Amanda Mercer Ceramics

I love items which have a nostalgic feel and the beautiful work of ceramic artist maker, Amanda Mercer is lovingly handcrafted and inspired by memories and nostalgia.

Amanda’s range is a collection of delicate porcelain buttons, jewellery, pretty home wear and decoration all individually handcrafted and created in Carlisle, Cumbria.

Based on a love for vintage memorabilia such as vintage buttons found in her Grandma's button box, scraps of lace, black and white photographs, stamps and letters, Amanda, translates this feeling through her work.  She explores both the surface decoration and form. Many different techniques are used to achieve her pieces. Such as imprinting, screen printing and the use of decal transfers which are produced through drawings and collages of postage markings and letters.

Each piece is individual and bespoke and they make the most beautiful presents for yourself and others.

Since graduating in 2009 with a first class B.A HONS in Contemporary Applied Arts, Amanda started selling her collection of items through shops and galleries throughout the UK and has also taken part in many exhibitions and events.

Please view www.amandamercer.com for the full range and more details.

Sara x

Art Meets Fashion

Hermes Limited-Edition Scarves by Hiroshi Sugimoto. 

I love the mixing of art, fashion and craftsmanship, the recent design collaboration of Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto with iconic fashion house Hermes, does just that. Famous for its beautiful, colourful scarves and exciting marketing campaigns Hermes is one of the leading luxury scarf brands in the world.

 
The ‘Couleurs de l’ombre’ range of limited-edition silk scarves is inspired by Polaroid’s of the artist’s ‘Colour of Shadow’ collection. In his ‘Colour of Shadow’ artworks, Sugimoto used a Polaroid camera to take long-exposure shots of cinema screens, light passing through prism, and extreme close-ups of colours to create vibrant and colourful photos.

Hermes selected some of Sugimoto’s Polaroid’s and printed them on silk scarves using ink jet printing. These stunning scarves are truly works of art.

http://editeur-en.hermes.com for more details

 

 

 

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

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

Wonderful Shops To See

I Gigi General Store

I love independent retailers who offer something different and unique.

Owned by interior designers, Zoё Ellison and Alex Legendre, i gigi General Store based in Hove is a haven of beautiful gifts, clothing and unique pieces for your home. With its calm, welcoming atmosphere you can browse at your leisure or do some serious shopping. The muted, earthy colour palette is chic and modern and yet utterly timeless allowing all the pieces to fit seamlessly into any home. A beautiful Café, local sourced and organic food, exhibitions of local artists, a bespoke furniture range and an interior design service completes the experience.

“When it comes to interior design, the most important thing for us is to create a space that is practical and can be lived in, as well as looking beautiful and feeling relaxed.  Zoe and Alex

An online shop is available if you want to have a look at this lovely shop.

 igigigeneralstore.com

I have added images on http://pinterest.com/sarabrowndesign/shops-and-galleries/

Happy shopping!

Sara x

I Love These Flower Displays!