Excellent Makers

I am a proud maker and girlfriend today! My designer-maker boyfriend Osian Batyka-Williams was chosen to feature in the New Balance - Excellent Makers campaign for 2012. Here's what they say about him: 

A London-based designer, and modern Jack-of-all-trades, Osian works as an industrial designer, furniture maker, teacher, and builder. He believes in utilizing eco-friendly practices as often as possible—most of his pieces feature recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For Osian it’s about, “finding these shapes, these discarded projects, these discarded forms, and putting them back together in a way that creates something new that has a value.” One of his most recognized pieces is the “cutlery chair.” Working with discarded cutlery from hotels, restaurants, etc., Osian individually bends and spot-welds each piece to create a uniquely, handcrafted work of art. His latest project is a 1960s townhome renovation in London. Osian hopes to create a space that the community can utilize for years to come. 

Watch this short film about his life and works as a maker, and take it from me, he is excellent!

I do....

Just finished the most romantic commission yet! These ring cushions were for a very special wedding at the weekend, my two best friends Dominic and Julien tied the knot with handsome rings placed on these hand woven, lavender scented cushions. With the Morse-code spelling 'H' .... or 'M' _ _ depending on which way around you're looking; their new double barrelled surname initials! Such a treat to be part of their special day!

Colours of South London.

Walked around South London for a bit this morning to clear my mind whilst working in the studio, these dust covered grimy industrial shades and shapes beautifully illustrated my mood. Completely inspiring; a metal and tile collage' scuffed, used and worn; I love this industrial South London vibe. I may re-visit this site for a photo shoot back-drop when my new season pieces arrive! 

S.N.O.W

It's snowed in London and it looks beautiful, bright, clean and full of fun! Inside when the sun goes down it's a different story, super chilly and perfect for a snuggle in my LOVE blanket, packed with colour and Morse-code messages of Love, to keep that positive snow day feeling going all evening! Shown here on the lovely model and musician Jude and on a very stylish bed in a cosy flat in Islington. I have less than ten left in stock, if you'd like to buy one, click HERE.

Contemporary Weaving Patterns Margo Selby

I had a super time last night at Margo Selby's shop in Bloomsbury, celebrating the launch of her lovely new book; Contemporary Weaving Patterns. After lusting after all of the amazing woven textiles in her gallery and studio, I treated myself to a (signed) copy of the book and am already completely inspired by it. I was lucky enough to be taught by Margo when I learnt to weave, so this book is in the language that I know, beautifully explained and illustrated. An inspiring evening, with beautiful textiles and creative and talented women. Just what I need for a little weaving joy on these chilly and dark February days.

Click HERE to link to Margo Selby and book.

Colour on the run...

This is a photograph taken by my friend Sarah on her travels. I love the combination of plastic acid brights against urban mat concrete colours and the blocks and lines that frame this abandoned fridge. I'm really inspired by this image and will be digging out some yellow, turquoise, grey and terracotta yarns as soon as I've finished my current warp!

Bauhaus: Art as Life at the Barbican May 4th

I am beside myself with excitement having just learnt of the the up-coming Bauhaus exhibition at the Barbican, opening on 4th May-12th August. You may see later in the year how some of the laws, colours, simplicity and line of the Bauhaus school has influenced a design I am currently working on, so it will be very exciting for me to take in 1st hand these works. I am hoping to see work by some of my favourite weavers Gunta Stolzl and Annie Albers, as well as Joseph Albers and Laszlo Moholy-Nagy! Bring it on, I cannot wait!!