Pulse

In my usual nosey fashion I had a little jolly to Pulse London to see what was new. What is often disappointing about these trade shows is how generic much of the design and product on show is. However this does mean that the really good stuff shines out. So here are a few snaps I took of the really good stuff.

 Rude Ltd

This company was a new find for me and I found their illustrations and product really exciting. Vibrant pattern and really thoughtful use of the products they'd designed. The flatpack plywood table and chairs were one of my favourite things at the show.

Seven Gauge Studios/ Deryn Relph

There is never a time where knitwear is inappropriate. Although I can't knit myself, everyone who knows me, knows that I love knitted things. Seven Gauge studios create stunningly sophisticated and beautifully crafted items in perfect colour combinations. Utterly modern but retaining that mid century feel.
I also came across Deryn Relph's fun and vibrant work and loved the knitted lampshades with crazy pom poms.

 Roddy & Ginger

Rosehip

I've been a big fan of Roddy & Ginger and Rosehip for sometime so it was great to see their new ranges on show at Pulse. Roddy & Ginger had added Small town and Town planning to her collection. Rosehip was showing the new Sew & Sew range. Great illustration and impeccable colour choices from both.

Kangan Arora/  Laura Spring/ La cerise sur le gateau

And here are some other designers I spotted that are definitely worth looking up if you like bold, graphic styles.

Edited Secret Gallery

Oh dear. It's been rather a long time hasn't it? But I do have some news. Very pleased that the lovely Edited store in Brighton are stocking my prints in their new secret gallery as part of the Brighton festival. So if you are in Brighton during May do pop along and see. Below are some very poor snaps by me of the gallery and the lovely things in the Edited shop.

Sketchbookery

 A little peak at some recent scribblings. I've been getting all painty.

More creatures and critters

Just a quick post. Yesterday I played around with the creepy crawly collages I'd done, and made them into a little repeat. Feeling particularly proud of myself as I managed to avoid using pink and black!
Here is the result and a little idea for it.

More scissors and glue

Hope you had a good Easter break. I took a few days off, but still managed to squeeze in a quick bit of collage. I've been really trying to simplify things lately. These are based on buildings but I want to pare them back to very simple shapes and textures.

Creatures and Critters.

I've been a bit quiet on the blog front recently because I've been really lazy. No, hang on that's wrong. I've actually been really busy, and am working on a number of different projects so something had to give I'm afraid.
In kiosk news, I have got my first licensing deal, and have interest from a dream client, which I am trying not to get too excited about. I have also started a new collaborative project which I am thrilled about. Sure I shall show you something of it soon.
In the meantime here is what I found time to do at the weekend.

These little fellas arrived out of seeing the potential in a different project I was working on. I have been wanting to draw some creatures and critters for ages. But each attempt has ended in a fail. I decided to restrict myself by using collage and only using the pieces I removed to create the characters. Have to say I'm rather pleased with them. Now I need to think about what to do with them...

Spikey likey

I've been working on a collection of designs for home textiles based on cacti. I like the idea of something so harsh and spikey ending up on a cushion or duvet cover, as an inviting and cosy addition to the house. I tried really hard not to use a pink in the colour selection, and failed dismally. But the introduction of a matronly maroon is definitely a new choice for me. I've also been working on a larger scale than normal, and like the idea of these as bold, oversized prints. So here are my patterns based on ornamental cacti and succulents. I'm working of some images of these in situ too.