The Habulous Blog
Discover the Secret Language of Birth Flowers: Unveiling their Meanings and Unique Gift Ideas
Birth flowers, their meanings and gift ideas.
January - Snowdrop
February - Primrose
March - Cherry Blossom
April - Sweet Pea
May - Lily of the Valley
June - Honeysuckle
July - Larkspur
August - Poppy
September - Aster
October - Cosmos
November - Peony
December - Narcissus
Explore the language of birth flowers and find the perfect gift for your loved ones
By selecting a gift that aligns with the recipient's birth month, you can create a truly meaningful and unforgettable gesture. Let the language of birth flowers speak for you, expressing emotions and sentiments in ways that words often cannot. Whether you opt for a bouquet of their birth flower or choose themed items that capture the essence of the flower, your gift will carry a profound message of understanding and thoughtfulness.
So, the next time you find yourself searching for the perfect gift, consider the language of birth flowers. Explore the personalities associated with each bloom and discover how they reflect the traits of those born in that month. Delve into the enchanting world of birth flowers and let their hidden messages guide you towards creating a truly memorable and heartfelt gift.
Seeing the first signs of spring come through in the early months inspired us to create these handcrafted birth flower mugs, we hope they bring you as much joy as they do us.
Let's Make a Difference
Recently I had the privilege of attending an event in Cornwall called Goodfest, an event that really resonated with me and my brand Habulous. It was all about good for the planet, our communities and ourselves and a space for creative conversations. Mark Shayler, one of the attendees, has just launched a book called ‘You can't make money from a dead planet’, which, to me, sums up the event perfectly.
I knew Goodfest would have people championing good environmental practices and those wanting to make positive change. What I didn’t expect was the overriding sense of unity; the feeling that small businesses and people willing to challenge the status quo really can make a difference.
Habulous, my pottery, is just one of those small businesses wanting to do things the right way. There are so many other businesses out there like us, the power we have is the ability to challenge the bigger companies. They are often sadly governed by profit and pure greed, with little or no regard for the wonderful planet we live on.
Now, pottery does have a big carbon footprint and that is something that we can’t totally change at this moment in time, however we are doing everything we can. We currently use kilns known to be eco-efficient, although I really hope someone out there right now is trying to build an even more eco-efficient kiln. We’ve played around with our glazes so that we can fire at a marginally lower temperature - every degree makes a difference. Where possible, we fire once rather than twice as this helps reduce energy usage. Also, in the colder months, we fire our kilns overnight to heat our studio the next day instead of using central heating. We use green energy.
What else does a small business like us do?
- We can make sure we do things well, and we make products that last the test of time. A lot of our pieces have multi-purpose uses too, check out our Repurposing blog here.
- We can minimise our waste, recycle wherever possible and not over produce work that will end up in landfill (general waste is responsible for nearly 10% of the world’s carbon footprint).
- We ensure pieces that don’t fully pass our standards are sold as seconds or broken down for local mixed media/mosaic artists to collect from our studio.
- We price our goods fairly so that wages are covered but our handmade products are still affordable.
- We buy from local suppliers and try to keep the majority of our materials sourced/made in the UK.
- We bank with an ethical bank - we have recently switched to Starling which offers greener practices compared to other banks.
- Spread the word! Sharing our experiences online and in person with others is just as effective as carrying out the practices ourselves because we could be encouraging others to make a difference too.
Every one of us can make a difference. We’d love to hear what you’re doing!
Hand Produced not Mass Produced
Ever wondered what it means when something is ‘handmade’? Well we’re going to answer some frequently asked questions for you, and hopefully encourage you to shop handmade from now on!
What does ‘handmade’ mean?
The Oxford definition for something handmade is ‘made by hand, not by machine, and typically therefore of superior quality’ - and that is exactly what we always aim with our ceramics - the highest quality to ensure it lasts the test of time.
And why is it important that we buy things that are handmade?
- You’ll be supporting the growth of a small/independent business. Not only does this mean we can keep traditional making methods alive, we can also pass on our knowledge to others.
- It’s more eco-friendly. When things are mass-produced they are almost always made by machines which require electricity, whereas our hands only need our skill and creativity!
- Because we make each piece by hand, we try to make our pieces to the highest quality using the best materials, whereas mass produced items tend to use lower quality materials and are more likely to have faults because they aren’t checked over as thoroughly because this is cheaper for the companies.
How can you tell when something is handmade?
- You’ll notice that no two pieces are the same, making each and every handmade item completely unique.
- You might notice makers’ marks - these are areas where you can see how the artist made the piece and with what tool (for example brushstrokes, grooves, fingerprints etc.) Check out our makers’ marks blog post here.
- There might be a maker’s stamp (their logo or initials) on the piece
- There may be imperfections - but to us these create character! There’s something much more visually appealing and natural when not every piece is identical.
- You will more than likely love it more than a mass produced item. Things as simple as the feel of the piece, how it has been designed for its function, the shape etc…these have each been tested and thought through meticulously by the maker.
Check out some of our handmade items that sell best:
Is Wild Swimming Good For You? Five Benefits Of Cold Water Swimming
Do you crave adventure, happiness, and a unique way to connect with nature? Look no further than the exhilarating world of wild swimming!
Open water swimming has taken the world by storm, and it's no wonder why. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of wild swimming, its incredible benefits for your well-being and the local gems you can find on Dartmoor and the Devon and Cornwall coast. Plus, we'll introduce you to our range of ceramics inspired by wild swimming and our amazing shoreline.
Five Benefits Of Wild Swimming
Wild swimming isn't just a simple dip in the water; it's an experience that touches your soul and leaves you with an indescribable sense of bliss. Here's why:
- Total Freedom: When you strip down to your swimsuit and dive into a hidden river pool or secret cove, you're letting go of the stresses of daily life. The freedom of wild swimming is unmatched, and you'll feel like a carefree kid again.
- Connection with Nature: Wild swimming connects you intimately with Mother Nature. You'll swim alongside fish, breathe in the scent of your surroundings and feel the earth beneath your feet as you approach the water's edge.
- Adventure and Exploration: Every swim is an adventure, as you explore uncharted waters, discover hidden waterfalls, and marvel at the untouched beauty of your surroundings.
- Health and Well-being: The invigorating sensation of the cold water on your skin is an instant mood booster. Wild swimming releases endorphins, improves circulation, and enhances your overall well-being.
- Sense of Community: The wild swimming community is a tight-knit, welcoming group of like-minded individuals who share their passion for nature and adventure. Joining this community can lead to lifelong friendships. Why not join Ocean City Swimmers Plymouth or check out Dartmoor Wild Swimming
The Magical Spots of Dartmoor and The Devon and Cornwall Coast
Now that you're excited about wild swimming, let's dive into some of the most fabulous spots in Dartmoor and along the Devon Cornwall coast:
- Foggintor Quarry, Dartmoor: This abandoned granite quarry offers crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering cliffs. It's an iconic Dartmoor swim spot, and the reflections on the water's surface are pure magic.
- Cadover Bridge, Dartmoor: Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Cadover Bridge boasts a peaceful river with delightful swimming holes. Dip into the refreshing waters and take in the stunning scenery.
- Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall: This semi-natural tidal swimming pool in Bude provides the perfect balance between wild and safe swimming. It's ideal for families and those who are new to wild swimming experience.
- Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall: Known for its golden sands and turquoise waters, Porthcurno Beach offers a picturesque backdrop for your wild swimming adventures. Don't miss the chance to swim in the shadow of the Minack Theatre.
- Firestone Bay, Plymouth: Located right behind the Royal William Yard, you’ll find a tidal pool, exposed at low tide. It is also a popular location with paddle boarders, the currents can be strong here.
Wild Swimming Magnets and Wall Hangings: Capture the Memories
As you embark on your wild swimming adventures, don't forget to capture the magic with our inspired magnets and wall hangings. These unique pieces of art will bring the beauty of Dartmoor and the Devon and Cornwall coast into your home, serving as a daily reminder of your happy and fabulous moments in nature.
Conclusion: Dive In and Find Happiness
Wild swimming is a celebration of life, nature, and the joy of living in the moment. It's a trend that's here to stay, and for all the right reasons. So, put on your swimsuit, gather your friends, and embark on a journey of wild swimming adventures in the breathtaking landscapes of Dartmoor and the Devon Cornwall coast. Happiness is just a magnet, a mobile hanging or a swim away!
You might also love our shoreline pottery collection, inspired by our local coastlines. Uncover the collection HERE.