All things bright and beautiful...

Jessie G has been on board with us for the last couple of months, but we thought we would do a bit of an official introduction...

Jess works as an interior designer in London, but ever since being given her first silk screen as a child, she has been addicted to the process and the wide-range of results that can be achieved.

She takes inspiration from her travels around the capital, and her trips a bit further afield too. Her bright, and bold graphic approach tunes into a style akin to mid-century modern, and her pieces whether a print or cushion wouldn't look out of place on a G-Plan sideboard or Ercol daybed!

Most weekends you will find her brightening up a Designer-Maker Market in London with a kaleidoscope of colourful wares from greetings cards to poppy prints, she brightens our day and will brighten a room in any home too...

Find some of her beautiful prints at our shop...here...

Jewel-like qualities...

We were always a touch sceptical about social media and especially Twitter, a few tentative tweets to begin with and then you gain followers, and the confidence to build a business network.

One of our most recent connections was with Nicky Hadjithoma, the founder of new jewellery emporium Neony. Having a common interest in supporting and promoting up-and-coming jewellery designers, Twitter bashed our business heads together, and she kindly invited us to her new store launch in London last week.

Set a jewel-encrusted stones throw away from Tottenham Court Road, the store was already buzzing with people and flash-bulbs as we approached. It was cosy to say the least, but we were still able to enjoy the stunning mix of perfectly curated collections Nicky had put together.

We managed to catch Nicky in the midst of her mingling, a little overwhelmed by the turn-out and realisation that all her hard work had paid off. She was cautious to use the phrase that she had 'something for everyone' but from the queue forming at the back of the store to pay, we'd say there was definitely more than a few happy customers!

With collections on show from Ruby Feathers, Francesca Villa, Daphne Dasque and Origami Jewellery to name but a few, the wall-mounted gilt frames showcased the work perfectly, with the store itself having an Alice Through the Looking Glass quality...

Of course, we couldn't go away empty handed ourselves, with both of us walking away with our very own pieces of Origami Jewellery, and can't wait to go back to get lost in Wonderland...

Home is where the heart is..

The nights are drawing in so naturally we are wanting to spend more time indoors and snuggle with some trashy TV, (well, that's just us!) So to address the balance, we need those little homely touches, so why not indulge in something from one of today's featured designers, Sandy Powell and Rubyshoes Rocks...

Sandy is a recent graduate from London Metropolitan University, where she studied Textile Design for Interiors and Products. Her speciality is three-dimensional stitched textiles, which is certainly put to good use in her range of cushions, corsages and bag charms.

Her inspiration comes from structural aspects found in nature, and using them in repetition. What's lovely about her work is her use of accent colours in felt, taffeta and recycled leather, adding something special to an everyday product...

Now, you may be forgiven for thinking that bunting is something reserved for Summer Fetes in the country, surrounded by homemade cakes and preserves, but Rubyshoes Rocks is on a one woman mission to change all that!

Founded by Interior Designer Jo Ash, Rubyshoes Rocks started out at a little ol' homestead in South East London, making and creating bunting for friends, then for street parties, then for shops, cafes and festivals...

"My bunting isn't all about looking pretty. I'm determined to make bunting cool, and in disposable, something you don't just hang up for Summer tea parties. I hope my bunting is the sort of decoration you'll never, ever want to take down!" says Jo...

Need something to dress up your home? Find these lovely bits and bobs ...here...

Anything but twee...

We posted a mini shout-out for our friends over at Rubyshoes a few weeks ago, and this is the result of an amazing day...

Sunday the 31st July saw the 1st annual 'GREAT BRITISH BUNT OFF' bunting competition, held at Look Mum No Hands! Cafe on Old Street, EC1. This brilliant event was created & hosted by RUBYSHOES ROCKS, an up-and-coming & distinctly unique purveyor of extremely fine BUNTING!

Yes, Rubyshoes is hell bent on changing our perception of bunting from something 'twee' into something quite literally 'totally cool'.....

"Bunting is the new rock 'n' roll" says Rubyshoes...."Move over you pastel gingham triangles!" (Rubyshoes'bunting is rectangular & straight edged, made from amazing fabrics with attitude instead of chintz). 

So the BUNT OFF demanded a bespoke 4m length of best-ever bunting from all who dared enter the competition, & from the photos you can see how wonderfully varied the submissions were! 

Aside from the good 'ol general public, there were submissions from the brilliant Urban Outfitters, also a mega-talented top designer at Whistles, & a fabulous team from French Connection. The public voted & chose the winners,...and there were great prizes..... but more importantly, the BUNT OFF is planning to go on tour!

Yes! The idea is, the BUNT (as it's now known) will tour different venues for the rest of the year: a pub, a summer fete & a wedding are already booked in, and will spread some pleasure throughout (afterall, Rubyshoes is on a mission to bunt the world into a better place!). 

Then Rubyshoes plans an auction to sell it off, with all proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust...Share the joy & check them out...RUBYSHOES ROCKS!

Irreplaceable Structure...

We've been excited to feature the work of graduate Amanda Hughes for a few weeks now, & thankfully after a couple of emails, Amanda has provided us with her beautiful collection of photographs called 'Remember Me'.

This collection was about keeping the memory of a past life alive, before this building is lost for ever. There is sadness & fragility, but absolute beauty at its core, the layers of a previous life, is just clinging on in ever peeling piece of paint & rotting door frame. They have a softness & strength, which is why we were so excited to showcase her stunning work...

A Lightbulb Moment...

Now, from 2D to 3D with our round-up of our best bits from New Designers Part Two, & a week of furniture & product design...

First up from a very talented bunch is Product Designer & Ceramicist, Charlotte Beer.  Her experimentations with ceramic & resin together have created an unexpected, but happy pairing, to create these modern & bright pieces, & with everyone hand-made, each becomes a one-off, unique creation in its own right...

Home Sweet Home...

Next up from our round-up of best bits from New Designers is Surface Designer Rachel Powell. Her stand, under the name of 'House of Hermit' featured her own wallpaper clad house, upholstered chair in her own fabric, as well as light shades & cushions to boot. It's clear she draws on inspiration from mid-century design, which we love, mixed with motifs derived from nature, from living on a farm...she certainly ticks all the boxes for domestic bliss...

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?!