Angels, Drums & Tambourines

I discovered Claire Fletcher's gorgeous handpainted tambourines at The Country Living Fair in London a few years ago. Claire had recently opened Made In Hastings and had a stand promoting her products made by local crafters, artists and designers. I can remember thinking what a great idea it was, and how I'd love to do the same one day...

If you are looking for a very special gift for a newborn baby, or a unique piece to display in a child's room, Clare's tambourines and drums are perfect. So very English. I love this modern, quirky design, found at Selvedge's Drygoods, and am equally as smitten with the nostalgic "Waves" shown above.

Claire has a rich and varied illustration portfolio, which I'm sure some of you will enjoy browsing. Have a look at her beautiful paintings, her products - the dolls, colouring books -  before popping over to Selvedge-Drygoods, Frank or  Made In Hastings to window shop or give into temptation.

Tom & Tomille

Why not treat yourself to one of these handpainted 100% organic cotton Tom & Tomille bags from Marie and Rose-Alice's Christmas shop? Sure to keep you smiling all year round!

The Insectionary

 

If you are looking for a really special small gift or stocking filler for a loved one this Christmas, or any other time of year, Angela Ligouri  and Silvana Amato's limited-edition miniature accordian book The Insectionary is truly beautiful. I bought one for myself last year and keep it on my desk.

A little hidden gem with poems by Elio Pecora and ten illustrations by Fabian Negrin.

Inspiration: Nie Tylko Dzieciaki

 Don't miss issue 6

I've said it before, this is a lovely children's magazine, chock-full of gift ideas, photography and artwork that you won't see anywhere else. Pleased to see a feature on this artist/illustrator.

Temptation

 I'm sorry, there's no fighting it, I just can't... I'm slipping into Christmas gift mode as of now, despite the Autumn sunshine shining so brightly here in the South of France.

I'm weak, I know, but I cannot resist the temptation to share.

 So, todays special find comes from a lovely, colourful French online shop called Saison. If you've never visited it before you're in for a treat. Not only will you find beautiful prints by artists such as the much-loved Alain Grée but also toys, stationery and vintage finds. There's plenty to choose from and Chacha's store is now in English, so there's absolutely no excuse for not taking a peek!

 I have just fallen in love with Audrey Jeanne's brand new colouring book about Rudolphe the Cat. Forty pages of beautiful, simple drawings by one of my favourite  French artists/illustrators, and yours for only 7 EUR!

Happy Browsing!

Mini Labo

If you're a fan of French company Mini Labo's cute soft toys, cards, games and accessories, you'll be thrilled to know that you can now buy a selection of their products online. Their colouring/collage books make great, reasonably-priced Christmas presents and I'm sure your little girls would be delighted to find a chic French mini-Labo badge or brooch in their stocking!

Enfin, Mini Labo est en ligne! Si vous aimez leurs doudous, cartes, jeux et accessoires filez faire vos emplettes M-L sur le web. J'ai déjà craqué pour le cahier de collage et coloriage l'année dernière, une valeur sûre me-semble-t-il, et là j'avoue être séduite par quelques broches et jeux de cartes... le compte à rebours de Noel a commencé!