Our next Seek Inspire Create e-zine is very nearly ready to wing it’s way to your inboxes (sign up here!) packed with some lovely places, people and ideas to discover. In the meantime, Team 91 share a little of what we’ve been up to in our spare time – from castles and crafting to converting sheds! Don’t forget to get involved with our hashtag over on Instagram – #seekinspirecreate – post pics of your discoveries, inspirations and creations and you may get your image featured on our IG feed, blog or even in the e-zine!
Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden – Caroline Rowland (editor)
The infamous Richmond based shopping and eating destination Petersham Nurseries has recently opened up shop right in the middle of Central London. A more polished space than the original, tableware is styled to perfection while the back of the shop resembles a small jungle with an abundance of unusual plants, both large and small. The price tags on their beautiful range of ceramics, glassware and linens can often make your eyes water, but it is likely to be a purchase you will treasure for many years to come.
Handmade gift giving – Kath Webber (sub editor)
As the days get shorter and we hurtle towards the festive season, my thoughts turn to what beautiful handmade gifts I can produce for my family and friends. I often find I’m short of time, especially when much of my work involves making, so Helen Stewart- aka Curious Handmade– has come up with some wonderful festive tips and hints, as well as releasing a very special knitter’s calendar called KnitVent! Last year’s collection included six quick and easy-to-make patterns ideal for stash-diving and giving. I’ve been rummaging through my stash for some pretty supplies for Helen’s latest shawl, Surprise Party, but this one is strictly for self-giving! For more gift ideas, a new must-have book for knitters and crocheters is top of my list- A Stash of One’s Own by Clara Parkes shares the inner thoughts of knitters and designers on how their materials shape their lives.
Lowther Castle – Laura Pashby (deputy editor)
I recently visited Lowther Castle in the Lake District – a romantic ruin with a particular melancholy beauty. This fairytale castle, its walls draped with hanging vines, has wild gardens with extensive views across the surrounding countryside and, hidden away in a wood, the ‘Lost Castle’- a fantastic adventure play area for kids. “No dogs, and no dragons” reads the sign outside. Adults and children alike were captivated by Lowther’s magic.
A creative shed makeover – Lucy Davidson (designer)
Recently I got the chance to transform a standard garden shed into my dream weaving space and I never want to leave. A few coats of paint, some simple furniture and textiles – and of course my favourite weaving tools – it quickly became a cosy creative haven. It really is the perfect way to add extra space to your home in an affordable way – just make sure to install an electric heater for those colder days spent in there. See the full project over on my blog Peas and Needles.
The Giddy Grocer – Melissa Burgess (designer)
Everyone has a happy place. A place that always cheers you up or makes you feel content. Mine is London’s Bermondsey Street. This street is a hidden yet relatively busy thoroughfare and is home to a collection of beautiful interiors boutiques, a controversial café (for its name alone!), The White Cube gallery, the quaintest pet shop and now a new grocer’s- full of British charm. The Giddy Grocer has been open for around eight weeks and is packed with artisanal products and seasonal produce. Despite it’s city location, it feels just like a small country farm shop – well worth a visit b before taking a leisurely stroll along my ‘happy place’ street!
Gower Peninsula – Catherine Binnie (distribution manager)
I’m just back from the glorious Gower, South West Wales. I love the seaside in Autumn, and staying near the stunning sweep of sand that is Oxwich Bay meant lots of bracing walks along the beach, shell collecting and paddle boarding (my kids, not me – I’m more a book and a blanket sort of person). Oxwich is also home to the amazing Beach House restaurant – I’m still dreaming of their delicious handmade seaweed bread. On rainy days we dressed up as Tudors at Oxwich Bay Castle (me, not the kids – I’m a total embarrassment) then headed to the Mumbles, for drinks and board games at Croeso Lounge, followed by a trip to the fab indie Cinema & Co, before heading back to the house for a log fire and some treats from the Little Village Bakery.
Le Petit Jardin, Tunbridge Wells – Olivia Williams (brand and advertising manager)
With the clocks falling back, it’s time to properly welcome in the new season. A favourite place for a fix of treasures for the home and garden is Le Petit Jardin in Tunbridge Wells. Filled with flourishes to prepare the home for winter – from joyous twinkling fairy lights, to the cosiest fleeces to glorious new hanging fern leaves in brass. Located in Chapel Place, Le Petit Jardin is perched near parks and woodland galore, wonderful for wintery walks before a stroll around town, stopping for coffee and cake, of course. For those further afield, the online shop means we can all share the love of hand crafted goodies right from the comfort of our sofa.
Don’t forget to register for the e-zine – it’s free and is a mini 12 page version of the main magazine, so not to be missed! 😉
