Monday 30 July 2012

Scarf Holders Tooboot!

Well, Ive been a mad hatter the last few days. And with my half eaten breakfast in front of me, today is going to be no different. I thought I would squeeze this blog in to update my workshop activities..

Scarf and key holders have been on my agenda and they've turned out super! I love this custom made I completed yesterday.

Scarf or Tea Towel holder by Ayliss

Key Holders by Ayliss


And my key holders turned a lovely treat. So now I get on my bike and make off to my other job. not as fulfilling but it to brings home the bacon. At least I get to swing by the bike shop on the way home to pick up some goodies.. I will have more images on that tonight.

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Dream Big - Its Free

The day is long and the night is black. Who doesn't love a good lyric or quote?

Ive seen so many super sayings lately and I want to try and remember. So, Ive been chopping some wood, making plaques and temporally recording fabulous advices. My current favorite, which I shortened, is now listed on etsy.


Chalkboard on Etsy by Ayliss





And for something a little more random ...




In love with the Print




Spending the day on the computer is not always good. But today there were many gorgeous sites to see and I struggled over which two to share. The following were simply too lovely to pass.
Let me introduce lindaketelhut 

Sesimic by lindaketelhut on etsy
 The work by this self taught illustrator draws on the loves for color, space and design. Linda's work features on books and magazines, but I think the works look so beautiful in simple frames like shown in the home below..

Print by Linda Ketelhut

Lindaketelhuts prints are a steal on the etsy site. I always ramble about the benefits of supporting small business. So if you're looking for a sophisticated and unique work, Linda's prints are perfect.

There are so many current vintage shops out there. As much as I adore the style, my respect remains reserved for artists who use their hands to make intriguing stuff. So my second feature of the day is another printer who uses textiles rather than paper.

Jason and Cara Hibbs are the brain children of ohlittlerabbit. Both are dedicated to bringing you high quality, handmade, eco friendly, useful art that can be used in your home time and time again. I am always so inspired by art with a practical application! And these tea towels feel & look stunning. I know because I bought a handful of them as christmas gifts last year. This was one of them...

Tea Towel by ohlittlerabbit on etsy
How can you not adore this strongman? Quite simply, he rocks. I also purchased a bike print towel but kept this all to myself. If you can bear to wipe their faces over your dishes you will find them very absorbent. But I mostly have mine in the kitchen for aesthetic purpose.

Well that's a wrap I'm afraid. I have been enjoying everyone else's work I haven't time to write about my own! Lets say that I should admit to a postal stuff up yesterday. I sent a package by seamail in error and then, after the horror of realizing my mistake, I needed to remake, pay and resend the item overseas. My lovely customer will receive two.. We live and learn!


Sunday 22 July 2012

The week Predicted..

After working for the man over the weekend Im totally engrossed in a heavy productive week. Im saying this like I'm signing a contract. Here, in black & white, is my plan..

Workshop production is high on my list. With customer orders to fill I'm about to transform some timber planks into key holders and shelves. My neighbors will be delighted to hear that sweet sound of my drop-saw in action. Oh sweet music of creative production how delightful you are!

Ive been up since the wee hours. I often wake so early that its a shock to look up from the computer and see sunlight from my windows. And what a gorgeous day it is. I've spent a while researching eye candy and this is what I found..

Gorgeous Canisters by Daily General on Etsy

Another lovely 'Cream' Canister by Daily General on Etsy
 Liz Daily is the creator of Daily General. Its no wonder that her eye for beautiful design is so good, Liz is an industrial designer with a deep appreciation for the detail, beauty and function of vintage items. Daily General is filled to the brim with wonderful curiosities.


Another fabulous find for all things labelled is...

A Beautiful Pillow by Jennifer Lyons on Etsy
the beautiful linen by Jennifer Lyons, a self confessed collector with a strong maternal history of craft makers. She continues the creative lineage of her family with exquisite sewing skills. I definitely recommend Jennifer's gorgeous home-wares which constitute a wide range of covers for baskets, cushion and tissue boxes. I particularly love these his & her bathroom holders... just tap on the text to navigate her lovely site.

Divine Mr & Mrs Baskets by Jennifer Lyons on Etsy

Tuesday 3 July 2012

Riding the Storm

How inspiring to wave a fist in the air and defy the weather.

Its cold outside. I'm forced to wear a puffy jacket, tights & uggs. But, the sun has poked herself out from a cloud and while Im inside my comfie little abode I'm determined to think about beach cottages. Furthermore, Im planning to inject a beach theme into my workshop. 

So far Ive made a rather quaint key holder. As you see below... 

Beach House Key Holder
 Its not easy to think of the beach when its so cold. Lovely weather when you're snuggled warm in bed, but not so pleasant when a pair of bike shorts are staring you in the face with plans to be worn in 30 minutes.

Cold is one thing, being blown off your bike by gusty wind is another.. I have a few minutes to contemplate my dream of a sunny beach before that cold hard wind slaps me back to reality. lucky my love for bikes gets me going.

Now, back to my main subject - here is a lovely home I will consider when designing my new beachy bits and bobs, niks & naks.


That rug is so perfect. Looks like soft coral and makes me want to jump on it with bare feet. Now I can think on more beachy things during my windy ride! If they can do it in France, I can do it here