Monday 23 January 2017

Presently Watching... Why Design Matters

A little thought for the day from The School of Life, Why Design Matters. A mini vid about how good design is essential to society so we can be the best version of ourselves. It certainly makes me feel better! Let's shake off those January blues this week and be inspired.



above: why design matters mini video from the school of life

Monday 16 January 2017

2017 New Year Stationery Edit

Start 2017 feeling more organised with some beautiful stationery. Here are my top picks for journals, diaries, calendars and more.

STATIONERY 2017 TOP PICKS -  IMAGES FROM PAPERCHASE ANTHROPOLOGIE URBAN OUTFITTERS KATIE LEAMON FOREIGN ROOFTOPS
top left: personalised agenzio large pink hard cover 2017 diary from paperchase £26.00, top right: free minimal printable calendar 2017 by foreign rooftops, middle left: gilded parisienne pencil case from anthropologie £20.00, bottom left: midori brass number clips from urban outfitters £15, bottom right: batik diary by katie leamon £28.00-30.00

Some important dates for your new calendar:
Valentine's Day: February 14th
Mother's Day (UK): March 26th
Easter: April 14th - 17th
Father's Day: 18th June
STATIONERY 2017 TOP PICKS -  IMAGES FROM PAPERCHASE ANTHROPOLOGIE URBAN OUTFITTERS KATIE LEAMON SODAPOP DESIGN TROUVA
top left: assorted pencil set by katie leamon £10.00, top middle: tools to live by gold & black large scissors from trouva £25, top right: free printable moon 2017 calendar by sodapop design, middle left: ohh deer green marble daily journal £16 & pink palm daily journal £16 from urban outfitters bottom left: kraft bee writing set from paperchase £8.00, get organised large notepad from paperchase £6.00, bottom right: cork tech ipad case from anthropologie £44.00,

Monday 9 January 2017

Creator Spot - Katie Phythian Design

So excited to see the launch of Katie Phythian Design this month! A truly fabulous fun collection of cards and stationery featuring Katie's classic, colourful, painterly style.

KATIE PHYTHIAN DESIGN - IMAGES FROM KATIE PHYTHIAN INSTAGRAM
above: katie's new ranges paintbox & jewelled, stationery, new company logo & the lovely fluffy ramirez

I am naturally a bit biased as I have been lucky enough to have worked with Katie for the best part of 10 years in greetings & stationery design. Katie's work over those years has featured on many a shop shelf including the likes of Paperchase, Clintons, Selfridges & John Lewis. Katie is now launching her own much anticipated collection of designs this January, soon to be seen on show at this year's Spring Fair. A wonderful way to wish the new year in, something truly fresh for 2017!

KATIE PHYTHIAN DESIGN - IMAGES FROM KATIE PHYTHIAN INSTAGRAM
above: cards are now winging their way across the country, soon to be in a shop nearby

Visit Katie's website here and follow her adventures on TwitterInstagram

Monday 2 January 2017

New Year, New Baby, New Journal

After the recent arrival of baby Hauck number two I picked up a new Pleased to Meet baby journal for her. I previously bought one for her brother so I knew it would be a great buy.
PLEASED TO MEET BABY JOURNAL - IMAGE FROM PLEASED TO MEET

above: fold out family tree page from the pleased to meet baby journal (german edition)

I first discovered the German company Pleased to Meet at one of the UK trade shows. I was instantly drawn to their modern illustrations and innovative design style.

The playful nature of their design work makes a fun baby journal, full of inspiring ways to document those early days of parenthood. From notes of baby's first words to a lovely fold out family tree, image places for photos, pages for inky hand & footprints - there is plenty to enjoy.
PLEASED TO MEET BABY JOURNAL - IMAGES FROM PLEASED TO MEET

above: inner pages from the pleased to meet baby journal (german edition)

I like the gender neutral (very on trend) approach to the colour scheme and artwork. They also have cleverly avoided sugaring it up with cute-'isms' & baby stereotypes. It is a lovely fresh take on welcoming new people to the family.
PLEASED TO MEET BABY JOURNAL - IMAGES FROM PLEASED TO MEET

above: the english edition of the pleased to meet baby journal that I bought previously

For baby girl, I wanted a different look journal so I have bought the German edition (quite fitting for our Austrian heritage). I have found copies of the English edition both on the Pleased to Meet site and the uk shop Debbie Bliss Home.
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