Helen Lang creates beautiful artwork that is reproduced on greetings cards and mugs. Animals, flowers and birds feature widely in her designs and the subject of love is a recurring theme.

There are stories here too. Helen’s subjects are not just animals, they’re characters with their own secret lives. Pictures and text are expertly woven into colourful, intricate patterns.

Find out more about Helen at www.wetpaint.org.uk. Buy from Elphick’s and McLaggan Smith Mugs.

Remember the scene in ‘My Fair Lady’ where Eliza Doolittle is singing, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’ She sings, ‘All I want is a room somewhere, far away from the cold night air, with one enormous chair, oh wouldn’t it be loverly . . . .’ Well, I’ve often thought about that chair and what it would be like. A comfortable spot to sit and read, watch TV, listen to music, talk on the phone, do nothing. I think I’ve found it.

Kelly Swallow chairs are individually sourced vintage pieces, each with its own unique charm. The personality of every piece is rediscovered by painstakingly and lovingly choosing an exciting collection of fabrics to give them a newfound splendour.

The fabrics are an eclectic mix with exciting and surprising contrasts, sourced from Kenzo, Zoffany, Liberty, Andrew Martin, Designers Guild, Osborne & Little, Lorca and Mulberry.

The chairs pretty much speak for themselves but for further information please visit www.kellyswallow.co.uk.

And here’s Eliza.

So when I saw the bunting by Charlotte Macey, I thought it would work well. It’s cream with blue dots and stripes.

There’s lots more lovely handmade homewares, art, textiles, accessories and jewellery at All Things Original.

by Jenny

I love this apron but don’t let its pretty design fool you. Made from a sturdy 10oz cotton twill (like denim jeans) it’s suitable for the toughest of kitchen or barbecue environments. I’m thinking it would make a great Mother’s Day gift.

Personally I’m not a big fan of cooking and other domestic chores. Therefore, I console myself with the thought that if you must spend time in the kitchen then you might as well surround yourself with aesthetically pleasing objects. All of the above are available to buy online from Hunkydory Home.

Teacake Apron – £15.00
Birds Designer Dishcloth – £3.75
Blue Daisy Peg Bag – £19.00

PS I do enjoy pegging out the washing and mopping the kitchen floor. I realise I may be alone in this.