Tuesday 29 October 2013

High Five #80




  



High Five, no, let's have one more for good measure!


Have you heard? Uber-talented graphic artist and creative director Emily Forgot
has just launched her new venture  Nursery Names, a small online shop selling modern, eye-popping alphabet prints and cards for your little ones the whole family.

I have a feeling that some of you won't be able to resist ordering a customisable name print (in three colourways and super easy to design). Christmas is on its way folks!

Fun with a capital F, and not a single P-P-P Pale Pastel in sight.

Love!

T for Tibloc



  



 I've come across quite a few beautifully made wooden playsets recently, but this student design project has to be one of my favourites. Imagined by Mathieu Daudelin and Luis Trépanier,  Tibloc is a smart animal, letter, number, colour and experiemental game, made from linden and balsa wood.

Needless to say, I love the simple, modern graphics and the little pops of colour. The world need more toys like this, if only it wasn't just a prototype.

Friday 25 October 2013

Travelling With La. Trap









Every time I take a peek, it's full of quirky, handmade objects designed to please young and old alike.

Part shop, part gallery, La. Trap is the place to discover up-and-coming artists / crafters and makers in the Greek capital.

It's also a showroom for Maria's own work spanning many artistic fields.
I love her latest christening gifts (the space rocket and boat set shown above - so unusual!), which seem to be proving very popular.


I'm delighted to be carrying some of Maria's handpainted textile ornaments in my own online shop.


 

Thursday 24 October 2013

Shop Watch: Little Cabari








Good Morning!
I thought we'd start the day with something bright, cheerful and original, of course.

Little Cabari is a new French kids' brand offering a selection of luxury furniture and decoration for our precious little ones. Founded by two friends and young mothers, Alice, an illustrator, and Camille, an interior designer, this fledgling company has set its sights high. Little Cabari is clearly determined to offer the very finest carpets, bedding, toys and wallpaper, all designed in France and manufactured in Germany, Italy and Portugal by the best craftsmen they can find.

I love their sense of colour! Take a good look at their bird & animal rugs, made from 100% wool & eucalyptus, or their trio of wooden matryoshka lamps. Stylish, eye-catching and quite unique - one to watch, I'm sure! 



Wednesday 23 October 2013

A Sample of Sampling






 The simple, natural beauty of birchwood and crocheted flax twine.
Handmade, contemporary Baltic design.


I hope these few images of her Farming, Warmer and Miila Toys collection will inspire you to explore a further.

Love!

Severina Kids Giveaway Winner



 
 
Just Three...
 But what a wonderful trio they make.

Thank you so much for entering the Severina Kids giveaway.

I am delighted to say that random.org has picked a winner:

Congratulations, Joke, you will be receiving a beautiful grey pussy cat handknitted in Argentina.

Make sure you follow Severina Kids on Facebook, Pinterest and their Blog.
 
I personally can't wait to meet Alejandra in Brussels next year
 
Will you be joining us at 
 
 
 

Tuesday 22 October 2013

What Do Bloggers Collect?


What do you collect, I wonder?

I was over the moon when Gudy invited me to share one of my many collections with her readers. This October issue features four beautiful collections, from Germany, New Zealand, England and France, all curated with love. It's always interesting to discover a little bit more about your online friends, I think. 

My Images of The Day 

I hope you enjoy reading this inspiring post!  



Monday 21 October 2013

Un Samedi à Serendipity






  Oh my, some curators just get it spot on, don't they? 
After four years of intensive blogging I guess that I've become quite choosy when it comes to kids' design, and I definitely like to be surprised.



Ah oui !
It only took me a few seconds to realise that I had come to the right place.




If you're ever lucky enough to visit Paris, make a beeline for this shop!


Set in a large renovated garage, the dark, raw space will inspire young and old alike. 
Modern and industrial, it's altogether perfect for the unique mix of contemporary and vintage design on display.


 Serendipity really is like no other store. It's where you go to find a unique, one-off handmade wall accessory, to discover an up-and-coming young designer or to buy the very latest children's story book.  You'll be inspired to mix styles, experiment with colours, textures and marry old and new. 

It's eclectic and exciting  -  you will die!!!




 From simple handmade paper mâché lights to the most extravagant African tribal headdresses, Serendipity has it all. It's high on my list of favourite boutiques now.

When can I go back for more???

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Severina Kids Giveaway


Do I really need to introduce Severina Kids? This small kids' brand specialising in handmade eco-toys and objects has a global reputation for excellence.
Alejandra Salvatore's textile designs are sold in some of the finest boutiques around the world, and I'm proud to have her as a sponsor and a friend.

I'm also pleased as punch to host this super sweet giveaway. One of Severina Kids' brown pussy cats takes pride of place in our family's toy collection, so I know for a fact how special and beautifully-made this cutie is!



Hand knitted in Argentina from 100% Argentinean Merino Wool with eco-felt eyes 100% recycled from postconsumer bottles, a 100% leather collar made in Spain and a metallic rattle, this charming grey pussy cat is filled with 80% recycled Polyester (remove the collar & rattle for children under 3). Now that's what I call impressive vital statistics!!!

If you'd like a chance -  or two -  to win this beautiful soft cat by Severina Kids:
1) Leave me a comment below (making sure to leave me an email address)
2) Spread the news via twitter, facebook, pinterest or any other social media network and you will get two names in the hatI (please leave me a comment here to let me know).

This giveaway runs until Tuesday 22nd October at 6 pm, CET
It is open to all international readers.
I will announce the winner on Wednesday the 23rd.

Good Luck!