The weather has suddenly turned and it seems much earlier than last year. The sun still feels very warm, but evenings are starting to feel cooler and days are slowly getting shorter. What I love about the seasonal transition into autumn is how nature changes, the colours and smells and also the beautiful seed heads and fruits appearing everywhere. Oh, and one of my favourite things are the misty mornings. All I want to do is go out on woodland adventures in my woolly jumper, collect little bits of nature and drink tea. Have a look at my Autumn Pinterest board for more inspiration.
Our holiday treasures have a lovely autumn feel (by @lewesmap)
Misty mornings on the South Downs (by @lewesmap)
Autumn colours on the South Downs (by @lewesmap)
Misty mornings on the South Downs (by @lewesmap)
Collaboration with Suzanne Gattrell Hodshon and her tag ‘My Nest and Burrow’
I’m very excited to join Suzanne aka @nestandburrowuk as guest judge for her lovely tag #mynestandburrow with this month theme ‘changing of the seasons’. The challenge is all about the end of summer, beginning of autumn, harvest time, foraging and nature captured in your home or garden. It runs over until 6th October. Just tag your images and follow both of our accounts over on Instagram.
Hydrangeas in Autumn (by @lewesmap)
The winning entry will receive a lovely prize from our store, perfect for a cosy and relaxing night in.
Sponsored prize by Lewes Map Store in collaboration with @nestandburrowuk (by @lewesmap)
Suzanne Gattrell Hodshon, founder of Nest & Burrow (by @nestandburrowuk)
Suzanne makes the most beautiful wall hangings from merino wool, which is a super soft and has a warming nature. She has a passion for natural materials and modern interior design and combines both in her unique work. Her sought after pieces are available from her online shop.
Wall hanging made from merino wool (by @nestandburrowuk)
Wall hanging made from merino wool (by @nestandburrowuk)
‘JUST A CARD’
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continuous support since we first launched. We’re a small independent business, so it makes a big difference and means a lot to us! There are some exciting new products coming to our store during the next few weeks, including Malcolm’s HAKO KANADA ‘Brighton West Pier’ print. We also send out newsletters, which include special offers, collaborations and products recommendations. When you sign up using the pop up window you will receive a 10% discount code.
Lewes Map Store gift wrapping is made from recycled paper (by @lewesmap)
Which brings me to my next subject. I’d like to introduce you to ‘Just A Card’, a fantastic campaign, founded by Sarah Hamilton, to encourage people to buy from designers, makers and independent shops and galleries. Their message is that all purchases, however small, even ‘just a card’ are so vital to the prosperity and survival of a small business. It’s a wonderful community, which I love and support.
Lewes Priory by Candlelight event (by @lewesmap)
Lewes Priory by Candlelight
This magical event was a wonderful opportunity to welcome the new season. Lewes Priory was lit up by thousands of candles joined by drummers, choirs and bats flying over my head. Here are some of my highlights.
Lewes Priory by Candlelight event (by @lewesmap)
Lewes Priory by Candlelight event (by @lewesmap)
Lewes Priory by Candlelight event (by @lewesmap)
Simple Nature Finds
The transition from Summer to Autumn has also been very noticeable on my #simplenaturefinds gallery over on Instagram. It's full of colourful treasures, like flowers, leaves, nuts, berries and mushrooms, which I really loved in these four beautiful shots.
Beautiful dahlias for #simplenaturefinds by @nicpfr
Autumn treasures for 'Simple Nature Finds' by @myrfivel
Beautiful Autumn wreath for 'Simple Nature Finds' by Olga Prinku @olgaprinku
Autumn leaves and cosy knits for 'Simple Nature Finds' by Jules Hogan @juleshoganknitwear
I hope you're feeling inspired and ready for the new season. Have a lovely weekend.
Dörte x
My favourites for a cosy night in
De-stress your mind, relax and let your whole house smell amazing with our Fortifying Green Bath Portion
Soft & cosy Alpaca Bed Socks
Another Escape Magazine | Volume Eight | to plan your next adventure
Unwind & slow down after a hectic day with this gorgeous Utility Candle | Sleep
Enjoy your favourite hot drink in our Lewes Map fine bone China mug