Tuesday 13 August 2013

Etsy finds: armchairs

So this week I've been feeling the heat as in 'oh god when will summer be over so I can just wear black and not feel like I'm melting into a big puddle of grossness' that pretty much sums it up actually.  But one thing I will miss about summer when it is finally over is all the fabulous bright prints and fun colours that hang around.  I love autumn and the lovely colour palette that goes with it but summer colours are so much fun.  Luckily it is not yet widely acceptable to redecorate your home to fit with the seasons (other than the obvious holiday decorations duh) so we can have summer brightness in our homes all year round.  And if you're looking for such a thing I have the answer!  It comes in the name of Namedesignstudio and in the form of fabulous furniture.  Get a load of these guys. . .






The actual studio is in Istanbul, Turkey and the items are handmade by Jo Supara and Ali Tarakci.  These chairs are just stunning aren't they.  My favourite is the one at the top, the Patchwork armchair with Suzani and dark purple velvet fabrics.  Its so mysterious and moody.  What's your favourite?

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Illustrations

So I've recently had my love of illustrating rekindled.  It's sad when you love something but then you just kinda forget about it. . .nevermind I'm back with a vengeance  I just need to be consistent.  It's so easy to be distracted by family, friends, internet shopping, napping. . .I have a lot of spare time atm while I'm looking for a job (anyone in need of a graduate with interior design/illustration skills? anyone?) so I thought I'd share the illustrations as and when they're completed.  The hardest part for me is to find something I can actually be bothered to draw and finish, you know?  I have so many half finished projects lying around here they're starting to take up some valuable desk space as my shelves are overflowing.  Sigh.  So today I have a couple of illustrations and I'm thinking of doing a series of townhouses/buildings and maybe some floral based ones too cause it is summer after all.  Any thoughts are welcome!



Saturday 3 August 2013

Website

So it's about time I created a website so I have an online portfolio available to send to prospective employers.  If you're interested you can view it here.  I'll be updating it as I go aka as I draw/create new interior design and illustration pieces.  Right now it mostly consists of the better of my university work and commissions I've done.

A little picture of me at my university degree show, my work is on the left

Thursday 1 August 2013

Birthday sale!

As I'm celebrating 23 years of life today I've decided to spread the happy cheer and have a one day birthday sale in my etsy shop Raining Cats and Frogs.  All you have to do is head over to my shop, pick some lovely vintage items you just can't live without and enter this code at the checkout ITSABIRTHDASYSALE23

This sale lasts until midnight tonight and applies to orders £10 and over.  Enjoy!

Saturday 27 July 2013

New Etsy listing: Vintage mens grooming kit

There are some lovely markets and carboot sales here in the North East of England, there's even a vintage fair or two (which I'm getting very excited about).  I love to rummage around peoples rubbish as you may have guessed.  At a recent market in the lovely Chester-le-street I happened across this darling vintage mens grooming kit.  All it needed was a little cleaning and it was good to go up on Etsy.





Isn't it the sweetest thing?  It comes with a removable mirror, comb, brush and two chromium plated dispensers.  Check it out here.

I have a bunch of vintage books prettifying my bookcase but I think maybe it's time to bite the bullet and whack them up on Etsy too. . .

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Etsy finds: for the home

I've been spending a lot of time on Etsy lately, basically marveling at how creative and imaginative people can be.  There is so much on there it literally takes hours and hours out of my day when I get 'lost' on the site.  So I fancied writing a blog post about my favourite finds from today.  I could spend all day sharing the things I like and still have more.  So I'm gonna restrict myself to three sellers that caught my eye.

The first is the shop ObviousState which sells literary artworks, cards, posters etc.  Anything that combines books and art is gonna grab my attention and these illustrations are fascinating.  I haven't seen a single one I don't want to own.  Click the images for the links.



Write drunk; edit sober.  So simple and funny.

 


I don't need another notebook. . .or do I?  I know I want this one.  So so badly.

Next up is Oh, Albatross, a lovely mix of homeware and toys.  I really love the styling of the photographs.  The grey background is perfect and the styling simple; they really stand out from the crowd.



Something about this reclaimed paperweight really appeals to me.  It's rustic and chunky and I totally don't need a paperweight but I want this in my life.


I'm still loving the copper accessory trend, especially in minimalistic surroundings.

And last but not least is Dprintsclayful which sells an array of ceramic items from teapots to personalized hand prints.


I think I'm becoming a tad obsessed with teapots and these are beautiful.  The lace detail makes me think of Alice in Wonderland.  Can't you imagine this blue teapot at the Mad Hatters tea party?



They are so delicate looking.  I really love the cream and white versions because they are so classy and understated.

I'm always looking out for new shops to explore so if you have any you'd like to share don't be shy!



Wednesday 17 July 2013

Pin of the day: Wall murals

I have to say I am a total sucker for a wall mural.  I love that it's just there in all its huge glory.  I'd love to do one myself but I don't think I could handle the pressure of seeing it everyday and picking out the imperfections as I'm want to do with my own art work.  It truly is a curse.  


I love this interior wall mural of an exterior scene.  It totally brightens up the room and gives an impression of a bigger space.  Modern and chic, I'd have this in my house definitely.


This dark and broody mural is stealing my heart.  It is my style completely.  In fact I might have to just bite the bullet and and get my paints out.  It doesn't hurt that the green sofa and cushions are to die for.


Could an image be more dreamy?  The blue and white sky theme is a bit dated but this version using blue/grey totally hit the spot.  Can you imagine waking up to this every day?  It would certainly bring a smile to my face.

There is so much diversity when it comes to wall murals, as it is with art.  A mural in your home is a talking point, a focal point and it kicks wallpapers ass.

Friday 5 July 2013

Ballot box no.2

So here are some pictures of the second finished ballot box, freshly waxed and feeling smooth.  This time I distressed the paint more and used ledger paper to line the inside.  The paper is actually from the treasure haul from my grans loft.  There were several 'takings' books in the haul and this particular one has lots of stamps and signatures on the pages.  I like to think of them as interesting gibberish.






And it is currently on sale in my etsy shop.  Click the images for the link

Wednesday 3 July 2013

New vintage finds for my etsy shop

So I made my first sale which was super exciting.  Although not without its difficulties due to a part of the dining room ceiling falling in and crushing some of the beautiful china.  Sob.  And I have some new finds to share with you today and hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to show you the other ballot box in all its finished glory!









I'm very happy with them.  The gold plates are especially beautiful as they are covered in the gold ivy pattern.  And they are all for sale (with more pictures) in my etsy shop.  Click the images for the link.

Wednesday 26 June 2013

Wet room ideas

So I've been asked to come up with a few ideas for an upcoming wet room renovation.  So obviously my first port of call was pinterest.  I was told; modern and timeless.  And I'm gonna share some of my favourite finds


So the room is basically this size but with a window in the back wall.  I hadn't considered a seat until I saw this image but the big chunky seat looks modern and sort of industrial/rustic.  Gotta love grey too.


This is a great idea for storing towels in a wet room so they don't get wet and its a total space saver.


I have to say I think these mirrored tiles are dreamy.  Teamed with white they add so much light and depth. 


I like this sprinkle effect but I wonder how long until it would look dated? 


White subway tiles are my favourite ever tiles.  Is it ok to have a favourite tiles list?  Who cares.  I love em in white and mint.


Using plastic panels is a great alternative and they're much easier than tiles to install and change with the trends.


I love the pop of colour from these tiles.  Who doesn't love a statement floor?  I tend to prefer neutral/blue colours in bathrooms.  But the question is to go for the more conservative, yet timeless cream tiles or to go for a more modern look with a statement floor?




Wednesday 19 June 2013

Project: ballot box

So I got my hands on a couple of old battered ballot boxes.  They were coated with this awful thick black paint and looked a little bit sad.  Unfortunately I seem to have misplaced my 'before' pictures but I have lots of the finished product.


I got my hands on an electric sander for the first time which was awesome.  I sanded all the gross black paint away and gave it a pale blue paint job.  I actually thought I picked up grey paint but nevermind, I like the result nonetheless.



Then I decoupaged the interior with vintage sheet music.  The yellowy pages are like a hidden detail, I love hidden details.

  


Then I buffed her up real nice with beeswax.  The effect is great, the paint looks really rough but when you touch it it's totally smooth.


The ballot box is currently up for sale in my etsy shop here.  When I found these boxes I had no idea what to do with them, when was the last time I saw a ballot box anyway?  One solution is for storage, like this one here but I think the other should be something different.  Maybes shelves?  Or a really really decorative box.  Any ideas?