Y and Z


Well folks, here we are at the end of another alphabet! - Can you believe we have now been through three whole sets?? Thanks so much for stopping by : )


Let's get started..


YooLa


Here is some more coated copper wire goodness... This time from etsy store YooLa. Yael Falk is the creative and very talented designer behind the YooLa collection.. I was pretty excited to see her include some lampshades in her work - beautiful! Yael also makes jewellery and other decorative pieces that are clean and structural - a result of being an industrial designer in her professional life...have a look:
(images from YooLa)

NOTES:

visit the YooLa shop

check out Yael's Industrial Design website


Ezme Designs


The ceramic work of Chandra S. Beck of Ezme Designs is stunning... on a more in depth tour of Chandra's website I discovered that ceramic isn't the only medium she works in, and her portfolio contains an impressive array of photography and mixed media as well.

Chandra's store has a great collection of ceramic pieces for the home and is well worth a visit - I LOVE her mugs!!

take a peek:

(images from Ezme Designs)

NOTES:
visit the Ezme Designs website
visit Chandra's shop
see Chandra's portfolio

ErinZam

There is something about miniature books that I just love : ) When we were clearing out my Grandparents house I was asked to choose something that I really wanted - I picked a teeny tiny bible that belonged to my Grandfather, I had always been fascinated with it, ever since I can remember -the super small print that we used to try and read with a magnifying glass, the soft little leather cover, and the inscription in the front...I'm not sure what it is about that little book, but the book making work of Erin Zamrzla takes me back there...

Erin is a master book maker, her website is chock-full of book making resources, and you can even find a Japanese Bookbinding tutorial and kit in her Etsy store 'ErinZam'. I think Erin's Pillowcase Books (pictured 1st below) are genius -


"I was inspired by nighttime journaling and the way that so many ideas flow the instant your head hits the pillow. Their design also relates to the concept of hiding secrets inside or underneath a pillowcase."

As well as being a clever book maker, Erin also produces a range of prints, mixed media and original works - Check out more below...

(images from ErinZam)

NOTES:
visit Erin's shop
read Erin's blog

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Feature!

Denyse Schmidt Annual Studio Sale!

Mark Saturday November 15th in your calendars!!

The Denyse Schmidt Annual Sample Sale will take place at the Bridgeport CT studio, from 10am to 4pm.

There are some super bargains to be had - Up to 70% off select Couture, Works, and DS for Sarita Handa quilts. Loads of quilt blocks, fabric, scraps and more for the DIY-crafter. Building-wide open studios, and refreshments! Don't miss it! Visit Denyse's Workshops page to download directions and more.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As I said earlier in the week, I have decided to take an earlier-than-planned break from writing The Design Alphabet. I am planning on returning in January '09 and I would LOVE to have you join me then. This has been a wonderful journey so far, and I am looking forward to getting back into it in the new year.

In the meantime, if you have anything you think would be great to include in our first '09 alphabet, please don't hesitate to get in touch! I love hearing from you!

Until then, be safe and happy : ) Best wishes and many, many, many thanks - Jo xx

GeeeWhizzz!

hello! I hope your day is going well : )

Just out of interest I worked out how many amazing people I have written about here on The Design Alphabet - can you guess??? around 200!!! Can you believe it? I was astounded!

Quite often on blogs the writers celebrate their 200th post, I am up to about 75 I think.. so a way to go, but I am super pleased about how many amazing, inspiring, creative people I have discovered and shared with you. I love the fact that now we are this far into this alphabetical journey that I have to hunt deeper, wider and longer for things to share with you - trying to offer you some little treasures along the way, some inspiration, some goodness...I love how there are so, so many talented people out there that the 'hunt' isn't arduous - just a pleasure! - enjoy!



A couple of great finds today : )

Girl Savage

OK.. I will try and make this the last Softie obsessed post (for a few days anyway!)...

I love craft with a sense of humour, something that upturns the corners of your mouth - do you?... Girl Savage does just that.

This fab wee store is the home of 'Feltidermy' - cute little softies, beheaded and mounted on a wall plaque - just like real beasties - only cuter! Kate from Girl Savage is also responsible for an adorable range of critters, pocket mirrors, hair clips and buttons - take a peek:

(images from Girl Savage)

NOTES:
visit the Girl Savage store
read Kate's blog

Teresa Green Design

I was first introduced to the work of Teresa Cole from Teresa Green Design over at Design*Sponge. That was a while back.. and then just recently Grace (from d*s) posted again about Teresa's new collection. So, a quick trip over to the Teresa Green website immersed me again into this fabulous range - so unpretentious and simple - I love it! - do you?

(images from Teresa Green Design)

NOTES: visit the Teresa Green Design website

Feature

I have been hesitant about getting politically involved here on The Design Alphabet...and even though we have our own elections coming up in NZ, there has never been a Presidential race that has had me so excited and enthralled than the one that is happening right now in America.

I am guessing that people are far more worried about the economic climate than voting right now, but I just wanted to pop in this little feature and giveaway from Denyse Schmidt...something to warm your bodies in the cold economic climate - and something to cheer you on as you come to embrace this fantastic opportunity for change...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Yes We Can Quilt
Denyse Schmidt and friends have created a quilt inspired by
Barack Obama's message of hope and change.

Long before women had the vote, they voiced their opinions by
creating quilts with political and commemorative themes.

You can win this heirloom quilt (and help us all win)! By clicking HERE
and making a donation to the campaign, you'll automatically be
enrolled in a drawing. Spread the word – and thanks for your support!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And, that is the goodness for today... we're up to H already!!

See you tomorrow! x

**feature**

Perfectly timed to coincide with the 'V' post is...

Vintage Inspired...

Just arrived in my inbox are pictures of Denyse Schmidt's newest vintage inspired home decor fabrics for FreeSpirit, 'Country Fair'. Country Fair evokes blue-ribbon pies, parlour dances, and fiddle music on the front porch.The collection has a gorgeous range of colours that mix together perfectly (would we really expect anything else??) - Have a look below:

NOTES:
read an interview with Denyse about this collection at Sew Mama Sew
view the collection

***

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!

and now for 'D'...

It took a while to get the 'D's sorted... but it all turned out pretty good! There is plenty of 'd' goodness to be had - and colourful too!

Denyse Schmidt

When I first started my store, I really, really wanted to sell Denyse Schmidt baby quilts. Unfortunately, at that time, the dollar wasn't favourable, which in turn, pushed the retail price up way too high... I still oogle online though!!

Denyse grew up in Massachusetts amongst a creative family. She studies Graphic Design at the Rhode Island School of Design, and after a few years of varying careers, she created the business we all love today - Denyse Schmidt Quilts.

Denyse seem to master the use of colour effortlessly and I think it is the colour and vitality of each quilt that draws me in.

A browse through her website has you wanting to change your bed covers immediately!

And, it's not only your bed covers that are under threat! Denyse produces a gorgeous range of fabrics, cushions and tableware. And if you happen to be in the area, you can book in to do one of her Saturday workshops.

(images from Denyse Schmidt Quilts)

NOTES:
Visit Denyse's Online Store
New Zealand Distribution is handled by Fabco Ltd. Contact them for stockists.
Available in the Design Alphabet Book Store is - Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects. A must have for your collection!

Deadly Squire

There has been alot of blogging of late (and well deserved too - it looks fantastic!) about the super cool opening of Rare Device's latest exhibition: New Work by Julia Rothman and Caitlin Keegan.

A browse around the Rare Device website, had me stumbling upon (and reminding myself of) the work of Anna and Tim Harrington over at Deadly Squire.

This husband and wife dynamic duo fonded Deadly Squire in the winter of 2004.

"Together the duo blend their distinctive design sense, infectious enthusiasm, and taste for mischief to create a collection of products for people with an appreciation for our vast and marvelous world."

Their growing Collection of designs and objects provides something evocative, delightful and precious for every home or body. The detail of their pattern work is inspiring and fresh, and very clever!

Here is an example of the patterns they create, shown on their fabulous (and very handy) Pouches.

Pictured L-R from top: 'Wandering Oak', 'Maiden's Chains', 'Groundskeeper's Cameos', 'Feasting at the Berry Bush', 'Branches, Sticks, Twigs' and 'Black Birds after the Harvest'.

NOTES:
Check the Deadly Squire website for more info and their complete range of products - enjoy!
Visit Rare Device and check out the work of Julia Rothman and Caitlin Keegan.

Duckcloth

When it feels like the world of fabulous fabric seems so far away - (note: to all you reprodepot lovers)...we only have to look in our own backyard (well, close enough anyway!) to find the fantastic online store - Duckcloth.

Run by Lisa Edwards, Duckcloth brings together all the best must-have fabrics from Australia and the world. You name a name and it's there! from Amy Butler to The Cut Cloth, there is something for every one.

I have my eye on these...

Pictured L-R from top: Passion Vine River by Amy Butler, Cookies Red by Shannon Lamden, Spot Flower on Cream Hemp by Pippijoe and Daisy Blue and Stone by The Cut Cloth.

NOTES:
Visit Duckcloths online store for their full collection
Shipping is available to NZ - yay!

Mahar Drygoods

The online store of Robert Mahar is my favourite. I love everything about it - the way it looks, the products he sells, the way he writes - it really is a fantastic example of what online stores (especially child focused ones) should be about!

From the way he writes, Robert seems to be a genuinely nice guy who just happens to have fantastic taste to boot! He represents some amazing craftspeople and artists, and the shop really is worth a look.

Here are some of my favourites (without posting everything!), from my favourite; Mahar Drygoods...

Pictured L-R from top: Tooth Fairy and Yeti Shadow Puppets with stand, Toadstool Tea Set, Ricrac Quilted Bib Yellow Floral and Crochet Party Hat.

And, here is my most favourite of all (well I do actually like the whole series!!) but this one is my favourite of the series; Kozyndan's Uprsing Poster.

(Images from Mahar Drygoods)

NOTES:
Visit Robert's online store
Read Roberts Blog
Yippee! delivery is available to NZ!

Daily Reading that inspired all this blog business!

Could I really skip through the D's without mentioning my favourite daily reads? - well the ones that start with D anyway!

Decor8
Design*Sponge

Need I say more? Well, other than - if you don't already, click through and have a look... but be warned, both are very addictive!

and tomorrow? you guessed it! 'E'!