Wednesday 28 December 2011

Seasons greetings from Inspired Winter! x



SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL!


I hope that you've all had a joyful and relaxing break over the Christmas weekend?  How has everyone been able to spend it?
As much as I promised a posting before the holiday, my blogging was sadly oushed to one side in an effort to finish up my day job in time! So although it's late, I thought I would share a few gifting images with you..


This year I've been into personalising my gifts as much as possible.  I always like to make an effort so my wrapping is as much as a part of the gift as what's inside but this year I went a little further...GREY PAPER AND FELT LETTERS 1
our very chic best friends shared their first family Christmas with their beautiful baby daughter.
As their home is all neutral whites and greys, I coordinated their gifts to fit in under the tree..
GREY PAPER AND FELT LETTERS 3
and  for our closest friends and family I made felt initial tags which can be used next year as tree ornaments.  They seemed to go down well!

my good friend (gorgeous) Julie loves a bit of sparkle so I handmade this paper with simple white spots and a good amount of glitter.  This glitter is now embedded in my carpet much to Mr A's annoyance..  and although it's very simple, I liked the effect!  I might wrap all of my gifts next year like this.  And maybe put down some old newspaper first..HANDMADE WRAP 1


but as Mr A and I have been spending our Christmas at my family's home I coordinated our main gifts with my parents traditional red, gold and green tree..
RED AND WHITE 1
my nordic-look red and white paper was an Ikea purchase (!! I was surprised too!) and I added brown paper, Merci-purchased white tags and green twine with felt initials.
RED AND WHITE 2
And inspired by Merci in Paris, I tore strips of printed Liberty fabric to use as ribbon for smaller gifts like this one for Mr A:
LIBERTY PRINT TIE 2 PHIL 2
We have quite a lot of leftover coffee bags (purchased from Monmouth Coffee for our wedding) so I found these a useful way of wrapping tricky gifts..  I guess paper and fabric bags could also work in this way too!
COFFEE BAGS 1

I hope you all enjoyed some quiet (possibly?!) family time and are looking forward to ringing the new year in. x x x

Sunday 11 December 2011

we heart this Christmas inspiration... x

It's at this time of year when I get super excited and inspired by some of my favourite online magazines and retailers.  I just have to share some of their fabulous work with you- hopefully it will inspire your holiday season!


Toast Christmas Catalogue
Toast Christmas Catalogue 
rustic perfection.  This is how I dream of spending Christmas...
Toast Christmas Catalogue

A fabulous diy advent calander!  Much nicer than sugary bland chocolate shapes!  What a cute idea to surprise your loved one during December! (Mr A take note...)
anthology magazine advent calender


Sweet Paul:
Sweet Paul Christmas
sweet paul Christmas table
sweet paul gift wrap
I love the dark, warm cosy backdrops of the above images in Sweet Paul, but icy, sugary blues contrast nicely and remind me of Donna Hays gorgeous style.
sweet paul Christmas decorations

Heart Home Christmas table
Cute highlights of pink tape around vintage labelling and paper:
Heart Home Magazine Christmas gift wrapping

neet magazine gift wrapping 
and a bit of traditional Christmas red-and-white..
I love the simplicity of the card boxes and bakers twine.  Simple, perfect and it just totally sums up Christmas for me!
And, I can't wait to try crushed peppermint candy canes to sweeten some winter hot chocolate. Love. x
neet Christmas

In the next week I'll share some Christmas ideas which might hopefully give you some alternative Christmas decoration and gift wrapping inspiration! x

Sunday 4 December 2011

we heart the newest online magazine- DASHING MAG! x

I am so excited for the release of Dashing Magazine this week!
The digital publication is the perfect blend of inspired craft ideas, stylish fashion direction and spectacular wedding creativity!  Three of the UK's most talented bloggers have collaborated to share their ideas and images with us girls!
Gorgeous contributions include a photography project by talented photog Lisa Brown at Lisa Jane Photography and I felt very honoured to be asked to be a part of this!
dashing magazine front cover dashing intro
dashing hot chocolate dashing magazine glitter cutlery
I was asked to pick a favourite place of mine to spend time and find inspiration so (no surprises) I chose Petersham Nurseries!  I had a lovely morning with Lisa chatting on our visit and getting to know her over a cup of tea!  Check out Lisa's blog here.dashing portrait at Petersham Nurseries
Congratulations to Charley (London Bride) Josie (Savoir Weddings) and Fanni (Fubumedia) for the success of Dashing's maiden edition- I can't wait for the next! x