I came across Chris Eckersley’s beautifully designed ‘byrdhouses’ when he was exhibiting, along with Ella Doran and Sharon Elphick, at the Chelsea Flower Show this year. His collection of geometric steel nesting boxes are zinc-coated to prevent rust and powder-coated in a delightfully vivid palette of pastels and bright oranges. All metalwork is handmade by metal craftsman Billy Jefferson.
He was originally inspired by the quirky birdhouse set created for The Byrds when they appeared on Amercian TV in 1965. (Which makes them doubly-awesome in my books.) Check out the clip below of Mr Tambourine Man… ahhhh.
Anyone who's spent a little time in my company knows that I fully appreciate the finer qualities of a well-made, full-bodied Bloody Mary. I won't linger on the makings of the perfect Bloody Mary, suffice to say that it usually comes down to good quality tomato juice (and vodka), as well as just the right balance of Worcester sauce, chilli sauce/Tabasco, salt and pepper. And a deft squeeze of lemon is crucial. Too much lemon can be a great Bloody Mary's undoing. Same goes for too much ice (watered-down spicy tomato juice is not very pleasing).
I've had quite a few excellent Bloody Marys in London (The Wolseley, The Narrow, and The Diner) but I love visiting Automat on a late Saturday morning, usually following a prolonged tour of Dover Street Market. May I suggest that the Bloody Mary goes down particularly well with the classic Automat burger, which comes complete with pickle and a side-serving of fries. Very pleasing, indeed.
A few weeks ago I was researching a story forTime Out magazine on the best shops in Barcelona, so I sought the advice of a few very clever, in-the-know crafty bloggers. One of them is Eva Monleón Cifo, (aka Misako Mimoko) a multimedia designer who also handcrafts rag dolls using vintage fabrics.
I really love her vintage-toy-inspired creations, which have are characterised by a rather joyful, free-spirited and unfinished quality. These are just come of her little people, which are all available to purchase from her Etsy shop. So lovely.
And if you like embroidering yourself, you might like to download one of Eva’s free patterns – go to her blog post here. (And thank you Eva for all your brilliant Barcelona shopping tips!) I'll be posting about a couple more Barcelona bloggers - and their wonderful Etsy shops - over the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.
This wee wriggly worm is actually a limited edition, gold-plated pin, shaped like the river Thames. Designed by Kit Grover exclusively for the London Design Museum shop, it is also reflective of the folkloric bent pin, which has been used as votive offering in many cultures. Thousands of bent pins have been found on the Thames foreshore and down hundreds of London's holy wells, which were thrown into the water to grant wishes or to allow a safe crossing. Great value for a unique London souvenir.
I’m a real sucker for nostalgic sweet shops, and Suck and Chew on Columbia Road is no exception. Look out for the pillar-box red shopfront if you’re visiting on flower market Sundays and you’ll be treated to old-retro favourites like Rhubarb and Custards, Cola Cubes and Rosy Apples.
There’s also a delectable selection of handmade organic chocolate truffles from Norfolk (I love the champagne and strawberry) as well as some unique retro-inspired gifts, like Beano and Dandy tea-towels (£7.99) and blackboard mugs (£4.50).
Keep an eye out for the vintage cards, Ladybird books and chocolate tins (from £5), as well as the adorable Topsy and Tim badges (£1.50). Fans of the area should also seek out the ‘I heart Columbia Road’ badges (75p).
It's no secret that I’m a wee bit in love with Peter Jensen’s Scandi/folkie/girlie aesthetic, and his latest bunny-tastic collection (Resort 2010) just confirmed my crush. Showcased in London last week in a set designed and illustrated by Charlotte Mann, Jensen’s line-up included a recurring bunny print, which popped up on an adorable grey swimsuit (with long white ‘ears’ as straps) and some fabulously kooky bunny glasses, courtesy of Tatty Devine.
Twee bunny fun aside, I love the print shift dress and the sparkly blue cardie – but I’m really dying to get my hands on a pair of the printed and be-ribboned ballet flats.
I'm kicking myself for not getting this post up earlier, but I've been a bit crook with the non-pig-flu flu this week. So things have started to slide. Anyway, the Passion for Fashion auction actually took place in London yesterday, but I thought you might be interested to see some of the vintage goodies that went under the hammer.
The auction included an astounding range of museum-worthy fashion, including dresses from 19th century gowns and rare examples from Yves Saint Laurent's Russian Collection, as well as Poiret, Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Balmain (see the exquisite embroidered black satin cocktail gown from AW 1959, above) and Gres. Not so very long ago I would have done something terrible for a Madame Gres pleated gown. Check out this fine example of her extraordinary talent and skill which was on offer yesterday:
I was also surprised to discover a pair of Queen Victoria's fine linen knickers up for auction, which are described as "vast drawers" and embroidered with VR and a "queenly crown".
And then there's a pair of her knitted silk stockings (also embroidered with her initials):
Also included in the line-up were some beautifully structured Courrèges tunics, mini skirts and wool dresses (circa 1968-70):
I spotted these pint and half-pint tees for adults and kids in Fabrications recently, and thought they were would make fun gifts for Father's Day. I'm usually wary of matching slogan tees for parent and child, but these are actually quite clever and rather adorable, and are available in a range of colours. They're made by quirky London-based company Twisted Twee, and you can buy direct from them online. Otherwise pop into Fabrications on Broadway Market on Saturday, and you'll have Father's Day sorted for Sunday.
Check out some of the mid-summer crafty happenings coming soon to a London church hall (or pub) near you …
1. Craftaholics Head to Islington for an afternoon of handmade and ethical products, including Bobby Dazzler’s soft toys and characters, Emma Ferguson’s embroidered goodies (see 'Hello' brooch above), Anima's ultra-girlie cupcakes, Seif Alhasani’s prints and sketchbooks and Louise Graham’s ceramics.
Craftaholics Saturday 27 June 12pm-5pm The Old Queen's Head 44 Essex Road London N1 8LN Free admission
2. Button Willow Bazaar A summer fete with a line-up of old-school favourites like tombola, guess the weight of the cake and a celebrity vegetable competition. There will also be handmade and vintage stalls along with tea, cake and a “nice glass of sherry”. Sounds delightful! Button Willow Bazaar Saturday 20 June 12pm-7pm St Aloysius Church Hall 20 Phoenix Road London NW1 1TA Free admission
3. Sample and seconds sale Pick up some hand-crafted bargains by the likes of Poppy Treffry (embroidered home textiles), Daisy Dunlop (resin jewellery) and The Black Rabbit (quirky knitted gifts) at a sample and seconds sale. There’s also free tea and cake.
Samples and seconds sale Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 10am-6pm. St James the Less church hall Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 2PS
London-based jewellery designer Tina Lilienthal is also exhibiting at Treasure in Covent Garden this weekend. Her juicy cherry necklaces are just ripe for picking, but I'm also loving her collection of white resin skull pieces. And her resin bone hair clips are pretty awesome in a Flintstones kinda way. But if you're in a gloomier frame of mind, her surgical scissors and love heart necklace (inspired by a recent break-up) might just tickle your (dark) fancy.
Treasure The Flower Cellars 4-6 Russell Street Covent Garden WC2E 7PR Friday 12 June: Noon to 8pm Saturday 13 June:10am to 6pm Sunday 14 June:10am to 6pm Admission £5
