Studio....

Its actually a super busy time here at the studio…I feel I am stuck in pause (as there is so so much to do) and yet every day orders are flying out the door, new work is being created and there is an exciting feeling in the air.

We are getting ready for London and so excited about the show there…we are trying to make new pieces, gather props and make sure all the forms are filled out and paperwork in order. Doing shows are totally invaluable, they are so much work and are totally expensive but they really put the collection out into the open and help me to connect with my customer…for me that really is the fun part.

So here are some snap shots of how the studio looks at the moment, some of the mood boards that are inspiring me.

Her Office

I totally LOVE my office. Most of the days I spend in the studio (which I will feature at a later date) but I also spend quite a bit of time in my office.

When I was building it I wanted to create a space that was bright and cheerful and make it into a room that I would like to spend time in.

 

I find kitchen accessories are great for an office…a little baguette tray and vegetable basket really help control desk clutter.

 

It is quite small (cosy) and I have a great reclaimed red brick wall and two amazing windows that give me views of the mountain and farm yard…so I spend time feeling like I am in nature. I get to spy the peacocks chasing the dogs when I should be doing work!!

At heart I am a collector so in order for my family not to do an intervention I have to be uber organized with my bits and bobs…I totally love colour co-ordinating books…makes them look organized and neat and looks fun.

Little cute vintage finds are also fun accessories to have around and I find that they make me enjoy being in a space more.

 

Too too clever...

A Lace Lamp...well I want it! And now I can have it thanks to the wonderful Dos Family tutorial!!! Check out their site...it has great ideas and beautiful photos and I am feeling like I need to get a little make and do time. Enjoy!!

A birdie told me a story...

Vintage Green creates the most adorable cake toppers or ornament

As I am a totally sucker for birds and very romantic these birdies tick all the boxes for me… they are made from a lovely vintage inspired fabric they add a fun touch to your room.

I love that she works from home and is living the dream…go girl!!

My favorite color is....

We had an open studio day a few weeks ago and while I peeked at the photos I was struck by the beautiful colors were…from Ger’s amazing cupcakes to the wonderful happy Home Sweet Home Signs. I love color and I love the way it makes me feel…today I am going to wear pink, sing a song out of tune (as it is the only way I know), eat cupcakes for breakfast and count my blessings.

Linea Carta Linen Delights...

As a textile gal I do adore exciting cloth and when I spot a cute print I am hooked!! Well this site did it for me…the prints are super cute and the illustrations are quirky and yet simple. Their beautiful linen napkins will add a “not trying to hard” elegance to any table…have a peek at Linea Carta.!! The designs are so so sweet and as I am a little hooked on alphabets the cards are my favorite!!

Katherine Dunn Artist....

This is a painting by the amazing artist Katherine Dunn...I bought it when I moved back to Ireland 5 years ago today and I totally love it. I have been a fan of Katherine’s work for many years and I dreamed of owning a Katherine Dunn painting. When I spotted this one on her site I just had to get it.

When I contacted Katherine I told her this painting would live in a cottage in Ireland as I believed it would and it now does. I decided to frame it in a vintage shadow box frame and place an angel over it. This painting symbolizes home to me and I totally love it. 

Folded Paper

I recently worked with National College of Art students on a “book project”. We concentrated on folding techniques and creating pieces of art from old and used books. The results were wonderful…over the course we discovered some wonderful artists…one of my favourites is ABIGAIL REYNOLDS….a Goldsmits graduate with a wonderful aesthetic: her works are a delight. 

Easter...and chocolate of course

Happy Easter…it's so beautiful in Ireland, the sun is shining and everywhere looks so so pretty! Going to relax for the weekend with my family and friends and take it very easy...my daughter is so excited that the Easter Bunny is coming. I still have to go and get my man an Easter egg…I'm afraid I always leave it until the last minute and he is a strictly Cadburys man…so buttons or Creme Egg could be the winners! 

Happiness to all. Clare XX

Bite off more than you can chew....

This is so my motto in life …and what a great way to do it…an Edible poster!! Check it out!!

A fantastic image of a vintage bicycle has been silk screened on to some lovely floral linen and fashioned into a very unique laptop bag. Click here to see I think I might have to have one...really sweet!!

New Candles...we love

We just developed this new line of candles in a tin and they are doing so well for us. They smell divine and look amazing. Most are decorated using vintage cigar labels and the tins are so pretty that you'll want to keep them once the candles are gone. They were hot sellers at our open studio last week so to all who purchased...enjoy!!