Lampshade Obsession Hits An All Time High!

Following hot on the trail of lampshades I have been trawling the internet and have found some stunning handmade beauties  for inspiration.

This gorgeous butterfly shade is available to buy through Unique Boutique online.  With its patchwork style and beautiful muted colours,  I think its so perfectly unique.  It sits perfectly in the mould of modern Victoriana with a certain essence of Victorian Entomology (butterfly collecting) scrummy.

Vintage Embroidery Fabric Shades by Kookolki

 These fabulous shades are handmade by Kookolki here in Devon.  Sister-in-Law team

Kirsty and Ksenia decided that making lampshades with old embroidered fabric was a fabulous way to display the gorgeous details of hand embroidered work.  They use Vintage Fabric and Frames found in Flea Markets and find pleasure in breathing new life into them with a modern twist.  These are also available to purchase via Etsy. 

Finally I found this little cutie on Ebay via Wild Strawberry Picking.  using patchwork of gorgeous fabric on Vintage style frames, they have created an eclectic shade with a gorgeous Gypsy bohemian feel.  I love it!!



Okay after something a bit more modern, here is some of the lovelies I've found

A Not on the High Street by Blue Zoo,  I think this can be used for anywhere in the home, not just a kids room. I love the animals and the colours, just gorgeous and will add a bold splash of colour to your otherwise bare white ceiling, doncha think?

A personal favourite,  this really is a bold statement.  Loving the Owl too.  This shade is by Quincy Lampshades a very notable and established company set up by Ruth McAllister and based in the lovely city of Bristol.

Hope you enjoy these stunning examples and do have a trawl of images on google or pinterest,  there are alot of gorgeous shades out there.  Perfect and unique design and much much nicer than buying the usual commercial tat on the market.  Ta ta for now



Pip xx

Podgy Pigeon - Lampshade Jam 12th & 13th March

I am very excited to introduce Podgy Pigeon the brainchild of Harriet Walsh.  Harriet started her business after moving into her first home in Devon.  Tired of the dull and commercial lampshades on the market, she decided to have a go at making her own lampshades to perk up her ceilings.  She admits to having an obsession with ceilings which she considers a very under utilised space in peoples homes. 

Harriet sells her lampshades via Etsy and has just set up her own website at www.podgypigeon.co.uk
She is coming to the City Gate on the 12th and 13th of March to teach a very eager bunch of Craft Jammers to make their own lampshades.  I am so excited about this particular Craft Jam, as lampshades are incredibly expensive and I never seem to like anything I see in the shops.  I consider the correct lighting very important, adding warmth and ambience to the home.  I don't like stark lighting and usually use lamp lighting rather than ceiling lighting. The opportunity to learn how to make my own shade is just too tempting for words!! I already have the perfect place in our house for my shade when its finished.  I posted Lampshade Jam on The Craft Hub Facebook page in late January, for the 13th of March, it booked out within 1 hour!  There was such a crowd on the waiting list that I contacted Harriet who was more than happy to do the night before also.  This too was posted and sold out within half an hour!  Phew.  It's not just me then :)


You can follow Podgy on Facebook and Twitter or buy her gorgeous shades via Etsy.  Roll on the 12th and 13th of March!!

 

Gorgeous Japanese  Echino Fabric Lampshade by Podgy Pigeon

Valentines Day Devon Style

Hi Folks

Its that lovely time of year for spending an awful lot of money on expensive floristry which dies very quickly.  Why not say it with some gorgeous handmade works of art which are guaranteed to stay fresh as the day they were bought.

Here's a little of my favourites

Honiton Lace Hearts by Amy Orangejuice

Aren't these pretty,  Amy McCarthy of Amy Orangejuice makes each of these hearts with recycled coloured glass Amy paints them by hand with designs inspired by 17th and 18th Century Honiton Lace.  Perfect for hanging on the tree or in a sunny window.

Paper Bouquets by The Paper Florist

Perfectly formed flowers from Lily's to Tulips, handcrafted by the very talented Kat Thomas aka 

The Paper Florist   Kat works from her Studio in the City of Exeter and has a fantastic following, recently promoted in national magazines, Kat works hard to deliver a fabulous end product.  Bouquets can be personalised with a love poem or particular story loved by the person recieving. Kat painstakingly prints these onto ecologically friendly paper before turning it into something very wonderful which can be cherished forever.



Personalised Wedding Invitations  

Beautifully chic personalised wedding invitations by Made with Love by Charlotte Fleming 
perfect announcement when you pop the question on Valentines Day!



Personalised Graphic Prints 

  

The Drifting Bear Co.  have these gorgeous, thoughtful,  personalised and contemporary 
prints with 'our song' for couples, 
alongside this there are prints like 'I Love You from the Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea'  and 'Individually we are One Drop, Together We are an Ocean' just perfect

CHOCOLATE HEART BATH BOMBS

Ooh Scrummy Chocolate Heart Bath Bombs by Soapdaze
The perfect gift for her to languish in a bath or one to share together ;)
Soaps are made using the old-fashioned cold-process method, where oils are only heated gently to melt them.
They contain natural quality oils & essential oils.
Soaps do NOT contain EDTA, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, sorbitol, artificial fragrances, preservatives or colours.  
Sharon makes them in small batches, guaranteed quality and divinely scented with 100% natural oils.

Love Heart Earrings

Aren't these stunning!  I love the rich turquoise and have to admit to having bought myself these earrings at Christmas time, a little early Valentine's gift to myself ;)    
These are made by Venus Beadery 
 Kath uses Sterling silver, pure copper and high quality beads and gemstones, to create interesting, distinctive jewelry, which are organic in essence. The perfect present for the lovely lady in your life.  These are available to buy on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/venusbeadery