#76 Emma Wiesenekker

How much do you love that photo. Too sweet for words? I would actually really love to see a whole series of Emma Wieseneker's illustrations in photos, I think it's a concept that works perfectly with her whimsical style.

I am a big fan of Emma's work & I think it would look wonderful in a nursery or children's bedroom, however one of the especially lovely things about these pieces is that while very cute & certainly captivating for a child's imagination, maturity would bring a new level of appreciation for the intricate detail & talent of the artist. They would transition perfectly from a childhood fascination to an art piece in your child's home, laced ever so delightfully with memories & sentimental value.

 
  
 
  

It was so hard trying to narrow down my selections for this post, I'll admit I did have some help from one very opinionated three year old.
Please visit the Emma Wiesenekker blog in order to truly appreciate these gorgeous illustrations in their intended larger sizes, unfortunately my indecisiveness meant images at a smaller size (to fit more in) & I'm afraid some detail is lost, so head over & have a look!

The birds are truly remarkable in intricacy, though I think my favourites remain the horses & the whale. The use of watercolour is just stunning.

You can also find Emma Wiesenekker Designs on facebook & there is apparently an etsy shop opening quite soon - excitement!
I have my fingers crossed for a picture book in the not so distant future too... can you imagine?!

Cx

#74 Pebble Decor

Taking bringing nature indoors to another level, how fun & downright stunning are these pebble inspired furnishings!
Enchanting for children without sacrificing style, these wonderfully mobile pieces would surely be played on & around for hours on end. They are beautiful visually arresting statement pieces that would look just as perfect in a living area as they would in a children's space.


The majority of these pieces (viva terra/unseen/cs post&co/casa nova) are designed by the inspirational Ronel Jordaan, a renowned South African textile designer who has set up a women's workshop in Gauteng - Johannesburg where these 100% merino wool masterpieces are made. At present in this workshop Jordaan has personally trained 40 women between the ages of 18-40 who were previously unemployed & the felt sheeting is sourced from a self-help co-op of women from West Cape
Jordaan also has similar workshop/co-op set ups for her other product lines.
Workshop processes are all eco friendly with waste grey water being recycled into organic food gardens which grow on the roof of the work place,  the produce is for the women to either take home or sell.
Soaps are completely biodegradable & only lead free dyes that meet the European Eco Standards are used.
Interesting fact : "Unlike Australia, South Africa does not practice mule-sing. Wool traditionally undergoes a process called carbonisation - a bath of hydrochloric acid & other chemicals to clean the wool. As well as a residue of chemicals left in the wool, fine hair follicles are also stripped away. Wool that is itchy is because of carbonisation."
On a somewhat unrelated note, you know how there's this thing about some people that just makes you want to smile at them? Perhaps ask them preschool style if they will please be your friend? Have a look at Jordaans designer profile on the unseen website & you'll see what I mean! Bless.
There is also a pebble range for the outdoors available.


   
via viva terra/ africharisma/ cs post & co/ africharisma

   
via africharisma/ africharisma/ viva terra/ casa nova

    
via unseen products/ africharisma/ unseen products/ chiasso

   
via africharisma/ 2form/ 2form/ africharisma

  
via smarin - living stones/ smarin - living stones/ unseen products


The Smarin Livingstones are designed by Nice based designer Stephanie Marin & the 2form rug by designer Ksenia Movafagh.
All of these designs seriously blow me away, I love the pebble strands & would love to see a mobile made following this concept. Livingstones also offer an outdoor range.


This post has also lead me to discover Unseen Products, a fair trade, socially & environmentally concious online store that aims to make unseen or hard to find products from developing countries accessible.
A very admirable concept & some fabulous wares.


Cx

#71 Blankets

Nice baby blankets are one of those things I can just never get enough of.
I'm absolutely head over heels in love with this scrumptious crochet 'Ruby Blanket' from uimi baby.
It is 100% organic cotton & is available in ink, slate, mist, linen, natural, denim, poppy, candy or fairyfloss.
So gorgeous!
This 'Hugo2 Blanket' is also 100% organic cotton & available in all the same colours as above except obviously in 2 colours & unlike the Ruby is available in two sizes.
The whole range is fantastic really!

 

These David Fussenegger blankets are a bit sweet, I love the patterned animals.
These designs don't seem to be available on the website, but the first is from cradle rock & the second from moo said the cow ( 30% off there on D.F blankets!).

 

I do so wish I had both the patience & talent to crochet a blanket like this one from bee handmade...



Cx

#69 Paper Animals

I first saw these paper animals on samantha luck, designed by madeleine rogers they are available from Mibo.
What a brilliant rainy day project!



You receive these animal packs flat printed on 100% recycled card along with full instructions. All you need is a ruler, a pair of scissors & glue.
Each animal takes about 5 - 10 minutes to make & the finished products range in height from 6cm to 15cm.
They are recommended for ages six & up, but I think that realistically it is one of those projects that even though a child younger than that would obviously need a little more help, they would still be captivated by the transformation of these little creatures.
They range in price from only 6 - 8.75 pounds (2.95 postage worldwide).

  
  

These prints would look fabulous in a nursery, children's bedroom or playroom.
They are printed using vegetable based inks onto 100% recycled paper.
A limited edition of 500 each, they are signed by madeleine rogers, numbered & stamped.

 
Now to put in an order for some rain!

Cx

#67 Bholu Interior Brights

Bholu is a Katchchhi word that describes a term of endearment as well as the naivety & free expression of a small child.

Created by Jodi Fried, an Australian designer, the Bholu philosophy is about making gorgeous products as well as benefiting communities they work with. The company is proudly fair trade & climate neutral.

'Bholu products are brought to life by traditional artisans from rural & urban communities in India. Each piece is individually hand embroidered or handwoven using ancient techniques, giving each product its own unique & original personality. By using their traditional skills, the artisans gain an income, hence independence & opportunity as well as keeping a traditional craft alive.'

The entire line is absolutely sumptuous & incredibly well made but as well as owning something so gorgeous, the other big perk of a purchase from Bholu is knowing that part of the proceeds go back into the 'Bholu Anganwadi Project', which in conjunction with 'Architects Without Frontiers' has to date has built 8 pre schools in underprivilaged communities & has several more under construction. These schools provide over 280 children with education & a nutritious meal.

         
    
    
  
     
      

That's a purchase you can feel good about!

There are many other colours (including many neutrals) & designs available, including ranges of wallpaper, lampshades & throws.
I am crazy about the pillows, rugs & the frogs, both for a child's room & in more subdued tones for the family area.
Some pillows are first on the list!

Cx