Late...but better than never: Decorex 2013

Have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The quality (and ingenuity) of the stands were impressive.  

Lots of bold graphics and patters, loads of blue and white and plenty of clever detailing on furniture.

Now, if only the organisers would get rid of the Verimark style stands - I don't want to buy a mop when browsing these great exhibitors!

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.

Yarn bombing

...or guerrilla knitting, wool graffiti, urban knitting... apparently it's been around since 2004, but recently we've been seeing more and more of this random act of prettiness.

I came across these pics yesterday, of a large tree at an Aids centre in Hillcrest, KZN.  What a lovely way of making a statement!

I'm pretty sure this is the best example I've ever seen - shows real commitment! Can you just imagine the time and planning that went into this project!

Pictures by Selma Botha via here.

Instagramming

In this world filled with social media, and a new one hitting our computer screens (or smart phones) seemingly every other week....it's difficult to keep up!

I signed up on twitter, but it took me ages to get into the hang of it. All those hieroglyphs to me ages to figure out and read anything that made sense.

Facebook is my friend. I check it countess times a day, not only to keep up with friends and acquaintances, but to stay in the loop with blogs, stores, brands and other random things I follow (or 'like').  I still think Facebook is a powerful tool to pick up on what's trending and in vogue for designers.

Then there was Instagram - probably my fave. I'm a visual person, so lot's of words and ramblings get lost on me. Instagram is instant visual satisfaction: scrolling through beautiful images (sometimes with short captions) and feeding off other creative's daily captures.  I follow a beautiful mix of local and international artists, designers, photographers and just general clever thinking people. And it's thrilling to have a glimpse into their world.

If you follow me in Instagram, you'll see loads of pics of my beautiful Ozzy (kitten cat) - yes, I've turned into one of those over-sharing-cat-loving-woman. Now and then I try and post something remotely intelligent and beautiful!

* click on the button on the top right of my blog to go straight to my Instagram page

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

And this is what happens when people have just too much time on their hands...

A crochet apple cozy...

I don't know about you, but I like my apples cooled and crisp. Via Etsy.

Garden Walkway

What a novel idea for a garden walkway! You could do any shape or pattern, but I do have an affinity to hearts.  

Seen at Klein Roosboom.

Yip.

Good to know :)

Deer Park Cafe - if you can ignore the decor

Some time ago a friend and I were on a mission to find a good cup of coffee. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the restaurant where we had lunch had a power outage - so no coffee or anything other than the bill being served.

So we headed Vredehoek way, and as neither of us had been to Deer Park Cafe - we aimed for it. Upon entering, the rich coffee smell in the air was enough to make us sit. Not before we had a look at their cake displays though....

You really do need to disregard the decor of this well positioned establishment. It feels more like a 70's cafeteria, but the coffee was good and the cakes scrumptious. Their menu looked good enough for us both to promise to try it again for dinner. 

Maybe it looks better in candle light?

Happy Bunch

After work I popped in to the Oakhurst Farmstall, just up the road from home in Main Road, Kenilworth. They have a great selection if fruit and veg at very good prices.

They always have fresh flowers, but today's bunches caught my attention. They were marked, with a big cardboard sign stuck in the bucket, as "Happy Bunches".

I couldn't help but smile and take one!

- blogged from my iPhone

Hidden Gem

Whilst manoeuvring the narrow streets and many cul de sacs around Kloof street earlier (all in the vain attempt to find parking) I spotted this amazing little house. Just had to share :)

- blogged from my iPhone

Blooming Marvelous

After a long and busy day at the office, I was super happy to walk in the front door, and see that the poppies I bought on the weekend have bloomed! What a pretty sight.

It's no secret that I adore flowers in the home- especially Proteas. I bought these from Woolies, don't you just love the deep pink?

- Blogged from mu iPhone

Happy yellow

I've only become a fan of yellow quite recently- especially when paired with grey. And while Cape Town is a little on the gloomy side, there's nothing like a bunch if yellow lilies to make you smile!

Hope you've had a relaxing weekend- let's tackle Monday with with a happy heart!

xx Amanda

- blogged from my iPhone

This will make you smile

I saw this ad a couple of months ago - but it still makes me smile (and cry!) every time I see it.

Wimpy introduced Braille menu's into all their stores - and this was the campaign:

Enjoy, happy weekend!

So true....

...but difficult to imagine on a day like today!

I had to wake up earlier than usual today, and it was quite a sad sight looking out the window! Cape Town is pretty gloomy today, cold and wet. I'm longing for loads of hot chocolate, a good book and my duvet!

Wrap up warmly! xoxo


Image via here

Swooning over this

I popped into Home Fabrics this morning, and did a double take when I saw this swoon-worthy fabric from Nina Campbell.

Also love the black en white trip at the top - SO doing this in my bedroom! Now, if only I had the appropriate budget....

Have a super weekend everyone! Cape Town looks like it's going to be chilly- so wrap up warmly and have some cocoa!

- blogged from my iPhone

I'm trying, I really am!

via here

Jubilee Pantone Guide

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration did not go unnoticed by the clever crowd at Pantone.

Not one to ever shy away from colour - Queen Elizabeth has become synonymous with monochromatic outfits - from bright yellow to pink and purple and very shade in between.

Pantone launched the limited edition set just in time for the weekend's celebrations - with each hue of the Queen's ensembles matched to the Pantone colour, and cited with the date and occasion of each memorable colour.

PANTONE 13-0755 Primrose Yellow “The Queen’s royal wedding outfit from 2011 was Primrose Yellow. Yellow is a colour that speaks to the future with hope and optimism. William’s wedding was a time of national celebration and this choice of yellow complements the joyous mood of the occasion. It’s a colour that is high visibility (befitting a queen), while still not detracting from the bride.”

PANTONE 13-4411 Crystal Blue “Blue is a colour staple in the Queen’s wardrobe, it’s a colour that communicates constancy and it is also symbolic of her devotion to the British people. Blues traditionally have calming properties and she is often seen wearing them during difficult times. Blue is also seen as de-stressing so it’s no surprise she was sporting a serene blue to a Royal Garden Party in 2010.

PANTONE 16-2124 Pink Carnation “Queen Elizabeth wore lighter tones of pink more frequently when she was younger, adding softness to her role as Queen and make her seem less austere, for example the PANTONE 16-2124 Pink Carnation she wore to the Chelsea Garden Party in 1967. In recent years however, she has been seen in trendier bright pinks, defying her age and communicating that she is a monarch modern in thought and spirit.”

PANTONE 13-5414 Ice Green “During the Queen’s landmark state visit to Ireland, the first since the country gained independence in the 1920s, she was seen in a cool shade of green. Her colour choice echoed the sentiment of her visit as green is widely seen to symbolise new beginnings, fresh thoughts and rejuvenation.”

Images from here and here and excerpts from here

Fine example of what NOT to do

For now, just until I've decided what colour needs to go on the walls, I've hung a couple of pieces just on the nails that were left by the previous owner.

They're all way too high, and in the most arbitrary of positions!

We're still deciding whether we have the patience or energy to skim all the walls before painting (I think it's totally necessary), so as soon as that's been done, I can pick out paint colours!

I'm thinking of doing all the walls myself (yikes!) - I mean, how difficult can it be? ;)

- blogged from my iPhone

Where did they all come from?

Last night I unpacked some of the books that are still in their brown boxes. With almost every bundle that I took out the box, I was surprised at some of the titles I had accumulated over the years. Perplexed, really.

'The Terminator'. Seriously?

- blogged from my iPhone