Natural History's blog

Thrifting at home.

There are those of us who would happily pick up our tote bag, pop on our shoes and toddle off for a fun day of thrifting in our nearest and dearest charity shops, flea markets and car boot sales (holds hand up). Then there are those who simply couldn't think of anything worse; my lovely boyfriend being one of them. Ah well, more for me I say!

If you're a reader of my personal blog, you'll be bored by how peaky I've been feeling of late. Ergo, I haven't been treasure hunting for weeks. Oh woe is me! The consolation? Browsing online. Phew, wipes brow...

If you're looking for a unique gift but don't fancy trawling around in the rain (not that I'm trying to put you off...ahem) then why not buy vintage online?

Here are a selection of my favourite online vintage stores, to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home with a cup of Rosy Lee:

Restless General Store:

 Via

 

Little Jay Vintage

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H is for Home

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Thriftola

 Via

 

 Happy thrifting!

 

The art of Jennifer Collier

Jennifer Collier is an artist who treats paper as if it is fabric, looking at how discarded materials can be used in a new and exciting way.

In addition to working for a range of organisations on commissions, Jennifer also runs the studio Unit 12 in Stafford; a space where you can take part in a workshop or see an exhibition.

I first heard about Jennifer's work through my friend, the lovely Louise Presley of Hope & Elvis and it is exciting to hear that both Louise and Jennifer are working on an exhibition to take place at Unit 12 from 3 November.

Entitled Ties that Bind, the exhibition will display aprons created by 12 women artists focusing on 'published stories, personal memories and imagined futures'. In addition to Jennifer and Louise, there will be work from artists including Ruth Singer, Ellie Evans and Teresa Green.

To find out more about Jennifer, please visit: http://www.jennifercollier.co.uk/

Details of Ties that Bind can be found at: http://www.unittwelve.co.uk/

All images © Jennifer Collier

Winter warmers

So, the cold weather may soon be approaching but never fear, I've found the perfect headgear to keep you warm and cheery this winter! Whilst reading Origin's newsletter (very kindly forwarded to me by Sania Pell), I noticed the artwork of Barbara Keal. As well as creating art, Barbara also makes feltwork, which includes these wonderful hats. She clearly has an amazing talent for recreating pieces inspired by animals - perfect for those of you who are taxidermy lovers as they are so amazingly lifelike. Take a look:

 
Seven-prong stag

 
Hairy Fox hat

 
Badger and Hare hats

Barbara's pieces are felted and she uses sheep or alpaca fleece for her designs. The only other materials used are warm water and olive oil soap, resulting in a beautifully organic hat. What a wonderful way to keep warm in the winter! As Barabara herself quotes on her website: 'Can you imagine the winter high street bustling with creatures? Foxes, badgers, the odd minotaur, not to mention all the beasts you can't name'.

I think that makes for a pretty fun winter highstreet, don't you? For more information, take a look at Barbara's website here. You can check out her un-namable beasts there!

I have another great artist to share with you in a fortnight, also inspired by animals. Be sure to check in then.

- Claire.x

Images and quote found here.

Natural History and Liberty

Ever since my first visit to London with my father when I was a teenager, I have identified Liberty as the most fabulous shop in the whole city.  From its striking Arts and Crafts exterior, to the wonderful selection of fashion, homewares, beauty, accessories and flowers inside, there has always been something that I have loved, no matter how much my tastes have changed over the years.

 

Well, now Natural History can be found there too!  Since last week, a selection of our leather notebooks and our linen cushions has been at Liberty and we simply couldn't be more thrilled.

Driftwood Furniture

Every morning on my way to work, I pass Nash Interiors, an interiors shop specialising in unique and bespoke furniture. As I passed one day last week I couldn't pull myself away from the window display full of handmade driftwood furniture. I didn't think I liked this look. I thought my style was a bit more polished and finished, but looking at the display of driftwood mirrors and a gorgeous glass-topped table, I was smitten. So I decided to see what else was out there that embraced this style. Below are some of the best pieces I found. Look out for the lamp down there, a really gorgeous statement piece!

From top: Letters, Urban Outfitters; Side table, Zara Home; Mirror, John Lewis; Coat stand, Heals; Photo frames, John Lewis; Tree trunk stool, Dwell; Lamp, Karen Miller; Table, Posh Interiors; Wreath, Karen Miller

What do you think? The thing I most like about these pieces are that they are a nod to the nautical trend (a trend that I was never that fond of, but never seems to go away!) without being gimmicky or over-the-top. I can certainly see this look being incorporated into my own space, but will make sure I limit myself to just a singular piece. For some inspiration on how to incorporate driftwood into your home, have a look at this House Tour from Apartment Therapy, where the owners have used a few subtle pieces to great effect.

If you are ever in Nottingham I can't recommend Nash enough so make sure you stop by. Beware of the third floor though as there is an almighty scary piece of fox taxidermy waiting for you as you emerge from the stairs!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! -Laura.

Competition Time!

It's not exactly big news to learn that I love stationery - notecards, correspondence cards, proper invitations... these are what make life just a little bit more elegant and at the same time satisfy the magpie inside when you can spend pleasant hours at your desk dawdling over choosing the perfect cardstock instead of firing off a group email. 

So of *course* I love Honey Tree Bespoke Stationers (yes, I'm a sucker for the word "bespoke"), so of *course* I am absolutely thrilled to be doing a fabulous competition with them! Each prize includes a set of 4 leather bound notebooks from Natural History and a £50 gift voucher from Honey Tree Bespoke Stationers and you can enter by visiting our Facebook page and clicking on the "Win £170 worth of Stationery" competition link.  How can you *not*?  Don't for get to "like" Natural History while you're at it...

Natural History & Honey Tree Competition

Scaramanga

Yes my initial thought was 'third nipple' too but rid your minds of James Bond baddies because this Scaramanga is a young company based in Fife, Scotland that sells classically styled, traditionally handmade, and authentic old and vintage furniture.

Though Scaramanga has a fairly wide range, none of its products are mass-produced or manufactured to look ethnic (unlike some). Most of their items are exclusive and unique so you have to move fast to grab your favourite. All of Scaramanga's materials and products are fairly sourced, directly from unique and traditional craft based families and communities. And, just when you thought it couldn't get any sweeter, they do a knee-buckling selection of leather satchels too!

Here's my pick from the range:

 

For more details and to check out the range for yourself visit www.scaramangashop.co.uk

With thanks to Gaelle from Niceday4asulk who introduced me to Scaramanga.

 

Posted by Kathryn Sharman of www.katgotthecream.blogspot.com

The Joy of...Comfort

Maybe it’s because it’s raining, the heating is on and the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is nearly upon us. Maybe it’s our recession-hit, riot-plundered times. But right now I’m in need of some home comfort.

I want to snuggle down pyjama-clad amongst piles of soft blankets and squishy cushions with a cup of tea, a pile of magazines and a good book.  Phone off, telly on, my children around me: the easy intimacy and reassurance of home. 

I don’t want white, sleek and minimal, I want natural materials, sludgy colours, jewel tones, patina, texture, candlelight, hearty food and yes, goddamit, I want a fire.  I want cosy.

The best homes are the most comfortable ones I think. The ones that welcome you in, that you can totally relax in. The ones packed with cushions, blankets and rugs, with comfortable seating, scented candles and subdued lighting. The ones that quietly envelope, shelter and protect the lives within them.

Where is your comfort zone? Where are you most relaxed? Is it in the bath with a glass of wine, or in bed with a good book, or hunkered down on your sofa? Where do you hide from the world when it all gets a bit much? 

Image 1 via Amelie, image 2 via Abigail Ahern, image 3 via Squint

 

Before You Get Your Party Hat On You Need INVITES!

Lately I have been finding all sorts of AWESOME party invites on Pinterest! Next time you are having a party think about hiring one of these talented designers:

Fun retro inspired popsicle invites

Image: Martha Stewart 

Really unique wedding invites

Image: Seven Swans

This one may be used less commonly but still cool: a canning party invite

Image: the Cottage Industralist 

Circus party invite, obviously!

Image: Rifle Paper Co. 

Something crafty and simple

Image: 1st Web Designers

Genius! A library card inspired invite

Image: Sweep Me Up 

This is so fun!

Image: More Design Please

A collage of different invites

Image: Design Work Life

Now all you have to do is start planning a party of some variety, so get on it!

Ciao! 

Meagan from the Row House Nest

Television Diet.

 As of next month, television in the UK will change forever and switch to digital. This, for us, will have a dramatic affect on our already 'prone to procrastinate' lives.

We only receive analogue TV (4 channels) in 'The Valley' and have happily lived without the extra entertainment for years. However, I'm starting to panic. With the addition of a shiny set-top box and an array of channels at our fingertips comes with it an array of  distractions. Distractions don't come in handy when I want to read, cook, write and walk more...you see my dilemma?

See, I know I could simply steer clear of the remote control and live the life I want to (if only it was that easy). But, I'm weak, lazy and have a penchant for period dramas where Colin Firth take his top off. Not forgetting programmes like Midsummer Murders and Rosemary and Thyme. And only 31. Oh dear.

So I thought, in an attempt to avoid temptation, I need to start early and begin my 'TV diet'. What better way than with a new cookbook?

Whilst browsing on Anthropologie (another of my pastimes) I came across some beautiful cookbooks to inspire and delight.

 

 

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Reading? Check. Cooking? Check.Writing (notes in my recipe book)? Check. Walking the food off? Check. I love it when a plan comes together! 

How do you stay away from TV distractions? Do you have a favourite cookbook you could recommend?