PROJECT HYGGE

VOLUME ONE

OLIVIA GRACE | CREATOR

www.oliviagrace.photography @liviegrace

CONTENTS

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13

19

23

Contributors

A day in the life of Lana

How to achieve the Scandi look

Hannah Finney

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29

35

Food and drink

Foraged gorse flower cocktails

32 Breakfast at Good Vibes

Beckie’s homemade cookies

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47

48

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On Serpentine Shores

Gwithian Beach, North Cornwall

Emily: Working with nature

Toro Studio

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71

Cardinham Woods

The Garden Gate Flower Company

EDITORS LETTER Welcome to the first issue of Project Hygge!

Now you’ve started reading this, you are about to find out what I have produced in my final year at Falmouth University.

With this being my last project, I made sure I produced something for me, something I was going to be proud of! I have always been interested in layout and design but never thought I would have the time or brain power to create a publication, alone! But, with pushing myself and finding a new sense of freedom, I discovered a way to express my personality and confidence through my photographic practice. It has taken me a while to find my niche whilst studying a degree but everything has changed since I started producing Project Hygge.

This project has stemmed from finding ‘The Little Book of Hygge’, I had never heard of hygge before but when beginning to look further into the back story and reading more about the rituals, I realised I already followed several aspects of this lifestyle without even knowing! If you are thinking, “what is she talking about?” then, hygge is a lifestyle which many Danes follow to appreciate the small things. I initially got the book because I needed to find methods to calm myself down as being student at University can be quite a challenge at times but I became inspired instantly and I could not put the book down. I loved the advice, how it was written, the layout of the pages and the minimalistic imagery. So, that is where Project Hygge began.

My aim with this journal is to let people know that it is acceptable to have some time out of a hectic life - even if it is just to sit and have a coffee, light a candle when eating a meal or to have a cosy evening in with friends or family. We all need to learn how to appreciate the smaller things in life and I hope when you sit and flick through Project Hygge, you will begin to think about how you can change your outlook on life. So grab yourself a hot drink, get yourself comfortable and enjoy reading Project Hygge!

Lots of love, Olivia. (Creator)

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contributors With this being the first very issue of Project Hygge, I set myself a challenge to photograph, design and produce this journal alone as a way of making it my own personal publication. But when I have reached out for some help, I have met the most amazing people along the way and I am incredibly grateful for all the help they have given me.

FLORA WOOLMAN ILLUSTRATOR

LAUREN BLACKMORE ILLUSTRATOR

@flora.scarlett @florascarlettdesigns

@lxurenbee

Flora is a sixteen-year-old student who is an aspiring illustrator with an incredible eye for details. Flora was recommended to me by her older sister, Ellie who is a student here at Falmouth University. I wanted to use Flora’s illustrations to give her a platform for her practice as I hope one day, she will be recognised for her talent.

When giving Flora the task of drawing up small hygge images, she did just that and I fell in love with her work instantly. I would recommend Flora to anyone as she is dedicated and very passionate! You will be able to see Flora’s designs throughout this journal, keep an eye out!

Lauren was recommended to me by Flora to design a header for my blog to go along side this journal to show the journey I have had since creating Project Hygge. Similar to Flora, I wanted to help Lauren as she is also a student trying to find her way into the creative industry. I sent Lauren some ideas to show what I was looking for and she sent me back three gorgeous designs that I couldn’t be happier with, it was such a challenge to decide which one to use! You can see Lauren’s designs on my blog (www.projecthygge.wordpress.com). I would recommend Lauren as she is certainly multi-talented with her calligraphy and drawing skills.

I also want to say the biggest thank you to all my wonderful models who have let me gain a small insight into their personal lives – I couldn’t have done it without you! On each photoshoot, I will leave links to my models blogs and Instagrams so you can go on over and give them some love!

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COVER IMAGE

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Crantock Beach, Newquay Olivia Grace Photography

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LANA Instagram: @lanasuhova | Blog: www.dalryroseblog.com | Twitter: @dalryroseblog

When planning photoshoots for ‘Project Hygge’, I decided to get in touch with people whose lives may have changed or have been inspired by hygge and the slow living movement. The easiest way to find people was through fashion and lifestyle blogs but also Instagram as I could reach out to a wider audience.

This is where I came across the beautiful Lana who is based over in Andover, Sussex. Lana runs an informal blog which helps you keep up to date with what is trending, navigates you through the world of social media, and inspires others to have a better lifestyle. Lana had previously written blog posts about how she feels her life fits into the hygge style so I contacted her to do a photoshoot and also to ask her a series of questions about the Danish lifestyle. It was a pleasure to meet Lana and her little dog, Harvey. I am looking forward to working with Lana again in the future.

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How well do you know hygge?

I think I know it pretty well, it’s a concept that fits into my lifestyle and I have an interest in always better my ‘hygge’ attitude to life!

When did you first hear about hygge?

I first heard the word when the Hygge book came out and exploded all over Instagram. But I think I actually knew about the concept because I lived in Denmark as a child – and everything was super hygge.

Where did you hear about it?

Instagram! Where do people hear about anything these days if it’s not Instagram?!

Has it inspired you to change any part of your life?

Yes. I used to get really miserable in the winter evenings because they were dark and cold. But getting my hygge on means I relax in a comfortable atmosphere, it’s cosy and I don’t mind sitting at home.

If so, how and why?

I get SAD during the colder, darker months and it gets me down – but adding cosy elements to my house makes me happier. It’s also a concept that does require me to spend a lot of money – for example I no longer care about wearing my old but warm and comfortable, ugly wool socks – because it’s hygge! And kind of trendy…?

In what ways do you practice it?

It’s all about moderation and happiness – making my house cosy, eating simple but wholesome food, taking time to unwind, and most of all enjoy every second of life. I try not to grab a chocolate bar on the go and munch it down in a second – instead I wait for a moment when I can really indulge in the chocolate bar: on the sofa, with a glass of chilled wine and no distractions.

Do you subconsciously think about it or do you just go about it in your everyday life?

I think because I grew up in a pretty hygge environment it’s always been something I practiced without putting a word to it, so it’s not something I think about that often. But I do use it as an excuse when I have to buy a new rug or throw!

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Would you recommend the lifestyle/technique to others?

Definitely. It’s a less stressful way of life.

Why do you think it’s becoming so popular?

Because we work so hard and we stress ourselves out, and we need something to help us wind down.

Everything is so fast, we have forgotten how to take a break and enjoy what is right in front of us – hygge gives people back that cosy feeling of ‘everything is going to be alright’.

Do you think it’s now just seen as a trend, here in the UK? Perhaps it’s a fad right now, but I think once people experience living the hygge way of life it will stick with them forever.

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5 STYLING TIPS TO ACHIEVE THE SCANDINAVIAN LOOK AT HOME When using Pinterest, I save hundreds of pins in my interior folder and over half of them are inspired by the Scandinavian look. I am instantly attracted to this style as its incredibly calming to view such a light and open space. The stripped back style embraces clean lines but rarely looks clinical thanks to the pale woods, natural materials and muted tones. “Scandinavian design is cleaner and relies on lighter tones to combat darkness when the sun goes down so early.� Many in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway use this style to brighten their home as a way to feel content within their environment when the long winter nights draw in.

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There are many simple and inexpensive ways to bring this trend into your living space – whether you’re re-furbishing an entire room or just adding a few new finishing touches, here a few tips to help you out.

1. Make sure of all the natural light Let in as much day light in as possible - many houses in Sweden don’t even have curtains or blinds up at their windows! Natural light gives a sense of space and makes a room look bigger so definitely have white walls, to make most of the limited daylight.

2. Candles are your new best friend Don’t wait until the sun has gone down, light a candle during the day as a way of creating a peaceful atmosphere. Quietly listen to the sound of the flickering flame, whilst watching the orange glow dance around the room. Simple acts like this, will make your day even better!

3. Have a colour palette running through your space The Scandinavian aesthetic is there to help maximise light so painting an entire room white is very common.

White is modern, fresh and clean and easily contributes to the calm and peaceful nature synonymous with this style. But, to make it not look too clinical, add some black to create a monochrome look. But if you wanted to add some colour, you could use some calming pastels to add some charm.

4. Have a spring clean As many say, less is more – and this is absolutely true when it comes to creating hygge. If you have a smaller room, make sure you make the most of your space.

Just as an example, buy a small nest of tables instead of having a huge amount of space being taken up by a coffee table. Finding ways around your house to save space, will definitely help in the long run.

5. Your past is a part of your future If you’re like me, you will have collected books, photographs, magazines and prints over the years. Use them to your advantage to make your space your own! Put a stack of your favourite magazines, on a wooden table and your best photographs and most inspiring prints in photo frames to hang in pride of place.

HANNAH FINNEY INSTAGRAM: @hannahfinney__

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I have always had a love for dogs, ever since I remember but, I never thought I would meet anyone who felt the same as me – but then I met Hannah. I contacted Hannah through Instagram as I was instantly attracted to her minimalistic theme and the style of images she posted. But when initially planning my shoot, I never thought dogs would be involved.

I met Hannah at her flat in Falmouth, we sat and talked for a while and the conversation soon got onto the topic of how we both deal with stress and I said my dogs help me a lot when I am at home. We both agreed how amazing it is that an animal can keep a person so relaxed. Hannah explained how she has been brought up with dogs, which is the same for me, but as she lives in a flat, she can’t have her own dog yet! Instead, she looks after a friends 2-year-old Springer Spaniel called Max. Hannah asked if I would mind if he brought Max over and I was instantly in my element. Max soon came running into the living room where I was photographing Hannah and he was so excited to see us both. I have only just realised, since being at university, that I am a lot happier when there is a dog around and I can’t imagine life without them. Hannah agreed and said: “Dogs have incredible effects on all sorts of health issues, in particular mental health. I think they are great, loving companions and this has a huge effect on someone that struggles with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Dogs are so intelligent and can tell what mood you’re in and exactly what you need. I think they are also great as they make you get up and out of the house. Having a dog to walk with gives you a reason to get out, and confidence as you don’t have to go alone and in return you get fresh air and exercise which is always a good thing! Our family have dogs and I steal them whenever I can. I think once I can finally have one of my own, I would never be able to live without one again!”

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FOOD AND DRINK As a fan of all things food related, I am always looking for new places to visit and things to try. I wanted to share two homemade recipes that I have been given when meeting some lovely ladies. I was also lucky enough to have the chance to photograph Good Vibes which is a small cafĂŠ in the heart of Falmouth that sells the most delicious food. I have adored Good Vibes since moving down here 3 years ago and I am so grateful for being able to take some shots in there! I hope you love them as much as I do.

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FORAGED GORSE FLOWER COCKTAILS

WORDS BY HAYLEY BISOFSKY AT STOVESINCOVES.COM

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The expression ‘when the gorse is out of bloom, kissing is out of fashion’ insinuates that there is always a gorse bush in flower somewhere. Although their main flowering season is from January to June, you can usually find a gorse flower, or two, all year round.

It is early February and the headlands don’t have much colour to them but peppered along the cliff edge are patches of bright yellow blooms, a somewhat surprising sight after the miserable weather we have had lately.

Possibly more surprising than their vibrant appearance is the almost tropical vanilla and coconut aroma that wafts from the bushes and floods the whole coastal path. Today the air is crisp but the skies are blue and the tropical aroma gives the senses a taste of spring.

In times gone by, the presence of gorse was a helpful tool for farmers to assess the usefulness of a particular land plot before they purchased it. The old welsh proverb “Aur dan y rhedyn, arian dan yr within, newyn dan y drug” translates to “Gold under bracken, silver under gorse, starvation under heather” and relates to the soil qualities found under these types of foliage. These days’ gorse is considered a nuisance that is hard to control.

As a child being brought up on the North Wales coast, we would often see whole headlands ablaze in the summer holidays. Their oil rich wood easily catches fire in the dry summer months causing carnage for the emergency services and home owners of hill side cottages.

Despite gorse being considered a nuisance, I’ve always been captivated by its aroma and was wondering how I could capture it in some kind of culinary concoction. A little bit of research found that I’m not the first person to think of this and there are many recipes online for gorse flower wines, syrups, cordials and even ice cream.

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Ingredients -150g of Fruit Sugar (double this if using caster sugar) -Zest of two oranges -Juice of 1 lemon -1.5 litre of water.

-1 litre of gorse flowers Instructions 1. Boil the water and add the sugar. Boil until all the sugar is properly dissolved 2. Add the zest of the oranges and juice of the lemon. Stir the mix and then add the flowers.

3. Leave the mix in the pan at room temperature overnight to brew and cool.

4. The following morning, drain the mix using a muslin cloth or something similar.

5. Store in a bottle in the fridge and consume within 3 weeks Serving suggestions Non alcoholic: Add to sparkling mineral water and serve over ice Alcoholic: Add to prosecco instead of a fruit flavoured liquor or add to a gin and tonic.

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BREAKFAST AT GOOD VIBES CAFE

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When I moved to Falmouth in 2014, the first café that I heard about was Good Vibes and I knew then I had to pay a visit for breakfast and a coffee. Good Vibes is known for their great flavours, use of local ingredients and homely atmosphere – you will never leave with a half empty stomach. I was lucky enough to meet the owner, Dan Rossiter, for a chat about all things food!

How and when did Good Vibes come about?

I brought Good Vibes last June. I fell in love with the atmosphere and buzz about the place when I came down in January.

What would you say you specialize in?

We say our ethos is positive refreshment and real food. To us it's trying to stay true to the ingredients and suppliers we use. We want all our dishes to stand out using flavour, texture and colour.

Who do you say you cater for?

I think we appeal to everyone! I feel as an independent cafe in a small town like Falmouth, you need to be the hub of a community and bring everyone together.

What do you think sets you apart from other independent cafes?

What we offer. I think our food offering is tasty and great value. I think we have that comfort food feeling where people always leave full and satisfied.

Have you heard of hygge or slow living? If so, do you feel you incorporate it within your business/menu?

I’ve heard of it but I don’t think I consciously incorporate it but some of our dishes especially the bowl food gives that vibe.

I want to say a big thank you to Dan and all the staff at Good Vibes for being so amazing and patient with me. If you are in Falmouth, pop into Good Vibes for a coffee and a bite to eat - you will instantly understand why everyone here in Cornwall loves it!

28 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, TR11 3PN 01326 211870 goodvibescafe@hotmail.com 33

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BECKIE’S DARK CHOCOLATE AND COCONUT COOKIES

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ON SERPENTINE SHORES

Instagram: @serpentineshore Blog: www.onserpentineshores.com Twitter: @serpentineshore 40

Fedora: Zara | Shirt Mango | Denim Pinafore: Free People Watch: Olivia Burton | Acorn Necklace: Fat Face

model: Alex Holyer location: Helford, Cornish Coast photographer: Olivia Grace

GWITHIAN BEACH, NORTH CORNWALL I have always loved being outdoors and I am not sure I will ever really be a city person so moving down to Falmouth to do my degree was always going to be the right option for me. Ever since I was a little girl, my family and I have always visited Cornwall on holidays and I had heard good things about Gwithian so I decided to adventure down to the North Coast to explore the surrounding areas.

Gwithian Beach is located near Hayle on the Cornish Coast, close to Godrevy lighthouse and St.Ives town. It is a perfect location for windy walks, swell searching surfers and dedicated dog owners. The beach is backed by sand dunes with masses of wild grass whilst at low tide, there is a vast amount of beach and large rock pools to discover. Whilst watching the surfers out at sea, you could also try and spot a common seal as they are a regular sight near the bay. The area is also a breeding ground for colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and cormorants so keep your eye out for them!

I would highly recommend taking a visit to Gwithian Beach if anyone is looking for a large stretch of beach to have a stroll on whilst eating a warm pasty and walking a fluffy dog. I truly believe and hope I can continue spending considerable amounts of time discovering more about this beautiful county.

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EMILY: WORKING WITH NATURE

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I was lucky enough to meet up with Emily, a second year fine art student to document her technique and work. Last week we took a trip down to Castle Beach so I could photograph her doing some field work for a few of her new final pieces.

We spoke about Emily’s process whilst we shot, and how it is of equal importance to the finished works.

I took photographs as Emily soaked the linen in the seawater, took impressions of the rocks with my charcoal and rubbed the fabric against seaweed to pick up some of the natural green colour on the fabric. Emily then got some plastic bags out of her bag, to take away some seaweed to make a natural dye with. She was then going to head back to the studio, to put her linen in the homemade dye, to capture the colours on the material.

After watching her work and understand the techniques and time that goes into every piece, I asked if she could write me a short paragraph to explain her though processes when she creates this work.

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“I intend to chart landscape beyond the bounds of traditional cartographic vocabulary and conventional topography. My unorthodox maps are models of concision; maintaining spatial orientation through a multi-faceted perspective. They take landscape as subject but not content; they are not topographical or isomorphic. I embrace a perceptual approach to landscape, particularly in exploring the threshold between binaries and dichotomies, the weight of one thing to another.

A horizon line is a force of orientation. It can help us find our position in landscape and, in a meditative sense, within ourselves. I use cartography to reduce these complex observations down to a structure within which I can bring attention to the significance of the horizon line. The use of ‘line’ that manifests throughout my work alludes to an ever-present horizon. Paradoxically, traditional cartography excludes any reference to a horizon. I aim to account for this in my mappings.

A regular motif in my work is the diptych format which stems from an obsession with unearthing and mapping the intangible space in which the horizon resides. Everything is in some sort of dualistic relationship, thus I wish to communicate a dialectical view of the world. In my site specific installations, stones balance with panels of frottage acting as the sky and sea, finding a capacity in which to settle. These rounded stones function as horizon slopes, perhaps reflecting the curvature of the earth.

I work in alliance with nature to fully embrace my subject, generating conceptual suggestions beyond the surface of the works which are indeterminate of their geographic location but nonetheless an insistent sort of fact. The frottage is a direct impression, abstracting landscape in its imagery, recording time in place.”

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TORO STUDIO

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Left Jumper: H&M | Jeans: Pull and Bear right Boots: H&M

Left Jumper: H&M | Jeans: Pull and Bear | Belt & Rings: Stalls in Asia

model: Lydia Cooke location: Toro Studio, Falmouth photographer: Olivia Grace

Cardinham Woods Siân and I decided to travel up to Cardinham Woods in Bodmin to grab a coffee and hot chocolate in the gorgeous Woods Café. Woods Café is a family run cosy, child- and dog-friendly cafe with an outdoor seating area, serving freshly made food every day! They are passionate about serving delicious, homemade food using fresh and local ingredients. The menu is small but perfectly formed with something for everyone and every order is freshly prepared. The cakes and scones are baked every morning and are perfect with a pot of Cornish Tregothnan tea or locally roasted Origin coffee.

After visiting the café, Siân decided to show me around some of her favourite spots in the woods. We wandered around, taking photographs and chatting about the surroundings. Siân took her small polaroid camera and captured some snaps along the walk. Siân and I talked about many things during our time together but one aspect that we kept coming back to was her passion for writing. With this in mind, I asked if she wanted to write a small piece about our day out in Cardinham Woods and a couple of days later, I received the most beautiful short poem. Siân is incredibly talented and I absolutely loved spending the day with her! Carry on reading to have a look at our adventure.

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THE GARDEN GATE FLOWER COMPANY “Becca and Maz are the creative duo behind the garden gate flower company. Their passion for design and creating beautiful events is coupled with the unique approach to seasonality. Their flowers are organically grown on Becca’s family farm near Fowey, in Cornwall. They use carefully chosen, beautiful flowers to design the perfect arrangements which reflect the seasons and your style. Because they grow their own, the flowers and foliage they use are always ‘just picked’. They can grow unusual and delicate flowers you just can’t find ‘on-the-high-street’. They are always interested in hearing your ideas and weaving these together with the flowers to create individual, natural, wild and wonderful arrangements for weddings across Cornwall and beyond.” (www.thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk) I travelled up to Fowey to see where Becca and Maz produce their work. They took me onto the farm, where they grow all their plants and flowers. We started in the garden to pick some newly grown tulips and daffodils, that they could arrange. Later, we headed into their barn style office, where they got all their equipment together to make up their arrangements. It was intriguing to see how they worked and I definitely learnt a lot about the world of flower arranging and how creative it can be.

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How and when did ‘The Garden Gate Flower Company’ come about?

Maz and I set up the Garden Gate six years ago. Maz was just finishing a PHD and I was self-employed, making curtains. Maz had read an article about The Cut Flower Garden and thought the whole slow flower movement sounded really lovely. We decided to grow our first crop of annuals in the old pony paddock and really as they say the rest was history!

Would you say you have your own styles/aesthetics?

We love our arrangements to look and feel just like they are growing in a vase, grouping flowers like nature does so well and really focusing on tonal colours and differing textures. Our main focus is always seasonal it allows our designs to change through the year rather than be stuck ordering the same ingredients week-in-week-out for our clients.

What do you think sets you apart from other florist’s/ flower arrangers?

I think standing apart from people in a crowded market place can be tricky at times. Maz and I enjoy taking our inspiration from other sources rather than floral designers so that we can approach floristry with a fresh approach. We both have a passion for colour and colour blending and we use interior design & textiles to often inspire us. Our designs are also created with only British flowers and from around April to November these tend to be our very own home grown. We love to be able to offer our clients flowers that simply can’t be brought!

Why would you say you’re drawn to flowers?

We both have a passion for art and I think this medium is our found joy. Flowers are such an indulgence. We love weaving their beauty into our arrangements and savoring them in the best possible display. However, their passing is so quick but before you know it something new catches your eye in the garden and the process can begin once again.

Do you believe flowers bring a sense of calm to a home or work environment?

I think it’s hard not to take a quiet moment and stop and admire a beautiful bunch of British grown tulips, bending, weaving to the light and altogether drunk on water. It’s simple arrangements like this that stop me at home and make me sit and take note of their beauty.