mygreenlifestyle.co.uk

This is a great addition to any designer and interiors enthusiasts workbox to keep a record of ideas, samplers, sketches, contacts or just about everything when working on a project.

 Annie Sloan says, "When I first went to Art School, I was encouraged to keep a sketchbook. This was not just for sketching but also highly useful as a way of developing a visual voice and language. I used my sketchbooks to collect colours, pieces ripped from magazines and pattern making. I still do, I use my Work Book in the same way -- as an 'aide-memoire'. Plan the colour palettes of a room, work out a piece of furniture, and draw little sketches. You can use the pockets to collect ribbons, fabric pieces and cuttings from magazines. Experiment with colour combinations making your own mixes."

The Annie Sloan Work Book is exclusively available through her network of stockists. You won't find it anywhere else! Contact your nearest stockist to get your copy.www.anniesloan.com

 

As someone who 'sews' occaisionally, and a great fan of the designs and fabrics of Vanessa Arbuthnott, I was keen to see a copy of this new book written in collaboration with Gail Abbott, the book does not disappoint. It's full to the doors with ideas and projects on soft furnishings that really makes you want to get started. There are easy to follow step by step instructions with each item delightfully worked in Arbuthnott's own fabrics, designs inspired by her natural country suroundings. If you're not an expert, don't worry, the book shows basic techniques for the beginner increasing skill levels to a more advanced project.

A great Christmas gift, The Home-Sewn Home by Vanessa Arbuthnott with Gail Abbott is published by CICO Books at £16.99, paperback, and available from all good bookshops. Visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

 

Upcycling encourages re-using and recycling. Sad and lonely items are rescued from the drab shelves of charity shops, boot sales and house clearances saving them from being passed from pillar to post or ending up in landfill.

 ButtonFly products are sourced and hand customised by Katy Dickens by linking together colour schemes and hence creating inspiring designs. ButtonFly offers a bespoke service, or creativity can be left to Katy, feasting your eyes on an exploson of colour and expression.

 

Replenish your favourite things with confidence using 100% natural beeswax based Beeplenish polishes and conditioners.

There is a Beeplenish product suitable for wood , leather, furniture, antiques, wood turning , craft items, shoes and boots. There is also a Beeplenish leather protector for equestrian tack, saddlery etc. 

Beeplenish is non-toxic, natural, proven and efective - safe for your family and home. Beeswax is stable which makes it suitable for mixing with other ingredients - eg the essential oils in Beeplenish - or adding over top of other existing finishes. This stability in its makeup also means the beeswax and its properties do not deteriorate with time - making it ideal for care of wood and leather products. It does not oxidize, and is not affected by things such as mildew or salt water, and other elements. When beeswax that is thousands of years old has been found (eg in tombs) it differs little from new beeswax.

Inspired by the natural world, Space 1a’s contemporary organic homewares line brings Siamese Goldfish, Foraging Ants, Psychedelic Butterflies, Harmonious Hammerheads, Winter Trees and a Mad Scientist Octopus into your home. Current products includes tea towels, cushions, tablemats, oven gloves and aprons all made in the UK using organic materials which are durable, attractive and environmentally friendly. www.space1a.com