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GALLERY

GALLERYSarah Smith2024-02-29T12:21:03+00:00

Welcome to ‘the little squares’, a place where I like to share new makes, my process and love of rural life. If you like what you see, might you give me a follow and share my squares with your nearest and dearest. Thank you!

thedartmoorartist

Artist / Interiors / Workshops at The Home of Joyful Makes
Flowers @thewyldcollective
Artisan Cabin @the.booknookdartmoor

As some of you saw on my stories I’m revamping o

As some of you saw on my stories I’m revamping our living room. I’ve decided to call it “banishing the clotted cream”, because the walls look like lumpy clotted cream (in a nice way you know?!)

I’ve lived in our house for sixteen years and the living room has never had any proper decorative love or attention. Mainly because we’ve been restoring other parts of the farm & other projects. It’s a traditional ‘no wall is straight’ converted farm cottage with a very high ceiling and lots of lumps and bumps. I love the lumps and bumps.

In researching a colour pallete I have gone down a hilarious paint name wormhole, which has given us many laughs over the last two days. If you ever want a laugh, give someone a colour/shade and ask them to make up a hilarious new name for it. I’ll give you some of our examples (feel free to add your own):

Deep Purple - varicose hue
Soft white - seagull stool
Lemon yellow - amoxicillin custard

I’ll make sure to take some footage of the process, but for now, here’s the clotted cream walls before I go rogue. I’m off to go and stain some wood in the barn, which reminds me ‘brown’ - self-tan sunset.

#paint #colourmehappy #paintnames #shelfie #cottagecore #periodhome

…& the sea rolled in and I can still hear it now

…& the sea rolled in and I can still hear it now. We were down on the beach under the cliffs and nothing else mattered.

A sneak peak of ‘Hartland’ from my forthcoming landscape series.

#hartland #northdevon #memories #sneakpeak #landscapepainter #britishartist #seascape #thesea #clifftop #pattern #texture #markmaking #teal #pink #nevertrulygone #horizon #devon #cornwall #seaside #acrylic #homesandgardens #shelfie

I know I should be more organised and be showing y

I know I should be more organised and be showing you my wintery Christmas things (it is coming…) but I’m not gunna lie I’m not feeling it yet! The weather has royally stitched us up this year and whilst there’s a yellow ball in the sky, I am well and truly in my landscape era. My landscape era involves way too many paintbrushes in my hair, loud sighs whilst saying “COR” to fluorescent pink paint and a longing to ‘Kate Bush kitchen dance’. It also involves being a poetry nerd and whipping out Thomas Hardy and Sylvia Plath just to feel all the feels. Anyway, whilst normal organised businesses are thrashing the baubles, I’ve finished a landscape collection. It’s a homage to the horizon and imagining what lies just beyond, who’s waving back and that perfect little spot just before the world drops off the edge. Here’s a tease of what’s coming….

Dreaming of the Moor
Acrylic on Canvas
40cm x 50cm

#landscapes #britishpainter #artist #bythesea #onthemoor #horizon #sky #upwards #contemporaryart #feelingit #vibes #beach #thomashardy #poetry #sylviaplath #brushes #gararock #tease #newwork #studiolife #makingart #happyplace #unusual #markmaking #pink #texture #printmaker #petalsandprops #fromtheland

Winter Workshops are here! All resources are inclu

Winter Workshops are here!
All resources are included, plus cake and refreshments. Located at The Home of Joyful Makes between Bovey Tracey & Ashburton. This is the perfect experience to enjoy with your nearest & dearest, a great gift idea or a gorgeous way to hand make something for your Christmas list. Places are limited & you can book via the link in my bio.

Christmas Hoop Making Sat 2nd Nov 1-4pm £50pp

Christmas Floral Frame Making Sun 17th Nov 1-4pm £50pp

Make a Dried Flower Embroidery Hoop- Sat 14th Dec 1-3:30pm £45pp

#christmasworkshops #craftworkshops #community #joyful #handmade #together #makemenddo #seasonalflowersalliance
#countryliving #floralhoops #floraldesign #spring #workshops #artstudio #march #december #studio #flowerfarmer #winter #flowersmakemehappy #devon #dartmoor #maker

L i e I n ….Just joking. The mornings are now a

L i e I n ….Just joking. The mornings are now a dark little blur of spilt coco pops, uniform in the tumble dryer and an iPhone alarm setting which goes like this 6:30 (pause) 6:39 (pause) 6:43 (pause) 6:51 (you get the idea). I don’t wish to sound like a groaning Joan or whining Winona but I just can’t find the spring in my step, particularly at 6:39. Anyone?!

Anyway hope you’re well? This week I’ll be launching winter workshops, so keep your eyes peeled. You’ll be pleased to know they won’t be morning sessions.

Much love, Joan and Winona x

#familylife #artist #ecodesign #stillsunday #mumlife #cottagecore #art #countryliving #shelfie #deck #simpleandstill #modernrustic #createwithoutlimits #simplethingsmadebeautiful
#mycountryhome #morningcoffee #design #interiors #style #cottage #light #homesweethome #homedecorlovers #britishdesign #photography #ecotherapy #oak #dartmoor #printmaker

Good to be back…. Winter workshops launching soo

Good to be back….
Winter workshops launching soon. But for now here are some joyful corners.

I refurbed the space at the beginning of the year. Painted everything, wallpapered, restored old chairs and tables, made old items reusable, stitched curtains, blinds, repurposed & up-cycled. Sometimes the little corners are forgotten, but not here x

#joyfulmakes #makespace #transformation #studio #welcome #feelathome #workhard #seasonspoetry #wanderlust #roomwithaview #renovation #refurb #artstudio #studiotour #naturecore #cottagecore #maker #periodhome #cottage #farmlife #englishcottage #reuse #recycyle #upcycle #workshop #styling #colourmehappy #walls #yesthisismydesk

H e l l o. How are we? Hope the week is feeling li

H e l l o. How are we? Hope the week is feeling like a stupendous glissade down a waterslide in the Bahamas with a golden tan and a Margarita.
Mine has felt like the polar opposite. I’ve been partially stuck to the slide with serious chafing and a cozzi that’s ridden up into the back of beyond. There’s no golden tan or Margarita either. Just a slight vacant gawk of a Victorian child with influenza and a lukewarm brew.

I’m now day seven with Covid and the ears are still muffled and sore. To say I’m over it is an understatement. So, in a bid to banish the blues, here’s some close ups of “Time on the Sand at Gara Rock”. The original will be available soon. Limited Edition Prints are in the Shop. Wishing you layered knitwear and hot tea.

#glissade #waterslide #bahamas #gararock #golden #margarita #victorian #brew #butfirstea #banishtheblues #seascape #bythesea #devon #acryliconboard #markmaking #sculpt #september #bythesea #cerulean #littlesquares #myhappyplace #shelfie #wakeup #morningtime #seasonalshift #knitwear #seasonsofpoetry #styled

Still a Covid Carol over here, though pleased to r

Still a Covid Carol over here, though pleased to report the rest of the family are now Negative Nigels. As I sofa surf and complain about my sore ears I’m posting this to remind myself of what I can do when Carol doesn’t stick her oar in.

#interiors #housereno #cabinstyle #heritagehome #palette #autumntones #interiorforinspo #boutiquebolthole #allinthedetail #designwork #bookaddict #athomewitholdandnew #spacestolove #spacestolinger #knockedbackcolours #intothewoods #forestbathing #britishdesign #thrifted #upcycling #shelfie #bookstagram #tinyhome #adventure #interiors123 #quiettime #englishome #openfire #winteriscoming

I had the pleasure of staying at @gararockhotel &

I had the pleasure of staying at @gararockhotel & as soon as I arrived, I was inspired. You couldn’t help but be amazed by the scenery. I had packed up my supplies and headed down to the beach, taking the time to be present and sketch out what moved me. Lots of feelings came out.

It was just me and a box of paints. The waves crashed and the sun shone. I made out colourful lines in the rocks and noticed how time had worn pieces away. The lines in the sand and the way the light hit the water set a tone to the soundtrack. It played on as I watched some brave the sea, letting the waves wrap around them like a blanket, though not a very warm blanket. Some played on the sand in groups, some came alone looking out towards the horizon, as if a long lost love was waving back. I stayed till the sun set and brought my sketches and box of paints home. This piece is called Time on the sand at Gara Rock. Limited edition prints available, dm re original 🙏

#gararock #beach #gara #enpleinair #acrylicart #water #waves #horizon #scenery #beachlife #yesthisismydesk #cliffface #jonimitchell #seascape #frommoortosea #linedrawing #pastels #longlostlove #cushions #blankets #weddingvibes #timeonthesand #process #sketchbook #coastalvibes #homebythesea #blueandwhite #coastalflowers #seedhead

Well the mini break feeling has long gone 😂 I c

After a few days away, I feel like I’ve got a cr

After a few days away, I feel like I’ve got a creative stew brewing on a slow roast setting. A little reset and with a sketchbook in my case, it’s been just what I needed...
Here’s a little photo dump of time @the_pig_hotels Devon x

#holidaymode #countrylife #shelfie #wagon #cabinlife #thepig #brew #slowroast #pig #artistlife #flowerfarmer #art #uniquestays #staycation #openfire #devon #dartmoor #gardener #rusticdecor #countryhouse #heritagestyle #heritagehome #streamwagon #landrover #green #spa #spatreatment #sketchbook

☀️Indoor Sunshine ☀️ #petals #flowers #le

☀️Indoor Sunshine ☀️

#petals #flowers #lefleur
#hygge #lifeonthefarm #pink #flowerstagram #maker #springstyle #bridalbouquet #community #inspired #curate #make #tend #garden #process #stripes #styling #artist #acrylic #brightenup #positivevibes #authentic #printmaker #feelit #growinto #repurpose

Before and after 🚪 #alliums #shelfie #kitchenv

Before and after 🚪

#alliums #shelfie #kitchenview #countrykitchen #newwork #artist #colourmehappy #countrychic #myhousethismonth #kitchengarden #fromthefarm #inspiredbyflowers #petalsandprops #britishflowersweek #britishflowers #acrylic #home #food #foodie #veg #kitchendesign #painting #womenwhopaint #womenwhorise #sinkfullofdreams #texture #pattern #print

It’s back to school tomorrow and I’ve left it

It’s back to school tomorrow and I’ve left it till today to stitch name labels & hem trousers that are too long. So guess what I’m doing today….Mentally sailing in a river of flowers crusin’ in high vis (otherwise known as shovelling a paddle at double speed, whilst trying to find a lost toggle with tangled crotch straps)

Here’s to paddling upstream in labelled fluorescent jackets and better fitting trousers x

#green #greenstripes #bandeverte
#art #flowers #painting #petals #pink #lamaison #fable #storytelling #jardin #literature #thursday #flowerstagram #flowers #sustainableliving #acrylic #cestbon #artist #makersgunnamake #teal #lefleur #stripes #candystripe #sailing #femaleartist #grow #artistsofinstagram #lovedartmoor

A satisfying little before and after of the @the.b

A satisfying little before and after of the @the.booknookdartmoor living area. An eighteen month marathon of building, up-cycling and repurposing, fuelled by Yorkshire tea & jammy dodgers.

#designdeinteriores #designinspiration #myspace #cabinlife #diy #heritagecabin #styling #interiors #beforeandafter #graft #logcabin #nature #cabininthewoods #tinyhouse #cabinlove #travel #cabinporn #airbnb #architecture #cabinliving #shelfie #permaculture #intothewoods #woodland #hanselandgretel #fairytales #event #party #HomeDesign

🌈Stripes and Rainbow Chard 🌈 Part of a new

🌈Stripes and Rainbow Chard 🌈

Part of a new piece from my Exhibition ‘Petals and Props’ @canonteignfalls 🌈

#exhibition #petalsandprops #stripes #cornishware #blueandwhite #summerexpo #artistlife #fromthestudio #flowerfarm #simplejoys #foodie #wine #vino #thrifted #vases #eclectic #shelfie #butfirsttea #harvest #polytunnel #gardeninggirl #newin #homestead #devon #dartmoor #acrylicpainting #painter

Oh for a lie in….it’s mums taxi this morning a

Oh for a lie in….it’s mums taxi this morning as I drop flowers to the cart, pick up the eldest from a sleepover and do Sunday adulting things. It’s been a long week….a long few weeks actually and the inbox is now full of back to school emails….you know the ones that say “and the first day back is dress as a banana day”, “the second day back is bring your pet ferret to school day” and the third is “bring a cake shaped like a boiled egg” oh and “ don’t forget it’s mufti on the 9th, 25th and tenth of never” Anyone?! Happy Sundaying x

#maximalist #colourpop #thrifted #paint #copper #gallerywall #wine #upcycled #shelfie #bohohome #homestead #cottagecore #bedroomideas #bedroomstyle #diy #makeover #ecodesign #morningcoffee #createwithoutlimits #mycountryhome #simpleandstill #stillsunday #interiorsinspiration #interiors123

I just discovered my son experimenting with an oni

I just discovered my son experimenting with an onion in the blender, his homemade orange juice by splatting an orange with a cricket bat and I dread to think where the missing courgettes have gone. Here’s to taking one step at a time…

#onestep #homemade #foodie #blender #ladle #courgettes #homegrown #summerholiday #burst #seasonalflowersalliance #bohohome #colourmehappy #shelfie #interiorstyling #interiordesign #mycreativehome #studiolife #dailydecordetail #femfeed #myprettyplace #studiotour
#colourpalette #really #changecareer #artstudio #yesthisismydesk #designdeinteriores #designinspiration
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I bought a nice vase. #indoorsunshine #mood #see

I bought a nice vase.

#indoorsunshine #mood #seedlings #weather #rain #uk #devon #land #conditions #temperature #forestgump #oldlines #coexist #eco #floristryschool #husbandry #homestead #countryhomestyling #dahlia #pompomdahlia

It needed to be different. It needed to feel homel

It needed to be different. It needed to feel homely, cosy & somewhere to curl up whilst shutting the door to the world for a little while. Each week I’m going to show you a different room…

The living room is full of up-cycled details, from the thrifted illustrations found in a charity shop to make the feature wall, to using old tiles for the fireplace after teaching myself tiling from a YouTube video 😂 Origami ‘book birds’ fly, a shelving unit was restored & decoupaged to make the small library wall & the welcome box salvaged from a typewriter I found in the barn.

The dado rail (because it’s 1971) has chapters from Rupert the Bear, the small window curtains are made from old pillowcases & all the glazing & doors were salvaged from our old conservatory. The window trim was made from making William Morris inspired bookmarks & the giant book spine in the window was made from cutting out gold letters & wallpapering them on, along with flower fairies & well loved characters which adorn the walls. My grandmother’s cotton reels sit under The Tailor of Gloucester & a farm /library ladder hooks up to the wall to access the bedroom on the mezzanine.

The flooring is secondhand from our old kitchen, the paint leftover from the studio refurb & the seed library made from a thrifted jewellery box.

This project has been my favourite of all projects, as it’s challenged me to re-use what we already had but create a place that feels whimsical & well loved.

If you know someone who’d like it here feel free to tag them. Thank You.

#heritagecabin #cabinlife #beatrixpotter #logcabin #booknerd #bookstagram #thesecretgarden #greenliving #seasonalstorytelling #diy #upcycled #thrifted #bespoke #beyondniners #myhouseandhome #gallerywall #whimsical
#fairies #fairytale #childhoodbooks #maximalist #maximalistinteriors #brightenmywalls #mygorgeousgaff #ecohome #britishdesign

☀️Cornishware Blooms ☀️ May today bring yo

☀️Cornishware Blooms ☀️
May today bring you sunshine & flowers x

#petals #flowers #lefleur
#hygge #lifeonthefarm #pink #flowerstagram #maker #springstyle #stripes #community #inspired #curate #make #tend #garden #process #stripes #styling #artist #acrylic #brightenup #positivevibes #authentic #printmaker #feelit #growinto #cornishware

Off to Narnia. Back soon 🚪🦁 #process #inthe

Off to Narnia. Back soon 🚪🦁

#process #inthemoment #collage #shelfie #printmaker #crafting #create #curate #mixitup #lefleur #jardin #visualart #assemble #papiercollé #assemblage #peindre #undessin #craft #imadethis #processing #photography #artdaily #thesecretgarden #artinsitu #cslewis #independent #magicmaker #narnia #booklover

What the wall says…. #artstudio #craft #making

What the wall says….

#artstudio #craft #making #maker #yesthisismydesk #reno #cottagecore #potager #devon #dartmoor #craftproject #community #glee #joy #joyfulmovement #opening #boho #vintagestyle #artiststudio #gardenroom #playful #makersmovement #welcometothejungle #plantsmakepeoplehappy #flowerfarm #petalsandprops #makeover

Emily Brontë never knew the extent of the fame sh

Emily Brontë never knew the extent of the fame she achieved with Wuthering Heights as she died a year after its publication, aged only 30.

It’s sad to think she never knew the true power of her words in other peoples’ lives and who she could affect. I guess that’s a lesson to us all. Kindness really does matter and our words are powerful.

Thank you for your kind words about The Book Nook, it really has been a labour of love and an incredible project to create.

I’m off to spend the day with the power house that is my brilliant daughter. Enjoy this day & here’s to powerful words & empowered women 💪

“She burned too bright for this world.”
Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights

#petals #flowers #lefleur
#hygge #bookstagram #pink #flowerstagram #maker #springstyle #bronte #community #inspired #curate #make #tend #garden #process #stripes #styling #artist #shelfie #brightenup #positivevibes #authentic #printmaker #feelit #growinto #repurpose #eclectichome

This is us trying to awkwardly pose for a photogra

This is us trying to awkwardly pose for a photograph taken by our very talented daughter. I went for a ‘did I leave the oven on?’ face.

This is our labour of love, a hand crafted artisan cabin on Dartmoor @the.booknookdartmoor which you can now stay in. We made it by building onto a secondhand trailer, which we extended & reinforced. All of the glazing & doors came from our old conservatory & everything has a story of being up-cycled, pre-loved or handmade. It took 18 months of hard work, numerous cups of tea & way too many conversations about decoupage, the colour orange & Beatrix Potter.

The Book Nook is inspired by a love of literature.

With it’s own Narnian wardrobe, it’s full of rustic charm and beauty. The ‘Beatrix’ living room features a log burner and illustrations from Beatrix Potter, where the library wall is well stocked. Leading to the ‘Brambly Willows’, the kitchen, inspired by Brambly Hedge & The Wind in the Willows, you’ll be able to whip up a feast in this small but perfectly formed cookhouse. We think you’ll love the ‘Blyton’ bathroom, inspired by Enid’s books and as for the bedroom…you’ll certainly cosy up in comfort and style. The ‘Chatterley’ bedroom has walls inspired by Penguin books and a hand crafted ‘author headboard’ Every nook has been thought through…you can even read the ceiling as Lady Chatterley’s lover adorns the eaves.

Outside there’s a large garden with a firepit overlooking great orchard, a vast hillside where the views speak for themselves. A Narnian wardrobe sits at the foot of the field ready to welcome you and a generous decking area has its very own undercover nook to curl up in.

Welcome to our little corner @the.booknookdartmoor

#joyfulmakes #makespace #transformation #studio #welcome #feelathome #workhard #seasonspoetry #wanderlust #roomwithaview #renovation #refurb #artstudio #studiotour #naturecore #cottagecore #maker #periodhome #cottage #farmlife #englishcottage #reuse #recycyle #upcycle #workshop #styling #colourmehappy #walls #booknook

Today is a workshop day with the opportunity to le

Today is a workshop day with the opportunity to learn pen & ink whilst soaking up the sunshine & big blousy blooms. It’s so lovely to be at the stage to have events here & I’m looking forward to planning more so keep your peepers peeled 🍊🍊

If you’re free next Saturday there’s a space available for my acrylic painting workshop, set within the flower farm. Link in bio. Happy Saturdaying!

#permaculture #ourfarm #greenliving #sustainableliving #garden #farming #permaculturedesign #kitchengarden #kitchengardening #home #patch #growing #bookstagram #books #water #adventure #connectwithnature #connection #forager #nature #ecofriendlyliving #eco #fieldtofork #instagood #treesofinstagram #countryliving #sunset #couplesgoals #living

Part Two - Upcycling old white kitchen tiles to cr

Part Two - Upcycling old white kitchen tiles to create a bespoke tiled kitchen in a tiny home build @the.booknookdartmoor

* I only had a set amount of tiles, so I portioned them out and painted them with acrylic.
* The acrylic was painted on ‘dry’ because I was cautious about any watering down and the effect of the water on the tile. I used white acrylic to adjust the colour & tone.
* The tiles were then brushed with a clear sealant - a good one is polar grout and tile sealer spray. Two coats are needed for protection and longevity but three/four….boom even better.
* I watched a YouTube video on how to tile 😂 and it was strangely satisfying. I laid out the tiles on the counter first so I had an idea about the pattern and then got going. Once they were on they were resealed. I’m pleased with the result and the best thing is that I already had the tiles & the paint 💪

#tinyhome #makeityourown #build #kitsch #designer #handpainted #reuse #sustainableliving #flowersmakemyday #flowerstagram #tinyhousemovement #tinyhousenation #planning #reno #teamwork #design #ecohouse #progress #ittakesavillage #artist #gold #pink #green #greenliving #upcycling #diy #homedecor #floraldesign

Workshop Alert & Limited Places! The next two Satu

Workshop Alert & Limited Places! The next two Saturdays I’ll be teaching two joyful outdoorsy workshops designed to appreciate painting big blousy blooms & the techniques of acrylic painting & pen and ink.

As the flowers bloom in the flower farm, the workshops are immersed in nature. Based at the foot of the hillside, next to the stream, come and enjoy a laid back, down to earth afternoon and get your painty flowery fix ON.

All resources are provided and all abilities and newcomers welcome. I’m based between Bovey Tracey & Ashburton & look forward to working with you.
Link in bio.

#summerworkshops #blooms #petal_perfection
#makersgonnamake #imadethis #photography #flowerfarm #shabbychic
#farmer #artist #nationaltrust #interiordesign #sky #landscapearchitecture #handmadecurator #paintingworkshop #natureart #lifestyleguide #nature_captures #earthdayeveryday
#landscapecapture #farmlifebestlife #farmlifestyle #lifeinthecountry #gardeninspiration #sunsetlover #growyourownfood #permaculture

The fog has landed here on Dartmoor & all plans po

The fog has landed here on Dartmoor & all plans point to a big weeding session in a grey garden cloud and a home cooked roast. I was intending to share the other half of the bedroom project with you today, but ran out of time as we were at the beach yesterday & all content went on a deep dive belly flop. Another time. Anyway hope you’re well?
In our little corner of the world, today is all about deadheading & eating potatoes.
Happy Sundaying to you and yours.

#familylife #artist #ecodesign #stillsunday #mumlife #cottagecore #art #countryliving #shelfie #deck #simpleandstill #modernrustic #createwithoutlimits #simplethingsmadebeautiful
#mycountryhome #morningcoffee #design #interiors #style #cottage #light #homesweethome #homedecorlovers #britishdesign #photography #ecotherapy #oak #dartmoor #printmaker

🛁 G I V E I T S O M E W E L L Y 🛁 Day of

🛁 G I V E I T S O M E W E L L Y 🛁

Day off x

#mercuryinretrograde #oneofthosedays #wellies #giveitsomewelly #inthetub
#simple #design #mycalm #happyplace #bathroominspo #bathroomrenovation #bath #bathroomstyling #shelfie #theseboots #clawfoottub #clawfoot #reclaimedbathroom #adventure #desperatelyseekingstyle #fails #perimenopause #why #feels #itsavibe #vintageabode #reno #artist #artistshome

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