Inspiration

I find these so inspiring - end papers from vintage books. They can often be a total surprise when you find them. I love the 'wallpaper' feel that they they have. There are lots to look at right here on Drawger. I really like the one with the plots of land and houses(7th).

Style

Do you like these? Spats! Cool! I think they are so fun - and the plaid fabric is brilliant - these would look great under skinny jeans. I wonder how they stay on to the boot - I think in the old days there was a hook system that kept them down on your shoes. The clever person that made these is Monjio and she's in Italy - so these must be stylish!

Treasures

Here are a couple of treasures from 5 Gardenias. This tea caddy is fabulous - looks like it is made of cane with a painted mother of pearl dragon on the side. The little mending kit is so sweet too, isn't it?

I'm taking a wee break today - a day away from the studio to catch my breath after a very busy few days. I'll be back here tomorrow morning bright and early - have a great day, be inspired, make something(and then show me!)

Shopping

Holly Craig wrote to me to tell me about her website, Magpie Lovely. You should check out the wonderful things Holly has chosen for her beautiful store - she has impeccable taste - beautiful handmade items that are consistent in style, quality and palette. I love the way you really get to know who Holly is by the wares in her shop - this is an old fashioned/traditional way of merchandising a store that I love - she obviously really believes in her artists, producers and manufacturers and it shows in her gorgeous collection.

Inspiration

Isn't this a lovely display in a childs bedroom? I found this image and just had to share it with you - don't you just love those birdcages on top of the wardrobe and the drawing with the oval black frame makes the piece look so Biedermeier. I found it on this pretty blog.

Photography

I stumbled on this fabulous photographer out of England - Claire Richardson. Her photographs are so pretty and ethereal - every one as light as a feather. Her subjects include all the lovely things we like to feature here at the Cafe! I think you will love her work too!

Inspiration

Great little clutch from Stash. It's really all about the fabric on these sweet little purses, isn't it? How can you not be inspired by this amazing fabric, Kuusama, by Marimekko?

Found

Here's a great gift for someone like me who likes tea, tins and elephants - the complete package from Williamson Fine Teas. Thanks Linda for sending me this link - love it!

Found

McMaster and Storm have a new blog, Swan and Shear, and it's so darn cute I can hardly stand it! Go check it out and remember to check out all the vintage treasures on their site. I'm a big fan.

Inspiration

I love old store fronts and shop windows - you may remember Doug and I had so much fun taking pictures of our fave storefronts in Greenwich Village a few months ago. I love these shop pictures from around London and Brighton from This Flickr stream. Enjoy!

Curiosities

Fascinatingly beautiful ways to adorn yourself from Fanciful Devices. There is a real originality to this artist's work that you may find inspiring and intriguing.

Aren't these painted crystals amazing - I don't think I have ever seen anything like these before.

Inspiration

Have you seen the work of AJ Fosik? It's truly inspiring - so many wonderful 'masks'. Should inspire you for halloween! Here is my favourite and here are some others.

Photography

I have a new favourite photographer - Summer Allen-Gibson. I stumbled on her work when I was admiring some fabulous shots of Ink and Peat in Portland. I love the light she favours - she is very talented and I am really enjoying her work - I think you will too!

Ephemera

If you love ephemera and vintage florals you are probably familiar with "The Choix des Plus Belles Fleurs" illustrated by Pierre Joseph Redouté (1759-1845) I thought you might like to see some original pages from the book - these are some of my favourite florals especially the first one here "fritillaria". It's hard to believe these were painted so long ago isn't it?