event MAKERS FAIR

Let me say this, I 100% admire the makers at the Makers Fair. I mean making a live webstreaming instrument out of a quarter, 2 egg cartons and 29" old modem cable - that's amazing! I didn't see it, but I know it's possible because the makers/inventors at the Makers Fair do that kind of thing for breakfast....probably.

But I didn't just go to the Makers Fair so my husband and I could wrestle our children and stop them from making their very own science project out of the Slurpee that I just bought them. I went because of my commitment to seeing new and interesting design. Of course, the emphasis was hard-core craft, but this work would stand on it own in any design store.

If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the cardboard surfboard. Built by a surfer when his old board was no longer seaworthy and he didn't have the cash to buy a new one. Not only does this designer capture the DIY spirit, but the resulting board is stunning to look at.

FEATURING:
+ xtra large hook earrings, $52, sasha bell jewelry
+ sonia platter, $28, ezme designs
+ carnival gone mad t-shirt, $25, fat rabbit farm
+ cardboard surfboard, from $196 for a kit, sheldrake
+ t-shirt graphic illustrations, $26, martin hsu

designer BAILEY DOESN'T BARK

I absolutely love the work of Bailey Doesn't Bark's designer, Re Jin Lee. It's a combination of tea time etiquette with a healthy dose of wry humor. Whether it's ants crawling over a cup or kitch icon, the flamingo, elegantly adorning a salt and pepper shaker, there always something more than meets the eye.

Still, what do you expect from a company named after what a dog, Bailey, doesn't do!

Check out the more at the designers website: www.baileydoesntbark.com

some bunny to love

It might not be Easter or even spring yet, but how could I resist when I saw these darling little rabbits. Could it be that they are ready to take the crown from reigning woodland favorites, deers? Who knows!

What I do know it that this post started when I saw the cut out bunny cards by pocket studio. However, I promptly managed to forget who the designer was and how they ended up on my iPhone in the first place. After many wasted hours sleuthing, I remembered that the designer was featured on Etsy. So now with all information in hand, I give you .... bunnies!

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ Rabbit vase, $48, pretty random objects
+ Bunny pendant / fob, $8, la coque
+ Cutout rabbit card, $4.50, pocket studio
+ Bunny check lists, $3.75, may third


For more bunnies, check them out on the WHAT designers hive

the ceramics boutique

I'm sure you'll eventually get bored of all the British design on this blog - but I still have a lot of designers that I want to tell you about.

I came across the Ceramics Boutique a couple of days ago and just loved the diversity of work coming from this boutique collective in London. Pieces are available online, or if you're in the East Dulwich neighbourhood, you can see the work in person.

All the artists are designer-makers from those just starting out to those more established. I found myself especially drawn to the London themed work of Annabel Faraday, whose vintage style maps are printed onto raw clay.

There seems to be a lot of London pride these days, maybe something to do with the 2012 Olympics - not bored of the 5 rings yet are you?

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ Annabel Faraday
+ Carys Davies
+ Katie Adams