When only hot chocolate will do...

Good morning world, we're half way through the week (almost), and I'm about 100% certain that if this great British summer continues I will probably drink my bodyweight in hot chocolate (I'm all about creature comforts!) Trying to battle through the rain snapping pics on the beach battling the elements I think I earned it anyway!

In Sundays post I mentioned I'd share with you a few design layouts I've been dabbling with for my own practice (were thinking about working towards Christmas fairs). They are super simple, as I prefer to work with placement prints and play around with colour. I have mainly been working on cushion layouts but this design could be manipulated to suit other products such as lampshades, throws, tea towels and mugs.

Please let me know what you think as I'd love to get an idea of how well received this kind of look is. The backgrounds are work in progress too, I haven't gotten around to this yet but I'd like to work some hand rendered grounds in but for now I have simply selected one flat colour...

XOXO

All designs belong to LillianDaph and are subject to copy-write. 

Washed Up Glamour...

I'm not sure when I'll next write a blog post that doesn't start with "Apologies for the lack of posting...", things just seem to have been super busy since finishing Uni 7 weeks ago. BUT I am finished with my placement at Gillian Arnold and now I'm looking forward to getting stuck into my own projects.

SO I thought it could be a good idea to run my ideas by you guys, put the feelers out there so to speak, and kill two (or three) birds at the same time.

The summer months are not made to be decorating so I will be concentrating more on accessorising and pulling themes together until were all feeling a little more inclined to stay inside and stake out the paint brushes.

First things first I'm going to be spending today gearing myself up to get stuck into uni work next week, (I am planning to have a very productive few days, lets see how that works out!). I've been thinking about concepts and themes for a while but haven't had the chance to get down to business. 

I'M THINKING OF "WASHED UP GLAMOUR" (Title is a work in progress!)

I'm imagining a concept around the idea of how things change over time and the effects that the sea has on once very beautiful things, in particular bird feathers (I seem to have a new found obsession with bird feathers, you'll see when I elaborate and in the next post). Running parallel to this I'm thinking of how life does the same to us, and how peoples aesthetic and behavior changes as we age - sounds deep I know, but my Nana was THE MOST GLAMOROUS PERSON I EVER MET. God love her, she is ageing, her mind is not the same, her eyes are failing her and she struggles to pull off the immaculacy she once had - she does still manage her lipstick and copper/ red wig everyday though!!! I really wanted to make this project personal so thought what better way that to use my glamour puss Gran as concept colour palette inspiration!

Picture seaside textures, scrawny seagull feathers, mangled driftwood HIT UP WITH HUGE DOSES OF DEEP RUBY RED, EMERALD GREEN, AND SUMPTUOUS PURPLES, PEPPERED WITH MONOCHROME, ART DECO, AND DRAPED IN COSTUME JEWELLERY.

This concept needs a lot of work, but I really want to take the 'seaside' theme and throw it in a cocktail glass! My seaside surroundings have a big impact on me and I love that, but I get tired of seeing the same old stuff, especially interiors products, does anyone else feel that way? Whitewashed, blue striped and shell laden is not what I'm picturing here guys, this will be seaside with a difference.

While I work on my own mood board (which takes more time than you imagine!), here is my pick of the best home accessories to fit this theme if you like the sound of it - would perk up a bathroom or bedroom perfectly if you ask me!

P.S I am writing this post under the will of a reader whom I met out yesterday evening. I still feel surprised and sometimes even embarrassed when people approach me to tell me they enjoy my blog, it's such a lovely feeling to know that people are reading it let alone enjoy reading it. So I would like to thank you all and will hopefully continue to provide you with more content and easy reading! HAPPY SUNDAY, I'm off to the beach! ! XOXO

P.P.S Posts to come include:

OWN PROJECT WORK IN PROGRESS

CRAIGS DECKING PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

LIGHTING LOW DOWN

Feeling like the end of an era...

Six weeks ago after a busy Saturday in the salon, (for those of you who don't know I am a hairdresser and continue to work weekends while studying) I took myself off to Bishop Aukland for an interview for an internship. With no real idea where Bishop Aukland was, and a stomach full of excited nerves I did however manage to wind up on the doorstep of Gillian and Tim Arnold. 

So Bishop Aukland is a Town undergoing HUGE REGENERATION, and Gillian Arnold is a key part of that. (I'm working on cutting my posts down a bit, but what is going on in the Town is just amazing, so I urge you to read all about it and next years amazing Night Show plans here.)

In a lovely old square, not far from an old castle, sits an old supermarket building with the new name of "POD". POD is a creative hub that supports artists/ designers/ makers. The idea is to not only to allow artists to exhibit work, but to share advice, experiences and knowledge to enable businesses to grow and succeed - amazing don't you think?! Gillian Arnold are the main business doing this here to date. Again you can read all about that here.

Back to the interview...

Instantly put at ease with a charming greeting from three curious children, I could tell this was going to be a positive experience from the off. Upon meeting Tim, the techy brains behind Gillian Arnold took me to their business premises within POD.

OH MY WORD. 

Talk about inspiring, I was hit by a big old ton of heartfelt inspiration. Right there, built by a very normal, very dedicated and very passionate man and wife, was a creative business set up in its exciting infantry stage. I instantly felt like I wanted to be part of it. 

So my internship began, I was thrown straight into production, making my first ever lampshades; from cutting the fabric, to printing it and actually creating lampshades - for actual orders. How exciting! I then learnt their jewellery making process, which again I was making up for orders (I think that was my favorite thing, despite what it has done to my hands!)

I printed mugs, coasters, cushions, dress and skirt fabrics. I saw insights into every aspect of their business, and it was just BRILLIANT. Coming to the end of my placement, I'm sad to be leaving but I will most definitely keep in touch and I will be back to Bishop Aukland!

                    

                               

Not only have I learnt invaluable new skills, I've met some fab people, but more than anything I have learnt to believe that it is achievable.

Despite always trying to be an outgoing character and pushing myself, I'd be lying if I said that the prospect (and even just the word actually) of an 'Internship" didn't scare the living daylights out of me. I mean as much as I love what I do, I constantly tell myself "I'm not really an artist, or a designer" "I can't draw." "My designs are alright', blah blah - you get the picture - I struggle to have faith in what I do. 

THIS HAS CHANGED THAT.  IT'S CHANGED ME. 

I would urge anybody unsure about their own future to gain experience, I don't think that there is anything quite like it. Being around likeminded people with vision and drive can only impact on you positively.

My time with Gillian Arnold has shown me that it is possible. This dream we are all chasing, it is within reach. You just have to work really, REALLY hard. 

P.S

Here are a few links should you be interested to read a bit more about Gillian Arnold and what is going on in Bishop Aukland...

http://www.gillianarnold.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/GillianArnoldArtist?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/bishoppod?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-want-a-better-Bishop-Auckland-Town-Centre/348177305220299?fref=ts

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/eleven-arches-project-bishop-auckland-9378306

http://aucklandcastle.org/community/plans

My Kinda Gardening...

After a busy weekend (when I say weekend I mean Sunday) in the garden, I'm late again with posting. Nonetheless we have major improvements going on around our existing patio and soon to be raised decking area - yay!

Craig is DONE with the house now the sun is shining so we're moving into the garden.

OKAY, SO I CLEARLY HAVENT HAD AN AWFUL LOT OF PHYSICAL INPUT IN THIS ONE, BUT THE IDEA WAS ALL MINE, I ASSURE YOU!

From our patio we lose the gorgeous view due to our conservatory being in the way, so I suggested we extend the patio area out over what is now garden (mainly a bush and plant area - don't tell my Mam I said that). This is hopefully going to create a lovely seating area from which the view can be really appreciated; this area gets the evening sun too which again the patio doesn't (it's not sounding a great patio here is it!) so I'm picturing an idyllic little fairy lit abode. 

Despite not getting my 'hammer on' with this one, I did however spend most of Sunday pulling out what I thought were weeds (mainly everything - again don't tell Sue!) and planting in some new bits that will create a 'cottage garden' feel come next year. This requires patience apparently, which I most certainly don't have when it comes to creating visual change.

Anyway, back on topic. I've been sprawling the internet for garden inspiration on this one and thought I'd share with you some garden ideas and tips. Keep reading for a few tips and head over to my growing pinterest board for images galore.

MAKING YOUR GARDEN FEEL LIKE PART OF YOUR HOME...

It's so easy to forget about 'designing' our gardens, especially over here in the great British weather, but like our gal AA says, your garden should be designed and accessorised just like any other room in your house in order to create an alluring and enjoyable space.

1. TAKE THE INSIDE OUT. Dress your space with soft furnishings; throw cushions on your chairs, seek outdoor rugs for your patios, hang mirrors next to planters and string enough lights between trees to give Blackpool a run for it's money.

2. ACCESSORISE IN THE SAME WAY. Remember the post on accessorising the home? Read it again, then apply it to your garden. Mix plants at varying heights, mix up planters in different shape and sizes, combine shapes and textures of plants and flowers and ADD LIGHTING. How can anything not look good when draped in fairy lights?!

3.  HIDE THE HORRORS. Use big wicker baskets or distressed wooden chests to hide away any garden tools or games if you don't have a shed or garage to keep them tidied away- let the focus be on your gorgeous things.

4. REFLECT WHO YOU ARE. So again this is exactly the same as your interior spaces. Make your garden personal. If you lean towards clean, crisp lines, continue this through your pathways and planters - just don't let this wind up looking boring and uptight. To avoid that remember to throw in the odd surprise element, something you won't expect to see. Or again use lighting and texture to soften it up. If you lean more towards natural, earthy designs go big on chunky wooden planters and accessorise with piles of logs in wooden crates. If like me, you can't make your bloody mind up about anything, throw in a bit of everything. Don't be scared to eclecticise (yep I just made up a word) your garden as well as your home. I'm thinking boho hammocks, rusty vintage wrought iron tables, a touch of Mediterranean terracotta and oodles of fairy lights.

5. COSY UP. Nothing beats a Summer evening watching the sun go down cosying up by a real log fire with a glass of vino in hand. How much do you love that winter ideal of snuggling by a coal fire with a glass of red? Well basically you want to create that same home comfort of a fire in the sitting room with a fire pit or chimenea outside. If your garden is one open space, use tall plants like bamboo to create 'walls' which will instantly zone your space making it more intriguing and cosy. Don't pouch everything to the four corners of your garden, bring your entertaining space central and build your garden around it, factoring in your needs and the space you have to play with.

I'm well up for this gardening lark now I've realised it's just like decorating! I'll keep you posted with our progress on the decking.

XOXO.