A Dynasty in the making...

We came across Yas-Ming Ceramics about a month ago, and it was lovely to see them, and their work in person at the Pulse London event over the weekend.

We were most excited about the Launchpad area dedicated to up-and-coming designer-makers, and this is where Yas-Ming were based.
There's always room for a sense of humour in design, and their ceramics certainly tick that box.
All the work is completely hand-made by Yasmin Dilekkaya and Ming Wai Sun, and they have been working together since graduating from University for the Creative Arts in Rochester last year.
We're fans of taking a simple idea and really crafting it in a unique and inventive way...looking forward to catching up at New Designers at the end of the month...

It takes two...

What's great about these two graduates, is that they pretty much encompass exactly the reason we are doing this...Not only are they amazingly inventive in their approach, but also working with the geographical challenges of living in two different parts of Scotland.

Re-worked is the collaborative project by Sara Nevay and Nicola Reed. Two graduates from Duncan of Jordanstone, University of Dundee, (we're big fans of the talent coming out of this establishment, and we'll be paying a visit in the not too distant future.)

Nicola with a Jewellery and Metalwork background, and Sara from a textile background, have come together to explore and experiment with their two specialisms to create some inventive and unique work.
We love the fact that their blog is literally their sketchbook and the quickest way they can get their ideas down 'on paper'. I could go on, but please check out the blog for yourselves, it's well worth a look and we'll certainly be in touch ladies...love love love!

Mind your P's & Q's

In an attempt to showcase some of the most diverse design work around, we are loving the beautiful hand-writing of designer Lisa Gordon Scott, and how she has turned her everyday scribble into something special for friends, family and beyond...now what can we ask her to write...um, everything?!

Rebel against minimalism...

In an interior world which seems to be awash with varying shades of grey, Leeds College of Art graduate, Anisha Chauhan has off-set this with a colourful array of prints translating from wrapping paper to wallpaper. There were so many gorgeous prints it was difficult to give you a snapshot without showcasing her entire portfolio. We are now re-thinking our own home decor, a different print in each room perhaps?!

If you go down to the woods today...

We've been checking in with one of our original postings, graphic illustrator graduate CM Carter. She's been busy creating a bi-weekly comic book called Cybear. This is a collaborative piece with film-maker Oli Jacobs who works on the scripts for the comic. We've included a couple of illustrations from the to-date publication, which is getting quite a following already. You can check in with updates every Monday and Saturday for the next instalment...if you dare!

I heart NY

Well, as promised, we have compiled a concise list of must see's from our trip to the big apple, it was quite a challenge to break this down, but hopefully if you haven't seen these places already, you get the chance to check them out on your own trip to the city that never sleeps!

Best Exhibition...Alexander McQueen-Savage Beauty...
Currently on at The Metropolitan Museum, this is a definite must-see. Up close, these pieces were simply breath-taking. What stuck us the most was the all-round appreciation for McQueen's work, young & old, from all walks of life, it was just as interesting listening to people's responses as to seeing the work itself.

Best Exhibit...'Bingo' 1974 Gordon Matta-Clark...
Firm fans of his work, this piece currently on display at MoMA was a real treat to see up close, instead of from the pages of a book.

Best Diner...Juniors...
Just off Time Square this diner is THE place for a slice of their famous New York cheesecake and a great American breakfast, whether it's pancakes with sugar-cured bacon and maple syrup, or Eggs Benedict...mmm!

Best Restaurant...Buddakan...
Serving modern Asian cuisine in the heart of the Meatpacking District, the food is stunning and the crowd cooler than cool!

Best Bar...Apotheke...
Tucked away in Chinatown was the perfect hidden gem. A former Opium den, owners Christopher & Heather Tierney have transformed this into the ultimate NY cocktail bar.

Twinkle, twinkle...

We're just back from NYC and are speedily putting together a few highlights which we'll post over the next few days, but in the meantime, another amazing jewellery designer to whet your appetite with. 

A selection from the graduate Emily L. J.Boyd. These simple, yet striking pieces put her on the list as one to watch. We are definitely all about the silver and gold combination, mix this with an angular take on a classic bangle and we are sold!