Amelia’s Magazine | Free Range Art & Design Show 2013: Middlesex University Jewellery Review

repurposed coloured pencils by Katrine Standahl
I was gutted to discover that the Middlesex University Jewellery degree course will close down when the current first years have passed through the system, for I always look forward to reviewing this show. No other jewellery degree showcases the same level of inventiveness and skills, so it’s no wonder that Middlesex graduates permeate the whole of the UK craft industry. This year the students displayed their wares under bright spot lighting on unforgiving scaffolding sets, but I did my best to take flattering photos. Here are my favourites from the Un-Earthed show.

Free Range shows 2013-katrine standahl
These rings and bracelet by Katrine Standahl are made out of repurposed coloured pencils. She works by bonding together different materials such as wood, cork and metals, then segmenting the results into different pieces which the viewer is encouraged to visualise in their original form.

Crochet & recycled plastic necklaces by Kirke Raava
Crochet & recycled plastic kitchen utensil necklaces by Kirke Raava were inspired by her childhood in Estonia, and in particular her memories of traditional crochet, macrame and knit.

Like a curious jellyfish- knitted elastic & porcelain jewellery by Sabina Johal
This knitted elastic and porcelain piece by Sabina Johal reminds me of a curious jellyfish. She has a particular interest in using unconventional materials in jewellery and her work is inspired by a fascination with tribal jewellery and medical supports such as bandages and splints.

ellie lee
Finger porcelain jewellery by Ellie Lee was showcased with leather on chains, and inside miniature bowls. Her work toys with an old Chinese tradition that says breaking ceramic is very bad luck: yet to access the personal porcelain body parts the bowls must be broken. Gruesome or cool?

Clever jewellery inspired by the weather from Emma Aitchison
Clever jewellery by Emma Aitchison is designed to interact with the weather, be it sun, wind or rain. The boldness and wearability of this sculptural collection could perhaps be traced back to a placement year when she interned with Scott Wilson, for she she has clearly been influenced by his large and playful dynamic. She then worked with milliner Piers Atkinson, after which she was offered a job making leather and metal work for his collections. Her professional website is well worth a look: Emma Aitchison is definitely a name to watch.

If you are graduating this year don’t forget to check out Amelia’s Award, in collaboration with the Secret Emporium. Enter your details and you could be in with a chance to kick start your creative career by receiving a scholarship worth £495 to sell your wares at Wilderness Festival this summer. Deadline: 2nd July 2013.

Categories ,2013, ,Ellie Lee, ,Emma Aitchison, ,Free Range Shows, ,jewellery, ,Katrine Standahl, ,Kirke Raava, ,middlesex university, ,piers atkinson, ,review, ,Sabina Johal, ,Scott Wilson, ,Un-Earthed

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Amelia’s Magazine | Free Range Art & Design Show 2013: Middlesex University Jewellery Review

repurposed coloured pencils by Katrine Standahl
I was gutted to discover that the Middlesex University Jewellery degree course will close down when the current first years have passed through the system, for I always look forward to reviewing this show. No other jewellery degree showcases the same level of inventiveness and skills, so it’s no wonder that Middlesex graduates permeate the whole of the UK craft industry. This year the students displayed their wares under bright spot lighting on unforgiving scaffolding sets, but I did my best to take flattering photos. Here are my favourites from the Un-Earthed show.

Free Range shows 2013-katrine standahl
These rings and bracelet by Katrine Standahl are made out of repurposed coloured pencils. She works by bonding together different materials such as wood, cork and metals, then segmenting the results into different pieces which the viewer is encouraged to visualise in their original form.

Crochet & recycled plastic necklaces by Kirke Raava
Crochet & recycled plastic kitchen utensil necklaces by Kirke Raava were inspired by her childhood in Estonia, and in particular her memories of traditional crochet, macrame and knit.

Like a curious jellyfish- knitted elastic & porcelain jewellery by Sabina Johal
This knitted elastic and porcelain piece by Sabina Johal reminds me of a curious jellyfish. She has a particular interest in using unconventional materials in jewellery and her work is inspired by a fascination with tribal jewellery and medical supports such as bandages and splints.

ellie lee
Finger porcelain jewellery by Ellie Lee was showcased with leather on chains, and inside miniature bowls. Her work toys with an old Chinese tradition that says breaking ceramic is very bad luck: yet to access the personal porcelain body parts the bowls must be broken. Gruesome or cool?

Clever jewellery inspired by the weather from Emma Aitchison
Clever jewellery by Emma Aitchison is designed to interact with the weather, be it sun, wind or rain. The boldness and wearability of this sculptural collection could perhaps be traced back to a placement year when she interned with Scott Wilson, for she she has clearly been influenced by his large and playful dynamic. She then worked with milliner Piers Atkinson, after which she was offered a job making leather and metal work for his collections. Her professional website is well worth a look: Emma Aitchison is definitely a name to watch.

If you are graduating this year don’t forget to check out Amelia’s Award, in collaboration with the Secret Emporium. Enter your details and you could be in with a chance to kick start your creative career by receiving a scholarship worth £495 to sell your wares at Wilderness Festival this summer. Deadline: 2nd July 2013.

Categories ,2013, ,Ellie Lee, ,Emma Aitchison, ,Free Range Shows, ,jewellery, ,Katrine Standahl, ,Kirke Raava, ,middlesex university, ,piers atkinson, ,review, ,Sabina Johal, ,Scott Wilson, ,Un-Earthed

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Amelia’s Magazine | Joanna Cave: London Fashion Week A/W 2012 Collection Preview Interview

Joanna-Cave-by-Gemma-Cotterell-AW12-Collection

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 by Gemma Cotterell

Joanna Cave has become synonymous with both ethical consciousness and beautiful design. Her mother is Greek and her father is English, so after attending an international school in Greece she went onto study jewellery design at Central Saint Martins. Whilst there she interned with designer Scott Wilson. After graduating, she returned to Greece, where she now works from her studio in Athens.

Joanna-Cave-AW12-Atma-Earring

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 Atma Earring

Joanna Cave‘s designs are modern yet classic – created from simple patterns, delicate motifs and refined metals, all created using ethically sourced and recycled materials. She buys her metal from dealers who specialise in recycled silver, and the stones and gems from ethical sellers in Greece.

Joanna-Cave-Jewellery-by-Dana-Bocai

Joanna Cave by Dana Bocai

Joanna Cave AW 2012
Joanna-Cave-AW12-Zeenat-Necklaces

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 Zeenat Necklaces

Joanna-Cave-SS12-by-Elizabeth-Hudson

Joanna Cave by Elizabeth Hudson

She has always been very vocal about her environmental inclinations, and has received a lot of recognition for her hand-made and sensitive work. She is a regular name on the British Fashion Council’s ethical initiative ‘Estethica‘ at London Fashion Week, and was the only jewellery designer to be featured on the A/W 2012 stands. She is of course also profiled in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, as one of the best eco designers working today.

I spoke to Joanna Cave about her passion for jewellery design and the influences behind her new collection.

Joanna-Cave-AW12-Velvet-Hairband

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 Velvet and Metal Hairband

What can we expect from the new A/W 2012 collection?
There are lots of bright coloured tassels combined with gold plating, rose plating and charcoal black. I’ve also used Indian motifs such as paisley patterns, elephants and peacocks.

Joanna-Cave-by-Nicola-Ellen-AW12-Collection

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 by Nicola Ellen

What were the inspirations behind it?
My new collection is inspired by and dedicated to the working women of India. The beautiful and traditional women who labour in the fields, on the roads and building sites doing back-breaking work. They perform these humble tasks with such dignity, and their appearance can take your breath away. Their everyday working clothes are a riot of extravagant colours – pinks, greens, purples and blues. Their bold jewellery is intricate, and worn with pride. For me, these women embody India, they have a powerful and enduring femininity.

Joanna Cave AW 2012
Joanna-Cave-by-Jo-Ley-AW12-Collection

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 by Jo Ley

Can you explain a little about your passion for design, and explain how you moved into jewellery design?
I’m not sure how to explain this too well. I grew up in Greece on a small island in the Aegean where my father (who is English and who moved there when he met and fell in love with my mother) owned a jewellery shop. I grew up among the jewellery. From a young age I watched people trying jewellery on, falling in love with it, purchasing it… I met jewellery makers and designers. Some quite well known in Greece at the time.

When I was 19 (and studying jewellery making) I even opened my own small shop to sell my beaded creations. It was great fun and it funded my summer holidays. Designing jewellery is all I’ve ever wanted to do: I think I inherited my fathers passion for it. It’s always been a big part of my life and I always discuss everything with him.

Joanna-Cave-AW12-Bindu-And-Indra-Necklaces

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 Bindu and Indru Necklaces

Can you tell me a little about the process of your work?
I work in 2D, in flat silver cut out designs. Everything is initially cut out by hand where most people would use a laser cutter or router machine. I think that the hand made prototype is evident in the organic feel of the designs. You can see it’s not perfect. I use recycled silver and ethically sourced pearls at times. And lately I’ve been using artificial silk thread which I’m very into.

Joanna-Cave-by-Nicola-Ellen-AW12

Joanna Cave A/W 2012 by Nicola Ellen

Why is it important for there to be an environmental conscience to your work?
It’s about how I feel; I think it’s important to know how things are made and where they come from… to do as little damage as possible where we can.

You can check out more of Joanna Cave‘s wonderful work in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration.

Categories ,A/W 2012, ,ACOFI, ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Central Saint Martins, ,conscious, ,Eco fashion, ,estethica, ,esthetica, ,ethical, ,ethically sourced, ,Gold, ,India, ,indian women, ,jewellery, ,jewellery design, ,Joanna Cave, ,London Fashion Week, ,metal, ,motifs, ,recycled, ,Scott Wilson, ,Silver

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Amelia’s Magazine | Christmas Gift Ideas 2013: Babies and Toddlers

Slugs and Snails tights for boys blue

Slugs and Snails tights for boys.

So, what do you do if you need to buy something for the little person in your life at Christmas? We buy very few new clothes for Snarfle (and are very grateful for the many hand me downs that he wears) but when we do buy new we often buy from smaller independent designers who create unique looks that you will not find on the high street. These wonderful pieces are more often that not designed with love by someone who is a mum themselves. They know what little people like, and they create with passion.

Mini Magpie London upcycled wool gilet

Mini Magpie clothes are all created from upcycled adult garments by mum Kimberley. I am particularly hankering after this little knitted waistcoat that is adorned with plentiful pompoms… but do take a look at all her clothing for little ones… such cute stuff, including little denim jackets, leggings and much more.

Slugs and Snails tights for boys

It is no secret that Snarfle lives in his Slugs and Snails patterned tights (see my instagram feed). After a summer off (during which he grew out of his last selection) I literally don’t know what we would do without them during the cold weather. Nothing is as snug and cosy as tights – socks always seem to crumple off in little deposits all over the house to leave behind freezing cold tootsies (not that he seems to mind, they bother me a lot more). I was a bit worried about how he might ‘style’ them (don’t laugh) now he is a fully grown walking mini person, but actually they look bloody great under baggy pants, or peeking out from under leggings (which he also lives in, most of ours come from Oh Baby London). My new favourite design is Storm, featuring clouds and rainbows on a steely grey background. Utterly fab: these really are the best gift you can give a little one, boy or girl. You can read my interview with creator Kathleen Redmond here, she’s an inspiration to all us mums.

The Bright Company - Knapp Blanket for babies

When Snarfle was smaller he was always tucked up (in our bed) inside a sleeping bag. How did we ever manage back in the old days, before these genius inventions? Ours were all second hand, but if I was looking for a very sweet and unique version I’d go for one by The Bright Company, all handmade and printed in the UK. Their Kipp Sleeping Bag for £38 is covered in a very retro modern hexagon design in their signature bright blue and orange colour way. Or how about the Knapp Blanket for £30 in unisex colour ways, a great gift for little people that can be used to swaddle them in the Moses basket (if yours will sleep in one that is, our basket was passed on very quickly) or to keep them warm in a buggy or in the carrier. Later on it could even become a fantastic den maker!

Day Job Katie Johnston hobby horse toys

Hankering after a toy that’s not garish and over the top, that will allow your child’s imagination to run free for many years to come? Then why not consider a Hobby Horse. These ones are by Katie Johnston of the Day Job collective, and come in a host of possible colours. You choose! It’s just like the good ol’ days…

The Baltic Baby Leggings by Modéerska Huset

Kyna Boutique specialises in organic children’s clothing and many of the brands are sourced from Scandinavia, which seems to specialise in the kind of bold patterned clothing that I love so much but which English designers shy away from. I really like The Baltic Baby Bodysuit and Leggings by Modéerska Huset, covered in islands, ferries, waves and swans. Swedish designer Jenny Modéer works in a slightly more subtle but nonetheless unusual colour palette. Kyna Boutique offers free delivery within the UK, and free returns too!

Ruff and Huddle varsity jacket with zakee shariff

Ruff & Huddle has had a super busy year, with successful launches in Selfridges and great press all over the place. Their collaboration with ace illustrator Zakee Shariff has produced some wonderful clothing, and I am particularly in love with this London Varsity jacket that has ROAR embroidered on the front and a lion on the back (see left in the photo above). Why should the Americans have all the fun? At £50 it’s a considered purchase, but one that is bound to be a practical favourite with your little one.

Sian Zeng - Blue duvet set and sew your own bear

Sian Zeng is a Cockpit Arts based designer who creates a variety of objects and homeware items that span the generations. Her classic bespectacled Office Bear comes as a kit you sew up yourself for £25, and here they are seen in a variety of colour ways lounging against a duvet set, also designed by Sian. Snarfle has one of these, but it did have to be sewn up by an adult (his dad!) – so this is a fun gift that could kill two birds with one stone (so to speak).

Lil Beans red baby fringe moccasin booties

Lil’ Beans is a new online kidswear retailer that was set up with the aim of selling brands that offer high quality design, uniqueness, comfort and durability. Due to their American connections they have also brought some lesser known brands to these shores and I am just a little bit in love with these adorable red fringed moccasins for babies for £35. Adorable. Also look out for their Thrifted section, featuring second hand loveliness for bargain prices.

Lastly, I’ll be bringing you my ideas for the prettiest and most unusual homemade decorations that I’ve found on my travels around the web. Here’s hoping that I get time to make a few myself as well.

Categories ,2013, ,Babies, ,Babywear, ,Christmas, ,Cockpit Arts, ,Day Job, ,gifts, ,Hobby Horse, ,Jenny Modéer, ,Kathleen Redmond, ,Katie Johnston, ,Kipp Sleeping Bag, ,Knapp Blanket, ,Kyna Boutique, ,Leggings, ,Lil’ Beans, ,London Varsity jacket, ,Mini Magpie, ,Modéerska Huset, ,Office Bear, ,Oh Baby London, ,Ruff & Huddle, ,Sian Zeng, ,Slugs and Snails, ,Snarfle, ,Storm, ,TBC, ,The Baltic Baby Bodysuit, ,The Bright Company, ,Thrifted, ,Toddlers, ,Zakee Shariff

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