emma jeffs - surface material design

New Studio

2012-01-10T14:34:00.000Z

I have just got the keys to my brand new studio... and what fine windows these are.
I moved house and studio just before Christmas so currently living out of cardboard boxes and am so looking forward to getting the new space up and running asap. A lick of white paint and what will I do with those windows?

Happy New Year and finally...

2012-01-06T12:36:00.001Z

Great start to a new year for me. Finally after 3 years of ups and downs, trials and sampling I am very pleased to announce that all my window film designs are now available on a Non PVC and

phthalate free material, a small contribution to a greener world. This is all possible as I have teamed up with US company 10 Roof Cottage LLC. It has been a really important personal quest for me to develop and produce this product with as many green credentials as it can be. When I launched the product in 2006 it was impossible to find a non PVC material but now material manufacturing in this area is finally developing non PVC substitutes and we are lucky to be working with a great company that has supported this development. We will continue to develop and research within this area but I am so pleased to have finally got this far. Thank You 10 Roof Cottage!

Future flora?

2011-11-16T13:29:00.001Z

On a recent visit to the aquarium with the little un, we fell in love with these. I know it's a jelly fish but can't help thinking that in another 2 million years that some new species of flower could look like these. Transparent flowers .....now that could make interesting planting?

Do you use window films?

2011-11-11T15:35:00.002Z

Holly over at Decor8 has asked this question . She has kindly included my films in this debate.
The comments are really interesting. Great to read all the DIY solutions people have come up with. But most of all it's lovely to read comments from past customers who have used my films. Its great to hear that the WF's fulfil what I set out to do and have spent a long time developing. To offer function and beauty and very soon ..... on a new non PVC film. This has been 3 years of development and testing. Oh so very excited to offer a green window film. Function, Beauty and Green. Watch this space.

Moi neckwears in Paris - new stockist

2011-11-08T15:42:00.001Z

At the moment I am juggling so many projects I really could do with a Me, Myself and an I. Have just completed all the orders from Origin. A small collection of pieces have gone to what looks like a fantastic boutique in Paris run by Fiona called STORIE.

Origin Stand - N&n Shop coming soon

2011-10-18T10:11:00.000+01:00

Snap shot of my Stand at Origin this year. It has been a few wee years since I have done a direct selling show at event such as this and it was wonderful to meet so many other makers. A big thank you to everyone who bought a neck piece and an even bigger thank you for waiting until you receive the pieces at the end of Oct/early Nov ( I did rather well, and had to take orders for the last 3 days).

It was interesting to do a show again and get direct feedback on the work... so important as creative outputs/ feedback can tend to be all online now. We are busy putting the finishing touches to the new N&n online shop so hopefully all those who missed the show can check them out very soon.

FT - How to Spend it - A personal service for beautiful surfaces

2011-10-06T17:28:00.000+01:00

A belated Thank you to the FT and Charlotte Abrahams who interviewed me recently about my bespoke services. I am indeed the bespoke surface person... I love bespoke projects creating something unique for a client keeps me awake at night dreaming of colours and patterns to adorn windows or other surfaces. More often than not I don't see the finished result as usually the pieces are not installed by me. But it is always lovely to know they are adorning windows worldwide and sometimes I get reports from friends who have spotted them around the globe....

16 shades of grey tones

2011-10-03T14:41:00.000+01:00

So Origin is over and I will post some pics of the stand and final pieces when I am sorted in the the meantime an artist friend introduced me to francesca biondi's recent fashion collection which was inspired by 16 shades of grey tones that the human eye is able to identify and distinguish one from another. The beauty of a monotone. Grey is definitely having its moment in design.

Origin - final preparations

2011-09-19T09:20:00.000+01:00

The back and front layout for my postcard. One more thing ticked off my oh so long list.

I spotted my wares on the tube this weekend

2011-09-12T14:33:00.000+01:00

I am a born and bred Londoner and having grown up looking at posters on the tube. I can say that it is a real highlight to see one of my creative outputs featured on a poster in the London tube this weekend. I laughed out loud as it was my little un (she is two and half) who spotted it first... shouting with excitement "mummy's scarf" over and over again. I am not sure who was more excited to see it her or me. I think the people around us thought we were kind of crazy!!! Only one more week to go until Origin please do come say hello Stand A16

Swathed in Silk

2011-08-30T11:28:00.000+01:00

I have taken receipt of 30m's of silk from the printers that will be sewn by me into my neck wears for the Origin show. Silk Satin is my chosen substrate for the No.2 series. I am loving the array of colours and patterns merging in this enormous heap on my workbench... I will immerse myself in this swathe of fabric as I make my wares.

Spot me on the london underground - Origin poster

2011-08-23T15:24:00.000+01:00

I am thrilled to announce that one of my neckwear pieces has been featured on the ORIGIN London tube poster. So if you are in London you will being seeing the above poster all over the london underground. The countdown is on as in a matter of weeks I will be showing my N&n Series 2 collection at this fantastic show which is now held in September as part of London Design Festival. Book here to get 20% early bird discount off tickets before 16th September.

Summer holidays...

2011-08-16T16:15:00.000+01:00

my friends lovely lampshades

a view from a Paris apartment

We saw to much rain and then finally some sun, ate far to much patisserie (the larger the better) lazed in long grass and watched beetles, biked in sunshine (my bum hurt), paddled in rivers (to cold to swim), taught my little un to say Bonjour although it sounded like bumjor! watched the milky way and saw french films in my dad's cinema (a barn with some deckchairs), finally a stop off in Paris in a friends delightful apartment (with lovely lampshades). Happy times….now time to focus again.

Good ideas where do they come from?

2011-06-23T12:45:00.000+01:00

Steven Johnson:

Where good ideas come from

I have watched this numerous times it never fails to inspire and aspire.
If you haven't seen it ...watch now and pass it on.

My window films in Australian House & Garden

2011-06-15T11:45:00.008+01:00

I was delighted to receive a copy of Australian House & Garden from my window film distributors in Oz the lovely Ella & Sofia. June's issue features a wonderful patchwork of the films styled by Natalie Walton of the wonderful daily imprint blog which features an abundance of creative talent in Aus. Thanks Natalie. I think it could be a great idea for upcycling some old doors for wardrobe doors? If anyone does this please let me know, would love to see the results.

New for 2Jane - Stick Up Chalkboard Vinyls

2011-06-09T12:50:00.000+01:00

My new Stick Up Chalkboard Vinyls for 2Jane launched at New York's ICFF this year and were featured on The Kitchen Designer Blog. Thanks Susan and Kelly.

The designs are based on what I always seem to be jotting down on scraps of paper and pining to my notice board or stuffing in my pocket. There are four designs which you can use together to be super organised or stick where you need them as a reminder!

Shopping list - under categories like veggies, dairy etc
To do's today, Things I must get done before 11am!
This week, I will do this on that day
Recipes, Will you make this for me?

Now my scraps are redundant. The Chalkboard vinyls can be stuck directly to the wall and used over and over again. With the shopping list one, I just take a snap on my iphone and off to the shops I go!!

Susan Collier of Collier Campbell

2011-05-20T15:12:00.012+01:00

It was with great sadness that I found out today that Susan Collier has passed away. The Collier Campbell exhibition is due to open on the 23rd May at the National Theatre. I am sure it will be a wonderful celebration of a partnership of over 50 years. Collier Campbell were a big inspiration to me as a fledgling textile designer. I was lucky enough to meet Susan on a couple of occasions and I own a wonderful sample scarf design that they produced for Jaeger which is a treasured possession. Go see the exhibition if you have the chance.

Collect 2011

2011-05-15T21:18:00.000+01:00

I was asked to speak at a event on Friday at the V&A and afterwards we all went off to visit Collect at the Saatchi gallery. What stood out for me this year was the project space on the 2nd floor. This was new for this year's show and presented a selection of artists who created installation work to complement the fair. Installations included a living wall by Rosa Nguyen which was a wonderful ever changing landscape of organic glass forms and plants and the large-scale collaborative installation from Ptolemy Mann and Lubna Chowdhary which was a colour feast. It was really exciting to see makers given the opporutninty to show this type of installation work within the context of Collect and to have the opportunity to speak to the makers directly.

Moving colour

2011-05-03T10:13:00.003+01:00

Pray for Japan exhibition

2011-04-12T11:21:00.000+01:00

A one off A4 print I have produced for Paumes who are hosting a wonderful charity exhibition "Pray for Japan" at gallerie doux dimanche in Toyko all the sales from the exhibition will be given to the Japanese Red Cross Society. There are some fantastic artists work for sale. Paumes asked everyone to feature a heart somewhere in the piece. My piece is entitled "A new leaf".

Crafts Council Hothouse Support for emerging makers

2011-04-05T09:50:00.005+01:00

For any new makers who are looking for some business and creative support in setting up. Have a look at the new Hothouse programme for new makers. The closing date for applications is the 15th April.To find out more about Hothouse, including a summary of the 2010 programme, visit the Crafts Council website.

shadow surface patterns

2011-03-29T14:30:00.000+01:00

I walk the concrete paths of my local park and in the spring sunshine I watch the shadow surface patterns appear and disappear.

The Joy of Living

2011-03-22T10:25:00.000Z

Over the weekend I went to see Pick Me Up the contemporary graphic art fair at Somerset House loads to see and alongside Pick Me Up was the Joy of Living put together by Max Fraser which is a fantastic show to raise money for the Maggie Cancer Caring Centre's. Max asked a broad selection of designers to create artwork that expresses the Joy of Living all from a single sheet of A4 graph paper. The name of the designer will not be revealed until the piece has been purchased. Unfortunately the 21st was the last day of the exhibition but you can still purchase some of the artwork here and for £3.50 a special edition newspaper which has a selection of the artworks reproduced across a double spread.

Thinking of you all.

2011-03-17T11:42:00.000Z

Textile from a dear Japanese friend. We can help here.

Len Lye

2011-03-14T14:19:00.001Z

I had forgot about Len Lye until my sister reminded me. I was introduced to Len's work on my foundation course nearly 20 years ago, how stupid of me to forget. Wonderful animation "Swinging the Lambeth walk". I live in Lambeth and this beauty reminds me to smile in this Spring sunshine.

Thanks to Living etc magazine blog Life.Style.etc

2011-03-10T14:53:00.000Z

All the pieces from the exhibition have now been sold and are on there way to be worn by various necks. I hope to do another Neck & Neck series 2 later in the year. Thanks to Life.Style blog who featured some of the neckwares from the exhibition last week.

Neck & Neck some more shop photos

2011-03-03T09:40:00.000Z

Lovely PV last night a big thank you to everyone who stopped by. I will be selling my neck wares until Saturday 5th so please come say hi.11am - 6pm / Sat - 11 - 4pm, The Corner shop, 21 Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1 0DX.

Neck & Neck Spring Summer 2011 - Oui are open...

2011-03-01T21:13:00.000Z

Opening times & address details

Neck & Neck ...opens today

2011-03-01T09:06:00.000Z

One of my plans this year was to showcase some of my explorations of digital mark making with cloth and form. As a scarf wearer myself I am intrigued by how a strip of patterned fabric can be formed in a multitude of ways around the neck and how an individual chooses to wear it. Scarves are a great accessory they can make a simple everyday outfit that bit more individual. I am also interested in how digital print technologies can allow you to produce 1 or 1000 items and each one can be unique.

For Neck & Neck I took a single piece of silk fabric that would be worn around the neck and aimed to create structure and interest to the form through the pattern /design. The patterns are made using only computer software, lines, colour and layering create dimension to the fabric. Each piece is unique, how you choose to wear these pieces determines how the print is viewed. Twisted, tied, looped or knotted all will produce a final different effect. Please come and say hello if you are around I will be in the shop most of the week. Please see here for opening times and location.

Designed by emma jeffs for the V&A / Japanese Patterned Adhesive Vinyl

2011-02-11T13:28:00.002Z

The V&A gave me permission to digitally dissect three kimonos from the Japanese textiles in the V&A collection, to create 3 Wall Ribbons . Working from high resolution photographs of the kimonos and using the tools of photoshop, I could then magnify and explore all the complexities of these pieces. The stitches, the construction, the weave of the fabrics, the delicacy and depth of the patterns and colours.

I then abstracted, cut, layered and patched my own digital patterns from these pieces. The final designs are digitally printed onto a fabric that has an adhesive backing. The vinyls are 10 x 200cms, there is no repeat. You can place them horizontally or vertically and they can be repositioned.

It has been a real privilege to be able to create these digitally constructed textiles. I hope I have captured and highlighted some of the qualities and details of these magnificent fabrics within my patterns so that they can be seen again in a new form. They are available in the online shop (which ships worldwide) and in the museum shop price £25.00. All made in the UK and every purchase supports the museum.

emma Jeffs for the V&A coming soon....

2011-02-02T12:21:00.000Z

I have just completed a lovely project with the V&A, it has been a dream come true to work with some of the Japanese textiles in the V&A collection . No images as yet but here is a teaser. It will be in the V&A shop and online from mid feb....

Moving Marimekko by Jeremiah Tesolin

2011-01-25T11:50:00.000Z

I have always been interested in machines within manufacturing processes. I am seduced by what they make, how they automate and produce, lights and buttons flashing. (It should be noted that I also love making by hand). This is a short film by Jeremiah Tesolin brand manager at Marimekko with music by Neva Tesolin. Jeremiah remembers reading a quote by Architect Benjamin Thompson which read "Marimekko is the movement of colour in space". Taking this further he created this brief movie in his first few weeks at Marimekko of exploring the essence of moving Marimekko. Who would think that printed cloth being roll finished could be so seductive on film. Well I do.

This is what Jeremiah says about the film.
"As a new employee in Marimekko I’m coming into an environment with a rich brand history that I’ve been told takes time to understand. Since I’m working in brand and marketing development, I felt I needed to spend time with the core elements of the company in order to understand how I can help Marimekko evolve. Core elements range from the people, places, and processes that can help Marimekko move forward. What I’m fascinated in is finding the essence of how and why the company was created, and how those essential ideas can be made contemporary today.

I started spending a lot of time in the printing facility in Herttoniemi. Exploring the essence of the company and how to help it move further. Each day I’d pass through the factory floors in the morning to see what new prints are being created, how they are made and who’s working there each day. What struck me most was the vibrancy of patterns within the industrial space. I’ve read about Marimekko’s brand being a series of contrasts, and the factory is probably one of the best examples. Rolls of white textile ready to be printed and rolls of colourful prints running through the building. The hand-touch of the workers using ink to bring the prints to life, and the mechanics that go along with rolling the fabrics for transportation. It’s the most positive and vibrant working space I’ve seen and every time I’ve visited it’s always alive with a new print".

Neck & Neck exhibition 5 weeks away...

2011-01-20T16:02:00.002Z

It has been a long time since I have worked with cloth and pattern for the body. I trained in textiles for fashion many moons ago but the last eight years interiors has been my domain. I will be exhibiting my digitally printed handmade neckwear for men and women. From the 1st - 5th March I will be taking over the Corner shop at 21 Clerkenwell Green London, EC1 ODX. So much to do before then.

New Year....

2011-01-18T21:18:00.000Z

This wonderful knitted beauty I spotted adorning the windows of a canal boat over the Christmas holidays. Even boat windows need a little privacy.

A little Craftiness for Christmas

2010-12-02T22:22:00.011Z

Instead of a Christmas card this year I thought it would be nice to do something that anyone could make from a one sheet of A4 paper. So here are my Otto paper Lanterns that I have designed to fit around a small tealight (about 6cms high) You can make 2 from one sheet of A4 Paper, all you need is a colour printer, scissors and cellotape. Full instructions included go here to download. Please note I don't recommend that you use them around a open flame.

I think they are just the thing for this time of year to pop in your window as the night draws in. Grab yourself a glass of something nice to drink whilst you are crafting. Happy Christmas see you in 2011.

Reflecting on drawing in a digital age

2010-12-01T08:16:00.001Z

This is from the Crafts Council OnViewOnline Gallery dedicated to exploring contemporary craft themes online. Interesting behind the scenes film in how Tavs Jorgensen's uses digital technologies within his work to create his One Liner glass bowls.

The making of Tavs Jorgensen's One-Liner glass bowls. Film by Federico Urdaneta from Crafts Council on Vimeo.

Constance Howard Resource Digital Archive

2010-11-25T10:17:00.012Z

The Visual Arts Data Service (VADS) has announced that a further 200 objects from the material archive at the Constance Howard Resource and Research Centre in Textiles at Goldsmiths, University of London, has been digitised and made available online. The Collection includes an eclectic, international treasure trove of textiles that are extraordinarily rich in breadth and diversity, ranging from full-scale quilts and hangings to tiny fragments of embroidery and lace. It is truly a wonderful resource, so do go and check it out http://www.vads.ac.uk/collections/CHM

TISLstyle.com

2010-11-05T10:27:00.003Z

Tisha Leung is kindly spreading the word about
my window films over in US on her new design blog.
Thanks Tisha

Freya Lines

2010-10-01T19:10:00.012+01:00

Freya Lines has been my intern for the last couple of months. She is a talented artist and an amazing paper cutter. I could see these pieces scaled up to make a fantastic stage set. She is off to do another placement; she will be missed in the studio. Take a look at more of her fabulous work here.

Curiosity Pop Up Shop - has now popped off.

2010-10-01T18:07:00.008+01:00

I didn't take any snaps of the Curiosity pop up as I stupidly forgot my camera so this image is courtesy of Catherine Hammerton's website. I hope to get some better ones at a later date.The Private View was great, thanks again Catherine, Diana and Marianna for all your hard work. I hope to do my own pop up early next year. Watch this space.

London Family Style

2010-10-01T17:34:00.014+01:00

We had a lovely time on Saturday at Ella Doran's tea party for the launch of the Paumes London Family Style Book. Here's a peak at our family space which is featured in the book. We did some painting for the photos. My little Un loves painting, she has a Jackson Pollock style of manipulating the paint which involves as you guessed it quite a lot of flicking the paint around. We had a near miss of flicking paint all over Hisashi's very expensive camera! I love the shots Hisashi Tokuyoshi has taken of all the families he has such a lovely eye and this is why these books are so charming.

Origin Craft Fair 23 - 29 Sept / The fab 4

2010-09-20T13:12:00.001+01:00

I wanted to wish four fantastic makers who I had the pleasure of supporting and mentoring through the Crafts Council Next Move scheme the best of luck for Origin which takes place this year in a new venue of Old Spitafields Market and only for one week. It will be interesting to see how it will be received in this new part of town and being part of LDF. Part of me feels that there is already far to much to see at the London Design Festival and that I wish Origin had stayed put in October plus I did love the previous venue of Somerset House. But change can be good and I fully understand why they have come under the umbrella of the festival and the marketing machine. The LDF just gets bigger and bigger!! Anyway I digress. What I wanted to say was if you have never been to Origin go, you will not be disappointed. It is always a truly inspirational visit and one that I never miss. Do check out these fab four.

Claire Willard
Clare Loder
Kathryn Partingdon
Ekta Kaul.

The big install

2010-09-17T11:49:00.006+01:00

Freya and I joined Catherine Hammerton and her team at the fit out for the Curiosity shop yesterday. We covered one of the big shop front windows in Lace from the White collection and because we all know how we love to be nosey and peep through those nets, we cut some holes so you can see into this fantastic space and the delights that will be on offer from an array of 16 designers. It is going to be a fantastic space so do pop along for a peep! Open's Saturday 18th 10 am - 6pm.

"London Family Style" exhibition in Tokyo has started

2010-09-15T16:00:00.010+01:00

So if you happen to be in Tokyo please check out the launch of the new family lifestyle book from Japanese publishing house Paumes. These books are truly lovely. Me and the little Un feature in the book. The exhibition at gallerie doux dimanche showcases some of the work by the artists and designers featured in the book. This is my first showcase of my window films in Japan and I am so pleased that they are in this wonderful space, I only wish I could see them in person. It will be interesting to see how they are received.

The count down is on

2010-09-13T14:18:00.004+01:00

This is the last week of preparations for all three shows I am taking part in as part of the London Design Festival. Studio is a mess, stock to be packaged and displays to be finished. Some how it will come together it always does...Show no 1 Curiosity opens on Saturday 18th.

The Little Un's Collection has arrived

2010-09-09T21:03:00.008+01:00

The Little Un's Collection has arrived. My Little Un helped with the unpacking.
And a THANK YOU to Kathy at All Kinds of New for featuring my window films on her
lovely Blog.

Curiosity Pop Up Shop/18th - 28th September 2010

2010-09-08T19:01:00.015+01:00

Catherine Hammerton asked me to take part in "Curiosity" this is sure to be a fantastic pop up shop which is a 10 day only event as part of the London Design Festival. I am delighted to be taking part and will be showcasing my Window Films from the White Collection and launching my new Wall Ribbons. Catherine and her events team are doing a sterling job in co-ordinating the 16 designers taking part. No mean feat! I will of course post some photos of the shop when it opens but in the meantime please check out the Curiosity website for further information on all the designers involved and opening times.

I hope you can pop along and see it. If you are coming to the one day designers sale at Craft Central on Wednesday 22nd September, Curiosity is a 5 minute walk from Craft Central. I will be at the Designers Sale at Craft Central and Freya my wonderful intern will be me at the shop on that day!

Here is a some background to the store
Curiosity is an exciting new pop up concept shop, set to be a must-see destination for London Design Week 2010. Orchestrated by RCA graduate Catherine Hammerton, 'Curiosity' celebrates the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of sixteen established and rising star designers, who consciously choose to keep standards high by manufacturing in Britain.

A self-confessed magpie, Catherine Hammerton acknowledges the thrill of the 'treasure hunt'. Visitors to 'Curiosity' will be captivated by the unique and desirable products on offer and an exciting display that borrows elements from the traditional British curiosity shop and simulates the inspiring process of discovery. Open for just 10 days it is a fleeting opportunity to catch new product launches and sneak peeks from sixteen independent design talents.

Sketches on the bus.

2010-09-06T12:44:00.000+01:00

I have to grab every spare moment to fit in the time to draw and this is a sketch that I did on a bus journey when I began to think about designs for my children's window film collection. A biro and any paper will do. Backs of bills, envelopes, on newspaper anything I can grab and sketch on. I have always worked this way. I have never enjoyed the confines of a sketchbook preferring to make files of thoughts, images, photos and sketches.

I use A4 lever arch files and plastic pockets to collect things. I find it gives me the freedom to move things around and pin them up on my very large cork notice board 1.5 x 3 m's. The notice board becomes a giant mood/styling board. I can then take it all off at the end of a project and store it all in a file . It works for me. How do you begin and archive the process of your creative projects? A ceramic friend has shoeboxes that she uses to store each project. They are really delightful to open full of bits of ceramic glaze tests, photos and drawings.

One Day Designers Sale / 22nd September 2010

2010-09-03T15:19:00.003+01:00

Please come say hello. I shall be selling my window wares at this one day event at Craft Central as part of the London Design Festival on Wednesday 22nd September from 12 noon - 7pm. You will be able to buy some really fabulous interior products and accessories from a host of contemporary designers. Not to be missed and if you print this flyer off and bring it with you I will give you 20% off my window films.

Fabric Inspirations

2010-08-19T18:44:00.000+01:00

I am taking part in a few shows/events this September as part of the London Design Festival and will be showcasing some new developments. I have surrounded myself with my fabric collection in the studio, it is the inspiration for new directions.

A blooming lovely sunday.

2010-08-04T08:00:00.005+01:00

Some snaps of a lovely afternoon planting and clearing the backyard with the little one. Snails were eaten, worms went swimming in the watering can. My thymes got manhandled, lavender got stuck up the nose. As dusk settled we ate peaches and looked at the soil between our toes.

The Lacy Look

2010-07-29T13:20:00.000+01:00

Lace window film as seen in August edition of Good Homes Magazine

French Lace

2010-07-23T20:59:00.000+01:00

French Lace by Howard Jeffs (My Dad)

Not posted for a while busy busy and then we decided to hop off to the south of France for some down time with the family.

I wanted to say a very belated thank you to Holly Becker at http://decor8blog.com. Holly did a lovely post about my window films and it was wonderful to read all the comments about the new designs and to hear how and where people would use them in their homes. Thanks Holly.

Window film applications as seen in Liberty

2010-06-08T10:02:00.003+01:00

Some old snaps of the display that Liberty did within store with the window film. It could easily be translated for the home interior. A few old glass doors hinged together would make a great screen in a bedroom or bathroom? It also works really well on glass cupboard doors and shelves.

Otto installation - Chichester

2010-06-01T11:48:00.001+01:00

I did this installation a while back but didn't get any photos until now.This is family home , isn't it a fantastic building to live in? But being directly on a busy street they faced privacy issues. Otto window film gives the privacy they needed at street level and compliments the architecture of the period windows.

Tiled Houses

2010-05-27T10:18:00.003+01:00

Some friends got married in Portugal. It was wonderful. Never been before. Tiles, flora and fauna everywhere and the best fish I have ever tasted it was heaven. I want a tiled house….

Designing for little un's....

2010-05-07T12:07:00.002+01:00

I created these wall stickers for my little one. Although she calls them "Cat" ( her only word at the moment) I think she likes them or maybe I should of done cats....

Since I have had my own little one I must admit I find it hard to find patterns that I like. I am working on some designs for children and these fishes will appear again. I have surprised myself and have really enjoyed working on these as I have never done anything for children before. I hope to maybe do something with these later in the year and maybe a few other things to go with them.... watch this space.

Nets... Love & Hate

2010-04-22T09:44:00.008+01:00

I love nothing more than taking a stroll around any street looking at window furnishings. The walk to my daughter's nursery has one street that has a fantastic array of net curtains. I have a love hate relationship with nets. LOVE = I am always interested in the vast array of patterns. HATE = most look so drab and grey, and I am sure that they look as sad and grey in the interior as they do on the exterior. Hence I developed my collection of window films.

I have built up a photo library where I store all these images. Not sure what I am going to do with them all and it is getting worse since I have acquired an iphone. The design above is similar in scale to a new big bold floral design I am working on at the moment. I think it is time for bold front windows...

April Showers... but the Otto Mac is here

2010-04-14T22:28:00.005+01:00

So it has been a while please see my post in June 2008, but the raincoats I designed for Dyberg Larsen have finally hit the shops in Scandinavia last month. Currently two patterns Otto and Paper Circles, but more soon we hope. After a lot of production headaches we have finally got a fantastic raincoat. I am really pleased with the result, stylish double breasted fit, light weight and fits in your bag so you can ditch the umbrella, perfect for the April showers we are having currently in the UK. The hood was key, we really wanted it to stay on the head (as many fashion macs in my experience don't) and I think it is a really lovely shape. The fabric has a fab feel, I still find it hard to believe that by recycling plastic bottles this fabric can be produced.

Easter Weekend -Chris Ofili

2010-04-06T18:04:00.003+01:00

Lovely weekend spent catching up with friends, eating far to many chocs and hot cross buns, loungin

in some sunshine, and the little 'Un' took her first wobbly steps. We also got to see The Chris Ofili exhibition at the Tate Britain. (Got to go back for the Henry Moore) It was wonderful to immerse in the intricate layering of his work up close. One room had a display of his Afromuses. These were a series of watercolours, which I hadn't seen before. You can see the fluidity of the marks in these wonderful set of portraits. He says" It's a bit like jumping on a trampoline in the morning to get started and get the energy flowing. I also do them at night as a little bedtime story. Each one is made all in one sitting, from the beginning right to the end.... They give me a sense of completion and spontaneity that feeds into other works" Chris Ofili, in Ariella Budick, 'Modern Muses', Newsday, 1 May 2005.

I love using watercolours it is so liberating. I wanted to dust off my watercolour set I have had since I was 11 years old and wondered if I could find the time to do a little wash with them every morn. It has been to long it usually only sees the light on holidays...

Collect Trail 1 -18th May - Shauna Richardson

2010-04-01T12:54:00.003+01:00

A leaflet for Collect the Crafts Council's international craft fair from the 14th -17th May at the Saatchi gallery was amongst my post today. I am really looking forward to going along this year as sadly didn't get the chance last year. I am particularly looking forward to the 'Collect' Trail, which is a craft trail to coincide with the fair at shops around the fair. So many fantastic artists. I am looking forward to seeing up close the Crochetdermy work of the artist Shauna Richardson. She will be showing three baboons at the Taschen bookstore at the Duke of York Square in London.

Window film Sample booklet

2010-03-25T13:44:00.003Z

I have put together a little booklet of images from the WHITE COLLECTION with 6 window film samples for you to test at home. Unfortunately we can't give these away for free ( as even samples cost) but price includes postage and we ship these all over the world. To purchase a pack click here.

Richard Hutten

2010-03-18T15:06:00.000Z

'Playing with tradition' Old and new weaving technologies and pattern merging. +

A spring clean... A New Website

2010-03-11T22:02:00.006Z

Ooooohh it has been so cold for to long but dare I say it that I think spring is just around the corner. We are currently having a spring clean of the website but will back online on the Monday 22nd March with some new designs for your windows. Until then here is a little peak of Rose ... a new design for Spring 2010.

An Eye for Detail Exhibition

2009-03-30T08:47:00.007+01:00

I am showcasing two new printed window treatments at the Ruthin Craft Centre as part of the exhibition An Eye for The Detail, A Closer look at interiors.

A fantastic group of exhibitors - Shin Azumi, Heather Belcher, Jacob van der Beugel, Kate Blee, Helen Felcy, Ekta Kaul, Sarah Kay, Ptolemy Mann, Charlene Mullen, Eleanor Pritchard, Studio Roam, Angus Ross and James & Tila Walters

The exhibition runs from the 4th April - 14 June 2009
www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

A catalogue is produced to coincide ISBN 978 -1-905865-17-8

Covering the media of textiles, furniture and ceramics to give a more detailed insight into some of the material and processes involved in contemporary craft and limited batch production design, that individual producers use today. All fourteen makers produce diverse collections of work, each representing a beautiful and individual approach to their chosen field giving a closer look at interiors that will inspire and inform. Curated by Gregory Parsons

Christmas open studios

2008-12-03T13:22:00.005Z

I will be selling my wares this Christmas at the following open
studios in London and Brighton. Lots of other designers to browse
and buy.I have lots of factory seconds to sell so grab yourself
a bargain, window films will be on sale for £20.00 per roll!
Less than half the retail price!

LONDON - Norwood Open studios
Sat 6th & Sun 7th, 10am - 6pm
Parkhall Trading Estate
Studio C33, 40 Martell Road
LONDON SE21 8EN

BRIGHTON & HOVE OPEN HOUSE
Sat 6th & Sun 7th, 11am - 6pm
Sat 13th & Sun 14th, 11am -6pm
MIBO & Friends
33 Coventry Street
BRIGHTON BN1 5PP
http://www.33coventrystreet.moonfruit.com

Otto window film as seen in John Lewis

2008-12-03T13:04:00.004Z

A family friend spotted that Otto window film has been used in the John Lewis Christmas Catalogue. I think it looks great on the front door.

London Gardens published by PAUMES

2008-11-13T15:41:00.008Z

A copy of London Gardens by Japanese publishers Paumes arrived last week.
It a huge compliment to see my little garden on the front cover! It really is
a lovely book full of interesting gardens.

Designer of lovely tiles, Lubna Chowdhary has a fantastic studio in hers and Richard Reynolds, the author of Guerrilla Gardening shows how little we need to create a garden in the city. All the text is in Japanese but the pics are great.

Papers Cuts

2008-09-08T16:06:00.013+01:00

Experiments with Paper- shadows and peep holes.

My garden - on a grey August day making its photographic
debut for a book about London designers and gardens out next year.

Royal Copenhagen - a visit to Copenhagen via Formland.

A day out at Kew . I dream of those Giant lilly pads.
I want one!

Giant Tea Cups

2008-07-07T13:45:00.012+01:00

I had a friend over from Japan this weekend and on
Sunday we visited a rainy Columbia Road Flower Market.
My friend commented that these plants pots were so English, only
the English would think of this.

I remembered later where I had seen these before and more my cup of tea.
Gitta Gschwendtner's plain plant cup .
I think Gitta is German and is based in the UK, so maybe only a German
living in the UK would think of this?

The picnic set I nearly purchased. I like the mixture of materials
tin, glass, plastic, melamine and wicker.It would be nice to design a
modern beautifully crafted picnic set.

Print and Paper cut supremo Rob Ryan's new shop Ryan Town at 126 Columbia Rd
has opened. Great tile installations on the walls.

Oh and I should mention the yummy Treacle Cake shop at 110, who stock my window film.
They have done a lovely display of the films on the windows at the back of the shop.

Otto window film - London

2008-07-04T10:27:00.008+01:00

More windows ... I spotted these on Sunday driving
through London. Otto works really well on these period windows.
I think it gives the effect of carved shutters and it really
compliments the iron work on the French balcony.

Henri window film

2008-07-03T13:56:00.005+01:00

It is always lovely to see where the window film is installed
and how creative you all are with it. I am constantly surprised
and adore the results. So many windows and so many different
installations... please send them in.

I love this window shape and I think Henri works really well
here meandering across the width. The beautiful glass vessels are
by the talented glass blower Michael Ruh.

Designs for Raincoats - a new project

2008-06-25T13:46:00.015+01:00

Sneak peak...
These are some small samples from the print strike offs & design drawings for a new raincoat I have been working on for a Danish company.

I have wanted to do a raincoat for a while now but I have always been reluctant because of the materials involved.

(I am still hoping to find a greener alternative to the PVC film that I currently use for the window film. I am sure I will find something as material development in this area is progressing. Ideally I am trying to find a PET film that is produced akin to the window film, but my search goes on...)

So back to the mac the aim was to produce a raincoat that was practical and stylish but we also wanted to address the process of how we produced this product through the manufacturing process, partners and the materials it was made from.

The project has taken over a year and has involved myself, a Danish design and distribution company, a fantastic UK pattern/product developer and a Chinese manufacturing company who pride themselves in working with sustainable materials and ethical practices.
It has been great working with this international team.

I will post photos of all the finished designs soon and a bit more more about
this fantastic material which is made from plastic bottles.

The " Practicals" range is due to be launched in August at Formland in Denmark and at the New York Gift fair in the US.

South of France

2008-06-25T13:31:00.007+01:00

Short break last week in South West France in
my home from home where time stands still, no phones, no computers.
Food, reading, cycling, drawing, pondering...great for the soul.

Charleston House

2008-06-25T12:17:00.001+01:00

Last week a friend and I went to Charleston , a 17th Century house in the Sussex countryside which was the home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant who were part of the Bloomsbury Group. I have wanted to visit this place for such a long time. The day was glorious sunshine and we were taken on a magical journey on the sisters tour.

The house is a work of art - it truly captures the creative force and artist lives of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. They moved to this retreat in 1916 and took painting beyond the canvas, decorating walls, doors, furniture, ceramics and textiles. Everywhere you look you see unique decoration, pattern and surface interest. So much to be inspired by!

Unfortunately you can't take pictures inside the house so you will have to visit to appreciate
what I am going on about. My personal favorites are the painted dog and cockerel in Vanessa's bedroom and the stenciling on the Living room walls. If you can't visit this book looks good.

Rachel Kelly ...interactive wallpaper

2008-06-11T10:34:00.001+01:00

My friend Rachel Kelly and her award wining
interactive wallpaper will be exhibiting at the new
Design Show Liverpool 19 -22nd June - with the
Un-Fold collective of designers, who are based near Kendal.

Rachel and I used to share a studio in London but she
has swapped London for a print studio in the beautiful
English Lake District. Rachel will be showing a new
collection of fabrics for upholstery, alongside her wallpaper.

Be sure to check it out if you are in the area, I think this show
will be a great event.

Pluse Trade Show 2008

2008-06-03T11:12:00.002+01:00

Another highlight at Pulse was the fantastic lighting by
Jericho Hands. All the lights are made from reclaimed
items. The results create truly unique sculptural pieces
as seen in the Gramophone chandelier.

2008-06-03T10:34:00.000+01:00

I visited the trade show Pulse yesterday at Earls Court.
The most interesting area of the show is Launch Pad where
you see many new small companies. Unfortunately
my camera decided not to work so I can't show
how great all the stands were. This image is
taken from Laura Walker's website who was
exhibiting. I am fan of her beautiful buttons.

2008-06-02T11:22:00.000+01:00

sneak peak... a new window film.
Delicate black line patterns, onto
a frosted film. Available to
buy online very soon.

2008-05-30T15:19:00.000+01:00

I picked this up at the weekend from a car boot.
I am always trying to find new ways to use up
the leftovers from the window film.
So a quick make over with some scraps of lace
adhesive film used to cover the inside of the drawers.

2008-05-30T00:20:00.000+01:00

My Beautiful backside...
This work still sticks in my mind from my visit in April to
the Milan Furniture Fair.
... colour, shape, form ...
all wonderful from UK design duo Doshi Levien.
See more of their wonderful creations for Moroso here.

Spring and this blog has sprung

2008-05-15T19:07:00.000+01:00

Some people start a new year in January for me it always feel
the new year starts in spring. Happy spring! So here I start a blog.
Not sure how this will go. But I have really been inspired
by some fantastic blogs over the past year now. So I wanted to
find time to get to grips with blogging. For me personally I
like the idea of a online visual diary that tracks my thoughts
and to meet a few new friends on the way.
So here I dive....