Bookmarked: Jeyo Side Tables

These Jeyo Side Tables had me in a flurry when the Graham and Graham newsletter dropped in my inbox.

The 50s inspired design along with the pretty coloured table top might just be ideal as a bedside friend. My current bedside situation compromises a small bookcase and the OH a wee cabinet – both handed down from the folks. I think these lovely side tables would be an investment into a grown up bedroom – whatever that might be! At £64 each, it would have to be a saver but definite food for thought.

 

My favourite would be the French Grey table made with the delightful  Shisham wood.

When did you begin to upgrade from hand-me-downs?

♥

Weekend highlights

Lots of delightful things have kept me smiling this weekend. Let’s begin with a spot of stationery browsing:

• This Assorted Banner Set via Brown Paper is simply delightful. Pop them in your drawer ready for impromptu thank you’s, birthdays and those ‘just because’ moments. *Adds to wish list*

• Listening to Jeff Buckley on the way to work and pottering around town has kept me in check (what would I do without music?). That beautiful man was from another world, I swear. Luckily, my friend has lent me My Sweetheart The Drunk to continue my obsession.

• I have blabbered on before about how much I love Oh Comely magazine, I’m sure. However, while I am waiting for the next issue to pop through my letterbox, I’ve been catching up on old issues whilst cat sitting at my friend’s house. Oh Comely thank you for enriching my life.

• Be still my beating heart! I’ve been on the prowl for a new tea caddy as ours is looking a tad worse for wear. This Twinings Diamond Jubilee Tea Caddy would be a lovely addition to welcome in our British Summer.

• Unfortunately I don’t think this Black With Ivory Mini Dot Dress via Goldie London will suit my shape but I do like it so I do.

• I was gifted a True Grace candle last week and I was impressed how long the scent lingers (good ol’ essential oils). A nice change from lighting  tea lights every night.

• There’s nothing better on a Sunday morning but to research DIY tutorials with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. But this Coffee Syrups Tutorial via A Beautiful Mess has me pining for the beany wonderment that is coffee. I’m gonna give it a go at some stage me thinks.

• Whilst we were having computer issues, I was thankful for one thing – our Xbox 360. We’ve had it for years but has turned out to be a great investment using it not only to play games (the OH) but watch DVDs and download Iplayer, 4od, Last FM and access our LoveFilm library (and there are loads more aps too). So I spent Friday night laughing my head off at Moss from the IT Crowd.

Happy Monday!

♥

Book Review: Celia Birtwell

 

When the Celia Birtwell book was handed to me by the postman, courtesy of Quadrille Craft, I was more than a little excited (I may have squealed at him – he thinks I’m crazy). Being the first book (long overdue) published on Celia,  I was curious to know more about the life and work of such an iconic British designer.

 

 

The book is hardback coffee table perfection, accompanied by sketches, artworks and personal photographs. But not only is the book a visual treat, it delivers such an inspirational kick, I wish I’d had the book years ago.

The book concentrates on the designers career span of over 50 years, from couture to home interiors and her collaboration with Topshop.  Rather than focusing on her personal life (relationship/partnership with Ossie Clark)  it is a biography that celebrates Celia’s work, ambition and inspirations.

The book makes a great gift for admirers of Celia’s work, design/fashion students or anyone with an interest in British Culture (holds hand up). The book has also persuaded me to buy this edition of  my favourite novel,Wuthering Heights, that she illustrated back in 2009. I must find a copy!

You can purchase the book from Amazon for £15.19.

Please note, I was sent this copy to review and was not paid for writing this post.

♥

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

I was lucky enough to be invited to the preview evening at Manchester’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) on Thursday evening. I had a blast!

Oh if you could have seen my face as I ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’d’ at the wonderful designer/makers from across the UK, with a glass of Pinot Grigio in one hand and camera in the other.

I also helped* Alison, of Heart Gallery, in judging the makers for a chance to win space to exhibit their work in the gallery for 2012. The winner was Suet Yi, a fantastic ceramicist, and graduate.

Alison and Suet Yi

 

Suet Yi

Others works I admired were:

Ken Eardley

 

Soda Kitsch

Soda Kitsch

 

Kate Lulham

 

Kate Lulham Via

 

Kate Lulham

Kate Lulham once more...one of my favourites from the show.

I really could go on, but I took a ridiculous amount of photos. Please, please, take a look at the GNCCF website which has direct links to some amazing talent in the contemporary craft world. You need not worry about finding unique and handmade gifts for Christmas, GNCCF has you covered.

Finally, other makers that I must give a heads-up to include:

Claire Armitage, Catherine Chester, Katherine Richmond, Emile Taylor, Alix Swan and & Made.

Oh and  little treat to myself, I bought these earrings from the ceramicist Katie Almond for an affordable £8.

Katie Almond earrings

*I helped Alison out as I now work at Heart Gallery! Very exciting news in this household, I’m a happy bunny. Those earrings will be perfect for my new job!

♥

Door woes.

Our front door leaves a lot to be desired. It’s made of PVC but looks like wood, has mottled windows in it which are without question, ug-ly. Every time I walk in the house I’m thinking ‘Meh’.

I’ve looked into buying paint suitable for PVC and thought, ‘Our door will soon be pretty!”, then to realise the miserable windows would still be there. To replace with new ones would mean getting someone in. Costly, my friends. Costly.

Would it be cheaper to buy a new door? As a tenant should I even consider this? These are my renting woes. Should I be even bothered?!

So, I’ve been researching pretty doors for inspiration (and to make me feel worse) in hope that one day soon, money & landlord permitting, I shall walk through the door with a ‘Yay!’

Via

Via

Via

Via

Plus, I can begin to get excited about making wreaths for Christmas! The joy!

♥