September Mantel

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

 

 

 

 

Comments

[elizabeth]

Ooh those Chinese Lanterns are gorgeous!

[Melissa P]

I'm so anxious for more Ta Dahing! Love all the colorful eye candy in this post.

[beritbunny]

Oh, beautiful! THANK YOU for sharing the Chinese Lanterns. I love them, and have always wanted to see some in real life but have yet to do so. :D

[Karin]

You know how to bring a smile on my face: colours and beautiful things!

You little April project is W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L!

Have you seen my colourful blanket?

~X~ Karin

[debbie@happy little cottage]

Know what I love about this picture? Other than the awesome flowers, artwork and crochet? The RAINBOW candles!!!! ♥

[Archie the wonder dog]

I love your little driftwood cottage - perfect - and I'm really looking forward to seeing your ta-dah post about the Matryoshkas. Oh, and I'm really really looking forward to the yarn post!!

[Kate]

Chinese Lanterns-They are pods, there are fruits (physalis)inside them.
Orange and turquoise is my current hot colour combo.

[Heather]

Lucy, I am so over the top, head over heels, LAUGH AND CRY excited about this weekend that it's a wonder I get through the day. Seriously. I can't contain it. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE COLOUR AND YARN FEST!

ps lovin' the physalis. Lovin' that I knew what they were called when you mentioned them too! xxxx

[Pattygloria]

Amiga Lucy, Sea side motifs and all things nautical are my favourites too! I really love your "Matrioskas"(Matryoshkas), they are adorable. Please let us know how to make them....soon.:o)
There are several reasons why I love fall/Autum such as crisp cold air; red,orange and yellow all around; dressing in layers with scarfs,Family Fall activities; reading wrapped in my favourite handmade blanket; Thanksgiving celebration and off course early Christmas shopping!I'll check about your final yarn decision later.
Cuidate mucho! Hasta la próxima,
Gloria x

[maggie]

I feel so happy when I've read your news. I simply can never wait for the next 'instalment'. Keep up the good work I'm sure you make so many people so very happy.
lol x

[Meg McG]

I am a hopeless Attic-addict and I will be checking the blog non stop for the next week looking for my happy-hooky fix!!

[Jo]

Oh wow, the driftwood house is wonderful, but the crochet russian dolls are amazing!
I love them, please share more of them.
You have made my evening

[LaceAnn]

Those Chinese Lanterns are incredible! I've never seen anything like them before. I'll have to see if I can hunt some down. What a fun little fall decoration! I'm very much looking forward to your upcoming color and hooky news for the next week or so :) Keep the smiles coming! It's really quite inspiring.
~Lacey

[Maria Teresa]

Oh Lucy que flores tão lindas, estou mesmoa espera de saber qual vai ser a sua combinação final de cores, estarei atenta e lindas flores.

[Louise]

I adore your driftwood house. The little washing line is too sweet for words. Love those embroidered dollies too.

Take care,
Louise

[TicTacTo]

OMG you really did make them, those little matrouskas! They are superbe! I immediately saw them in the first picture and my heart went al skipperdeskip. Lovely!

Regards from Belgium
PS: autumn is my favorite season: beautiful colors, cosy fireplaces, candle light, etc