I have to be honest.  We’ve really not had too bad of a winter here in the North West.  The last two years, it felt like there was no let up of snow and ice and this year, well, we’ve had only one spell of snow and I was away when it happened!

Nevertheless, I’m pretty much over winter now.  The days are starting to hint at getting that bit longer, the sun is just slightly higher in the sky and it’s making me yearn desperately for Spring.

Senna posing ever so graciously in our back garden, April 2011

Now, don’t let that image fool you.  My garden at the moment looks like a desolate wasteland.  I am still wearing a coat, gloves AND hat when I leave my house.  Frankly, I’ve had enough.  I want to wear flip flops dammit.

And so, as the winter finally looks to be drawing to a close (it’s supposed to be 14 degrees C here on Thursday – 14 DEGREES!!), I am greedily consuming every bit of colour I can from interiors in a desperate bid to keep myself from sinking into a dark grey SAD-induced hole.

One artist who particularly caught my eye recently is Cate Parr, who’s shop Silver Ridge Studio swirls with feminine images in water colours that are a pure joy to behold.

Many of her pieces use fashion as inspiration and with prices starting as little as $35 (£22.66), it wouldn’t break the bank to splash some colour around while we wait for the sun to make an appearance.

This one in particular has grabbed my attention with the soft blues, greens and golds – I think it could work in so many colour schemes and so many settings.  I just love the movement.

A pink feathered headdress?  I don’t mind if I do, thank you.

This Vogue Cover is just so incredibly chic, isn’t it?

… Whilst this illustrations brings to mind the flower power of the 70’s…

You can see more of Cate’s work her shop, Silver Ridge Studio or on her website, www.CateParr.com.

Do you love Cate’s work as much as I do?  Craving a bit of spring weather where you are?  What do you do to pull yourself out of a winter funk?  Do share in the comments, I can use all the help I can get!

P.S.  I just wanted to say a very big congratulations to Ria, who was the winner of the Swoon Worthy Homewares cushion competition on Florence Finds!  Ria chose 2 of the turquoise diamond link cushion covers which are whizzing their way over to her this week.

via swoon worthy homewares

If you entered but didn’t win, then never fear!  I’m offering a very special introductory discount for my readers.

Just quote SWOONFF12 at checkout for 20% off your order at Swoon Worthy Homewares.

Now that’s a bit of sunshine for all of us :)

All images via South Ridge Studio except where noted.