Inspiration: A-New

 

Can we just start a-new?

I need to, 

 I'm sure

 You do too.

After a week of silence, disbelief, anger and reflection

Bonjour !

Thank you for the inspiration:

Fine Little Day (I can't wait for this new collection!)

Beautifully simple WOO Toys from Vrtíška Žák

Nodi - I love Alessandra Taccia's new dolls in the making

Take a peek inside Pipsawa's delightfully illustrated popup housebook

Hard to resist this fine china bunny collar / necklace by Lucile Michieli

Have a great day - it's here and now, remember!

Toy Crush: Sarmiento

Sarmiento, music to my ears, or should I say, a treat for my eyes.

Anybody whose been following Kickcan & Conkers for a while will know how much I appreciate wooden toys. Whether vintage or modern, picked up at a flea market, crudely crafted by my own children or the work of a leading designer, wooden playthings are always, always a favourite.

I am also an advocate of recycling, or as I often say the 3 Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Sarmiento is a new brand of natural, recycled wooden toys made from the Argentinian company NET Muebles' surplus offcuts. Simple, safe and completely natural - I love the aesthetic of these toys.

Sarmiento are on Facebook, so if you are interested in buying or stocking their car set (18 EUR), house set (18 EUR) and / or bag of 20 wooden building blocks ( 35 EUR - all excl. tax and shipping), please leave them a message.

Another inspiring name to watch in 2015 me thinks - Love!

Unmasked!

Yes, I'll admit it, I have a thing about masks.

Hardly surprising I guess, as I originally studied at university in London to work in the theatre. Years later, I'm still fascinated by stage make-up, masks, costumes - any form of theatrical disguise.

Marseille-based NinnApouladaki's animal designs are delightful, eye-catching and eco-friendly - perfect for little and big ones alike. Made from recycled paper and organic cotton, their debut menagerie (owl, cat, fox, deer, rabbit...) looks very promising, and I for one will be following their etsy store, facebook page, instagram and pinterest feed this year.

Looking for something for Carnival time or a simple gift for a child? NinnApouadaki's animal masks would also add an interesting decorative touch to a little one's room. 

I love the spotted mouse, et vous ?

I

Inspiration: A Little Simplicity

 

 

 

 

A little simplicity

Goes a long, long way.

I think so,

Anyway.

Bonjour !

I'm not going to bore you with my new year's resolutions as I'm sure we're pretty much on the same wavelength, but I am determined to live a simpler, healthier life in 2015, particularly enjoying and appreciating small everyday pleasures.

The Christmas tree and decorations will be coming down this weekend, and I have to admit I'm looking forward to seeing bare walls and empty spaces again.

Time to pare down.

I love that!

A Little Simplicity - Thanks for the inspiration:

 (Top to bottom)

1) - Homemade finger puppets by Ukkonooa

2) - Forest educational platform by Audrone Drungilaite

3) - Vintage barber shop building - Bellalulu, etsy

4) - Man and Woman art object - CourtneyKnightDraws, etsy

5) - CARton cardboard and wood cars by Floris Hovers

6) - Little woodland animal - Nicetinymint, etsy

7) - Handpainted deer pillow - MosMea, etsy

8)  - Where We Live art object - CourtneyKnightDraws, etsy

9) - Vintage New York Central toy train - Bellalulu, etsy

10 - Simple white décor with the added sparkle of fairylights

 

It's Here and Now, Remember!

Happy New Year to my all readers, customers, followers, fans and friends,

 near and far!

Thank you for your loyalty and support over the years, you are my inspiration!

I wish you all a wonderful, magical new year, full of laughter, surprises and challenges.

Stay healthy, happy and positive - it's here and now, remember!

January 1st 2015

A new page in a new, blank book.

Oh Happy Day!

Happy Holidays!

 

Oui!!!

I've been a good girl all year, working hard on my blog, shop, pinterest and fashion tumblr, so fingers crossed, Santa will be kind to me tonight!

I'm sure I don't need to tell you how giddy my kids are right now. The decorations are up, meal preparations are underway and most of the presents are wrapped, sitting pretty for tomorrow morning.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas if you celebrate it, and of course, Happy Holidays to all.

I will be taking a few days off now to spend some quality time with my family.

Enjoy!

All images: DecoBox Ro

Inspiration: Hanato Morito

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Hanato Morito

What a soothing way to end a busy, stressful week.

 Japanese illustrator Fumi Morimoto and Netherlands-based creative director Soonhwa Kang have sown the first seeds of a very special project. Aiming to design products that will inspire and be appreciated by children and parents every day, their first collaboration comes in the form of a beautiful alphabet poster, available on etsy.

Tokyo-born Soonhwa felt it was the right moment to create a Japanese Hiragana poster for her son when he showed an interest in learning the Japanese alphabet. She wanted to make him something special to keep and remember for a long time. I am in love with Fumi Morimoto's animal illustrations; what an original use of colour! 

The creative duo are putting the final touches on a Dutch animal ABC and animal Hiragana cards, so do keep an eye open for new work in the coming months.

Another team to follow in 2015!