Artist Review / / Vicky Lindo

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the wonderful ceramics and textiles of Vicky Lindo.

Vicky is an artist, designer and maker from Devon who has been selling her work since graduating with a craft degree from Herefordshire College of Art, in 2002.

Her muse is her cat, Meow, who often features in her beautifully embroidered textiles and hand painted ceramics. You can find out more about Vicky's fantastic work, by following her blog or visiting her online store. More lusciousness next Tuesday! Justine x

Artist Review: Kaffe Fassett

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's new 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're paying tribute to the creative genius that is Kaffe Fassett.

Kaffe was a native of San Francisco until he moved to London in 1964 to paint. He has since become one of the world's most prolific textile designers and has been honoured as Britain's greatest colourist by the Colour Group (Great Britain) who awarded him the prestigious Turner Medal earlier this year. 

Whichever medium Kaffe works with, be it textiles, ceramics, needlepoint, patchwork, painting or knitting, his signature style is evident through his vibrant use of colour. His professional achievements during his 50 year career are too many to mention and his influence continues to inspire through his many published books, exhibitions and workshops.

Over 100 pieces of Kaffe's work will be exhibited at the Fashion and Textile Museum from 22nd March (this Friday) - 29th June 2013. ‘Kaffe Fassett – A Life in Colour’ is a celebration of the work of one of the great practitioners of contemporary craft.' 

Kaffe Fassett was the first textile designer I was introduced to at school by my teacher who was a massive fan of his work. I wasn't aware he produced such amazing paintings though so to find these on his website was great, just goes to show that his talent knows no limits which is a lesson to us all. More arty inspiration next Tuesday - have a great week! Justine x

Blue and White on Bark Cloth

Cups and Saucers on Beige

Black Temple Jar

Dahlias in Pink Teapot

Ginger Jar Series Green Still Life

Ginger Jar Series Yellow Still Life

Pot Tapestry Sketch

Red Blue and White

Roses Galore

Swirling Stripes

Katie Almond

Katie Almond is a designer maker specializing in ceramics. Since graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester Katie has been reguarly attending craft fairs, supplying to galleries and shops across the UK, as well as setting up workshops.

Katie produces decorative jugs, cups, cake stands and brooches using hand-painted and hand-building techniques. Each ceramic is inspired and carefully designed with gardening flowers, seaside and afternoon tea themes, which are created a lot through collage. I love the quirkiness of the shapes of the ceramics. You can find Kate on twitter @kalmondceramics. Enjoy, Hannah.

SurfacePhilia - New Ranges!

My lovely friend Helen Stevens at SurfacePhilia, & fantastic contributor to the e-course, has just released two new ranges! She is now selling mugs with entrepreneur Mary Portas in association with House of Fraser & has just developed a new range of printed cushions! Phew! One busy lady!

You can shop online for her beautiful mugs by clicking here (scroll to the bottom of the page) & you can find her cushions on her online shop as well as the rest of her lovely products such as greetings cards, mugs, prints, wallpapers & dinner plates. You can see images of both ranges below & read our previous blog post that introduced Surface Philia here!

If you are interested in 'The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design (the e-course)' we are thrilled to announce we are running a third series (starting in August 27th 2012) Register here! If you want to know more about the course you can also read our lovely testimonials.

Don't miss out on our next run of Module 3 'Monetising Your Designs' which is running 3rd September 2012! Click here for more information!

The Perfect Mug

Hey Hey, It's Moni again writing the posts for the rest of the week!  I have woken up to freezing and foggy mornings a lot lately. Believe me it's a shock if you're from the tropic like me. I have learned that the perfect antidote for that 'I need to go back to be and stay there all day' feeling, is a lovely cup of                    (fill in the blank). Whether it's tea, coffee or hot chocolate your mug is a precious object during the winter. I have decided then, to go on a hunt for yummy mugs! Big, small, tall or take away here are some of my best finds!  Click on the image if you want to know where they come from.  Have a great day, Love Moni!

Unique Home Accessories

Morning Everyone, Sian here again!

Still blogging about all the amazing designers showcased at Top Drawer.

Helen Minn's is a Designer/ Maker whose love of drawing and mark making show through in all her designs. Many of her designs feature traditional woodland animals such as pheasants, hares and owls, all drawn in her signature style.

Below are some products selected from the range on her site, we especially like the quirky bird illustrations in the 3 cards below!