Homage: Sanguinello

To say that Sanguinello is 'upcycled vintage jewellery' would be a careless oversight. Look a little closer and you will see that the head wear and accessory line of Sanguinello, the blossoming brand by designer-maker Gemma Sangwine, and is going from strength to strength as Gemma carves her place within the field.
Gemma uses antique lace, beadwork, feathers, costume jewellery and recycled materials to create new accessories with a vintage twist. Each piece is unique and assembled with care, and although it's no secret that I love a bit of 'vintage' these pieces really are something a bit special.

Gemma offers a bridal service and is available for bespoke commissions for clients and I just love the idea of getting something so decorative and cool, that is also unique - always a winner for me.
My favorite pieces from her current range are inspired by the carefree and decadent era of the 1920s  and features flapper-style head bands using reconstructed vintage necklaces - pure genius in my opinion - which are finished with diamante and lace. I think they look just fantastic! Other current favorites are the block colour alice bands in understated glittery shades- very cool.
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All images by permission of Sanguinello 

A Mother Curtain Mission

Hello! I have several half-finished projects that have been hanging around the old abode that I want to finally take on, make some bold decisions about, and be able to ENJOY!
First up - Curtains. I have taken on the challenge of reworking a huge pair of very lovely but rather dull brown and yellow velvet curtains in to something far more exciting. I have spent too long puzzling over how to tackle this problem, until I asked myself 'Are you a textile artist or not?!' and decided to come at the milking cow from a different angle. Armed with a colour palette that will work within the pad, and aspiring to create something a little bit unexpected, I think I am ready to begin cutting. I will also be working with areas of the fabric which are already worn away and discoloured to enhance and make a feature out of them.



Im thinking triangles. After a breif bit of hunting on Pinterest I came up with these four beauties to use as a visual aid. Now, I know that usually when we think of patchwork we think of bedspreads and cushions galore, but what about patchwork curtains? But not flowery, cute cottage stuff - what about a mid-century / contemporary feel with block colours and mixed textures?

Im going to experiment with mixing the short pile brown and yellow velvet with a hot pink and a tangy yellow, with black and some natural linen to add a nice contrast of textures and shades.
These ideas often take me so long to actually realise because I deliberate about whether it will all be "too much" - but then I have to ask myself "well, what's wrong with that?!"

Sources of images used - all via Pinterest :

 Chair // Cushion // Triangle print // Patchwork bedspread