FreeTown Patchwork Pillow

 Available on Etsy: freetown-patchwork-pillow-cover-ooak

SisterBatik ooak rich patchworking - using 100% crisp Dutch cotton batik - 8 different prints. Flying Bird appliques. Additional, inside lining of natural cotton - giving this pillow cover a wonderful heavy decor fabric feel and superb quality.

Perfect square - 18" x 18". Concealed zip along one edge. Professionally serged/ overlocked. Beige upholstery linen on the underside for durability and lasting appeal.

Super comfortable!!

Pillow insert is not included.

Also new:

 Available on Etsy: patchwork-stitch-silk-ooak-pillow-cover

Appliqué and Stitch

 Available on Etsy: applique-stitch-bird-and-horizon-collage pillow-ooak

Using genuine African wax print - 100% cotton. Additional inside lining of neutral cotton.

OOAK creative patchwork pillow cover, embellished with Horizon appliqués and Bird collage, and colourful primitive stitching - I love! 

The exuberance of batik prints add a touch of character and liven up any living space.

Rectangular - 12" x 18". Envelope enlosure at back.  Professionally serged/ over locked for superb finish.

Pillow insert is not included.

This can be matched with this Bird Lumbar pillow:

 Available on Etsy: african-bird-lumbar-cushion-pillow-case

Or available as a set:

Available on Etsy: african-bird-set-of-two-decorative-lumbar-pillows

Bohemian Patchwork Pillow

A patchwork of some of our most popular prints - Teal, Java and Art Nouveau.  

Available on Etsy for $55: bohemian-patchwork-pillow-cover-12" x 18"

"Craft can be taught, it's the poetry that can't be......

Current Exhibition - David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture

......but these days they try to teach the poetry and forget to teach the craft", says David Hockney, Britain's greatest living artist in a BBC documentary.  David Hockney, also paraphrases the chinese saying; "painting is an old man's art", making the point that painting is essentially a skill, like any other, that is learned and takes practice to be any good at.  He uses the words craft and craftsmanship to describe his practice as a painter, for which he is internationally celebrated.  This all got me thinking about the idea of craft and the skill of the hand.  And the assumed idea in Britain of craft as being twee and dowdy, instead of one of a kind, skilled hand-working and a dedication to quality, which has long been over ridden in preference to mass production d'objets.  Unlike in the US, where Etsy is well known as a craft marketplace, it still doesn't, I don't think share the same visibility in the UK.   But with the use of the word "craft" from this revered elder statesman, the term craft may be lifted.  And the following report and statistics might also buoy up activities:

"This month the Crafts Council, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales and Craft Northern Ireland released a comprehensive survey of more than 2,000 makers, retailers, educators, writers and curators, which has confirmed the strong position of craft industries. The £457m generated by craft compares well with an income of £512m from London's theatreland, and an income of £316m from music downloads in 2010.

The combined Gross Value Added of craft – in other words, how much more the raw materials are worth once they are finished products – is £220m. Most of those involved in the craft business in Britain work independently...." The Observer 26.02.12

I would encourage you to take a look at and try to buy handmade or independent, when you can.  Sometimes it is not as convenient - but online availability to some respects now makes this a more level playing field, so take a look at Etsy and see what's being made in the UK and around the world by independent creative sparks! And admire the craft alongside the poetry........

Thanks for paying attention : )

Marni at H&M

Are you feeling Spring/ Summer yet?.......

African design wax batik is undeniably Summery and Marni at H&M have captured this with a wonderfully sultry summer campaign video featuring their use of African design-inspired print - directed by the director of effortless cool, Sofia Coppola.........can't wait to sizzle......

And for all print-hunters : )  Here is a similar print from my archive (2009) when I was just a mere casual print-hunter : )

Here are the objects:

 www.glamour.com/fashion

Marni at H&M
On sale from March 8th

See my post on Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 - wax print batiks on the runway......

And a pillow from my current range you might like: botanical-cushion-cover

Who would imagine that shades of woodland, bracken, dark moss and fern would be colours for summer - love it!

To listen to the full track - Avalon by Bryan Ferry: www.youtube.comAVALON and sulter* baby!

*this is not a real word but I often derive words from those that already exist to satisfy a meaning : )  I guess I could have used the word SAUNTER but it just won't do..........

Blue Bird Bumper Floor Pillow

 Available on Etsy: bird bumper floor pillow cover

Birds Flying in brilliant blue and contrasting tangerine tango edge - 100% cotton. Additional, inside lining of natural cotton giving this pillow cover a wonderful luxe decor fabric feel.

Large square - 30" x 30". "Invisible" zip along one edge. Burlap (non-scratch) on the underside for durability, perfect for the floor and rustic appeal. Professionally serged (over locked).

Super comfortable floor seating!  For fun or for meditation.

*Pillow insert is not included.