Shop Spot - Object Style

This innovative lifestyle shop recently caught my eye. Holding a regular spot at Altrincham Market, Object Style, offers a well crafted selection of artisan design sourced from makers and small independents. 

OBJECT STYLE - IMAGE FROM OBJECT STYLE

above: illustrated 'line' print card set

The natural colours/textures mixed with simple pattern create an inviting recipe for modern living. Object's founder Rachael Otterwell describes the look as 'minimalism fused with femininity'. 

OBJECT STYLE - IMAGES FROM OBJECT STYLE

top: alpaca wool display tray, under: 'rain drop' hand-painted large display tray

From many fabulous products, here are some of my faves.

OBJECT STYLE - IMAGE FROM OBJECT STYLE

top left: horn salad spoon & fork set, top right: white ceramic board with geometric print, middle left: oversize cream dotty leather clutch, middle right: geometric copper bowl, lower left: fawn & white stripe ham towel, lower right: honeyed wood & marble lid jars

Creator Spot - Mint Nifty

Always a pleasure to find innovative card creators such as the fabulous Mint Nifty. When searching for a birthday card for a friend on Not on the High Street, I came across this little personalised design. 

MINT NIFTY - TOP IMAGE EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA, MINT NIFTY IMAGES

top: the birthday card I recently bought from Mint Nifty, bottom left: image from Mint Nifty showing the lovely watercolour artwork inlay, bottom right: a card from the floral letter selection - image from Mint Nifty

Great to see laser cutting being using in novel new ways and the water colour inlay is very on trend. Quality paper and craft envelope. Personalised. What's not to like?

MINT NIFTY - IMAGES EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA & MINT NIFTY

top: designer labelling, the watercolour wash on this is a lovely touch (image EH Karika Nova), middle left: designer logo too! (image EH Karika Nova), bottom right: great packaging winning extra points there (image EH Karika Nova), bottom left: perfect for framing (image Mint Nifty), middle right: original laser cut card (image Mint Nifty).

Shop Spot - Idaho Altrincham

Having spent many an hour over the years in gift shops around the UK it is a truly wonderful experience when finding a gem such as the recent addition to the Altrincham scene, Idaho.

IDAHO, ALTRINCHAM - TOP IMAGE EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

Top: Sunday's visit to Idaho - image Emily Hauck,  Bottom: shop interior - image from Idaho

Embracing modern tastes for well made design-led products, Idaho stocks a forward-thinking selection of ceramics, tableware, stationery, gift wrap & cards, art prints, accessories and more. The use of natural materials (for me, nicely avoiding anything too garish or plasticy!) in both products and the shop interior gives a warm, calming and inviting atmosphere. It is a refreshing place of contemporary inspirational lifestyle.

IDAHO - IMAGES FROM IDAHO

Firm favourites appear here Rifle Paper, Ruth Jackson, Katie Leamon, Kinfolk to name a few. Lovely to see these all gathered under one roof. I'll certainly look forward to visiting again soon.

STATIONERY AND GREETINGS @IDAHOSHOP - IMAGES FROM IDAHO

Markets with Style

Yes, it's the place to be Altrincham Market. A super creative hub of independent marketeers with an array of tempting treats, tasty dishes and unique finds.

ALTRINCHAM MARKET HOUSE - IMAGES EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

Top: Market House hall, Bottom: a delicious nicoise salad from Little Window

What a fantastic day out in the sunshine last weekend. We sampled a delicious nicoise salad from Little Window, yummy bianca pizza from Honest Crust, washed down with some tasty beer from Reserve Wines followed by sweet crepes. A real treat.

HONEST CRUST PIZZA - IMAGES EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

Top: well chosen tableware sits a top of artisan wooden tables, Bottom: a yummy bianca pizza from Honest Crust

In addition to the fabulous foods on offer in the Market House there are a wonderful selection of creative stalls next door selling everything from boutique flowers, handmade ceramics, local produce, stationery, herbs....

ALTRINCHAM SPECIALIST MARKET - IMAGES EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

Above: Altrincham Specialist Market complete with live music from Ideal Forgery

It's no wonder Altrincham Market has been a hit. It recently won the OFM 2015 best market award and has been making headlines with its refreshing approach. I'll certainly be visiting again and again.

Presently Listening to ....

A Moon Shaped Pool, the new album from Radiohead. Loving this artwork.