Glass Light Bottles // Creative Living

We have been getting our craft-on these last couple of weeks, working hard on some hand-made elements for our small's new bedroom. One project that I was focusing on while Jay sawed away in the garage, were these glass light bottles.

We have a thing for interestingly shaped bottles and having held on to these for some years, they were the perfect thing for this DIY.

Having already picked the colour pops for his room, we utilised the colourway to create some bespoke 'lamps' for his new bedside unit, that Jay has been busy making. The idea is that they sit upside down - the necks of the bottles submerged a little way into the wooden top, siliconed in place - and lit with tiny LED lights.

I wanted the bottles to not only echo the general theme of the room, but to have purpose and meaning - like lights of hope. Since we are hugely passionate vegan naturalists, I chose Climate Change (snow fall), Biodiversity (bear face) and Deforestation (tree). Some bits were painted free-hand and others I made stencils for.

All that is left to do now is to stuff them with tiny LED's and fit them onto the unit - since we are midway through doing this, you will have to hold on a little longer to see the end result and full effect, but we hope that this provides you all with a bit of inspiration for your creative living.

White of the Waves, Branding // In the Studio

 

White of the Waves is a new, experimental, instrumental band, who needed a strong identity and album artwork to launch their debut EP.

The branding and artwork captures not only the strong character of the band, but their unique and exciting music too.  The band have a strong, adventurous and outdoorsy character, and an incredibly laid back attitude - lovers of nature, creativity, and of course music - which are all qualities that are reflected in their music. Experimental in nature, their music is melodic, deep, powerful and funky - and always surprising.

We worked with Kolor Skemes to print their album artwork on an Indigo press, and then hand finished it with bottle ring prints using Innis & Gunn beer bottles in gold, and hand stamped triangle mountains in their vibrant brand yellow.

To see the full portfolio for this project, and more, visit our website here. White of the Waves EP debuts in 2017 - set date to be announced. We are in the process of building the website, which will be launched in the Autumn.

Vegan Power Porridge // Good Food

Breakfast has become far more of an event since we became vegan - as have all our meals - as the doors have been flung wide to the endless possibilities of food combinations. Gone are the days of the mundane plain porridge, with perhaps a little brown sugar - these days we are flying high and feeling so much more satisfied with porridge recipes like this one, that pack a punch in nutritional value...

Ingredients (serves 3)

Porridge
130g porridge oats
1l oat milk
2 bananas
1 tbspn peanut butter (smooth & unsalted)

Compote
80g blueberries
Juice of 1 lemon


Method

Heat the milk, then add the oats and simmer. Peel and mash the bananas and add to the pan, mixing well. Simmer for 5 - 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

While the porridge cooks, make the compote by placing the berries in a pan with the lemon juice and a dash of water. Cook over a high heat, encouraging the berries to burst by pushing down with a wooden spoon. Stir rapidly, until it becomes a smooth compote with a few whole berries remaining for texture.

Once the porridge is cooked, stir in the peanut butter and mix well. Serve and top with compote.

Wyre Forest Stick Man Trail // Inspiring the Small

As huge fans of Stick Man, we couldn't wait to visit the exciting trail and meet the beloved sculpture of the man himself, over at Wyre Forest. So on a sunny day a couple of weeks ago, we set off in our wellies...

The forest was enchanting and the air sweet with the promise of summer. We walked, ran, peeped, stomped, investigated, built, climbed, and very briefly sat down. There was so much to explore; so much to find. The Gruffalo was a nice surprise to spy through the trees, fast asleep in a clearing, and we were greeted with Stick Man himself on completion of the trail.

After the book being a firm favourite in our house for such a long time, this was a day out that our small could really connect with. It inspired him, and on the journey home we had to read our book again - at least 3 times. A brilliant day out full of fresh air, exercise, role play and connection with nature.

Plan your day out at Wyre Forest here: Forestry Commission