Amelia’s Magazine | Stick of Rock mugs: An interview with product designer Lydia Leith

Lydia Leith stick of rock mugs
The striking designs of product designer Lydia Leith first caught my attention at Bust Craftacular a few years back so I was delighted when she got in touch to tell me about her fabulous new project: the Stick of Rock range of mugs.

Lydia Leith royal family moulds
How much did your parents influence your decision to enter the creative world and what was the best advice they gave you?
Both parents have always been creative (Father illustrator and Mother craft teacher). Growing up in London we just happened to live in a very creative community, our neighbors (and friends) included a well known ceramicist, a fashion designer, an RA artist and in the house opposite us a Turner Prize winner. As a child I just thought this was very normal but looking back it was lucky coincidence and I have very fond memories of it all. From an early age I always assumed I’d end up working creatively, it never really crossed my mind to do anything else. The best advice my parents ever gave me was to “do the best I can” and “to occasionally break the rules”.

Lydia Leith badges
What was it like to leave London and relocate to a small town in rural Cumbria?
Moving from London to a small town in Cumbria at the age of 12 was a total culture shock. Once I had got used to the countryside it was a great (and probably a safer) place to spend teenage years.

Why were you inspired to create so much design based on the Royal Family? (your sick bag, jelly moulds and more)
The Royal Family theme happened by accident and I had made the Royal Wedding Sick Bags as a bit of a joke to practice my screen printing and to entertain myself. After their success and with the Queen’s Jubilee the following year it seemed fitting to run with the Royal themed designs for a bit longer, people expected me to bring something else royal themed out so I did.

Lydia Leith mural
You recently moved again, this time from Newcastle to Hackney – what prompted this latest move and how is it going?
I love the north and often pop back to see family etc. It is good to expernence new places. As a designer I felt I could be missing out on something by not being in London. It is early days for me here in Hackney, I am settling in well, it is fantastic to discover new shops, meet more creative people and find new inspirations. I am looking forward to becoming a Londoner again.

Lydia Leith wired up china
Your ‘Wired Up’ china set first attracted my attention a few years ago – where did you get the idea for this and how did you adapt the designs to suit the whole range of table ware?
Although water and electrify don’t usually mix, I thought a fairy lights design could be visually exciting but also would tie in with the cosy feeling of coming home and having a cup of tea. Using a tea set worked well because the design worked on cylinder and circular shapes and having multiple pieces meant we could have fun with mixing and matching.

Your latest Stick of Rock mugs are another stroke of genius – where did you get the idea for these from and where are they produced?
The idea popped into my head one day after watching rock being made. I had to find the right shaped mugs and ended up using a factory in Stoke in Trent to make them. I’ve started with Brighton, Blackpool and Margate but aim to make eventually all the seaside towns, Skegness, Bognor Regis etc.

Lydia Leith mural
When did you first start collaborating with your father and how does this process work in practice?
I started to collaborate with my father on some projects because I saw his talent wasted. His illustration work was seen everywhere over the 70s/80s/90s, he never adapted with computers and sort of disappeared off the radar once the industry became digitalised. However he was still a prolific worker but a lot of his personal work was finished then put in a drawer and never seen by anyone (the opposite to when he was working commercially). I thought this was a waste so I helped him get a website and we started working on some projects together.

So far we have worked on large scale murals, a range of mugs and coming soon children’s books. We get on really well, between us we have more ideas than we can keep up with making into reality. I am currently planning for a retrospective for his commercial illustration work, which is very exciting!

Lydia Leith mugs
Where can people buy your products?
People can buy my products online here: www.lydialeith.com my fathers website is www.paulleith.co.uk General info and updates are on instgram and twitter too.

Categories ,Blackpool, ,Bognor Regis, ,brighton, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Cumbria, ,designer, ,Humorous, ,illustrator, ,interview, ,Lydia Leith, ,Margate, ,Paul Leith, ,Queen’s Jubilee, ,Royal Family, ,Royal Wedding Sick Bags, ,Seaside, ,Skegness, ,Stick of Rock, ,Stoke in Trent, ,Turner Prize, ,Wired Up

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Amelia’s Magazine | The Best of Bust Magazine Christmas Craftacular, London 2010

Bust Craftacular
All photography by Amelia Gregory.

My ability to get out and about has been seriously curtailed over the past few weeks by the need to get my new book finished, ambulance but last weekend (but one) I was pretty determined to make it along to the Bust Craftacular at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, page if only for a mad dash around the stalls.

Bust Craftacular-Bethnal Green

Inside the old Victorian hall it was absolutely heaving with craft enthusiasts – mainly women (many with small children in tow) but also a small peppering of arty looking boys. It was like entering a multi coloured kaleidoscopic alternative universe where crafting & handmade reigns supreme – bright things everywhere vying for my attention amidst a frantic din enhanced by a backdrop of very loud music.

So, buy I whipped around the regimented rows of stalls as quick as I could, taking notes of the best stuff I found so that if you didn’t manage to make it along you’ll be able to sniff out the best stuff online. Keep in mind those last minute Christmas gifts you might need to buy as you take a gander through this little lot:

Vic Lee

Vic Lee makes printed scenes of well known hipster (can I say that in the UK?) London districts such as Broadway Market and Kingsland Road. Perfect for the East End man in your life – because let’s face it, most of them feature East London. The limited edition prints are produced on cotton paper and screen printed with environmentally friendly water based acrylic inks. They look really stunning up close, and also caught the eye of Jessica Furseth when she visited the East London Design Show.

Bust Craftacular-Xiang Zeng

Xiang Zeng is a textile designer who has produced a range of lovely printed cushions and make your own soft toy bear kits. Really cute, they look pretty easy to make so would also be perfect for and a crafty friend or even a handy older kid.

Bust Craftacular-seaside sisters owls
Bust Craftacular-fabric nation

I picked up a business card for Seaside Sisters at the Fabric Nation stall… so I am not entirely sure who to credit these wonderful owls and cushions to. Their stall was a brilliantly over the top feast for the eyes in an already overwhelming place. Loved the stuff they make from old vintage fabrics.

Bust Craftacular-andrea garland

Andrea Garland fills old tins with natural skincare goodies: what an amazing idea but no doubt a huge amount of hard work to find all those fab tins. She’s a trained aromatherapist who makes all her products from scratch in Hackney with as many organic and fairtrade ingredients as possible and I am very pleased to learn that none are tested on animals – but I guess that scenario is far less likely when using these kind of ingredients anyway – just one more reason to buy natural beauty brands. She sells at Liberty, Urban Outfitters and at Tatty Devine, and Viola Levy also gives her a mention in her run down of top natural beauty brands earlier this week. What a find – it goes without saying that her stall was very busy.

Bust Craftacular-shop jill

Looking for a nice little purse, or perhaps a unique oyster card holder? Jill makes the perfect thing: I was utterly transfixed by her beautifully laid out stall, featuring an array of charming goodies with graphic printed animal designs that would suit a man too. She also did a nice line in limited edition screen prints.

Bust Craftacular-Dot your Teas and Cross your Eyes

Dot your Teas and Cross your Eyes is a fashion and accessories designer by the name of Chloe. Her bold spotted print designs embellished fabulous silky dresses and she also makes some fabulous recycled fabric pom pom fascinators.

Bust Craftacular-urban cross stitch

Now for the craft loving man in your life: Urban Cross Stitch create cross stitch Star Wars kits. A wonderful meeting of 80s pop culture and the noughties crafting craze: what better way to inspire a bloke to get into this most relaxing of traditional techniques.

Bust Craftacular-James Ward plates

Last but very much not least, just as I was rounding the corner to leave I chanced upon James Ward’s plates, featuring an assortment of friendly animal characters accompanied by immortal phrases such as ‘I eat my cake in my pants’. Perfect for the parents who have everything but would nevertheless quite like to add to their piles of amusing kitchen ware.

Bust Craftacular cakes
Gratuitous cake photo…. yum yum. Now what are you waiting for? Step away from the High Street and support these talented artists and makers this Christmas… they are only a click away.

Categories ,andrea garland, ,Beauty, ,Bethnal Green, ,Broadway Market, ,Bust Craftacular, ,craft, ,Dot your Teas and Cross your Eyes, ,East London Design Show, ,Fabric Nation, ,fairtrade, ,James Ward, ,Kingsland Road, ,liberty, ,organic, ,owls, ,Seaside Sisters, ,Shop Jill, ,Skincare, ,Star Wars, ,Tatty Devine, ,Urban Cross Stitch, ,Urban Outfitters, ,Vic Lee, ,vintage, ,Xiang Zeng, ,York Hall

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Amelia’s Magazine | The Best of Bust Magazine Christmas Craftacular, London 2010

Bust Craftacular
All photography by Amelia Gregory.

My ability to get out and about has been seriously curtailed over the past few weeks by the need to get my new book finished, ambulance but last weekend (but one) I was pretty determined to make it along to the Bust Craftacular at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, page if only for a mad dash around the stalls.

Bust Craftacular-Bethnal Green

Inside the old Victorian hall it was absolutely heaving with craft enthusiasts – mainly women (many with small children in tow) but also a small peppering of arty looking boys. It was like entering a multi coloured kaleidoscopic alternative universe where crafting & handmade reigns supreme – bright things everywhere vying for my attention amidst a frantic din enhanced by a backdrop of very loud music.

So, buy I whipped around the regimented rows of stalls as quick as I could, taking notes of the best stuff I found so that if you didn’t manage to make it along you’ll be able to sniff out the best stuff online. Keep in mind those last minute Christmas gifts you might need to buy as you take a gander through this little lot:

Vic Lee

Vic Lee makes printed scenes of well known hipster (can I say that in the UK?) London districts such as Broadway Market and Kingsland Road. Perfect for the East End man in your life – because let’s face it, most of them feature East London. The limited edition prints are produced on cotton paper and screen printed with environmentally friendly water based acrylic inks. They look really stunning up close, and also caught the eye of Jessica Furseth when she visited the East London Design Show.

Bust Craftacular-Xiang Zeng

Xiang Zeng is a textile designer who has produced a range of lovely printed cushions and make your own soft toy bear kits. Really cute, they look pretty easy to make so would also be perfect for and a crafty friend or even a handy older kid.

Bust Craftacular-seaside sisters owls
Bust Craftacular-fabric nation

I picked up a business card for Seaside Sisters at the Fabric Nation stall… so I am not entirely sure who to credit these wonderful owls and cushions to. Their stall was a brilliantly over the top feast for the eyes in an already overwhelming place. Loved the stuff they make from old vintage fabrics.

Bust Craftacular-andrea garland

Andrea Garland fills old tins with natural skincare goodies: what an amazing idea but no doubt a huge amount of hard work to find all those fab tins. She’s a trained aromatherapist who makes all her products from scratch in Hackney with as many organic and fairtrade ingredients as possible and I am very pleased to learn that none are tested on animals – but I guess that scenario is far less likely when using these kind of ingredients anyway – just one more reason to buy natural beauty brands. She sells at Liberty, Urban Outfitters and at Tatty Devine, and Viola Levy also gives her a mention in her run down of top natural beauty brands earlier this week. What a find – it goes without saying that her stall was very busy.

Bust Craftacular-shop jill

Looking for a nice little purse, or perhaps a unique oyster card holder? Jill makes the perfect thing: I was utterly transfixed by her beautifully laid out stall, featuring an array of charming goodies with graphic printed animal designs that would suit a man too. She also did a nice line in limited edition screen prints.

Bust Craftacular-Dot your Teas and Cross your Eyes

Dot your Teas and Cross your Eyes is a fashion and accessories designer by the name of Chloe. Her bold spotted print designs embellished fabulous silky dresses and she also makes some fabulous recycled fabric pom pom fascinators.

Bust Craftacular-urban cross stitch

Now for the craft loving man in your life: Urban Cross Stitch create cross stitch Star Wars kits. A wonderful meeting of 80s pop culture and the noughties crafting craze: what better way to inspire a bloke to get into this most relaxing of traditional techniques.

Bust Craftacular-James Ward plates

Last but very much not least, just as I was rounding the corner to leave I chanced upon James Ward’s plates, featuring an assortment of friendly animal characters accompanied by immortal phrases such as ‘I eat my cake in my pants’. Perfect for the parents who have everything but would nevertheless quite like to add to their piles of amusing kitchen ware.

Bust Craftacular cakes
Gratuitous cake photo…. yum yum. Now what are you waiting for? Step away from the High Street and support these talented artists and makers this Christmas… they are only a click away.

Categories ,andrea garland, ,Beauty, ,Bethnal Green, ,Broadway Market, ,Bust Craftacular, ,craft, ,Dot your Teas and Cross your Eyes, ,East London Design Show, ,Fabric Nation, ,fairtrade, ,James Ward, ,Kingsland Road, ,liberty, ,organic, ,owls, ,Seaside Sisters, ,Shop Jill, ,Skincare, ,Star Wars, ,Tatty Devine, ,Urban Cross Stitch, ,Urban Outfitters, ,Vic Lee, ,vintage, ,Xiang Zeng, ,York Hall

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Amelia’s Magazine | Renegade Craft Fair in London 2011 Review: Ceramic Design

Renegade Craft Fair London oct 2011 -Melanie Roseveare - aka Melody Rose
Upcycled vintage crockery from Melody Rose at Not On The High Street.

Plenty of fab ceramic design at the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend. Here’s my favourites.

Renegade Craft Fair London oct 2011 -Melanie Roseveare - aka Melody Rose
Melanie Roseveare – aka Melody Rose – prints new designs onto upcycled bone china crockery. Her work reminds me of plates reconstructed by Carrie Reichardt as art pieces, ed but has a slightly more commercial edge. Her range comes in three collections: Urban Nature, cost Modern Surrealism and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Renegade Craft Fair London oct 2011 -Zosienka & Rosie
Zosienka & Rosie had produced some beautiful ceramic heart necklaces.

Renegade Craft Fair London oct 2011 -JimBobArt
It was nice to see that since the Bust Craftacular last Christmas the range of plates by James Ward (working under the name by JimBobArt) has expanded to include lots of new designs and other ceramic goods.

Take a look at my other Renegade Craft Fair blog posts.

Categories ,2011, ,Bone China, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Carrie Reichardt, ,ceramic, ,craft, ,Crockery, ,hearts, ,James Ward, ,JimBobArt, ,london, ,Melanie Roseveare, ,Melody Rose, ,Modern Surrealism, ,Necklaces, ,Not On The High Street, ,Plates, ,Renegade Craft Fair, ,review, ,Rock ‘n’ Roll, ,Truman Brewery, ,Upcycled, ,Urban Nature, ,vintage, ,Zosienka & Rosie

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Amelia’s Magazine | East London Design Show: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

Hokolo London

I’ve shared my favourite finds from the 2013 Bust Craftacular, now here’s what I loved at the East London Design Show, held for the first time in the Truman Brewery. The Hokolo London stand, above, looked absolutely marvellous. Designer Jen has a great eye for striking colour combinations which she utilises in great graphic style to decorate homeware and accessories.

De Casa squid print

This squid is by DeCasa, which specialises in bold unusual print designs. Also check out their eye-catching caterpillar pattern.

Rosie Sanders baroque necklace

This super cool golden baroque necklace is by Rosie Sanders, whose work I have been admiring for some time on instagram. She had put together a beautiful festive display with a bunch of other jewellers.

Phoebe Jewellery moonstone moon pendant

I didn’t manage to look at all the other jewellery designers closely, but I absolutely adored this moonstone moon pendant by Phoebe Jewellery. She also does the cutest acorn pendants.

Quirky Curios glass lollipops

These are really fun; glass lollipops from an unidentified second year student at Havering College, part of the Quirky Curios collective. The Havering College 3D design course always churns out incredible talent – read one of my end of year reviews here to see more.

Really Mad Scientist- saucy Christmas games with fantastic illustrations by DJ Wheelie Bag

He’s a Really Mad Scientist: saucy Christmas games featuring fantastic illustrations had been put together by DJ Wheelie Bag, who drew me right in with his clever banter. We’ve now got the perfect game for New Year year festivities.

Malcolm Morris HoT gold plated earrings

I adore these beautiful gold earrings by Malcolm Morris, who was inspired by the Greek Galleries in the British Museum to create these articulated circular beauties that swing when worn in the ears.

Amberwood big pendant

It was great to see Polish designer Amberwood back in London, this time with some really big amber pendants. Love them.

Branch on the Park earrings

I always admire delicate gem jewellery in the Branch in the Park shop near Victoria Park, so it was good to see a big range on display at the East London Design Show.

East End Prints

What a great graphic print: this one is available from East End Prints. Read my recent interview with owner Helen Edwards here.

Sarah Hamilton mugs

These delightful fish and bird print mugs are by Sarah Hamilton, a friend I often chat to on twitter.

Kinetica Museum mike booth

Snarfle liked the stand showcasing kinetic art from the Kinetica Museum – this sun trap is by Mike Booth.

Charlotte Valkeniers rings

And lastly this somewhat fuzzy close up is of some very cool jewels by Charlotte Valkeniers.

Don’t forget to come follow me on instagram if you want to share my designs first.

Categories ,2013, ,Amberwood, ,Branch in the Park, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Charlotte Valkeniers, ,Christmas, ,DeCasa, ,DJ Wheelie Bag, ,East End Prints, ,East London Design Show, ,Gift ideas, ,Havering College, ,Helen Edwards, ,Hokolo London, ,Homewares, ,jewellery, ,Kinetica Museum, ,Malcolm Morris, ,Mike Booth, ,Phoebe Jewellery, ,Quirky Curios, ,Really Mad Scientist, ,review, ,Rosie Sanders, ,Sarah Hamilton, ,Truman Brewery

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Amelia’s Magazine | Bust Craftacular: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

Georgia Bosson textiles

Last year I missed out on the Bust Craftacular, but this year I was able to whip around this buzzy annual event, held at the York Hall. I was very glad I made it, since this is a great place to discover new designers. My first find was these lovely hand screen printed textiles by Georgia Bosson, who is also working with upcycled felted fabrics for her new range of cushions. Bright and lovely! She’s only just launched her own business this year but I predict good things.

Haruko Miyauchi reindeer christmas card

I adored these hand cut reindeer cards by Haruko Miyauchi so much I bought two. £3.50 each: ridiculously underpriced and I told her so. Her first foray into selling designs!

Akiuc Design- bunny print

She was sharing a stand with her friend Aki Ueda Castellani, the lady behind Akiuc Design. Her animal prints are adorable (see also the pink horse in previous picture) – I just wish these ladies had a better online presence. So does my instagram feed.

Lydia Leith christmas lights coffee cup

Such fun; this Christmas lights coffee cup is by Lydia Leith – I wish Tim did not already have so many to choose from, or I would have swiped this up as a gift in double quick time.

Rosie Wonders prints

These lovely prints are by Rosie Wonders, who is currently hosting a pop up shop at Boxpark. Do make sure you visit for lots of pretty pretty things that would make ideal gifts for Christmas.

James Brown prints

If you prefer your artwork a bit bolder, how about these ace animal prints by James Brown, who goes by the moniker of James Prints on his social media feeds.

Jonna Saarinen mirrors

Scrumdiddlyumtious textiles by Jonna Saarinen and Kangan Arora were piled high on their table. This talented pair met on their degree course at Central Saint Martins and currently share a studio and a screen printing table in Brixton. Delicious.

Pygmy Cloud christmas decorations

Cute as. Christmas tree decorations by Pygmy Cloud were beautifully displayed on a stand that was bursting with plushies and other well designed goodies.

Tasha Brown lasercut heart with birds

Finally, these pretty laser cut birds in a heart are by recent Leeds surface design graduate Tasha Brown. I can’t wait to see how she develops her line, which is currently available on etsy.

Follow me on instagram to share in my favourite design finds in real time.

Categories ,Akiuc Design, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Central Saint Martins, ,Christmas, ,Georgia Bosson, ,Gift ideas, ,Haruko Miyauchi, ,James Brown, ,James Prints, ,Jonna Saarinen, ,Kangan Arora, ,Lydia Leith, ,Pygmy Cloud, ,review, ,Rosie Wonders, ,Tasha Brown, ,UK, ,York Hall

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Amelia’s Magazine | Bust Craftacular: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

Georgia Bosson textiles

Last year I missed out on the Bust Craftacular, but this year I was able to whip around this buzzy annual event, held at the York Hall. I was very glad I made it, since this is a great place to discover new designers. My first find was these lovely hand screen printed textiles by Georgia Bosson, who is also working with upcycled felted fabrics for her new range of cushions. Bright and lovely! She’s only just launched her own business this year but I predict good things.

Haruko Miyauchi reindeer christmas card

I adored these hand cut reindeer cards by Haruko Miyauchi so much I bought two. £3.50 each: ridiculously underpriced and I told her so. Her first foray into selling designs!

Akiuc Design- bunny print

She was sharing a stand with her friend Aki Ueda Castellani, the lady behind Akiuc Design. Her animal prints are adorable (see also the pink horse in previous picture) – I just wish these ladies had a better online presence. So does my instagram feed.

Lydia Leith christmas lights coffee cup

Such fun; this Christmas lights coffee cup is by Lydia Leith – I wish Tim did not already have so many to choose from, or I would have swiped this up as a gift in double quick time.

Rosie Wonders prints

These lovely prints are by Rosie Wonders, who is currently hosting a pop up shop at Boxpark. Do make sure you visit for lots of pretty pretty things that would make ideal gifts for Christmas.

James Brown prints

If you prefer your artwork a bit bolder, how about these ace animal prints by James Brown, who goes by the moniker of James Prints on his social media feeds.

Jonna Saarinen mirrors

Scrumdiddlyumtious textiles by Jonna Saarinen and Kangan Arora were piled high on their table. This talented pair met on their degree course at Central Saint Martins and currently share a studio and a screen printing table in Brixton. Delicious.

Pygmy Cloud christmas decorations

Cute as. Christmas tree decorations by Pygmy Cloud were beautifully displayed on a stand that was bursting with plushies and other well designed goodies.

Tasha Brown lasercut heart with birds

Finally, these pretty laser cut birds in a heart are by recent Leeds surface design graduate Tasha Brown. I can’t wait to see how she develops her line, which is currently available on etsy.

Follow me on instagram to share in my favourite design finds in real time.

Categories ,Akiuc Design, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Central Saint Martins, ,Christmas, ,Georgia Bosson, ,Gift ideas, ,Haruko Miyauchi, ,James Brown, ,James Prints, ,Jonna Saarinen, ,Kangan Arora, ,Lydia Leith, ,Pygmy Cloud, ,review, ,Rosie Wonders, ,Tasha Brown, ,UK, ,York Hall

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Amelia’s Magazine | Christmas Gift Ideas 2012: Cushions!

ooh deer pictor_cushion http://www.williambranton.com
Pictor cushion in super soft faux suede by William Branton for Ohh Deer.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be blogging all my best suggestions for a range of gifts, from homeware to jewellery to fine art prints to kids’ clothes… and to start off my round up I bring you my pick of cushions…

As a surface to display design in the home cushions are hard to beat, which is why you will find so many illustrators and textile designers currently churning them out. And they’re a great way to cheaply dress up your living room – so why not splash out on one, or two, for your loved ones. And then you’ll get to enjoy them too. Perfect!

ben the illustrator greenland multicoloured cushion
Ben the Illustrator believes that ‘good places make people feel good‘, whether you’re on the coast watching birds, or on the couch watching TV. His artwork is inspired by nature and his new homeware range is printed and hand-made in the UK, aided by his wife Fiona and manufactured ‘using unlimited volumes of colour and love‘. I love this Greenland design, inspired by Arctic dwellings.

kate marsden park hill cushion
The iconic Park Hill housing estate in Sheffield inspired this large square cushion by Kate Marsden, which is digitally printed on the front with black felt on the reverse.

Imogen-Heath-Dahlia-Cushion
Imogen Heath combines traditional artistry with digital technology to create print designs such as this bright Dahlia design.

shake the dust cheetah cushion
Shake the Dust is a new ethical design brand which sources, commissions and sells hand-made, luxury homeware and accessories: traditional skills are reinterpreted through modern eyes. This gorgeous Cheetah design was made in the Kingdom of Swaziland by Baobab Batik.

constructive studio faces_cushion
Craig Yamey of Constructive Studio created this beautiful calligraphic face print from his studio in Cockpit Arts, Holborn. Read more about the Constructive Studio collection here.

Donna Wilson oak tree cushion
No blog on cushions would be complete without mention of the all conquering Donna Wilson – I particularly like this shaped woollen oak tree. Something a bit different for the sofa!

Darkroom cushion Camille Walala
A little bit 80s, a little bit tribal,what’s not to love about Camille Walala‘s brilliant double sided cushion which was inspired by the wall paintings of South Africa’s Ndebele tribe? Part of the T-R-I-B-A-L-A-L-A collaboration with Darkroom.

howkapow white bear paul farrell cushion
I adore this White Bear/Black Bear two-sided cushion by Bristol-based illustrator, Paul Farrell, available from the great Howkapow design website run by husband and wife design team Cat and Rog.

ooh deer big_chill_jack teagle cushion
On Culture Label I found this characterful cushion designed by the inimitable Jack Teagle for Ohh Deer, who work with a host of illustrators to create lovely things.

Soma Ben Javens drum major mini cushion
Is it a cushion? Is it a plush toy? I’m going with the former for the purposes of this fab creation by Ben Javens on Soma Gallery. Each Drum Major cushion is carefully screen-printed in the UK using eco-friendly water-based inks, then stuffed and sewn by hand by Beast in Show in Oxford.

poppy and red ditsy flower cushion
A search of Society6 brought me to this lovely ditsy design by Irish design duo Poppy & Red.

Lu Flux Alphabet A cushion
For patchwork lovers: check out these fab alphabet cushions by ethical designer Lu Flux. They are all made from vintage fabrics sourced in Britain and no two are the same.

Urban-Cross-Stitch-Floral-Skull-BUST
For those of you who prefer to create your own: I’ve already bought one of these as a present – an amazing floral skull cushion by Urban Cross Stitch. Meet them in person at the Bust Craftacular.

lorna syson Bullfinch cushion
Finally, for a festive feel that will work all year around, how about these plump and handsome bullfinch adorned cushions by Lorna Syson, discovered last weekend at the Cockpit Arts open studios.

Look out for my next gift blog, coming soon.

Categories ,Baobab Batik, ,Beast in Show, ,Ben Javens, ,Ben the Illustrator, ,Black Bear, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Camille Walala, ,Cockpit Arts, ,Constructive Studio, ,Craig Yamey, ,Culture Label, ,Cushion, ,cushions, ,Dahlia, ,Darkroom, ,Donna Wilson, ,Drum Major, ,eco, ,ethical, ,Greenland, ,Holborn, ,Homewares, ,Howkapow, ,illustrator, ,Imogen Heath, ,Interior Design, ,Interiors, ,Jack Teagle, ,Kate Marsden, ,Lorna Syson, ,Lu Flux, ,Ndebele, ,Ohh Deer, ,Ooh Deer, ,Park Hill, ,pattern, ,Paul Farrell, ,Shake the Dust, ,Skull, ,Society6, ,Soma Gallery, ,T-R-I-B-A-L-A-L-A, ,Urban Cross Stitch, ,White Bear, ,William Branton

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