Books About Town

The Librarian, Author: Terry Pratchett

If you're in London then you've probably already seen the amazing new book benches that are up for the summer. I haven't ventured out of the sticks recently so haven't seen them myself but I love all the designs and I particularly love the idea behind them; to celebrate Britain's works of literature and promote reading.

There are 50 benches in all and they have been created by Wild in Art in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust and a lot of talented artists. You can find out more about them on the Books About Town website.

Here are a few of my favourite benches.

Dr Seuss: Author: Dr Theodor Seuss Geisel

Earnest, Author: Oscar Wilde

Elmer the Elephant, Author: David McKee

Great Expectations, Author: Charles Dickens

Sherlock Holmes Stories, Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Canterbury Tales, Author: Geoffrey Chaucer

The Lion, the With and the Wardrobe, Author: C. S. Lewis

Visit to Glemham Hall

Scoping Out Glemham Hall for the Truly Vintage Wedding Fair

I paid a visit to the beautiful Glemham Hall in Suffolk yesterday ahead of The Truly Vintage Wedding Fair to be held there on Sunday 22nd June.

The lovely old house is full of character, it's family owned so it feels lived in and not like a museum.

I'll be helping my friend and very talented paper-cutter Emma Daniels (who also took these pictures) who is holding paper-cutting workshops throughout the day of the fair. I believe there are still some places left so book your place here.

I believe it's going to be a lovely day, plus it's free to enter, so pop along if you're planning a wedding, or if you just want to dream.

Photographs of Hollywood's Golden Era Celebrities Unearthed

Images by Famous Photographer George Douglas Found in a Filing Cabinet

Audrey Hepburn putting on her make up - George Douglas

Audrey Hepburn, Roger Moore and Angela Lansbury are among the stars that feature in the lost photographs of George Douglas. The famous photographer died in 2010 but several previously unseen photographs were recently found in his Brighton home. The pictures span the 1940s - 1960s and capture celebrities during their down time.

Angela Lansbury - George Douglas

Negatives of Peter Sellers - George Douglas

Tony Hancock with a group of penguins - George Douglas

George Douglas was known as Speedy George because of his fast work rate. As well as celebrities he also turned his hand to capturing other subjects, including the first female chimney sweep.

The photographs are due to go on display in Brighton this month. Definitely one to see if you're in the area.

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Celebrate Easter with a Sale

In the Night Time

Get 25% off Bonbi Forest for Easter

Happy Easter!

This is a quick post; I just had to share these savings with you. Designer Lee May Foster-Wilson is providing 25% off of Bonbi Forest for Easter, just enter the code EGGSANDCHICKS at the checkout.

Bonbi Forest it's a jewellery, accessories and art collection by Foster-Wilson. I first heard of her when I was working for Make & Sell Jewellery Magazine and I featured her in the magazine. I loved her pieces and ended up buying a ring. She included her Pegasus postcard in the order and it is now on my wall.

Pegasus

She makes her paintings into jewellery, scarves and more. Her designs include lots of animals, nature and fairy tale themes.

Swan Scarf

Mermaid Original Painting

In the Night Time Original Painting

Swan Scarf

Howling in the Wind Slouch Sweater

I particularly love her lockets.

Two Moons Locket in Gold

Always Over the Mountain Locket in Gold

From Small Seeds Locket in Silver

Checkout her website here and her blog. I hope you pick up a bargain.

That's all folks.

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Jessica Chastain is Brave

Annie Leibovitz Photographs Jessica Chastain as Merida from Disney's Brave

Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain was photographed by Annie Leibovitz as part of the Disney Dream Portraits series, which sees celebrities portraying as famous Disney characters.

Brave is one of my favourite modern Disney films because of its ancient, earthy setting and a heroine with some balls. Plus, Chastain is one of my favourite actresses at the moment; she's hilarious in The Help, enigmatic in Lawless and tenacious in Zero Dark Thirty. She and the film Brave make a perfect combination.

Her portrait is the latest one from the Annie Leibovitz's Disney Dream Portrait series, others include Rachel Weisz as Snow White.

Julianne Moore as Ariel and Michael Phelps as a merman from The little Mermaid.

Vanessa Hudgens as Aurora and Zac Efron as The Prince from Sleeping Beauty.

Jeff Bridges as the Beast and Penelope Cruz as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, my all time favourite Disney film.

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Tattoo Trends: Marilyn & Co

Audrey Hepburn Tattooing Marilyn Monroe by James Danger Harvey

There is a trend for getting stars of yesteryear indelibly marked onto our bodies. The Golden Age of Cinema has always drawn nostalgia from those who lived through it and fascination from those who didn't.
Marilyn Monroe must be one of the most common starlet tattoos, closely followed by Audrey Hepburn.

Image via Google

Image via Pinterest

Image via Scarborough Tattoo

Image via Pin Up Girls Tattoos

These are really fantastic examples, done by some very talented artists.

Other popular stars include James Dean

Image via Pinterest

Marlon Brando

Image via Tattoosday

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth Tattoo by Remis Tattoo - Image via Deviant Art

and Bette Davis

Image via Pinterest

As well as on-screen duos like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

Fred and Ginger Tattoo by Christy Brooker - Image via Damask Tattoo

and Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh as Scarlet O'Hara and Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind.

Image via Pinterest

These people and the era are so popular because the media of the time provided the celebrities with an aura of mystery; they were larger then life. Yet they were also strangely human and people could identify with their problems.

Case in point is the infinitely talented yet troubled Judy Garland.

Image via Judy and Friends

Judy Garland Tattoo by Chris Jones - Image via ITV

The Kim Kardashians and TOWIE lot of today just don't have the same draw.

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Right Royal Deal

Royal Baby

Congratulations to Wills and Kate on the birth of their baby boy.
And congratulations to all those companies who are using the birth of the royal baby to cash in with royal baby themed products and discounts.

But hey, who can blame them.
Though I will not be buying any memorabilia, most of it being naff and/or terrifying, I may just partake of the many discounts that have popped up in honour of the royal prince.

For all you other money savers/cheapskates out there, I've found five of the best discounts.

Mollie & Fred
Ending on Sunday 28th July, gift company Mollie & Fred have a 15% discount on all their products, enter BUNDLEOFJOY at the checkout.
This bird jewellery stand would be my pick.

Antique Gold Bird Jewellery Stand - Mollie & Fred

Ollie May
Get 15% discount until midnight 24th July at clothing boutique Ollie May with code royalbabyboy.
I like this dotty dress.

Pippa Dotty Dress - Ollie May

Tilly & Moo
This Blue Boy Circus Elephant cut out print from Tilly & Moo has 10% off with discount code ROYAL2013.

 Blue Boy Circus Elephant Cut Out - Tilly & Moo

Mothercare
Of course Mothercare are doing a discount. You have to spend £100 to get it though; 15% on orders over £100, ends 6th August. Not much use of you're buying a cuddly toy, but if you're getting an awesome rocking chair set it would be worth it.

Tutti Bambini GC35 Deluxe Reclinable Glider Chair and Stool in Antique Pine - Mothercare

Finally, Gulliver's Theme Parks are discounting their children's ticket price to the weight of the baby: £8.60. Clever huh? Frankly, this place looks pretty horrendous, there is a terrifying mouse mascot, but kids will probably like it.

There, I feel I've done my part for royal baby fever.

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If I Were A Rich (Wo)Man: Art Prints

This week's wish-list is all made up of art prints, inspired by the new Penguin prints from Easy Art.

First up...

The Wind's Tale: I Used to Meet Her in the Garden by Edmund Dulac

The Wind's Tale: I Used to Meet Her in the Garden by Edmund Dulac. This print is of one of his many illustrations for Hans Christian Anderson's stories. I think it's the book art style that appeals to me. Plus, I'd like to wear a dress like that and wander around in the wind outside of a castle. This print is $76 from Artsy Craftsy, which has a great selection of products. It's dangerous to start looking around on the site.

Case in point is my next print; Hanging the Moon and Stars by Arthur Rackham.

Hanging the Moon and Stars by Arthur Rackham

This was apparently inspired by the short story Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving. I haven't read it and I may now have to. This picture manages to be sweet yet slightly disturbing, which may be why I like it! I love the idea of hanging the moon and stars up.

Most of my choices are from or inspired by books, the next one's no exception.

Kicking Leaves by Shirley Hughes

I've posted about Stories by Firelight by Shirley Hughes previously. Her stories and illustrations bring back memories from my childhood. Kicking Leaves by Shirley Hughes is a limited edition print, £95. Too much for me but I'm considering saving up for this; not only does it remind me of my childhood but it sums up the joy of crunching through Autumn leaves.

Finally, I came across this next print on Etsy.

Stepping into Woodland Light by EarthsWhisper

Stepping into Woodland Light comes from Etsy shop EarthsWhisper. At £388.51 it's much too expensive for me but I can still admire it. I love the dappling of light and the green shades.

That's it for this week.
Have a happy Friday.