Pages

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Wall flowers!

As some of you may know, I attended a two-day workshop in London a couple of years ago that sparked a newfound love for arts and crafts projects. 

When I signed up, it did worry me a little bit that I hadn't held a paintbrush for decades; the last time would have probably been at art lessons in school. In fact, I wasn't too confident that I could produce anything worth hanging onto a wall but didn't want to miss out on the chance to meet the artists and host of the workshop and to spend an action-packed, and hopefully fun, weekend at the fabulous Ham Yard Hotel in London.    

On day one, appliqué artist Natasha Hulse would show how to create flowers with fabric, paint, and scissors, and the next day, renowned artist Melissa White would teach how to paint and decorate a wooden picture frame for the flowers that were made the day prior. The event was to be hosted by Kit Kemp and also include a guided tour of the Ham Yard Hotel's art collection and interior design highlights.  

We were a group of twelve; the atmosphere was fun and friendly and the surroundings were just beautiful and inspiring. Camaraderies formed and I'm still in touch with one of the lovely ladies.   However, on the first day I felt a good dose of panic due to my slow progress (as I said, I haven't hold a paint brush in decades), and despite having skipped lunch, I didn't manage to finish my flower by the evening. Consequently, there wasn't much time left to paint the frame on the second day. Out of desperation, I decided to go with bold and quick strokes, which really was the only option left under the circumstances. Melissa's optimism and confidence in my "work" were contagious and hugely encouraging, and so I managed to bring a finished artwork back to France after all. 


Back home, I began to practice the techniques and experiment with mixing colors and patterns. I also started to incorporate embroidery, which I got hooked on after watching tutorials by an Indian artisan that I accidentally came across on YouTube while on a train journey to Paris. I was amazed at the huge following she had and thought how wonderful it was that she could monetize her skills with just the help of a smartphone and internet access. I love the idea of how much affluence this must bring to her and her familiy, which a lifetime of embroidery for clothing or interior companies could probably never achieve. I've since discovered many more similar channels, all hugely popular and successful!


My workshop creation found a place in my kitchen, and after getting used to it, I thought, "hmm ... not so bad after all".  Since I needed some decoration for my showroom's entrance, I decided to make six more flower pictures to be hung left and right of it. As a homage to the workshop, I drew some of my color inspiration from my favourite Kit Kemp hotel, Number Sixteen, in London. The rest comes from nature, of course!

Reception area of Number Sixteen


Glorious pinks at one of my recent stays at Number Sixteen



There's hardly any inspiration needed for blue and green; it is one of my all-time favourite colour combinations. 



The cutout technique lets you put fabric samples to good use; here "Drayton Print" by LeeJofa.



As many of you already know, the upholstery fabric was designed by Melissa White for Kit Kemp, and since I had some leftover fabric, the grape detail became part of a pink flower.




The Honesty Bar/Library in the Number Sixteen Hotel is such a wonderful place to have a drink after a busy day in London, and its vibrant green, white and yellow color scheme inspired the next flower.





Blue and green, again!





Onto the frames ...  easier in some ways as it involves less techniques and it is quicker, but also more terrifying as it is much harder to undo mistakes, and I was worried about ruining the beautiful oak frames. I bought the same paint we used in the workshop (Colourman); it is a wonderful chalk paint with a rich, soft, matte, and flawless finish and colors made from natural earth pigments. 


I decided on the same pattern as my workshop frame, which looked really good when holding it as a test against the wall in my showroom and also worked in combination with the pine forest wallpaper.


The frames are quite big (52cm x42cm/20.5"x16.5"), so it took some time to finish painting them.


The finishing touch

Melissa taught us how to achieve a warm, natural patina with a soft sheen that also brings out the brushstrokes and deepens the color pigments. First, you need to lightly sand down the frame with very fine sandpaper. Then, evenly apply a thin layer of wax. Let it briefly soak in, and remove with a soft cloth. Polish with another soft cloth and let dry.


All done!


And finally ...



I've since become a little bit obsessed with arts and crafts projects, and I particularly love embroidery. Making things is a great way to pause in busy lives and unwind, as your mind focuses on the task without rushing elsewhere. It is also wonderfully relaxing to listen to podcasts or books while painting or stitching. Have any of you developed new hobbies over time or enjoyed arts/crafts projects for a while?

Have a sparkling and happy December ahead!

xxx



FIND OUT MORE

(None of my content is sponsored; the links below are not affiliated or paid for) 

LONDON 2021 WORKSHOP ARTISTS AND HOSTS
Melissa White here
Natasha Hulse here
Kit Kemp here
Ham Yard Hotel here

COLOR INSPIRATIONS
Number Sixteen Hotel London here

MATERIALS
Linen fabric for painting: Beagle Voyage by Andrew Martin here
Fabric paint: Pebeo opaque and light here and here
Embroidery thread: DMC Mouliné here

FABRIC SAMPLES USED IN CUTOUTS:
Blue and bright pink flowers - Drayton Print by LeeJofa here
Pale pink flower - Hedgerow Cerise fabric by Andrew Martin here
Green/yellow/white flower - Travelling Light in Green by Christoper Farr Cloth here 
Yellow flower - Bagatelle in Prairie by Manuel Canovas here  and Travelling Light in Green by Christoper Farr Cloth here 

Oak frames: Charles Kean Hammerson, Gallery 128 Ltd here
Handmade linen backing board: Jackson's here

Paint for frames: Colourman Chalk Paint here
Wax: Colourman Clear Wax here



54 comments:

  1. These are WONDERFUL!! So happy to see you enjoying your new hobby!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Maggie! The workshop has been very much a catalyst, I'm so happy to have taken part in it!

      Delete
  2. These are so beautiful! Each is so interesting in its details and the overall harmonious effect of the frames is delightful. Your flower art complements the room so perfectly and all the more so for the personal touch of your creativity. I so enjoyed reading about your happy, productive and challenging project with such lovely and satisfying results. And the room is just pure eye candy...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the lovely words, dear Lorna! It's been quite a challenge as I wasn't sure if the flowers would live up to the room and how I saw them in my imagination. Luckily, beginner's luck did outweigh my lack of experience! I am just so happy that it all worked out, and so thrilled that you like it. Merci!

      Delete
  3. Lovely and very creative. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks for the lovely words; so kind of you to comment.

      Delete
  4. Magnifique, quel beau travail! Félicitations, je ne connaissais pas cette technique. Ça laisse tellement de place à l'imagination, on peut créer ses propres modèles, en améliorer d'autres, ou suivre sagement le dessin. Merci pour ce post et continuez à partager votre travail qui est toujours une belle et romantique source d'inspiration. Isabelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bonsoir Isabelle, - je vous remercie de votre gentilesse! Je ne connaissais cette technique non plus, et je suis tellement contente de l'avoir découverte au stage. Comme vous avez dit, elle laisse de place à l'imagination! Très belle soirée à vous ✨

      Delete
  5. Very delightful. I am so glad that you are enjoying your new project!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So beautiful and very effective, brava!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Really beautiful pieces. I think it’s so lovely learning new skills especially ones that help you create such exquisite pieces. Kindest regards, Jayne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, dear Jayne! I couldn't agree more ... learning new skills is wonderful; it makes our lives richer, fuller and more fun. I wish I had the time for more workshops!

      Delete
  8. Dear Tai, I’m in awe! I love how you have taken pictures every step of the way and it was really enjoyable to follow all of them. It seems less terrifying when it’s broken up into pieces💚! The result couldn’t be better and the Hotel and nature have been valuable sources for colour inspiration. I had a short phase of reviving my knitting skills during Covid time, but the outcome was not as satisfying as those of my fellow knitters. And the dog got an eye infection from all the flying mohair 🙈. So I gave up again…maybe it’s time to find another hidden talent? So happy for you that you take so much pleasure in needlework.
    Love, Katja

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Katja, - it is so lovely to know that you enjoyed the post, despite having already seen the finished pictures in May! Showing the steps in detail is such a great aspect of blogging, I really enjoy doing this. I haven't knitted for ages (it all stopped when DS discovered the magic of fleeces 😂) but I absolutely loved it. Maybe it's time to start again; a nice chunky blanket perhaps? Thank you for the heads-up on Mohair, I'll definitely avoid that (hope your dog's eye has fully recovered). Much love and have a nice evening! xx

      Delete
  9. Your work is positively stunning!! And it's "happy"; a description I use for things that bring joy and harmony to one's life. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Mary, - I absolutely love your description of happy! Thank you so much for applying it to my flowers 🙏🏻 ❤️

      Delete
  10. Your project is a great reflection on your natural artist talents. Thank you for sharing. As always I enjoy and looking forward to your blogs and beautiful photography.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, I am so happy that you enjoyed the post! I've been convinced for decades that I can't draw, so it was good to overcome that barrier. Without the workshop it might have never happened!

      Delete
  11. Is there anything you can't do? Thank you for this fabulously interesting newsletter! I always smile when I see your name in my email inbox.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, you made my day! With the number of emails that flood our mailboxes everyday (wanted or unwanted) it is just wonderful to know that mine are a welcome sight 🥰 Merci!

      Delete
  12. Dear Mai Tai, you are such an inspiration in so many ways. Your kindness and caring for others shines through. I loved the way in which you photographed and broke down all the steps, and also provided sources. Just wonderful. And the finished products are lovely and vibrant. Kudos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so very kind, thanks so much for writing and your lovely words. I have always loved blogging as it allows you to go deeper into topics, with as many details and steps along the way as you want. I'm so grateful for what I've learned at the workshop, and hope that sharing it here will inspire others too. I'm also so happy that you like the flowers, thank you so much!

      Delete
  13. Oh, my goodness! I am beyond impressed! Your artist’s eye lends itself well to this newest endeavor. I’m sure it was most satisfying to engage in a creative project like this and end up with such beautiful and intricate designs. They look fabulous in your showroom. I could hardly think of this as a hobby, though… as your original and beautiful artworks could sell quite handsomely as another aspect of your design business. Brava!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much dear Elizabeth for the lovely comment! The workshop was such a great and formative experience, and has brought me so much joy. Re the hobby ... unfortunately I'm the world's slowest "artist". To sell at a reasonable price I'd have to reduce my hourly rate to pennies 😬 Alternatively I could apply minimum wages, but then the prices would come close to a Picasso! 😂

      Delete
  14. Lovely artistic work!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You have an artist's 'eye' - never mind that you have not picked up a paintbrush for years. I am feeling envious that you have found a craft you love - embroidery. Now that I am retired, I am searching for the right craft to enjoy too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I recommend attending workshops; tuition is everything and gives you inspiration and confidence. You might fall in love with a craft that you wouldn't even had thought about. I hope you find the perfect one soon, have fun!

      Delete
  16. See you still HAVE IT!
    How BEAUTIFUL YOUR WALL OF FLOWERS!It’s time for me to pull out some of your necklaces!
    Happy Holidays to you and your men!
    La Contessa
    Xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Contessa, no one rocks the big pearl and crystal necklaces like you! The picture of you with Banksy wearing the white statement pearl necklace is still one of my favorites to this day. Happiest of holiday seasons to your beautiful family and your darling animals xxx

      Delete
  17. Beautiful, you are so creative. It is a joy to see your projects

    ReplyDelete
  18. Darling Tai, You have taken to your new hobby like a duck to water! Love that it brings you such joy! All of the details as your project progressed were such a thoughtful touch to enlighten us with! Martha Stewart truly has nothing on you, the uber talented blonde doyenne in the SoF. Be careful, Sports Illustrated may ask you to pose for their swimsuit issue, too! Wishing you a delightful week to come. Mwahs, T xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Darling Trudye, - I'm not sure what makes me blush more ... the idea of being on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, or the SoF version of Martha Stewart! In any case, thank you for always being so generous and fun, and for the joy and good cheer your comments bring. Have a wonderful week too, and a bright and happy start into December and the festive season! Mwahs right back, T xxx

      Delete
  19. This is absolutely beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  20. Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for all the photos and information. I especially love the pink flowers created from the grape detain in the upholstery fabric. What a wonderful eye you have :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello dear Cynthia! I'm so happy that you enjoyed the post, thank you so much for the lovely comment! I hung the pink flower closest to the chair, they really do look so lovely together 🌸

      Delete
  21. Thank you for posting your stunning artwork. I loved seeing the progress from inspiration to your pieces hanging in place. Your posts are always so inspirational. I look forward to seeing them in my in-box.
    Happy Holidays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so nice to know that you enjoyed the in-depth story of the flower pictures, thank you so much for sharing. I do love the blog format for the same reason, with social media it is just not possible to go into details. Also really happy that you enjoy getting my updates! Happy holidays to you too ✨

      Delete
  22. I love them! They’re so whimsical and add so much personality to the lovely room, and I’m a strong believer that any well-decorated room should have bits and pieces of the owner in it (not literally; that would be grotesque, but you know what I mean.🤪) There is nothing sadder than a lovely but completely sterile room that has not one shred of the room’s owner’s personality.

    You did such a beautiful job - they are gorgeous and meticulously made. I know that I just wouldn’t have the patience required to lift craft to works of art. Brava to you. I can’t wait to see them.❤️

    xoxo, Jerrine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wholeheartedly agree with you on quirky/whimsical personal touches; one would not want to live like in a catalog! I can't wait for you to see the flowers in person ... hopefully I'll have a few more made by then. Have a lovely rest of the week, my dearest Jerrine. Can't wait to see your new decorations! xxx

      Delete
  23. Dear Tai - Amazing how you combine the well-ordered with the whimsical to create such happy, charming, lovely art works. The flowers and your color combinations are so beautiful. Thanks, too, for the instructions on painting the frames. I might give that a try. Wishing you the loveliest Christmas season! ~ Fifi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Fifi, thanks so much for the lovely words ... happy and charming is exactly how I hoped they'd turn out. I'm so happy that you like the color combination and the contrast with the frames, and I hope you'll give it a try yourself. It took me quite a long time to finish each one ... to achieve perfect paint lines you have to go over them multiple times (the more textured the fabric the trickier it is). But the repeat action is calming and soothing in itself too. Have a most happy, festive and beautiful Christmas season too! xx

      Delete
  24. Needlework - the great art - think what has been recorded by the needle - from the importance of pieces like the Bayeux Tapestry in our Western culture to the many ancient embroidered silks of China, all of which told a story and recorded historical facts as seen by the teller. Ladies in the past always practiced the fine art of needlework and helped to save Civilisation in doing so! I love that you are picking up the paintbrush and the needle - great work! And I love them there displayed on the wall, a note of whimsey on that gorgeous paper! xoxoxoxox happy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Happy for your insightful and thoughtful comment. The history of needlework is interwoven (or shall we say, interstitched) with civilisation's history, it is truly fascinating. Most colors were probably very rare and precious at the time. We have the luxury to walk into a shop and select from dozens and dozens of shades for one color alone. We are so lucky in so many ways!
      Many thanks also for the kind words regarding the results, and have a lovely 1.Advent weekend ahead! xxx

      Delete
  25. Such beautiful creations. They look wonderful in your studio photos. I am hopeless at things like this. My Mom is also wonderful at creating home decor. She once hand painted potpourri to match a silver and gold holiday scheme she had in her house. It was stunning. Everyone wanted to know where to buy it. I suppose the talent skipped a generation. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, I'm so happy that you like the flowers! Please don't give up hope; I was convinced for decades that I can't draw or paint. It might never be my strong suit, but I am happy that I can make something that I like in the end. Your mother's holiday potpourri sounds wonderful. Magic happens when ideas meet action and execution! Have a happy and beautiful holiday season ahead xx

      Delete
  26. Dear MaiTai, you are quite right that embroidery is an immersive experience. I enjoyed doing crewel embroidery for years. The colors, textures and designs are engaging. My mother used to have a dress pattern that suited her quite well, so she used over and over with different fabrics for different times of the year, linen for the summer and wool for the winter. One year, she embroidered an over-sized poppy on the front and back of the linen fabric before sewing the dress together. As you know, it is a way to make a unique item that suits your tastes! Please keep your posts coming. Always a delight to see the photographs and read your observations. All the best this holiday season. Would love to see some of your holiday decorating. CC

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love what you’ve done with this! The flowers are beautiful…they would make lovely embroidery kits!

    ReplyDelete