Beautify My World

Huset Shop

Last Sunday was the birthday of a very crafty friend of mine, so instead of buying her the usual (jewellery, wine, pretty house things etc) I decided to create a little artwork for her. I decided I was going to do a very simple, single colour image of two pigs (she's Chinese descent, born year of the pig) but with a Scandinavian twist. Now everyone loves Ikea, but it truly is a small sample of the huge amount of fantabulous design that comes out of Sweden and surrounding countries. During my pattern research for my friend's artwork, I stumbled across huset (Swedish, Danish and Norwegian for the house); a shop in the States that buys from Scandinavian countries and then brings to us poor internet people on the other side of the world the true delights of Scandinavian design.

I really love this herring design by Marianne Nilsson from the 1950s. Simplicity really does last forever.

To drool over the their goodness, go to www.huset-shop.com.

London Design Museum

Last November I travelled to London (through Paris) with my best friend on a VERY tight budget, which essentially means window shopping and museums are must-dos. I didn't, however, manage to get to the London Design Museum, which I'm kicking myself about, and is already noted on my "next-time-I'm-in-London" mental travel diary. This April they're showing a letterforms exhibition including a Wim Crouwel retrospective, so if you're in London and having a look, let me know how awesome it is so I can be jealous.

Meanwhile, I've being drooling over the Design Museum Shop, which contains more design goodness than you can shake a very large stick at. I especially like the Make Your Own Monster Kit, and I'm seriously tempted by the Type Trumps set… type and a cardgame in one, what's not to love?

Go and have a gander: http://designmuseumshop.com

Colin Harman Graphic Design Client Choices

A Sunday laugh (or nod of understanding if you're in the industry) designed by Colin Harman.

"There are times when things just need to be explained using a spectacular Venn diagram. I made this last night whilst sitting on a screened in porch by an outdoor fireplace when it was late. Design is a funny thing, not as funny as a Kangaroo jumping on a trampoline, but let’s be honest what is as funny as that? I’ll give you a little hint: nothing."

 

http://colinharman.com/

Kokoro

It seems to me that there have been a plethora of disasters around the world in recent times. I actually went to Japan for a holiday a couple of years ago and absolutely loved the place, people and culture (though not being a fish eater, and quite picky about meat as well, I had to go the veggie option as often as not when it came to food).  

Now, I occasionally get on my soapbox about the Australian media's tendency to place more value on Australian lives than any others, and I like to read media and blogs from elsewhere to get a better picture of what's happening. Which is how I discovered this little gem, ODE Magazine - the online community for intelligent optimists. There are a couple of posts from people currently in Japan, including an American teacher that's stuck in Sendai.

"And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack each day, now to send this email, and I find food and water left in my entranceway. Old men go from door to door checking to see if everyone is OK. I see no signs of fear." Anne Thomas

Manifestations of the remarkable Japanese “kokoro” (heart and soul) beautify my world.

If you want to help out, you can donate to the Japanese Red Cross here.

Or if you've watched this beautiful video of a dog guarding his injured friend, you can donate to Global Animal to help the lost and injured animals in Japan.

 

Carina Sherlock

Through the course of my work, I've discovered Carina Sherlock. Not only are their products absolutely gorgeous, but their styling, both for their advertising and their own website is beautiful. Unfortunately, I don't live in Melbourne, so I can't go and drool at this shop every minute of my day!

Go and have a look at http://www.carinasherlock.com.au

Fifi Mandirac

 
 
 I just stumbled across a very talented French designer who makes some beautiful papers and is kind enough to give us free downloads! Guess who'll be printing her own wrapping paper this year!

http://www.fifimandirac.com/

Or get her free printables from http://www.fifimandirac.com/blog/

(Yes, I know it's in French, but she is slowly getting it in to English!)

Publisher Textiles

 
A few years ago I went to an introduction to hand screen printing - the original way to make beautiful textiles - at Publisher Textiles. I finally remembered their name last week and turned to trusty google to find their site. Not only have they released some stunning new cushion designs (who doesn't love a beautiful cushion??) but they've done probably the most fabulous wallpaper job I've ever seen... outside!

 
 

 http://publishertextiles.com.au/