Design Debate

I came across these beautiful pictures at Miss Moss , a South African blogger I like. The photographs are taken from a 1966 issue of Life magazine and she makes reference to how well this ethos fits the current design craze. It is inevitable really, when the creative world starts leaning in a particular direction there is always a counter response.  When you think 1960s, especially in swinging London, you think disposable fashion, new plastics, new technology, the space age and futuristic living. This article, with gorgeous photographs from Nina Leen, focusses on the craft movement and its ethos of looking backwards, slowing down and taking time. When I was at university studying Graphic Design the mood was very computer driven. Adobe Illustrator was the program of choice. I use it a lot in my work and I think it is a great tool, but at the time quite a few of my classmate's work had a similar flat feel that didn't really appea...

I have been collecting some really beautiful ceramics recently on Pinterest . From delicate lace-like textures to hearty hold-in-your-hand comforting mugs - ceramics has captured my heart. Here are a few of my favourites: Shannon Garson Porcelain Shannon's work  combines illustration and pattern with some really refreshing colour palettes. You can see how her home of Australia influences her and I love her pieces.  Charlotte Jones Ceramics Available from  Rocke and Nutter , Charlotte works and lives in our lovely Cornwall and her beautiful pots evoke the coastal landscape that surrounds us here.  Brit McDaniel of  Paper & Clay studio   The lovely work of Brit has been well blogged, but this piece in particular I love. It feels like a landscape from a Jane Austen novel to me.  Ceramics by Handmade Studio TN I love this cheese board! Cheese is wonderful as it is but presented on this ceramic board would bring the hum...

Html Patchwork I was intrigued today when I came across Open Source Embroidery, merging computer code and traditional craft. The emphasis, with all open source coding, is the collaboration. Many people are involved and this actually encourages change and growth as a result. Web safe colour codes This largely British movement believes that the coming together of lots of little pieces of artwork creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Its also interesting taking needlework that is traditionally thought as woman's work and computer programming which has a very male stereotype, and merging the two. The movement was initiated by Ele Carpenter in 2005 to explore the relationship between programming for embroidery and for computing. Social and digital networks are key, its about coming together and exploring ideas and revealing processes - a collaboration rather than individual endeavour.  Motherboard by Emma Ferguson   I find the whole idea rea...

Blanket from purlbee.com Cosy knit chair from Hans Sapperlot I am completely smitten with knitting, to be truthful I haven't actually tried it since I was a child and I knit a very wonky but colourful scarf for one of my dolls. But my sister creates some wonderful items and I am tempted to revisit this craft for myself. She has knitted with plastic bags, made lace jewellery and the essential gloves.  Scarf patterns from purlbee.com I am though a fan of the product. Few things excite me more in the long, long winter months than a cosy sweeter or hunky chunky socks. There is of course Pinterest for any such stitch-gazing. Are you a fan? This site is so addictive and what can be achieved with a ball of yarn knows no limit. Pattern from melimeloo.blogspot.de By artist Kate Jenkins The reason my thoughts have turned to knitting today is because I read an article on NYC blog A Cup of Jo . It seems Norway has bucked the trend of fast, fast television...

You may have heard of Welsh artist Peter Fowler, famous for his psychedelic album art for band Super Fury Animals. Well he is branching out into the craft scene with cross stitch. This is a concept I love, giving the traditional crafts a dose of modern mayhem. The title of the exhibition is perfect with that music connection 'The Needle and the Damage Done'.  Showing from August the first to September the first, at Beach, London.  If you think about it cross stitch is a medium full of possibility. The geometric grid allows an element of structure but also the variety of coloured threads provide many psychedelic possibilities. Van AudiOrlax ( 2012, vinyl toy with electronics and synthesisers) Fowler is also known for his World of Monsterism, toys based on his cartoon characters. And his artwork has been used in music videos for The Super Fury Animals, The Horrors and Clinic.  His album for the SFA in 2005 involved making models, a reminder, Fowler said, of...