Goodbye Twenty Ten

So long 2010... You brought the best and worst of times!

It has been a whole twelve months spent preparing for my big adventure, everything seems to have been put on hold in order to fund the next big step! I quit my ever so lovely job at The Little Polka Dot Pot to graft for six solid months at The Scotch Bakery (I previously worked here before going to NTU) and now I only have four weeks there left to go!

Highlights have included exhibiting my work alongside Rob Ryan at YSP where I had the chance to meet Paul Smith and Mister Rob himself... Lucky me, right! A second Paper Showcase there followed. I was chosen as Fylde DFAS Young Artist of the Year and held my first solo exhibition at a local gallery, which was all very exciting but wow what hard work! I also gave a series of lectures and tutorials to design students and as you lovelies all know... Faced my fear of public speaking!

However, I also lost two extra special friends this year and although daily life continues things will never really quite be the same. I discovered that life at times can be pretty darn tough but you gotta keep on keepin' on and just take each day as it comes... Whisky in your water and sugar in your tea at this point is always a winner! Hehe!

In 2011 I'm going to follow my dreams, make new plans, get creative, over clutter then de-clutter. After all this is what I seem to do best! Will you be making any resolutions?

So, here's a big thanks to all my lovely Little Red readers for following me in 2010... I hope you have the happiest of New Years and that 2011 is our very best yet. See you on the other side! ♥

Image by Darling Clementine.

Studio Space

I'm head over heels in love with the studio of Chris Silas. He's inspired me to re-jig my own desk, so I will post some updated pictures on here next week. ♥

Belle & Boo

Single letter press Belle and Boo - Limited edition of 50, each signed and numbered by artist Mandy Sutcliffe. ♥

Zig & Zag

London design studio Construct has given the branding of London's famous Claridge's hotel a thorough overhaul.

Because it is a working hotel with a huge number of items traditionally branded (from teapots and egg cups through to slippers and dressing gowns), Construct's task of not just branding but implementing a consistent and cohesive sense of identity throughout the hotel and the objects within it was by no means straightforward. In fact, the rollout of the new branding is ongoing throughout this year as there are so many different ideas to implement across a huge range of items.

As well as introducing a sophisticated colour palette of jade, gold, white and black, bold architecturally inspired chevron patterns appear on the inside of bags, envelopes and on various objects, publications and goodies guests at the hotel are lilkely to encounter.

Here I have included just a snippet of the new designs as the rebrand goes way beyond letterheads and crests emblazoned on the front of menus.

My favourite is the eye-catching take on a traditional rocking horse - In the form of a rocking zebra, where the black stripes are playfully on-brand! Others include a wonderful chevroned Kimono instead of a dressing gown. Even the TV interface has received the rebrand and guests will also come across various seasonal luxury gifts, such as an appropriately packaged Easter Egg or a Christmas Pudding. As well as handling the business of creating and conveying a strong brand, Construct have seemingly managed to do something else: inject fun (and not at the expense of luxury) to the proceedings... ♥

Happy Holidays

Wishing you all the most wonderful Christmas! ♥

Image via ATLITW.

Advent

I'm especially looking forward to following Hanna Konola´s daily advent calendar in the run up to Christmas. One picture per day from December 1st until 24th. Enjoy! ♥

Celebrating The Everyday

I will always remember aged twelve years old bringing home the most adorable six week old puppy. Twelve years later she has left the biggest doggy shaped hole in all our hearts. Life just won't be the same without her. My shadow, my happy girl and best friend. ♥

Image by Le Train Fantome.

First Day Cover

British Ships... A First Day Cover and car boot find. ♥

Miaow Miaow

Rob Ryan has a new exhibition in town! After showcasing my work alongside his earlier this year at YSP and meeting the man himself (Wow - What a guy!) I promise visitors to the Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford that they are in for a treat. Large scale paper cuts painstakingly cut by hand, wistful and whimsical prints and a specially developed new range of ceramics perfectly compliment and reflect his trademark style.

The must see exhibition which opened to the public on Saturday 13 November 2010 runs until Sunday 9 January 2011. ♥

One Step Ahead

Can you believe it? For the first time in my life I'm one step ahead and a whole month early. In preparation for my travels (as I need all the pennies I can get) this year I have vowed to make all of my own Christmas cards and here is a sneak preview of my designs. ♥

Whimsical Wonderland

Stephen Johnson explores less obvious facets of design. His work centres largely on how design can exist for the cognitive, as well as our more commonly perceived physical needs. Through a love of ornamentation and kitsch he considers design as fulfilling emotional needs like humour and nostalgia. He lives and works in London.

Johnson's storybook candlesticks completely intrigue me. They are the perfect Christmas treat! Fashioned from antique figurines, traditional and familiar shapes of damsels, bunnies and birds are combined to produce wonderful surreal statements in a matte black or snow white finish. ♥

Food For Thought

A tasty treat... My absolute favourite. ♥

Miss Fox

Alyson Fox is a multi-talented illustrative artist, photographer and clothing designer from Texas, USA. She creates imaginative, thought-provoking drawings. Each piece resounds a beautiful simplicity, delicacy and dreamlike quality.

Alyson's use of ink, pencil and watercolour on surfaces including fabric and old books has captured the imaginations of many. Her stunning combination of line, subtle colour and unique composition is inspired by everything from the weather to old family photos.

Her works are simply captivating. ♥

My Girl

I've had a poorly girl on my hands this week... Let's hope she makes a speedy recovery! ♥

Electric Dreams

It's time to face the music... Winter has officially arrived! As the nights draw in the central heating has been switched on (and notched up) as I curl by the fireplace to write this post. The only thing missing in this extra chilly weather is being able to wrap up warm wearing Totokaelo. What more could Little Red want or need right now. ♥

Nice & Simple

I'm currently swooning over the graphic illustrations of New Yorker, Chris Silas Neal. Wow! This guy has such a nice way of working with line and colour. His clean cut images are a feast for the eye and that my friends is a Little Red promise! ♥

Ninja Bunnies

Ninja Bunnies would be rocking my world right now if only I could order this calendar for January 2011... But once again (suprise suprise) I forgot to note of the source of my findings, so I will have to settle at just posting about, rather than owning this calendar instead! ♥

The Very Pink Of Perfection

Since spray painting the kitsch candle pink my lifelong love for the colour has started all over and sfgirlbybay is doing nothing but fuel this obsession! ♥

Unknown

I wish I knew the source of these illustrations and the title of this book, do you? ♥

Meet Me Half Way

A 1970's kitsch candle was one of my many finds this weekend when visiting local boot sales and salvage yards. On my return home I couldn't resist giving the little chap a new lease of life by spray painting him pink! He now sits on my bedside table and is looking ever so happy there. ♥

Floating Between Two Clouds

My travels are booked. Yippeee! Come 02/02/11 I will be on my way to India for 5 weeks, followed by 3 months in South East Asia! Let the countdown commence... ♥

Pictures Of Pictures

Lately I've been spotting little red rabbits here, there and everywhere... And so today thought I would share a few of my favourite finds with you guys.

The first is a screen print by Jackie Bos, whose silly drawings are guaranteed to always inspire and delight. The second is a picture drawn by my five year old sister, Miss Rosie and the third belongs to Tim Rundle. He taught at NTU when I studied there and whose blog, Suitcase Confessions is an all time favourite of mine. ♥

Pause & Wonder

So sorry for my absence. Lately I've been spending most of my time just being and you know what, life in general can be pretty hard work at times!

But... I wouldn't have it any other way and neither would the guys over at Aardvark On Sea, whose traditional letterpress posters delight in the simplicity of statement home truths. ♥

Birthday Wishes

Handmade with love... And lots of it. A special friend's birthday is fast approaching and this collection of illustrations form the present I plan to give her. ♥

Essimar Papel

Wow. Essimar Papel by Esther Ramirez is my new favourite. I love everything about her work. ♥

Flea Find

My latest find, now I just need to hunt down a little mustard lampshade for the top. ♥

The Heart Of Papercuts

New work from The Heart Of Papercuts. ♥

A Little Confession

I know it's way too early but I'm already dreaming about my Autumn wardrobe and I think Rockie Nolan might be too! ♥

Sleek Geek

The Little Red Rabbit's super sweet and stylish muse, Miss Fifi Lapin looks just fab here. What a babe! ♥

The Curated Room

Behind closed doors. A sneak peek into my private world. ♥

Stilled Lives

Red tie and matching socks... Always a winner! Painting by Michael Harrington. ♥

Do You Like To Dream?

Wouldn't you just love this dreamy place by Studio Toogood to house your belongings? Little Red most certainly would. ♥

Poodle Breath

I am so jealous of Poodle Breath right now! ♥

A Collection A Day

Vintage blue golf tees from A Collection A Day. For a whole host of other similar finds be sure to visit this blog. ♥

Show & Tell

Graphic Studio Fludd designs in a range of cool blue hues. ♥

Electric Blue

Electric blue is my favourite colour for the month of July! ♥