Today I like.....

I am more of a coffee drinker, but  these hand-printed Miracle Tea Cosies by Maxine Sutton could change my mind! The colours are simple, the designs are fun and the ribbon on top is an adorable final touch. Made from organic cotton and padded with recycled wadding made from plastic drinks bottles. The yellow one is my favourite. 

I love this cushion and door stop collection by Charlene Mullen called Ralph's extended family. The collection is altogether humorous and the designs are simple yet whether it be from Fifi to Sissy, all the family members have their winning subtle yet defining differences. Which member is your favourite?

I really like these mugs by The English Seaside Company. I like the contemporary design and they are good quality too. I can't wait for beach days this summer! 

I really like this needlepoint kit by Emily Peacock. The kit is worked with tapestry wools by the Appleton Brothers, worked in counted cross stitch from the colour chart provided. You do not need to be an experienced stitcher.

Gift Wrap by me x

I worked with the company Paperclip through my university for our professional studies module. They were really kind and gave me lots of advice and and structural criticism. I created a card collection along with these gift wrap samples. My cards are currently on display at university but I will post them as soon as I get them back. I foiled over the top of the first sample and flocked over the top of the second. I really enjoyed this project and particularly being able to make a final product.

Mans best friend x

Here are some paintings I created using water colours. I was inspired by a game fair I went to on the weekend. I like my little friends because I like to think they have individual personalities. I plan to create a series of digital prints to include these guys. 

Things I like today...

Alice Dupré is an Animation director and designer based in London. I like her quirky illustrations because they're light hearted...

I have wanted a cowhide rug for ages now and of course I have seen them on sale, should I purchase one for my bottom drawer..?

I love this hand sculptured figure of a barn owl which can be purchased at Cargoh. A series of Canada's endangered or extinced birds were hand sculpted and half the proceeds from the sale will go to Nature Canada. It's for a good cause!

I love this printed cushion by Mr Wingate, a company set up by textile graduate Sam Wingate. Mr Wingate was initially a hand printed T shirt label sold from a market stall in Brick Lane and the collection has now expanded to include homewares.

My mum lived in Finland for a year when she was 16. She was an au-pair; she always says products by Iittala bring her a sense of nostalgia. I am really fond of the Maribowl which has been in production since the 60s. They are suitable for serving and as a decorational object. I like the large variety of colours available, follow this link to mix and match your own colours...

 

Dogs X

I went to a game fair yesterday at the Bath and West show ground. I watched the lurcher and ferret racing and learnt some tips for training up a gun dog. There were so many dogs from large friendly ones that jumped up to the fence to greet me, surrounded by a circle of their malted hair to excited terriers, misbehaving and springer spaniels looking towards their masters, anticipating their next command. Look at these dogs by Peter Clark.   

birds by me X

Here is a collection of birds I created using a range of media. The first few were made using oil pastels, ink, glitter glue and collage. The last few were illustrated using only water colours. My inspiration came from books and photographs I took in Australia. Some of the birds are quite harsh and others are quite gawky, either way they all have individual qualities that I am fond of.

Floral Porcelain

I am really fond of the porcelain collection by Pip Studio. Pip graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and created a studio in the attic of her new house. Her inspiration comes from everyday incidents that are actually exceedingly beautiful when singled out; for example once on a spring day, she was moved by a rose in full bloom which inspired her to create a theme with roses originating from all over the world. Her style is delicate, quirky and warm. She often uses a mix and match concept by encouraging layers of varying collections of pattern and with all the finishing touches in between the final concept is delightful. Products can be found in most shops selling beautiful things for the home.