Just had a busy few days :
London for the 2012 Design Festival -visited 100% Design at Earl's Court which showcased some amazing products such as the stretch ceiling system from New Mat Ltd which incorporates both lighting and sound proofing !
Then off to Design Junction -fantastic furniture - a mix of new and retro-reinvented, followed by Tent London at The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane.

Overall Lighting shone out -from handmade to high tech.

Sunny Saturday morning found us sitting outside a great cafe in Bloomsbury sipping coffee and eating a gorgeous orange and polenta cake.

Had to give the Cake and Bake Show a miss but by all accounts it sounded like this first show was big success -  so back home to Nottingham.

Sunday: The Rock n Gem Show at The Newark Showground - had to resist buying everything! Managed to get some awesome pearls and rock crystals as well as glass beads, garnet and pyrite.

So it's back to school today for most kids - so to cheer you up this is Florence -the doll I made recently with her school uniform and satchel. Her grey coat and pink and grey tartan dress and hat are 100% wool. Her satchel is real leather. Adorable!


She is available to buy from Dezigne.

One jewellery designer whose necklaces I have been greatly admiring recently is Barbara Acton-Bond.

She uses semi-precious stones, gemstones and other unique beads and pendants to create beautiful balanced and harmonious pieces. Her colour and texture combinations are are amazing.

Looking forward to going to Athens in October -especially to the Acropolis Museum.  I have been before but I really want to go again. There were far too many things to look at all in one (very hot) day.

Inspired by this I thought I would try and take some `Museum inspired' product shots.

This is my snowflake jasper, blister pearl and hematite necklace from Dezigne.

Introducing a new range of handmade Greek leather sandals, bags and jewellery to the Dezigne shop.

Perfect for summer and holidays  - all are individually embellished with beads and charms.

The sandals are available in wedge style, flip flop style or flat.

I have been working on some new clutch purses lately - this tulip clutch purse is perfect for summer parties and weddings -a really pretty accessory. Or if you are going on holiday and you want somewhere to keep your jewellery and small bits and pieces. It has a chunky brass kisslock frame and is lined with cream cotton.

This purse is now available to buy online from Dezigne

So the London 2012 Olympics are officially open! The somewhat frenetic opening ceremony had some good and bad bits......

The Red Arrows looked awesome as flew over the London skyline as did David Beckham arriving by speedboat with the Olympic Torch - more like a scene from a Bond Movie - better than the James Bond scene itself. Unfortunately the Queen did not look at all amused.

The forging of the five Olympic rings was amazing as was the copper cauldron sculpture (by Tom Heatherwick). It's a shame they stuck Paul McCartney in at the end though.

Anyway looking forward to visiting our stunning capital in September for the London Design Festival and the Cake & Bake Show at Earl's Court.

`The first live event dedicated to the world of cakes, breads and the art of baking' featuring many celebrity bakers such as Paul Hollywood,  Mich Turner (of the Little Venice Cake Company) and Tom Herbert (from the Fabulous Baker Brothers)

There will be masterclasses, speakers and of course lots of cakes!

I have recently been looking at handpainted cakes- they can look amazing when done well. I have had a go but definitely need more practice. Here are some to feast your eyes on...

So at last the weather in the UK has warmed up and everyone is off on holiday. Dezigne has the perfect accessory for sunny days at the beach or sightseeing - this lovely tote bag featuring sailboats, beach huts and lighthouses in a very patriotic red, white and blue. The sand coloured strap is genuine leather. It's just the right size for all your essentials for the day- phone, keys, make-up, books, maps, camera etc.

Nautical Tote Bag

Talking about beaches etc., one of my favourite places is St.Ives in Cornwall. There are some fabulous apartments there called The Sail Lofts which look amazing -definitely on my list to stay -one day!

 

Lighthouse Apartment

There are apartments for 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 people -and they are all decorated individually. Check out their website for more info.

St Ives itself has two lovely sandy bays, a pretty harbour and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Of course there is the Tate Gallery and many artist workshops, studios and galleries dotted about the town. There are many tiny little streets to wander around with all sorts of hidden gems to discover. 

Just added a new purse to the Dezigne Shop -it's very romantic and feminine -perfect for all those summer weddings and parties that are coming up!

It has plenty of room for all those essential items -ie phone, keys, make up etc and a detachable chain handle. The interior is cream cotton. Hope you like it!

This is the newest addition to my Driftwood Beach jewellery collection - I can picture this worn with a wedding gown.... very romantic and a lovely splash of colour with ivory or cream.

The red glass heart has a tiny rose in the centre and the pink freshwater pearls have a wonderful lustre -very flattering against the skin. Enjoy!

Just sold my Aqua and Silver Necklace to one of the Bahia Yoga group who use the lovely studio at The Nottingham Workshop ! Thank You!

Off to The Summer Craft Fair at The Staunton Vale Arms tomorrow in the lovely Vale of Belvoir - and hopefully the weather will stay kind !

One of my necklaces - has been featured in this gorgeous Etsy Treasury - Vacation Greece - by Szilvi Szabo - I think it captures the essence of Greece in the summer perfectly!

Vacation Greece :)

Enjoy!

I have recently been working on making fabric dolls - I saw something similar on a website and thought I would have a go. This one is called Florence and she has a pink and grey tartan school outfit with a handmade leather satchel. All the clothes (and shoes) are handmade by me.

  Florence 

I am working on a third one at the moment but I haven't decided on the outfit yet. 

One of my favourite glass artists on Etsy is Naos Glass  - I just love the subtle colours of this Indian Summer bead set.

Naos Glass on Etsy

These are large hole beads (5mm) so will fit a European Charm Bracelet. Definitely on my wish list!

Made some lovely new Pandora style bracelets last week. I recently sold one at a Craft Fair and was asked to make another one - so I just kept going and made some more.  I have ordered some lovely new glass beads as well so I am looking forward to those arriving !

Pandora Style Bracelet -Purple and Silver

Pandora style bracelet in grey and silver

Pandora style bracelet in gold,pink and brown 

I have used a large toggle clasp on these bracelets which not only looks good but makes it really easy to put on. They are all £20 -now available from Dezigne.

Some great new summer jewellery by Driftwood Beach is now available from Dezigne - perfect additions to your summer wardrobe !

                                 Fabulous Wood, Jasper and Leather Necklace  £23.50

                       Stunning Wood, Ceramic, Stone and Leather Necklace  £35.00

Most of my jewellery is inspired by the ocean, the beach and the coastline so I love to use pebble shaped beads in natural materials such as wood and semi-precious stone. The wood twist beads I have used in the necklace above reminds me of driftwood -smooth to the touch and ever so slightly faded. The bright aqua ceramic ovals and dyed turquoise chips really contrast well with the wood.
I think the wood and jasper necklace has quite a designer look-I must admit I find it difficult to do asymetrical jewellery  - it's far more difficult than it looks!
One of my favourite Etsy  makers Lorelei Eurto gets it right every time! 


I have recently been asked to make some bridal jewellery for a lady who is getting married in St Ives in Cornwall later this year -which is wonderful as St Ives is one of my favourite places and I am so pleased to have been asked to make this jewellery which will feature some gorgeous freshwater pearls.

Alison -Driftwood Beach Jewellery

Actually managed to grab a bit of sunshine and sat outside to have a drink in Nottingham City Centre today.

So it's Father's Day on Sunday 17th June - what to buy ? 

Here's a perfect gift idea   - Handmade wooden pens in three colour choices by Richard Burrow

The Dezigne Shop also has other products from Richard such as adorable wooden owls and gorgeous wooden bowls and a very funky chair all made by his own fair hands !

Went down to London this week for the Clerkenwell Design Week Shows.
Loads of things to see on the design front, however I spotted this beautiful duck-egg blue Vespa parked in one of the streets. 

                 Also spotted was this gorgeous vintage VW Camper Van.

                                             Classic Design !

A colourful wake up....

I just woke up this morning, very mellow from last night’s fantasy epic movie (Solomon Kane) and a glass of rose (ok it was 2 glasses).

Very nice sunny morning - I went outside to leave some recycling in my outhouse and there it was - a large parcel. I was so confused … “I didn’t order anything” I thought. It was well wrapped and difficult to open, just open it a bit and saw the word “COLOUR”. Now even more confused I had to get a big knife to finish opening the parcel!

Inside were three  inspirational architectural books about colour and a magazine in time- line style  - all by the late Tom Porter.

Ok time for fresh ground coffee……

What an inspirational morning .The books were sent by his wife Andree along with a brief for a light design commission for her new apartment in France.

I just started work thinking and designing. I would like to have this light ready for Designers Resolutions 5 at Antenna Nottingham and exhibit it along with the books I received.

Andree is delighted to exhibit this light as it is in memory of Tom Porter and celebrates his work as a Designer Architect and colour expert. 

From 19th May the V & A Museum is celebrating `Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950'

an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers from more than 60 designers including Alexander McQueen, Zandra Rhodes and Catherine Walker. 

Many of these gowns have been designed for and worn by royalty and celebrities alike.

Don't worry if you can make it to the V & A this month  - the exhibition runs until January 2013.

Why not check out Craft & Design Month May 2012 ? This is a national celebration of designers, makers and small creative businesses which runs throughout the month of May.

If you are looking for events or want to organise an event you can list them here for free.

Meanwhile the Craft & Design blog has all the up to date info on Craft & Design Month 2012

Check out this fabulous and sexy silver-tangle necklace from Driftwood Beach Jewellery - our newest item to appear on the Dezigne shop.

It would look great with either your favourite jeans and leather jacket outfit for a casual weekend look or wear it to glam up that little black dress! 

It has a mix of chains and chunky beads and a pretty heart just to add a touch of femininity.

We also have a heart charm bracelet which goes very well with this necklace. It has silver cube beads, crystal rondelles, a mix of heart charms including a silver grey Murano glass heart.

Enjoy!

Craft in The City June 2012

Dezigne are pleased to announce that we will be attending Craft in the City at St. Mary's Church in Nottingham on 2nd June 2012 (Jubilee Weekend)

                        A Celebration of Historic and Contemporary Crafts

Summer or Winter?

So we are back into winter big time this week -last week everyone was basking in mediterranean temperatures and eating ice cream - now we are back in our coats, hats and scarves. Talking of scarves the Dezigne shop has some lovely soft and warm pashminas in gentle pastel colours to take you through spring.

We also have some lovely spring - like greetings cards by Julia Church Pyrography featuring these lovely butterfly designs -each one is unique.

Don't forget to keep checking the shop as we are constantly adding lovely new items !

Oh what a busy and inspiring weekend!

Oh what a busy and inspiring weekend! Seriously Plugged.....

Friday :

Preparing for Spring Ladies Lunch for Boutique 11 in Mapperley

Meeting with Juice Glass to discuss ideas and collect fantastic new glassware designs for the DEZIGNE shop.

Followed by visit to ZALISANDER to collect some new unique jewellery for tomorrow’s event.

At The Workshop working till very late. No time for drink.... night out cancelled

Saturday:

Very early start  took all !!!! the DEZIGNE shop to Belfry Hotel Nottingham to join Boutique 11

Fashion show – Lunch – Shopping and Entertainment.... Fab event very inspirational and a lot of thinking and ideas.

Sunday:

Early start ..... welcoming officially Bahia Yoga at The Workshop starting their very first teaching course of the year  and starting their new venture at The Workshop.

Time for coffee .....? Hmmm..... not

Monday:

I’m coming to London I am coming to London.......

Sorting out the passport for potential visit / attending the Florence Design Festival in May!!! How exiting!!

Carnaby street and Liberty’s for loads and loads of inspiration .........

At last coffee...... oh and bonus Earl Gray tea! At last!

Back to Notts ..... one pint .... and writing this ..... Must sleep some time must sleep .... very early start tomorrow ........

Everything was so inspirational......, New designs and ideas for Spring on their way....

Very encouraging and forward thinking email from Jan Palmer which makes fantastic home made soaps …. Their smell is beautiful and they look gorgeous! Thanks Jan!

Her Handmade Natural Soaps available at DEZIGNE. Come and visit the underground shop at The Workshop –Nottingham and see for yourself what I mean!

Making it at The Workshop

Sanding and sanding and sanding…..   beautiful oak pieces …. bringing all the essence out !

First multi talent collaboration started at The Workshop hoping to finish in the next 2-3 weeks and available for sale at DEZIGNE …... watch this space ….. 

Ok so we only just recovered from Christmas and New Year but there may be some of you already looking forward to Valentine's Day. There are some fabulous glass hearts available to buy on The DeZigne Online Shop. They are made by Anna French of Fizgig Glass and come in a variety of colours from hot pink to cool blue. They look great hanging on a window or a wall.

Glass Hearts