I am most definitely feeling a subtle Autumnal vibe these days, it is seeping slowly but surely into my consciousness as I go about my daily business. At the end of last week when I went to the market to purchase flowers (I had bright zingy dahlias in mind), I came home instead with these beautifully seasonal Chinese Lanterns. Aren't they stunning?
Coming home from the market with a paper wrapped parcel of floral goodies always delivers such a big dose of feel-good. The whole process of unwrapping, admiring, snipping and arranging is hugely therapeutic and I really like that no plastic is involved too. I wish there was more paper wrapping in the world!
I have a nostalgic attachment to these unusual flowers (are they flowers? Or seed heads? Or fruits?) as my Mum used to grow them every year in her garden. She would bring great armfuls of them into the house to display in jugs and they last a surprisingly long time.
I just LOVE the shot of brilliant colour these three stems bring to the room, that orange is stunning in real life it really is. I keep finding myself surprised by them being there, they leap out at me every time I walk through the door, shouting a big HELLO from across the room.
Oooooooooooooo now then, did you by any chance take your eyes away from the orange lanterns and gaze along my mantel to see what else was there? Did you notice my most gorgeously gorgeous painted driftwood sculpture?? Want to see more??
Ta-dah!!!!! I totally forgot to share this with you when it arrived in the Attic in the summer. Isn't it superbly wonderful? Ahhhhhhhhhhh I love it so so so much ♥
See it even has my number on the door as it was made especially for me. It's the work of talented artist Kirsty Elson who's work I am completely smitten with. I first heard about Kirsty over on Julia's blog and I instantly tumbled head over heels in love with her driftwood sculptures. Of course it was a dead cert that I would love her work as it combines two of my favourite-most-favourite things :: little houses and the seaside. I adore the jaunty little boats she makes, but it was the driftwood cottages that really stirred my heart. Actually to use the word "stirred" is bit under parr as my heart more or less tries to leap clear of my body when I clap eyes on these sweet little pieces of beach art. I experience such an emotional response to them, kind of like wanting to laugh and cry at the same time, do you know what I mean?
Anyhow, overwhelming feelings in response to creativity are something I am quite used to, and I know that I have to simply go with it. So when I was skipping through Kirsty's blog one day and saw this post, I found myself practically hyperventilating. Not only did I spot those sweet little cottages of hers, but some of the sweet little cottages had washing lines attached........and the miniature washing was all stripy and dotty!!!!!!! Jeepers, I nearly fell off my stool!!
So that was how I came to commission my very own driftwood beauty, complete with dotty-stripy laundry, and I love it very much.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, did you also spot something else on my mantel, something bright and colourful and of a decidedly hooky nature? Actually, you may have spotted three of them sitting sweetly together next to the yellow vase? These pretty little hooky things have some floral decorative bits look........
.........and they were one of my impulsive Must-Make-It-Right-This-Instant projects way back in April. Yes April! That's five months ago!! Oh dear, it seems that I've gotten unbelievably behind with my Ta-dah-ing, it's quite a disgrace.
I'm going to try over the next week to bring myself up to date with all my hooky happenings. Off the top of my head I've got at least three finished, un-shared projects to sing and dance about, so there's going to be a bit of a Hooky-fest coming to the Attic next week. Hope that's ok with you?
See you then, it's going to be fun!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps Look out for a special colour-filled post over the wkend to do with yarn colours an' all. Cos I know all you addicts are desperate to know what's staying and what's going. You know what I'm talking about, right? x
I just thought of a name for your blog: " addicts in the attic"... Can't wait for some more hooky inspiration...
Posted by: eva | September 23, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Lucy you always make me feel happy. I love your ta da's, colour therapy and chatter. Shirley
Posted by: Shirley Flavell | September 23, 2011 at 04:55 AM
I have never seen chinese lanterns before! Lovely! I have just bought some seeds on ebay, lets hope they'll grow for me!
Posted by: Tanya | September 23, 2011 at 01:43 AM
Ah, another delightful post from you Lucy! You're spoiling us, you know that, right? Your mantel is lovely. I have to say that aside from the gorgeous flowers(?) my eye was drawn to the beautiful Russian stacking dolls. I don't know if theya re truly Russian but that'sd what we call them as my daughters each have a set from their Great Grandparents. And they came from Russia - so there you go.
I also love your pretty yellow teapot. I feel about teapots and teacups the way you do about the lovely driftwood art - inspired and heart happy.
Posted by: Sheery | September 23, 2011 at 01:27 AM
Looking forward to the hooky fest! Oh, and please let it be the bright pink that you are giving the heave-ho...I am always wrong, it would be nice to be right for a change!
LOVE your chinese lanterns. The flowers that you can buy in England are so beautiful!
Posted by: Kay Guest | September 23, 2011 at 01:26 AM
Both the Chinese lanterns and your hook work are beautiful!
Posted by: CrochetBlogger | September 23, 2011 at 01:06 AM
Love Chinese Lanterns! Your mantel looks so happy. Giggly happy about the weekend post!!! And believe me, after spending this entire week sick with strep throat and an ear infection, I am REALLY looking for things to be happy about! Hope you have a fantastic Friday doing all your happy Friday things!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 23, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Yes!!! Very excited for your color post. I am hoping to learn a bit about selecting colors. I so need help in that area. I want to start a large granny stripe blanket in pretty girly, bright and festively fun colors, but I don't know how to start choosing.
I don't want to end up with another half finished project because I hate my color selection.
Posted by: Lori | September 23, 2011 at 12:45 AM
I love the Chinese lanterns. Never seen them before. I saw a pattern for Russian dolls a few days ago and thought they would be fun. Seeing how nice yours turned out I am going to have to make some. Can't wait for the yarn post this weekend or next weeks tadah fest.
Posted by: Kashi Griffith | September 23, 2011 at 12:26 AM
What beautiful hooky happenings!!! At least the dolls! Can't wait to see the rest.
Posted by: Taylor | September 23, 2011 at 12:24 AM
Oh, I just LOVE your driftwood cottage - it's so beautiful!! Your little dolls look fab too! I'm really looking forward to your post all about the yarn and colours btw! :)
Posted by: Rainy Day Crafter | September 23, 2011 at 12:19 AM
Wow - Chinese Lanterns - that brings back some memories - I loved them as a kid. Wonder if we can get them in New Zealand?
Love your driftwood cottage and can't wait to see more of the baboushka's (hope I've got that right...russian dolls!)
Posted by: Katie | September 23, 2011 at 12:16 AM
Those lanterns look like crepe paper, they are beautiful. I do wonder if they come in any other colours??
OK, the truth is, I'm here this late because I was hoping for a yarn update. The suspense is killing me!!!
Posted by: Annabel | September 23, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Love the flowers it's been ages since I have seen them! Adorable driftwood cottage and your own 24 on the door with dotty / stripey laundry n a boat...too cute. Love all your work and the little Russian dolls are so sweet. I can't wait to see what colors you have chosen to keep replace ...lol... yes I am not only color addicted but to you blog as well. Love reading your posts much better than the local news !!
Have a lovely happy color filled day.
Posted by: Pat | September 22, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Thank you so much for sharing such a happy photos and I enjoy the way you write!
The cheerful orange flowers remind me of my grandma-during the summer you see many of them in Japan. You can make a whistle with the flower: kind of hard to make one though-my garndma taught me how to make it and who also taught me how to crochet! Thank you so muc for the lovely blog always!
Posted by: es | September 22, 2011 at 11:06 PM
What beautifully vibrant flowers Lucy. Sunshine in your room for sure, lucky lucky you :D The cottage is very sweet. A blog to explore soon I think. Looking forward to the upcoming ta-daaahing with excitement.
Love to all
Mo xx
Posted by: Mo - North East Scotland | September 22, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Dear Lucy Chinese lanterns,I keep meaning to grow some of those myself.
Must put them on my gardening list. The driftwood cottages well I have to admit to being rather jealous. I have seen them and thought I would love one. Have to put that on my Christmas list. And the Russian dolls,I have the Nicky Tench book so why haven't I made any? No excuse!
Looking forward to your crochet filled post. xx
Posted by: Sarah west mids uk | September 22, 2011 at 10:52 PM
I love chinese lanterns, they are so pretty and autumny :o)
Your little russian ladies are cute too.
I saw some driftwood cottages and boats when I was down in Devon, so I'm just gonna pop over to that blog and have a nose, as I thought they were so sweet :o)
Have a lovely weekend Lucy.
Looking forward to your hooky-fest.
xx
Posted by: Donna | September 22, 2011 at 10:45 PM
ohh the colours... even a little rainbow of candles.. and your Matrouskas/Babushkas are so gorgeous.. I really hope you are going to share a pattern linky.. Please don't keep us waiting too long for the Ta-Dah-fest..the weekend was looking dull until I read your post..:)x
Posted by: Stocki | September 22, 2011 at 10:45 PM
You always make me smile. :)
Posted by: Iris | September 22, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Making some little babushka dolls are on my list of Things To Do. Now that I have seen yours I am all inspired again.
xXx Helen
Posted by: Helen | September 22, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Beautiful mantel!
Posted by: Serena | September 22, 2011 at 10:11 PM
I come here to cool off. I wish it were feeling autumnal, still 100F/40+C where I am.
Those Chinese laterns are pretty.
Posted by: Denise | September 22, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Lovely! I believe you do need to be careful with the Chinese Lanterns around children who still put things in their mouths. You may want to keep them away from Little B just in case.
Posted by: lauri | September 22, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Love the pretty vases, love the cottages & adore the lanterns, a sweet post, brings a smile to my face :D
Karen x
Posted by: karen | September 22, 2011 at 10:00 PM