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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. Restoring our Farm.
Flowers @thewyldcollective
Artist Cabin @the.booknookdartmoor
Shop👇

She can, but she stubbed her toe on the coffee tab

She can, but she stubbed her toe on the coffee table and decided she couldn’t 😂 Happy Friday!

#shecan
#wildness #wildwomen #wild #bookclub #she #flowerstagram #nature #villagelife #smallbutmighty #countrylife🌾 #whatsinyourbasket #gardener #shedcrazy #folklore #together #truecrime #gold #adventures #nest #thrive #naturegeography #birds #petal #feathers #mumlife #natureprints #schoolrun

Final share of how I decorated the cabin for Chris

Final share of how I decorated the cabin for Christmas using book pages from a book I found on the side of the road in a ‘free to pick up’. Paper folded over itself to create the natural tinsel and rectangular pieces glued over garden twine to make bunting.

#tinyhomenation #forthecraft #cabinlife #heritagehome
#create #curate #mixitup #lefleur #jardin #visualart #assemble #flatlay #assemblage #crackle #undessin #craft #imadethis #processing #photography #artdaily #shelfie #artinsitu #papercraft #independent #fire #foodie #devonlife

The January Edit. I know January can feel a little

The January Edit. I know January can feel a little grey and crisp around the edges, but here’s my edit of things to spread a little joy and colour. January sees positive mantras, work inspired by the Moor and the Coast, cold dips in the sea, the longing for cherry blossoms and gardens which hold treasured secrets.

#januaryedit #shopsmall #pastelaesthetic #colourpop #shelfie #bohohome #moorland #coast #walksonthebeach #wildswimming #bythesea #onthefarm #artist #printmaker #findingjoy #thesecretgarden #shopindependent #curated #create #maker #makersgunnamake #studiolife #fromthestudio #positivethoughts #gardens #gardendesign

I forgot to share this over Christmas…but the id

I forgot to share this over Christmas…but the idea came from finding old battery operated lights that we’d had outside for about five years. They didn’t work anymore, had partially rusted but reminded me of something….

I took my ‘Tarquin’ deer which is from an original drawing/print and had the idea that if reindeer were as sassy as I think they are, they wouldn’t want to pull a sleigh 😂

I didn’t have time to create miniature sandbags because I had 17 people for Christmas 😂 but you get the gist.

Other makes are the paper chains made from leftover wallpaper, lampshades, embroidery hoops glued together with dried flowers and foliage, cotton wool clouds & plenty of ribbon from material scraps. Everyone got a stocking & as you can see in this room the colour choice was red & pink. The clouds I’m reusing for an Easter project.

The other decs like the everlasting mistletoe and nutcrackers were made & painted in the studio.

I really don’t want to take any of it down 😭

#repurposing #baubles #nature #ecodesign #christmassing #shelfie #curate #inthemaking #process #styleitout #heirloom #vintagedesign #farmhouse #fromthefarmhouse #fromthecottage #studiolife #flowerfarm #papier #recycled #upcycle #tulips #springbulbs #silk #create #maker #makersgunnamake #green

Well this was utterly magical this morning…🚪🦁❄️

#narnia #narniawardrobe #fairytales #upcycling #magic #believe #heritagehome #tinyhome #designer #inthemaking #maker #gold #oak #entranceway #cslewis #myhome #buildingproject #diy #restore #recycle #woodcabin #cabinlife #loveofbooks #literature

I officially returned to work this morning and it

I officially returned to work this morning and it feels like I’ve been away for months! My brain has been clouded by christmas pudding, cheese, roast potatoes and all the trimmings!. So many trimmings, everything feels a little frayed around the edges and 100% stretched a little tighter! We had the loveliest Christmas with the Smith clan, but I’m eager to begin again. No resolutions, just a quiet “putting one foot in front of the other”.

However, that “one foot in front of the other”, was a shock to us all this morning, waking up earlier and feeling the bite of the cold and the treasure hunt that was “where is the missing school jumper?”. I went into hunkering mode early, we lit a fire in the cottage to keep it going all day, ready to return fireside tonight. End goal, a bit of Digging for Britain and The Traitors...perfection.

My winter boots are dusted off and the knitwear game is strong. We begin again with the best of intentions and I for one am thankful to be back to work, with a headful of ideas and fluffy glue-gun clouds overhead.

Here we go...

#intentions #backtowork #backtoschool #return #christmaspudding #cheese #foodie #cottagecore #winterboots #thankful #fire #clouds #bitter #midwinter #shelfie #dartmoor #farmlife #studio #beginagain #treasurehunt #herewego #mantlescaping #bohohome #studiolife

Well here we are then, a Sunday morning where I’

Well here we are then, a Sunday morning where I’ve awoken and for the first ten minutes thought “what day is it?!”. I don’t know about you, but we’re all out of our usual routine, going to bed late, waking up late, opening the fridge to find the never ending supply of Christmas cheese & then wondering why our dreams involve a car chase with a life sized parsnip & a talking goat called Gary.

I also had the best of intentions on the 1st of January, but realise this is impossible until the routine comes back. I’ll officially be back to work on Wednesday, but print orders have been posted as I’m dashing in & out of the studio like I’m being chased by Pete & Gary 🐐(I didn’t tell you the parsnip was called Pete did I 🧀)

In other news, my Dreaming of the Moor print (pictured) has made its way out to you after the lovely people @countrylivinguk featured it in their Feb edition. Thank you! It still blows my cheese mind that I’m found in my middle of nowhere. Your support genuinely means the world to me. Thank you. Normal service will be resumed shortly. Much love from the middle of nowhere to your somewhere. Sarah, Pete & Gary x

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

A light dusting and I’m there 😂🛷🐶❄️

A light dusting and I’m there 😂🛷🐶❄️This morning was magical…it’s the last few days of the Christmas holiday & it felt only right to head to Narnia once more…

#frost #winter #snow #icingsugar #sleighingit #sledge #sleigh #sledgjng #dartmoor #devon #simplejoys #narnia #dogs #land #white #blankets #hygge #home #inthedeepmidwinter #midwinter #nightsdrawingin #kidatheart #whenigrowup #yousnoozeyoulose #adventure #yay #thenorthpole #santascoming #elves

Hello petal…this was a gorgeous commission from

Hello petal…this was a gorgeous commission from October ‘24, not only to grow the flowers, but to style them for a wild boho bride & then press them to make an original piece of art. More of this in 2025 x x x

@thewyldcollective
#flowerpress
#vintageblooms #bohobride #wild #vintagebride #bridalbouquet #bridalstyle #workshops #ecodesign #curated #thisgirlcan #flex #amaranth #fromthefarm #sustainabledesign #land #fromtheland #soilhealth #weaving #hoops #shelfie #pressed #sunflowers #maker #artist

No resolutions, just one foot in front of the othe

No resolutions, just one foot in front of the other…

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

That’ll do pig. I have no idea what day it is, h

That’ll do pig. I have no idea what day it is, how we keep fishing sprouts out of the fridge and absolutely no clue on the rules of how to play Star Wars Mandalorian Monopoly, but we’re here twixmassing like pros. It’s mostly a never ending circle of hazelnut purple quality streets, Christmas cheese & saying “does anyone want anything from the fridge?!” Theres a daily self regulating walk, a constant stream of washing & an undertone of mild rage at the desperate “leaves stuff on the stairs for people to take said stuff to their rooms” (which doesn’t happen) 😂 How’s it with you?! X

#twixmas #checkin #monopoly #mandalorian #starwars #sunrise #thatlldopig #charlottesweb #hazelnut #christmascheese #foodie #sprouts #dartmoor #onthemoor #wutheringheights #booknerd #shelfie #skyporn #christmastime #landscape #familyfirst

What day is it & can we take the decs down now?!!

What day is it & can we take the decs down now?!! 😂🧑‍🎄

#christmasdecs #overit
#weavingart #christmastree #ecodesign #thejourneybegins #process #inmotion #sculpture #naturalsculpture #rhschelsea #gardendesign #fortnumschristmas #outdoors #making #makersmovement #craft #joyful #artisan #folktale #homestead #homesteadlifestyle #flowstateofmind #solstice #fortnums #willowsmith #strongwomen #rawmaterial

Yesterday I cooked for seventeen people. Which was

Yesterday I cooked for seventeen people. Which was more like 34 people because I cooked double the amount…that means we’re now having round two later today 😂🙈 Please pass the sprouts 😂

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

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christma

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air”
W.T Ellis. From our house to yours may you find a little magic & a lot of love x

#happychristmas

Flashback to the ghost of Christmas Past, when thr

Flashback to the ghost of Christmas Past, when three years ago I restored a childhood sledge found in the barn 🛷 I can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve! It’s my favourite day of the year. Magic is in the air & I don’t know about you, but the sleigh bells still ring for me. I believe x

#christmaseve #ibelieve
#restoration #sledge #gift #treasures #makemenddo #upcycle #furniture #woodentoys #bells #gold #red #snowballs #winter #pins #create #love #time #making #maker #project #snow #family #thegiftoftime #tradition #christmas #decor #christmasdecor

Happy Christmas Eve Eve Evie… #christmaseveeve

Happy Christmas Eve Eve Evie…

#christmaseveeve #home #mantledecor
#greenliving #seasonalstorytelling #diy #upcycled #thrifted #bespoke #beyondniners #myhouseandhome #gallerywall #whimsical
#fairies #fairytale #childhoodbooks #maximalist #maximalistinteriors #brightenmywalls #mygorgeousgaff #ecohome #britishdesign

Morning….hope all is well. I popped out yesterda

Morning….hope all is well. I popped out yesterday & it was full scale crazy…I’d go as far as saying it was KERAZIE with a K AND an IE. Frantic shoppers, stressed faces and lots of rushing. I don’t like that bit of Christmas.

The only upshot was the following quote I heard from a couple coming out of the garage….lets call him Jeff & her Janet:

Jeff “Darling, I forgot the Christmas Camembert”
Janet “Jeff, I’ve not eaten your Christmas Camembert since the winter of 1972 when you gave the family an intestinal malfunction” 😂😂😂

It’s gunna be a riot at Jeff and Janet’s this year 😂
Good luck out there & consider this your reminder to get the Christmas cheese in if you’re that way inclined 🧀

#home #mantledecor #cheese
#greenliving #seasonalstorytelling #diy #upcycled #thrifted #bespoke #beyondniners #myhouseandhome #gallerywall #whimsical #christmasdecor #shelfie
#fairies #fairytale #childhoodbooks #maximalist #maximalistinteriors #brightenmywalls #mygorgeousgaff #ecohome #britishdesign #shelfiesunday

Family Mantra this Christmas. Made specifically to

Family Mantra this Christmas. Made specifically to hold up anytime there’s a whiff of impending drama 😂

#mantra #becool #santascoming #drama #pipedownjanetnobodycares

Welcome to Christmas Cottage! I was going to make

Welcome to Christmas Cottage!
I was going to make a reel of all the decorations, but realised there’s no time to do that! I’m knee deep in pre-cooking parts of christmas dinner and playing fridge jenga. I’ve also realised that I’ve become the person that shouts out “Don’t eat that NOW it’s for CHRISTMAS!”

So quick explanation - most things have been made like the paper chains, stockings, door hoops and the willow tree. I did buy a few thrifted baubles to add to the collection and got a bit carried away with a disco ball....

1. Cottage lower stairwell
2. Cottage Doorway
3.Entrance Way - The Party Hallway!
4. Fireplace
5. Gallery Side of the Living Room
6. The Circus Bar!
7. Bedroom
8. The Willow Hoop Tree
9. Kitchen
10. The Glass Tree
11. Dining Room
12. Bookcase
13. Above the dining table

From our house to yours, Happy Christmas x

#christmascottage #ourhome #circus #stripes #fireplace #mantlepiece #tablescape #cottagecore #red #pink #driedflowers #shelfie #vintagestyle #handmadechristmas #maker #artisthome #devon #dartmoor #happiful #colourfulhome #thrifted #welcomehome #christmastree #imadethis #countryhomes #homestead

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Making our Christmas Table Decs. In my last work

Making our Christmas Table Decs.

In my last workshop of the year, I had a few embroidery hoops left over (massive thanks to @hannahjeanpalmer who kindly donated me hers!) We’re having a big family Christmas this year, the first in a long time, so I wanted to create something beautiful above the Christmas dinner table (we still have to source two additional tables to fit everyone in….I’ve just realised writing this I haven’t written down chairs on my list!)

Taking the hoops, I added hedgerow finds and some of my blooms I’d dried earlier in the year. The amaranth made me think I could make a larger natural chandelier which I added some “twinklies” to. I’ve recently wallpapered the bottom of the staircase, so the leftover wallpaper gave me enough to make some paper chains. After a little charity shop rummage, I had the absolute steal of twelve massive baubles for £10 and looped them together to hang as additional decs. I can’t justify the disco ball. It just spoke to me 😂🪩

#sustainablechristmas #embroideryhoops #craft #mycountryhome #familychristmas #ourhome #source #thrift #hedgerow #driedblooms #chandelier #wallpaper #cathkidston #stripes #discoball #styled #eucalyptus #coppice #sap #greenliving #christmasdecor #workshops #ecodesign #curated #thisgirlcan #flex #amaranth

I’m in my stripes & circus era & we have 17 of u

I’m in my stripes & circus era & we have 17 of us for Christmas so let’s go big 😂 🎪🎪
Pre loved fabric & a love of a staple gun 😂

Originally this room was where cattle would have come underneath our cottage to feed! There’s an old reel somewhere of making this room…but a brief explanation…

We found some unloved old clay pipes & soon realised they were the perfect size to house wine bottles!. The bar was made during lockdown as a way to keep our family bubble sane & feel like a trip to the pub…and so the home bar was made! Bar cost £0. All parts of it were made out of what we already had with the only cost the fabric for the bar skirt which came from a charity shop.

Now there’s plenty of storage behind the bar for school bags, coats & muddy wellies.

#reno #bar #circus #shelfie #refurb #kitchen #christmasdecor #stripesonstripes #playtoyourowntune #musicmakesmehappy #play #cottage #cottagecore #lelabonyc #secondhand #upcycle #furnish #decorate #cornersofmyhome #driedflowers #vintageposters #createyourown #handmade #maker #ourhome #familyroom #homebar #homemakeovers

Shop closes for Christmas tomorrow at midnight 🕰
So last orders welcome. All current orders are complete and on their way. Final orders posted on Monday.
Thank you for shopping small x

#handmade #mistletoe #process #bookstagram #handpainted #stories #storytimethreads #green #fairytale #process #makersgonnamake #atwork #kisses #magic #handcrafted #imadethis #crush #artistatwork #plants #bedsidetable #wintervibe #ballet #natureinspired #schittscreek #iliketomoveit #permaculture #sustainability #ecodesign #magicintheair

Busy days and Silent Nights. Thank You for keeping

Busy days and Silent Nights. Thank You for keeping me busy 🙏

#makerlife #cottage #yesthisismydesk #heritagehome #christmascottage #vintage #cozy #bythefarm #mantlescaping #fireplace #shelfie #cozyvintagelife #dogsofinstagram #sprollie #fireplace #humpday #goals #willow #eucalyptus #theholiday #seasonalflowersalliance #inthemoment #retreat #escape #mybohohome #countrycottage #heritagestyle

Well here it is!. My final week of being in the st

Well here it is!. My final week of being in the studio before my Christmas break and the final Christmas Edit of what’s been popular in the shop. Anything ordered after Friday will be posted after Christmas, so if you do want a little magic before the big day, you’ve got till Friday. Thank You.

There’s a range of things including prints, decorations, personalised items, flower faffing and copies of my book. Again, thank you for your support. I couldn’t do this without it being a team effort, so thank you for shopping small. It really does mean the world to me.

Much love, Sarah x

#shopsmall #thechristmasedit #popular #handmade #countdowntochristmas #shelfie #cottagecore #christmasdecs #edit #shopping #vintagehome #craftproject #farmlife #artandcraft #amaranth #decorating #christmasdecor #christmaslights #christmastree #snow #handmade #maker #mincepies #foodie #foodstagram #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #secretstash

It’s been a beast of a room to complete. But it’s done.

At the very beginning of the project we had to take off an old radiator and I’m not joking when I say that black radiator ‘juice’ went EVERYWHERE. It was awful, that combined with a leak in the roof and ripping out the mantlepiece, I wish we hadn’t started it 😂

But it’s done. Firstly, if you’re about to redecorate, make a mood board like you’re living in 1978 & have new fuzzy felts. It really helps you consider what you like and what could be reworked from what you already have. We had a dresser that needed reuniting with its base, a quick lick of paint and it’s now one of my favourite things in the room. Not going to lie though, my ‘mood’ board has been far from chipper 😂

The project started with adding some fake lintels by staining existing wood. The thought process was that it would draw the eye level down as the ceiling is so high and make it feel warmer. At this point I realised that part of the ceiling recess was fairly flat and that it could be wallpapered, one of only few parts of the house we can.

Next I upcycled the dresser, re-painted the mirror with leftover paint and set to work on a gallery wall from my own artwork, thrifted or bought from etsy. I also added ruffles to the curtain using fabric scraps for added texture. We already had a lot of leftover paint, so that was used on the skirting and banister.

Major props to Smith who built the chunkiest mantlepiece. She’s an absolute beauty.

What I used:

Paints - Main walls ‘Masquerade’ in Matt Emulsion @littlegreenepaintcompany
Wallpaper - Violets and Meadow Flowers Sage @williammorrisathome
Stripey Green Cushions - @marksandspencer
Vintage New York Central Park Print - @aceroprints

(Everything else we already had or was thrifted)

So there we are. Another room done chez Smith Cottage.

#livingroom #refurb #diy #redecorate #pinstripes #stripes #pink #green #masquerade #littlegreene #artisthome #artistlife #upcycling #thrifted #mantlescaping #christmascottage #theholiday #cottagecore #teal #cosycottage #shelfie #mycolourfulhome #ecclecticdecor #heritagehome #countrylife #gallerywall #dartmoor #devonlife

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“One day you will be old enough to start reading

“One day you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.”

Sometimes you have an idea you just have to make happen. This original is now in the shop. It’s both a keepsake box and a hanging…I also happen to think it would make the very best giftbox for shiny treasures…

Saying that it’s my birthday today, hint hint 😂

#artprocess #inthemaking #paintingprocess #narnia #whitewitch #aslan #quotestoliveby #heritagehome #shelfie #upcycle #restore #proposalideas #engagementring #shesaidyes #intothewoods #pantoseason #turkishdelight #sweet #handmade #makersgunnamake #seasonalsimplicity #seasonaldecorating #booklover #bookstagram #shiny #magpiemonday #jewellerydesign

Christmas Mantle 2024. It’s been a journey 😂

Christmas Mantle 2024. It’s been a journey 😂 Mainly because we ripped out the old mantlepiece and completely redecorated the living room… Which was fun. The leak in the ceiling was a real highlight.

Anyway, it began by taking out the old mantle and the brilliant ‘Smith’ making a new chunky one. I up-cycled our old mirror using leftover paints. All the florals have been grown here, foraged or been given to me & this year it’s all about celebrating natural materials.

The additions are bows made out of material scraps, a fire guard I found and cleaned up & the J & E stockings bought from the wonderful @catherinecolebrook

As you’ll have seen, I made the tree from willow & dried blooms. I’m now having an early gin feeling festive. Love to you and yours x

#oldhouselove #sustainableliving #interiors #periodliving #songsofseasons #candlelight #creativity #countryhouse #newmonthblessings #creativedirector #curate #seasonaldecor #cosyspace #home #maker #blooms #handmade #makersmovement #mantlepiece #style #myhomevibe #consume #forager #mantlestyling #buttercup #countrycottageinteriors #christmasdecor #insideoutside

Part 2 of making my Willow Christmas Tree 🎄 I

Part 2 of making my Willow Christmas Tree 🎄

I realised quite quickly that next year I must make it in situ. It was a real pain trying to carry it from the studio to home 😂🙈 & I relied on a very tall ladder and a very tall husband.

It was secured with a piece of leftover wood and garden twine after some serious suspension faffing & trials with a bell. More faffing predicted at the weekend.

SO happy with the final result, a truly unique tree for a Smith family Christmas. Sustainable, natural & bespoke🎄

Next year I want to make a massive one for Fortnums and hide in it. Can someone have a word with the marketing department please?! That way it’ll be my Trojan horse and I can shop for all the pretty things disguised as a Christmas tree 😂 Who’s coming with me?

#weaving #willow #weavingart #christmastree #ecodesign #thejourneybegins #process #inmotion #sculpture #naturalsculpture #rhschelsea #gardendesign #fortnumschristmas #outdoors #making #makersmovement #craft #joyful #artisan #folktale #homestead #homesteadlifestyle #flowstateofmind #solstice #fortnums #willowsmith #strongwomen #rawmaterial

When you’re busy & overwhelmed with projects, bu

When you’re busy & overwhelmed with projects, but the redecorating bug’s got you goooooooood….corridor revamp ✅

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

“Magic is always pushing and drawing and making

“Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing” The Secret Garden

Here’s a behind the scenes of making The Secret Garden Wall Hanging x

#process #inthemoment #collage #mixedmedia #printmaker #crafting #create #curate #mixitup #lefleur #jardin #visualart #assemble #papiercollé #assemblage #peindre #undessin #craft #imadethis #processing #photography #artdaily #shelfie #artinsitu #papercraft #independent #cabinlife #collageart #thesecretgarden

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