Category: Design
A Mermaid’s Tail..
It is said the Aegean Sea is full of mermaids that can sink ships and lure sailors to their doom, including 3000 Oceanids, the mythical daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys and the singing Sirens from the Odyssey.
What is true is that daughter Bella has been enraptured by them for some time, and when her spells (see above and here) didn’t work she resorted (as all modern girls would) to the magic of the internet…
Swiftly followed by the alchemy of then gently twisting her father around her little finger..
In secret cahoots, because they knew I don’t approve of presents without reasons (I’m told it was because she had a good school report..hmmmmmmm) they ordered their bounty (I think from a German website, but this site is the only one I can find that has both the mermaid suit and the shark fin that they sportingly added for Charlie…)
(Except he really wanted to be a mermaid too..)
Mysteriously enchanting, I have to confess, she took to it like a fish to water…particularly evocative was when she dived down and there was a flash of red hair and orange tail, just like the real Little Mermaid brought to life…
Now I can’t wait to see the reaction when she tries out in the local pool here…..!
Laters, Kate x
De-light! x
A new website for me: Re-foundobjects.com, courtesy of a good friend who knew it would be right up my alley. I’m in love…
Laters, Kate x
More Than Words..
If clothes were a vibe then Raquel Allegra would be the coolest place in town.
But then who else would start their fashion line upcycling tees from the Los Angeles County Jail?
Her clothes have an unmistakable air of off-duty model louche looks: They don’t have to be flattering just capture the mood..and they do that with effortless beauty.
They say when I’m comfortable in my clothes, I’m confident in my life.
(There’s also her love of tie-dye..I have two more batches in the dye bath as I type..)
Her work has an honesty and integrity: She’s prepared to get her hands dirty. She says: ‘At an early age my creative heart was broken around creative expression: It kind of shut me off to the possibility of dreams. It’s really sad..but I didn’t think there was anything other than retail for me in my life..I feel very lucky to have found design, particularly in the way that I did.’
The clothes echo who she is – very connected, very personal..you want to know her and be part of her world.
‘I don’t believe you have to be anything but what you are. Be kind to people, and do what you believe in. I don’t believe in competition. I don’t believe in being mean. I believe in helping other people. I certainly couldn’t be here without other people helping me. What it really comes down to is your heart. Follow the light bulb in your head that says this is where you belong. This is what makes you happy.’
Amen to that.
Laters, Kate x
A Stitch in Time..
The Joy of the blogsphere is the treasure hunt that is discovering all the ideas and amazing products out there in the big wide world. This beauty was first spotted by the lovely Andreannadais on her Blog, but it was so good I feel the need to spread the love a bit further..
Harvey and Quinn is a jewellery company set up by Rachel Harvey and lucy Quinn that specialises in creating jewellery that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Their main source of inspiration are vintage buttons and the wealth of workmanship and wonder they have to offer.
They say: ‘For us each button tells a story, an intriguing glimpse of a forgotten past.’
It also helps that their pricing is incredibly sensible, starting at £32.00 and rising for special bespoke pieces.
For me they represent every thing I love: A forgotten quality item turned into a beautiful butterfly ready to fly forever. The magpie within is singing with joy..
Laters, Kate x
Summer Blues..
The kids left for Greece this morning and it was my job to hug enthusiastically and wave with excitement. But my heart broke just a little bit. I’ll see them in a week..but it does feel as though they are going a long, long way away.
I was talking to their lovely Teacher yesterday who told me I’d be off to vintage markets and all sorts..and she was right – this time is a gift and I’d be a fool not to use it wisely. We actually have a vintage event on Saturday so I’m gathering my black coat of mourning and heading off to Stoke Newington to see what delights I can find. Taking my decorating mags on the train with me…
The idea of our renovation is to replace some of our internal walls with these Crittall windows..mi piace mol to…and now maybe I’ll get a bit further than just collecting pictures…
Then tonight the Husband and I are going to Regents Park Open Air Theatre (one of my absolute favourite summer venues) to be wined and dined and to see Hobson’s Choice..
But I will be looking up at the stars knowing that my two can see them also…
Laters, Kate x
Mightier than the Sword..
I so need to up my penmanship skills…but my tie-dying skills might improve today: Have 6 friends round to to transform everything white into beach-ready Shibori..pictures sure to follow…
Laters, Kate x
Simply Made x
Made was born from a desire to create beautiful products using traditional time-honoured skills and fashion led design: Made believe that people really matter, that if you look after the employees it translates through into what they make. It’s a meeting of beautiful thinking and beautiful doing where object and intention come together to create something truly special and unique whilst embracing cultures, personalities and genuine gorgeousness..
They are also dedicated to using the most environmentally friendly products possible: Their signature style comes from an extensive use of reclaimed brass which has a warmth and a softness unlike any other metal. 
But what makes them standout is the balance between tradition/friend of the earth and cutting edge fashion: Their sharp design skills come from a willingness to collaborate with some of the best the fashion and design world has to offer – Edun, Lois Vuitton, Whistles, Asos, TopShop to name just a few, all adding to a sense of continual growth and exploration of ideas. 
I particularly love these pieces by Imogen Belfield, already touted by Vogue as an up and coming designer, her designs have a sense of presence and tactileness that make them exceptionally appealing: They’re a little bit of sunshine… 
Mi piace..
Time to stand outside the circle.
Laters, Kate x
The Mirrorcube and More..
Big dreams and great design…meet the Tree Hotel of Sweden with it’s incredible individual rooms. Located in Harals, near the Lule River about 100 km from Lulea airport they are objects of wonder..
From the incredible mirror cube…an aluminium box, covered with mirrors and attached to a tree with a bathroom, terrace and double bed.
(There’s even an ultraviolet coating on the mirrors that birds can see so they won’t fly splat into it..)
To a floating UFO..
And a Bird’s Nest built for humans..
Inside the Birds Nest..
Or perhaps you’d prefer to be closer to the ground? Meet The Blue Cone..
And it’s stunning interior, embracing everything you love about Scandinavian design.
This is the carriage..complete with viewing platform above..
And it’s insIde.
There’s even a sauna house with outside hot tubs…
In the middle of nature but on natures terms this place sings a lyrical folk song of peace, beauty, exceptional design and understanding.
It’s on the ‘to do’ list…one day Rodders, one day..until then, I’ll just dream..
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 