Alice Melvin

We have just had a shop update at Minor Mail with some amazing ‘Cut Out and Make’ greetings cards by the super talented illustrator Alice Melvin. With easy to follow instructions these unusual cards allow the recipient to create an adorable 3D model. Visit my little shop here and see more of Alices wonderful work here.

Fiona Woodcock

I have just received a lovely batch of cards by the wonderful London based illustrator Fiona Woodcock. Buy some Of Fiona's lovely gocco screen-printed cards here and see some amazing illustrations here.

P.S I have been admiring the photography of Melanie Elbaz today.

Superfumi

My little online shop has had an update with some sweet cards by Superfumi. See some wonderful woodland illustations by London based illustrator, accessories and jewellery designer Claudia Fumagalli.

It's Nice That Issue #2 & Rob Ryan

Alex from Its Nice That has got in touch with a bit of big news:

"As part of our pre-order offer for our second publication we have released an exclusive screen print by the fantastic Rob Ryan which will come with every copy of the publication pre-ordered before midnight on 30 September. It's a really beautiful piece that can't found anywhere else so we're very excited to give people the chance to get their hands on it!"

The release date is Thursday 1st October and the entire contents of the issue can now be seen here with some great features and interviews. If you didn’t get the chance to see Issue #1, all the details and images can be found here.

Tombees Du Camion

This image is from an amazing shop in Paris, I can't describe it as well as the website shows it so take a look but be warned you also will be lost for words.

P.S Take a look at the wonderful jewellery of Emma Carroll Etc.

Paris

Hello ..... Is there anyone still there?
I know its been ages and if your reading this then thanks for your patience.
Lots of things have been taking up my time, the writing course, a summer sale at my online shop and as you can see from above, a recent trip to Paris. I will slowly but surely be telling you about lots of interesting shops and designers I came across in the wonderful city of lights and of course updating you with interesting products and events on home soil.
As ever I would love to hear any comments or suggestions, so do get in touch.

Excuses Excuses

Hello and accept my apologies, I know I have neglected this space for a while and feel an explanation is needed. I have been busy studying a writing course which I know should fit in nicely with writing a blog but I just needed to focus on one thing for a while. I am half way through the course now and so will be back posting again soon. In the meantime feel free to send any comments or suggestions to me.

622 Press

Kristin Joiner has asked me to pass on some information about her work and I am delighted to do so as these lovely stationery designs need to be shared. Kirstin is the owner, operator, designer and general workhorse for 622 Press, a letterpress studio she began almost a year ago. Specializing in note cards and limited edition prints, the illustration style is modern and elegant. Take a look at the website and treat yourself in the shop.
P.S Take a look at this interesting project.

Blair Lent

I love the subtle colours & textures used in wonderful childrens book illustrations by the late Blair Lent.

This is an interesting article.

Nous Vous

Wonderful work at Nous Vous, a creative studio focusing on graphic design and illustration based in Leeds . visit the site to see the work and shop for some amazing paper products.

Emily Forgot

I love the current kaleidoscopic installations in the windows of Selfridges, especially the bold and fun "Zoot Allure" by graphic artist Emily Alston aka Emily Forgot.

Hussein Chalayan

I have recently visited the Hussein Chalayan exhibition at the Design Museum. The craftsmanship of pattern cutting and innovative use of unusual materials is amazing.

Lucia Gaggiotti

Have you seen this wonderful illustration by Lucia Gaggiotti in the May issue of Elle Decoration(UK) ?

Landon Howell

I'm off for an Easter break, be back soon.
This wonderful image is by Landon Howell is a photographer, based in Seattle.

David Neale

Beautiful botanical jewellery by David Neale a jewellery-maker who lives and works in Melbourne Australia. Visit The Golden Smith blog for inspiration and updates.

Wakan Images

Whilst browsing Dwanda this morning I can across some vibrant urban photography by Wakan Images. See the website for colourful scenes from around the world and some amazing portraits.
For reportage photography have a look here.

The Card Society

So pleased to see Maria Alexandra Vettese's new site for her wonderful Card Society letterpress printed card of the month club. Multi talented Maria also takes beautiful photographs and co-curates the wonderful Lines and Shapes books (be totally inspired by the new volume seven).
If like me you are intrigued by peoples work spaces then take a look at this site and this new book.

MikMik

I love the simple graphic images and subtle colour palette used in the hand printed pieces by Michael Lewis and his West Yorkshire based design studio MikMik. Take a look at the lovely patterns used on these gocco printed note cards.
So pleased to have my little shop mentioned on the Bambino Goodies blog yesterday.

John Dilnot

Another shop update today with some wonderful hand printed cards by John Dilnot.
Take a look at An Awesome Book by Dallas Clayton.

Alison Hardcastle

Just ordered some lovely new hand screen printed cards from Alison Hardcastle that will be going into my little shop in a few days.
Take a look at the Writers Rooms series which takes a look at spaces where authors create.

Have you seen the work of Dan Bob Thompson ? Visit the blog to see Dan's work process for a new book and lots of super illustration work. Dan has just opened an Etsy shop where you can be among the first to buy a print of his wonderful digital designs.
P.S My shop has had an update today with some new cards by Okiko, take a look.

Based in Sydney Castle produce not only beautiful bedlinen but also stunning handcrafted artworks.

Tush Tush

Take a look at these tiny pastel oil portraits by Jerusalem based artist Tali. Currently in her final year at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design Tali produces pocket sized canvas prints from her stunning artwork.

The Book Cover Archive

I've been spending a lot of time looking at some amazing book cover design on this excellent site.This wonderful cover is by Claire Coles.

Fields of Aphelions

The Seven Fields of Aphelion create stunning multi exposure images where industrial landscapes are captured naturally in beautiful light with 35mm film. Lots of intriguing images are for sale in the shop.
I am also loving the wonderful spring photographs in the new shop Blissful Images Too.

Julia Pott

Still on the Bear theme (I wonder what it means to dream about bears?) with this handsome chap by the super talented illustrator Julia Pott. Julia is off to spend some time in New York soon and is only taking a few items to sell so head over to the shop to snap up prints and original art before April 10th. For updates and recent work see Julia's blog and have a read of this inspiring interview.

How amazing is is this big bear by Edinburgh based illustrator Lizzy Stewart. Get your own Grizzly Bear print from Lizzy's shop and see some wonderful work at the website and blog.

The Textile Blog

How I have not come across this informative blog before is puzzling me, however I will certainly be putting in the reading time from now on. The wonderful blog in question is The Textile Blog by Cornwall based John Hopper who himself is a trained textile designer now writing on the subject of textile, interior and general design history. So if you love reading historical information, social history, and finding out about influential designers from over the last three centuries then like me you will be spending quite a while here.

Laurie Hastings

I am loving these stunning studies of people by illustrator Laurie Hastings. Check out some super goodies in the Suki Shop and new limited edition prints at Edinburgh's The Red Door Gallery.

The Dandelion Project

I love the stunning light and mood in this image shot in Reykjavik Iceland by The Dandelion Project who are two Edinburgh based artists, Iain Bruce and Vala Dora Jonsdottir. Visit the shop to see some inspiring photography along with some great products like prints, totes & cards.
Also I'm getting a daily fix of beautiful photography by Diane Varner and her daily walks blog. This is a fav and so is this.

Obiko

Obiko is the creation of Linda Williams a Graphic design graduate from Camberwell College. I have just placed an order for my little stationery shop so look out for some super new greeting cards that have fresh and unique patterns arriving soon.

Karin Akesson

It was hard to pick an image from all the fantastic work for a varied range of clients by London based illustrator Karin Akesson. You can also buy prints from the wonderful Soma Gallery in Bristol.

Urban Fabric

I have spent quite a while today looking over the amazing street scenes by textile artist Clare Lane. I love the vibrancy of these print and stitch pieces. Take a look at Urban Fabric.

Rebecca Ellen

Here are some things I am loving on this sunny Monday morning:

Beautiful wallpaper and artwork combining print with embroidery by Rebecca Ellen.

This short story by Thomas Plaskitt & New Think Books looks interesting.

A sneak peek into the studio of the very talented textile designer Teresa Green.

Ozlem Haluk

This weeks Friday photo is by the multi talented Ozlem Haluk. I love the beautiful vintage feel to this fine art print that you can buy at the AmelieAPoulain shop.
If you are out and about in London this weekend saunter your way along to the V&A to the Stephen Jones 'Hats' exhibition, its on until the 31st May.
If like me you love Paris then you must visit the 'Paris daily photo' blog which as the title says gives you a daily peek into this stunning city.
Talking about Paris has made me want to watch this charming and funny film.
Have a great weekend.

Ohkayk

I am loving this eye chart quotes concept by Ohkayk available as prints and cards.

Rob Ryan

I'm always fascinated by artists work spaces so to be able to take peek into the wonderful world of Rob Ryan made me very happy. See this article with Italian magazine 'Velvet' Feb 09 at Robs blog (if only I could speak Italian) and study some larger pictures, but beware you may be there for a while.

If that's not enough snooping for one day then remember to pop along to The Selby to see into the homes and studios of lots of creative people.

Emma Cassi

The spring/summer accessories collection/shop by Emma Cassi is now online. See some gorgeous jewellery with vintage pink and green sequins ,yellow and purple glass beads all intricately stitched onto Emma's trade mark antique lace. As Emma is also a stylist for clients such as Laura Ashley, Boden and Milk the photography for the new collection is beautiful.

Olivia Jeffries

Based in Norwich (UK) Olivia Jeffries creates mixed media drawings. Old letters, worn book pages and vintage photographs are introduced to a new life with Olivia's beautiful drawings/paintings. I like the presence of the surfaces previous life combining with Olivia's fascinating figures to be part of a new story. See Olivia's portfolio of work here, buy some original art & prints here and see some work in progress here.

I only have to look at Angie Muldowney's Amazon wish list (I'm nosy like that) to know that she is my kind of girl. Not only does Angie take beautiful photographs but she also creates some pretty stylish stationery too.
If you get a moment this weekend be sure to take a look at some beautiful photographs by Alicia Lynn Carrier.

Hanna Melin

If like me you have any teenagers living with you then the wonderful illustrations by London based Hanna Melin may show a scene close to home. Hanna's work is full of humour & realism and gives us snippets of familiar family, social and work life. I like the use of different materials such as embroidery, digital and drawing that give a depth to the work. Prepare to spot a character similar to someone you know or even yourself here and here.

Nigel Peake

I love Nigel Peake's linear drawings. See the Nigel's blog for news and recent work and visit the website to see some stunning work including the amazing cityscape's for Habitat.

Andrew Holder

Check out some great screen prints and illustrations by Andrew Holder.

Yellena James

Take some time today to browse through the colourful patterned floral and nature inspired creations of artist and illustrator Yellena James.

Website

Blog

Shop

Great interview

P.S Fancy doing a little online drawing, then head over here.

Linn Photography

This weekend see some beautiful images in the Linnphotography Etsy shop and spend a little time reading some words and thoughts at My Pocket typepad.
Linn has contacted me and is kindly offering a discount, customers who quote Design Start at Linns's Etsy shop checkout can have 10% off.