The Fairy & The Farmer
by petal & pins
Two of the highlights of my year have been about collaboration.
In April Lisa Britzman, a ceramic artist and sustainable boutique farmer in the Huon Valley of Tasmania got in touch to see if I would be interested in having some of her autumn blooming saffron flowers to design my minature botanical couture with.
Mr Petal & Pins and I drove down to Campo de Flori Farm which is picturesquely located high in the hills. It was facinating to see saffron growing and Lisa showed us how it is harvested. I brought a basketful of the striking purple flowers home and designed a mini collection of dresses that has kicked off the Farmgate Project by petal & pins.
Recently we went back to the farm for olive blossoms and culinary lavender – and of course we were only too happy to come home with some freshly baked lavender shortbread biscuits too!
The other wonderful collaboration began in the Spring of 2016 when Carolyn Turgeon editor-in-chief of Faerie Magazine interviewed me by skype for the The Faeirie Handbook – ‘an enchanting compendium of Literature, Lore, Art, Recipes and Projects’.
In winter this year I got a sneek peek at the proofs for the pages featuring my Garden Fairy’s Wardrobe® and the beautiful cover featuring Euphaeidae from the Wonderland series by Kirsty Mitchell Photography but of course had to keep it a secret until its release.
The book launched in November and I was very excited when my copy from publisher Harper Collins New York office arrived!
It’s an exquisite hardback book with silver edged pages and I couldn’t be more proud to be featured within it.
There’s something for everyone who loves a bit of whimsy and magic of any age with chapters on Flora & Fauna, Fashion & Beauty, Arts & Culture and Home, Food & Entertaining.
So let me know if you see The Faerie Handbook in your local bookstore…or if you have a suggestion for a collaboration why not get in touch!
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My limited edition prints can be purchased from the petal & pins online shop and selected stockists. Wholesale inquiries welcome.
The Faerie Handbook is available from bookshops worldwide and online through Amazon, Booktopia, Dymocks and the Faerie Magazine online store.
Petal & Pins 
Sounds like a very exciting year – wishing you all the best in 2018, Sandra!
Thank you Eliza and Merry Christmas and a Happy Year to you
Thank you!
WOW Sandra you really are testament to the fact that we should all follow our passions. Look where yours have taken you. Simple delights! I will look out for this book!
Much love Valy
P.S. Sorry about no card this year. A surprise work trip to Africa in November for two weeks put my whole lead up to Christmas out. enjoy your Christmas with your mum xx >
Thanks Valy! and your year has been full of adventure too – look forward to hearing about Africa and your Italy trip xx
I actually saw your cards at her stall at the Willie Smith Market yesterday morning 🙂 I recognised the lovely things straight away. Congratulations on all the lovely things that are happening for you. Merry Christmas.
Thank you and Merry Xmas!