Inspiration: EFVVA AW14/15

 

 

EFVVA has done it again!

If you've been following me for a couple of years or more you'll know that I have loved Ewa Wrobel-Hultqvist's work from the outset. I am always drawn to strong patterns (although I rarely wear them myself), and Ewa manages to surprise and delight me every time.

Water is the theme of EFVVA's new children'swear collection. Inspired, amongst other things, by the golden carp, a legendary symbol of courage and good fortune, and Japanese woodblock prints from the EDO period, Ewa's striking handpainted designs take us high sea, amidst dramatic white sea foam and crashing waves.

Tutus, dresses, sweatjackets, kimono tunics, and beautiful, beautiful handmade turquoise ballerinas, boots and desert shoes (I speak for experience, Miles' goat skin shoes have lasted so well!), - all very original and eco-friendly.

Take your time browsing EFVVA's shop and keep an eye on her Facebook page for all her new additions.

Love!

Mercredi Moodboard - Feeling Crafty

 

 If you follow me on instagram, facebook or pinterest, you will already know how inspired I have been feeling after visiting the Claude Viallat exhibition in Montpellier on Saturday. The whole family loved it, and I can't wait to go back again!

Viallat is obviously well-known for his huge colourful paintings on all kinds of surfaces (including army and circus tents - amazing!), but what I really appreciated were his experiments with rope, wood, string and tar. I came away with lots of ideas for decorating our own home using basic found objects collected here in the "garrigue" ( Viallat grew up in our village and lives in Nîmes), and can't wait to get started next week when the kids go back to school.

So, as you can see, I'm in the mood for working with wood, cutting out, weaving, tieing, creating patterns and doing things with my hands again. That's it, I'm feeling crafty. How about you???

Thanks for the inspiration:

Art installation by Matthew Ronay

Love this work by Jon Nicolson

Déshabillée - armchairs by Dragao Bradovic

Joanne Hynes and Joe Hogan Hat Collaboration

Spirit - Tracey Deep's Exhbition

Final image found on pinterest with no source - can anyone help me? Thank you!

Graphic Friends

It seems ages since I shared Five Faves!

It's the last week of the long summer holidays here in France and we are all getting ready to go back to school and work. New shoes, bags and books have been bought, so now it's time to get organised at home.

Miles's bedroom needs a few finishing touches, perhaps I could buy him one of these five fabulous graphic prints discovered in five equally fun e-stores ?

One week to go - the countdown has begun!

Thanks for the inspiration:

Monkey - Walnut & Walrus

Panda - Mooncake

Kangaroo by André da Loba - Dama Aflita

Badger - Emugallery

Giraffe - Stencilize

Stick It Back Together Again

Forever inspired by the simplicity and versatility of cardboard, I am delighted to share these few pictures of Russian company Hochu ne mogu's modern eco-construction kit. Made from robust white cardboard and bright colourful velcro fasteners, this multi-shape set can be transformed into a house, a fort, a rocket - whatever takes your fancy - time and time again. 

Hours of fun there and I'm sure it would make a striking, playful feature in a contemporary kid's room.

Available online from the designer and Depst ( of course!!!)

Shop Watch - Moss & Mountain

 

 

 

If you caught my previous post about life here in the Camargue, I'm sure you'll understand why I'm smitten with the beautiful designs in the new-to-me kid's store

Moss & Mountain

Inspired by the 70's and Country & Western culture, the two Arizona mama founders offer an original selection of rompers, vests, overalls, pants, tanks, caftans and accessories, all handmade in the USA.

 I love this relaxed bohemian look and the gorgeous fabrics used in their bolo dresses.

One to watch me thinks!

(All photos by Joseph Maddon)

Back In The Saddle

 

Yes, I'm back.

It was party time in our small village in the south of France la semaine dernière.

A week of white horses, bulls racing through the streets and dancing into the early hours of the morning.

There is much to be said for living in the country where there is a strong sense of community and a desire to celebrate and maintain local traditions.

Eh oui, 

The Camargue feels like home too...

 

Home Now

I've been waiting for this special moment for such a long time.

Tomorrow we're are going 'home' to Ilkley in West Yorkshire for my sister's wedding.

I am as giddy as a kipper, I doubt I'll be able to sleep tonight.

You can follow me on instagram if you're curious to know how it goes, otherwise, have a fabulous weekend, and I'll see you all on Tuesday!

A Blue Thread

 

 

It's a while since I shared my favourite finds, so here's a few lovely prints and patterns that came under my radar last week. Some of you may recognise PEPE's pretty paperwork, which I also featured in my post for HandmadeCharlotte. This fledgling Czech brand has just opened an etsy shop for international customers, so do take a peek (link below)!

Colours, patterns and textures is one of my most interesting boards on pinterest. Are you following me there yet?

Thanks for the inspiration:

Aiko Fukawa's artwork is perfect for a nursery.

Hanna Melin's table mats and illustrations are quirky and original.

Just one example of PEPE toys original papercrafts.

Donna Wilson's new fabrics are FUN!

Love this graphic DIY chalkboard table for little ones

(in French so use an online translation tool).

A Spot of Local Colour

 

 

Our weekily trip to Sommières market is always a treat but it's much more special and lively in the Summer.

All the local villages are celebrating traditional Camargue culture at the moment, decorating the streets with colorful handmade garlands, organising open air balls and, of course, bull-themed events too (no bull fighting I hasten to add).

I hope you enjoy these few photos from Sommières on Saturday. I love seeing these cowboys in traditional attire. Guess I've fallen in love with this area after all...