Artist Review / / Tiffany Calder Kingston

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the beautiful paintings of Tiffany Calder Kingston.

Tiffany is an Australian artist, born in Melbourne and now living in Byron Bay. After working for 15 years as a commercial artist and designer, she decided to rediscover her love of painting and now takes her creative inspiration from the natural environment.

She likes to explore the relationship that both primitive and present day cultures have with nature and produces work for private commissions and galleries throughout Australia. Her wonderful eye for colour, composition and texture is evident in her paintings and you can see lots more on her website. Have a great week, Justine x

Gift Guide: Inspired by Nature

What do you buy the person who has everything? Well, I can think of a thing or two...

Welcome to my weekly gift-guide; I’m thrilled to be sharing a selection of creative, quirky and downright awesome gifts with you here on Rachael’s blog. This week’s guide is inspired by nature.

I don’t want to jinx it, but I *think* spring may have arrived. We’ve had at least 4 days of sunshine and my office view is infinitely improved by the blossoming flowers and budding trees. So, let’s make the most of the sun while we can and enjoy some nature-inspired gifts courtesy of the fabulous Rifle Paper Co. The Rifle Paper Co. produces beautiful stationery and gifts with quirky and colourful illustrations by co-founder Anna Bond. What started as a small family-run business soon became a global brand and now you can find Anna’s beautiful illustrations in Paperchase, Selfridges, Anthropologie and a great selection of independents. Check Rifle’s stockist list for more information.

Now for some gorgeous pictures to brighten an already sunny day... 

All of the above products and many, many more can be found on the Rifle Paper Co. website.

What's your favourite item? Leonie x 

Gift Guide: Into the Woods

What do you buy the person who has everything? Well, I can think of a thing or two...

Welcome to my weekly gift-guide; I’m thrilled to be sharing a selection of creative, quirky and downright awesome gifts with you here on Rachael’s blog. This week’s guide is for the nature lovers.

It’s spring! Supposedly. Unfortunately this weather we’ve been having isn’t exactly inspiring impromptu BBQ’s and Ultimate Frisbee tournaments. In defiance of the wet and cold, I’ve scoured the internet for gorgeous gifts designed to cheer up any rainy day. Evocative of nature and all things outdoors, these gifts are perfect for spring birthdays, weddings and well...just about any special occasion.

If we think positive, perhaps the sun will eventually come out...

This woodland teapot by ceramics designer Alison Appleton takes my breath away. Don't you just love that flash of green and the raw wood handle? Perfection.

Cake tins for the discerning baker in your life. This trio features an otter, owl and wiley fox. Fill 'em with cake for the best gift ever (in my humble opinion). Designed by Tom Frost for Magpie.

This elegant hair comb is a thoughtful gift for an outdoorsy bride. Available from Red Truck Designs on Etsy.

I don’t have a garden so I don’t get to make mudpies and dig holes, but you can bet your bottom dollar that if I did, I’d be tooling up with these pretties by Orla Kiely. Get the trowel and fork at John Lewis. 

One for the boys. A woodsy and organic Spanish leather iPad case by Santileather on Etsy.

Keep your bright ideas in order with a frolicking foal notebook or two...Designed by the aptly named Ohh Deer studio.

This is the pick of the bunch (groan). Home-brewing has become a popular hobby in these straitened times, now wine connoisseurs can join in the fun with this amazing grapevine gift set.

I hope you enjoyed today's offerings - and I'm sorry (not sorry) about the awful puns. Leonie x

In the Countryside!

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to head to the countryside for a much needed long weekend. I returned feeling truly relaxed, fit & ready for the busy festive period ahead! Here are a few sunny snapshots from my trip & a couple of my beautiful Husky dog Alfie!

Leah Flores

Happy Typography Friday!

We have a beautiful mix of photography & typography to share today from the talented Leah Flores which will fill you with a need for adventure! We love the adventurous attitude that Leah's work inspires & the photography styling is stunning. The typography style is simple but gorgeous with it's hand drawn quality.
You can visit Leah on her website, follow her blog or shop online on Society6 or DENY Designs.

Rachel Clare Price

Rachel Clare Price is an artist and illustrator based in London, originally from North East of England. Rachel's illustrations are inspired by nature, folklore, fashion and music. Her illustrations are unique, quirky and detailed, each hand-drawn beautifully. Rachel also creates delicate and dreamlike illustrations. Rachel has done several recent projects for clients including Company Magazine, Amelia's Magazine, Graduate Fashion Week, Northumbria University and many more.

Rachel has a blog showing inspiration and recent works. She is involved with a blog group called Tea and Crayons Collective. You can follow Rachel on Twitter @rachelclarep Enjoy, Hannah.

Pure Inspiration

Hello! Today I would like to share with you a lovely trip I took this week to the wonderful Kew Gardens in London. I found myself amazed by the colours, textures and the beauty of nature. Here are some of my favourites. Love Moni!