The Dark Side

I am currently loving high contrast colour use in homes, so I thought I might share some inspiration with you on how to use big blocks of black in your colour scheme.

Whether it be exteriors or interiors, black can be used for dramatic effect without feeling foreboding or claustrophobic. It seems the trick is balance, the colour black needs a partner in crime and wood, metallics or crisp white make the perfect combinations. The contrast of these tones or materials allow breaks in the colour which creates a sense of balance and avoids creating a cave like atmosphere.

Black also works for a multitude of styles, see below just how beautifully it can complement both a contemporary or classic style. A feature wall in black is the perfect colour to give extra depth to a space and also acts as a great backdrop to highlight artworks, photographs or special objects.

So can I tempt you over to the dark side with me?

For the image credits and more black inspiration check out our Pinterest Page

Makers Mark

Are you ready to get creative? We all now have the ability to transform any plain items of porcelain into a unique piece of functional art!

The Pebeo Porcelain 150 paint range gives everyone the opportunity to create personalised items for their home without the need for a kiln! Depending on your preference, the range is available in paint tubs, markers or tubes which you can use to decorate any plain porcelain, earthenware or ceramics. Simply choose your colours from the extensive range, create your design and then bake in your oven! Fun for all ages, my son recently drew a portrait of his dad on a cup for Fathers Day, it is an adorable keepsake that we will treasure always!

The Pebeo range is available to purchase through many great craft suppliers worldwide, just Google Pebeo Porcelain 150 paint range to find your closest stockist.

Below I have included a selection of hand drawn works on ceramics, a little inspo to get you started!

Naked Girl Tea Set by Esther Horchner

(Obsessed with her illustrations! So, so beautiful…)

Room for Emptiness

Arrows and Triangles Plate by Folksy

Hand Drawn Plate by Pretty Little Thieves

Doilies in Green By Esther Coombs

Tweet Bowl by karoArt

Free Falling Plates by Whole Wild World

Interested in having a go of creating a piece of your own? Here is a brilliant step by step tutorial which you might find very helpful. Happy making!

Wall Murals

When you think of a wall mural what comes to mind? For me I think of folk art and childrens bright paintings, like those you would find at a school or playground.

I am feeling a little inspired by artist David Bromleys home and think it is time to bring back the wall mural. You see, paint is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to rejuvenate your home, so why not combine this with a little creativity and put your personal stamp on your house? Granted, not all of us are blessed with the artistic ability to do this freehand but don’t let this turn you off! Many murals are created by using a projector, so if you can trace you can create!

Find a design, image or photo that you love or draw something yourself then use the projector to enlarge the artwork to fill your wall, mark out the design with pencil and then you’re ready to paint! Be honest about your abilities, realistic images will require shading and blending of colours so it is probably a good idea for beginners to start with a more graphic images that have clear blocks of colour.

Below are some inspiration for different styles of wall murals for all levels of ability. Take a peek and hopefully they will inspire you to take the plunge. And if worst comes to worst, and you absolutely hate the result, you can always just paint over it. No biggie, see?

Still scared? Why not paint a wall with blackboard paint and let you friends, family and visitors create their own mural for you!

For these and more images please see Hermits Mural Pinterest Board

Pretty Pieces

It is quite amazing the range of things that can be made with paper merely by folding, cutting, glueing or moulding. From simple DIY projects to the amazing pieces that make you wonder “how in the world did they create that?!”, the following images are a collection of loveliness and inspiration.

I think I feel a crafty weekend coming on!!

Want to see more paper creations? Check out these and more treasures on my Paper Pinterest board!

Sealed

Whether you need some last-minute gifts or just love to really present your present, then Washi tape should be your new BFF.

Washi tape is a japanese paper or wood pulp tape that is known for its durability, strength and diversity. Traditionally it is used throughout Japanese crafts but recently Washi has taken the world by storm with the introduction of many amazing colours, patterns and designs. With so many ways to use washi tape it is no wonder everyone has gone craft crazy.

Below are some brilliant ideas for presents and packaging, so get creative and see what you can come up with! Washi tape is available in Australia through Lark, The Minimalist or Etsy!

All images via

Sounds on Sunday – Bittersweet Memories by Feist

I love this track by Feist, but I totally adore the concept behind the video clip.

Argentinian photographer Irina Werning uses old photographs as inspiration for her portraits. Her subjects recreate a moment in their past, re-live a memory while creating a new one.

A cute, fun concept that everyone could try for themselves. Fancy a trip down memory lane this weekend?