Library Sky Garden, Birmingham

✧

On Wednesday my good friend Becky and I went on a nice little trip to Birmingham. We were on our way to the Ikon gallery near the river when we walked by this beautifully designed building. I have always had a soft spot for architecture and couldn't take my eyes off of it! A few moments later I realised that I had seen this stunning construct before...it was on a BBC gardening program and it was a library! Becky and I noticed people on the various roof levels and putting two and two together, there where to be gardens on the canopy's. After our quick and un-fulfilled visit to the Ikon we walked into the library and found our way to the top.

✧

The Library's exterior

The Library's exterior is a true marvel, it is so impressive. This postmodern creation was designed by architect Francine Houben who is renowned for her playful, human style. The building was opened in 2013 and has been given various architectural awards, no wonder why.

There are 3 gardens to visit in total, sadly we only visited two (as the 3rd one we didn't know about!); the 9th floor holds the "Discovery Terrace" which includes fruit, vegetables and herbs. The 7th floor has "The Secret Garden" containing bright and colourful flowering plants and grasses, and finally there is the first balcony with other go green plants. The aim of these gardens is to a) reduce the city's carbon footprint and b) provide some calm green space, where city goers can relax and escape the busy streets below. This building was given the BREEAM "Excellent" rating due to its sustainable methods such as the gardens but also including low carbon technology for heating and cooling, low energy lighting and water conservation systems.

Views from the sky gardens

The library's rooftops give great views of the city and provide a breath of fresh air.

As you can see there is a diverse amount of plant life, we found ladybugs and bumblebees all enjoying what the gardens had to offer.

If you are wanting to visit the Library yourself it is located on Broad Street near The ICC, and is of course free to enter!

✧

Becky and I

Simple Summery Flower Nails!

✧

I wanted to paint my nails but also didn't want to paint my nails, so I opted for a charming flower motif instead! It looks cute and is super easy to do at home...

✧

You will need: 

A clear top coat. 

Mine is by Beauty Buffet; its cheap and cheerful.

Two fairly opaque nail polishes.

I used 17's "Parma Violet" and "Bolt from the blue".

A dotting pen:

To make a dotting pen, simply get hold of a pencil that has an eraser built into the end. Stick the needle into the eraser and there you have it! The pencil makes the needle easier to handle. 

A palette. 

Any form of flat based receptacle will be fine!

(I tried out other colours as you can see)

✧

The Making:

(Sorry that there are no images) 

1. Apply one layer of your clear top coat and wait for it to go tacky.

2. Select the colour you desire to be the centre of the flower and pour some onto the palette.

3. Using your dotting tool, dab it into the colour on your palette and dot onto the centre (or anywhere you would like the flower) of your nail. 

4. Again, but with a different colour for the petals, pour the paint onto the palette.

5. Like before, dot the petals into place, and wait to dry.

6. Apply top coat to seal them in!

✧

Fin

✧