High Five #26

 

I rarely feature kids' fashion on Kickcan & Conkers, unless I fall for something really original.

Spanish brand Monikako caught my eye recently, and I have to say I love the handdrawn designs in their SS12 Tribu Collection. 

Inspired by their travels in Africa, Rebeca Sanchez (textile designer) and Kaulip Alvarez (international artist) decided to create a creative range of clothes for young children (3months to 8 years) with a strong emphasis on art, and that's exactly why I like it!

You can browse Monikako's Tribu lookbook here and then hop over to their webshop if anything takes your fancy.

Me and My Cat

 I've been a fan of Russian illustrator Ekaterina Trukhan's work for a long time and have featured her wooden toys, coasters and artwork on several occasions over the past three years (gosh, doesn't time fly! We'll be celebrating next week...).

I have my favourites and it's wonderful to watch them explore, evolve and take on new, exciting projects. Ekaterina has just written and illustrated her first children's picture book 'Me and My Cat', and I am delighted to share a few spreads with you here today.

From playing games to eating dinner and reading their favourite bedtime story, this little girl and her cat do everything together. And they're always there to help each other out - because that's what best friends do. A funny, heart-warming story about a very special friendship"

You will find more images on Ekaterina's blog and her book is available for purchase here.

 

The Birds and The Bees, Yes Please!

 How do you bring the beauty of the countryside to a city home? Well, that was the task of interior designer Soňa Malinová for the Czech Lifestyle TV show Bydleni je hra and I really love the ideas she came up with.

Inspired by hides, beehives and rabbit hutches, Sona designed and made three pieces of fun, versatile furniture for a child's room. I know my younger kids would absolutely adore the hide-cum-playden-cum-rest/reading area, complete with painted trees (magnetic paint decorated with bird pictures cut out from magazines, wrapped with foil and attached with magnets), and I would jump at the chance

to buy the hive and rabbit hutch furniture, which can be used for storing toys and clothes.

 (Bunnies by Andrea Tachezy)

 

In addition to presenting Bydleni je hra (Living is a Play) (300,000 viewers a week), Sona works closely with a handful of design and decoration magazines (Elle Decoration, Marianne Bydleni, etc.). She has her own online shop Malina Design and has designed various lines of furniture, like Sysal, which just slots together like a puzzle. She is looking to manufacture her prototypes.

Country in the city... I can't help thinking she's onto something good here, now all she needs is some financial / industrial backing...

 images and designs © Soňa Malinová

Silence!

Toutes mes excuses...

I think it's the first time in nearly three years that I've gone for a couple of days without blogging.

I had a difficult week last week and needed to take some time out. It was lovely to stay at my sister's beautiful house in the UK though.

I'm back in France now at home and after an intensive day of house cleaning yesterday, I'm back on track, ready for Miles' birthday party this afternoon (which was great fun) and the week that lies ahead.

Reflection & cleaning seem to work for me :-)

Five Faves #70

mi has a lovely shop, you know

 It's been a long and difficult week, and quite frankly I'm feeling a little under the weather.

Back to France tomorrow, le soleil enfin !

Five beautiful things to chase the blues away

See you on the other side!

1) Marenka's stamp drawings - what a great idea!

2) London is back on the map this Summer and I love Marcus Oakley's poster for Anorak

3) P for Pakamera - So many nice things on this Polish handmade market site

 Charming artwork

  
children's toys

 & cardboard furniture

4) I barely speak Italian but I love these soothing Alphabet pillows for kids

5) Favourite handmade objects - Mixed media deer clay artdolls - Double Fox Studio

à bientôt !

Go Go Go Golo!

Red, Yellow, Green and Blue

Not forgetting beautiful Natural Wood too.

Yes, Yes, we have the full selection of GOLOs back in stock

What are you waiting for, they're over here!

Shop Watch: Milo Makes

Emma has been slowly filling the virtual shelves of her brand new shop Milo Makes selling handdrawn, heat-set ceramic art. Although not all of the pieces are suitable for everyday household use, I'm sure you'll agree that they would add a fun, decorative touch to any child's room and home.

I have to say that I am very impressed with Emma's drawing skills and I'm looking forward to discovering her new designs!