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! ♥