PEARLS OF WISDOM

I had the best surprise when I arrived home from work today - an unexpected Amazon parcel that contained this beauty of a book! I've been lusting after Pearl Lowe's Vintage Craft for a small while now, but I thought it was so close to my Birthday I'd wait, luckily, I didn't have to. It's only been in my hands a few hours but I've been pouring over every page, getting excited to make pretty much everything in there. There have been other books, in the past, that I've loved at first sight but as soon as I see inside I lose interest because they're just full of things you'd never need or want to make, only the odd gem. From Bohemian Planters and lace panels, to personalising vintage plates and even reupholstery, this book has everything covered.

FERN

images - pearl lowe's vintage craft

MORE NEW OLD STUFF

 I'm somewhat lacking in Internet at the moment, as a result I'm posting this from my phone - hope it looks normal! The sun has finally landed in England so we're soaking it up as this last couple of weeks is probably the only summer we'll likely get, then it'll be back to being cold. Here are a few things I've found lately; pillowcases, a strangely cute painting, an AMAZING handmade throw I bought for €15(!) when I was in the south of France and a gorgeous vintage 60s dress from New Orleans. I wore it when I modelled for a vintage fair this last Monday.. But that's a whole other story.

FERN

JANE FOSTER

During university I always wanted to do more screen printing, but I always find myself too scared. Not of the process itself, as I'd learnt in my college years how to make up the screens and print them, but more of the time it takes, and if it goes wrong you have to start all over again. I'm hoping to get back into it (if I ever find an exposure unit in Yorkshire) at some point, but until then I'll continue to pour over photographs of Jane Foster's creations.

I am insanely jealous of her studio set-up, working from home in Devon, Foster produces beautifully bold patterns and incorporates them into hand-sewn homewares. It's her toys I particularly love; the simplicity of block colour makes them stand out, and their little faces all have a slightly cheeky look about them - perfect for kids, and even some adults alike.

FERN

SOME NEW OLD THINGS

So, I can't stop buying things from charity shops. I started volunteering at the Oxfam shop in town a couple of weeks ago and I love it. I get an absolute thrill rifling through old objects and stumbling across something I fall in love with - and as you can see, I've had a bit of luck of late.

Hopefully they'll all fit nicely in my room once/if it ever gets decorated, as right now they've all taken up residence on the floor, in a corner. As for the Womble pillowcases (pictured on the chair) I'm not really sure. I have a feeling they might be going back in my cupboard for a while!

NB The smaller, floral mirror is actually Matthew Williamson for Debenhams, not second hand, but I couldn't resist.

FERN

A TINY WORKSPACE

I've always been way more into fashion than any other type of design. I never really cared what my my bedroom, and then, consequently, my student flats looked like, as long as my stuff was in them it felt like mine. However, since returning home in September (thanks recession), and into a new house, all I've wanted to do is to decorate my room. This is probably down to the fact that I'm 22, and for the last 3 years I've been living in my own place and space, and just need to stamp out a space for myself in my mum's home.

this is the currently-barron corner of my awful beige room

The problem that is facing me, however, is how to create a room that I can relax in, but also houses an area where I can get down to my illustration work and not have to constantly have it sprawled all over my bed/living room floor/dining table, just to tidy it all away again at the end of the day.

Pinterest board, A Tiny Workspace, seems to have come to my rescue slightly. So many clever ways of squeezing in little desks and tables so that they don't look completely out of place or get in the way.

-FERN

WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU

Here at Milkshake & Honey we like to embrace all things creative. We love to see a broad spectrum of beautiful, exciting and interesting things, and what makes it a broad spectrum is the contributors. That's why right now we're opening up a window for new regular contributors. If you already have your own blog, or just have always wanted to share things you love or love to do then feel free to get in touch!

NEW FRONDS

Since we've moved house I've needed to decorate my bedroom for some time now. I keep looking for inspiration, but I'm always drawn to 1960s patterns, and I've really just got to accept that it just isn't going to suit my bed frame - a cream, wrought iron vintage style. But just when I was beginning to get my head around the idea of keeping things more muted I stumbled upon this interiors editorial in YOU magazine.

The patterns are like grown-up versions of others I've looked at, and I'm so indecisive I don't think I could commit to a wallpaper - but cushions that can easily be changed I'm all for. Getting rid of white walls and setting a moody tone using dark greys is so much more bedroom-appropriate, don't you think? 

-FERN