Photographer Jan Baldwin

As I sit in a darkening room, watching the last signs of sun fade away for the day, I feel the colours I'm swathed in are very like those in these photos by Jan Baldwin. I love the subtle lighting in these images, but there's something about these photos which makes me feel a little forlorn, as if the party's over and everyone has fled from the scene.

Natalie Moore Ceramics

Last weekend I went to the New Designers Show in Islington. There were lots of inspiring young designers, full of enthusiasm about their work and hoping that someone is going to sign them up to be the next big thing. These plates by Natalie Moore were among my favourite items. I think the designer should get herself organised and set up an online shop - there would be a huge demand for her pretty lace, crochet and deconstructed plates. My Nina Invorm plate arrived last week, so my plate wall is almost ready to be hung. Natalie's plates make me think I need just one more, to make my collection seem like a carefully chosen collection of art, strategically curated, and not just a random selection of car boot sale junk.

Rose & Grey

As part of my ongoing campaign to tidy up my flat, I have been looking for a crate or large wire basket to keep weekend newspapers in. When I saw this crate on wheels from Rose & Grey I was thrilled as it is exactly what I am looking for. I'm sure no-one is interested but I am making great progress after 33 years of mediocre results - my magazines are filed in Muji box files and today I came very close to wrapping up leads in plastic bands and labelling them with what they are for (camera, scanner etc.) One of these days I am going to be totally organised.

Until then, I'm easily distracted by a little shop surfing and the crate discovery was all I needed to peruse Rose & Grey further. There is a selection of larger items of furniture (including a few ornate dog beds, but I can't go there, even though I'm sure there is a market) but also smaller, more affordable items like these below.

1. Rustic wooden crate on wheels 2. Make your own tapestry cushion kit. 3. Vintage glass cake stand. 4. Retro thermos flask.

Tea of the week: Emma Cassi coasters

Pretty lace coasters by Emma Cassi (via Concrete & Honey.)

Five Friday Faves

Oh, the perfect spot for lounging.

Pretty collage scrapbooks.

I have to draw the line at wedding blogs/magazines, but I do love this free book label for the spine of a wrapped book (via Brown Button.)

Would you ever go home if you had a playhouse like this one, with adorable patchwork curtains (via Knack.)

Love this record keeper's kit.

Hope you all have a fun weekend, whatever you are doing. I am going to a Salad Club dinner and am hoping to go to the New Designers show on official blog business (ie just me, on the lookout for some inspiration.) Oh, and don't forget there is still time to enter the Orange Pekoe giveaway.

Photo by Emily Hunt.

Vintage Vacations

A selection of fabulous interiors from the holiday homes available to rent from Vintage Vacations.

A short quiz. Can you match the interior with its location; a converted mission hall, an Airstream trailer, a holiday park chalet-style bungalow and 'the shack'?

Not too challenging, is it? I think my target destination would be one of their Airstream trailers - as long as I could leave any companion and be alone for an extended period each day, to prevent caravan fever kicking in...

via Colour and Sound.

Folksy Four

Be still, my heart - you can't imagine how much I love these kaleidoscopes from Sam Samson, made from reclaimed bobbins - Ruth, I thought of you...

Hand-printed knitting notebooks from Plain Jane Textiles.

Crooked Man Vase from Penny Spooner Ceramics.

Lavender sachets from Ragged Roses - I admit that buying this kind of thing has never crossed my mind, but these are so delightful that I'm preparing a place in my bottom drawer straight away.