scrapbook days

I think I'd better call these posts scrapbook days, as I can't seem to stick to a sat. I've got a huge pile of one of my fave magazines  - Country Homes and Interiors (I love the way they incorporate modern design into traditional interiors) which I need to shrink as it's taking over my bookshelves. I can't stand to just throw them out so I'm 'scrapbooking' all the shots and products that I like looking at. Here's some of the results. I don't mood board them, as I don't have time : ) You may find some of the patterns inspirational. I love the labels from Avoca in the top left corner.
www.avoca.ie

Creative Lancaster

We bobbed into Lancaster this morning (to get some new socks, woo-hoo rock and roll) and I couldn't resist popping into my fave design based shops, Arteria and sister shop Unbox. Take a look at some shots of their stuff. Whilst I was there I discovered a brand that's new to me - Doochy cards (see cards above). Lancaster has a good few independent shops and galleries which are well worth a visit. We popped into the oldy-worldy coffee emporium J.Atkinsons, which sends coffee smoke poofing out onto the street - gorgeous on a winters day :)
www.arteriashop.co.uk
www.unboxshop.co.uk
www.atkinsonsteaandcoffee.co.uk

Homeware Pattern

Here's a couple of patterns I have hanging around my system :) I'm really into cold colours at the moment. Not a great commercial move but sometimes you've got to do something to your own taste. I'm not a huge fan of the patterns themselves mind, but they might inspire someone..

Lovehart Cards

One of the stands that left an impression with me was that of Lovehart. They have a lovely vibrant fun style and I love the story behind the brand. It was a pleasure to see their new launches at Spring Fair. I'll blog some more companies this week that stood out. It has to said we are a very creative little country!

Check out their website: www.lovehart.co.uk

Spring Fair Design Trail

After a much needed long soak in the tub after walking the spring fair yesterday I'm so excited to say what a fantastic fair it was with real movement in trend. What hit me was how many named designers there were, and not celebrity ones either. It's seems we are hitting a time of design integrity, a reflection for peoples desire to connect with home grown genuine quality as consumer spending is more focused and thoughful. I loved seeing an emphasis on the home spun and textural in terms of pattern. Stitching and material collage effects could be seen from ceramic to greetings.

It was also great for me to see a a few products at launch that I had designed and meet the faces behind the companies. I was really excited to see my worktop saver for uber cool company JospehJospeh. Equally exciting was seeing my birds mug at the Buttercup China stand (see above).

Fantastic stand design included Buttercup China and Pantone International, which made use of height, hanging mugs and plates in pattern to sculptural effect. It was also a pleasure to see the fantastic Maria Holmer Dahlgren for Formation and the groovy Isaak stand. What amazing and punchy design styles.

Another side of the show is getting to talk to and meet the amazing people behind the product. It was lovely to meet and chat to Herdy! I met up with old colleagues at Eurowrap and Rayware, which was just so lovely! What a great design day. I can't wait for the next show :)

Spring Fair

It's time to put some shoes on, leave the house and head to the Spring Fair tomorrow (fingers crossed no snow, ice or fog!) Typical I've got a sore throat but I guess it's just the time of year. Lots if drinks for me :). I've seen the show shrink over the years due to recession, but I'm really excited about tomorrow. Got a feeling I'm going to see some good products and design :) Bring it on!

Scrapbook Sat (oops is it Sun already? shh don't tell anyone ; )

More scrapbook goodness containing work from designers everywhere. Great inspiration - enjoy :)