W is for....

Hello!

the W post is being done in stages throughout the day today, I hope you enjoy it!!

Let's start the W's with....

Wall Decals

Do you think the Wall Decal Trend will ever end?? It feels like they have been around for ever, and it is looking like they will be around for a bit longer too!

My absolute favourite Decals are from the lovely Deanna Corso of Stick Meon in Melbourne, Australia. Deanna's range is small, but gorgeous, and I LOVE her Sir Rabbits!

this one above is my favourite : )

(images from Stick Meon)

NOTES:

buy Stick Meon form Deanna's website
see Stick Meon for stockists


Come back for our Wall Decal round-up and a couple more additions to 'W' - and also our book of the week! Bits and pieces will be going up throughout the morning.. it should be all here by early afternoon ... see you soon!!

I'm Back!!


Wall Decal Round-up

OK.. here are my picks..

above: 'crossword' by ellynelly

above: 'walk this way' by ellynelly

above: Tord Boontje Wall Graphic by Moroso

above: 'Alice in Wonderland' by les Invasions Ephémères

above: 'race-ya' by Blik

above: Cadres by les Invasions Ephémères

(images from Velocity Art and Design, les Invasions Ephémères and ellynelly)

NOTES:

visit Velocity Art and Design
visit les Invasions Ephémères
visit ellynelly

Wallpaper

It is pretty obvious that W would automatically mean a post about Wallpaper. And it does. I spent ages looking around trying to find a 'complete' collection of paper that I liked.. I could find bits here and bits there but nothing 'complete'.. until I came across...

Walnut Wallpaper

This place is the mecca of everything super lovely about Wallpaper.. even if you think you will never get to go the Walnut Wallpaper Store in Los Angeles, their website is a fantastic resource for all the best wallpapers there are..."It is now our mission to provide you with the best of new wallpaper designs as well as interesting vintage offerings." - I like it!

(images from Walnut Wallpaper)


NOTES:
visit the Walnut Wallpaper Showroom at 7424 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles. California 90036.
visit the Walnut Wallpaper website

Wallets

It's not often you find 'Wallets' in the 'Design and Art' category, - except for these ones from Poketo...Founded by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo is an innovator in artist-designed lifestyle wares. To "Satisfy everyone's art lust" Ted and Angie came up with this affordable solution... at only $20 (USD) a piece it's easy and fun to carry Art with you where-ever you go... here's a peek at my faves from the current range..

(images from Poketo)

NOTES:
visit Poketo online
check out Poketo's fab Wallet collection

Book of the Week:

This weeks Book of the Week is newly released: "Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens" by Lena Corwin..

Skip over to The Design Alphabet Bookstore to read the reviews and to add it to your collection - enjoy!

And tomorrow it is X!! I think I'll have to get a bit creative for that one!! see you then!

Book of the Week

We have decided to make our home television free... (at least in the mornings anyway). We are on day two, and I have to say, so far it is much, much easier getting everyone ready for school and preschool. The boys don't seem to be antagonising each other as much and we actually talk to each other!!

So, we have been thinking about what to do instead of watching TV. Because the boys are working towards an exhibition, I thought this book "The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections" by 'SouleMama': Amanda Blake Soule, would inspire us find different ways to be creative, and to work on some projects together as a family...

Do check it out - Click through to the Design Alphabet Book Store to read the latest reviews and to add it to your collection.

L is for...

Hi.. sorry this is so late today.. my computer is on the go-slow so everything has taken AGES to load! It is full of interesting bits and bobs though, so please do take a look - and enjoy!

Lindsay Pemberton

When I first came across Lindsay Pemberton's work, I immediately ear-marked her for the L's...(P was too far away!)...

Lindsay's fascination with 'taking' tea', lead her to experiment and give new life to the humble thrift shop tea cup.

These surprisingly sturdy bangles are made from the most delicate of china and are an unexpectant and beautiful piece of jewellery...

"I love the reaction from people when they realise that you can wear a dear old teacup as adornment on your arm."

Lindsay graduated with a Bachelor in Art and Design, and began experimenting with old china. She discovered, after dissecting them with a diamond saw, she could give them a new lease of life. - Aren't they just divine!? It is pretty hard to choose a favourite!

(images from Clever Bastards)

NOTES:

Buy Lindsay's Bangles and other ceramic pieces at Clever Bastards

Little Lark

Little Lark is one of our HOT sellers over at Apple of My Eye. It has been nothing but a pleasure to do business with it's owner / operator Christy Nyober.

Designing, producing and selling baby clothing and letterpress cards (and some adult clothing too), Christy's unique style isn't limited by traditional motifs and colours - each of her designs are modern, hip and fun!

The newest additions to the Little Lark Collection are an extension to an already fantastic range. Christy uses slightly more complex prints, but keeps the same winning combination of simplicity and style.

I LOVE the horse print!...And the Robot and Bike prints are a fave in our family (my husband Steve has a Bike Tee, our youngest son has a Bike Hoodie and our oldest son decided he wanted the Robot tee and put it on in the shop to 'claim' it!)...and Christy's cards never go a miss to give at celebrations.

I suggest you check it out!

(images from Little Lark)

NOTES:
Visit Little Lark online to see the whole collection and to shop
In NZ, Little Lark tees and cards can be found at Apple of My Eye

Oh how I LOVE Letterpress!

Letterpress is my favourite form of printing. I so so wish it was a viable option for me to print this way in NZ.

Doing the blog rounds lately has been Sycamore Street Press, with their letterpress Frames and Mats. They look fantastic grouped together, and make such a nice change from the usual white borders.

Some other favourites include (the previously written about) Tara Hogan, and of course the Little Lark range of cards... and here are some more clever letterpress products that I really like from Etsy...

above: hand shadow cards from honeylux

above: coasters from 12fifteen

above: alphabet print by Sycamore Street Press

(images from Sycamore Street Press, Honeylux and 12fifteen)

NOTES:

buy from Honeylux

buy from Sycamore Street Press

buy from 12fifteen

Luna Gallery

Beverly Armstrong, the founder of Luna Gallery, has created a range of gorgeous knitted textiles in simple, yet stunning contemporary designs. Her luxurious, practical bedding a homeware accessories are knitted (with love and expertise) in Australia out of Cotton and Wool.

Beverley has designed a range in diverse hues, styles and textures and the complete collection is the perfect compliment to any interior.

I particularly like the Tree Blanket. Not only is it aesthetically fabulous, it is knitted out of 100% pure combed cotton. 10% of profits from its sales are donated to The Wilderness Society in Australia - now that's got to be a good thing!

here's a sneak peak at the Luna Gallery collection...

(images from Luna Gallery)

NOTES:
Visit Luna Gallery's website
contact Luna Gallery for stockists

Book of the Week:

I mentioned this book last week (in J is for Lotta Jansdotter), "Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and easy Projects"...it really is worth the look.

Click through to the Design Alphabet Book Store to read the latest reviews and to add it to your collection.

Tomorrow? you guessed it - M!!

goodness, gracious, glee it's G....

I have been eagerly anticipating 'G' as it means I can write about Simon Gamble!

Simon Gamble

Well, actually there isn't that much to write, because there isn't too much information out there about Mr Gamble - no artists website, no blog and no reviews...all the stores that sell his work have the same piece of information;

"Simon Gamble makes these Toki from Crown Lynn plates and saucers. The crockery is cut into the traditional shape, the edges then shaped and smoothed down.The piece is secured with a plaited thread binding. The binding is adjustable so the Toki can be worn at any desired length.”

Which pretty much sums it up! Simon's Toki are available online, each showcasing a classic Crown Lynn Pattern or Stamp.

(images from Kina)

NOTES:
Shop online at Kina or Toggle

Go Go Gocco!

In December 2005, Gocco lovers worldwide went into a spin when Gocco's parent company "Riso" announced they were ending the production of the Gocco System. A worldwide internet campaign went into full swing to find a new home for the product.

Because of the support behind the campaign and a resurgence of it's use, Gocco went back into production. Unfortunately in May this year Riso announced that they will "discontinue shipments of its Print Gocco Home-use greeting card printer in June because use of personal computers has shrunk its demand sharply."

What's all the fuss about? - Well, Gocco of course!!

Gocco is a fully self contained compact colour printing system invented in 1977 by Norobu Havama. It cleverly combines the basic principles of screen printing and rubber-stamping. "Print Gocco" is a clean, easy and fully self contained unit that exposes and prints all in one unit.

It's a pretty nifty little devise! Allowing you to print on paper, card and fabric many many times, using multiple colours.

And yes, at this stage, you can still buy it and all its bells and whistles. As far as I can tell, Print Gocco isn't available in NZ, but hey are available in Australia from a variety on online stores (a quick Google search should bring up a selection to choose from and compare prices).

Once you have mastered the Gocco process, get your goods on Etsy and your images on Flickr...

Here's some work from the Flickr Gocco Group:

Pictured L-R: top row - by LaRosak, by lp_sf. bottom row - by mingus designs, by pattipri

(images from each artist mentioned above)

NOTES:
See Etsy's Gocco Tutorial for a complete 'How To'
See Flickr's Gocco Group for more examples of Gocco printing

Groupies (and Glass)

Grouping objects you love is a way of making a statement about yourself...the things you have collected over time, scavenged around the markets for - your treasures.

If you haven't begun collecting yet, Glass is a lovely way to start. New glass mixes perfectly with old, and groupings fit into all areas of your home - from kitchen to living, bathroom to bedroom.

These affordable glass vases from Ikea make a lovely statement, and are the perfect way to start a collection. This grouping can easily be filled out with thrift store finds and you can explore some galleries and design stores for more exclusive pieces. Mix, match and enjoy!

(images from Ikea)

NOTES:
The closest Ikea to NZ is the store in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane).

I want to get away...

The thought of a get-away break is so compelling when we are in the midst of winter. I have been collecting info about some pretty amazing looking places for a while now - all are to far flung places on the planet, but maybe you might be inspired to try something along the same lines closer to home.

La Maison Flottante (France)

I have always loved the idea of a French Canal holiday. La Maison Flottante or "The Floating House" has been blogged about a fair bit - but I still love it and wanted to share it with you too!

Unfortunately you cant book to stay - The Floating House is a studio for resident artists and authors invited by the Cneai (the National Contemporary Art Centre for Publication) in France.

"Resting just above the water and moored to the impressionists' island Chatou, the Floating House softly sways to the rhythm of Seine's swirls. The changing reflections of the light onto the water pervade the wooden walls cut open by two glazed facades in the main rooms. From the inside of the studio, the picturesque landscape that inspired Renoir's “Déjeuner des canotiers” in 1881 is visible everywhere, blurred by the mirroring surface of the water. A fairy tale atmosphere favoring inspiration and contemplation."

Sounds lovely doesn't it??!! - Here are the pics..

(images from Bouroulle)

NOTES:
Looking for a floating get away in NZ? Try House Boat Rentals, Taupo Explorer or House Boats

Hotel Fox (Denmark)

What I love about the idea of Hotel Fox is that each room is an individual piece of art. I'm not sure if I would want to sleep in all of them, but I would definitely like to have a look!!

From wacky comical styles to strict graphic design, street art to Japanese manga to simply spaced out fantasies. Your room may have flowers, fairy tales, friendly monsters, dreaming creatures, secret vaults and... well, just peek for yourself...

(images from Hotel Fox)

NOTES:
for an art filled get away try: Artapartment

Whitepod (Switzerland)

Nothing like celebrating winter in the Alps - The Swiss Alps that is!

Whitepod is a picturesque exclusive resort located above 'Les Cerniers', a small village at the foot of the Dent du Midi, a mountain range with peaks over 3000m.

Situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the camp consists of 8 'pods' (tents) arranged above an old alpine chalet. each thermally insulated pod is produced using water prof fabrics. Each has a single room large enough to accommodate two guests. The perfectly designed oval windows frame the breath-taking mountain scenery.

Here's the pics..

(images from green traveller and smart planet)

NOTES:
for your own NZ get away winter celebration visit Mt Ruapehu Accommodation html

Book of the Week:

Because I posted about Denyse Schmidt in the D's last week, I thought it only fitting to highlight her book; Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects in this weeks Book of the Week.

Click through to the Design Alphabet Bookshop to read the latest reviews and to add it to your collection.

See you tomorrow for H!

to B or not to B

Book Storage

Let's start the B's with a bit of D.I.Y.. nothing like keeping your hands warm with a fun winter project!

Isn't this bookshelf great? I found it over at Martha Stewart.. there is nothing like organisation that looks good! This is a ready made plate rack attached to the wall. It would be fab on the back of a door too if you were limited on space... for instructions on how to make one, click HERE.

(image from Martha Stewart)

Bird vs. Bird

Bird vs. Bird is created by super talented designer Bess Petty. Bess lives in Oakland, California and works in a commercial sign shop by day...she creates a wonderful selection of merchandise printed on the margins and roll-ends of the industrial vinyl and banner material that would otherwise end up at the trash at her work.

Most products feature common birds and weeds, and her range includes these wonderful wallets...

(images from Bess Petty)

NOTES:

Warning! Bess DOES ship internationally!!

Visit Bess's Etsy Shop HERE

Bodo Sperlein

I first spotted this chandelier in a magazine at the library - sorry I can't remember the name of the mag... but I did remember the name of the chandelier - Niagara Chandelier.

The Niagara Chandelier was produced by an amazing ceramic artist - Bodo Sperlein. Bodo is a London based consultant and manufacturer who produces an inspiring range of lighting and tableware.

The Niagara Chandelier (pictured above) was produced for Llardò as part of their Re-cyclos Collection. Also included in this collection are these incredible Light Sculptures:

I LOVE the 'Freeze Frame Birds Hanging Lamp' (at top) - especially the shadows it creates on the wall. I can only imagine that the Butterfly Lamp pictured at the bottom, has the same magical effect.

(images from Bodo Sperlein and Re-cyclos Collection)

NOTES:

For a list of stockists visit Bodo Sperlein and Lladrò online.

Little Wish Boats

Something a bit whimsical...It is so rewarding, that after a bit of online-shop trawling, you can come across something as sweet and gorgeous as these... the sentiment behind them is just as beautiful.

Jurianne Matter is the creator behind these sweet wee treasures. According to Bijzondermooi (where I discovered them) Jurianne made her first paper-folding boat as a farewell present for a dear friend, who was going on a long extended trip. After realising these little boats would fit many celebrations, Jurianne made them available so they can sail out to celebrate weddings, new babies, birthdays, new jobs and anniversaries.

Sold in packs of 8 paper sheets, with simple folding instructions, the Little Wish Boats are the perfect whimsical gift of love!

NOTES:

All though shipping to NZ is quite expensive, it is worth having a look at Bijzonrtmooi.nl

Book of the week:

I thought it only fitting to start our regular 'Book of the Week' slot on 'B' day. Every Tuesday we will highlight one of the books we have listed in the Design Alphabet Book Shop.

This week we would like to introduce Amy Butler's newest book - Midwest Modern. Click through to the Book Shop for the latest reviews and to add it to your collection - enjoy!

'C' you tomorrow!!