All that Glitters *

One of my favourite traditions of the Christmas season is decorating the tree and today I helped my sister with hers.  Simple, but oh so pretty.... love it.



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Pomander Balls

I've always wanted to make Pomander balls and this Christmas I'm finally going to make some!

 

Pomanders go back to the 15th century.  A pomander, from the French pomme d'ambre, i.e. apple of amber, is a ball made of perfumes.  They were worn hung from a neck-chain or belt, where they served as a protection against infection in times of pestilence or merely as a useful article to modify bad smells....

If you fancy having a go at making some yourself this festive season see the method below.


To make 2 balls, you will need:
2 oranges (or try apples, lemons, or lime)
Toothpick or pin to ease the cloves into the orange
Whole cloves, at least 1/4 cup, depending upon your design
Spice mixture (see recipe below)
1.5m of Ribbon

For the spice mixture:
3 Tbs. ground cinnamon
3 Tbs. ground cloves
3 Tbs. ground nutmeg
3 Tbs. ground ginger
3 Tbs. orris root powder (the dried and ground root of certain iris used as a fixative)


Directions
Making a Pomander Ball is easy, but can take some time! Simply stick a clove directly into an orange (or any of the other fruits listed above). You may want to use a toothpick or pin to make the first punctures so that the cloves are easier to insert. You don't have to fill the entire ball - try a pattern or design if you feel inspired.

Once the ball is completely studded with cloves, roll it in the spice mixture and set it aside for a couple of weeks in a cool dry spot so that it will dry. Once dried, tie a ribbon around the ball for hanging. Multiple pomander balls also look beautiful displayed together in a large decorative bowl.




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Among the trees

For this years Sketchbook Project my theme is "treehouse".  I LOVE trees - I think they are so beautiful. One day, when I grow-up....I wanna live in my very own tree house....

Here is a little inspiration....

 

  .....stay tuned for some sketchy-type up-dates.  :)

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Bonjour mes Amis!

After a little hiatus from blogging, I'm back - more motivated and inspired than ever!  During my little break I’ve.....

• Been to Paris to visit Maison et Objet (interior design trade show) – P.S: It was AMAZING!

The AMAZING textiles hall (1 of 8 halls showing the lastest in interior design) at the Maison et Objet

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

Sacre Coeur

• Stopped off in London....met the cutest squirrels!

Cutie squirrel in the beautiful Kensington Gardens

Big Ben

Trafalgar Square

Buckingham Palace

• Designed my first fabric collection “GEOMETRIKA” Spring 2011

• Added to my little family.....introducing.......HUGO!

At the moment I'm working on....

• The Sketchbook Project 2012

• Next fabric range, Summer 2011
• Opening up an Etsy store.....yay!
• Ooohh ....and preparing for my favourite time of year with all sorts of Christmassy projects!

I’ll be sure to make regular posts keeping you up-to-date.  I hope you’ll drop in from time to time – I’d love to have your comments.

LOVE x

 

Pucker!

It was such a beautiful day today and I just had to post a picture of my gorgeous little lemon tree!  These are it's first two lemons and I'm so excited......but, I can't think of what to use them for and it seems a shame to pick them as they look so lovely on the tree!

....but, perhaps the call for a lemon meringue pie is too great to ignore!



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A right ROYAL affair...

...ahhhh to be a princess-in-waiting, how wonderful! 

 I know I'll be glued to the telly on Friday night - how about you? 

For all the latest wedding details, like the procession route, visit:  The Royal Wedding 2011

Trafalgar's Square

Today I came across the most gorgeous illustrations I have ever seen!  Theses adorable watercolours are the creation of Kit Chase of Trafalgar's Square.  You can buy these and many other super cute prints at her Esty store here. 

Sooooo cute Kit - what beautiful inspiration! X