kpDeco

Randolph & Byron Music

2012-03-11T09:50:00.000Z

Yesterday evening, I found myself in a delightful company of my friends at the National Theatre enjoying a gig by Randolph & Byron Music (pictured above). It was exactly a year ago when I went to see them performing at the Royal Albert Hall (as a part of the 'Ignite' free lunchtime concerts that are organised at the Café Consort at the Hall).

There was a lot of motion in a rhythm by the duo as well as the audience. As you can see, there was also enough twitching on my part. As a result, I captured quite interesting images (like this one), wouldn't you say?

Randolph & Byron Music is a fusion of Spanish guitar and Caribbean vocals. If you can imagine both separately, combine them together and the richness of sound created is amazing.

I found myself closing my eyes at which point it was hard to believe that only two people can accomplish all this. The skill with which Byron Johnston plays the guitar completed with the vocals of Randolph Matthews made this more than enjoyable evening.

Yes, I believe I have become a fan.

Maker's Guild at V&A

2012-03-04T11:16:00.001Z

What you are looking at is a rather bitten picture of The Royal Albert Hall. As I was approaching it on Friday evening all I could see was the contrast of its colours with the darkness around. Being on my way home from the Victoria & Albert Museum I felt a bit creative and took this shot. Slightly skewed, this image makes me squinter my eyes and see the contrast even more.

In case you wonder why I was at the V&A in the evening, I persuaded education there. This was the second time I visited its Sackler Centre for a talk on, this time, The Economic and Social Value of Making. Without checking my notes, what I remember is that as long as a designer/maker collaborates with other fields (scientists, medical teams,...) and manages to create a successful product, both economic and social values would emboss themselves in the process and outcome. Of course, a funding from the government would help and I guess this is when the collaboration comes in. Basically, the emphasis was put on social interaction within various fields. What a lesson for me.

The previous talk was about bringing technology to textile making.

Here a special solar (not LED) thread was developed and mixed and woven into a scarf. Usually not visible, its trick becomes obvious when a flashlight hits it. The scarf becomes luminous. Its implication would find use in, for example, road safety. What a great idea, what a design.

Again, a maker's skill collaborates with technological knowledge here.

Most of all, all the speakers/designers/makers showed a high commitment and believe in their work. They talked in such a way that I would almost believe that as long as you use your knowledge and skill in whatever you are doing and are (preferably) able to make a living out of it, you are fine. You even support the economy. It is true though, that we need to take pride in whatever we are doing. The enjoyment will come with it.

Which leaves me with something David Hockney, an influential artist of the 20th century (and now) said: 'You can teach craft but you cannot teach poetry.' My personal experience from Uni was the other way round. We were taught how to think but not much on the skill front. Although there were professionals from various fields, there was simply not much time to learn the skills. Which is why I am here with 'kpDeco' exploring my own skills and interests now. And what an enjoyable experience this has been so far. Kx

2012 - Leap Year

2012-02-29T22:56:00.000Z

I wonder what it is about doing something different, something extra on the 29th February. I know that this day happens every forth year. However, I simply do not understand why people wait specifically for this day to start communicating with a relative or once-best-friend or why on this day they decide to do some challenging activity. Simply, why do there need to be a specific day or date to make THE one actual step? Why wait? Can anybody untangle this mystery?

For me, this was another working day when I did not forget to wish a happy birthday to somebody I actually know was born on the 29th February. And as a celebration drink, we had a cup of tea because the promised freshly squeezed fruit juice poured all over the floor. Why? The blender was not fixed properly (my fault, I admit). Yes, this sounds like a standard day with standard events for not only the 29th February 2012.

But hey, to recapitulate, at least we have one extra day to fulfil these 'standard' activities. I hope you have enjoyed today. Kx

War Horse

2012-02-24T22:52:00.000Z

The entire day today I have been talking non-stop about the National Theatre production of 'War Horse' (now at the New London Theatre at Drury Lane). It was last night that I went to see it and have not stopped thinking and talking about it since. So now even you are privileged to share my experience.

After arriving to my seat, I realised how simple the stage was; specious and nothing fancy. Of course, there was a reason for that. The horse puppets needed this space to run revealing their movement and since the story itself is so powerful, there is no need for many props.

I was absolutely mesmerised by the skill with which the horse movement was achieved. Each puppet (and there was a number of complete ones) was lead by three actors (or puppeteers?). One would handle the head/neck movement including the ears, the other two would deal with the front and back legs including breathing and the tail. All three then come together in unisono imitating the voice of a horse.

In this scene the two horses had a fight that thank to the puppeteers looked so real.

The whole production was put together in such a clever way. I have mentioned it already that the stage itself was simple leaving a lot of space to run around. However, I must note how well everybody worked together to divide it when needed. Actors holding poles in various ways to create e.i. a stable around the horse or one actor leaving the scene as if opening a gate, all of this done so that the viewer does not even notice the actors.

During the production, the actors would also use the stalls running on and off the stage into the audience. My seat was located close to the stage (aisle, second raw) so I would feel the air moving every time somebody passed by. This is how I also experienced explosions in the war scenes. There was one in particular when the smoke reached the audience making us all cough and so bringing us into the scene. This was quite a nice touch, I thought.

The horse movement was captured in a way that soon you stopped seeing the puppeteers and started seeing a real horse. All was brought to perfection with the cut between a slow and standard motion accompanied by evocative music. We are so used to seeing such scenes in movies but to experience it in real life at a stage is priceless.

In this image you can see the horse in strain ploughing a field. When in motion you simply see only the horse's struggle and the boy holding the plough and encouraging the horse.

I absolutely loved the production. The overall choreography, the smoothness, the entire picture. All accompanied by a few nice humorous touches throughout such as the re-appearing goose that was depicted in such a way that any goose would be filled with envy.

This was £50 well spent.

(All images in this post have been downloaded from the Internet.)

On a way

2012-02-19T10:12:00.001Z

Trying to catch a bit of a sun one morning last week, I grabbed my camera and quickly took this shot. If you ever tried to photograph an atmosphere involving sun, you will know that you need to act fast. And so when I later analysed the photograph of the sun on the figure's legs, I also noticed the picture at the background; the hooves of a horse. Both these figures appear to be 'on a way' to somewhere...

Coincidentally, last night I watched a documentary on Lucien Freud, an acclaimed artist and grandson of Sigmund Freud. The National Portrait Gallery hosts 'Portraits', an exhibition of his paintings right now.

What I enjoyed the most about this documentary was to see Lucien Freud's artistic development and the fact that he remained true to himself. The 'crazy' '60s or '70s did not alter his vision.

Throughout his work he explored what interested or perhaps even troubled him. Especially in the series of his wives and mistresses, he captured the journey of their relationships. It is known that Lucien Freud took time to produce his paintings. Mixing colours for depicting flash tones on the spot (rather that to pre-mix them for speed purposes) served as a way to thoroughly soak the atmosphere and the essence of the sitter.

Lucien Freud was constantly 'on the way' of exploring and developing his work. He would immerse himself in his work and when I look at his paintings, I have pure admiration for his achievements.

The brushwork and the individual colours working in such unity to bring to live the sitters' feelings and desires are admirable. The picture on the right is such an example. The blocks of colour so crudely put next to each other work so well together. What a style.

On a way. But where to? What a question. To be honest, as long as we are on a way to somewhere it matters. Even if you are not sure where you are heading at times, it is important not to stay stagnant. You never know what can wait for you round the corner. Kx

Leafy-fall

2012-02-12T10:22:00.000Z

Do you remember this image I shared with you last autumn? This was around the time I also tried to reach for my pen and sketchbook rather than the camera to record what I see. And indeed, I found some time to stand in front of this magnificent tree and gave it a try. I must admit, this returning experience was worse than I thought. Which is why I concentrated more on the flow of the foliage rather than precision.

Can you see the clusters of different colours running down the tree? So rich. What a visual experience, wouldn't you say?

This is exactly on what I want to concentrate here. I have mentioned it before in the 'Leafy waterfall' post - colours, tiny bits and something as powerful as a waterfall. My understanding of this now is of something small that, when put together, can become visually so powerful.

Over the years, I have collected quite an amount of art and design magazines that I have not disposed of yet. Whenever I move they come with me (to the disapproval of those who are helping out - the magazines are quite heavy). Therefore, I am pleased to say that I plan to finally use them as my material for this project.

What a fitting choice. Trees are also used for making paper and magazines are paper. The follow up question is 'What is a great technique to engage with paper?' Origami, of course. And that is what you are looking at here. My small origami leaves.

So far, this is a small experiment but I must admit the folding experience exercises my fingers well. There are two points to focus on now. First, to make a variety of colourful leaves and two, to work out how to join them keeping to the inspiration images from above.

How great. I have a new project to focus on. I hope to see you soon with the progress on my 'Updates' page. In the meantime, have a great Sunday and enjoy next week. Kx

Update: Sunday, 19 February 2012

Leafy-fall

To keep you up to date with my 'Leafy-fall' project, I have spent the whole of past week doing origami; folding, cutting and glueing to acquire a bigger amount of leaves in a variety of colours. And the more I am into this project the more small leaves I actually need.

I have not told you how I came up with the shape of my tiny leaves.

When I attempted to sketch the inspirational tree, I also tried to capture the shape of its leaves. Later, after a quick research, this leaf appeared to be spot on. And so I am folding, cutting and glueing ever since.

At the beginning, I wanted to focus only on the colours of the foliage but this limits me a little and so, nowadays, I pick a page from a magazine that is covered with a big image and then spend time doing origami.

The image on top gives you some idea of the amount and colour variety. And I need more... So see you next time with the progress on my 'Updates' page. Kx

Update: Sunday, 4 March 2012
Leafy-fall

After another two weeks into my 'Leafy-fall' project, all I can say that I need more and more and more small leaves. I was hoping to demonstrate more than an image of some sort of mapping and three boxes of light, dark and mixed leaves that are just about visible.

At the bottom-right-hand corner at the image above you can see what serves as my method for joining. Yes, it is crochet again. A crocheted chain to be precise. And this is what you can see on the left, hidden by the foliage that is.

Here I have attached colourful leaves to just one chain. If you remember the inspiration image of the colourful foliage, you might recall the richness of volume and colour.

Bearing this in mind, I certainly need more leaves. And so see you next time on my 'Updates' page with the progress. Kx

'Have a seat!'

2012-02-05T13:23:00.000Z

'Have a seat!'

Believe it or not, this gentleman invited me to sit by his side earlier today. By this stage however, my feet were frozen given by the fact that my usually trusted footwear for this kind of weather failed me dramatically. Which is why I politely declined the invitation and made my way home.

Yes, finally even London has its share of snow for this year. Coming home from a delightful performance of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' yesterday evening, I could already feel snowflakes on my cheeks.

Later on, what started as sleet turned into a mini snow storm. And it snowed enough to cover the streets of my neighbourhood in a white blanket by the midnight.

This is when I wrapped myself in a scarf, put a hat on and gloves without which I cannot exist, grabbed my camera and went out (in case the snow melted by the morning). It is not surprising that I was not the only person out. Everybody was out enjoying the snow. Quite frankly, how often do you get snow in London?

Here are three pictures from my outing.

A small park I could not enter, bicycles that I just had to photograph and the mini snowman somebody had already managed to build. What a joy!

No wonder that when I woke up today, my mind was preoccupied with the thought of the snow. To my delight, the picture after the curtains were open was still white. After all it was still quite early so not many people had gone out to make their mark on the scenery. And so I found myself in Kensington Gardens, together with people with cameras (the same as me) and jogging enthusiasts in shorts.

Such was the morning in Kensington Gardens. It is slightly different to the 'Morning sun' post from last week yet still quite charming. The morning sky has its colours and put together with such settings... no surprise that there were so many cameras around.

I would like to claim the gentleman from the intro image for my creation but I just came there at the right time to take a shot of him. Therefore, this is attributed to an anonymous individual who certainly enjoyed snow in the park.

It is past midday and we still have some snow around. Of course the streets turned into sludge (that is inevitable) but the small park I photographed at midnight still remains covered with snow. How great to have some variety.

Morning sun

2012-01-29T18:50:00.000Z

The highlight of last week was 'We'll Take Manhattan' (pictured below), dramatised events of the 1962 fashion photo shoot in New York for Vogue. This film depicts moments when fashion photography was revolutionised and transformed our view on fashion photography.

I have read a number of reviews about this drama, some of which were not that flattering. My favourite one is that David Bailey simply could not be the one to decide who is pretty enough (or not) to go to New York for a photo shoot . The drama certainly suggests David Bailey putting a condition that the model would be Jean Shrimpton or there is not going to be any photo shoot (or at least not by him).

To be honest, I utterly enjoyed the drama no matter what the reviews say. Everybody knows that any dramatisation needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. The underlying point is that such events happened and even now fashion photographers still celebrate these achievements. David Bailey's approach to photography was influential and brought liveliness into then 'stuffy' portrayal of fashion.

What I enjoyed even more was the document afterwards about David Bailey. What has stayed with me the most is his comment about his subjects. Apparently, if the models arrive having a good day, they photograph 'good' atmosphere. Similarly, if they have a bad day, 'bad' is the atmosphere of the photo shoot. What this means to me is to decide on my subject, determine its settings and focus on photographing this. (I have noticed that my pictures have been turning more and more towards snapshots.)

This is why I got up quite early on Saturday morning and set off to catch the morning sun in Kensington Gardens. I have to admit, I was a bit late. However, I still managed to take a few interesting morning shots.

If I was not certain that this is morning I would argue that both these pictures could have been taken during sunset.

Here it looks that it was really dark when in fact some ten minutes later the light of the day spread fully all around.

Indeed, these two images together with the intro one above were taken before, on my way to the park. You can see how much daylight had been around at this point.

I could not resist to capture the signature of morning on architecture - lights left on from the previous night.

Successful or not, I am glad I have done this exercise. To get up early on Saturday morning was strangely satisfying and the images I captured fill me with a certain pride. And all this thanks to 'We'll Take Manhattan' and a documentary on David Bailey.

Italian Gardens

2012-01-22T13:21:00.000Z

It is January yet the sun keeps popping out from beyond the clouds. The crispiness that is created makes the days more alluring then ever I would say. Take the fountains of Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens opposite Lancaster Gate Station as an example.

When the sun hits such subject all you what to do is to stop and observe. You just want to soak this spectacular atmosphere.

Looking at the image above, one starts to wonder if this is really a water creation captured at the moment of a flourishing beauty or a glass installation instead.

Similarly, both these pictures taken 'in the moment' reveal such a perfection in motion. You can see the individual drops thrown back up when the masses fall down.

The Italian Gardens is a small patch of Kensington Gardens that is certainly worth visiting. If nothing else it is the combination of what water can become and the sculptures standing silently around that create such a backdrop of tranquility.

The Italian Gardens have been restored and the stonework cleaned recently; right in time for us to use it for its peace and elegnace. Therefore, see you there. Kx

Joker

2012-01-14T18:32:00.000Z

After last week's outing to Podspálov I can finally introduce to you 'Joker', a project of last year. 'Joker' is a sweater that came about as a combination of patterns and colourful yarns around winter time. Take my word for it, 'Joker' is a warm sweater ideal for late autumn, winter or early spring. And it would definitely be the right decision to wear in Podspálov (shame I did not bring it with me then).

At this stage, I bring in Elena to explain the 'Joker' project. The fun aspect here lies in the two-sided design. As you can see above, the front and back pieces were created and joined so that the entire piece can be worn on both sides.

All I have to do now is to decide weather to have a red or yellow day. Either way, I used the rest of the red yarn to crochet a short scarf that pleasantly covers the area around my neck to keep warm.

Below is a rather picturesque detail of my scarf.

There is one more detail I want you to turn to. Both sleeves are touch longer and so for comfort reasons have not been closed at their ends. This way I can either fold them back when I work or keep them straight to keep warm. Therefore, both sleeves have quite stylish openings attractive to the eye and touch.

Warm and colourful, 'Joker' is a joy to wear. I have certainly received looks of interest every time I wear it. To be honest, 'Joker' is a rather pleasant variation to the grey/dark standards of London business crowd.

Podspálov

2012-01-10T14:43:00.000Z

This rail bridge was built in 1938. This was my first image taken on an extended family weekend that we spent in the Hotel Pod Spálovem. This hotel is situated some 400m above sea level at a base of mountains called Jizerské hory. When we were children we used to spend a lot of winter breaks here so visiting this area now, as grown-ups, brought back some pleasant memories.

Look at these two cottages. I simply love their look; the synchronisation of colours on wooden planks, the skill with which they were built. This is a typical look and mountains are full of houses of such style.

One thing you should know about my brother is that he is a culture/walks enthusiast who together with his family spends every weekend on a go; tours, castle visits,... And even this weekend he did not disappoint. He took us on an originally 4km tour that ended up being some 10km long. Images below depict the terrain we intended to conquer.

To start with, we enjoyed hills, rocks, trees and springs.

Walking through such scenery felt magical to a moment when rain and snow decided to show us who is the boss here.

Soon after, snow took over and we were shown a white face of mountains.

Since it was getting dark and we did not want to be caught up in the middle of nowhere, we sped up and walked briskly back to the hotel that was still some 4km away. I must admit that coming back to this kind of plate was irresistible.

It has been two days since we returned home and everybody still feels some aches and pains. However, this experience was worth it.

Welcome to 2012

2012-01-01T12:53:00.000Z

Home for Christmas

2011-12-31T10:33:00.001Z

There is something about the phrase 'Home for Christmas'. Originally, I planned to stay in England and even started organising what to do and when. However, at the end everything was different since I had decided to go home after all. Our family is spread all over the world and this year we actually managed to organise ourselves and meet up after I do not even know how many years. Therefore, this year is extra special. And the decoration made by the Čáslav town hall is simply charming.

Outdoor nativity set.

Chainsaw was used to create these figures. For the past few years, this nativity set decorates a small park of my hometown.

I just love their squashed faces, don't you?

Indoor nativity set.

I remember this one from my childhood. Our grandma used to take us to the church to see baby Jesus. And of course, as children we loved to see little figures.

Nowadays, I preise the craftsmanship. Wooden figures beautifully painted, the background curtain,...

This nativity set will always stay in my memory.

Over the years, Christmas decoration has become richer. At the background here you can also just about make up a tower that is a part of medieval ramparts. Such backdrop together with Christmas decoration already invites to the festive atmosphere.

The town hall (right) always plays on the architecture of this building. It is simply given to use the balcony and the high alcove to light up to the Christmas feeling.

This fountain works well during warmer months. However, in winter when the temperature drops well below zero it might not be a good idea to fill any fountain with water. And this is why the structure is actually quite sad. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised by this idea. A fountain with a light-fall.

So this is my 'Home for Christmas'. The only shame is that there is not any snow. Oh well, I cannot have everything. What I have is my family around me and that is what counts. Therefore, wishing you a great 2012 and see you next year. Kx

Vánoce = Christmas

2011-12-24T18:13:00.000Z

Enjoy!

Tribute to Václav Havel

2011-12-18T20:16:00.000Z

Whole day today, I have listened to tributes paid to the former president of the Czech Republic Václav Havel who died earlier today. Playwright, dissident, fighter for freedom and most of all, humanist. Quite an unlikely political figure who took his presidency on a human level.

The Czech Embassy in London has its flag flown on half mast as a sign of respect and the ambassador Michael Žantovský has spoken with such a respect and dignity about his friend. Tributes are paid from leaders from all over the world.

I was only ten when the Velvet Revolution took place in then Czechoslovakia and remember the excitement everybody had on the fall of communism, birth of democracy, even the separation that lead to creation of the Czech and Slovak Republics. All this time, Václav Havel stood at forefront as a leader and most of all a human being to whom everybody looked with adoration and respect.

The world has lost a great and much loved individual.

Update: 24 December 2011

For three days, the Czech Embassy offered writing a message into a book of condolences to whoever was interested. By the time I got there on Thursday evening I wrote into a third book. Flicking throughout all three books, one could see how much Václav Havel meant to people.

Messages written in not only Czech or English, little drawing by Czech artist living and working in London Hynek Martinec and a little shrine in front of the Embassy. How meaningful...

Nativity Set

2011-12-18T00:02:00.000Z

Three figures belonging to Nativity Set: Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Can you make them out?

Made some seven years or so ago out of clay I got from a craft shop, these mini figures have been put on display every Christmas to celebrate this festive occasion. I say 'mini figures' since the highest one is only 5cm tall. I remember that my original intention was to paint over them but somehow the whiteness convinced me not to. Such purity actually nicely demonstrates Christmas I would say.

Every year, I make different settings. Once the figures sit on a bed of needles from a branch, other time I construct a cave-like backdrop. On all occasions though, I have to bring in a branch to allow its scent to spread all around. Unfortunately, I have no photographs to share with you. However, the main characters are present and that is what counts, don't you think?

This festive season is running at its full now. Do enjoy it. Kx

Mini Christmas Tree

2011-12-11T11:09:00.001Z

Believe it or not, this is what I call a Christmas tree. Rather small I must admit (only 5.5 cm) but still it is a Christmas tree made out of glass. I put it together in time for Christmas 2009 and display it as my Christmas decoration since (not for long yet but it has certainly become an important part of this season's festive decor).

And as it goes, there is a little story attached to it (as there always is with my designs).

There were five small glass bowls. One day, a clumsy human being (me) placed one of them at the edge of a table and before she knew it, this one glass bowl fell down and smashed into small pieces that scattered all over the floor.

The clumsy human being collected them and somehow glued them back together. Since then, there are four glass bowls and a mini tree I dare to call a Christmas tree.

What an approach to have to one's surroundings. Somehow, I could not bring myself to throwing the smashed glass bowl away. I think it was the textured surface that silently talked to me suggesting that I may find some use for it. Of course, the time of the year (late autumn) also helped me to make a decision and glue the pieces into a decor for Christmas.

And so, welcome to the charm this season offers and soak its atmosphere with all the festivities. And, most of all, do not let anybody or anything (such as the madness of commercial side of Christmas) destroy it. Kx

Visit to Tate Modern

2011-12-03T21:19:00.001Z

Last week I met two of my friends from Richmond Adult Community College where we studied Foundation to Art & Design. After completing the course, we all went our own way as you do and this is why it was extra special to meet up after some seven years or so. And what a better place to get together in style than the Tate Modern and visit 'Panorama', Gerhard Richter exhibition.

I do not have words to describe this exhibition apart from stating that it was absolutely fantastic. Such was my experience that I took a number of pictures inspired by the show on my way home and used Photoshop to tweak them in a Richter style.

In his early years, Gerhard Richter used photographs as a base for his paintings. What is worth studying are the brushstrokes. With the help of Photoshop I tried to copy such style and my interpretation is what you can see in this pair of 'before&after'. It is a far cry from Richter's skill but produces an interesting outcome.

Later on in his career, he also used squeegee to produce large canvases filled with layers of colour that would be peeled off at places to reveal the surface underneath.

I used Photoshop to see what I can create and this is my interpretation. Again, this does not do much justice to Richter's art but certainly is an interesting excersice for me.

Sitting at a café at the Tate, I could not stop myself from looking towards the balcony and beyond. Twice I left the girls to take photographs. The introductory image shows Millennium Bridge leading towards St. Paul's Cathedral. However, I took a few more. The scenery in a sunny wintery light was simply irresistible.

What a day that was. I got to meet my friends, one of whom I have not seen for years, and visited exhibition of such a high standard. I certainly enjoyed my day. Kx

Enjoy!

2011-11-27T21:17:00.001Z

What do you say. Are you getting hungry? I certainly became double hungry after a waitress placed this plate in front of me. It was not the first time I ordered this dish in my favourite café but it was the first time served this way. Presented like this, all you want to do is to take a bite or two or more and more; till the end and wanting more. This is the feeling I still have a few months later.

Yes, I have reverted to my photo archive to find an inspiration for this post. In the past week I have been so pre-occupied with my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' project that I did not take any photographs outside my work. I will share this information on my 'Updates' page with you soon. In the meantime, here is a taster of the cloak/wrap nicely folded, pointing me towards the right direction (let's hope).

Is this a teaser again? Do not worry, I will reveal the design outcome together with further explanation soon. Now though, I just need to document it all. This is why I will leave you with this delicious looking plate of 'Avocado, mozzarella and olive oil on a ciabatta toasted bread'. Enjoy! Kx

Crochet marathon

2011-11-20T13:04:00.001Z

Since I am slightly behind the deadline I set to myself for 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' project, I had decided to spend this weekend crocheting. Crocheting from the morning to the evening/night - hence the marathon title. It all started so promising...

After coming home on Friday evening I sat down with my hook and three pieces of material and begun to join them. My company for the evening was watching 'Children in Need' on BBC1 and how glad I am to have watched it. The mixture of fun acts combined with real life stories has left quite an impact on me. Honestly, I still cannot stop thinking and talking about it. What is more impressive is the amount of money people donated. Over 26 million Pounds. How amazing to see that people are more kind to each other when they themselves struggle, don't you think?

I watched this program till the end at 2am. All that time, I kept crocheting (and wiping my tears at times).

Next morning started quite well. I sat down to do my work. However, I needed to nip out for half an hour that turned out to last for more than three. I was asked by a little voice to 'come to the park and play some football'. How can you reject that. And so we played some football, fed the ducks and swans and visited the playground.

Little did I know that this activity will make me sooo tired that I will not be able to finish my mini-deadline for that day. 'Nevermind' I kept thinking, 'I can still catch up next day'.

My intention for today has also started with a good will. Yet again, I nipped out for a bit to do my grocery shopping. However, it all felt apart after receiving a phone call from a 'skating buddy' to meet up in the park for some skating session. So I am about to leave (partially because I need some exercise and partially because I have not seen my friend for a loooong time). Will I finish my mini-deadline by the end of this weekend? I wonder.

Leafy waterfall

2011-11-12T16:19:00.001Z

I have to be honest. My 'more manual approach of recording' has not happened this week. At least not much. And so I am not going to share my minute sketching experience yet. One thing I have to admit though is that I look around me with a much sketchier eye.

Apart from the colours in all these images, I am drawn more to the 'waterfall' created by the leaves here.

Such richness in both volume and shades addresses my creative self enough to start thinking of another project idea.

The colours, tiny bits and something as powerful as a waterfall... Quite a thought.

To be able to look around and strip the subject bare for easiness of sketching seems to be the way of tackling this challenge. I hope to return to this post and pick up from where left off for my next project. In the meantime, have a great rest of the weekend and see you next time. Kx

Forgotten sketch

2011-11-06T12:32:00.002Z

A few months ago I got myself a ticket to see Tori Amos. This performance took place last week in the Royal Albert Hall, a place grand enough for the opera. If I tell you that I could not wait for this evening I would not be far from the truth. Both the exterior and interior of the place always impress me. At the same time, I regard Tori Amos as one of a few incredibly talented musicians of this time. Therefore, to have such an artist performing at such a setting, it is no wonder I was looking forward to this like a little girl.

This excitement overshadowed my usual sense of sensibility or perhaps it was on purpose? The bottom line is that I did not bring my camera with me. Without photographs from this evening, all is safely locked in my memory and I know that I will treasure this occasion even more. Don't you find that whatever is hidden in your memory holds stronger experience to the past? Let's just hope that these are the happy memories.

If it was not for the 'regret' of a missing camera I would not remember this sketch of the Royal Albert Hall I drew few years ago. This was the time when I still walked around with a pen and a sketchbook and a manual camera from 1970s. Perhaps, it is time to abandon this digital world for a little while and return to more manual approach of recording. My friend has already started planning a session 'With a drawing board at the V&A' so we will see where this adventure is going to take us. I will see you next time with the progress (let's hope). Kx

Differences

2011-10-30T20:33:00.003Z

Having gone through my picture archive, I came across a number of pairs - images taken during this year. And so, here they come...

Spring and autumn, the awakening and sleepiness of two seasons.

One flourishing, full of colours and liveliness, the other cut down, missing branches and flowerbeds.

Either way, I enjoy my walk past this bush-tree and its surroundings.

One week is all it takes to develop into a bright beauty.

Can you feel the difference in temperature here? One of these pictures was taken on a sunny autumn day whereas the other was captured on a cloudy chilly day.

Which one is which?

Summer and autumn at the same spot.

Close-up or a distance shot, one can (yet again) feel the difference in atmosphere here. Just a quick look on one picture and a lovely warmth enters your bones when the other has chilliness underlining the visual experience.

All I expect now is for the tree to shed its leaves and the foreground disappearing.

However, this step will take us too far. This will take us to winter and for this I do not mind to wait for a bit longer. I am sure that autumn has still a lot to offer. So just wait and see and enjoy the differences. Kx

Another sunny day

2011-10-23T12:22:00.000+01:00

As mentioned in 'Green to red to yellow to brown' I am about to bore you with more autumn images. This week we have been quite lucky with the weather. Even though it has turned chilly it is also sunny adding a touch a crispiness to the scene all around.

I have already talked about colours this season creates. And again, these pictures only confirm what I have written so far about tones of green, yellow, brown, even red.

How can one tree end up so colourful?, I wonder. I went past this tree one morning and even though I was in a bit of a hurry, I just knew I would have to share this with you.

There is so much colour around this season, don't you think?

Therefore, indulge yourself in whatever nature has on offer this time of a year. Bellow are just two photographs taken on another sunny day this week.

Berries hiding inside a colourful tree crown;

the juxtaposition of three colours that hold such a contrast to the whole visual experience.

Can you feel the crispiness coming from these images? Taken on a sunny day in a time when nature is in its most challenging mood, one can only admire its power. Power of beauty that is. Kx.

Spine & Veins & Reflection

2011-10-16T12:00:00.000+01:00

As promised in 'Green to red to yellow to brown' post last week, I have returned to pursue my desire to create. My latest inspiration is hidden in 'Leafy wonders', a post from last month. This time, apart from using photography as a starting point, I also reached for Photoshop and its colour tweaking features.

I wanted to find colours that are more bold than in the original image. The picture above introduces reds&oranges, blues&purples, browns&beige and of course tones of green. Even though I may not use these colours so boldly, this gives me bigger scope of colours and widens the choice from available yarns. My preliminary research has taken me to a 'Patons Fusion' brand.

I have chosen the colours and now is time to be more technical.

Again with the help of Photoshop the texture here is made more visible. What I can see are small rectangles joined by red 'veins'/'spine'. After all, I translated this as a 'structure joined with material' in the 'Leafy wonders' post. Now, I just went into a more detail.

Last picture in that post was of these two leaves laying side by side.

First, 'very loosely' seen as a mirror image, this time I am aiming more for some sort of a 'reflection' when I see this picture. Reflection hidden or revealing itself in the 'front&back'. Focusing only on these two leaves, one is seen from its smooth front whereas the second is face down revealing texture. Could this lead to a double-sided design?...

I will see you on my 'Updates' page with the progress of this creation. In the meantime, have a good time whatever you are doing and see you soon. Kx

Update: Sunday, 23 October 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

Working on my latest project ('Spine & Veins & Reflection'), I have been in the middle of crocheting what I call 'building blocks'. After last week's experiment with Photoshop's colour features, I have selected three gradient-like colours of yarn: green/grey, brown/grey and red/orange.

Just to give you an idea of my vision into this project, what you are looking at on the picture on the right is what could end up as my material (once joined of course).

Previously, I have focused on a close-up of a leaf pointing out little rectangles that are joined with 'veins'. Mixing two shades of yarn (green/grey & brown/grey), I have tried to join them with the remaining colour I have chosen (red/orange).

Here you can see the front & reverse of the trial; as if copying a leaf from its smooth front and a textured back, don't you think?

It looks that I am seriously heading for a double-sided design here. I have mentioned this previously and now have an idea how to achieve it. This is like 'the surprising element that has come out of a working process' that has appeared in a number of my projects. And this is just the way I like it. I will let you know how well (or not) I am progressing. In the meantime, have a good time whatever you are doing and see you soon. Kx

Update: Sunday, 30 October 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

A week on and this is what my material looks like right now. You have no idea how much time and effort has gone into these two pieces. I can see very clearly now that it will take me a while to complete. So I will just keep on crocheting...

Update: Sunday, 13 November 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

...so I just kept on crocheting during the past couple of weeks. I am happy to say that my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' project is taking shape.

Bearing in mind the form of a leaf, I have made the connection to some sort of a short cloak that would cover my shoulders; similarly to the leaf on the left wrapping up as if wanting to enclose me inside. Such analogy has accompanied me from the beginning of this project and so why not follow this direction?

And so here I am, crocheting and joining and crocheting and shaping. I will see you next time with the progress. Kx

Update: Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

After my 'Crochet marathon', which was interrupted a number of times, I have an image to show you. A day after my mini-deadline, I finished joining the three previously joined pieces and here comes some sort of a wrap.

There are still certain pieces missing but I have much clearer idea now of where the design process is taking me. The key at this stage lies in wrapping/joining/fastening. The image above shows the design piece wide open revealing the reverse. This is the side that depicts texture of the leaf. It has much stronger visual experience which was created by the joining technique.

I leave you here and delve back into 'Spine & Veins & Reflection'. See you next time with the progress. Kx

Update: Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

I am glad to say that I am reaching the finale to my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection'. As you can see, I have considered a number of ways of folding the wrap/cloak. It is about time now I shared my idea of fastening.

For this I have reached for hooks & eyes rather than buttons. Since their dark colour would not suit the design I covered the hooks individually with red yarn. To achieve this, I used super glue, tweezers, needle and scissors; a very unlikely tools. Despite all this equipment, I still ended up with the super glue all over my fingers. I should have worn gloves...

On the right is my customised pair of hooks & eyes clipped together to keep the wrap in place turning it into a short cloak. As I said, the key is in 'wrapping/joining/fastening'. I just love the freedom to produce such a design, don't you?

Update: Tuesday, 6 December 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

This is the final update relating to 'Spine & Veins & Reflection'. Here the wrap is clipped together enclosing me inside like a drying autumn leaf.

When closed on only the top hook&eye, I get looser design whereas when closed on all three hooks&eyes, the wrap is more in control being turned into a cross between a wrap and a cloak.

Since the hooks&eyes are on both sides, I can clip them from each side creating yet another look.

When in motion, I can feel the freedom of material floating and bouncing around me.

Despite the fact that the entire piece is rather loose, I can feel warmth and comfort spreading down my body and this is more than welcome to an autumn inspired design.

Pinning the sides, the wrap turns into a cloak.

This gives me slightly different freedom in motion yet still allows me to reveal the visual that is so striking at the back and the curves a girl wants to make visible; the waist and the fitting at the back.

My sleeves are rather wide with floppy ends, again corresponding with the notion of a leaf.

Wrapped loosely around me or pinned into a decorative cloak, my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' can be worn on both sides revealing a smooth front of the material or showing its textured reverse all of which is demonstrated in all these photographs.

This project is at its end, which makes me feel a bit sad. I must say, I had such a great time working on it. I enjoyed the entire journey of the design process and now am looking forward to wearing it to various occasions and be admired (let's hope). K-)

Green to red to yellow to brown

2011-10-10T12:24:00.000+01:00

Even though Indian Summer is most likely over there is still so much material waiting for collection. This is the season when we can more than ever focus on colours. Autumn is full of them. I have already talked about this in 'Leafy wonders' post few weeks ago. Therefore, can you imagine what the colour scheme looks like now?

This is the time when trees still have their crowns full of leaves yet these start to change their colour. It is the time before trees shed their leaves completely.

Here, they are turning from green to red.

Trees look more interesting this time of the year. They are not just covered with tones of greens but also shades of reds, yellows and browns. I am sure that between now and the time leaves disappear from trees completely, I will bore you with more images and text relating to them.

This is also the time when wind starts to pick up. Have you noticed how windy it has become over the past few days? Similarly to spring, I felt that I brought half of the park home with me; in my eyes that is. They were full of dust and whatever could fit in.

Wind also makes it more difficult for me to take pictures.

First of all, I find it hard myself to remain still when a wall of wind hits me from any side possible. Once I manage to secure a stable position, I realise that my subject is also moving making it difficult to capture the moment. Nonetheless, the image I may end up with is also rather interesting, don't you think? The colours remain the same but become blurry introducing new possibilities.

On this note, I will leave you for another week. Beginning this week, I intend to return to designing I can make public. The truth is, I have started to produce for Xmas. Yes, the C word I do not want to reveal correctly just yet. After all, we are still at the beginning of October. However, by creating my first gift, I was allowed to explore certain way of making/joining. Therefore, have a nice week and see you soon. Kx

Another day, another squirrel

2011-10-09T20:33:00.000+01:00

Whichever park you go to, there is a great chance you come across a squirrel or two or... I went out to simply get out for a while and soon after entering the park, I just had to reach for my camera. My subject was once again a squirrel.

I actually felt the stare coming from this little creature. Half hidden by the grass, this squirrel kept looking at me as if saying 'What do you want. This is my patch of the park'. Soon after, I was left to my own devices and the squirrel went off to explore its territory.

Which is why, yet again, I found myself chasing a squirrel with my lens enjoying it all with a big smile on my face.

To be honest, I also felt stupid since I would run after this little guy with my camera tripping over my own feet.

The squirrel was the one in charge here. Running from one patch of grass to another, eating whatever it found, jumping just as I pressed the capture button on my camera. Still, I enjoyed every minute of it. Stupid or not, it was fun.

Just look at the pictures. Aren't they fun?

Greenwich

2011-10-03T15:31:00.001+01:00

In case you wonder what you are looking at, this is a close up from Greenwich Museum. One can easily spend whole day both indoors and outdoors exploring this rather important place on Earth. After all, we measure time from a line on the ground here.

Since I am not a scientist, this is as far as I would go with any scientific talk and begin to focus on what caught my eye this time I visited Greenwich.

I just love the combination of the subtle tones on these two photographs. Despite the fact that both were taken indoors I believe it was the sun shining through the glass roof and big windows that helped set up this atmosphere. Of course, the material of the propeller and the beacon also needs to be thanked for to catch my attention.

The shine & reflection, the yellows & greys, the lightness & darkness that would help break the images to simplicity. All of this is so similar to the two following and contrasting photographs. These are close ups of boats from some time ago.

Stripped bare from the decoration it is the colour scheme that I find so striking. So bold. At the same time, notice the harmony within the colour patches dividing the space on the photographs into such balanced sections.

Just squint your eyes and see...

Over the past few weeks I have collected number of inspirational images that have created ideas in my head. It is about time I started sketching them up so that you can see where I am going with my line of thinking. Just bare with me for a bit longer. The weather has been so good recently that I do not want to sit at home but prefer to go out and collect material for cold dark winter days. Therefore, enjoy the rest of this Indian Summer and see you with my next post. Kx

My London Design Festival 2011

2011-09-26T13:50:00.007+01:00

Last Friday was the opening of the Postmodernism exhibition at the V&A. Before visiting the show I was welcomed by this spiral by Amanda Levete Architects. What a great start to this year's London Design Festival.

This giant gorilla by David Mach introduces The Power of Making exhibition organised by the Crafts Council. Made out of coat hangers, this sculpture perfectly describes the meaning of the show. I just wonder how long it took to make. So eye catching, the giant gorilla stands at the right place.

An office building in Hammersmith also houses another piece by David Mach - an astronaut going up and down a transparent lift. He is visible from the outside so everytime I go past I have to stop and admire the craftsmanship.

The Power of Making exhibition puts together both acclaimed designers and members of the public who love to create. What a great idea. The room is filled with inspiration from top to bottom. Thumbs up for this exhibition.

'Textile Field' by Bouroullec Brothers also topped up my list of favourites. The installation fills the space of the Raphael Gallery with colour and comfort.

I must admit, this textile piece beckoned me as if saying 'Come on, lounge on me'. So I did - together with other visitors to the gallery. What a bliss. I just wish it could stay there longer. I would visit this part of the V&A more often.

Tent London is a fair I always look forward to visiting during the London Design Festival. This year (as well as last) was extra special since my friend (another colleague in crime from university) was showing her work.

Lizzie Mary Cullen is a designer with a heart at the right place. An illustrator throughout from day one. Her enthusiasm shines through her work which is so well demonstrated on her website. Definitely worth visiting since it describes her work and activivties all so well.

Here, I caught her in action when she was writing a letter to a couple of lovely girls. A 'Love Letter' is one of Lizzie's current projects which she brought with her to Tent. A great way of demonstrating her skill on the spot.

The Old Spitafields Market also took part in London Design Festival. It hosted Origin - The Contemporary Craft Fair. There was so much to see and admire but it was two names respectively that stood out (at least to me). Jewellery designer and maker Anna Wales who incorporates touch of colour in a form of textile beads into her Boa Collection and a craft designer Catherine Carr who specialises in glass and textiles. What I wanted to see was her crocheted glass and I was not disappointed. The Origin Fair exceeded my expectations.

There was much more to see and write about. I have just touched it with a few personal insights. Therefore, let me know your experience from the London Design Festival 2011. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kx

Leafy wonders

2011-09-19T13:53:00.000+01:00

As much as one tries to ignore it, this image suggests that we are on the brink of autumn. Typical for England, the question will go along the lines of 'What happened to the summer?' Not much I would say. It seems to have gone unnoticed.

However, another rather interesting season is about to start. If summer is filled with energy, autumn is in a way quite a poetic season. Given by the colours it produces, you simply cannot but feel nostalgic. At the same time, there is so much inspiration around to draw from.

The mixture of colours and texture hidden in these images;

the spine and veins running down this leaf.

My translation takes me towards a shape or a structure covered/joined with material/matter.

Very loosely seen as a mirror image, it is also the transparency and the light reflection on the surface that brings my attention to the two leaves on the right.

There is something about all these pictures. It would be worth using them as a base for a project, what do you think? I will give it some thought. In the meantime, have a great week and see you soon with my next post. Kx

Where the inspiration lies

2011-09-12T12:50:00.009+01:00

This little creature brought a smile to my face as I was on my way towards duties first thing in the morning today.

I just could not resist and took a few snapshots. This squirrel was so natural making poses... (also showing me its back). Its fur, the gentle tonal differences that are so striking at times, touch vibrant at places. The texture. Even the way the squirrel blends with the pathway.

There I was chasing this squirrel with my lens, enjoying every minute of it and before I knew it there were two of them. Sharing a little patch of the park, looking for food or entertainment?

Observing this for a moment during the morning rush, slowing down in my tracks and taking in somebody else's daily routine seriously made my day. How this little can be enough to brighten up a day.

I remembered this little guy looking at me as if wishing for me to 'take the damn shot'.

Similarly to the squirrel, I was also allowed to indulge myself this time watching a 'catwalk' of Kensington Palace gardens...

Therefore, enjoy the catwalk with me. This is a part of a spring/autumn collection 2011. Note the vibrant colours neatly joined by natural tones of nature. I am sure this theme will find its way to a number of next seasons. Therefore, watch out!

Richmond Park

2011-09-04T21:42:00.006+01:00

My latest outing was not so far away from London. This weekend we visited Richmond Park. One does not have to venture far away to see a bit more flora and fauna. Having said that, I still like to remember New Forest with its ponies.

Apart from the size of Richmond Park, it is the deer that make this place special. Soon after our arrival, we came across this herd. Gracefully minding their own business and posing for photographs.

As we walked around, I could not but take few shots of trees, both standing and fallen. I have mentioned my affair with trees earlier. Their structure, complexity, timelessness. Their strength. They are simply perfect.

Yet again, there was a pleasant surprise. If you remember my excitement from New Forest when I found 'hnědák', this time it was 'bedla' alias 'parasol mushroom' that crossed my way.

What you collect here is only the cup and only when still closed...

This image shows them as two pretty creations of nature. However, the parasol mushrooms are at their best when still young therefore, just leave these where found and admire them. They certainly deserve it.

...and so what I did was to 'unscrew' the cup of a baby parasol mushroom and turned it into a bread crumb mushroom dish. Pity I found only one. These tasted delicious.

Mussel Runner

2011-08-29T13:08:00.009+01:00

To bring you up to date, below is a reminder of my latest project.

This image was introduced to you with my last week's update (Mussel Trivet 24/07/2011). Since then I have found a design idea for it.

All I will tell you about it right now is that it is within the range of dining accessories. The rest will come in images. Is this a teaser or what?...

Update: Saturday, 6 August 2011

'Teaser' revealed

- more in due course...

And now, we can start. The Mussel Runner

This design came out of 'Trial 2', an idea for a trivet to be made out of mussel shells (which still has to be completed). However, this project took over. Partially, because it was easier to take a few balls of string and a crochet hook with me on my holidays rather than the drill (also mentioned in that post). This meant that after my arrival back I had already created the runner. What was left to do was to attach the shells.

For this, the drill came handy. And so I spent a day drilling and drilling and drilling...

To attach the shells a craft wire and a pair of pliers was used. How funny to think that to create a table runner one needs a drill and pliers.

In case you wonder why the mussel shells? The material made crocheting would surely be enough. It runs from one end of the table to the other and it is also decorative. So why the shells?

The answer is (yet again) in multi-functionality. What I did not want to have was a purely decorative piece. What is more, the design of a Mussel Trivet is still on top of my list. This is why I decided to incorporate the meaning of a trivet into the table runner.

Even though the material itself is dense enough to protect the table from any possible heat, the shells add an extra protection. Plus it will not stain&burn the base so much.

Below is to give you an idea about 'without' & 'with'; the 'Mussel Runner' in action.

Which brings me back to the design of the 'Mussel Trivet'. I am off to do some drilling now so see you next time. Kx

New Forest

2011-08-27T10:52:00.001+01:00

One thing you notice about this place is the freedom. Freedom of flora and fauna which spreads as far as one can see. This area of eastern England is for obvious reasons a National Park with villages scattered around.

What caught my attention at first were the New Forest ponies. As we were driving around we would share the roads. These creatures seemed to be accustomed to human beings and certainly did not look bothered by our presence. They would be everywhere. On the roads or strolling the fields. Even hiding in the shade of this bridge.

How great it is to see such freedom.

This area is certainly pleasing to the eye. After getting used to the ponies everywhere around me I found myself absorbed in all the colours. The greens, the pinks and purples all within my reach.

I am sure everybody sees such nature differently. Everybody also uses it differently. For walking, riding, even horse riding. What a great place to live in.

Not far away from the open, I was swallowed by this forest. And what a forest it is. The ground covered with branches, the messiness of the place. This place is magical.

At one point, we found ourselves surrounded by blackberries. And we just could not stop picking. They were sweet, they were juicy, they were delicious.

This one outing to New Forest reminded me how much I miss being in nature. I hope to repeat this experience. New Forest will stay with me for a long time.

Hnědák

2011-08-26T19:42:00.004+01:00

This time I was more adventures and ventured further from London. The area I am writing about is located in Southern England. And here is where after fourteen years in the UK I finally found a mushroom - Boletus Edulis alias hnědák (in my native slang).

I must admit I secretly hoped to find one. When I entered the woodland, I was suddenly surrounded by conifers perfect for growing such mushrooms. This is why I could not but turn myself into mushrooming mode. On my up-to-date visits to the woods I would had never attempted the activity of picking the mushrooms. The surroundings just did not look right. That is up to now.

The woodland here was rather messy creating crunchy noise when stepped on or climed over. It was also little dark with rays of sun shining through less dense spots. Suddenly, I felt like the ten-year-old who went mushrooming with her grandma...

My excitement was such that despite the fact that we got home quite late, I was ready to cut some vegetables, defrost the chicken and cook dinner where the extra ingredient was hnědák. It is worth mentioning that I do not usually eat mushrooms. On this occasion though I could not resist. This one mushroom did noticeably alter and better the entire taste experience.

Snippet from holidays

2011-08-18T18:48:00.005+01:00

Imagine you can wake up to such a view. Summer or winter, you cannot beat the reflection in the pond. Believe me. I know what I am talking about. This is the view I enjoyed for the first eighteen years of my life. This is the picturesque view of my hometown.

Twice a year (winter & summer) I visit my hometown and remind myself of the charm this place holds. It has ramparts running around with a deep ditch and a pond protecting the town from one side. And this is the side I was lucky to observe from my window when I still lived there.

I have been away for too many years now so can see more clearly how privileged I was as a child. What a shame I did not appreciate it then.

The name is Čáslav.

Brighton Pebble

2011-08-06T21:41:00.004+01:00

In my last post 'Chesil Beach' I promised to return to this image (or a section of it to be precise). This orange pebble has been an inspiration for two projects. The Brighton Pebble is one of them.

Since the question of 'Why do some pebbles on a beach colour orange?' has stayed unanswered, its presence has been nagging deeply in my mind ever since. At that time, I once again collected a lot of carrier bags (the same as for 'Hammock Chair'), this time from Sainsbury's. This is why, having been surrounded by orange Sainsbury's carrier bags and having the shape of the pebble locked in my mind, I made a connection for a storage design.

I used the same weave as for the 'Hammock Chair' and after a lot of carrier bags (and a lot of patience) the Brighton Pebble started to take its shape. Since the pebble itself has a round shape, I just weaved round and round...

However, I felt that a perfect ball would not justify the intricacy of nature. Therefore, the design started to take a slightly skewed shape.

As you may have noticed, I tend to look for multiple functions (e.g. Hammock Chair turned into a backpack to be carried around) in my designs. And this element became obvious when creating a lid for the Brighton Pebble design.

My lid becomes a bowl that houses loose balls of wool at the moment. However, one can use it to carry anything one wishes.

Originally, all I wanted was to create storage. This has been achieved well since I store carrier bags inside. However, during the design process I gained extra 'storage' - a bowl.

How great it is to end up with a surprise (in a form of a multiple functionality) by the end of a project. Now the question is: Is this the end? I believe that more can be done to perfect it. Therefore, watch out for a completion of Brighton Pebble on my 'Updates' page.

In the meantime, have a great weekend and see you soon on my 'Updates' and other pages. Kx

Chesil Beach

2011-08-01T12:46:00.007+01:00

Since we have a mini heatwave now (as they call it), we paid a visit to Chesil Beach near Weymouth yesterday. Apparently, in 2001 this Jurassic Coast was designated the UK's first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Chesil Beach is a part of a 152 km long coastline laid with pebbles. Unlike a sandy beach, every step one takes is accompanied with quite a deafening noise. Despite that or probably because of that, I enjoyed making myself heard with every step (being a city girl now, I do not have such an opportunity).

As I was (sometimes) descending into the mountain of pebbles, I remembered this image taken years ago on a Brighton beach. I wondered than how come that some of the pebbles are orange. As if standing out in a crowd. And I still wonder. The tonal difference created by nature is worth observing.

I did take some stones from Brighton home as a keepsake. This time, having visited Chesil Beach, I also brought home a couple. They are two white pebbles smoothed down by the sea.

I wonder if there is going to be a project referring to the two white pebbles... Previously, two designs came out of the Brighton pebble. To share this information I will see you in my next post. In the meantime, enjoy the mini heatwave while it lasts. As we know, it never lasts in England. Kx

In motion

2011-07-24T22:07:00.004+01:00

Isn't it funny how many people are scared of anything that would buzz around them? The sound itself creates such a fear. Girls tend to jump around and scream. Why though, I ask.

We often value and adore anybody who can manage a number of tasks in a short time. What is more, they can do it all to perfection. How many times have we said '...as busy as a bee? Put this aside, just look at this image. Don't you find the colours of this creature sitting on another contrasting colour rather charming? Forget about the fear and just see the beauty around.

Have you actually ever observed the way both wasps and bees fly? It is a rather monotonous move yet keeps certain gracefulness. The time they take before they sit on a flower. How do they choose? Is it the colour?

I remember how close to me they would get when I was a child and had a sweet drink. Can they smell sweetness?

All these questions unanswered. Do you have any idea? Let me know. In the meantime, have a great week. I believe summer has finally arrived (at least a touch) so enjoy it. Kx

Natural elements

2011-07-17T17:38:00.006+01:00

What a day we have had. Dark & rainy, bright & sunny, windy yet reasonably warm. How weird. Natural elements can catch us by surprise at various moments of the day.

This picture plays with the magic of light. It may look like mist but the image's charm lies in the way the sun hits its subject.

I was on my way home through the park on a spring evening. I guess it was the time of the year and the day that created such atmosphere. No wonder that more interesting pictures are taken on a not so sunny summery day...

A touch of wind during a rainy day and again, this image evokes a fairy-like beauty.

Straight away, I think of a touch-scary fairytale that could use such scenery. Let's say 'The Beauty and the Beast'?...

What we have here is a fog, or is it?

In fact, this was a cloud that swallowed us on a trip to the mountains. And as quickly as it came, it also left. The experience though was memorable.

Natural elements in their full power make us realise how insignificant we actually are and how fully reliable we can be on their mercy. Therefore, let's appreciate natural beauty in any of its face. It is definitely worth it, don't you think?

Mussel Trivet - the journey

2011-07-15T12:58:00.022+01:00

I was given this image of mussels neatly arranged and ready for roasting over a flaming pyre. This is a process seen around the south-west coast of France (or so I am told). What interests me here is the way the mussels are arranged.

For some time now, I have kept empty mussel shells hoping to find the right use for them. They are strong, water and heat resistant and reasonably shaped. What is more, they are also rather decorative pieces.

This is why I decided to turn them into a trivet.

My question is how to join them. I do not want to use glue (even though I might to at some stage) and I do not have a drill with the necessary drill bits.

Therefore to start with, I decided to reach for a string. Partly because I can use it for crochet and partly because of my hands-on approach when materials can be manipulated and controlled purely by my hands.

Here we go. It looks that I have found my next project. It is about time. My 'Updates' page cries for an update. Therefore, keep checking the progress. A 'Mussel Trivet' does sound exciting (at least to me) and one never knows what can come out of it. Have a great weekend and see you soon. Kx

Update: Sunday, 17 July 2011

Mussel Trivet

A few days into a 'Mussel Trivet' project and this is where I am so far.

Trial 1

Using a string, I crocheted 'slots' into which the mussel shells can be slipped. Pleasing to the eye, here is a potential for a trivet.

What is not answering my design is the sheer height. The string&shell layers make the design pop up. What I need is a flat object.

Therefore, next...

Trial 2

As I have mentioned in my 'Web Top' post, I have a clever book on crochet patterns. This one is a pattern I wanted to try out for a long time.

What you can see here is the front and back of a material that responses to the demand of a trivet. First of all, it is flat which was missing from the previous design.

What is more, it is dense which gives the necessary protection between a hot pot and a desk/table. So here is a potential for a design.

What I am missing here are the mussel shells. Obviously, I cannot have a Mussel Trivet without any mussel shells. Therefore, I need to find a connection between Trial 1 & Trial 2.

For this, I will see you in my next update. In the meantime, if you have any suggestion do let me know. Ta. Kx

Update: Sunday, 24 July 2011

Mussel Trivet

We are another week into my 'Mussel Trivet' project and a lot has happened since then. That is if you count a lot of thinking (which is always important to include, of course).

To cut the story short, I realised that there will be a need to invest into a drill and drill bits afterall. That is why I got one. And what a beauty it is, don't you think?

When I was first year at uni, I was told to get a drill. Apparently I would (sooner or later) find a use for it. I am a number of years out of uni now and finally have found the use (or so I hope). So here we go. I will tell you what happened next week.

This image was introduced to you with my last week's update. Since then I have found a design idea for it.

All I will tell you about it right now is that it is within the range of dining accessories. The rest will come in images. Is this a teaser or what?...

I hear that the coming week should feel like summer so enjoy it and see you soon. Kx

Update: Saturday, 6 August 2011

'Teaser' revealed

- more in due course...

Update: Monday, 29 August 2011

My teaser turned into a table runner. More on 'Mussel Runner' can be seen in its own post. Just click on the link.

Update: Sunday, 11 September 2011

Mussel Trivet

After incorporating a trivet into my 'Mussel Runner', the design process of the 'Mussel Trivet' itself has taken a different dimension; the follow on step. The image above suggests the idea. Therefore, keep on checking the 'Updates' page. I will see you soon with the progress.

Hammock Chair

2011-07-08T13:26:00.008+01:00

Recently, I went through my photographs. If I say photographs I mean actual photographs (not virtual). These represent the time of shooting on rolls of film and bringing them to Snappy Snaps for developing. Time not so long ago however, in this fast-paced digital world we can freely acknowledge that it seems like centuries ago.

The reason for this exercise was to find pictures of a project done some ten years ago when I was studying Foundation course at Richmond Adult College. During that time I would focus on the fashionable phrase 'Reduce, reuse, recycle'. I believe this motto is still the focus of my work. I still prefer to reach for a material within my environment, hence the three mini projects referring to 'What lies beneath (and above)' post when an old pair of jeans became my material.

To return to the image above, I collected a pile of Tesco carrier bags that became a fundamental source to the entire project. At the same time, we were bombarded by various designs of hammocks which I could not leave go by unnoticed. I decided to make a Hammock Chair out of Tesco carrier bags.

The Hammock Chair was based on a shape of a beanbag; the 'inside curve' to be precise. This gave me the size and a shape.

For this design, I believe I used approximately 500 carrier bags.

As I was progressing with the project, I needed to think about its usability. I realised that to have purely a hammock chair is not enough. I needed to be able to carry it around. So I made up a story to go with it.

1. Made out of carrier bags, first I use it as a shoulder bag itself and take it to a shop (Tesco to keep to the theme). There I buy myself a picnic that would be placed and carried in this 'bag'.

The two shoulder straps of the 'bag' are the two vertical connectors between the top and the middle part that represent the back support of the Hammock Chair.

Also, note the little hook visible at the middle section of the top horizontal connector. This holds (hooks) the whole 'bag' together.

2. After my shopping, I get to the park to relax in the Hammock Chair and enjoy the picnic.

If you focus on this image you will just about distinguish the bottled water popping out from the 'bag'. For obvious reasons of holes, I had to tuck the entire picnic in so that I do not lose it.

What I would describe as a tail is a 'rope' (also made out of carrier bags) that attach the Hammock Chair to (in this case) a tree. This 'rope' makes and fills the inside of the 'bag'.

3. Time to sit and enjoy a day in a park.

I remember how stretchy the 'rope' became. This was an unexpected element of the design. This introduced a new potential of the material yet to be explored.

Nowadays, supermarket's carrier bags are made out of a biodegradable material and so last for only a few years. I say 'only' but from an ecological point of view I have my thumbs up. After all we need to be responsible for next generations.

Joined - What lies beneath (and above)

2011-07-05T23:24:00.008+01:00

What you are looking at is my interpretation of 'What lies beneath (and above)' post, the one I have been adding to for the past month. And have I had a good time working on it, that's for sure.

This project would run around a few photographs taken on one of my walks. I focused on a detail of a specific place - a bridge dividing/connecting Kensington Gardens with Hyde Park. What came out of it are three mini projects: 'Web Top', 'Belt-strap Handbag' & 'Fold Dress'.

1. Web Top

Ever so light, it is surprisingly strong and despite all the holes produces a certain level of warmth.

Crocheted white part is made out of only one piece folded and joined together & blue part represents decoration and helps to shape and keep visual division.

2. Belt-strap Handbag

Like a puzzle, four pockets from an old pair of jeans are re-arranged to make an unusual design full of quirky compartments.

Using a sewing machine, I am rather pleased with the ease this handbag was created (especially since I had not used a sewing machine on my own up to that point).

3. Fold Dress

What used to be trouser-legs became the front and back of a dress.

Slightly daring, this dress will remain to be my pride. One can achieve a lot if the mind is set to it. Left to my own devices, what I can do is to belief in my ideas and make it all work. There is always a way.

Coincidentally, I met my friend Agnieszka (alias Aga) yesterday. She was my 'colleague in crime' during our university studies. I have always had a good lough in her company so was looking forward to meeting her again last night. And it would not be me if I would not use this opportunity and ask her to become my photographer for the evening. What a job she has done. Below is a selection of photographs taken in a stylish setting of Tower Bridge and the City Hall.

One more thing to mention. There are few leftovers as well as unused parts that have been produced during the design process. The zip from the jeans, little rosettes crocheted for the 'Web Top',... These will stay safely in my possession to find the right use for them later. I will draw your attention to them in due course. See you soon. Kx

Fold Dress completed

2011-07-03T20:31:00.001+01:00

A quick note to let you know that my 'Fold Dress' is finished. I think I need more projects such as this one. I would become a pro regarding unpicking what has just been done. I am not sure how many times I actually unpicked certain sections but it did not stop me from staying focused and finishing the dress. To summarise, I enjoyed it.

Now is the time to look for another challenge. Let's wait and see what the next week brings. As usual, do not forget to keep checking my 'Updates' and 'Photos' pages. I do put more info there. See you soon. Kx

The trail

2011-06-27T22:55:00.009+01:00

On one of my walks, I saw this. A tree with a yellowy-green crown. The combination of colours made me stop and soak its richness. The brightness of the leaves, the darkness of the branches and the intensity with which the sun hits the subject.

And so I went through my photo archive to pick some more images that made me stop for similar reasons.

Everywhere you look now, you can see grass in flower. The contrasting colours stand out. We always played with grass this time of the year when we would grasp a stem of grass and run our fingers from bottom to top. Then we would guess if it is a 'cockerel', 'hen', or a 'chicken' (depending on the size) the other one of us held between their fingers.

Of course most of the time it was a 'chicken' because we tried so hard to create something else that the stem would end up shed to its perfection not leaving any longer part to tear off to describe a cockerel's tail. In other words, the messier, the better chance to create a 'hen' or a 'cockerel'. We would just not understand.

This image was taken at around the same time as the grass image above. I was honestly surprised to see a pair of dandelions at this stage of their life this late into spring. I thought that by now, they would be all gone.

Again, I remembered my childhood when we would weave a princess's crown from dandelions (in their earlier yellow stage). Later, when this weed turned into white balls, we would blow it into our faces. What a fun.

Since I allowed myself to go back through my memory lane, I simply have to include this picture. The cottage where I spent all my summer holidays bears such a resemblance to this close-up of a shed from Kensington Gardens. The way the plunks are joined, the little window, the greenery in front.

It was our grandma who would take us kids and spend two months taking care of us there. We have such fond memories of our cottage which was made possible by the kindness and willingness of our grandma. She was a lady and a grandma with a capital 'G'.

It is funny how far back can some images take us. There is always a trail to be found in our memories. Their interpretation (depending on every each of us) will create a different story to tell, different atmosphere to capture. This is my trail.

Welcome to summer

2011-06-27T00:41:00.001+01:00

Today definitely felt like a summer. Sunny, hot and humid. Unfortunately, I am not that great when it is hot and humid. In a way, I prefer to stay in a cool place. Which is not great when you want to enjoy the sunshine.

This is why I got up quite early for Sunday, managed all the necessary chores and quickly sat to complete my 'Belt-strap Handbag'. Quite a good part of yesterday was already dedicated to this design so all I wanted to do today was to finish the making and head out. Keep in the shade but be out there.

The image above is from today (yesterday since it is past midnight now) when I took the handbag for a walk. We got out during late afternoon by which time the warmth of the day was rather pleasant. And since we have had a few days of rain the park was beautifully green. Pleasure to look at and a great backdrop for my 'Belt-strap Handbag' I would say. This was a lovely finale to the weekend.

Click 'Belt-strap Handbag' to view its entire design process.

New 'Photo' page

2011-06-22T20:03:00.001+01:00

Since I mentioned photography in my introduction, it is about time I actually shared some of my pictures with you. These are under my new 'Photo' page. And there is in a few lines explained why I take photographs like these. So make sure you click the 'Photo' button every now and then because I will put more images on display as time goes by. Kx

New 'Updates' page

2011-06-19T21:20:00.004+01:00

Today just shortly.

I just wanted to bring your attention to my new 'Updates' page. As it is explained, this page is a stage in-between my design process. Since I have few projects running at the same time, I feel that to make it easier for you to see what I am up to, 'Updates' page will show you a progress of a specific project. At the same time it will link and navigate you directly to the beginning of the project where you can refresh your memory and see the whole process from its start.

Also, I almost forgot. I have finally got myself a sewing machine. I am seeing somebody for a crash course tomorrow. It has been years since I used a sewing machine and even then I needed supervision. Therefore tomorrow is a crash course and after that it is just me and the design. And of course my new friend the sewing machine. This means that I can return to my 'Fold Dress' and 'Belt-strap Handbag' and try to complete the design. As ever, will keep you posted.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and wish you a great week ahead. And don't forget - Wimbledon is on.

Web Top

2011-06-10T16:53:00.019+01:00

What do you think the image above stands for? Yes, it is crochet. This one however, represents yet another follow-up from 'What lies beneath' post. This time, I have taken and analyzed its last two images.

What is highlighted here is the pillar itself; its decoration and its vertical line stretching from top to bottom.

Starting with this vertical 'line', my thoughts are directly taken to 'division' between left & right. At the same time, this is also about a 'joint' between left & right. Additionally, note the blue tone of the post...

...I have a clever book on crochet patterns and this one (at least to me) represents the decoration on the lamp post. Therefore, I am hoping to use it here.

Now, just look at the spider web stretching along one side of the post. What a beauty. Even though the web is not symmetrical its detail definitely stands for perfection. Perfection in asymmetry.

Starting with crochet, I can experiment with a pattern. What you can see in the image on the right are samples of 'perfection' & 'asymmetry' sitting on a net/web.

Last but not least is this image of stonework of the bridge. One thing I cannot but notice is this curve created in the stonework. As if this was a half of ever so often celebrated female figure.

And my thoughts are forming in my head - 'line', 'joint', 'asymmetry', 'curve'... Yet again, this project is growing but coming back together. Since I am working on a Fold Dress and a Belt-strap Handbag I might as well crochet a top/cardigan to wear with the dress.

What a joy to be so busy with such enjoyable projects. Do not forget to keep checking their progress. I will keep you posted. As ever...

Update: Saturday, 18 June 2011

Web Top

A week on and this is how far I got so far with my Web Top.

After initial stages, I started to think about turning the meaning of a lamp post with a spider web attached to it around. Meaning to see a lamp post attached to a spider web. With that in mind I have crocheted my base - a sort of a spider web (as you can see in the image above). Now I will take the idea of a lamp post and returning to the analogy of a line/division/joint will complete the Web Top.

And this is just a taster of what the top looks like on a human body right now;
a connection to a 'curve' & a 'female figure' from the Web Top post.

The next stage is to keep to the blueish colour of the lamp post and use the crochet pattern shown in the Web Top post to 'divide', 'join' and also decorate the design.

Update: Friday, 24 June 2011

Web Top

Another week has gone and my Web Top reaches its finale.

To start with, let me introduce to you my friend Elena who has been selected to be my model. I made her as a base for a face jewellery piece some time ago. However, she has been promoted since then and has become a valuable member of my presentation team. Therefore, let me give you Elena wearing ever so light Web Top.

Do you remember this image? It is the one of a spider web attached to the lamp post and the decoration of the lamp post itself. Both of these observations played an important role in the making of the 'Web Top'.

This is my interpretation made with the means of crochet. The line stretching from top to bottom, the division from left to right, the attachment...

...the perfection of the spider web, the asymmetry given by one side being wider than the other, the lightness.

The Web Top's lightness has come as a welcome element to join my design process. What is more, as I was making/shaping the top, I noticed the kind of potential that lies in the choice of wool & pattern. They both respond to the idea of a spider web. The Web Top is not only light, it is also strong and benefits from a certain warmth given by the material.

I cannot stop but being pleased with the outcome of this project. Not only have I had the chance to crochet a top that will be a useful addition to my wardrobe, but also was I able to turn the meaning around and attach what is meant to be solid to something that is so delicate. I see this as quite a challenging juxtaposition discovered during the design process. It was fun.

Belt-strap Handbag

2011-06-05T16:15:00.011+01:00

In my last post ('Fold Dress') I left you with a promise to turn my attention to the pockets left from my old cut-up jeans. Now is the time to show you my design idea related to other images from 'What lies beneath (and above)' post.

Seeing this image, all I could see were the belt-straps from my jeans that you can see in the image above. The blue colour on top of this image also fits since I am using blue denim here.

At the same time, this decoration on the side of the bridge made me ask myself what I would have hanging on my side, from my shoulder respectively.

And these thoughts gave the birth to a Belt-strap Handbag idea. I have four pockets and a waist&straps from the jeans. Since pockets are meant to keep things in, a handbag does the same thing (hopefully in an organised way).

The waist&straps piece serves more as a decoration, like the decoration on the side of the bridge. Or shall I use it to carry the bag around...?

Everything seems to come back together and answers the design process.

Similarly to my Fold Dress, this design is also on a stand-by since I still have to organise a sewing machine. So bear with me and keep checking these posts. See you soon.

Update: Sunday, 26 June 2011

Belt-strap Handbag

Finally, I have finished my 'Belt-strap Handbag'. It took me 'only' one and a half day. I know that for those who know how to use the sewing machine, one and a half day seems like eternity. However, I am actually impressed with myself. I managed it all by myself AND without supervision.

As seen in a previous post regarding the design of this handbag, I already had a pinned mock-up giving quite a good idea of the outcome. What was missing was the handbag's lining. The one I have made also has an inside divider/pocket. This part, I am not going to bother you with. Apart from unpicking it once, it was relatively easy.

What I want you to turn your attention to are certain details. For instance, the name 'KPDECO' inscribed on the waist-turn-handle of my handbag. This aims towards branding that I am using as a part of this blog and also serves as my signature.

If you have a proper look at the introductory image, you will spot that I used a former belt as a shoulder strap. I removed the buckle and was left with the question how to attach it to the handbag. For this, I twisted a strip of denim and pushed it through already created holes to hold the belt in place.

As a result, I ended up with a button. As much as it has its function it also serves as a decoration similar to the decoration on the bridge that was an inspiration for this design at the first place. Lovely touch.

What is great about this design is how many pockets this handbag has. Apart from the pocket in the lining, I actually did not have to create more pockets given by the source - four pockets from cut-up jeans. This is the beauty of designing. Take what is given and use it. This particular one is like a puzzle. It is all in there. You just have to re-arrange it.

Fold Dress

2011-06-03T23:07:00.011+01:00

Do you remember this image? It is the one from 'What lies beneath' post published last week. And this is the progress so far.

1. To start, I reached for an old pair of jeans that has been laying around for ages and cut it to pieces. For this project, I am using the trouser-legs rather than the pockets (these will find their use somewhere else).

2. Next step is to use the visual from the image above and apply it to the two pieces of what is now my material. For one piece horizontal fold has been applied when the second piece will benefit from next step - vertical fold.

By purely playing with the imagery, my design starts to take its shape.

3. Now I cannot wait to pin it all together and end up with some sort of a mock-up.

At the moment, the dress is more pins than one can imagine and can be quite painful to be tried on but this does not deter me from realising the design. What stops me right now is the lack of tools - a sawing machine to be precise. Therefore, Fold Dress is on a stand-by for now and I will turn my attention to the rest of the cut-up jeans - the pockets. For this, I will see you in my next post soon.

In the meantime, enjoy the weekend and sunshine.

Update: Sunday, 3 July 2011

Fold Dress

And finally, here comes Elena wearing 'Fold Dress' made out of an old pair of jeans. This dress was inspired by an architectural element on a side of a bridge that connects Kensington Gardens with Hyde Park.

Similarly to the 'Belt-strap Handbag', it also carries a 'KPDECO' logo seen on its bottom-left (just under the hole). Why have I not mended the hole? you ask. I decided to keep to the final state of the original piece. This part used to be the bottom fold of the trouser-leg of the jeans.

To shape the top part, I have learnt a lot about sewing for a female figure. It was slightly challenging, yet I had a good time making it.

I would like to draw your attention to the two pre-existing lines in the top's upper part and the back of the dress that had originally been made for the jeans.

I have never mentioned it during the process (maybe because it was not my making - it was already there). This bears a reference to another image from 'What lies beneath' post. Do you see the way these lines run and bend in the stonework? In my design, the lines also bend and run continuously.

The final touch on the 'Fold Dress' are the beads. A friend of mine gave me a jar of various beads and I just knew that sooner or later, I would find use for them. And 'sooner' is the case.

During this project-devided-in-three ('Web Top', 'Belt-strap Handbag', 'Fold Dress'), I have felt touch guilty for not using the intro image. Can you see the pebbles at the bottom of the river? And so, I have used this visual and transferred it onto my dress.

First of all, I colour co-ordinated and kept to the blue colour. By doing so, the beads both blend with the surroundings and at the same time, stand out. As it comes with nature, its randomness goes hand-in-hand with perfection. Therefore, I used this element and sewed the beads in less than geometrical order. And it works giving the dress extra touch of glamour.

Yet again, I have made myself rather proud. This dress came out of a section of a bridge decoration. Isn't it amazing to see how far one can go if an idea is allowed to float freely to create such an outcome?

What lies beneath (and above)

2011-05-29T11:51:00.003+01:00

Inspired by last week's walk through the park, I set on a project called 'What lies beneath (and above)'. Since this is not the movie, I am not diving under the water of course. Plus it is still quite cold to have a dip. Instead, I focused on the bridge seen in a 'On a windy day' post from last week.

Very often, we take our surroundings for granted, not noticing what is directly in front of our eyes. Therefore, here are images of the stonework, variations in colour, cracks, curves and lines... Would there be a follow up? A start to a project steered from What lies beneath (and above)?

There are few projects hidden behind these images. And I will set on making a start on them so that you can see what I mean.

This means that I will keep updating this post so stay in touch. Ta

On a windy day

2011-05-22T18:58:00.010+01:00

This is one of those days, when I could easily reach for the 'ZipOut Curtain' mentioned in my earlier post. It is so windy - perfect to stay at cosy home. What stops me is the sunshine all around. And the wind can create such background scenes...

Just look at the swan carelessly floating in a pond. Isn't it amazing how casually yet gracefully can this creature mind its own business? I am not sure about you but to me such an image looks so powerful.

Now look at the waves around the swan. So dramatic. Yet the image is so peaceful. It could be taken in a lake in the middle of nowhere or in a pond of your local park. In fact, I have spent half a day walking around Kensington Gardens where this swan was enjoying the sunshine in the pond near Kensington Palace.

Below are some more pictures from today. Enjoy!

Vibrant colours

Great pattern

What lies beneath

And architecture on my way home...

Leaf Curtain

2011-05-22T12:34:00.001+01:00

A: It is an autumn morning and you have the chance to wake up to a sun-like brightness spreading throughout your room. B: It is a summer morning and the sunny feeling in your room misses some excitement. Leaf Curtain would be the fulfilment to your desires.

Given by the colour or this curtain, the minute light hits the material certain brightness gives the room a sunny summery feeling. The warmth that is provided spreads into your bones. This curtain certainly brightens up the day. So where is the 'missing excitement' on a summer morning, you ask?

The answer is hidden in the making. For this curtain has tough sheets of cut-up acetate sewn in. This gives the curtain sound. When you reach to open the curtain you hear the sound of crunchy leafs as if you were walking through a park during autumn months.

How many times have you seen somebody strolling through a leafy park? You may have done this yourself. There is something strangely calming in the notion itself. The sound it creates certainly adds to this feeling. Therefore, why not bring this natural aspect to your home environment and enjoy it throughout the year?

The acetate sheets are hidden between the lining and the top material and leafy sound can be heart when moved. When and if you decide to clean this Leafy Curtain I suggest dry-cleaning. Make sure you mention that acetate is hidden inside so that the temperature is adjusted accordingly.

Sound is a sense that should not be taken for granted. So start and finish your day by the sound of the Leaf Curtain.

ZipOut Curtain

2011-05-15T21:57:00.004+01:00

For my degree show (some time ago now I must admit), I returned to my childhood by taking up crocheting again. And to my delight this activity was the one that made the project mine.

To bring you up to date, the idea behind was to bring nature to urban life, to our households. Playing on senses, I first attacked the sound, then vision and finally the touch. And this is when the ZipOut Curtain comes in.

This curtain is saying - 'Despite the fact that 'nature' can be lovely, it can also be nasty and rather cruel.' Before going to extremes, let's just stay with the cold and grey. This curtain is meant to keep it all ZippedOut from our view. Yet again, it plays on senses and now on assumption as well. Made out of wool that provides warmth, simple look at it and a little stroke can make us feel more comfortable, warmer. Therefore, let's Zip it Out.