Alison Willoughby- Bespoke Skirts

Examples of skirts these can be worn or displayed as art.

A close up the detail involved.

This is an image of Alison Willoughby's skirts shown as art rather than fashion.

Bespoke Wallpaper

Claire Coles Wallpaper

I came across Claire’s wallpaper a few years ago at a craft trade show and even then Claire was making quite a storm. She is now an internationally sought after artisan working with some of the worlds top luxury brands, which is a major achievement in just 10 years.

Her work involves using old fabrics, found pieces of furniture and vintage wallpapers. Hand -stitching, embellishing and patchwork techniques are used, working with paper, fabric, leather and beads. There is a one-off, bespoke, feel to her work. The pieces grow organically and the detail is just beautiful. I think many other designers and artists have used similar ideas and have been influenced by Claire Coles, but in truth I don’t think anyone has produced work quite as unique and as stunning. I think that many of her ideas have also entered into the high street market in a modified fashion, which does really stress the importance of artisans and craftspeople to the larger market. Although most craftspeople work in a specialist, niche market and by the nature of the techniques and often limited finances used are restricted to small runs of products rather than mass-producing their work. However their work does influence and change peoples perceptions, even if they don’t know who came up with the original idea.

To sum up her work, please see the extract below, which is taken from her website;

Claire designs and produces couture embroidered wallpapers and panels for the interior design and contract market. Her unique style of collage and embroidery transforms walls into works of art.

Claire also works in collaboration with luxury brands producing custom made surface patterns for her clients. Her ethereal patterns translate beautifully onto many mediums from gift packaging to fashion prints.

Claire has been practicing for 10 years, clients over this time include Missoni, Paul Smith, Anthroplogie, Liberty of London and Penguin Publishing, and she has just launched her collaboration with champagne house Perrier-Jouët.

All designs are bespoke and produced in house at Claire’s West London studio. She has previously exhibited at 100% Design, Maison Objet and ICFF. In November 2012 she had her first solo exhibition Flow Gallery in Notting Hill, London

For further information go to www.clairecolesdesign.co.uk

I have added some lovely images for you to see. Clare also makes cards, pictures and scarves.

Until next time
Sara x

An image board and design work for Missoni

Claire Coles Wallpaper Images

Stunning wallpaper

I Love These Flower Displays!

Flowers on Display- Scarlet and Violet

Scarlet and Violet flowers, larger than life.

Vintage Flowers by Vic Brotherson

Just a few pages of this stunning book.

Flowers

My Favourite Florist

I love flowers, if I was able to function before 9am I would be a florist, but alas I know my limitations and I will never be a morning person. I think floristry is so under-rated for both the skill and commitment required. Flowers can cheer up or even make a room, and there can be no greater gift than receiving beautiful flowers. Its great fun to buy flowers too.

Scarlet and Violet

In 2006 after working with flowers for 14 years Vic Brotherson opened her wonderful florists shop in 76 Chamberlayne Rd London NW10 3JJ. This has to be one of the most stunning and individual florists, I have ever seen.

Vic, who studied fine art, runs her business with her sister who is a textile designer, and you can definitely see the artistry in the colours and vibrancy of their work. What I love is the randomness and freedom. Unlike more traditional florists who follow a structured style which is fairly generic to florists in general. This is really unique, and Vic provides flowers for many celebrity clients, for their homes and weddings.  The style is textural, unstructured and painterly. Like a country garden. Seasonal flowers are used and English country flowers like; English dahlia, lily of the valley, gorgeous foliage and blossom. Unusual vases (often vintage) and jars are used which is much preferable to crystal vases.

I have included this in my book choice of the week but to tell you a bit more about her book, Vintage Flowers, I have also included some pages for you. I loved this beautiful book; it is full of eclectic ideas and stunning arrangements. Vic really is an artist using flowers rather than paint. This book is so hard to put down and is just full of inspiration for any aspiring florists or flower lovers. It is well worth reading. 

 http://scarletandviolet.com

Time Out says

This exquisite flower shop takes your breath away the moment you walk in the door. An abundance of flowers are displayed casually in old jugs, buckets, glass jars and even milk bottles. The artless containers serve in fact to draw the eye to the extraordinary artistry displayed in the bunches made up in the very personal style of the owner, Victoria Brotherson (at her happiest when arranging flowers for parties in people’s houses). Old-fashioned and traditional country garden flowers are plentiful, including nodding peonies, and tall sticks of hollyhocks and delphiniums. Highly recommended.

I have attached some lovely images of floral displays and as always I have a board in pinterest on flowers and gardens which also has some unusual flower arrangements.

Sara x