Christmas Greetings

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas. As I am sure you have all now finished shopping, I am showing you some of my favourite Bespoke Christmas trees and decorations.

I hope you love these as much as me!

All the best

Sara x

 

Wonderful Home Accessories

Blue Bell Gray

For lovely cushions, rugs, bedding and scarves perfect for gifts for others or yourself!

Bluebellgray has quickly grown into one of Scotland’s most exciting new textile exports, leading the floral trend and being stocked worldwide in the best design boutiques and stores.

Started by Fi Douglas in 2009 a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, Fi had a very clear vision and style in mind; her love of colour and all things floral combined with a desire to create unique painterly pieces. These vibrant, oversized water-colour blooms have become a brand signature and sit harmoniously alongside abstract pieces born from Fi’s natural painting process. Bluebellgray pieces are aimed at people looking for something unique and individual for their home, an antidote to mass production.

The design philosophy behind the brand adheres to the ‘eclectic mix’ school of thought, encouraging the designs to sit beside vintage finds and modern design alike. Living and breathing Bluebellgray, Fi’s own home is regularly featured in home magazines; her dreams of sun-drenched, floral-filled summers adorn her home in her designs.

With an emphasis on quality and integrity bluebellgray source the best materials and take pride that all our fabrics and cushions are made in the UK. Each design is painted by hand in the Glasgow studio before being printed onto natural cottons and linens using state of the art printing technology. The printing methods used enable every brushstroke and colour to be captured, enhancing the feel of the hand-painted design. The pieces have a sense of provenance and the designer behind the product, adding to the feeling of exclusivity. I just love the stunning colours and fluid prints, perfect for adding a splash of colour!

http://www.bluebellgray.com for details of stockists

All the best

Sara x

Inspiring Shops...

Pentreath & Hall

This is another of my  inspirational shops to love, re-branded in 2013, formerly know as Ben Pentreath, Hall and Pentreath is full of English style and eccentricities and just perfect for Christmas presents….

5 years ago, Ben’s growing architectural practice needed a bit more room to grow. He decided to take on a little store front in Rugby Street, just across the road, and the idea was to have a little office annexe in the back with a tiny shop front on the street. Originally he was going lend the shop front to an antique dealer friend. However after a trip to New York he realised the fun thing to do was to open a shop all of his own.

In London he bumped into his old friend Birdie Hall, decorative artist and maker, and a retail collaboration was born. They opened the shop in 2008 with no retail experience and with one purpose in mind: to look for things that they loved themselves.

In 2013, ‘Pentreath & Hall’ was created. Although they have stayed true to the principle of sourcing and selling things that they really love – be it classic or contemporary, antique or modern; books, pictures, objects, furniture. Many of the products sold are from small companies and makers in England, France and elsewhere.

So do go and visit them if you are in London or browse their website. I am sure you will find lots of wonderful bits and pieces for your home and lifestyle.

Happy Shopping

www.pentreath-hall.com for more information

All the Best

Sara x

Old Favourite by Lucy Wakefield

In the run up to Christmas we are all on the hunt for unusual presents, in particular bespoke and hand-crafted gifts. A wonderful maker I have discovered is Lucy Wakefield, I am posting details about her lovely range.

Lucy Wakefield set up Old Favourite just over two years ago, but first started her obsession with colour, textiles and vintage whilst studying for a degree in fashion in the mid-1990s. Lucy then went on to work as a knitwear and fashion designer. When Lucy recently returned to live in Devon, she started to develop a range of screen printed textiles, using imagery from her collection of vintage postcards, hand drawings and wooden print blocks. Lucy's passion for interesting handmade things has formed the basis of Old Favourite. pieces include vintage paper birds, (featured in Country Living and English Home magazines) printed cushions, tea cosies, tea towels, lavender hearts and peg bags, alongside mixed media paintings and prints.

"Old Favourite is all about vintage inspired art and design, a collection of handmade and hand printed things for your home which are unique, full of character and nostalgic."

 See www.oldfavourite.co.uk for details on stockists and trade enquiries and commissions.

Happy shopping

All the best Sara x

Fashion Drawn...

Garance Doré is a French photographer, illustrator and author, best known for her fashion blog and stunning fluid drawings…

Any self-proclaimed lovers of fashion will know all about this multi-skilled and stylish woman, who is simply too talented for words. Garance originally lived and worked in Paris but is now based in New York. The street style snapper emerged on the fashion scene in 2006, in the early days of the blogger boom and remains to be a major player. Along with her photographer boyfriend, Scott Schuman, they are the reigning King and Queen of street style photography. Doré has lent her creative touch to numerous creative projects. Working as both a photographer and illustrator has allowed her to collaborate with a long list of clients: such as Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Max Mara, MAC Cosmetics and Dior.

She’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue and ELLE Magazine and on featured on Harper’s Bazaars Women of Fashion, GQ’s 25 Most Glamorous Women of Fashion, and Vogue’s 40 Women of the Decade and Elle France’s 30 Most Powerful Women in Fashion.

I love her work  and hope you do too…

www.garancedore.fr/en/ for more information

Bye for now

Sara x

Melin Tregwynt- Made In Britain

Made in a beautiful setting these wonderful woven blankets and fabrics have been used in many different ways and combine the best features of british design and craftsmenship.

Modern Traditions

Melin Tregwynt Blankets and Cushions

As the weather gets colder and we think of snuggling up in a warm blanket and not leaving the house….

Melin Tregwynt heralds a new spirit in Welsh design with exclusive wool blankets, throws and cushions, furniture, accessories and clothing that combine authentic Welsh tradition with innovative and modern design.

A family run business since 1912, they still employ 20 local people to work in the mill. The 1980s recession saw many of the Welsh Mills close. Melin Tregwynt was lucky however. Howard’s son Eifion had come home to join the family business and began to develop markets further afield. New yarns and new designs kept the mill and its staff busy supplying customers all over the world. Their products are seen in many design-led shops and hotels worldwide. They collaborate with many well know designers such as Matthew Hilton who has produced a retro reading chair. I love the mix of tradition and craftsmanship whilst still been very current and desirable. The range is constantly been added to and new items introduced, so this niche label will carry on I feel sure for another 100 years.

We like to make things that are useful and beautiful to look at. We stock simple stylish clothing, accessories and bags, blankets, throws and cushions – all made in our own unique fabrics, together with other carefully chosen Welsh gifts, clothes and accessories innovative and modern.

http://www.melintregwynt.co.uk/ for information.

Wrap up warm….

Sara x

Carine Gilson Lingerie Couture

Wonderful Shops To See....

Carine Gilson Lingerie Couture

I love beautiful shops and interiors. Many of my favourite shops are in Paris, which is a really good excuse to take a trip to Paris….

Carine Gilson sells stunning couture lingerie; the art of perfection is second nature, using the best materials of Lyon silk and Chantilly lace. Every item is unique and hand-crafted in silk, both fluid and elegant in design.

To exhibit her couture lingerie, Carine Gilson imagined a contemporary boudoir, where the minimalist space meets the decorative spirit. The space is vibrated by continuous mirrors, offering a sensual atmosphere. Carine is a graduate in fine art from the Antwerp academy in Brussels, setting up her workshop when only 23 years old, she produced her first collection in 1994. Her collections are now available worldwide from London, Brussels, Paris, LA, New York and Tokyo and there are branches of Carine Gilson in Paris, Brussels and London.

www.carinegilson.com for more information

Sara x

Lily and Lionel Luxury Scarves

I just love scarves and I am always on the look-out for something a bit different. Lily and Lionel have made making stunning scarves for 5 years and were awarded the Walpole’s British Luxury Brand of Tomorrow in 2012.

The brand is named after Creative Director Alice Stone’s grandparents, both of whom worked in the textile industry. Lily was a dressmaker with a strong talent for designing and making clothes; Lionel supplied apparel to some of London’s most glamorous boutiques and stores. After graduating from the London College of Fashion, Alice set about making her own mark on the textiles industry with a line of iconic printed scarves.

Every hand-picked print tells a personal story: inspired by a favourite painting, holiday photograph or a vintage print. Both light weight and softly textural from the moment you wrap yourself up in a Lily and Lionel scarf you are enveloped in comfort and luxury, giving a feel-good factor to life.

A piece of art, that will keep for ever, rather than a simple accessory, as each scarf is unwrapped the colours will expand to reveal a complete story.

I have included visual examples of the current range. Go to www.lilyandlionel.com to view the collection and more information.

All the best

Sara x

Bespoke Scents And Perfumes

Ormonde Jayne- Wonderful Perfumes…

I love scents and perfumes; I think that these evoke such strong memories and passions. Although I have always worn Chanel, I do love the beautiful fragrances of Ormonde Jayne, who are based in England. Each product is passionately created by owner, Linda Pilkington and bottled and packaged by hand in her London workshop.

Ormonde Jayne, started almost by chance and at the time was little more than the passionate hobby of an uncompromising perfectionist. Linda’s interest in perfumery started as a teenager, intrigued by the passion and romance of perfume and perfume bottles. This passion led Linda to her first career, growing and selling flowers by the roadside outside her Cheshire family home. She also learnt to make scented candles and bathing oils from craft sets and courses, and created scented cushions. Linda then spent fourteen years travelling and working around the world; gaining experience working in South America, Africa and the Far East.

On returning home, Linda continued with her love of scent and began creating a collection of perfumes which were shown at a London trade show. For two consecutive years, she was awarded the first prize for style and innovation and worked with Chanel to create ‘the perfect scented candle’

 

The Ormonde Jayne perfumery opened on 30th November 2002 in London’s Old Bond Street. The philosophy is one of quality and true luxury, the pursuit of beauty and elegance.  Their perfume library reposes on one simple principle, beautiful scents using speciality oils not widely used in today’s perfume industry. Rare oils are hunted down for the men’s and women’s perfumes and these are blended with specially selected botanical extracts including orchid oil, water lily, green ginger and sea fennel to create the bath and body collection.  One of the unique services they offer is a Perfume Portrait by allowing the client to smell single notes and documenting the individual's likes and dislikes, their consultants are able to direct the customer to a perfume that exceeds their expectations.

In Linda’s own words;



“In creating Ormonde Jayne, my goal was to combine elements which I consider define true elegance: The quality of English craftsmanship, the art of French perfumery and the sensuality and natural harmony of the Orient.”

http://www.ormondejayne.com for details online and to view their London Perfumery

Ormonde Jayne, 192 Pavilion Road,  Sloane Square. London, SW3 2BF

Bye for now

Sara x

Made To Last....



Rust-Jewellery

 I love jewellery not bling or certain high street shops who charge a fortune for pieces of string with a few beads on, (I am sure you know who!) but beautiful crafted pieces that can be passed onto your children and give pleasure for years.

One of my favourite jewellery companies is RUST, who is based in London.  All their jewellery is handmade in London using traditional methods and tools by a small team of highly skilled jewellers. Not only is their work unique and beautifully crafted, I love the inventive way their pieces are displayed and the wonderful personality and sheer British-ness and sense of humour.

Nao Utsumi came to London (from his native Japan) at 18 years old with the dream of studying shoe-making at Cordwainers. However he realised he had a talent and passion for jewellery making.  He joined forces with Artemis Russell, an English fine artist and together they formed Rust.





By purchasing from RUST Jewellery, you are showing your support for British Manufacturing and are helping to keep alive the traditional techniques such has hand engraving and stone setting. Every ring is unique, as each and every one has been hand made and/or worked on using tiny chisels. You also a purchasing a beautiful, unique piece of jewellery and I am sure an antique of the future, I am not too sure that a piece of string with a few beads on will turn up on the Antiques Road show!

Also check out Artemis’s blog which is really stylish, a little bit eccentric and great fun.

http://www.junkaholique.com/

 Go to   www.rustjewellery.com for further information and to view the full collection of rings, lockets, bracelets and vintage pieces

All the Best

Sara x

Interesting Extra Bits

Jenny McCabe

The mission behind Coo & Co designs is to use natural and where possible recycled and up cycled materials. All pieces are made one at a time and by hand using water based inks which are environmentally friendly. Jenny is inspired by nature and all her work is based on her original sketches. I love her beautiful drawings and the practically as well as the design qualities of her work and its uniqueness.

Self-taught screen printer Lancaster-based fine artist, designer and maker Jenny McCabe of "Coo & Co Designs" in her own words…..

I have always been an artist; deal ways crafted and had a multitude of creative projects on the go. My formal training started with a foundation art course straight from school, then I went on to do a BTEC in Art as I didn’t want to leave the fantastically creative environment of Art school. After having my daughter and working as a community artist I finally managed to get to University to do a BA in Fine Art, but I hated it, it was far too conceptual and very anti-craft and making. I finished the degree and got good marks, but I wrestled for year with this idea that craft was bad. I tried out video-making and installations amongst loads of other things to finally come back to what I love, making something beautiful from nothing with you own hands.

Her book came out in 2013 called Hand Print and Make Your Own Bags which has 35 projects for you to have try at home or visit www.cooandco.co.uk to view Jenny’s lovely work.

Sara x

Global Crafts

 

In this post I wanted to look at global craftsmen rather than focusing on UK artisans. The traditional crafts inspire many current day craftspeople and in the developing countries many wonderful companies and individuals are aiding the continuation of these skills.

Stephanie Odegard seeks to preserve rare artistic traditions from around the world and has devoted her career to assisting artisans in developing countries promote and preserve their traditional crafts. Recognized as an international leader in contemporary design she has expanded from selling carpets to include finely crafted objects from regions outside Nepal and Tibet, and has focused on preserving the ancient traditions which flourished during the Mogul period.

Before starting her own business Stephanie consulted in craft sectors in different nations around the world for 15 years. She designs and develops textiles, furniture, accessories, carpets and architectural fixtures.

 Stephanie gets the most excitement and inspiration with working through new concepts using ancient traditional skills with designers in realizing their visions for interiors.

Artisans are commissioned in Nepal, India, Tibet and Italy to create modern pieces of furniture, lighting, textiles, and decorative accessories. Stephanie Odegard works to assure the survival of their traditional crafts and honour the communities in which they are made. Each unique piece is infused with a clear sense that the artist's hand has been at work. This is of such importance, particularly in raising the awareness of crafts and traditional skills.

www.stephanieodegard.com for more information further images see below.

http://pinterest.com/sarabrowndesign/primative http://pinterest.com/sarabrowndesign/kilim-tapestry-and-crewel/

Sara xx

Bohemian Pattern For Interiors

Surfacephilia

This is one of my favourite surface design brands. I love the sketchiness and uniqueness, this brand is instantly recognizable with a strong signature style. I feel that many surface decoration and design brands have become very similar.  It is really exciting to see a home grown brand becoming an international success in such a short space of time.



Surfacephilia is a UK based surface design brand that creates luxurious bohemian patterns for the interiors and homeware market. It was launched at the London Design Festival in 2011 by owner and designer Helen Stevens. After graduating in 2002 in Textiles and Surface Design, Helen went on to work in industry as a print designer for Red or Dead and as a college lecturer and is also involved in the Designer Marketplace.

Helen's hand rendered approach towards surface pattern and her bold and experimental designs are built up using layering of intricate and often repetitive drawings, paintings and textures that have been lifted directly from precious sketchbook pages.

Described in The Telegraph Magazine as 'One to watch' and as one of Glass Magazine's 'Top 5 designers to have in your home'. Surfacephilia’s debut collection Navajo, spans across a range of digitally printed wallpapers, luxury feather filled cushions, bone china and greeting cards and is all consciously manufactured in the UK.  Surfacephilia is sold in Liberty and through their website which is listed below.  Sara xx

www.surfacephilia.co.uk

Bespoke work by Helen Stevens

Bohemian Pattern Design

Surfacephilia Images.....

Room Sets And Drawings

Back To The Drawing Board

 In the modern age speed is of the essence, particularly in the design world. Computer programmes are essential in the design world. However, I just love to see original drawings and water colours of room sets. These are so beautiful and are actually works of art in their own right as well as serving a function in the design process.  So how about going back tothe drawing board and starting to draw and paint?

Food for thought….

Sara x

Wonderful drawings taken from The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needman.

Bespoke Wallpapered Furniture

Suzanne Rose

I came across this lovely furniture online, I like the idea of taking a piece of furniture and giving it a new lease of life, and they also look great and really make a statement. A fashion stylist in the music industry, Suzanne has been responsible for some of the most iconic images of the 80’s and 90’s : Pepsi and Shirley, Nik Kershaw, Duran Duran, Sinitta, T-Pau, Bucks Fizz, Musical Youth, UB40 and many more chart-topping acts.

To describe this range in the designers own words;

I make beautiful wallpapered furniture. Each piece is individual, unique, practical and durable having been coated with a high gloss lacquer. My passion has always been interiors and creating beautiful ‘things’. The more ugly the item, the greater the transformation.

To contact Suzanne about a commissioned piece email- suzanne.langan@gmail.com

Wonderful Shops.....

Merci-111 Boulevard Beaumarchais-Paris

Housed in a stunning historical building, this shop combines shopping, eating and design. A one stop destination for all that is important in life……

Merci was created in March 2009, in the heart of the historic Haut-Marais district. The founders, Bernard and Marie-France Cohen, realised that Paris lacked a place which brought together the best in fashion, design, household goods, and friendly eating options.

Merci's aim is to bring together, under one roof, products and customers who traditionally have not had the chance to meet such as vintage furniture or contemporary creations; emerging new fashion brands or already-recognised collections; impulse buys, affordable for all or much rarer pieces, sometimes in limited editions.

Merci calls this approach "The One and The Other" because we don't want to have to choose between traditional or modern, local or international, simple or costly, mass-produced or individually made, but to bring them all together, and present the best of each world.

Merci is a shop which works like a magazine. Over 15 exhibitions/events around a selection, and an original theatrical design in harmony with the year, have transformed the place into a "store-destination". The exhibitions' themes put over the Merci point of view on a trend, a change in society, the work of a designer or an irresistible take on a project.

www.merci-merci.com

Enjoy

Sara x

Merci-Shopping in Paris

Wonderful Shops To See.....Merci