Etsy 8. FFFFound

See more on As Petals Fall’s Pinterest

Home:

Today I have been designing some new prints and bits and bobs with love in mind. I am using those particular words as they are a marvellous reminder of a simple reassuring fact that, for me, is at the core of love.

Hope you all have wonderous weekends, I’m off to London town to see friends, family and dance with glitter on my face.

x

Blanket dreams

One day I would love to invest in a really beautiful hand-woven blanket or two:

Tapestry blankets from Jen Jones – seller of antique Welsh quilts and blankets

Red Scottie lambswool blanket from Avoca – woven in Ireland

Nos Da throw by Donna Wilson available  from Design Within Reach

Albion woollen blanket from Toast

Harlequin woven blanket by Fine Little Day, has been featured on APF before but I just LOVE it.

Beautiful Welsh woollen blankets from Melin Tregwynt, woven in a mill in Pembrokeshire.

Lionheart Launch

Last Sunday the mighty Lionheart magazine was launched into the world, and what a wonderous day it was. After months of waiting I was finally able to see the fruits of Helen Martin’s labour. It was everything I imagined and more; elegant simplicity gracing the thick matte pages, beautiful illustrations, photography and design, talented people, truly interesting features, poetic words, it is a treasure and I can’t recommend it enough, visit the Lionheart website to buy your copy online.

The party was so much fun and I met some brilliant people as well as enjoying time with old friends, highlights included; delicious pizza’s made by my Husband Will, the best cakes ever from the lovely Kimberlee of  The Homemade Mama, a lampshade demonstration by Ruth of  Quincy lampshades, A live illustration (of me!) by the very talented and lovely Gemma Milly and an epic craft session that was loved by all.

The perfect venue – 40 Alfred Place, Bristol

The beautiful front cover; Illustration by Gemma Milly, typography by Holly Giblin

Roar

Happy customer: Lauren

Photographer extraudinaire : Stella Mason

Chef extraudinaire: Will

Happy crafters

Gemma modelling her mans craft triumph; a lavender moustache!

Live Illustration by Gemma Milly (photo- c/o Stella Mason)

I’m honoured to have contributed (I also did the page titled ‘Treasure’)

December:

December is here; Cold weather and wooly hats, I will turn 27, It will be my second Christmas as a wife, but best of all… it is the month I have launched my business. The tiny beginnings of something I hope will grow to be beautiful and successful, it feels wonderful to have big hopes, wonderful, scary and right.

I will be starting with 4 Christmas markets this month and then launching my online shop in January. The first market is this Saturday on the Christmas Steps in Bristol, this is perhaps why I’m feeling festive so early this year, Today I’m planning to venture into the back of our garden to find our tree from last year and adorn it once again with some lights.

Here are some seasonal inspirationals I love, to begin the festive month:

The cutest advent calendar from Snug

‘Fashionable Christmas’ cards from the V and A  including one of my favorite illustrators Georges Lepape

Pretty handmade owl decorations from Lula Handmade

‘Sailing home for Christmas’ card by Anna Searle

Christmas Lights dessert plates by West Elm

Dates for your diary

You will be able to find As Petals Fall at the following events:

3rd December – Christmas Steps Artisan Christmas Market, Bristol (11-4)

The Oh So charming Christmas Steps are holding another of their wonderful markets featuring lots of stalls of beautiful handmade goods, perfect for an alternative bit of christmas shopping avoiding the busy high street and a guaranteed dose of festive cheer with carols, mulled cider and twinkling lights. Perfect.

10th December – Yule Love It! Christmas shopping event at Tenderfoot Gifts, Brislington Bristol (10-5)

I absolutely cannot wait to get along to Tenderfoot gifts as it is a plethora of  beautiful arts and crafts stocking work from so many talented artists/ designers/ makers. Another perfect place to find individual christmas gifts, get inspiration and meet some lovely people.

11th December – Lionheart Magazine Launch party, 40 Alfred Place, Kingsdown, Bristol (1-10)

This event is very special, my wonderful  friend Helen has created the most beautiful printed magazine, The first issue is about bravery, and if ever there was a brave, strong lioness then it is Hels; if you need encouragement to follow your dream/ heart then read about her journey into print.

“Lionheart is a celebration of what can be achieved, emphasising that you and your friends are brilliant”  – Indeed.

This party will be a celebration of having a lion in your heart, and a physical embodiment of the magazine itself, there will be all things good: Craft, things to make and do, cake, music, wonderful people, joy…

pretty

Hope to see you there petals x