Ian first noticed the building that is now his studio when helping out with the local scouts. Once a bomb shelter to the factory building that is now the scout hut, its door hadn’t been opened for 20 years.
Confessions of a Design Geek
here's one I made earlier :: cyanotype
Inspired by a recent exhibition about camera-less photography at the V&A called Shadow Catchers, I thought I’d try my hand at cyanotype, a type of ‘sun printing’.
Confessions of a Design Geek
interview :: helen lang
Helen is a Westcountry lass, now living and working in South West London as an illustrator. Her quirky artworks convey her slightly obscure sense of humour with a sense of craft and elegance.
Confessions of a Design Geek
out and about :: pick me up
Somerset House is the place to be at the moment, with Joy of Living, John Makepeace and Pick Me Up all happening at the same time. On Friday evening, I went down to have a look at Pick Me Up.
Confessions of a Design Geek
here's one I made earlier :: an explorer of southwold
This article was published 15 yearsIn dire need of a bit of R&R, some inspiration and a birthday treat, the boy and I headed off to lovely Southwold for a weekend break. For a change of creative tact we went armed with “How to be an explorer of the world”…
Confessions of a Design Geek
interview :: max fraser, the joy of living
Max Fraser, editor of the London Design Guide (a book which rarely leaves my handbag), has been working on a rather special project. Joy of Living finally sees the light of day on March 15th at Somerset House.
Confessions of a Design Geek
interview :: john makepeace
I was recently very privileged to meet, and spend almost an hour talking to, ‘the father of british furniture design,’ John Makepeace, ahead of his first solo exhibition, which opens at Somerset House on 16th March 2010
Confessions of a Design Geek
out and about :: isotype
ISOTYPE (International System of TYpographic Picture Education), the subject of an exhibition at the V&A, is a system for organising and displaying information and statistics using pictures – a technique that enables communication with people of all ages and nationalities.
Confessions of a Design Geek
creative spaces :: emma bond
This month’s creative spaces post features the enchantingly titled “Orchard Studio;” home to Emma Bond’s garden design business. The wonderful photography is all by Emma herself.
Confessions of a Design Geek
here's one I made earlier :: bathroom design
A while ago, I showed you my bathroom concept board, developed as part of the klc Diploma in Interior Design, and I promised I would show the bathroom design that resulted.
Confessions of a Design Geek
interview :: nic rysenbry, design for dementia
Design is about making people’s lives better. When that can be done for people whose quality of life is compromised by something like dementia, a designer’s role becomes a very special thing indeed.
Confessions of a Design Geek
out and about :: john pawson plain space
This article was published 16 yearsJohn Pawson Plain Space at the Design Museum opens with; “…I think a plain space near the eye gives it a kind of liberty it loves; and then the picture, whether you choose the grand or beautiful, should be held up at its proper distance….
Confessions of a Design Geek
creative spaces :: michael anastassiades
For the second post in my series of sneaky peaks behind the scenes into the thinking, working, and making spaces of designers, I was lucky enough to be given a rare glimpse into the studio of Michael Anastassiades.
Confessions of a Design Geek
here's one I made earlier :: sketchbooks
A sketchbook is a great way to collect and explore ideas – and of course the best thing is to keep one on you and get into the habit of using it every day. I’m usually terrible at remembering, but I do always make sure I find the time when I go on holiday. On my latest two trips, I tried to push myself to develop my ideas as well as just recording what I saw – and also to feel more able to take risks and make mistakes.
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thinking about :: 2011, the year of hygge
‘Hygge’ (pronouned heu-gah) is a Danish concept. The nearest literal translation into English is ‘coziness,’ but it’s so much more than that. It’s a state of warmth and contentment; a sense that all is right in the world. A freedom from anything that might annoy, worry or overwhelm you. It’s time spent with close friends and family, just enjoying their company. It’s good food and good wine. Its being indoors on a rainy night in front of a log fire in a candle lit room. It’s being surrounded by soft comfortable textures. It’s just stopping, and really enjoying the simple things in life, enjoying the now.
Confessions of a Design Geek
here's one I made earlier: the joy of stamps
Two of my many lovely design-related Christmas presents were sets of stamps from Yellow Owl Workshop all the way from San Francisco. I supplemented them with an alphabet set from Muji and immediately got to work making my thank you cards. I’m really proud of them, but credit must go to Yellow Owl Workshop for the beautifully designed and made stamps.
Confessions of a Design Geek
interview: tom raffield
I love Tom Raffield’s beautiful steam-bent wooden creations – they are so clearly inspired by my favourite corner of England; the wild West(country). He very sweetly agreed to an interview, which is as inspirational as his creations…
Confessions of a Design Geek
out and about: the temporium
I went to London’s latest pop-up design shop; The Temporium, a collaboration between Denzeen, Deborah Spencer and Alice Breed. It featured some of my favourite designers, so I was very excited – and I wasn’t disappointed.
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quirky gifts for the design geek in your life
I’m fed up with buying the same old presents from the same old shops every year. So this year, as well making some teacup candles myself, I’ve spent some time researching unusual and original presents that (hopefully!) will be warmly received and cherished for years to come, rather than swiftly ending up as landfill. Here are the fruits of my labour.