Little Doodles

Beautiful ceramics by Christine Perrochon

I did a bit more research into the Japanese sweets I posted about earlier, known as Wagashi. According to the English website (which for some reason I completely bypassed the first time around) "wa" means Japanese and the characters for "gashi" mean confections. According to the website

"One of the greatest fascinations in wagashi is their potential for appealing to much more than just the sense of taste. Wagashi are an invitation to indulge all five senses and to experience a taste of Japan."

I love the idea that they are meant to appeal to every sense, I'm sure it increases the enjoyment of eating. The shapes, colours and designs are apparently influenced by Japanese literature, paintings and textiles creating a real feast for the eyes.

Here are a few more examples found through Flickr

By Giantjeansparlor

By Noriko

By Jmsmytaste

I noticed a post on this special edition Dom Perignon cooler by Marc Newson over at Luxist and it got me thinking about how design can pervade every area of life...I guess that's a given but it just reminded me of how everyday things like drinks bottles can now be "designer items" or even collectables like these limited edition Coke bottles they brought out a couple of years ago (by Manalo Blahnik and Matthew Williamson).


Plus, I spotted this cute Vodka in several magazines a couple of months ago...although there's something about dressing up alcohol as a toy that's probably a little bit off (not that you hear me comlaining, I'd definately have one of those on my shelf!)

And finally, these bottles by Kauffman Vodka just looked so gorgeous, very sculptural and jewellery like for an alcohol bottle don't you think? I think they'd be perfectly paired with the new tumblers by Artel glass, just wonderful!

I don't think serene is really a word you canuse to describe food but I can't think of a more appropriate one for these images. From what I can understand they're some kind of Japanese sweet, they do look nice in a gelatinous kind of way!

Found at Toraya

These illustrations sum up my ideal life...aah to live as a drawing!
All by Akiko Kawamura over at Atelier Doux

Thanks to Camilla for introducing me to The Lumper, I had fun going back through all of the archives...here are some of my faves.

Christian Northeast

Scott Teplin

Johnny Yanok

Beatriz Milhazes

Browing around recently I've noticed an abundance of jewellery with messages inscribed upon them which made me think, do yo wear jewellery to portray a certain message...maybe about yourself or just a reminder of how to live day to day. I like to think of it as a little trinket that you glimpse every now and then in a reflection and it's just a like little reminder, a pretty post it note you can wear!

Jewels by Dogeared, Mercedes Salazar, Tali Gillette, Me & Ro, Dior and Nordstrom

Some more pretty jewels for Tuesday

Necklaces by Mizuki, Erica Molinari

Earrings by Laurie Kaiser, Annie Fennsterstock

All at Fragments

Peacock pendant by Arman, necklace by Jeanine Payer both at Ylang23

I've been trying to build up my portfolio...starting with these detail drawings from various fashion editorials. Click on the images for more detail!

I found these designs here and am thinking they were made using home made stamps..can anyone recommend the best way to make these? They look so cute, I'd love to somehow incorporate them into my work.

I'm at a loss as to what most of these websites say but there are some beautiful products on them...from what I can understand, they're referred to as "Zakka" which according to Wikipedia "is the term for everything and anything that spruces up your home, life and outlook. It is primarily based on household items from the West that are regarded as kitsch in their countries of origin.
Zakka has also been described as "the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane". I love the second description...that's very much how I like to sum up my artwork, I like to draw the little things in life that normally pass people by.


Both at Kurkku

All at Room "kit hoo see"

"Choculator" at Sunny Style

Wonderful bag by Ally Capellino...I love buttons

Gorgeous jewellery by Raquel Moreno

While doing some more research (it's for work...I promise!) at Liberty's I decided to make a note of some of the designers they sell there. They really do have a diverse and quirky range of products which I was really happy to find...it's nice to see such a traditional and longstanding store keep coming up with new and innovative stock.

Placemat by Timorous Beasties

Doilies, glasses and plate all by Lovelylovely

Beautiful cushions, lampshades and stationary by Clarissa Hulse

I saw something like this at the Malmaison hotel up in Leeds, I love it when effort is put into little details like flower displays

LSA Elegant Calla Bowl available at Imogen Stone

I just can't stay away from Anthropologie's jewellery!

Prompted by Karin's most recent post, I had a browse of Brown's online shop. There are many goodies to behold there, my budget might not stretch that far but my imagintion does!

Simplicity is key with this 3.1 by Philip Lim sweater

Sonia Rykiel can always be counted upon for quirky knitwear

Beautiful print top from the newly relaunched Biba

Cute litle Sonia Rykiel brooch