Homage : Stephanie Cole

No, not that Stephanie Cole! No, I'm talking about Stephanie Cole, textiles designer and illustrator extraordinaire!

Take one look at Stephanie's work and you can tell that she has lived in some naturally beautiful places, and these inspirations have seeped in to her work. Lush green places with flora and fauna,  alongside sparse coastal characters depicting everyday activities are what you will find in these surface designs and illustrations.

Wooden Hare Necklace

I first met Stephanie a few years back while at a small but excellent arty crafty type event in deepest Gloucestershire - and then promptly wondered why I didn't already know about her work, it seemed so established and professional. At the time I was managing a craft gallery that was in desperate need of newer, fresher, younger work - just like this - so I instantly set about trying to convince Stephanie to become a stockist.Years have passed and her brand has continued to grow, she has relocated to Finland and has even been voted by Channel 4 as one to watch.

Farmers Market Tea Towel

Stephanie's range is broad but everything has her signature aesthetic to them - screen printed textile wares, paper goods - my current favorite is the wooden hare necklace. I'm always interested to see what Stephanie has been up to, and where she'll go next as there is always something exciting up her sleeve. Keep up to date with new products and events on Stephanie's blog.

I shall leave you with some of my favorite postcard paintings from her Postcard A Day series....

Homage: Wanderlust Life Jewellery

Recently, while shouting about the brilliant jewellery designs of Wolf & Moon, I mentioned how difficult I find sourcing jewellery which I really like but which also fits in to my budget.

I like things with weight, with clout, with sustenance - and by this I don't mean FSC materials (although having a sustainable company is of course a great potential side effect of any business) - no, I mean in terms of its sound design, and subsequent timelessness. Vintage works because it is often classic and timeless. Finding modern pieces which I can equally afford but will also stand the test of time was - for me - a tricky affair. But check out handcrafted jewellery design label Wanderlust Life. Created by colleague and friend Georgie Roberts, I saw her pieces before I ever met the lady herself, and was instantly in love.

Faceted semi-precious stones in amazing colours are strung on a natural tone thread, so that they just 'float' on the skin.

This is a well executed, understated and super chic concept. Wear one or wear three - I find it hard to imagine getting these pieces wrong. The idea that they are so small and delicate also makes me think of a nomad travelling light.... Take a look:

Georgie lives on the coast of North Devon in Britain but is a wanderer at heart, often fleeing seaside life during the winter months in search of far flung destinations. It was whilst on these travels that the idea of Wanderlust Life was born. Her pieces play on the romance of travel and the magic of carrying a little jewel from a far away place. Every stone or charm is unique, with its own meanings and properties inscribed on the packaging. 

Wanderlust Life was established only a year ago, not that you would ever know if from the way in which this small business has blossomed and developed over this short period. Georgie's next big move is to begin sourcing other products by like-minded designers by travelling the globe, and continuing to reaffirm her wander lust. She is also about to launch her website next month - Im really excited to see it all up and running!

At the moment you can purchase her pieces on her Etsy page here, and let her keep wetting your appetite for new designs on the facebook fanpage in the meantime. Like her page and keep up to date with new releases and the website launch. Happy choosing!

So pretty, so feminine and so simple. Even an absolute fuss pot like me can wear this and feel content!

The first of many new out-sourced items from Georgie's travels around the world - coming soon!

Mothering Sunday Saviours

So here are a few things which have been catching my eye this week, and which I think are just great. Lets not forget that Mothering Sunday is fast approaching in the UK, so I thought a few suggestions of last minute gifts would be useful to a few of us! 

First up is a lovely bit of surface design by screen printer and designer Hannah Madden. This is just one of my choice picks from a range of cool shades that she does, but they are all great really. All this one needs is a lovely turned wood Danish lamp stand and voila! Pure chic!
Check out Hannah's website here to see the vast range of good things she makes.

Olive Leaf Shade by Hannah Madden 

Next up is lovely new monogram stationary by the ever-wonderful paper goods brand Rifle Paper Co. I defy anyone to dislike anything that Anna Bond creates - it is impossible! Something like a small set such as this is super thoughtful for your old mum, but is achievable for those on a modest budget. Check out the entire range and prepare to be stuck for choice.

New Monogram Stationary by Rifle Paper Co

Anyone who knows me even a little bit will know that I am rather obsessed with the work of Artist Angie Lewin. She hits on that mid century craftsman approach so very well and is some kind of modern day Edward Bawden as she turns her hand to all sorts of decorative arts - prints, fabrics, papers- and all with consistent success. Her newest fabric Stellar is just another example of a great new fabric design, and is available off the roll and in ready made cushion covers in several colourways.
I am also rather in love with the new scarf which she produced in conjunction with her exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture, and this item is a limited edition, so its super special. Purchase it via the YPS website here before they all sell out!

Angie Lewin - Stellar Cushion Cover

Angie Lewin with YSP - Limited Edition Scarf

Finally, and this is if you really want to push the boat out, take a look at this milk and sugar ceramic set by Scholten & Baijings at Smug in Islington London - always a trusty benchmark when on a quest for cool stuff. This set is so unusual and the colours undeniably cheerful. This is my favourite but really the whole range is worth a look. They are by no means cheap, BUT they are unusual, original, unexpected, useful, dishwasher safe, cool - do I need to keep going?

Ridiculously delicious ceramics from Smug

....And if all that fails to suit your Mothering Sunday gift needs, then culinary delights are always a winner too - so why not choose my absolute favourite edibles of all - Fiendish and Goode dainties. 

It is true that I am just the tiniest bit biased as I was the original taster for this business back when it was just cake inspirations at midnight during our art school days, but hand on heart, these are incredible, and if you haven't already tried them then you must - and then report back on which are your favourites! (Mine is the lemon drizzle and pistachio!). These are sure to please even the most stern of Mothers, and are bound to place you firmly in the Good Books. They do a great gift box set that will do the trick. Check out their Facebook page here to find out market dates, and place your orders. 

I leave you with an image to drool over.

Fiendish and Goode - Goode just about covers it!