To start a garden Gardens are places of sanctuary, I have always wanted a beautiful garden of my own and now with our new home it is finally becoming a reality. I have chosen to ignore my brothers scoff at the thought of my becoming a gardener and have thrown myself into planning like a… Read More
Thinking of gardens always makes me happy, some of my earliest memories are of my parents gardening. My dad was always busy with the latest project my mum had dreamed up. I fondly remember my grandad’s back garden in Sydney, lush buffalo grass with a perfectly edged narrow path leading to a secret rock garden… Read More
This year I have been getting festive early (any excuse) and getting festive in the studio to create a collection of Christmas cards inspired by the shenanigans of our dogs. Hand painted watercolour illustrations evoke a lovely nostalgic feel, the perfect touch at christmas don’t you think? So armed with a cup of tea, Michael… Read More
My most precious books from childhood, are those with a detailed map at the front, illustrating the woods, mountains and rivers that lead to busy towns full of characters or far away lands the story will illuminate for us in good time. There is something nostalgic and imaginative about them, it makes you excited… Read More
Our house has risen in a whirlwind I have been visiting most days, I am sure my builders think I am a little over enthusiastic about the whole thing. I stop in and admire their work like it is the first time I have seen architrave. We have been taking photos to document the process… Read More
Dear Jack Russel from the park My human Bec says I am to apologise to you for completely ‘over reacting’ to your ‘playful advances’ and clipping your nose. If she could have only heard the hostile tone of your words, despite your cheery demeanour and waggy tail, she would understand I acted in the best… Read More
Our build has begun with such vigour, we already have a roof, bricks and plaster, after only a month. I wanted to create a little chronicle of our plans, thoughts and inspirations, they might be helpful to someone else one day. I have been squirrelling away inspiration for years, so have been elected chief in… Read More
It has been a chilly week, and it’s caught us all a little off guard here in sub-tropical Brisbane, you can’t walk into a shop without being quizzed on your take of the weather. So it has been a homely week, and a lovely one at that. Warm Boots The sense of discovery in… Read More
It has been great to have the opportunity to create your idea of an ideal home, and choose the style and colours that will surround you everyday. Reading Kevin McCloud’s ‘The best of grand designs’ he sums up the uplifting experience of creating your space perfectly; ‘I want to create my idea of a beautiful space… Read More
Things to be grateful for this week; Putting on toasty slippers after a shower Giggling at yourself over those fab ideas that visit late at night, but in the cold hard light of morning just don’t seem as obvious or plausible. Fresh white interiors, so airy, simple and somehow uplifting The grass and gardens are… Read More
Letters from Oliver… Dear Mum Well, I am usually a content little chap, but some days Bec tests me! We went for our usual walk, she insisted on the red string again to keep us together, she is so needy, I tell you. Only through relentless tugging and stopping to smell things, did she eventually… Read More
Our newest journey together is about to begin, we have bought a lovely block of land by the bay and been sitting on it for a while, to say I am slow to make decisions, would be a serious understatement. I have been taking anyone silly enough to agree to come with me to see… Read More