You know you know something, but you don't know exactly what, when, how or why...

This sentence, to me, summarizes the vague, colourful, vivid olfactory experience of very early childhood. 

When I had my daughter in the summer of 2011, along with an overpowering maternal instinct to protect her (which is a very common sensation indeed) I found I had encountered some fleeting memories, from my own early childhood I believe, familiar images danced before me but if I looked too hard they would disappear. I think I remember dark hair and a familiar face watching over me a lot of the time. My mother sang to me when I was very small, she sang quite well and seemed to enjoy singing to me and laughing about the act of singing. Blue sky's, children playing (I could hear their high pitched voices I think) the fragrance of my Grandmother's cooking, some other distinct smells, like laundry and certainly mothballs (the country I am from is very hot in the summer, moth deterrents are commonplace because these night-creatures would otherwise devour your fabrics.)

I had an Eskimo quilt, a pattern-repeat of two young children, a boy and a girl, illustrated in warm winter clothes, sledging/snow ball fighting in a sheet of white snow. I had this particular quilt since I was born. I am not sure when my distinct memory of it developed. (Having said that I did see the quilt again in 2009, on an excursion to my home land.) Perhaps it's just a matter of my particular inclination towards aesthetics, but I do remember this arty/crafty item very well and I am sure I remember from before the age of 3. I wonder if there are other people that derive sentimental memories from their early nursery environments? I wondered if my daughter might... 

And so I began lovingly designing her nursery myself, with patterns/themes I hoped she would enjoy looking at and touching throughout her early years, and that she might remember with fondness when she was fully grown. So far she points and giggles at the items...I do hope it's because of the sheer joy she gleans from beholding the bright colours and characters, after all she's 20 months old...had she been in her teens I understand this reaction would have meant something different entirely. 
In any way I can, I aim to enhance her childhood. Flatly the nursery is inferior to the bigger picture; just the tip of the colossal iceberg. She is my angel, at times a devious monkey; sometimes a naughty little madam, and often times sickeningly cute and remarkably clever. I created a bright colour scheme and cute/cheeky characters to reflect my daughters energetic, inquisitive and amusing personality. (Please forgive the poor photo quality and amateur photoshopping above right). The final product will in theory look magnificent, I will ask my professional-camera yeilding friend to take some photos and post them when it is complete.

The image above right is a rough photo-shopping of my daughters bedroom (wallpaper + rabbit/blossom canvas' + rainbow cushion) 

Friday 5th April 2013

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127630726/art-canvas?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_query=art+canvas+baby+fairy&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=GB&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=art+canvas+baby+fairy

This limited edition 40cm by 40cm canvas is available on Etsy for £30.00


I was looking at inspiration via google for a ceiling mural, as I'd like to paint one for my daughter. I came across this nursery which I think is really rather beautiful. I love the muted pastel colors and soft textures. I think it is paramount of the sort of peaceful, restful environment achievable through use of paint and textiles.

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/baby-nursery-decorating-ideas4.htm