Tis the Season ...

... to make an advent calendar! We had a huge amount of fun creating our own advent calendar last year so have decided to make it into a tradition. I picked up the fab polaroid zip printer for an event last autumn and have found it quite addictive (there'll be a review in an upcoming post)! I had planned to send out some festive prints with our Christmas post when the idea came that I could use it to create a calendar.

ADVENT CALENDAR 2015 - IMAGES EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

top: pegged up prints, middle: a string of all last years photographs, below: the polaroid zip printer in action

We happily snapped away and chose an image for an event each day. I then pegged them up with some twine. It's a lovely way to capture this time of year, those special moments with family and friends who also enjoy spotting themselves in the calendar. A great excuse to take some selfies too!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas, enjoy the mince pies! x

A Return to the Pink

This week as Pantone have announced their new colour for 2017 'Greenery', I thought I'd take a look back at one of this years Pantone choices, the pink 'Rose Quartz'. In a big change from previous years, Pantone selected not one but two colours for 2016, both are pastel hues. The 'Serenity' blue has been popular but 'Rose Quartz' is the one that has really captivated the imagination of designers everywhere.

PINK STATIONERY TOP PICKS - EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

top left: birthday cube card from katie leamon,  middle right: pink and grey marble birthday card from trouva by the jot paper co, top right: french birthday card by rifle paper co, middle left: hip hip hooray cara camo pink card from oliver bonas, bottom left: trio of A6 notebooks from oliver bonas, bottom right: pink ombre wrapping paper from rifle paper co, 

The colour pink has been in the doldrums for some time. It was perhaps overused some years ago in a hot pink fashion. From Towie to Barbie, kitsch phone covers to glittery nail varnish, girly razors to laptops, we could buy anything and everything in full on pink. It has now returned in a more sedate manner, a soft pastel hue, something which is lovely to see. With this choice of colour, Pantone have highlighted our need for a break from consumerism, a colour to escape that brash power selling that can be so overwhelming.

"As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace."

Pantone - Rose Quartz & Serenity 

PINK HOME TOP PICKS - EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

top left: pink table lamp with marble base from oliver bonas, top right: crosley cruiser pink record player from urban outfitters, middle left: pink metallic splatter cushion from oliver bonas, middle right: herbivore pink clay mask from trouva, bottom left: antoinette pink chalk paint from annie sloan, bottom right: desktop wallpaper by laura fedorowicz for design love fest, 

The return of this soft pink has also led to women reclaiming this fab colour for themselves. A lovely thought.

"The popularity of muted, dusty shades of pink can also be attributed to a climate where women feel empowered by acts that are often deemed by men to be frivolous or infantile, like selfies or ‘too much’ make-up, in this way pink can feel rebellious and delightfully self-serving." 

Isabelle O'Carroll -  The Pool - the Rise of Power Pink.  

With the arrival of our baby girl this seems a particularly apt time to enjoy this new hue. Let's hope it stays on well into 2017. 

New Arrival

Well it's been radio silence on here of late as I have been quite busy!! Our little baby girl has arrived. Much joy and cuddles to be had and exciting times ahead! Thank you for all the lovely messages and beautiful cards.

BABY GIRL'S ARRIVAL - IMAGES EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

above: our lovely collection of baby girl cards strung above the fireplace

Normal service to resume soon with some lovely creative baby thoughts, projects and posts!