london design museum

So it took me a little longer than expected to finally get to the London Design Museum. It was a Sunday afternoon and I was looking for a little inspiration... and boy did I find it. These little snippets of Terence Conran are just that... snippets... of a wonderful body of work exhibiting at the moment. Okay so I'm not too sure where the giant blue pencils fit in, but I could do with some at my place, as they always seem to go missing. If you were wondering about Design and London and the link, explore the contribution Conran made to the design world, I think like me you will be pleasantly surprised. Remember... there is no such thing as too much inspiration

(pictures generated by Instagram)

sophie parker

Hold Me Close
Curious Little Fox

Sophie Parker is the lovely girl who I bought lovely things off today. I thought I would share some of her work with you because I love it! I couldn't decide between the prints, tea-towels, totes or cards. There is something about the girl with the dog... so i had to get the card. You too can have a little Sophie Parker by visiting her Etsy store! I'm getting the Curious Little Fox print, so don't you dare get your hands on it before I get a chance...

discovering bloomsbury

Bits of Bloomsbury

Playing at Russell Square for the Bloomsbury festival. There were a lot of things to discover including Poets Path (top) where everyone picked words to slot together to create a unique poem. The poems were then hung from over-head netting to create a pathway of nouns and verbs carefully constructed to create varied and beautiful meanings.

I purchased a gorgeous card by a lovely girl who had lovely things. The craft market (middle) had a few treats as did the food stalls where a line of hungry boys and girls waited for warm churros! Having eaten three cupcakes yesterday, I thought a coffee would be more suitable solution to tackle the chill, so I waited for a flat white from two trendy London boys.

The den (bottom) was the perfect place for the little ones to run around. The stories and drawings that made up the den were as cute as the kids who had written them. If I would love a giant teepee in my back garden, as it brought such joy everyone who stepped foot inside its soft walls.

Next year I will have to trek out to Bloomsbury for the main event...

(pictures taken using Instagram)

lee broom

Lights can make a space come to life... and Lee Broom is the life of the party with his illuminous collections. He has a few lit collections and some that shine on their own. His collections just sound fun, they include Neon Neon 07, Rough Diamond 08 and Heritage Boy 09. Neon Neon was his debut collection and got the industry chit chatting about the new boy on the block.

(pictures via Lee Broom)

pattern pleasure

Bernabeifreeman Rugs
Brodie Table

Check out these beautiful patterns by Bernabeifreeman found on rugs and powder-coated aluminum furniture... plus beautiful lighting including a leaf, lace and fragment range.

a stitch in time

Maurizio Anzeri works with vintage photographs to create new pieces. Some are colourful and others are more subtle, but all have a new life. Maurizio is an Italian artist who now works and lives in London. He has developed this style through experimenting with the found photographs through ink drawing and eventually stitching geometric patterns to express a feeling or pattern derived from the image. Please explore the many faces he has touched.

pixel pieces

Pixel machines make Little Dipper Creations by Julian F Bond

present and correct

Wow I love many if not all. Love the birthday card box (pictured top). I could just eat it up it's so cute! And who doesn't want to be king for a day... give someone the crown card (second from top).

The lovely bits and pieces and more are by Present and Correct.

fontastic

Amazing vector fonts by Hand Made Font. Want all and more!

it was just how you looked in the light...

I love the short, sharp, clever lines Alex Cornell selected to use for his (hypothetical) Wes Anderson Film Festival advertising campaign. The use of tilt-shift photography really suits the playful nature of the text that selected from films Wes Anderson has directed. Alex Cornell has a whole range of interesting projects you can find on his website. Playful and pretty!

miniature magic

I thought I should share with you some of my favourite credits ever. Big claim, I know. But I just love them. This collaboration between Style A Go-Go and Nick Pledge has provided a clever thoughtful opening to a clever and thoughtful television series... Tangle. Tangle is a drama starring some of the best talent Australia has to offer. If you haven't had a look yet, then you must hire it at your local dvd store. You can also view the credits here...

domestic construction

"That sound of scissors cutting through thick paper. The smell of the glue and feel of the fabric. Design that embraces the senses and, above all, sticks in the mind. " If you want to know what domestic construction are all about... that is how they describe themselves. Grounded is just one of many projects the design due, Trish Andersen & Maureen Walsh, have been involved in. In face it is their project resulting in their product! You can buy them too! Each mat is dyed with an original hand-cut paper design created by the girls. I love paper cut out designs! 


Get their goodies via Big Cartel. 

scandinavian surprise

1 Siirtolapuutarha plate by Marimekko
2 Asterisk clock by Vitra
3 Aalto duo coloured vase by iittala
4 Tree coat stand by Swedese
5 La chaise by Vitra
6 Wooden dolls by Vitra

I can't say much other than love. Look for Skandium and you will find beauty.

help me zara

So in a last minute attempt to find something worthy of a job interview... I walked the thirty minutes to Oxford Street to pop into Zara. I found and I bought. Here were some lovely pieces that I found and I wanted. The dress I bought, I could not find to show you... but it's a little bit more daring for me as it's an animal print and some-what sheer. The sales were great and I will go back for more when I land a new job! Super excited so they better hire me quick-smart.

instagram & london

the trek to the tate

Teenage Couple in Hudson Street N.Y.C 1963

While walking to the Tate Modern the other day, I realised that I hadn't thought through my grand plan. After about 30 minutes of walking, I started to ache all over and evaluated my physical and mental state. Having been in London for about a week, you would assume I would be over my jet-lag. Would you not? Well you would be mistaken.

Staying in a youth hostel had made this nearly impossible, as people tend to come and go in the night. On one particular night, I had gotten to bed at about 1.30 am, as no-one in my room was particularly tired. I then awoke at 4.30 am to a room-mate taking out an iPod from the security cage directly under my head. After that, I could not get another wink of sleep, the sun had begun to rise and the room was flooded with light. Don't get me started on the people who left at 12am and returned at 4am... there have been a few restless nights.

I have also been dealing with a rather odd injury... something (I say something because I can't see what) on the roof of my mouth has been hurting every time I eat. I have therefore been restricted to soft foods and my diet has consisted of soggy cornflakes and ice-cream. On top of lack of sleep and nutrients, I had a sore throat and the beginnings of a sniffle and cough. (I'm starting to sound like a complainer). But the point I am trying to make is that I had to take two breaks on my walk as I felt physically ill. But I got there... and while I was tempted to just go home, I found a lovely exhibition of works by Diane Arbus. While I wondered trough a few more exhibitions, this one stuck with me as her subjects are so intriguing.

If you get a chance have a look-see at the Tate Modern, it appears that you have a year until she will no longer be showing, so take your time.  

(picture via Audart Gallery)

i have & i want

After being in London for only five days, I stumbled across a design market Artsmart. Couldn't believe my luck! I was proud of myself - not going crazy and buying everything in sight.

However I did support the local designers by purchasing a ceramic tooth necklace from Lovely Mon Story. I was going to purchase the ceramic camera, but the tooth has more meaning to me, as I have such bad luck with my teeth, now I have one spare just in case.

I also purchased a cute heart tote by Heart Zeena which I can't wait to use to carry my laptop. She also does badges, sticky tapes, pin cushions, cushions and cards. Each design is as lovely as the next and I heart them all!

Ralli design are a brother sister duo who have designed beautiful earthenware ceramics, which makes them light and easy to hold. Shuffle is the design solution that drew me to their stand. It's a stackable desk storage system which comes in both black and white. The Fika tea-set doedn't disappoint with another clever stacking storage design. The cups are designed to it in the palm of your hand, which I love because there may not always be a little side-table around when you are enjoying a steamy cup of tea or coffee. I think the guy behind the stand was disappointed when I didn't purchase a set. But I currently don't have a permanent residence so I couldn't possibly buy a set of ceramics. I would be asking for trouble.

I was so impressed by the design market, I will post more interesting finds in days to come...

emma & paul

Did you know that people could be this clever? These beautiful photographs are by Paul Greenleaf from current and previous works. He has an intriguing collection of works called Correspondence, where he has taken found postcards, tracked down the exact location the photograph was taken, and re-photographed the scene in its present glory.

Cute, ceramic and adoptable. Emma Hardings charity shop orphans need a home. They come named and are part of a family of similarly coloured animals. It's also a great way to up-cycle, an environmentally conscious practice which is becoming more popular.

the positive brief

It's on! Positive Posters revealed the brief for 2011 and it's a little different from previous years. Check out the case study Help Japan and entries from previous years Us. 

THE BRIEF

Positive Posters provides a shared platform that encourages designers to be proactive in shaping important issues. We believe in the ability of design to inspire minds, change attitudes and spark revolutions.

The 2011 Positive Posters brief asks you to design a poster that highlights or exposes an issue specific to your own country, someone else’s or one that is international. It could be social, environmental or political; anything that you believe deserves a global audience and could be better seen or understood.

This is an opportunity for you to make a positive contribution towards an issue by presenting it to a global audience. We don’t want to tell you what’s important; we’d like you to tell us what’s important to you.

For more information check out the website! 

abigail and the flora

If you're looking for something pretty to give that soft feminine touch... I have found it... or should I say her? Abigail Borg is the latest and greatest pattern designer and her ability to produce classic floral designs with a modern voice have led her to the forefront of design discussion. You can buy wallpaper, cushions and fabric via her website or just sit and stare at her beautiful illustrations. I already have...

d & r

I was somewhat shattered when I realised that I had left my Use My Head Shopper Totes by Donna Wilson. I feel less upset now that i have discovered Rob Ryan's new tile We are all made of carbon, diamond and coal you can get via Etsy.

the top shop

1 Mint Contrast Triple Keeper Leather Belt
2 Green Sparkle Rock Ring
3 White Cat Meow Print Tank Top
4 Peach Premium Suede Zip Shorts
5 Pale Green Saddlery Print Scarf
6 Off White Contrast Canvas Hi-Top Trainers

London I have landed! Top Shop in London is so cheap but oh so lovely! And when I say cheap, I don't mean cheap and nasty.... no no no... it's just so well priced. The Sparkle Rock Ring comes in red too... I can't decide which I like better... why not get both at 10 pound a pop.

50 reasons not to date a graphic designer

1. They are very weird people.
2. There are billions of them in the world, like colors on the screen of your computer.
3. They will analyse conversations in layers.
4. You will spend the day assembling furniture from IKEA.
5. They drink and eat all kinds of weird shit just because they like the packaging.
6. They hate each other.
7. You’ll come out the last out of the movies because you have to see the full list of credits.
8. They cant change a light bulb or without making a sketch.
9. They fuck up all the tables with their cutters.
10. They rather study the paisley pattern on your outfit than listen to what you have to say.
11. They will fill your house with magazines and whatever is out there that has drawings.
12. You never know if it is really an original or a copy.
13. They make collages with your photos.
14. They do not know how to add and subtract, they just understand letters.
15. They idolize people nobody knows and speak of them as if they are colleagues.
16. They take pictures almost daily and all are cut in weird shapes.
17. They ask your opinion about everything but  they do whatever they want.
18. Everything is left justified, right or center unless they arrive late.
19. They hate Comic Sans with the same passion they love Helvetica.
20. They use iPhone for everything, because everyone has one.
21. You can not decorate the house without consulting them.
22. They steal street signs.
23. Always carry their hands painted with something.
24. They buy dolls unfinished for them to paint.
25. Everything becomes something other than what it really is: cards as tickets, cards as …
26. When arguing, you will be nicknamed like the OSX spinning wheel (not affectionately)
27. Do not know how to dress without consulting the Pantone book.
28. They hate Excel.
29. They read comics.
30. They want to save the world only with a poster.
31. You will spend the day brainstorming.
32. On vacation they take you to countries you do not know exist that have no beach.
33. Museums are their second home.
34. They know more positions than the Kamasutra.
35. They can’t go to a restaurant without secretly critiquing the menu design.
36. They listen to music you have never heard of.
37. They can´t cook a normal dish, they always have to experiment with new ingredients.
38. They read rare books: stories of children, Semiotics …
39. When you are telling you something, everyone has read it on their facebook and twitter.
40. They have own iPods before you knew they existed.
41. The orgasm they remember is when they heard that Adobe was acquiring Macromedia.
42. They have their own shops just for them and there are the most expensive in the city.
43. They want to spend all the money in the Apple Store.
44. You will never understand their gifts.
45. They see ordinary objects and laugh.
46. You wake up in the middle of the night hearim them screaming “When is the deadline?”
47. They see CMYK and RGB like Neo sees the Matrix.
48. They dream of the day nobody will make a single change to their designs.
49. They rather pay for a font than for a special birthday gift.
50. They are always sleepy because they work 24/7.


I have not posted for a long time, which makes me sad. I have an excuse and I think it's a good one. I'm moving to London today! It may be for three months or two years (more likely two years)... and I'm feeling a little down as no-one has jumped at the opportunity to hire me yet. But coming across this made me smile and giggle a little...


(via A Bourbon for Silvia)

georgia on my mind

Georgia On My Mind is on my mind. You all know I love a tan leather bag. They have a range of sandles and jewellery with some vibrant colours if you're game.

otto & ouch

I'm just being silly, these gorgeous scarves are by Otto & Spike. The company has grown over the last few years to include more colours and textures. Omg the Seat scarf is amazing (mainly because I have a little obsession with Eames) and it comes in two colour-ways. Otto & Spike also do gloves and hats to keep you warm this winter. Oh and they use Australian wools... yummy!

hey naomi

I do really love a good love heart. Naomi Murrell does a lovely heart at lovely prices. At the moment she is offering free shipping for sale items... and there are some cute items. Brooches, studs, prints and necklaces are on my shortlist (as you can tell, with so many beautiful pieces, it's hard to make it short). Did I mention she is an Aussie? Perfect.

the pretty bathroom

Pretty hair straightener bags! Oh I need one of these before I head to London. These are too cute and you can get a matching too cute bathroom bag. These lovely items are by Arlington Milne which you can buy via their website. You can also buy the lovely Bow Wallet. Please do...

rob-in-the-box

Rob Ryan I love you. I also love that you have created this beautiful money box. Now I have somewhere pretty to put my pennies while I save up for another Rob Ryan wonder!

Buy one via Mister Rob on Etsy now! Hurry only five left.

from this... to this...

I dyed my hair brown yesterday in an effort to change my image (and save money by not needing to dye my hair while in London). You see brown is my natural hair colour (apparently, as I haven't seen my natural hair colour for over 6 years) so if I dyed it brown, the idea was that I could let it grow out naturally. But I have come to realise (in the last 18 hours) that my natural hair colour isn't brown.... it's blonde. I was born a blonde and will forever in my heart be a blonde.

This rant is coming from my intensely sad reaction to my brown re-birth. And while I am sure I will get used to the dark, I don't think I will ever accept that I'm a brunette. While in my state of sadness, a little hair accessory or two could help with the pain. I call on Ban.do, makers of all things pretty, to come to my aid in a time of crisis and make me feel pretty again.

amazing vases

Stem Vases have never looked so good. Get these stunners from Huset

(pictures via Huset)

oh oello

Oh how cute! I love the artwork for this frozen yoghurt parlor Oello. The colours are gorgeous and the simple line drawings are divine! Check-out the skipping-rope ribbon bag handles. The gorgeous designs are by Noote & Netoo... and they are super talented.

(pictures via The Dieline)

angus and celeste

(Bottle vases by Angus and Celeste)

perched

Check out these cute pieces by Perch! I love these cute candles, as they can be so hard to find. And are these not the coolest salt and pepper shakers in the world? I think yes! All of the ceramics at Perch! are designed by Amy Adams and are handmade in Brooklyn, New York.

scarf heaven

Cleo Ferin has given us pretty things to make our days a little more fun. These silk scarves are printed with water-colour designs based on childhood stories and pop culture. People from London are so clever! These were found at Tatty Divine... how very divine they are...

peek at palma

Palma Australia is not too well known yet, but they have cute clever pieces. They have a large range... so many nice things to choose from. Check out their items and their stockists...

it's back!

It's the kit design award and it's great to get into! There's lots of goodies up for grabs so put pen to paper and get going... (it's a great way to get noticed too)

happy birthday to me!

While I did imagine that this year I wanted to make my own Women's Weekly birthday cake... I thought that maybe I should make a more grown-up delight. Introducing Call Me Cupcake, where I have found the sweet something I want to share with family and friends. It's so me, with the white frosting and the layers of pink inside (I have a soft spot for pink). Whether-or-not I'll be able to re-create the Pink Layer Cake is another question... but you can find the recipe in Dutch and English on the beautiful blog. Eat up and enjoy!

the things i love

What a lovely plate! People in the Netherlands are insane... insanely talented that is. Nina of Ninainvorm is one of these people. Get some of her stunning hand-screen-printed pieces via Etsy.

too good

A super natural power came about when Too Good created this project. Super Natural (project title) emerged from the desire to collect and observe the English country-side. Too Good are a creative consultancy who create magical spaces and breath-taking photographs for a range of clients from Swarovski to H&M. I would love to be immersed in a magical space they create, even if only for as long as the camera shutter clicking from open to closed. It's almost too good for words...

so little time

Could these by any cuter? How very pretty and very ptww! The bunting could fit right atop the header. These bits and pieces are by So Little Time, a small Melbourne operation that has time pieces too. Get some for friends, family and your pretty little self.

in love

I loved the last pair I posted... but not I'm in love with Jeffrey Campbell

love

Love these Cutout Oxford Wedges by Jeffrey Campbell via Urban Outfitters

lumber me up

Fletcher Vaughan is the man I call genius. His Lumber collection is divine and gives us a new way of looking at 'lumber'. I don't know about you, but I always think of lumber jack when i hear lumber... which doesn't sound elegant or sleek. Fletcher Systems has changed this completely. Now when I hear lumber, I will think of the collection of stunning pieces I can only dream about owning. Love you Fletch!

yummy ceramics

Lorena Barrezueta is a genius! I want. Get at Curiosity Shoppe.

instagram

curio & curio

The Wall Sticker Company has a new guest designer... Clair Wayman from Curio & Curio. Each of her designs come in a variety of colours and she has some wallpapers too!

melbourne

Cartographie Wall Plate - Melbourne City

by Creatively Active Minds via Exhibit

What a great gift! Good for someone from overseas, someone who has moved to Melbourne... or even someone who has lived here their whole life! Get a set for some fun fine dining or feature one on the wall of your cosy home.

Submission from Things Organized Neatly

stack stuff

Stack made of metal. Create your own configuration and make your life all kinds of pretty. 

Design by Alessandro Zambelli and found at Seletti

melt in your mouth mittens

Amazingly delicious mittens to keep those fingers warm... and keep them warm you should.

Mittens by Bergslagsgatan (google tells me this means 'street mining'... I'm not sure I trust that)


(pictures via Bergslagsgatan via Fine Little Day)