Kosbaar Accessories

Those that know me can probably attest to the fact that I'm a bit of a Jack of all trades. I attribute this to my slight inclination towards ADD. (I'm sure of it)

I can't sit still, can't just watch a movie. I have to constantly be doing something with my hands.

So, as 2013 made it's appearance, and I became a freelance designer (does that just mean unemployed?) I had a bit more time on my hands. And I finally had the time to do something that I love - creating things.

And with that, I can now introduce my Kosbaar range of accessories: earrings (I'm mad about the little fabric studs), rings, brooches and very soon pendants.

Each piece is made by hand (my moi), using laser cut Beach Plywood and a myriad of vintage style fabrics.

I'm also designing a homeware range (also using Beach wood and possible fabric) - very excited about that!

You can shop online here, for international clients I'll launch my Etsy store soon!
To view more, click here.

Nice to be back

Yes yes yes....it's been a while! I know, I'm supposed to say I can't believe how long it's been, how time flies, all that.

The truth is, I CAN believe how long it's been. And I know I've dissapeared from the blogosphere for 3 months. Sadly, some things go on the back burner when life gets a little crazy.

I've always said 2013 is going to be a good year. Because if 2012 is anything to go by, it can only get better! I just had no idea that life was going to grab me by the collar, shake me around and say "Yeah? Well stop saying things, and damn well do them!".

So here I am at the end of January, filled with inspiration, creativity and love for what I do.  I'm setting out to do what makes me happy, and I've got a feeling it's going to be great!

via

Love this wallpaper

I've been up and down the stairs at Neighbourhood in Long Street countless times. But last night was the first time I noticed this pretty wallpaper going up both sides if the staircase.

It has a unique hand drawn quality about it, almost as if someone sat on those stairs and doodled away with a Koki pen.

Just goes to show, we might be going places and doing things - but do we take it all in?

-blogged from my iPhone

Read This...

I need to start doing this. Especially watching less TV, it's all crap anyway. 

Have a happy weekend, and WEAR YOUR PASSION!!

A different Red Door

via. here

This little red door leads to Fairy Land. Or Wonderland. Wherever your imagination will take you!

I am who I am

Happy Monday everyone!

Cuban flair

A few Sundays ago, after a weekend of being a total sloth and barely venturing outside the front door, I decided that we needed some fresh air, and a cocktail. So we did.

We headed out to one of my favourite spots south of the mountain - Kalk Bay.  After a bit of walking about, munching on breads and pastries from Olympia Bakery, we headed to Cape To Cuba. 

Whenever I go there, I end up staring at the walls and ceilings and floors and not talking to whoever I'm with, at all!

 I'd love the back pendant, well 2 of them actually, to hang over my kitchen island - one day.

Mosaic detail - table tops. So much better than a standard 60 x 60 stock table top, don't you think?

Sure, we tend to take in the vibe and the whole picture, but next time focus a bit on the details, the finishes. Pretty damn amazing!

Guest Post: We love colour

I am so happy to share today's guest post with you. Susi is sharing her best tips for bringing colour into your life this summer.

Arcadian Lighting is a treasure trove of amazing light fittings - to suit all tastes. I am in love with so many pieces on their website - wish they shipped to sweet old SA! But for now, all of you in America need to appreciate what you have in terms of suppliers! :)

So, without any further babbling from me, be inspired by Susi and loads of colour to get you in the mood for summer!

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Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for the Arcadian Lighting, a great resource for lighting inspiration and. I'm very lucky I get to “travel” the world visiting amazing design blogs like Freshly Sharpened Pencils. With summer right around the corner in South Africa, everyone is craving color after a long, cold winter. Here are eight gorgeous pictures of colourful décor from hanging vases and lighting fixtures to textiles and art that we hope will inspire you. Enjoy!

Art is a beautiful way to introduce color into a room. Hang art in groups by similar color for a big impact.

Add color to a sofa, chair, or bed with pretty patterned cushions. Pillows are a favorite accessory to add color because they are so easy to switch out as the seasons change.

For a seasonal dash of color, look to the flowers of the season. Spring daffodils and peonies are beautiful in this bedroom and fit in with the bright yellow blanks and pillows on the bed.

Gloriously colorful indoor or outdoor lanterns could add just a pop or even a riot of color to any room. A few of these lanterns would certainly add a burst of color to a bedroom, or hanging several lanterns in the garden would be a magical touch on a warm evening.

White and other neutrals are great choices for walls and large upholstered furniture as they create the perfect background for big bold colors. Accent pillows and curtains in colorful patterns and solids stand out wonderfully against neutrals.

Color does not have to be the boldest and brightest to have a big impact. Sherbet or pastel colors can pack a punch, especially when grouped in contrasting pairs of colors like on these chairs.

Beautiful colored glass used in clever ways is a great way to add colour to any décor. We saw these hanging vases in Elle Decoration and were smitten.

Of course, in addition to colorful lamps, accessories and textiles, walls are the perfect place to add color to décor. Paint, wall paper or hang colourful fabric to add a zing of colour to the wall.

If these colorful rooms have you inspired, check out Arcadian Lighting's website for even more inspiration, not to mention a brilliant selection of light fixtures to choose from as well!  (Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

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Don't you love the lanterns? And I have to say, even after winter I'm not tired of yellow and grey combo's - looks great!

I always think people are afraid to use colour, that's why we see so many boring beige and cream interiors. Have a little faith, be daring and have fun with colour!

Experience this....

Brilliant.

Go on...

be different!

via here.

If I ever were to get a tattoo.....

...it would look something like this.

Great online mags

I love online magazines. Number one, they are free. Pasella. Verniet. Mahala. Which, if you are anything like me and buy all the good decor mags and the occasional girly glossy, this is a very welcome change!

Number 2: these are international mags. So you really get to see what is trending in the US or Europe or Australia. Sure, Wallpaper and all the other international glossies are available at the local CNA or Exclusive Books, but do I really want to spend R150 on a mag? No thanks.

Number 3: You can click on whatever you like, and chances are you are linked directly to the site of said cushion / fabric / orange squeezer.

What's not to love?

My faves are Lonny and Adore - both with new editions out now. I've just started on Lonny, so don't know what's in there yet. But Adore is just adorable! Bright colours, beautiful homes...just a pity all the lovely goodies I want to buy are in Australia. Or is that maybe a good thing? ;)

Enjoy the online reading!

Pretty pretty paper art

I've just realised it's been over 6 weeks since my last post! Ouch. Gotta work on that.... ;0)

I'm working on a very exciting campaign for Ava - and I've taken inspiration from paper art. I love the fact that something so every day and ordinary as a piece of A4 paper can be transformed into a world of pretty things.

I'm also madly in love with the white-on-white look!

Image 1-3: Nataniel

Image 4: Unknown

Design Indaba Feedback Part 3: Tin Town

I know, I'm taking forever to post about the Indaba! It's been weeks now and I've not even begun to share all the magnificent stalls! (I blame my phone - not playing along in downloading images to my computer...naughty) But here is the next installment: Tin Town. I love their work for so many reasons: whimsical, fantastical designs, all items can be flat packed (great for retailers and consumers alike), innovative designs - these pieces are cute AND practical.... Here are just some of my favourites:

I wish I had a garden - these would go in first!

How great is this? I wonder if they do a double bed size?

Super adorable! (hehe...I think I have that place mat!)

Little Angel for Christmas.

This would be a perfect night light for a nursery.

I want this. Met 'n seer hart!

For more lovely creations, visit Tin Town. (I also love their website intro!)