Roost Living

Furnishing your dreams

2012-01-23T15:03:00.007Z

If there’s one thing we’ve always pined after, it’s an original mid-century haberdasher’s cabinet. It’s charmingly aged panels, peek-through dovetail drawers and quaint label holders have our heart skipping many a beat.

What piece (should money be no object) makes you utter the words “be still, my beating heart”?

Md-century Haberdasher's Cabinet, from a selection at The Old Cinema, Chiswick.

1930s haberdasher's cabinets from a selection at Elemental, Spitalfields.

Our top sale picks

2012-01-15T11:02:00.018Z

If you're anything like us, you can't quite resist a sale! Join us as we run through our favourite pieces, room by room.

Thornback and Peel Artichoke tea towel - 20% off, now £10.

Rory Dobner's illustrated mugs - perfect for morning tea with a slice of toast.

30% off - now £10.50 each.

Ginkgo flower print cushion by Abigail Ryan - 40% off, now £29.40.

Ms. Chattanooga bust by Kathy Dalwood - 30% off, now £154.

Rory Dobner's statement paper weights - 30% off, now £33.80.

Ginkgo flower print cushion by Abigail Ryan - 40% off, now £29.40.

Ruth Cross' hand-knit cable cushions - 30% off, now from £46.90.

Hand-crafted socks by Anna Söderström - 35% off, now £24.70.

Vintage tea light holder by Kathleen Hills - 40% off, now £22.80.

Sparrow and Co. candles - 30% off, now £10.50.

Therese Sennerholt’s inspiring prints

2012-01-08T18:43:00.010Z

January is a month we could all do with a boost - so what better than to hang one of graphic designer Therese Sennerholt's inspiring prints?

Therese works just outside Stockholm, normally within advertising as an Art Director, often creating corporate identities. Her creativity has gained her over three prestigious design awards, and her now popular prints blossomed from a small hobby of hers. Each one features a new or old quote, some of which she pens herself. Themes focus on ‘happiness’, ‘dreams’, ‘love’ and other uplifting, positive aspects of life. Other sayings turn negatives on their heads in one simple sentence. With so much ground covered, there really is a piece of her work for every mood.

We love the sentiments "Be brave", "Life is for..." and "Sometimes the best moments..." below - which is your favourite?

Mr. Smith’s Letterpress Workshop

2012-01-03T16:40:00.009Z

Just before Christmas, we took a wander down to Portobello Dock where Tom Dixon (furniture and lighting designer and ex Habitat Head of Design) was hosting ‘The Dock Christmas’ - a mini food and design market. It was here that we were introduced to Mr. Smith and his Letterpress workshop.

Letterpress printing, where a reversed, raised surface is inked before pressing it on to paper, was widely used for printing books and other media during the 15th - 19th centuries. Today, you’re more likely to see the individual letter stamps at antique markets or fairs, sold for all manner of uses - we think they make for wonderful home décor when not in use.

Mr. Smith dedicates his time to this craft of yesteryear by running print workshops that use the original letterpress methods. If you’d like to try your hand at the craft, email: mrsmith@letterpress-workshop.com or call +44 (0)78 6625 8171 to book a spot at the next workshop.

A healthy, happy new year to all

2011-12-28T12:55:00.007Z

This Saturday, at the strike of a clock, a fresh start arrives; twelve new months for us to explore. Some of us will choose to get fit, to look for a new challenge, or perhaps vow to spend more time with the family.

What will you be promising and how will you be seeing in the new year? However you plan on celebrating, and whatever your resolutions may be, we wish you the very best of luck.

Happy New Year one and all.

A festive sweet treat (and Merry Christmas, too!)

2011-12-22T11:09:00.005Z

We’re in full festive mode here at Roost HQ: anticipating the feasts that the next few days will bring, like turkey and all the trimmings, and plenty of sweet treats!

One of our favourite sweet treats is a Christmassy variation of the classic Rocky Road (it’s actually Nigella Lawson’s own recipe). We’ve tried and tested it, and it’s simply divine! The recipe uses amaretti biscuits rather than digestives, which gives it a bit of a twist, and it’s easy enough to swap the nuts (or other ingredients) if you prefer.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 250g/9oz dark chocolate, chopped

• 150g/5oz milk chocolate, chopped

• 175g/6oz butter, softened, plus a little extra for greasing

• 4 tbsp golden syrup

• 200g/7oz amaretti biscuits

• 150g/5oz Brazil nuts

• 150g/5oz red glacé cherries

• 125g/4oz mini marshmallows

• 1 tbsp icing sugar

Method

1. Put the dark and milk chocolate pieces, butter and golden syrup into a heat-proof dish, melt and combine over a low heat.

2. Using a freezer bag, smash up the amaretti biscuits into crumbs of various sizes.

3. Do the same with the Brazil nuts in another bag.

4. Take the pan of melted chocolate mixture off the heat and add the crushed biscuits and nuts.

5. Add the glacé cherries and mini marshmallows, then coat all the ingredients carefully with the chocolate mixture.

6. Grease a suitably sized baking tray and pour the mixture into it. Even out the surface as much as possible.

7. Refrigerate for two hours or until firm enough to cut. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Have a wonderful Christmas, all!

Recipe from Nigella Lawson's book Feast, published by Chatto & Windus.

The final present dash

2011-12-12T15:28:00.009Z

’Twas the night before Christmas… almost, believe it or not! With the big day quite literally just around the corner, it’s at this point we check our gift lists (and check them twice!) to make sure nothing has been missed.

Of course, there’s usually one or two presents still to pick up in the mad last dash – that’s why we thought sharing our top five easy gifts, and a few charming wrapping ideas may come in handy. Plus, from pinecone to fallen leaves, some of these rustic wrapping extras can be found at home or in the garden. Happy wrapping!

1. Paperweight by Rory Dobner.

2. Rhododendron tea towel by Thornback and Peel.

3. Artichoke hankies by abigail*ryan

4. Roost gift voucher.

5. Vintage decanter by Kathleen Hills.

Baby it's cold outside

2011-12-06T16:39:00.006Z

Is it just us, or has the temperature dropped all of a sudden? Winter has clearly arrived, and its first frost brings us all the excuse we need to cuddle up in cosy lambswool from top to toe!

Think bedsocks and hottie's all round, and our charming tea cosy, lampshade and cushions will ensure you're home is just as toasty as you, too.

Christmas Pudding...with a twist

2011-12-05T10:09:00.006Z

If you haven't made your Christmas pudding yet, get started, there is just enough time.

This year we've been experimenting and have come up with this delicious recipe. We've added a twist of ginger and steeped the fruit in Pedro Ximenez, all thick and syrupy and just like Christmas pudding in a bottle.

Ingredients:
200g Raisins
200g Sultanas
200g Currants
50g Stem Ginger, chopped up into small pieces
100g Stone Prunes, chopped
60g Mixed Peel
1 cup Pedro Ximinez
250g Unsalted Butter
Grated rind of 1 x lemon and 1 x orange
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
Pinch of Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda
100 g Finely Chopped Almonds
250g Plain Flour
2 Cups Fresh Breadcrumbs

Method:

Place dried fruit (rainins, currants, sultanas, peel, prunes and stem ginger) in a bowl and add the Pedro Ximenez. Leave overnight.

The following day cream the butter with the sugar and grated rind until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time and beat well after each. Stir in fruit, chopped almonds, spice and salt, Sift in flour and bicoarbonate of soda. Finally add breadcrumbs. Form into a bowl and place in a pudding bowl. Add circle of greaseproof paper or parchment to top, then wrap in muslin or unbleached calico and secure tightly with string.

Steam over a pan of boiling water for six hours. Add more water if necessary. Remove and allow to cool competely. Replace cloth with a new one. Leave in a cool dry place.

On Christmas Day, place pudding in a saucepan of boiling water for 2 - 2 1/2 hours before serving with a dollop of Brandy Butter.

Two ways to set the Christmas table

2011-11-27T22:07:00.013Z

Here at Roost Living, not only are we looking forward to decking the halls, home (and garden!) but we're also thinking about setting the table for a season full of festive get-togethers.

Bird prints and hints of gold are top of mind for us, laying the all-too-expected red tablecloths to rest and paving the way to a more modern supper setting.

How will you be adorning your Christmas table this year?

Feathered Finery

Golden Touch

A little mood lighting goes a long way

2011-11-21T16:27:00.001Z

If you’re anything like us, you’ll love nothing more than lighting a candle and slipping into the bath for a little ‘me time’ after a long, stressful day – even more so at this time of year, when overtime and the present dash all too often take their toll.

This is exactly when we turn to Sparrow & Co.’s hand-poured candles – with the strike of a match; the bathroom (or any room!) is filled with the sweet scents of coconut, wood smoke, and vanilla (Camp Fire). Notes of sandalwood, patchouli and leather permeate through the air (Drawing Room), and spicy cinnamon, cloves and orange (December) evoke time-old memories of Christmas.

Each one is wrapped in a gift box and adorned with the handwriting of illustrator Debbie Powell – making them simply too divine not to share, too.

The simplest of statements

2011-11-13T20:13:00.009Z

As the saying goes, 'less', is invariably so much 'more' - our exact thoughts when we first spotted artisan Shan Valla's collection of minimalist vases.

Each mini vessel takes its inspiration from the patterns and shapes found within handcut glass and crystal decanters. Shan handcrafts them in London, specifically designing them to hold mini flowers. Try clustering them together and dropping in freshly picked blooms from a countryside stroll - we'll be doing just that.

"Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers." Jorge Luis Borges, poet.

Batty about bird prints

2011-11-07T13:38:00.013Z

Fashion and homeware designers forever return to the beauty of the bird for inspiration. Sparrows decorate jewellery, pigeons rest upon cushions, and finches flutter over crockery - but what is it about these sky-wanderers that we are so drawn to?

Perhaps it’s that more often than not, our feathered friends are seen as a symbol of the soul – soaring free, high up in the sky. Doves have long since represented peace and that old fellow, the magpie, well; he certainly has a lot to answer for!

While we’re having a bit of a birdbrain moment, we thought we’d share a few of our favourite chirpy chaps – which is your favourite?

Gifts for all occasions

2011-10-31T20:10:00.021Z

Can't quiet believe it's November already? Us, neither!

Heading into the penultimate month of the year can only mean one thing - it's time to start thinking about the gift giving season ahead.

Whether you have a difficult dad, or a mother whom has everything, take a peek through our favourite gift sets - we're sure you'll find just the thing.

For the present drawer (just in case!)

For plenty more ideas, head on over to our Gift Sets.

Frightfully Fine Gifts

2011-10-23T09:25:00.012+01:00

Whether you’re planning some trick or treating next week or not, why not get into the Halloween spirit and deck the house out with Rory Dobner’s eerie illustrated tiles? Each ceramic artwork features one of his beautifully crafted ink drawings that you can hang or frame. You could even decorate your doorway with 'Haunted House' - perfect for the witching hour!

Sunday Strolls

2011-10-17T14:02:00.011+01:00

This weekend our wanderings took us to Spitalfields market and Brick Lane. Coffee's, brownies, people watching and a pop into the brand new Blitz shop (which claims to be 'London's biggest vintage department store') were the order of the day.

The sun was dazzling bright and it was a glorious afternoon for an amble down east. Here are a few snaps of the Blitz store, and some of the beautiful pieces we found while on our rather lovely Sunday stroll.

Baking Week - Lemon and Almond Cakes

2011-10-17T13:23:00.010+01:00

It's National Baking Week, and to celebrate we're going to make sure we indulge our favourite cakes, pies, breads and crumbles.

We've been busy baking too (what an excuse!).

Here's our recipe for delicious Lemon and Almond Cakes:

Ingredients:

250 g Unsalted Butter

60 g Flour (we use Gluten Free)

250 g Ground Almonds

250 g Caster Sugar

4 Eggs

Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons (approx 100ml of lemon juice)

Icing:

50 ml Lemon Juice

150 g Icing Sugar

Method:

Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease 6 small bundt tins with melted butter and refrigerate.

Mix together flour and almond and set aside. Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy then add eggs, one at a time and beat until combined. Fold in the almonds and flour. Once combined, fold in lemon zest and juice.

Spoon mixture out into bundt tins, then bake for approx 20 min, until golden brown. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool.

To make the icing, combine lemon juice and icing sugar, then spoon over cooled cakes.

Delicious with a dollop of creme fraiche. Enjoy!

Words that know no boundaries

2011-10-10T20:39:00.006+01:00

When was the last time you read a poem? Not a nursery rhyme or lullaby, but a sonnet, palindrome, or a verse so free of reins that upon reading, you to slip into reverie in seconds.

In the early 1900s, the American poet Robert Frost spoke of the power of love in a small, yet significant piece - one of which is such a favourite of ours, we simply had to share it (plus a few others) with you.

What’s your favourite poem or quote?

A touch of monochrome in the home

2011-10-03T13:55:00.011+01:00

If there’s one colour combination that never goes out of fashion, it’s black and white. Need a tip on how to introduce it to the home? Try scattering subtle hints of graphic pattern here and there - our Blackwork cushions in cosy wool do the job perfectly. The result is not only an instant update to your room, it also proves this classic look is not just for the wardrobe, but a striking addition to your home decor, too.

Blackwork Cushions by Charlene Mullen from £110

Sunday brunch: honey mango pancakes

2011-09-18T19:06:00.017+01:00

The weekend presents the perfect opportunity to linger over breakfast and try out something new. But what to make? Eggs? Too obvious. Cereal? Too everyday. Pancakes? Perfect!

Swapping blueberries for in-season mango, and crème fraiche for yoghurt; here’s our recipe for the American classic, with a refreshing twist.

Ingredients (makes approx. 4-6 pancakes)

135g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp caster sugar

130ml milk

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tbsp melted butter (allowed to cool slightly) or olive oil, plus extra for cooking

To serve

Honey or maple syrup

Greek yoghurt (crème fraiche if preferred)

Ripe mango, chopped

Method

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and caster sugar into a large bowl. In a separate bowl or jug.

2. Lightly whisk together the milk and egg, then whisk in the melted butter.

3. Create a well and pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Using a fork, beat until you have a smooth batter then let it stand for a few minutes.

4. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add a knob of butter. When it's melted, add a ladle of batter (or two if your frying pan is big enough to cook two pancakes at the same time).

5. When the pancake begins to bubble, turn it over and cook until both sides are golden brown.

6. Repeat until all the batter is used up and serve with a couple of spoonfuls of greek yoghurt, scattered mango and honey or maple syrup.

Introducing Petite Polly

2011-09-13T14:14:00.008+01:00

Meet Petite Polly – she’s the latest arrival at Roost Living, and we’re quite taken by her flair for all that’s unique.

This fine mare is designed by Matrushka and made by a small team of Cotswolds-based artisans, who have crafted her from a complementary mix of reclaimed materials including walnut, antique mirrored glass and a lock (or two) of real horse hair. There really isn't a piece of home décor quite like her!

The search for lost princesses at Kensington Palace

2011-09-05T21:11:00.036+01:00

Once the home of Lady Diana, Kensington Palace is now the official residence of Prince Harry, the recently wed Kate and Wills and occasionally, other members of the Royal Family, too. However, all is not quite as it seems at the palace of late - renovations have been occurring to the grounds and as they’ve been taking place, something rather magical has been uncovered: introducing The Enchanted Palace, where seven princesses and their stories await your discovery.

Now a mystical castle (with the help of theatre company WildWorks) the palace holds a tale of play, war, sorrow and lost childhoods. Visitors are invited to help find the princesses by following the directions of eerily-gloved hands through each of the rooms. Taking note of the clues as you go - be it poem, flickering light, or letters left upon a typewriter - the object is to find all of the princesses and their stories that are sometimes tragic; sometimes heart-warming.

Not just for children, The Enchanted Palace is a fully experiential fairytale for all, of which part of the tale is told through acclaimed writer Mercedes Kemp’s intriguing poetry. Have you been already? Let us know how many princesses you discovered.

Once Upon a Wartime: an educational exhibition for little ones

2011-08-29T21:57:00.022+01:00

Whether it’s during the summer holidays or on a long weekend, we’re sure you (like us, too) are always on the look out for ways to entertain the kids.

Thankfully, London’s Imperial War Museum has just the answer. Since February, the museum has been running Once Upon A Wartime: Classic War Stories for Children. The exhibition focuses on five well-known books: Carrie’s War, No Man’s Land, Little Soldier, The Silver Sword and War Horse, which was written specifically to coincide with the exhibition.

Through special life-size sets, visitors both large and small can wander through the installations and discover each book's themes; from loyalty and separation to excitement, survival and identity. It's a truly interactive, experiential exhibit that we're sure all will thoroughly enjoy.

Once Upon A Wartime: Classic War Stories for Children runs from 11th February to 30th October, 2011.

Selina Rose: crazy about cut-outs

2011-08-23T13:15:00.021+01:00

Award-winning textile designer Selina Rose has a thing for cutting out designs in felt; when she was studying at university, she was immediately drawn to the fabric and how it could be cut, punched or perforated and never fray.

Seven years down the line, Selina’s love affair with felt continues and has blossomed into a self-titled range of beautifully crafted soft furnishings. Each piece, in her searing colour palette of citruses and cerises, is crafted from 100% wool, dyed using natural pigments and features cut-out work inspired by nature; a detail that has become her signature.

We're thrilled to stock Selina's Bloom range at Roost. To find out a little more about Selina herself, read the chat we had with her last June.

Bloom Rug

Bloom Throw

Bloom Coaster, set of four

Tick-talk! Conversational clocks

2011-08-23T09:40:00.007+01:00

A kitchen is not quite a kitchen without a beautiful clock bestowed upon its walls. From vintage-inspired finds to iconic pieces of design, here are a few of our favourite statement-making timepieces – each set to cause plenty of admiration in the abode.

Bamboo Doily clock from Uncommon, available on Etsy.com.

A little background on the brand: Uncommon are a husband and wife design duo who describe themselves as “a new branch of home décor design based on simple old-fashioned sensibilities and the precision of modern computer-aided devices”. The result? Striking, wholly unique pieces.

Scallop clock from Uncommon, also available on Etsy.com.

The Solari clock was originally designed by Gino Valle in the 60s. Available at good auctioneers and, if you’re extremely lucky, eBay.

Australian Doug Jackson crafts these beauties as a hobby. Available at his website Dougswordclocks.com.

Retro-inspired ‘Milk’ clock. Available at newgateclocks.com

Not just for walls: from statement wall-pieces, to statement jewellery (we couldn’t help but add this to our list, it’s just so utterly charming).

Grandfather clock necklace, available at Accesorize.co.uk.

BP’s Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery

2011-08-15T10:06:00.009+01:00

One of the best things about London has to be that so many of the galleries are free for all to enjoy. It’s an opportunity for us culture vultures – veterans or novices – to get out there and experience some of the most wonderful pieces of art that are quite literally, on our doorstep.

Each year, the National Portrait Gallery brings us the wonderful BP Portrait Award too, which serves to recognise some of the most talent artists, both established and emerging. This year’s exhibition opened on 16^th June (winners were picked on 14^th) and runs at the gallery - just off Trafalgar Square - until 18^th September.

With free admission and late nights until 9pm each Thursday and Friday, what more of a reason does one need to soak up a little culture in the heart of the city?

First prize: Distracted by Wlm Heldens

Second prize: Holly by Louis Smith with help from Carmel Said

Third prize: Just To Feel Normal by Ian Cumberland

Young Artist prize: Mrs Cerna by Sertan Saltan

BP Travel Award 2011: Flora MacGregor by Jo Fraser

Just Perched at Roost: Ms Chattanooga by Kathy Dalwood

2011-07-28T12:20:00.016+01:00

We have been a long time collaborator and admirer of Kathy Dalwood’s work and we’re thrilled that she has crafted us an exclusive piece; the ‘Ms Chattanooga’ bust.

In keeping with Kathy’s full collection of characters, the elegant Ms Chattanooga takes her inspiration from 18th and 19th century portrait busts but instead of being sculpted in stone or clay, she is made by direct casting from real-life materials, fabrics and objects, hence the fascinating level of textured detail.

To see Kathy’s masterpieces in-the-making, take a look at her blog, where you’ll also discover the full story behind Ms Chattanooga and how she was made, as well as the inspiration behind Kathy's pieces.

Easy artichoke spaghetti

2011-07-18T14:06:00.007+01:00

Everyone has a few of those ‘go-to’ recipes that that they make time and again (and they always go down a treat, too).

Here at Roost, we just can’t get enough of artichoke spaghetti – it’s so simple and quick to make, that’s it become somewhat of a regular on our dinner table. The best thing about it is (apart from the fact that it’s so fast and easy to make) is that really, the ingredients are so incredibly simple. And, unlike normal recipes, which can often lead to making far too much (or worse, not enough) the recipe below quotes just enough ingredients to make the dish for one. Cooking for friends and family? All you need to do is multiply the ingredients by how many you’re cooking for and hey presto.

Ingredients:

1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1-2 small shallots, finely diced

1 handful marinated artichokes

½ can chopped tomatoes

30ml single cream

1 handful of wholemeal spaghetti

2 tbsp grated parmesan

2 tbsp olive oil

1 knob butter

Chives, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Add the spaghetti and a tablespoon of oil to a pan of boiling water. Brown the garlic and shallots in a frying pan with the butter and a tablespoon of oil. When soft, but not brown, add the tomatoes, artichokes and salt and pepper to the garlic and shallots. Simmer for 8-10 minutes. Add one and a half tablespoons of parmesan to the artichokes, stir well, and then add the cream slowly - making sure the sauce doesn’t become too runny. Drain and plate the spaghetti, topping it with the artichoke mix. Sprinkle with parmesan and chives to serve.

Let there be light (just make it up-cycled, please!)

2011-07-05T13:22:00.006+01:00

Forget “vintage” or “recycled” – today’s buzzword is “up-cycling”. It’s a word that covers everything from the classic stripping and re-painting an old chest of drawers, to even transforming disused traffic lights into a desk lamp—an idea we simply love here at Roost, and one that has inspired us to pick a few of our favourite environmentally friendly finds. Plus, we’re also sharing a few tips on how to easily start (and finish!) your very own up-cycled project.

Ready, steady, go!

This trio of colourful signals (from Chiswick’s The Old Cinema) makes for a desk lamp with a difference.

Ruling the Roost

We love our best selling shade as it’s just so unique – made of vintage rulers, it creates such a talking-point piece.

Bright idea

BootsNGus reincarnate commonly found glass jars into eco friendly yet modern chandeliers.

Feeling creative? Give up-cycling your own lampshade a go. Here’s how:

1. Use an old lampshade that you’re happy to reinvent or pick one up from a charity shop. Top tip: we recommend using one that has a wire frame with easy to remove fabric.

2. Make a new pattern for the frame by removing the old fabric and placing it seam down on a piece of brown paper.

3. Place a pencil on the top edge of the lampshade and onto the paper. Keep the pencil in place and roll the lampshade, drawing a line around the edge. Make sure you keep the pencil to the paper the whole way round

4. Repeat this process by laying the lampshade back down where you started drawing the first line and continue until you have made a complete circle.

5. Cut out the pattern and trace it onto your new material and cut the fabric to the pattern.

6. Cover the reverse side of the fabric with a spray-on adhesive and carefully position the fabric, starting at the seam, around the lampshade.

7. Trim any excess fabric from the top and bottom of the lampshade (or hand-stitch for a neater finish).

8. Time for the piece de résistance! Raid your spare button tin (or buy some odd ones from a haberdashery) and sew them on, covering the entire shade. Et voila!

P.S. Too much like hard work? Fast track to a unique up-cycled shade by adorning an old one with plenty of cute buttons.

Miro: The Ladder of Escape

2011-06-22T14:39:00.010+01:00

Saturday afternoon at the Tate Modern and the Miró exhibition is packed. In a smart move, we chose to navigate the rooms back to front, eventually exiting at the entrance. Doing so led us to contemplate the following question: was it imperative for Miró, and indeed, did he, learn traditional, classical painting skills before turning to the impressionistic style he is famous for?

Our journey through the 13 rooms of his artwork led us to the answer; or rather, to Miró’s 1920s canvas; ‘The Farm’. This painting alone exemplifies both Miró’s ability to paint with the utmost skill, plus offers an early glimpse of his abstract work which was to arrive years later.

In short, The Ladder of Escape not only offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with Miró’s masterpieces, but also the chance to experience firsthand the natural development of Miró’s world renowned and instantly recognisable style.

The Farm, 1921-1922

Personages and Mountains, 1936

The Escape Ladder, 1940

Hope of a Condemned Man I, 11, 111, 1974

Miró: The Ladder of Escape is on at the Tate Modern, London, until 11th September.

Father's Day: It's all about the little things

2011-06-15T15:09:00.008+01:00

This Sunday marks the one day of the year we dedicate to saying “thank you” to the most important men in our lives; our father’s. We’re thinking of doing things a little different this year too; with breakfast in bed (pancakes made by Milly) and long afternoon walks top of the list. After all, it’s the little things that count so here are some of our ideas to make Father’s Day all the more memorable.

Clean the car

Get out the bucket and soap, take to the sunshine and give Pa’s pride and joy a good old scrub. Just wait ‘till you see his huge smile reflecting in the squeaky clean finish!

Entertain a sports fan

Whether he’s a footie follower or loves lawn bowls, pick up some tickets or take to the outdoors for a game or two.

An afternoon stroll (plus refreshment!)

Amble up Primrose Hill to take in one of London’s prettiest views (this is what we'll be doing, picnic in arm) or if you’re keen to set out on longer toddle, try Time Out’s recommended walk from Parliament Hill to Primrose Hill that takes in plenty of refreshment stops too. Perhaps drop into the Bull and Last on Highgate Road for a quick drink or one of their legendary Ferrero Rocher ice creams to start your journey. Once on the other side of the heath, a quick stop off at The Hill to wet the whistle before ending your journey at The Queens.

Breakfast in bed

Get the kids involved and whip up Dad’s favourite fry-up then serve it in bed complete with a family-signed card, freshly-brewed tea and chocolates. And what breakfast in bed would be complete with out pancakes - whether smothered in bacon and maple syrup or sprinkled with sugar and lemon.

Here's a quick recipe for you:

4 oz Plain Flour

a pinch of salt

2 Large Eggs

9 fl oz milk

2 tablespoons melted butter (and a little extra for cooking them)

Sift flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, make a well in the centre and break the eggs into it. Start whisking the eggs into the flour, then gradually add the milk until it's well combined. When you're ready to cook the pancakes add the melted butter and stir in. Melt a small amount of butter in a frying pan over a medium heat then add enough batter cover the bottom of the pan (about 2 tablespoons) when all the bubbles on the surface have popped it's ready to flip. About a minute later it will be ready. Repeat until mixture is all used up.

Movie night

Pop-up some popcorn, download (or rent!) a few of Pa’s favourite flicks and take to the couch for some quality time together.

And of course what father's day would be complete without a gift. Here are a few ideas for you...

Kathleen Hill's Vintage Decanters are the perfect gift for a whisky lover. £82

Keep your father's papers organised with one of Rory Dobner's Precious Paperweights. £52

A great decoration for your father's wall with a limited edition print by Rory Dobner, £80

Wonder Walls

2011-06-08T16:20:00.007+01:00

We recently stumbled upon design studio Custhom's incredible heat sensitive wallpaper, which got us thinking about how the 90's trend of whitewashing walls really has taken a back seat. Wallpaper is back in a big way, with the emphasis on statement-making designs and handcrafted details such as block printing and embroidery. It's time to give that feature wall a go.

Timmason Wallpaper by Lisa Bengtsson

Young Swedish pattern designer Lisa creates the most beautiful, unexpected wallpaper and prints.

Columbia Road Wallpaper (Mustard) by Custhom

Crafted in Custhom's Stoke Newington studio, this three-colour hand-screen print features resting lemon-hued butterflies.

Columbia Road Heat Sensitive Wallpaper by Custhom

Look closely, this print holds a secret - as the temperature rises in your abode, hidden images of butterflies and dandelions gradually appear.

Cottontail Wallpaper by Katie Deedy

Inspired by story telling and a love of pattern, illustrator and designer Katie creates her unique wallpaper under the alias Grow House Grow!

Ms Treat Wallpaper by Katie Deedy

A botanical beauty inspired by naturalists Charges Darwin and Mary Treat's work - a great way to bring the outdoors, in.

Monograms are having their moment

2011-06-01T13:44:00.004+01:00

Add a personal touch to your kitchen, bathroom or even living room with artist Rory Dobner's story-telling tiles. There's something so charmingly Alice in Wonderland about them, and they make beautiful presents when framed.

Available in store at www.roostliving.com

Vintage Furniture, our pick of London's Best Shops

2011-05-23T14:07:00.011+01:00

Vintage furniture never seems to go out of fashion. Its rise in popularity has, of course, meant a rise in price, but when you stumble upon a breathtaking haberdasher's cabinet from the 1920s, or 19th century gilt-finished mirror, the striking beauty of an original piece far out ways its price (don't forget, you can always try your hand at bartering too).

Through our inspiration trips and travels, we've happened upon some great shops that are a treasure trove of goodies and we just had to share them with you.

Fandango
2 Cross Street, N1

Fandango offers an edited selection of lighting, furniture and decorative items that have been sourced from all over Europe. Prices vary from £65 for a 1960's glass table lamp to above £975, the price of the original 1947 Morris Cloud Table we adore.

Elemental
67 Brushfield Street, E1

Spitalfield's market is a place we could lose many, many hours. We can't help but take a peak in Elemental every time we're at the market. This is where you'll find industrial-style lighting and haberdashery cabinets to die for.

The Peanut Vendor
133 Newington Green Road, N1

Barny and Becky, the founders of The Peanut Vendor, are obsessed with all that is old. They seek out pieces of furniture and antiques that not only nod to the past in their design, but speak to modern day interiors trends too. We love their gold-encircled mirror (and the fact that you can but it online too).

Little Paris
39 Park Road, N8

You'll find Parisian hats, 60's film posters and beautiful antique jewellery dotted here and there amongst striking pieces for the home at Little Paris. Our favourite pieces include the mini green 'La Tour Eiffel' and these adorable scales.

New Vintage
256 Battersea Park Road, Sw1

Run by a friendly lady named Julie, this tiny little shop is absolutely crammed full of original and reworked dressing tables, patchwork blankets and quirkily upholstered chairs. You'll occasionally find pretty wire birdcages too, usually in the price range of a pocket-friendly £20. Stock changes frequently (due to very affordable prices) so bear that in mind if you fall in love with an item as you'll need to buy it on the spot!

Spotted: Wire Chairs

2011-05-18T10:05:00.014+01:00

We can’t help but notice an upsurge of chic, wire chairs. Often inspired by vintage furniture, today’s models have been reimagined in eye-popping shades, some are carefully crafted by hand and all look equally as good either in the home or outdoors. Here we share with you four of the best around.

Bend Seating’s ‘Farmhouse Chair' - $450 (approx £278)

Furniture designers Bend handcraft each Farmhouse Chair, inspired by the architecture of old Amish barns. Both comfortable and completely beautiful this one steals our vote, even if it does come in a little pricey.

Farmhouse Chair

Bertoia Wire Chair (Vintage) - £125

Simple yet striking, this beautiful grid design was created back in 1952 by Italian artist, sculptor and furniture designer Harry Bertoia for the iconic furniture specialists Knoll. Available at Fuse Vintage.

Bertoia Wire Chair

Habitat ‘Zach’ - £170

Wire design, plastic in construction Habitat’s Zach comes in classic black or white. We love the idea of mixing both colours for a modern dining table look.

Zach Chair

Charles Eames (Vintage) – price on application
Design duo Charles and Ray Eames pioneered modern chair design back in the ‘40s and ‘50s and have created some of the most innovative (and also some of the most copied) designs to date. While a real investment piece, this set of six chairs is a real masterpiece and exemplary of the cutting edge design Charles and Ray are renowned for. Available at Klassik Mobelkunst, an online furniture and art specialist.

Eames Chair

Afternoon tea, al fresco

2011-05-10T09:59:00.005+01:00

With the sun’s rays beaming down announcing the long-awaited arrival of summer, here at Roost HQ we’re making the most of it and taking to the garden for afternoon tea and cake!

We know outdoor spaces come in all shapes and sizes too, so whether yours is a sprawling countryside paddock or a minimalist urban balcony, our refreshing ideas make for the easiest of treats that can be enjoyed almost anywhere.

Rose hip tea

For a refreshing take on tea, try swapping your usual builder’s best for a cuppa infused with summer blooms. Simply add one handful of rose hips (available from good whole food stores, or your garden!) to five to six cups of boiled water. Allow the tea to infuse, then add honey to sweeten and decant into a gently warmed teapot. Potter Linda Bloomfield’s classic shape is just the ticket! Prefer a more thirst-quenching option? Allow the brew to cool, and ease into a large jug filled with crushed ice and slices of lemon.

Homemade old-fashioned lemonade (the cheat’s guide)

Nothing says summer quite like a cooling glass of traditional homemade lemonade. However, if you’re short on time (or just desperately thirsty!) mix lime juice cordial with soda water and serve with hunks of ice and a straws for fast-track refreshment.

The sweet treat

The pièce de résistance! No afternoon tea is complete without classic English scones, fresh berry jam and clotted cream. They’re so easy to make, why not try our simple recipe to impress your guests?

Ingredients:

350g Self-raising flour, plus more for dusting

¼ Tsp salt

1 Tsp baking powder

85g Butter, cubed

3 Tbsp of caster sugar

175ml Milk

1 Tsp vanilla extract

A squeeze lemon juice

One beaten egg, to glaze

Jam and clotted cream, to serve

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and mix in the salt and baking powder. Adding the butter, rub the mixture with your fingertips until it looks like breadcrumbs, then add the sugar.

2. Warm the milk (for around 30 seconds in the microwave) then add the vanilla and lemon juice and set to one side. Put a baking sheet in to a preheated oven - 220°C (fan) 200°C (gas).

3. Make a well in the middle of the mix, add the milk and stir fairly quickly. Once you have combined all the mixture, scatter a little flour on your work surface, pop the dough onto it and add a little more flour to both this and your hands. Fold the dough over two-three times, and then pat it into a circle about 4cm deep.

4. Take a flour-dusted 5cm cutter and cut four scones, and repeat, refolding the dough as needed. Brush the tops of the scones with egg, then place them onto your preheated baking tray and bake for 10 minutes until risen and golden-topped. Place your freshly-baked scones onto a cake stand (we love the one above by London-based ceramicist Fliff) and serve with a selection of jams and lashings of clotted cream!

St John Hotel

2011-04-20T11:46:00.006+01:00

I always feel a bit disappointed when a lovely new hotel opens in London. How can I justify staying in a London hotel when I live in the city? But goodness, I would like to stay at the St John Hotel...Fergus Henderson has brought his simple, elegant and nose to tail eating style to another level.

So I suppose I'll just have to settle for dinner instead and, if it's anything like the original St John's restaurant in Clerkenwell, I'm in for a treat.

St John Hotel 1 Leicester St London WC2H 7BL

+44 (0) 203 301 8020

Cult of Beauty

2011-04-05T14:33:00.006+01:00

Goodness, I just realised it's a few weeks since updating the blog. How time flies.

There is much going on here in the background here at Roost Living, finding exciting new artists and new products that we know you'll love, as well as taking a bit of time to look for inspiration.

I have been a member of the V&A for a number of years. It is my favourite gallery in London. And I'm very much looking forward to their latest exhibition The Cult of Beauty: The Aesthetic Movement 1860 - 1900.

I've always been drawn to the highly decorative, romantic work of Rossetti, William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, perhaps because my father's artistic style was so influenced by them.

The cross over from art to artistic furniture and the decoration of rooms also intrigues me. In this period, artists' houses and their extravagant lifestyles became the object of public fascination and sparked a revolution in the architecture and interior decoration of houses that led to a widespread recognition of the need for beauty in everyday life.

Anyway, I'm very much looking forward to seeing this Exhibition, at the V&A South Kensington
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL until the 17 July 2011

Anzacs...

2011-03-02T11:55:00.005Z

Milly and I have been busy in the kitchen (although Milly's idea of helping is licking the spoon). We've been baking Anzac Biscuits! As a child these were my favourite, and they are becoming Milly's favourite too. The best bit is the 'magic'. I used to love watching it as a child. The recipe is from my mum, it's on an old piece of paper, yellow with time and covered in anzac mixture splatter.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Coconut
1 Cup Plain Flour
1 Cup Rolled Oats
3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
150 g Butter
2 Tablespoons Golden Syrup
1 Teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda

Method:
Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small saucepan gently melt the butter and golden syrup together over a low heat. Now for the magic.
Once the butter and golden syrup has melted quickly stir in the bicarbonate of soda and watch as they buttery mixture foams up into a gooey yummy mess. With a wooden spoon quickly mix into the dry ingredients. Roll a teaspoon of the mixture at a time into a ball and place on a pre-buttered baking sheet, then press down with a fork. Place in a pre-heated 160 degree oven and bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Our Anzac's have been served on a Bird on a Wire Plate by Fliff and with a lovely matching beaker full of tea. I am totally addicted to using Fliff's beakers they're so lovely and dainty to hold.

Anzac Day is on 26 April.

V&A Reading Rooms

2011-02-24T15:02:00.007Z

These days I don't get much of a chance to get out and about as I once did - my 18 month old has seen to that. But for a very long time (well since it opened), I've been meaning to take a trip to the V&A Reading Rooms. Perhaps I may take a day of soon, and spend the day drinking coffee and reading...somehow it seems like a very remote idea, but I live in hope.

V&A Reading Rooms
No.8 Exhibition Road
South Kensington
London SW7 2HF

Easy Living, Featuring Ruler Light

2011-02-16T09:55:00.007Z

Spotted in this month's Easy Living Magazine, the fabulous Ruling the Roost light by Rory Dobner.

Valentine's....

2011-02-10T10:16:00.004Z

Valentine's is something I always look forward toand secretly I always hope and wonder if I will receive a gift from a secret admirer. But it's never happened, and at this stage in my life, I doubt it ever will.

So you'd think my partner may at least buy a special gift or take me out for a delicious meal, but no, last Valentine's he worked at home upstairs while I cooked him dinner downstairs. I think we ate together, although I'm sure he would have preferred to eat while working.

So, having been disappointed in the past, I've taken the situation in hand and booked us a weekend away to Suffolk. Romantic it probably won't be, Milly will be sleeping in the room with us, but at least we will be away together.

And, as he is a great lover of Whisky, I've decided to give him a lovely Kathleen Hills' Vintage Decanter....

Spring has Sprung

2011-02-03T11:26:00.009Z

Introducing our fabulous new Spring Collection, including Ruling the Roost light shade, intricate drawings and Precious Paperweights by Rory Dobner as well as stunning new 'birdy' tableware by Fliff.

Vintage rulers, collected on Rory's travels around the world, are recycled into this stunning lightshade and now available online.

Rory Dobner specialises in unique, hand drawn, intricately detailed ink drawings. The works are complemented by unusual vintage picture frames & arrive ready to hang. The one off, whimsical ink designs allow the viewer a little peek into a fantasy world where their favourite animals, are discovered thoroughly enjoying getting up to all sorts of mischief or being playfully eccentric.

Rory's Intricate Drawings are now available as Limited Edition Prints or Originals.

Long time collaborator Fliff has created new 'birdy' tableware exclusively for Roost Living. Fliff uses delicate earthenware to create two ranges, Bird on a Wire and Flight of Fancy, available now online.

Maison et Objet

2011-01-27T11:38:00.005Z

Well after 2 days stomping around what really is the biggest interiors show I have ever been to, I am exhausted!

There were some truly lovely pieces, especially by our own British designers - Charlene Mullen (her fabulous Folksy cushions pictured above), Donna Wilson, Tina Tsang at Undergrowth Design and Reiko Kaneko in one hall, Abigail Ahern and Miss Print in another.

And of course I had to stop at a few old favourites...New York based Ochre - I just love their stuff!

And my favourite bowls ever from Tse Tse Associees...

Inspiration - A picture of Blue...

2011-01-19T09:28:00.006Z

Decorating my home, slowed down a bit after the arrival of Milly, but now is the time to finally finish the house...it's only been 6 years since the extension!

My first project is the hall which, up until now, has been painted very boring Dulux Timeless...but (definitely influenced by watching too many episodes of Mad Men over Christmas) I have finally chosen a colour, and am now working on a mood board for the look and feel.

What I'm trying to achieve is a gentle, elegant look with gilt edges, and welcoming spaces on the landings. I have a number of mirrors, unused and wrapped up in the loft, some new, some heirloom, passed down from my partner's grandmother, so personal touches here and there. The backdrop colour I have chosen is a Fired Earth Paint colour Larder Blue (pictured below). Like most of the colours in my house, it is a gentle, subtle muted tone.

A touch of the old here and there, such as our own Vintage Pendants, mixed in with new pieces, will make these otherwise untouched spaces, my own...

And for a bit of inspiration, as usual, I'm looking to LivingEtc, and other magazines...And I do love the look and feel of Jo Berryman's home in the February issue of Living etc...

Interview with the lovely abigail*ryan

2011-01-17T09:43:00.006Z

I recently spoke to designer duo Abigail Percy and Ryan Bell of abigail*ryan. Scottish born jeweller Abigail recently moved to Northern Island to be live with Ryan Bell, a photographer and designer...here we catch a glimpse into their lives, find out about their passions and their creative drive...

When and why did you decide to be a designer?

It wasn't really a specific decision that either Ryan or I made - we have always been creative people, and so, it just seemed like the natural path to pursue Art and Design training when it came time to go to Uni. I studied Silversmithing and Jewellery, Ryan studied Fine Art Photography - but we both enjoy working in different disciplines!

What are your main creative influences?

Abigail: For me, it's mainly Nature - plants, flowers, natural silhouettes - and pattern design.

Ryan: Everything inspires or influences me because I am mostly an ideas person... I have an idea and I want to make it! That spurs me on creatively...making something that doesn't exist yet!

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Everywhere! Combinations of colours, materials, spotted when we're out and about... design problems that occur during our every day life spark ideas on a daily basis... things we would like to have in our home, solutions we want to find and lovely things we want to make!

Who is your favourite designer? What aspect of their work do you most admire?

Abigail: Mina Perhonen. I love that every aspect of their business is designed and considered, right down to their amazing custom shop displays. I admire that he works in many design disciplines - from textiles and clothing to furniture, accessories and interiors.

Ryan: Martin Margiela and Hussein Chalayan because they are both so witty and intelligent within their work.

What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?

Abigail: For me it's a toss up between doing the drawings that start our textiles off and seeing the finished product and styling it!

Ryan: I love it when our products are ready for sale and people start to buy them - the feeling of people wanting something you have made, and carefully considered at every stage, is a really great!

Where are you most creative?

Because we are ideas people, we are always thinking about our work and can be inspired by everything and anything we happen across - so, we are creative everywhere!

What is your workspace/studio like?

Currently rather unfinished and cramped! I (Abigail) have just moved my workshop from Glasgow to Belfast, so we are combining all three businesses (our jewellery studio, and Ryan's handbags as well as our homewares) so we are still working out our new space, which is at home.

As our studio is such a multi-functional space we need to be much more tidy and organised than either of our personalities would normally be - so it's going to be a challenge!

How do you describe your style?

Although we design for us, and quite intuitively, we don't try to limit ourselves with having a particular customer in mind, but the more work we produce the more we feel our whole collection is quite 'Yummy Mummy'! I think it's the combination of bright appealing colours which would look great in a family home, combined with fresh florals and natural prints which bring to mind fresh faced, wholesome living (with a strong focus of natural materials and ethical sourcing)... so, the 'Yummy Mummy' description is meant in the very best of ways!

What are you currently working on?

We are currently planning many new additional ranges for abigail*ryan - a range of printed stationery, a collection of ceramics are also in the works as well as some short run limited editions of household gift items! And, of course, some new pattern designs for tea-towels and cushions...

When you first started out, what was the best advice you received?

Abigail: I've never received any good advice to be honest which has impacted my businesses. I tend to go with my gut instincts and forge ahead in the direction I feel most drawn to. I don't want to follow other people's paths, rather, feel my way as I go along, making the best decisions for my work, my life, and how that will impact us as a whole. I really like to trust my o

wn instincts.

Ryan: Although I have never received any good advice particularly, I have had a massive amount of support from my parents. Just being able to talk through ideas, almost obsessively, at any point, is hugely helpful and has always really helped me at the starting out stage.

What advice do you have for other designers starting out?

Abigail: Take how much you think it will cost to start out and double it! Then double that... ;)

Ryan: Be as objective as possible. Just because you have taken the time to make or design something doesn't mean it's worthy of being sold. One false move can sully a whole collection - you need to be at the top of your game in all respects, be incredibly critical of your work (design AND manufacture/finish) as it's the only way to produce something you're genuinely proud of.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

Abigail: We don't! It's almost impossible to... even when we're not working, we're thinking about work. Because we work from home, our work also becomes our life - we can't walk away from the office...

Ryan: It's totally down to your personality, because we are ideas people - we can never switch off!

What are you other passions?

Abigail: Cooking, planting our garden and trying to grow our own fruit and veg (and herbs for Ryan's soap!), trying to find perfect dresses...

Ryan: Baking, and I am currently obsessed with how

to cut patterns for clothes, decorate cakes like a professional, make my own soap, keep chickens and learn to be a Bee-Keeper. In addition, the ubiquitous films, music and games.

What is your favourite food?

Abigail: Japanese!

Ryan: GOOD Cake!

What is your greatest weakness?

Abigail: Wanting to please people all of the time.

Ryan: Cake.

Trousers or skirts?

Abigail: Skirts/Dresses! I don't own any trousers.

Ryan: Um... on me? Trousers: I'm not sure I have the legs for skirts! ;)

abigail*ryan Rhododendron Tea Towels now 20% Off in our January Sale. Ginkgo Cushions now available online.

Sale Now On

2011-01-10T12:45:00.005Z

With the Christmas break almost a distant memory (but oh we did have a lovely relaxing time, just the three of us staying at a beautiful house in Aldeburgh) it's now back to reality and time for Sale at Roost Living.

Snap up a bargain with up to 40% on selected items - like these gorgeous soft and luxurious Tea Cosies by Ruth Cross now 20% Off and these quirky Salt and Pepper TV Shakers by Undergrowth Design, now 30% off, originally £38 now £26.60.

And of course we need to make as much room as possible for our stunning new Spring Collection which includes beautiful new tableware by Fliff, irresistible lighting and stunning intricate ink drawings to adorn your wall... And if you already like our product range, you're going to love our new collection.

In the meantime, happy shopping...

Dipped in Chocolate...

2010-12-13T13:02:00.003Z

After making my own fruit mince this year, I had so much candied peel left over I wasn't quite sure what to do with it all. I am always looking for delicious gift ideas for Christmas and thought chocolate coated Candied peel were just the thing. The smell of the peel is just heavenly and it also makes the perfect ending to a any Christmas feast.

So I melted 150g Cooking chocolate, cut the candied peel into strips and dip them in, drying them on parchment paper. So now all I need to do is wrap them beautifully, perhaps even in a bowl or on a plate made by Fliff and give as gifts to friends and family.

Prune and Pedro Ximenez Truffles

2010-12-07T14:50:00.005Z

I love Christmas cooking, the kitchen filling with the most wonderful fragrances of rich sweet spice mixes and chocolate. Last week the smell of delicious fruit mince filled the room, this week it is the rich smell of these decadent Prune and Pedro Ximenez Truffles.

The best gifts of all are those that tell as story, and even better if they're handmade. For gifts this year these are perfect, especially presented in a bowl, such as our own Wobbly Bowls, then wrapped in cellophane - something delicious to enjoy now, and something to keep and treasure.

I first discovered Pedro Ximenez at Fino restaurant in Charlotte Street about 5 years ago. I loved it so much I bought a case, and I'm still drinking my way through it. It is totally delicious, like liquid Christmas. So what better way to use up all the excess than transforming it into these delicious Christmas truffles.

For the Truffles:

10 Prunes, soaked in 3 Tablespoons Pedro Ximenez overnight (or if you can't find Pedro Ximinez delicious Armagnac will do the job nicely)
500 g Good Quality Dark Chocolate (I use Green and Blacks 72% Cooking Chocolate)
1 Cup Cream
Cocoa for dusting

First, blend the prunes and Pedro Ximenez in a food processor and set aside. Then warm a heat proof bowl in the oven until warm to the touch. Take out and break the chocolate into small cubes and place in the bowl. Heat the cream up in a saucepan until just boiling (do not boil though, the truffle mixture will split). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir to combine. If there are still great lumps of chocolate, heat gently over a bane Marie, but for the shortest time possible and no more than 2 minutes. Stir in the prune and Pedro Ximenez mix then leave the mixture out for approx 6 hours or overnight.

Roll about a teaspoon of mixture into a ball then pop into a bowl of cocoa and coat. Place truffles on a tray and pop them in the fridge to set. Truffles are best eaten within 3 days of making.

Enjoy!

Delicious Homemade Mince Pies

2010-11-30T08:58:00.004Z

This year I decided to make my own fruit mince, so, despite looking for inspiration from Nigella and the like, I of course made up my own.

I started with the peel, and as the flavour of bought peel, just isn't right, I decided to make my own. Candying peel, although easy, is a bit of a long process, it take about 6 days.

You will need:

1.8 kg of Sugar
1 kg Citrus Fruit (preferably unwaxed)
1 litre of water
100g Glucose

Start with fruit, I use a mixture of orange, clementine and lemon. Remove the peel from the fruit and cut into strips. Place in a saucepan, covered with water and simmer for 30 min. Remove peel from water and drain.

In a saucepan, place the peel and 1kg of Caster Sugar and cover with water then simmer for about half an hour, stirring occasionally. Then remove from the heat and leave to cool, covered with the lid.

The next day remove the peel from the syrup with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl, In the syrup place 200g of Caster sugar and bring to the boil, making sure all the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, replace the peel, and cover with the saucepan lid and leave to cool for another 24 hours. Repeat this process for 3 more days.

On the 5th day, repeat the above, but instead of Caster sugar, add the glucose. Leave for another 24 hours. Then remove the peel and leave to dry completely on a wire rack for another 24 hours, now it's ready to use. So that wasn't so hard was it?

For the Mince Pies:

Mincemeat:
4 x Quince (if you can't find quince, brambly apples will do)
100g Butter
Zest and juice of 1 Lemon
Zest and juice of 1 Orange
200 g Sultanas
250 g Currants
250 g Raisins
100 g Candied Peel, chopped up into very small pieces
600 g Soft brown sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 1/2 Teaspoons Mixed Spice
200 ml Brandy

Cut the quince into quarters and roast in a medium oven for 30 min, along with a 100g brown sugar and the butter. Remove from the oven and leave until cool enough to handle. Core the quince then grate. I find it easier and quicker to use a food processor to do this.

In a large bowl, mix together all the other ingredients then add the quince. Place in sterilized preserving jars. The mincemeat will keep for about 10 months in the fridge.

For the pastry:

185 g unsalted butter
100 g Sugar
1 egg
575 g Plain Flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Zest of 1/2 Orange
1 egg beaten

This pastry is based on a Skye Gyngall recipe, simply because I always find her pastries always work so beautifully. I added the orange zest just to give it an extra Christmasy flavour.

Place all ingredients, except the egg, into a food processor and blend until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then add one beaten egg gradually until it forms a ball. If you've used one whole egg, but it still needs help, a few drops of cold water should do it.

Remove from the processor and kneed gently. Then wrap in cling film and refridgerate for 1/2 hour. Remove, then roll the pastry out, cut using a round cutter, line a buttered patty cake tin fill with mincemeat then, using either the round cutter or a star cutter, make the top.

Paint the beaten egg lightly on top of the pies and place in a preheated oven, 175 degrees for approx 15 minutes. Remove when golden and leave to cool. Best eaten with a dollop of cream (maybe even with a drop of brandy and icing sugar mixed in).

Enjoy!

Roost Living Christmas Sale

2010-11-30T08:41:00.007Z

The Roost Living sale was a great success, despite the arctic conditions. With Sinatra playing in the background, mince pies (recipe very soon) and mulled wine, we had a flurries of people enjoying shopping in our front room, and I think you'll agree it looked rather lovely...

Upcycling

2010-11-17T15:08:00.005Z

The concept of upcycling, for me, is really exciting.

It's so special to reinvent old furniture, or beautiful old textiles into something truly stunning (probably while I love quilting) and, especially in the current climate, it really reinforcing the make do and mend mentality.

Growing up, my father was forever buying what seemed to be junk, stripping it back, doing it up, adding his own touches and creating something special. I remember my old piano stool, a piece of junk, that my father transformed into something beautiful by upholstering it with a hand embroidered panel. It's still in my mum's house, minus the piano.

There are some wonderful designers out there, reinventing old pieces and here are a few pieces from one of my favourites, Zoe Murphy.

Christmas and Sample Sale

2010-11-16T10:06:00.003Z

Roost Living Christmas and Sample Sale will be held next Friday 26 November and Saturday 27 November 9.00am to 2.00pm, so do join us. We will be selling not only beautiful products from our current collection, but samples from past collections at bargain prices, as well as sweet treats for Christmas and lovely jewellery by Nicola Hart.

It's also a great opportunity to meet our supporters and friends so do come along, we'll be serving tea and homemade mince pies throughout the day too...

At 39 Laurier Road London NW5.

Quilting Crazy...

2010-11-04T09:24:00.009Z

I turn into hibernation mode this time of year as the days become shorter and colder. And instead of just staring at the telly (well, maybe a bit, especially with Kirsty's Homemade Home on for inspiration) I've been making a quilt for my little Milly May.

Having read a few Quilting books, and having no idea of what they were talking about, I enrolled in a short three week course at Sally Bourne Interiors in Crouch End, and with the guidance of the lovely Sarah Harper, I finished my first every bit of patch work. Ok, so it's small, and not so perfect, but I'm as proud as punch!

So much so that before the course had even finished I had started on what I really wanted to do, a quilt for Milly May. So off I popped to Liberty for one of they gorgeous Jelly Rolls and got sewing, It's a simple design - here's the almost finished product...

So I think I may have the quilting bug, I'm already planning a quilt for our bed, but for not, perhaps King size is a little too ambitious...

And for a bit of inspiration and eye candy, I have fallen in love with a few quilts in this beautiful book by Jane Brocket...

I skipped work the other day...

2010-10-19T16:18:00.006+01:00

Last Monday I skipped work (friends staying from Australia. That's my excuse) and did a spot of site seeing.

It is so easy to forget what London has to offer - the history, art and culture, so I always enjoy taking time out to enjoy it.

We started our journey at the British Museum with it's stunning atrium by Norman Foster, skipped straight up to my favourite room, the mummies, before heading to lunch.

Next stop was the National Portrait Gallery and the fantastic photographic exhibition of Camille Silvy, a pioneer of early photography. Silvy captured the society of the time, not only the celebrities and aristocrats of the day, but the uncelebrated people of the streets, with the eerie streets of London as a back drop for many. (Image of a Paris street above).

In stark contrast to the Camille Silvy exhibition, an unusual portrait caught my eye, the Isabella Blow portrait by Noble and Webster (pictured below)

Little Paris...Little Gem!

2010-10-12T14:32:00.005+01:00

It's not often I come across a shop that I fall in love with, so I was absolutely delighted to stumble across this little gem of a shop in Crouch End.

Helene, the owner, has hand chosen unique and interesting pieces from the markets of her native France and brought them back to London. The stock is forever changing and her style is simple, elegant and fabulous.

And I just couldn't resist this lovely mustard chair, perfect for my hallway...

Ruth and her Knitting Army

2010-10-04T10:47:00.007+01:00

The new Autumn Collection is now online!

Our makers have been so busy getting all our lovely new products made. Especially Ruth Cross and her army of knitters up and down the country, who've been whipping up stunning products, exclusively for Roost Living. They really are the most beautiful blue and each piece knitted by hand.

Below are our gorgeous new Tea Cosies available in both Bessie fit and to fit our own Candy Tea Pot , £27 each.

New for Autumn too is Selina Roses' Bloom throw, £250

Windfall Apple Crumble

2010-09-14T14:18:00.005+01:00

It’s been a great year for apples in our garden. And now we have an abundance on our ground. But these aren’t destined for the worms, there’s still enough to salvage for a crumble or two.

What makes this crumble so delicious is that it uses sweet, juicy very ripe apples, so doesn’t have that slightly tart flavour of cooking apples.

Ingredients:

1kg Windfall apples, sliced (carefully removing the worms and cutting out the bad bits)

20g Sugar (soft brown gives a lovely richness to the flavour)

1 teaspoon of Cinnamon

1 x clove

1 Tablespoon water, just to get it started

Topping:

200g Flour (I use Dove Farm Gluten Free)

75 g Brown Sugar

75 g Butter

3 Tablespoons Rolled Coats

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

2 x Tablespoons gently toasted Pecans, crumbled (optional)

Method:

Place sliced apples in a saucepan along with sugar and spices and cook gently until apples are beautifully soft and not too mushy.

Rub butter and flour between your fingers in a bowl until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add sugar, oats and cinnamon (and pecans if you’re adding them too, I give mine a good bash in a plastic bag with a rolling pin, great for getting rid of aggression too...but don't get too carried away or you'll end up with pecan flour), again with your fingers, rub until combined,

Placed cooked apples in a pie dish and add crumble topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Serve with ice cream, cream or both. I've served mine on Fliff's lovely Lace Tea Set, available online.

Quilty Pleasures

2010-09-08T09:41:00.007+01:00

Mughal Quilt, Toast Autumn/Winter 2010

I am so pleased that Quilts are now on trend. And although I am not the most accomplished of sewers, I have always wanted to make my own patchwork quilt. But I think I need a bit of help getting started so am hoping to do a course at The Make Lounge before the year is out.

The history of quilting has always excited me - sewing as a social tool, bringing women together while making something both beautiful and practical, and perhaps as a way of earning money for house wives.

Our modern lives, with lack of time, and the convenience of the high street, have meant the redundancy of these important skills. So resurgence in the handmade, returning to and reinventing the skills of our ancestors, but in a modern setting, excites me. It arouses something in my own creativity…if only I could find the time to devote to making!

In the meantime I'll have to make do with these lovely quilts from the High Street...

John Lewis

Tolarno Hotel

2010-08-31T13:38:00.011+01:00

Whilst in Melboure we stayed at the fabulous Tolarno hotel in St Kilda - full of great character, fabulous food and wonderful art.

Playful murals by Melbourne artist Mirka Mora, an eccentric of the Australian arts scene, have adorned the walls since the 60s.

Since discovering her while at school, Mirka has always been a bit of a favourite of mine. Her mythical creatures, with their large soulful eyes, were so playful and inspiring against the rather monotonous backdrop painted canvas. Perhaps it was my discovery of art beyond the 2D form, which really excited me. We even created our own Mirka inspired creatures - mine was half woman, half mermaid. So to experience the originals, and to be able to stay surrounded by them at the Tolarno, and even steal a touch, was brilliant.

Guy Grossi's restaurant, aptly named Mirka, was refreshingly brilliant too. Simple flavours, made beautifully. Perfect.

High Tea with Milly May...

2010-08-30T08:51:00.013+01:00

I've been on holiday in Australia for the past month (spending time with family and friends), hence the silence.

We're now back in London, recovering from jetlag. We had a wonderful month - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cape Tribulation, Cairns, Fraser Island, Stradbroke Island and an outback town called Charleville. It's been a bit of an adventure (an a little bit exhausting!).

Milly celebrated her Birthday in style. High Tea with thanks to the exquisite crockery from Fancy Tea and the help of my mum and her fabulous scones (she's quite the scone connoisseur), meringues and Angel Food Cake, along with my own, mini Blueberry and Lemon Bundt cakes, cucumber sandwiches and the stunning cupcakes made by Chelse. It was quite a spread (photos to follow...I managed to misplaced my camera, but should be reunited with it in a few weeks).

Milly had a great time, completely sugar fueled. She ended the day on a high, covering herself in strawberry jam. I managed to miss the event, but was in charge of the cleaning up. My friend Shae managed to capture it in motion...

Milly wore the ultimate party dress, from the lovely Belle and Boo...

High Tea

2010-07-19T10:35:00.009+01:00

This Wednesday is such a special day for me, it is my daughter Milly's 1st Birthday.

We're celebrating in style with a High Tea theme - beautiful vintage tea cups, saucers, sliver tea pots and Linda Bloomfield cakestands, covered in delicious cakes (Ottolenghi inspired).

And keeping to the High Tea theme, the perfect gift, this gorgeous knitted Cornishware tea set and knitted cupcakes from Lark.

In the Press...

2010-07-11T10:50:00.008+01:00

Roost Living products have been making a number of appearances recently...

The Telegraph, 3 July featured Thornback & Peel's lovely Jelly Napkin.

Good Housekeeping, August 2010 featured Linda Bloomfield's Candy Jug and Cakestand.

Homes and Interiors Scotland, feature Wobbly Bowls by Mizuyo Yamashita.

Candy Cakestand by Linda Bloomfield
and Fliff's lovely Gold Bowls, Shan Valla's Milk Bottles and Golf Finch.

Interview with Shan Valla

2010-07-05T01:08:00.001+01:00

This week we caught up with designer Shan Valla and found out a little about her creative influences.

When and why did you decide to be a designer?

I never decided to become a designer, it just sort of happened. I never made a conscious decision that I'd work for myself, and make products/objects, I was just always good at art at school and knew I wanted to do something creative. Even though I choose to study ceramics and glass I never really thought about where is was going to take me.

I do however remember at the age of about 13 taking to my best friend in school about what we’d do when we were older. She was really into fashion so we used to dream that we would have a fashion and interiors shop just off Oxford St in London (I grew up in West Wales so I think I’d only been to London once at this time). Now having my studio just up the road from that in Holborn seems bizarrely close to that idea!

What are you main creative influences?

Many of my friends are designer/makers, and my boyfriend and I spend a lot of time talking about interiors and objects.

I’ve got a lot of creative people in my family. My father is a photographer, and my aunt is an artist.

I think that just by being around creative’s make me suddenly feel like creating.

Of course I have studied many artists and designers and other peoples work, which is all stored in my head somewhere and subconsciously it inspires me. There are some pieces of art, or some designs that I just absolutely fall in love with, and they give me a feeling inside. Its this feeling that I want my work to give people….but I don’t quite think I have got there yet.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Lots of things really. Mostly my ideas come through actually making something. It might be because of a certain material quality that I come across, and want to keep and emphasise, and I may actually end up with an entirely different object than I had planned to make. Some times when things go wrong it brings a new idea.

I frequently think about things to make when I'm just doing everyday jobs, and its often something everyday that has inspired me.

Usually when I'm at my busiest, multitasking, and my mind is racing with everthing that is going on I get about 10 new ideas of things to make.

Who is your favourite designer? What aspect of their work do you most admire?

Lots of people for different reasons.

But if I have to say one…..I love Dutch Design House DEMAKERSVAN.

The simplicity of their designs which are executed exceptionally well. They give a twist to everyday things, making them beautiful. Who would ever have thought a metal fence to be beautiful? It's witty, which I admire.

What aspect of your work give you the most pleasure?

When people fall in love with my work

Where are you most creative?

Anywhere. It depends. Sometimes my studio, but it always takes me a while to settle into a new space….my current studio is only just getting there. Sometimes on the train when I have no distractions. Often when I go home to Wales, and then I may feel creative in my old bedroom. I suppose it used to be my studio as I was growing up. I’d just lock my self in there for hours every evening and draw/paint/make. Mum would never let me have a new carpet as I would always have so much paint and glue all over the place.

What is your workspace/studio like?

I’m based at Cockpit Arts in Holborn, and my studio is in a big room that I share with a jeweller, graphic designer, and ceramicist. I have quite a small space, and seem to keep getting more and more things in it so it is pretty compact. I have 3 work benches, one that I use for ceramics covered in moulds models and porcelain slip, and one for glass that I have my lampworking torch on, and clusters of glass branches all over it, and one for general things. People are always scared of walking into my space with all the glass everywhere, but I sort of forget that its delicate.

I have a desk and big wall for pinning bits on, and loads of shelves for storage. I moved into my studio in October, and it is only just really starting to feel like my space, but week by week it seems to be becoming more me and I start to feel more creative in it.

How do you describe your style?

Fresh, clean, playful, simple, delicate.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working with a several art consultants on multiple glass installations for a new hotel and a new public building, both in London. I’m really excited about these commissions as it enables me to realise some of my far more extravagant and creative ideas, that really need to be in located in large spaces.

I’m currently working with a new ceramic manufacturer, so we are going though the sampling process ready for the first production run. I’m also developing a new glass vase for Hidden Art Select, which I have been prototyping with a glass studio in south London who will be producing it for me.

I'm also starting to work on new ideas for products to be launched in the Autum.

When you first started out, what was the best advice you received?

Have good images. Don’t think too much about an idea, get stuck in.

What advice do you have for other designers starting out?

Learn as much as you can from other people. If you want it, stick at it, its hard work, but when something exciting happens you forget about all of the late nights. Have good images, it makes a product.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

I don’t think I do at the moment! I think you do have to go with the flow at certain times. There are always points in the year that are busier than others, and so you work more. I’ve just have 5 exhibitions in 6 weeks, which means there hasn’t been much time for the ‘life’ part, but then it should quieten down a little and I’ll take a few long weekends. August usually seems to be quiet in design, so I’ll try and fit in a few holidays….i need the sunshine!

What are you other passions?

I love travelling, and always yearn for my next adventure. I love sporty things, a shot of adrenalin. I love cooking for people, but sadly don’t seem to have time for it at the moment. I love Coffee, so much that last year my boyfriend has even started his own coffee business. Now I love it more.

What is your favourite food?

Ripe Mango. Natural yogurt. Granola.

What is your greatest weakness?

I can never focus on just one thing. I always think the grass is greener.

Trousers or skirts?

Dresses….ask any one who knows me!

Shan Valla's lovely Gold Finch and Milk Bottles are now available online.

John Dilnot

2010-06-23T06:40:00.004+01:00

I was once at a friends house and noticed the most intriguing box on the wall, it was only small but was a world of it's own.

Since then I've been wanting one of my own! So I was very pleased to discover that he's having an exhibition at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in September.

Inspiring Interiors - Kathy Dalwood

2010-06-17T08:09:00.012+01:00

I'm always looking for beautiful interior and, after a visit to artist Kathy Dalwood's house yesterday, I left feeling completely inspired.

Her stunning house captures her style - a mix of the old in a modern context. Paintings adorn the walls and bright splashes of colour invigorate the interiors.

Living in such a beautiful house, surrounded by stunning objects, a life's collection, must be such an amazing source of inspiration.

Visit Kathy's blog for more on what inspires her work.
You can find Kathy Dalwood's beautiful Figurines on the Roost Living website.

Interview with Selina Rose

2010-06-11T08:17:00.009+01:00

This week we spoke to designer Selina Rose about what inspires her work.

When and why did you decide to be a designer?

When I was 16 I travelled up from my family home in Cornwall to visit 100% Design. I was just about to go to art college and trying to decide what I wanted to do career-wise, after sessions with the school careers adviser usually ended up at the conclusion of “I just want to make things!”. As I walked around the show and visited designer’s stands I knew that I wanted to be a designer-maker. I was always making and drawing as a child and after hours of messing around in my mum’s sewing room with her vintage sewing machine and fabric remnants, I knew that textiles was my thing.

What are your main creative influences?

Vintage Scandinavian textile and ceramic prints, modern architecture, nature and the great outdoors and the talented people around me.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Most of my patterns are inspired by nature. I do a lot of photography and draw motifs from these images, simplifying shapes to create bold repeat patterns. For example my Botanica range featuring birds, leaves and butterflies was inspired by a trip back home in Cornwall to the Eden project and the geometric repeat cut-outs on my latest range Oli were inspired by the helicopter-like seed pods that fall from sycamore trees.

Who is your favourite designer? What aspect of their work do you most admire?

There are so many, Lucienne Day, Tracy Kendall, Susan Bradley but at the moment I am loving furniture designer Russell Pinch’s work. I really admire his attention to detail, use of natural materials and pure craftsmanship.

What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?

Working with felt. Since I fell in love with it 6 years ago at University I have been hooked ever since. I love the way you can manipulate it, cut, punch, perforate it, without it fraying. It’s natural tactility, robustness, sturdiness and durability makes it a joy to work with. The felt I use is 100% wool and coloured in my signature colour palette using environmentally friendly dyes. It’s also sustainable and biodegradable.

Where are you most creative?

In my new studio with the radio on and a cuppa!

What is your workspace/studio like? (perhaps send a picture if you have one?)

I moved into my new studio at the end of last year. It’s a great space. All the walls and furniture are white and quite uniform to create a blank canvas for all the brightly coloured felt that surrounds me. I have moodboards, tear sheets, doodles, photos and other inspiration in front of my desk on a shelf to help keep the creative juices flowing.

How do you describe your style?

Bold, colourful, tactile, simple yet sophisticated.

What are you currently working on?

I am launching my new 2010 collection at the moment which will be on show at 100% Design in September. The collection features new products such as the Oli rug with coordinating throw and coasters, the Scale stool and Flutterby cushions. I’ve introduced new colours to the palette and the new Oli pattern has a more unisex feel where as some of my prettier cut-outs such as Botanica and Bloom are more feminine.

When you first started out, what was the best advice you received?

A tutor once told me that in the real world as a designer you need to spend 30% of your time designing and 70% of your time telling people about what you’ve designed. How true.

What advice do you have for other designers starting out?

Exhibit, exhibit, exhibit!! No one will ever know about your work if you don’t show them.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

When I first started out I used to work into the night but now 5 years on I think I have managed to get my evenings and weekends back. I have work experience students in on placement that help to run the studio and share the work load at busy times. I find if I don’t do ‘normal things’ like cook, garden, visit galleries in my spare time then I can’t be creative in the studio, so it’s so important to have a good balance.

What are you other passions?

Cooking and growing fruit and veggies! I noticed my first red strawberry this morning on my way down to the studio and I can’t tell you how excited I was! (must get out more!)

What is your favourite food?

Goat’s cheese

What is your greatest weakness?

Green and Blacks Organic 70% cocoa chocolate, oh and stripey tops!

Trousers or skirts?

Out of the two I’d have to say trousers but at the moment I’m loving summer dresses, there are so many lovely prints out there at the moment.

Selina Rose's Bloom Rug and Coasters now available online at Roost Living.

Belle and Boo

2010-06-09T12:07:00.002+01:00

I have long admired Belle and Boo and their gorgeous illustrations since I came across them on the lovely Lark website. And with my daughter's first birthday coming up (I can't believe a year has almost gone by) I thought I would treat her to a lovely Belle and Boo Dress. So sweet!

Lemony Biscuity Treats

2010-05-16T19:15:00.006+01:00

In my spare time, I like to cook. I don't get much of a chance these days, and I am trying to be good, but I do love a good cake or biscuit. Being gluten free makes this a little harder, and finding recipes that work can sometimes be a bit tricky. But here's a recipe I created recently that was so easy and tasted great!

Little Lemony biscuity treats...

200g Butter
100g Caster Sugar
1 Egg yolk
1 Tablespoon of Milk
Grated rind of a lemon
200 g Rice flour
75 g Ground Almonds

Method:
Throw all the ingredients into the food processor and whiz.

Then, using a teaspoon, measure out a good spoon full and roll into balls. Place on baking trays lined with parchment paper and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Pop into a preheated 180 C oven and bake for about 15 mins, or until golden. Remove and leave to cool on the paper.

Summer Collection Now Online

2010-05-11T21:10:00.004+01:00

Summer Collection 2010 has now landed at Roost Living. New too Roost Living:
Beautiful intricately cut 100% wool felt rug, made using environmentally friendly dyes by Selina Rose.

Stunning porcelain hand thrown tableware with a hint of colour inside, by Linda Bloomfield, now available online.

Getting Crafty

2010-05-05T13:57:00.006+01:00

In between getting everything ready for the new website and relaunch, and looking after a baby, I've still somehow managed to find the time to be a bit creative too.

My most recent crochet project was a small clutch for my friend and wonderful silversmith, Anna Varendorff.
My mum bought a sewing machine for me for Christmas (not sure what she was trying to say) - I hadn't sewn since high school! But after a quick night course at The Make Lounge I'm getting back into the swing of it. I whipped up this change bag and mat for Milly in a jiffy the other evening.

Sneak Preview...

2010-04-30T14:31:00.004+01:00

Well we've been a little quiet these last few months, but in the background we've been planning something big...

New website goes live next week but in the meantime here is a sneak preview of some of our lovely new products...

I skipped a few hours of work....

2010-04-14T20:30:00.006+01:00

Yesterday, I skipped a few hours of work, left Milly at home, and indulged in the Quilt exhibition at the V&A.

I have always found quilting intriguing - the pattern and the intricacy of the craft. I've been meaning to start my own project for a while (I have delicious Liberty print jelly rolls waiting to be made) and needed inspiration....that's my excuse anyway.

The exhibition was busy, and one couldn't really enjoy it whilst being elbowed out of the way by women desperate for a peak at very small information cards by each quilt. The shop, however was a joy. A couple of purchases later and we were off to see the new ceramics wing. And, after my fourth book purchase on how to, it's time to get quilting.

Of all the wonderful quilts on display, my favourite was itself unfinished. A very detailed quilt, tacking still in place, this way you could really see, know and understand the very makeup up of the quilt and it's structure.

Or perhaps it simply reminded me of my own many unfinished projects...

It's been a while...again

2010-02-17T09:28:00.002Z

Well, it's been awhile...again. I find that with most of my time devoted to my baby, I just lack anything interesting to write about. My days are filled with changing nappies, going for walks and Rhyme Time...not a great substance for my Roost Living blog

This mum thing, although it has it's own rewards, don't get me wrong, can be a little monotonous. So, not meaning to bore you, here is a photo of my daughter, Milly May, now 7 months...

I had 2 New Years resolutions; to be more creative and to be more organised. So far I've failed on both accounts. But I'm going to try harder. My new mantra - must be more organised, must be more organised...

Interview with Fliff

2009-06-10T15:36:00.007+01:00

Roost Living designers are all so wonderfully passionate about their craft. It has been such a joy getting to know them. Being the nosey creature that I am, I love to delve in and really understand the inspiration behind their creations as well as getting to know a little about their day to day lives.

This week I spoke to ceramicist Fliff about her craft, her passions and how she started out.

When and why did you decide to be an artist?

I always enjoyed Art at school and my mother is a painter so it has been in my life one way or another as a way of living and being rather than a formalised decision. I did decide i suppose to try and make a living from ceramics after my first child was born 17 years ago.

What are you main creative influences?

I am inspired by textiles, found objects, cranes, towers, old cutlery. keys, anything tall and spindly, detail in the buildings of London, 17th century art......

What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?

I love the moment when I discover something completely new that excites me - a shape, a design, in the process of making something else. An unexpected moment usually born out of a mistake that may lead to a whole collection.

What is your workspace/studio like?

My studio is at home in a small room at the back of the house with plenty of light, a lock on the door and a CD player!

What is your greatest triumph so far?

I think that every time a piece comes out of the kiln and is close to my intention then that is a triumph. I have also completed some private commissions of which I am proud.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on new ideas for the end of this year and an installation based on my findings along the river Thames and Memory.

When you first started out, what was the best advice you received?

Don’t make work to please the tastes of others or follow to a current trend. Stay true to your own ideas.

What advice do you have for other artists/designers starting out?

As above! And try not to spend too much before you've sold anything!

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

By being well organised and willing to compromise.

What are you other passions?

My family, family history, old photos, archaeology, craft, vintage fabric, cushions, cycling, singing ,crisps

What is your favourite food?

Avocado and tomatoes

Trousers or skirts?

Trousers

Are you a dog or cat person?

Both, but cat in London

Fliff's products are now available online.

Saffron

2009-04-25T10:54:00.003+01:00

My dear old school friend Sara has just started a Etsy shop called Ladycraft selling her wonderfully original handcrafted pieces. While I've always been interested in interiors, Sara's love is fashion, and it shows - she's the best dressed friend I have!

She's based in Melbourne, Australia and you can visit her at Abbotsford Skirt & Shirt market held 3rd Sunday of the month where she sells her lovely wears under the banner of Saffron.

The Nursery

2009-04-25T10:34:00.003+01:00

So I am currently 6 months pregnant and facing the dilemma of decorating the nursery without knowing the baby's sex...

I've been struggling to find a lovely rocking chair, and frankly the traditional nursing chairs are just too awful. I couldn't entertain the idea of buying one for a second!

However, Nicola Wilkes from Wales at Home made a fabulous suggestion - an Eames Rocker. So I found one on ebay for £100 - problem solved. Perfect!

David Trubridge Light Shade

2009-04-15T10:34:00.003+01:00

During my travels around New Zealand in January, the most spectacular light kept popping up in bars and restaurants all around the country. I vaguely tried to find it on return to the UK but have only just discovered the designer.

So now all I need is a UK stockist...

A while....

2009-02-13T11:21:00.005Z

It has been a while since I have written on my blog, I note the date of my last entry, 28 October 2008.

Three days later I had one of those phone calls you dread, my mother called to say my father had been taken to hospital, was now on life support and was only expected to live a few hours more.

Living on the opposite side of the world to your family has its draw backs. The journey wasn't going to be fast - at least a day and a half. I jumped on the first flight I could back to Brisbane, Australia but unfortunately I was too late. My father had passed away.

My father was quite a remarkable man and his passing has left a huge gap in my life. He was my inspiration, my comfort and my friend and he leaves me with an emptiness in my soul that I couldn't have imagined.

He will, however, live on through his artworks that are dotted around the world. Here are a few examples for you to see.

It is only now, several months later that I can even begin to imagine concentrating on my work and continuing with the challenge of developing my beloved business. For, in the shadow of losing someone so special, it simply faded into insignificance.

But I'm now back in spirit as well as body, and I'm looking forward to the coming year where I will find many more wonderful products to share with you all.