Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It’s life’s change agent; it clears out the old to make way for the new … Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
R.I.P. Steve Jobs
1955-2011
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Lazy Animals
I have a bit of a thing for finger puppets, in case you hadn't noticed...
Israeli graphic designer Ayelet Gazit has just opened an etsy shop selling her gorgeous handknitted, handfelted Lazy Animal finger puppets including these mummy & baby kangaroos, camels and foxes.
She also sells photo prints of her work and will shortly be offering greetings cards.
Adorable !
Give Me Three #55
Three new prints from Audrey Jeanne
My Artwork of the Day
Small Bear & Doll print collaboration with Chacha available from Saison
Cherry Papa
Cherry Papa are working on some new dragon designs for 2012. They look great!
The colour may have gone but their handmade plywood toys are just as stylish, don't you think?
A small collection of these animals in a child's bedroom would make an original feature, particularly the painted ones against a white backdrop.
I loved their rockers too!
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes - Part Two
Phew! I've done it, I've taken the plunge! After a good two years and over 2,000 posts I have finally decided to welcome sponsors.
I've been thinking about it for a while but didn't really make my mind up till this Summer. It's an important step, going commercial, especially when I really try to stay off the beaten track, looking for new 'alternative' artists, crafters and makers to share. But then again, I can see that my enthusiastic PR work has started to pay off for some of you...
Over the course of the Summer I received a number of Thank You emails from people whose work I love and frequently write about on my blog. I have been a fan of Jenni's handmade dolls and soft toys from day one and have encouraged her to believe in herself and her talent. If you follow her blog you will know that she recently exhibited at a tradefair and had an overwhelming response with life-changing consequences (she's had to quit her full-time job). She's been unundated with orders and wrote to thank me for pushing her to the fore.
"Deborah Beau is a tireless finder & promoter of unique items & artworks!
Her discerning eye is so right & helps to generate interest in anyone who is at the receiving end of her handpicked finds for kickcan & conkers. Her daily posts are a constant source of inspiration & enjoyment...a genuine gem of a gal!" Jenni Harley
Similarly, Marlen Karema, from Estonia, who approached me about her textile work in 2010 and has been featured many times on the K&C blog, pinterest and Tumblr and is now a friend, wrote to tell me that her beautiful clothes have made their way into the Chellis Wilson shop!
And then there's lovely Yumiko:
"We tried to describe Kickcan and Conkers in 3 words but quickly gave up with so many superlatives running through our mind. It was Deborah who introduced us to our super talented, Paris based illustrator Yumiko Froehlich. Thank you Deborah for the link to our new friend and for all the scoops from the creative industries.
Keep up the fantastic work!
Best from Ola & Olek team."
I could go on and on, but I won't; I'd rather be writing about your skills than mine...
I just wanted to explain why I had decided to invite people to sponsor my blog.
Kickcan and Conkers is relatively new and doesn't boast the highest statistics on the web BUT I think all the right people are reading it. I look around and am amazed at how news gets round, how things spread and gain in popularity...suddenly products that I found and wrote about are everywhere, and that genuinely makes me happy...
Monday, 3 October 2011
Makedo Giveaway
Make
Then Break
Do
Then Undo
A set of connectors for making things from stuff around you
Regular readers will know how much I love cardboard and how I go out of my way to share unusual artists' creations made from recycled materials. 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' are heard frequently around here. It's something I feel very strongly about and reflects the way we live and educate our children.
I think many of you will be familiar with the makedo sets by now. I first wrote about this Australian company's connectors in 2010 and I am pleased to see them launching new products and going global.
The possibilities of what you can make with makedo are limited only by the materials you find and your imagination. How wonderful! Dig out some boxes, scraps of fabric and bits of plastic and make something - Invent, create and play, over and over again!
What do you think? Would your kids have fun with a Kit For One and a Find&Make Robot? I know for a fact that my youngest son Miles would be over the moon. The folks at makedo would also be delighted to hear your ideas and see your creations. It's all about sharing, inspiring and having fun, isn't it?
So, if you would like a chance to win this Makedo Freeplay and Find&Make Prize Pack (open to international readers):
1) Leave me a comment below (make sure to leave me an email address)
2) Spread the news via twitter, facebook or any other means and I'll pop two names in the hat (make sure you let me know).
This giveaway runs until Monday 10th october at 6 pm, CET
I will announce the winner the same evening.
Si vous voulez une chance de gagner ces deux kits de connecteurs pour créer, construire et s'amuser offerts par la compagnie australienne makedo, laissez-moi une commentaire. Vous avez deux chances si vous relayez l'info par twitter, facebook, ou tout autre réseau. N'oubliez pas de me laisser un email.
Le jeu s'arrête Le Lundi 10 Octobre à 18 heures CET.
J'annoncerai le gagnant/la gagnante le soir même.
Merci, et bonne chance !
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