There’s no place like home

Posted by TheCraftyMinx on August 9, 2010 · 2 Comments

Leaving on a jet plane

You may have noticed it’s been a bit quiet here of late – that’s because we’ve just returned from the UK and France. There’s something zen about turning off the mobile, ignoring emails and going offline for a while. It’s a retro idea in the era of iPhones, but I’ve returned feeling all the more refreshed for it.

Mostly a holiday, I also managed to sneak in trips to the flea markets and vintage shops of Paris and Burgundy for fabric and other collectibles for the next craft book (due out next year), and a few interviews for The Crafty Kid, which came out there in July (click here to see one with the magazine & website, Hot Brands Cool Places). I also visited lots of nifty new stores to witness for myself just how hot craft and recycling have become since my last visit (smoking hot), and gathered absolutely loads of inspiration for future projects along the way, which I can’t wait to share with you soon.

Here’s some snaps from farm life in the UK, where we spent most of our time, and a few favourites from London. I miss the heat, garden, friends and family (most of all) already, but it’s delicious to be home. Stay tuned for part two with Frenchy pics and the fruits of my brocantes treasure hunts.

Perfect English roses

A slice of herbaceous border

Divine David Austins

Stonehenge - a hop, skip and a jump away from our home away from home

Statues in a Hyde Park fountain

Visiting dinosaur bones at the Natural History Museum

Admiring dinosaur bones at the Natural History Museum

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Prêt-á-Papier

Posted by TheCraftyMinx on August 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Model Nicole Linkletter poses at the MAC Cosmetics launch

On a recent visit to Bath (UK), I spent a leisurely hour or so inside its wonderful Fashion Museum, perusing the permanent collection and current exhibition of Lady Diana’s lavish frocks. My mother-in-law pointed out the 60s paper dresses, informing me she’d had a few of her own once in eye-popping prints. I asked if they were comfortable? ‘Not very,’ apparently.

But why not construct a paper frock simply as an art piece? Check out these Mac Cosmetics frocks made almost entirely from craft paper. The Prêt-á-Papier collection was inspired by the ubiquitous material and hit the stores last summer. I’m giving paper frocks a go myself on my trusty steed (my 70s-era Janome). Just don’t expect to see me strutting out in one anytime soon – a spot of rain while wearing one could be a fashion faux pas too far.