Rummage

I've heard my father describe himself this way and it's very far from the truth. He has hands that speak volumes in their intricate highways of scars and gouges, the byproduct of a creative life. Last week he and Mum came down with the trusty tool box to finish off the girls' cubby house. 

What was really special about this trip was the eight-year-old shadow that followed his every move. I watched the two heads bent together discussing tri-squares and the makings of a Spanish windlass. He taught her how to use a saw and where to put her hands when using a hammer. I know it's something she will never forget.

This is one of my debaucherous oriental poppies in flower over the weekend. I'm planning on using some of the seed heads in arrangements later in the summer. Hope you had a beautiful weekend. xx

I can't begin to tell you how much fun I had making this corsage. It was designed to be worn on the wrist and the recipient was in a dusky purple gown for a 1920's ball, hence the abundance of mauves and purples. I made the wrist band from a piece of shot silk and velvet ribbon, the flowers are all from my garden and are love-in-a-mist, heuchera, corn flower and salvia. Fingers crossed she liked it. xx

I haven't been able to get the New Zealand mine tragedy out of my head today. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones and I keep thinking about the 17 year old who's first day on the job was his last. Mining is such a cruel and brutal thing.

Lordy, some fun was had over the last few days with Kirst, I had some serious bottom-of-the-belly laughter therapy with that girl. I'll post some photos when I get my act together. Bundanon was incredible, ditto on the photos front. Right now my head's full of ideas for a corsage ( A CORSAGE!!!), I am making for a lovely young thing to wear to a 1920's ball. I think I will die a happy woman if I can make make a living out of making flowers for people. I am seriously digging the romance of this and have little test vases of flowers all over the house to check which ones will stand up best to being water-free. Photos soon. xx

Bonjour! Hope your weekend was swell. Just a note to say that I'll be away this week with a bunch of very special young people on a camp that will take in some art workshops at Bundanon, Arthur Boyd's incredible gift to the nation. I hope to have some photos on my return. Have a lovely week! xx

I found some flanders poppies in the front garden, grown from seed from a friend around the corner. They timed their flowering well for Remembrance Day. The book below is Madderlake's Trade Secrets, written by Tom Pritchard a hipster who was doing natural, unpretentious flowers in New York in the 70's. His work is simple and beautiful and way before its time. It makes me realise I've got a lot to learn. x

Tania: I'm not the one embroidering dirty big blow flies!

Leah: I am much cheered by the fact that I am not alone in the sock/shower combo. And I would LOVE  to do flowers for you. Come on over to Canberrra.

Meg: The world has opened up for me with that new adjective. Will work on getting 'blazzam' into a conversation with the Frenchman and watch his eyeballs recede into the back of his head.

Elizabeth: The suctioned pyjama top is just awe-inspiring.

Jenny: Thanks, you're lovely!

Wendy: Men's pyjama pants do most definitely count!

Erika: Enormously glad that you like them. Thanks!

Michelle: Thank YOU! I really enjoyed making them for Cristy.

Cristy: I hope little Charlie is mending. Glad you liked the flowers, that rose is called Gertrude Jekyll and has a gorgeous scent. Make sure you keep the water up to them. xx

Elisha: Thanks and good luck with the bikinis!

I love this floral gambit. I delivered a bunch of organic home-grown blooms from one fabulous sister-in-law to another today. And then I got so excited thinking about flowers that I got in the shower with my socks on. And that's all I'm going to say about that. x

I saw the Reader on the weekend and totally dehydrated myself with crying, at one point the French and I were sobbing in unison and we had to turn the volume up so we could follow the dialogue. I read the book years ago when I was on my political high horse and had a completely different reading of it. It's one of those rare films that completely does justice to the book and then some. Have tissues at the ready if you're going to watch it. 

The flowers above are all from my garden and the books below were treasures that were picked up at yesterday's school fete. A big shout-out to Jules who will have a big bouquet of flowers coming her way later this week. xx

Dear Canberrans,

Since announcing my somewhat sudden and unexpected career-change to florist extraordinaire a few days ago I HAVE NOT been inundated with orders. WHAT GIVES! Can you not see talent when it is staring you in the face? The mark of true genius lies in the artful arrangement of a dead flower in an old wooden box purchased for a whole $1.50 at the trash and treasure. Are thine eyes blind? Just remember I am not all about dead flowers and roadside weeds, I can be so very much more than that. Think post-modern, deconstructed plinths of prairie-style semi-ironic arrangements. Weddings are an especial speciality.

I am yours in eager anticipation,

N Louchart-FLetcher

I may or may not have got that clover off the side of the road whilst other drivers wondered what that rando was doing rustling around in the undergrowth. The rest is from my garden, pinky swear.

More fabric and less flowers over here with the kraft kween. x