Designer: Dear Colleen

Some good posters with some great messages

Found!

Nikki Made these tasty Tunnock's Teacake cushions.....

Somthing Strange is happening...

A rare anomaly has occurred right here on our blog...A black hole!
During the last post a sneaky black hole found its way onto the page. I have consulted the worlds top scientists and they have come the conclusion that it may be because of too many hits on the space bar; another theory is that a picture decided it no longer wanted to be displayed on the site and took itself off elsewhere...... what do you think?

Design Studio: To Dry For!

We are really happy that we we will stocking some fantastic products in the new shop!
The response from all you independent studios and designer/makers has been amazing.
We will be updating and uploading images to the blog in the next few days.
Firstly here is To Dry For

 

 From top to bottom, left to right.... Rob Ryan, Darling Clementine x 4, Stuart Kolakovic, Ben Javens, Hello Wilson, and the wonderful Gemma Correll (see past post)

 Who knew drying the dishes could be so colourful and fun. Lets throw out our old stinky tea-towels and upgrade!

Something Fishy

Few snaps I took while on my travels around London Design Week. These came from a restaurant window and are of a fantastic chandelier made up of a school of ceramic fish. Well designed and very eye catching, I just had to take a snap. Im dying to know whos work this is so if anyone recognizes these fishy fellows give me a quick email.

 Here is something similar I have found in my huge piles of London pictures from artist Pei-Ju at the Made In.. design fair. 

There is something so beautiful and elegant about origami. The best I could ever accomplish was a bendy paper airplane!

Busy Busy Bee

Yesterday I was at the Bluecoat Gallery looking at the vacant unit. It was quite perfect for what I have planned. 

 The Gallery is the oldest building in the City Center and Grade 1 listed.

The Bluecoat is a major art institution in Liverpool and received 618,000 visitors last year. Surrounded by the new Liverpool One shopping district this really is a fantastic location.  

Getting closer now, very exciting!

Shop Inspiration: Labour & Wait

While on my trek around the capital for Design Week I came across this little shop just off Brick lane, east London. Labour and Wait sell a collection of vintage and retro homeware and garden products. The environment they have created compliments the stock and is fantastically reminiscent of the 1930-40's.Stepping inside this shop is like a step back in time and an experience in itself.

London Design Week: Liberty

Liberty wasn't exactly on the London Design trail but ever since it was mentioned in the Mary Portas letter ive had an urge to see it for myself. My first reaction was to photograph everything. I loved it, the only way I can describe it is "funky vintage".

This store is definitely a good source of inspiration, and I think I will take and use a few nifty display ideas in the new shop.

London Design Week: Curiosity

A pop up shop with alot of character.  

Below some of my personal favourites from the exhibit.

Shan Valla

 Lizzie Allen

 Tamasyn Gambell

 Check out the Website and Blog for more.

London Design Week: Debate

Last week I could be seen running about exhibitions and seminars as part of London Design Week. The most interesting of the seminars has to be a debate called Handmade: Who Pays? at the V&A Museum, 20th September. 
Not only very relevant to the creative crowd project but also very interesting to hear from leading professionals on issues that effect us the "little people".

Listen to the podcast at http://www.crafteduk.org/sites/default/files/20100920_crafted_debate.mp3

Ndidi Ekubia – Silversmith and Crafted mentee 

Bill Amberg – Creative Director, Bill Amberg and Crafted mentor

Chair: Guy Salter – Deputy Chair, Walpole

Priscilla Carluccio – Shopkeeper, Few and Far

Michelle Alger – Buying Manager Home, Liberty 

Long time and no blog!

Apologies to readers Ive not posted for ages. Back with a bang and first new post of the month is inspired by the sudden return of cold weather..........

 Lovely mug for hot chocolate by Lush Designs

Takae Mizutani and sons makes these lovely ceramics that make me hungry for some eggy soldiers.

"Our aim is to create products that bring a little smile to people's faces.

Our creations often remind you of nostalgic childhood memories and childlike naivety…We love simple ideas which give you endless imagination and spread the smile!"

 Dolly Knits coffee cup cozy

Cute and practical, no one likes to burn their fingertips off!

Thornback & Peel   

Cozy cushions are a must for any couch and these ones are simply stunning.

 

I never thought that pigeons and jelly would go so well together but here they are.