It's Cool to be Square

W.I.P. by Jessica Quinn

You know what?

It's Colour My Monday

And it's cool to be square.

 So smile! Go on, you can do it!

 

Bonne semaine à tous !

Inspiration: Penny's Quilt

I've been thinking about my favourite finds in 2010 and did intend to compile a 'best of'. However, I have discovered so many wonderful artists and beautiful things that it would be a shame to have to choose just a few. I have been 'revisiting' some of the artists and crafters I featured earlier on in the year and I'm forever inspired by their imagination and creativity. One such example is Bristol-based textile artist Penny Leaver Green whose work I featured just over a year ago. 

I have already drawn your attention to her fairytale "into the woods" series, which I love, so today I would like to highlight her handembroidered nursery rhyme quilt.

Have you ever seen such beautiful children's bedding I wonder? A true work of art, which  you can study in more detail here and here. What a wonderful present for a child, to be passed down from generation to generation.

Penny Leaver Green, somebody I'd love to meet, and one of my personal faves.

Fresh Talent - Tonis & Marlen

TM

Tonis & Marlen

Textiles & Metal

Photography & Drawings

And that is just the tip of the iceberg...

I hope you'll take the time to explore this Estonian couple's wonderful blog.

Look at these, these, these and these - such beauty and craftmanship.

I want it all!

Shop Watch: Das Kaninchen

I have been waiting patiently for Shannah Burton to reveal her new Winter collection based on the theme of protection, warmth and healing. Such beauty, such gentleness, so perfect for the dark months that lie ahead.

As many of you know, I've been drawn to that simple but powerful universal symbol the Red Cross of late and DasKaninchen's wares are no exception. 

 

Felt and Wool

Red, White and Grey

Beauty in Simplicity 

 

Shannah's nature-inspired textile art would certainly make a very special gift for someone close to your heart. Let her sleep-travelling rabbits or a herd of elephants watch over your little ones and add a touch of softness to a nursery, a child's bedroom or a play space. And why not treat yourself to your own handmade tissue holder - a lovely stocking-filler don't you think? Gesundheit my friends! 

Das Kaninchen

Creative Christina

My Tumblr seems to becoming very art & design-oriented, and is very different from this blog. I use it to bookmark interesting links a lot of the time and like to go back to explore at a later date. One of my favourite images is this mixed media collage by Christina Romeo. I love it, and I'm always drawn to it whenever I delve into my archive.

I've shown one of Christina's paintings on my blog before, but never her stitched watercolours or art dolls.

I had no idea that she also makes these beautiful handbuilt ceramic pieces either.
Aren't they original?

I've taken some of these photos from Christina's "sold" section, so keep an eye on her shop if you like her style, and do visit her website and flickr photostream for more examples of her inspiring work.

HG Handmade

How I love

Heike's little creatures

Calmers

Cuffs

and

Quilts


All hand-dyed and hand-embroidered with love.

Indigo, saffron and grey,
Cotton, linen, paper and lace
Vintage buttons and thread
Pink, white and cream

Remember?

Heike's opened a shop, do take a peek!