"Autumn Leaves" Whimsy at the Hydro Majestic

For the April design in my Bring Back the Whimsy collection, I'm taking my inspiration from the seasonal changes around me this month.

Deciduous trees are in the minority in most Australian landscapes, and the stunning colour changes of Autumn can pass us by.

Here in the Blue Mountains, however, the climate is more temperate and the seasonal shifts are more evident. Spots of ambers and reds pop up all over the place, and some particularly pretty avenues are briefly lined with autumn colours.

With this inspiration all around, I've created a whimsy that shows off the changing and falling leaves, with some bright berries as a bonus.

I asked my grandmother, Wendy, to act as model for me this month, when we went for high tea at the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath.

It was an absolute pleasure to finally visit the recently re-opened Hydro. I've spent the last 5 years driving past on the way too and from work. Firstly, looking with sadness and frustration at the neglected buildings and grounds. Later, watching with hope as renovations began, new paint was applied and gardens were replanted.

I had never been to the Hydro before, but Wendy was there many years ago, during its not-so-decadent days. She described it as "shabby" the last time she visited. This time was a very different story.

It is just a glorious set of buildings, inside and out, and the views we enjoyed in between bites of scones and clotted cream were rather glorious too.

We even saw a lyrebird ambling along the edge of the bushland!

Having Wendy model for me was very special, since conversations with her about hats from the 1960s inspired my interest in whimsies to begin with. These conversations have also inspired another project I'm working on, and I hope to share that one with you before too long!

I hope you are all getting to enjoy the changing seasons, wherever you are, and whether that is the new warmth of spring or the crisp coolness of autumn.