The Box of Life

I've been meaning to do a post on The Box Of Life for a while now, to explain what it is all about. We have had much interest and intrigue in what this little box contains. I don't want to give too much away about the contents, because it is not just a 'box of things'. What you get out of the box depends very much on how you choose to use it. So I will begin by telling you how it all started....

The concept came from a magazine article about ten years ago now, about how we need to appreciate the fundamentals in life more than ever, in order to strive and be happy and content. We have things easier than ever now in comparison to the beginning of the century and beyond, and right up to post war-Britain. Our ancestors coped with poor sanitisation, basic food - which had to be prepared, poverty, and little money for themselves. We seem to have most things at ease now. We don't have to cook and bake every meal, we have television, supermarkets, comfortable homes - and with a loo indoors!

So why are so many of us unhappy?

Some people believe it is because we take a lot for granted these days. We forget how much we rely on our mobile phones, the convenience of a ready-prepared meal we can pick up if we don't feel like cooking.. We don't even need to wash the dishes afterwards.

So do we need to go back to basics to find true happiness? To be handed a pile of vegetables, and some cheap cuts of meat, and try and make a family dinner, to have our televisions, mobile phones and computers taken away.... Then might we appreciate what we have?
Turn on the radio, prepare a family meal, and talk about your day with your family.
These things, to me, are the basics of a happy life.

So back to this magazine article.

The piece was written about a lady who believed that a happy life starts with self-preservation. Look after yourself, and your life will look after you. This was not meant in a physical sense. It is not about being healthy, going to the gym etc, but your mental state of mind. Our ancestors who we talked about earlier, were more finely tuned into this. They knew how to appreciate life. They spent the evening talking, discovering new things, talking to their children and partners with no television on in the background. Being proud of the fact they treasured, made, mended most of what little possessions they owned and rarely wasted or disposed of anything. Life was simple.

So the article went on to describe how each day, no matter how busy you are, set aside time for yourself. If you have a diary, book yourself in. (five minutes after I've loaded the dishwasher, for example), and spend some time on you. You could read a short poem, have a quiet cup of tea and think about what makes you happy... Light a candle and make a list of all the things you would like to learn and achieve...

So I tried this.

I wasn't particularly busy at the time. In fact, I wasn't very happy with my life at all. But it worked for me because it made me realise that I needed to get back to the simple things. The fundamentals, in order to find out what I wanted to do with my life. I was instantly amazed at how these little appointments with myself made me feel.

So I have put this concept into a ready made box. As you've guessed, it's about Life. Your Life.
It is filled with beautiful objects to use, with simple themes in mind. To Love, Nurture, Grow, Create, Feel, and Express yourself. I have created a list of activities to be used with the items in your box, for five, ten, fifteen minutes, to longer, if you can spare the time. You will learn and discover new things about yourself and appreciate life's simple pleasures. An escape from the busy chaos of modern life.

So I urge you to go back to basics and have a go.

The most important thing you have to be in life is yourself.

L xx

The Excitement Of The Relaunch......

New Fabrics...... A Preview.

Over five weeks have passed since I last posted. Apologies.... I was planning on posting a few simple sewing tutorials, but a rather busy schedule has left me with really not much time for anything but designing, planning and sewing for the relaunch.

The fabrics swatches arrived back this week, and I am delighted. In fact, more than delighted, I am quietly buzzing with excitement and eager to begin transforming them into beautiful homeware and accessories. 

Our first collection (I am saying 'Our' as I now have a small team on board), was designed to reflect the underdogs of British Institution. No Union flags, images of London, large floral sprays; but what we recognise instantly as quintessentially British, and loved by us, and what will in time, become a part of our heritage. 

So I have named the collection 'Home And Country'. And in it you will find pretty vintage houseboats adorned with Roses, Cornish folk hearts, simple landscapes of our beautiful wind farms, a new, fresh take on the classic British favourites; houndstooth, paisley, and damask, recreated in muted country shades... To celebrate the British gala days, a hand-tied spray of British wildflowers.... 

All printed here in the UK on beautiful linens...

Here's a few snaps of the collection.  

The design boards...

The fabrics....

 

I hope you will love them as much as we do. We would love some feedback so please do leave a comment!

L xx

Back On Track With An Inspirational Month.....

 

The Importance of the Simple Things....

Well It's been quite a year so far. I knew it would be a busy 2013, and following on from an earlier post about best intentions and resolutions, I made a colourful 'Always In View' list of the important things that I really wanted to do each day. These weren't work targets and chores but  gentle reminders of small daily to-do's that may seem small and even a bit of a luxury when you're flying about the place, trying to get things done, but actually, these are the things that keep you going...

A quiet coffee in the garden while enjoying the view..

Reading a short poem (I always find this perks me up. I can recommend Now We Are Sixty)

Picking up a craft project for 10 minutes. At the moment, mine is a crochet blanket...

A browse and chat on Instagram or Twitter, and catching up with my daily blog fixes....

A hug. Anything. Anyone. Dog, cat, baby etc...



These little things, I now make sure I do.

I'm a great fan of the Self-Help book, and I'm currently reading a time management book called Do It Tomorrow. I wanted to say a little bit about this, as it gets a little deeper than just simply telling you how to organise your pile of invoices better.

I was thrilled at the fact that, you don't necessarily need to overhaul your life to manage it better. It's all about the way you feel about a task, and having a positive attitude and approach to each day, and what you want to achieve. Brain training, in a sense. If you spend too long in a certain mindset; negativity, procrastination etc, it becomes you.
Yes, it's hard to motivate yourself some mornings with the weather we've been having, but ask yourself, is it really THAT bad? Or just mundane? And if just that, then what can I do to make the mundane more enjoyable? I've always called this the 'Pretty Stationery Effect'.

So I always start the day without the radio, social media, or TV. Just some quiet time, gathering my thoughts for the day ahead, reminding myself what's important, and how lucky I am to be doing what I do. And then I sit and write a list.

I do love a list...

If you're a big fan of the To-Do list, my lovely friend Sapphire of Saffyloves has created a beautiful free download on her facebook page for you to print and use! Just 'like' her page and if you have the time, have a browse of her wonderfully pretty services...

Get it here

Also recently, the wonderful Hayley, known to some as Mrs Scoops, has created a new lifestyle blog with her Friend Shaneen, aptly named Breathe Happiness. Hayley herself, is such an inspiring person, and has so much positivity to give others.
Her blog, Instagram, and twitter feeds, always brighten my day, and Shaneen's photography is fresh, bright and really encapsulates, well, happiness!

It was only a matter of time before she started a blog like this, as this is just her in a nutshell.
An infectiously happy nutshell!
There are posts about everything from getting eyeliner right, features on creative businesses to eye-opening, but simplified pieces on the big philosophicals like 'What is Success?'  

They also provide a social media and photography service. Is there anything they don't know?

It's a daily read I would not be without now. Stylish, informative and full of smiles! Another one of my little daily fixes that keep me going!

Breathe in a bit of happiness HERE

 

 

New Candles And Re-branding The Institutions Collection...

Last month I thought, while I'm waiting for the new fabrics I'd set my mind to giving the existing candle range a new look, and reworking some of the scents. They are only very subtle changes, but I am so pleased with the results. I've enjoyed getting back to the designing part of the business, so much so that I spent an entire day working on some new candles, which I had planned for a while.

All perfumers have favourite scents and quite often Lavender, Jasmine and fresh citrus top notes like Bergamot and Lime are top of the list.
So I've created two new scents. The candles have a rather Victorian apothecary look about them, which I love. I've called them Perfumers' Favourites -  Citrus Grove, and Lavender and Jasmine.

I shall keep them hidden for now until the website re-launches, but here's the new packaging for the Institutions Collection!

 

Trialling scents....

 

 

 

'Hyndland Velvet', one of our best-sellers...

And finally, happy Spring!


It's been a cold one this year, so I've not been sowing any seeds, and the greenhouse is still in tatters from last year. So, instead, as I revealed in my last post, I've been learning to crochet. I'm still very much a beginner and only know a few stitches, but the unintentional increasing and decreasing has stopped, the tension is better, and I've made progress on both the blankets I started.

The first, was with pretty Debbie Bliss Cotton DK, in three pretty shades of Pink, Aqua and Mustard...

 

 



 

 

The second blanket, which is also just rows of double crochet on a 7mm hook, is with Sirdar Juicy Bamboo Cotton, in the most subtle sorbet colours, like Banana, Watermelon, and Grape...

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also 'made' a little Easter twig tree this year with sprigs of budding Elder, Snowberry, and Hornbeam, and decorated it with pretty painted wooden decorations. The 'Egg' vase is just a little more than a fat quarter of pretty fabric, gathered over an oval glass vase, then tucked in at the top and tied with a ribbon!

 



 

 

 

 

 

One last little example on the pretty stationery/prettying up your day concept. Examples are great, especially if they are metaphorical and literal...

 

I love olives. I haven't always loved olives, I thought they were horrid looking things, that I wouldn't touch, let alone eat. But this is what I like to do with a jar of olives. I will leave you to figure out the metaphorical meaning...

 

 

 

 



 

 

 Thanks for reading!

 

L xx



 

 

A Journey In Crochet And The Joys Of Being A 'Hooky Rookie'...

I tried to ignore it. I REALLY did. As if I haven't got enough to do, I have succumbed to the temptation of learning to crochet...

For those who follow my feed on Instagram (@leannespencer), I have been trying and failing on an on/off basis since before Christmas, and this week I finally believe I have mastered the 'double crochet' stitch.
I've been practicing with acrylic DK yarn, and a 4mm hook, and have made a few test pieces...

To my absolute delight, when I posted my efforts on Instagram the feedback was overwhelming!

''I can crochet!'' I exclaimed, and did a little happy dance on the couch.

So. Trying not to lose my head over such joys of being a Hooky Rookie, I have had a wee yarn and hook purchasing session online, and scoured my favourite craft blogs, of which have the most beautiful visual crocheted loveliness; Pink Milk,  Coco Rose Diaries, Annaboo's House, and Attick 24....

In complete anticipation of my new crochet things arriving, I am undecided about what to make as a first project. I would love to make a blanket, but is this really a good idea for a beginner?

I've decided to document my Journey In Crochet here, as a way for me to look back at progress, and for others thinking of learning to take on the challenge, as I did in fact, nearly give up after flinging my hook at the Christmas tree one evening, in a rather unjustifiable rage.

But SO worth the anxiety.....

L xx

                                                                     

Festive Round-up, And Planning For The Year Ahead.....

First of all, Happy New Year!

The festive season was a special one for us in 2012, as it was my son, Harry's first Christmas; and also because Mr S was home this year. I'm used to spending every other month by myself, but it's always a little harder at Christmas if he's away, so we all had some lovely family time....

I had the added joy of creating a 'Christmas Mantle', as we'd finally had the fireplace and stove fitted in December. I received some beautiful gifts from Nicki, who writes the wonderful blog homebird
including some pretty candles, which were swiftly added to my display!

I also made use of the abundance of holly and ivy in the garden and made a few winter wreaths....

Christmas Box Success!

The Christmas boxes were a huge success, and thanks to everyone who purchased, we raised over £400 for charity.
Here's some snaps of the work in progress.....

Planning With Intent

So the first few days of 2013, I spent clearing away the remnants of last year, wearing some Spring florals to brighten up the drab weather, getting my work in order, and sitting down with my new diary, a cup of tea and a lit candle (this has always helped me concentrate), and turned straight to the back of the book, to the 'notes' section, to write my Plans/Resolutions for 2013.

Like a lot of people, I plan with intent. I enjoy the process and the quiet excitement of thinking about, and writing down wonderful things that I think I could achieve.... but also, like a lot of people, when the page these plans are written on closes, quite often, you forget about it. They are swallowed up by everyday life...

So this year, I'm doing it differently.

One of the things I used to do in my old job, was a form of Life Planning through Graphic Facilitation. This process involves an illustrated chart of your life, who you are, your qualities and also your weaknesses, where you are in life, and where you want to be. Then, you set about, through flow and process diagrams, how you are going to get there. What's more, is that this kind of planning makes you discover more about yourself, and realise that nothing is impossible.
Through everyday small steps, you can achieve almost anything....

So if you've made plans and resolutions for yourself, with intent, please do have a go, and keep it in view every day. As one of the worst things you can do in life, is lose sight of yourself.

Make 2013 about You

L xx