Home.

I am currently absorbed in a book from our local library called Home by Julie Myerson. It's a biography about the history of a house, the people who lived in it and the different relationships people form with their personal space. Ever since I started reading it I have been thinking about my home and its history. So on my return home this weekend I began to question my dad! My parents have kept in touch with the son of the man who owned our house previous to us and he already had details regarding the previous owners from 1916 when it was built, up to 1982, when my parents bought it. By chance, as I was inspecting the details of the documents my dad had presented to me our phone began to ring and who should it be but Edward, who lived in the house for 34 years before us! So today we got the chance to meet Edward, who visited our home, that used to be his home. We showed him around and he recalled the happy times he spent in the house with his sister and mum and dad. He also brought these photos to show us. It is funny how you don't really think about how you are just a small part of a house's history. I have lived in this house my whole life and consider it to be ours, but it belonged to someone else long before I was ever around, it has a whole secret history I am waiting to discover!

Layers and Shades

I love the layered use of block colour in these prints by Inaluxe, available on Etsy.

Me and My Girl.

As the opening overture began and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end with tingles shivering down my spine, I knew we were in for a good show! Last night we were treated to a trip to the Crucible Theatre to see Me and My Girl. Star of the show Daniel Crossley put in an awesome performance as Bill Snibson. Who knew how much fun wearing a cape could be!?  It made me realise how much I miss my dancing lessons and the anticipation and excitement of performing on stage. It is heading to the West End soon, so be sure not to miss out!

Not On The High Street.

Porcellain Milk Jugs by Hanne Rysgaard Ceramics

Light Switch Stickers by Hunkydory Home

Doodle Duvet Cover by Stitch Design Works

Today I received some exciting news! My work will soon be available to buy through Not On The High Street.com. So I have decided to choose a few of my favourite things that are available on the site as a taster of the lovely handmade items they stock, do take a look! I am busy getting some stock sorted so my designs will be up and online in the next couple of months, but I will keep you posted!

The Paperclip.

Such a simple design and yet so many possibilities!

Colour Conclusions...

After weeks of exploring colours and trying to establish two strong, but distinctly different palettes I think I may have finally come to some sort of conclusion. So here we have them, my bright palette and a more subdued pallette. Phew! Now I just have to go about naming all 24 colours...bear with me, this may take some time!

Wrap Me Up in Colour!

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It is still so cold outside! I could really do with one of these gorgeous new bed covers by Scholten Baijings for Hays to help me keep warm! 

Twist and Knot.

Beautiful detailed paintings and colour combinations that explore the wrapping and knotting of Bojagi by Keunhee Lee.

Work in Progress...

Development work for my current project: Exploring the possibilities of the cube, with a view to encouraging interaction between adults and children in the interior environment.

Bojagi

I really like the idea of wrapping of concealing a cube within a piece of cloth. So today I did a little research on Bojagi, which in Korean culture refers to a traditional piece of cloth that is used to wrap and carry things in. I love the idea of wrapping up gifts like this - so nothing is wasted and every part is kept and treasured. Above are different styles and methods used for Bojagi, beautifully styled and captured in these prints by Sookang Kim.

30 Years of Japanese Fashion

One exhibition not to be missed! So pleased I had chance to see this before it closes on a speedy trip down to London this weekend! Displaying innovative garments from the likes of Issey Miyake and Yohi Yamamoto it cast a light on just how exciting fashion can be and how forward thinking these designer are. It was really thought provoking and leaving the Barbican I felt uplifted and inspired. Do not miss it!

Mitchell Johnson

Love the flat blocks of colour and clarity of line in these paintings by Mitchell Johnson.

"I never look for beautiful vistas or quintessential moments, I stop when a view or series of colors and shapes grabs me."

Sliding Draws...

After days of trying to compose my new colour palettes and doubts about what is working and what is not, a little refreshing research was in order to reassure me that lots of colour can be a good thing! These stackable draw compartments by Raw-Edges Design Studio are a great example of use of colour and also of how the viewer can adapt and change a design to suit their taste and needs.

Tha Knows.

Screen prints finally framed and up on the wall! Take heed.

Sweet (and Colourful) Dreams.

One of my favourite images from last months Elle Decoration. Love the architectural cardboard arches and concrete grey walls against the lumious bed throw.

Exploring Colour...

So new year, new start and all that. Need to settle back into studio life and crack on with the next collection. To ease myself into it I have been exploring potential colour palettes. Everything is in the early stages at the moment, but any preferences so far?