Get that kettle on! - Taking a look at tea-cosies

Ok, so at risk of betraying my British roots I'm devoting a whole post to tea-cosies. Keeping the teapot hot, cosies are also a wonderful source of inspiration for the creatively-inclined and more often than not incite original and outlandish designs.
I've hunted around to select a variety from the literally millions on offer. Admittedly, Donna Wilson's chocolate cake gets a star rating as does Paul Smith's take on a typical "Granny's front room" knitted design. Would love to hear of any other contenders for "best cosy of the year!"

Below are cosies by Argyle St, sold at Etsy. For the full range of colours take a look at the
Flock of Teacosy Blog.

Paul Smith's bobble hat affair:

This lovely embroidered design by Rie Elise Larsen:

British Janie Withers goes for something more simple:


Donna Wilson does it with a cherry on the top:

Dutch deisgners Tas-ka have found inspiration in gabled houses!

Coming home to roost - lighting the room with a nest of paper cranes

I've just come across a really lovely find in the lighting department: a lamp made of tiny folded paper birds, sold and designed by the Dutch company Tas-ka. I love the idea of small birds coming home to nest once the evening draws in and find the spikey, delicate design both up-beat and elegant. Great in the coloured version for a children's room or in white for a more sophisticated interior!

Lovely - by Lisa

Oh my! I'm just totally blown away by Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson. Makes me want to paper a wall just to be able to enjoy it every day! She has also produced designs for plates and cushions featuring trademark roses and lazy 1930's starlets. Great effect although for me it's the walls that are drop dead gorgeous!


Totally, totally lovely!

Wiping it up New Zealand style

Well, it looks like I'm on a roll when it comes to New Zealand. I've just come across several handmade tea towels and cushions that feature the local faun and flora and are really quite lovely:






The designs are by melinamartin.
The below are by Ustar and are sold (again I'm afraid!) via Felt :

Feeling groovy - New Zealand's hidden handicrafts

A great find this week - Felt , a New Zealand site devoted to the buying and sellling of handicrafts and design. A bit like Etsy, creators can sell their wares and the rest of us can browse at leisure feasting our eyes on all the treats on offer. Below is a selection of one or two items I fell for but there are plenty more once you start rummaging!
First off , are these beautiful prints and printed textiles by Minu whose own site is a lso well worth a visit:

I also hit upon these Magnetic boards by LeilaLoves, which are covered in gorgeous Amy Butler fabrics:



And to finish, a couple of handmade screen-printed Lampshades by MyDesign in Wellington :

A real treasure trove!

Big, brave and beautiful - the best of vintage 70's design

Another great find from Etsy this week - one that are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. Using a collection of fabulous vintage fabrics, Loll&lie put together these gorgeous cushions that absolutely beg to take centre stage on a sofa or bed. Looking at the blog it looks like you'll soon be able to select the fabric of your choice and have it made up - check out the site anyway as the photos of "Loll's" beautiful lovely home will make you swoon!

Pieces and bits

Well yes, I'm still working on my own pots and seeking inspiration absolutely everywhere.My talent is not yet worthy of public display so instead i'll share these beautiful pieces I came across at Manos . They are made by the Swedish ceramist Karin Eriksson whose own web site has an exquisite range of porcelain mobiles, pot and bowls that extends the range on offer at Manos. Enjoy!


I absolutely love these mosaic pieces with sections of different floral designs placed alongside one another. Little fragments of delicacy!



Manos also sell cards and printed works with funky and bright designs created by the Norwegian Darling Clementine team. Their goods are also sold via Etsy so easy to get hold of!



Manos also offer various types of textiles including my pick - these wool bags created by the Dutch designer Tineke Beunders. They are made from wool blankets (from the designer's own collection) and each one is totally unique. The interior fabric is totally different to the exterior adding that extra flash of originality!