Amara Interior Blog Awards #iba16

The link for voting is : http://www.interiorblogawards.com/vote/janice-issitt-life-style/

click on this and it takes just a few seconds to vote for this blog.

A quick last minute blog post just to highlight that I have been nominated for an Amara Interior Blog Award in Colour Inspiration, and the voting is closing soooon  ....

There is so much colour inspiration around us, this last month has been the cross-over from the pastel seaside colours to some autumnal tones of yellows and oranges.  Here are some of my photos taken just this last week while out and about exploring. 

Full blog posts on these travels will be coming soon as well as the bedroom makeover posts and the announcement for the September sponsor in #BeHomeFree 

See you in a few days for more interior inspiration and ideas and cool places to visit.

meet the artist - Jessica Zoob

For a while now I have wanted to see Jessica Zoob's art, so I arranged to pop and see her as she was preparing for Open Studios.
What was to meet me was both surprising and overpowering, proving that art needs to be seen up close and personal.

Taking photos of beautiful art is a strange concept, I get very annoyed that sometimes tv shows crop a piece when the artist has put all their skill into creating a whole within the shape of the canvas. Seeing work on a flat screen, with a monitor which isn't doing the colours justice isn't a good representation of the work either. So here I am trying to convey the scale and mood of Jessica's work and include some of my emotions at seeing it for the first time.

Jessica with some of her large pieces

Set on a rural estate of industrial units, the studio itself is also quite a surprise. Very large and open, bright and airy, and tucked in a corner where Jessica has created a cute outside space with a mini garden and pond. Like many great artists, I can see that this lady could create some very interesting landscapes and green spaces herself. The views are framed by the windows, like paintings in themselves and as soon as you step inside you realise why this lady isn't working in a small shed at the bottom of the garden.  

Many of Jessica's works are designed as tryptichs and she has even worked on circular pieces.  One thing is obvious, this woman is a workaholic with no boundaries to her imagination, she is a free spirit who puts every ounce of her personal experience and emotion into each piece.

Every painting spoke to me very clearly, I'm not one to babble on about art, it should be a personal connection to the viewer, but I would say that for me the feelings conveyed were very clear. With much of the work exuding an oriental feel, I found that the artist's travels had indeed been integral. The layers created are like the layers of life, with mixed emotions manifesting as an iridescent oil like glimmer on the surface, swirling on top of the more solid textures. This is possibly what appeals to me the most in these works, with my love of Monet's waterlily paintings, the impressionists in France and the style of Japan are all felt here.

When I worked in the music business I often did not want to meet the musicians who created my most favourite albums. The reason - if they aren't very nice you feel cheated for devoting so much time to falling in love with every lyric and note.  The reverse can also be true, sometimes someone is so charismatic that you find that you suddenly 'get' them, which previously you hadn't. This happened for me on many occasions, particularly with Nick Cave, Wayne Hussey and Barry Adamson. I won't list the disappointing encounters but I did heed the warning from a friend, who after meeting a certain frontman from Led Zep told me 'never meet your idols'. 

This adage can also be true for artists who work on canvas.  I really believe that if you are investing in a beautiful piece then it is important to meet the creator in person and feel like you have a deeper understanding of what went into the piece.  These works are like his or her children and the artist also needs to know that their babies are going to a good home.

Jessica explained to me how her work is moving on into a different area, more explosive and abstract in form.  The works are influenced more and more by emotions than previously (which Jessica describes as 'being in the wilderness).  I find that women find it impossible to detach their feelings from their everyday, they carry them around and eventually it manifests into creations, physical examples of what they are going through.  So what has brought about this big change for Jessica? ... falling in love and finding her soulmate who she lost many years previously.  This lady is now exuding all that is wonderful about being loved and in love, she wears it like a halo and it pours through her onto the canvas in her latest pieces which are titled 'Ecstasy'.

Please go and look at Jessica's website for more detailed information, I don't want to feel like I'm influencing anyone's thoughts about her work, but for me it is exquisite.  As I love all thing's interior related I chatted with her about how she displays her work in a home. Expecting that Jessica would have a large house with big walls I was surprised to see that in fact her small town house has quite small proportions yet even large works are situated here creating quite an amazing impact.

We talked about this and I think that if you invest in a piece of art of this standard it is essential that you decorate the room around the art rather than buy a piece which matches what you have already.  What Jessica has done in her own home is to minimalise clutter by building in a lot of storage, under seating areas and around doorways, leaving wall space for the art.  Seeing this has actually changed my thoughts about displaying paintings quite considerably, and is something I'm going to think a lot more about.
I very much hope that I can get together with Jessica again and bring to this blog examples of how to live with large pieces of original art.

This isn't the only way you can own a piece of Jessica's art, as, for the first time, a fabric and wallpaper company (Romo) have taken an artists work and reproduced it onto fabric, for curtains, upholstery, cushions and also for wallpaper.  It is quite a brilliant idea.  Not having a repeat pattern the fabric and wallpaper will create one huge piece of art on your wall or window, so please do go and have a look at the Romo Black collection featuring these contemporary impressionist works. 

"A garden full of dreams" and "reflections" are my current favourites and these can also be bought through Jessica's website as prints on paper or canvas. 

I am only touching on the surface here with this blog post but thought it may reach some readers who would like to investigate further by going to Jessica's website and blog ; www.jessicazoob.com and the fabric/wallpapers at www.romo.com

There is much more to say about this wonderful creative lady, who last year won her category at the Amara Interior Blog awards. This year she is nominated in the 'luxury' category, so if you hop over to vote for me (hint hint in colour inspiration at http://www.interiorblogawards.com/vote/janice-issitt-life-style/
then maybe you can also look at the Luxury category and give Jessica some support here).

Coming soon on this blog ... my adventures in a Shepherds Hut and more about my bedroom makeover and the sponsors for this month's Be Home Free ...

Bright New Bedroom part One

Before I talk about changing rooms around I thought I would just pop the link to voting for this blog in the #IBA16 awards.  It only takes a few seconds http://www.interiorblogawards.com/vote/janice-issitt-life-style/  thank you.

I don't know what it is that triggers me to change rooms, but generally it happens when I have been somewhere inspirational with a great vibe, I get home and see my rooms with new eyes and I just do it, straight away, no pontificating, I just crack on while the momentum is hot.

You just know when a room is looking tired and after seeing the home of Tamsyn Morgans, with the cool, pale and relaxing mood, I just had to tackle my bedroom and give it a complete makeover. I share a lot of the same loves as Tamsyn in our choices of vintage items, and it's probably what drew me to go and see her home for myself.  One thing that I noticed particularly is that while Tamsyn has collections of objects, she gives them space to breath and let's them be noticed.  I haven't changed around the treasures I have on display for some time and decided to pack away many things and rotate some beautiful items that had ended up at the back of cupboards.

My bedroom isn't just the place where I sleep, it is my den, my workroom and my chill-out zone, it is my centre of operations, my HQ.  For some reason it is my room of choice for working on the laptop, editing photos and social media interaction.  My bed is more comfortable than the sofa and all the cats can fit onto it with me. Also, as my partner is working with musicians they are often in and out of the lounge and kitchen during all hours, so I like to hide away, not worry about what I'm wearing (yes that means I don't get out of my pj's) and I also have a television and Sky box, so I can have films on in the background.  Occasionally I need complete silence when writing but more often than not, I have a tv on as background noise. I don't seem to be able to sit and watch a film or series and do nothing else, so if Im not working then I will be knitting or crocheting. There is no start and finish time to 'work' for me, the lines are so blurred that I start the second I wake up and continue through the night.

a couple of items influenced the colour pops, mint green, pink and aqua, this oil painting from the 50's has these tones

My point here is that rooms can morph in their use and then it's time to admit that the name you call the room isn't truthfully what you use it for.  We have an office, no-one ever uses it, the computer rarely gets switched on unless we have to print something and it's most common use is for the foster wild animals, so right now the 'office' is actually a squirrel nursery.  See what I mean? The conservatory is my prop and craft storage area which also doubles as a place to build room sets and make a dark area for moody shots.  The lounge, is a backdrop for photos, the guest bedroom is my other half's den and the sheds in the garden are recording studios and vocal booths.  The kitchen, well occasionally things get burnt here, and I make a lot of coffee and toast, but the cats eat in there more than we do.

OK we are very unconventional people, self-employed artist and musician but as more and more people now work from home then it's worth re-assessing the spaces you have and what they are used for.
Hence, the rooms that I spend the most time in need to change probably more than is normal, changing the displays of collections, changing for the seasons and changing for the current purpose too.

The Office! 

my father used to buy me antique cigarette cases for birthday and christmas, this is one of the most gorgeous ones

For me the more places in my house where I can photograph the better and a photographers eyes are trained to see things differently. They see the background mess and clutter, they see the light and the way it changes through the day and bounces off different colours. Constantly looking at images makes you hyper critical to how things look, you become extremely concerned with aesthetics and everything becomes a still life. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly untidy at times (in the areas where I don't have to sit and look at it for too long!). 

My bedroom needed taking down a notch, I just fancied pale, whites and tones of French Linen. Less clutter and a cleaner feel. I had in my mind a mix of old and new, Scandinavian in parts with a French influence and this had to work with some English antiques. I knew the elements I wanted but, honestly, had no idea how it would turn out until the very last minute.  One thing I did know - the colours would bind it all together.

Chances are that if you read my blog, you are quite interested in interior style, so over the course of the next few weeks I will be looking at different elements of the how and why's of my room transformation.  Hopefully some of my instructions and ideas will help anyone who is ready to do this too.

To get the look : Paints Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, new furniture One World Trading, Linens from - Loaf, Soak and Sleep, GZ Badboys.

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August Be Home Free Winners

As every week goes by the BeHomeFree gallery fills up with more and more incredible images. The task of whittling it down becomes harder with the passing days and that is a good thing.  Thank you to everyone who uses the hashtag, it is growing into a really lovely gallery.  

These four remind me of the my outdoor adventures this month, the natural colours and sense of fresh air and sunshine. 

@melindajk @sigridsminde @niki.at.the.cottage @christinagreve

Our sponsors for this month have been One World Trading who are gifting a vase, and the winner for this prize is @justjane17 whose washing blowing on the line says all there is about summer days.

Southwood Stores have also offered to be a sponsor with their glitzy sequined basket. And the winner of this will be Dorte of @lewesmap for this quiet and still image in a church, with lovely soft light and a sense of calm.  I really love exploring inside churches and around the graveyards, this photo speaks of the cool air and special smells of old churches. Perhaps it is also a reminder that children don't always need plastic entertainment.

Can Jane and Dorte please message me through instagram to arrange delivery of your gift from Be Home Free, One World Trading and Southwood Stores. 

Next month's sponsors will be announced at the beginning of September when I will also be unveiling the work I've been doing to change my bedroom around, which during this mini heatwave has been quite a task as the paint is drying really fast.

Please continue to join with the hashtag with a chance to win. Many thanks to each and everyone who has contributed so far. 

Love and peas ... Janice

canopy and shooting stars

My first ever experience of camping, or should we say, glamping, has got me hooked. I said to the Other Half as we left, 'let's do this every weekend', and before we knew it, I have booked us to stay in a Shepherds Hut in a couple of weeks time.   

It was my birthday recently and I always book for us to go somewhere for a little explore.  I haven't been along the Norfolk coastline before and I yearn for the seaside all summer long, as we are so far inland in Bucks. Just recently my blogging pals have been going away with Canopy And Stars, their photos are always fabulous and atmospheric so I decided to check it out for myself. This company hand picks special places, with an Eco ethos and only certain kinds of accommodation.  If you look at the website you will be spoilt for choice, and if, like me, you have never really loved the idea of conventional camping, this could be for you.

Our Yurt at Burlingham was super cute, a proper bed, carpet,sofa, a wood burner inside, and all the cutlery and crockery you would need. They even supplied his and hers crocs for wandering around outside. The Yurt is solar powered and has lights and a chandelier. At night we lit it up with tea lights and listened to the radio. We lit fires in the pit, cooked on the little barbecue and made tea with an old fashioned whistling kettle.  We did cheat a little and bought some ready made salad bits from M&S to go with our grilled haloumi and sausages.

Situated at the bottom of a long garden, in woods where you could forage for your own fuel, we even had some visitors like squirrels and pheasants. It is also quite common for deer to come and have a nosey around. The loo/shower is in a little red shepherds hut, with hot water and a composting toilet, although we were encouraged to pee outside (as these composting loos don't like too much liquid) which we embraced whole heartedly!

My birthday always falls at the time of the Perseides meteor shower, and I desperately wanted to go somewhere with no light pollution to watch it ever night. When we went to bed on the first night there was cloud cover but something woke me at 3am so I went outside and the sky was clear and full of stars, after a few minutes I saw a shooting star so I woke up the OH (who wasn't too pleased) and we sat and watched the sky counting all the shooting stars we saw. It was truly magical. 

Our host Chris has left us a map of how to find a beach where there is a seal colony. Horsey was incredible, dunes and empty sands stretched for miles and as we walked along the dune path we could see the seals heads bobbing in the surf. 

As wildlife rescuers we are always most interested in seeing different animals in their natural habitat. I had never seen Seals before and didn't even realise we had them in the UK (other than in zoos).  I believe that sometimes they come to the shoreline but we were happy watching them play on a sand bank not far away. The year of wild was truly notching up some beautiful memories. 

Keen to get back to our yurt with some food for the bbq we did pop along to Hemsby and Great Yarmouth just to see what it was like. Not for me I'm afraid with it's amusement arcades and fun fair rides.

We relaxed during the evenings by the fireside, I took my crochet so I could make more blankets for the '60 Million Trebles' charity project. I styled our table with some of the lovely things I had bought the day before at Lincoln Antiques Fair. My new linen smock, Ian's jumper and the loaned crocs were pulled into my Yurt outfit for camp fire and foraging.

I can't wait to do this again, I took to it like a duck to water, or should I say a seal to water. Now looking forward to the Shepherds Hut in Sussex later this month.  Variety is the spice of life, so unless you live in a Yurt I would say to give it a go, it is quite romantic.  If you find it hard to sit still for too long then maybe take some knitting or other activity.  My OH wished he had taken his drum sticks and practice pad as he was missing having something to do with his hands.  Such a shame he forgot them ...

The link for this yurt is 

http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/britain/england/norfolk/burlingham-hall/burlingham-yurt 

Lincoln Antiques Fair

Nothing could prepare us for the enormity of the Arthur Swallow Fair at Lincoln Show Ground.  Having visited the small and intimate one at Loseley, I imagined something similar, and actually went to see some of the same sellers as I wanted more fabulous French finds.

This show is humungous.  We got caught in traffic so arrived a few hours later than planned, which meant the pressure was on to get all around the fair.  Upon arrival we were utterly gobsmacked, I think myself and Tamsyn must have said "oh my God" about fifty times before we decided to sit and have a bacon butty to calm us down.  

So prepare yourself if you visit, make a day of it and expect to do a lot of walking. One could easily make it a two day visit.  

Whatever you are looking for there will not just be one or two of that unusual thing, but tens and twenties of them.  Some sellers having travelled from France and Germany just had a van full of one type of antique.  It was simply overwhelming.

Take a friend and lots of spare bags to carry all your goodies, the prices are so good you won't be able to resist. It's good to have in your mind the price you would normally pay for vintage items so that you recognise a bargain, but just expect that the sellers here are very reasonable as they sell to trade.  

While I would suggest having a list of what you are trying to find, so that you can stay focused, I will also contradict myself by saying, 'keep an open mind' as you simply cannot predict what you will come across.  And then, just when you think that you have covered the enormous field, you find another one at the end! I nearly collapsed!

My photos here are a bit random, and taken last minute as I was totally distracted but I hope will at least give you a taste of the size and quality of this fair. 

This weekend I was staying in a Canopy & Stars Yurt in Norfolk, near to where Tamsyn Morgans lives, so she hopped on board for the trip. I was so pleased she could make it, sometimes you need a girlfriend to help you decide.  Having said that, my Other Half found a vintage piece of musical equipment which he bought for under 15 and is worth 250, so he was a bit smug there.

The next Lincoln show is in October, and we decided to treat this as a preliminary reccy, so we could save up and return with a plan. 

My reason for going was to track down the wonderful Gaelle of GZ Badboys (thats her dogs), and pick up some more french linens.  I will be doing a totally separate post about these and the other decorative items I found.  I'm sure Tamsyn will also be posting her pics of the lovely glass kilner jars, galvanized dolly tub and victorian tile, styled to perfection I expect.  

For more fairs like this simply check the Arthur Swallow website, they seem to have built a very good list of dealers from all over Europe.  Happy hunting.  

Awesome August #IBA16

Yay, I'm nominated again this year for an Amara Interior Blog award in the colour inspiration category, the link to vote for this blog is http://www.interiorblogawards.com/vote/janice-issitt-life-style/

Apologies for the sporadic posting on here, I'm doing a lot of gardening this week and at the same time decorating my bedroom and crocheting blankets, all areas of Be Home Free being explored!

As it's my birthday on the 13th (lucky for some), I will be going away on my first Canopy and Stars glamping trip, plus some beach exploration on the Norfolk coastline and a visit to the Arthur Swallow Fair in Lincoln. So I thought a mid month round up to show a little love to the entries for Be Home Free as the colours are so lush.

I will announce the overall winners on my return from swanning around, don't forget that the prizes for August are the stunning gold sequin basket from Southwood Stores and the lovely little glass vase from One World Trading.

Colour inspiration by the bucket loads with these cool blues ...

@_susandrea_    @hannie65     @bymeeni      @tesslovesflowers 

wide open spaces ... free

@gatheredthreads   @lapetitpeach  @_scarlett.I   @peggyjobbins

delight in the moment of denim and coral tones ...

@themintgardener @niki.at.the.cottage @grainandfeather @lewesmap

 Nordic and stylish, the white rooms with small pops of colour 

  @thesefourwallsblog @vanillalemoncake  
@ceramicmagpie @erikaappelstrom

There is still time to join with your photos for #Behomefree.  This is turning into a really rich gallery of atmospheric shots, giving both colour inspiration and home styling ideas, a visual treat to be sure created by you wonderful people.

See you over on instagram for daily updates and visuals from me.