Loving this

I am madly in love with these earrings and rings from Lady Peculiar!

I first spotted this little shop one evening after dinner in Stellenbosch. They were closed of course, but I stood in front of the window which must have seemed like ages to my boyfriend - then boyfriend, now fiance ;) Still love saying it...

Anyway. Their pieces are delicate, but still have loads of character and gusto, you know?

I also love how they incorporate such iconic Afrikaans things such as 'suikerbekkie' and 'hartlam' (wanneer laas het jy daai woord gehoor!).

It's my birthday on Saturday, and I might just go and spoil myself with a piece or 2 of Lady Peculiar.....

Cape Town is terribly cold and wet today - I hope you are wrapped up warm wherever you are!

Pretty pretty paper art

I've just realised it's been over 6 weeks since my last post! Ouch. Gotta work on that.... ;0)

I'm working on a very exciting campaign for Ava - and I've taken inspiration from paper art. I love the fact that something so every day and ordinary as a piece of A4 paper can be transformed into a world of pretty things.

I'm also madly in love with the white-on-white look!

Image 1-3: Nataniel

Image 4: Unknown

I Love....

It started as a crappy day. No sugar for my coffee. No eggs for my breakfast. I had to had some switch replaced on my car so that my indicators would work, and that set me back quite a tudy sum... But, then I arrived at the office and opened my email. And there it was. The new issue of Adore magazine, ready to inspire me! And what do you think of this gorgeous cover! Funny thing is, I just bought myself some watercolours yesterday and started experimenting with painting in watercolours. I am madly in love with these cushions. I also spotted a similar fabric at Mavromac - it might have been a Pierre Frey? Not sure - will investigate and let you know! Hope you have a bright and lovely Thursday!

As good as gold?

I am madly in LOVE with this kitchen island. A standard kitchen unit was wrapped in brass, giving it an ethereal glow! I am always surprised when designers and manufacturers use materials that have never before truly been considered for a certain application. And this result is down right gorgeous.

For more on this lovely London Home, get the February issue of Elle Decoration.

I love...

..Peonies in plain, simple glass containers. Vases, milk bottles, empty jars....anything really.

It might have to do with the fact that I have never ever seen Peonies for sale in South Africa, or am I just shopping at the wrong places?

I love the softer than candy floss quality these blooms have. And the light pink ones are my favourite.

I love...

...pretty paperweights.

Like these from Pezula. I've developed a penchant for all things that look like they've been torn out of a science book - not that I ever really liked science at school.

I heard my Haldane Martin pieces are being delivered tomorrow morning - can't wait!

x a

I love...

... free stuff!

Visi (arguably the best local decor mag) have loads of free down loadable goodies on their website. Gift tags, desktop wallpapers, wrapping paper, stuff like that. And it's good.

Go have a look at Visi and see what I mean. It's also a great website for some general inspiration!

x a

*sigh*

Look at these beautiful ceramic goodies available from Cecile & Boyd here in the Mother city. I've seen some of these also at The Space in Cavendish.

I'm sure I've made it known before that I love collections. Different types. Right now I am building on my 'white' collection, all manner of white ceramic goodies (all exceptionally pretty on their own). I've grouped them all together on my aunt's dark timber coffee table and love it!

My favourite on this table is most definitely the big protea head. I have a little obsession with proteas, so these lovelies are just the thing to add to my collection! (Bokkie, hint hint)

x a

I ♥

Not the dress. The cupboard. (And the whole room, it is serene and calm and I can imagine not having any worries in this room)

If I were Alice in Wonderland...

... my shoes would me blue with pretty bows. Like these.

I love...

Oh, what is not to love about these gorgeously beautiful glass bell jars!

My birthday is coming up soon (OK, it's another 3 months, but I'm hinting hard here) and if my dearest love needs any help in deciding on a pressie, please go to The Space in Cavendish.

I love the delicate nature of the fine glass art with birds and butterflies.

x a

I love...

Whenever someone says "I love.." then we wait to hear what they love.

I love sunshine.
I love my fiance.
I love cocoa on a cold day.
I love tomatoes.
I love painting.
I love paintings.
I love sleeping in.

But how about just "I love." Full stop. Isn't that worth something?

Today, I love.

x a

Paul Smith for Evian

I always love listening to designers talk about their work. And for the most part I am surprised by how humble and approachable they are. I don't know why, maybe because we always see them on TV and in magazines, I expect them to be more snobbish!

I think I have realised that the designers stay down to earth, mostly because they are inspired and creative beings. The people who use the products of these designers though, that's a different kettle of fish. It's a strange phenomenon.

Here is Paul Smith: world renowned, but still enjoying his work every single day. I love his approach of completely disregarding newspapers (as it means it has been done already). Instead he surrounds himself with beautiful books and objects, his studio is filled to the brim with things that inspire!

I need to get my hands on one of these Evian bottles! They are a work of art. Sadly the staff at the Paul Smith store in Cape Town had no idea what I was on about when I waltzed in there over the weekend. I will most certainly go hunting this weekend! I am told that the bottles are available from "top hotels and restaurants only". I will be sure to let you know when I find one!!

x a

I'm sharing a little secret..

Some time ago I stumbled upon a teeny tiny little shop in Diepriver selling Petersham Ribbons. Ever since I have spent too much money buying these beautiful ribbons, snapping up each and every design and colour (although, I must say I prefer the more classic colours and designs).

These ribbons can turn any piece of plain paper wrapping into a work of art, or at the very least add some character to the gift! I love using these ribbons around old bottlesd, tying up keys on hooks, anything really.

The 2 talented ladies from Ebony and Ivory have just launched their new website, which I think showcases their bits and bobs beautifully! Do yourself a favour and go look at http://www.ebonyandivoryribbons.co.za/ .

Be inspired!

x a

I Love...

I love... great big climbing plants with masses of bright pink flowers. Perect for Spring time.

x amanda

Going dotty

I am madly in love with this black and white re-do. Simply gorgeous!

x amanda

images via sprucehome

I ♥

I have always loved these chairs. The simple elegance of the cross back is just gorgeous. And the weathered timber makes it look so real.

One day, for my farmhouse kitchen...

x amanda