Pretty wall art

I just stumbled across some pretty hand-cut initial greeting cards from Hertfordshire-based ‘gemma with a g‘ –  they’d look so pretty framed and hung as wall art.

Once I checked out her full range, I couldn’t choose a favourite! – Ellie

NEW wallpapers to drool over

Our post about the wonderful Studio Nommo papers a few weeks back proved extremely popular and got picked up by loads of other lovely people on t’internet with exceedingly good taste, creating a veritable network of wallpaper addicts all around the globe. SO I thought we’d have another little wallpaper love sesh today…

These stunners are new designs from Netherlands-based Studio Ditte (famous for their Scrapwood design), stocked in the UK at Catkin Collection. This vintage plate one reminds me of that fabulous wrapping paper I picked up at Oliver Bonas a few weeks back – LOVE it.

Imagine this cute birdy paper in a child’s bedroom…you could even hang a few real bird boxes painted in bright colours on the opposite wall for a fun touch.

This Russian-style ribbons wallpaper is perfect for this year’s huge Folk revival. Such vibrant colours!

And let’s finish with a peek at another new Studio Ditte design – buttons…

So many papers in the world, and not enough alcoves. SIGH. – Ellie

NEW from Massey & Rogers

Fans of the budgerigar-obsessed design duo Massey & Rogers will be delighted to hear that Barbara and Helen have created a new collection of wallpapers.

The ‘Streetlight’ papers are inspired by urban living, and feature street lamps and, unsurprisingly, the trademark budgies! I met Massey & Rogers at a fair a few years ago, and fell instantly in love with their cheerful designs. Let’s kick the week off with a little look at their work…

Fabric buttons, cushions, purses – so many beautiful birdy buys here! I particularly like the woven wastepaper bins they make, but I’d have to use them for something other than rubbish – they’re far too lovely.

As well as the new wallpapers, there are some new bird prints in the ‘Streetlight’ range, which would look cute in a simple white frame.

I’ve got a lamp base that I picked up at a car boot sale for £1, and I’ve painted it white. It’s just waiting for the perfect lamp shade…perhaps I need some budgies in my life? – Ellie

Darwin-inspired bird spotting

I went to the Natural History Museum yesterday to see the Darwin Big Idea exhibition, which was of course fascinating – I thoroughly recommend a visit before it ends on 19th April 09. It’s inspired me to go on the hunt for wildlife furnishings today and I’ve just come across Wesley Barrell’s charming new collection of bird and fish cushions:

Fish cushion, £65, Wesley Barrell

Bird Cage Cushion, £60, Wesley Barrell

 

And how gorgeous are these bird wallpapers from The Little Greene:

Gt Ormond St parchment, The Little Greene

Gt Ormand St parchment detail

I also bought a Bird House Painting Kit yesterday in the Natural History Museum shop, but  I’m slightly concerned that with my artistic skills I’ll scare away the birds in my garden, as opposed to encouraging them…hmmm…

Bird House Painting Kit, £9.79, NHM

I’m going to paint it and put it up in my garden this Easter weekend, so I’ll let you know if I get any ‘big ideas’ whilst bird spotting. In the meantime, as I’m sure you’re not holding your breath, check out the garden ideas section of the Ideal Home website and our top garden tips in the latest issue of the magazine – Emily