2011; the year of hygge

‘Hygge’ (pronounced heu-gah) is a Danish concept. The nearest literal translation into English is ‘coziness,’ but it’s so much more than that.

Kit's Boutique tweed mill grey check blanket

It’s a state of warmth and contentment; a sense that all is right in the world. A freedom from anything that might annoy, worry or overwhelm you.

here’s one I made earlier :: the joy of stamps

Two of my many lovely design-related Christmas presents were sets of stamps from Yellow Owl Workshop all the way from San Francisco.

 

Thank you cards made with Yellow Owl Workshop stamps

 

I supplemented them with an alphabet set from Muji and immediately got to work making my thank you cards (above). I’m really proud of them, but I think the credit should really go to Yellow Owl Workshop for the beautifully designed and made stamps.

interview :: tom raffield

Pendant no 1 in ash

I love Tom Raffield’s beautiful steam-bent wooden creations – they are so clearly inspired by my favourite corner of England; the wild West(country). He very sweetly agreed to an interview, which is as inspirational as his creations…

out and about: the temporium

On Thursday evening, I went along to London’s latest pop-up design shop; The Temporium, a collaboration between Dezeen, Deborah Spencer and Alice Breed. It featured some of my favourite designers, so I was very excited – and I wasn’t disappointed.

The Temporium

The first things I spotted were…

quirky gifts for the design geek in your life

I’m fed up with buying the same old presents from the same old shops every year. So this year, as well making some teacup candles myself, I’ve spent some time researching unusual and original presents that (hopefully!) will be warmly received and cherished for years to come, rather than swiftly ending up as landfill. Here are the fruits of my labour.

Bird print grand espresso set, Dutch by Design, £15