• Posts Tagged ‘fabrics’

    Art house

    by  • February 13, 2013 • Shopping • 0 Comments

    When its dark and gloomy outside its nice to add some warmth and inspiration to your home. A dab of colour and a smattering of collage inspired fabrics for curtains and upholstery and wallpapers used in quirky ways, quickly add style and spontaneity to any décor in the manner of an artist’s brush. You can afford to be bold. These fabric designs use the natural colours of original oil paints pigments such as cadmium reds, viridian greens and ochres, a refreshing change from pastels, neutrals and colour pop that we are used to seeing in decorating.

    Turn to pages 64-70 in our march issue (out now) for more inspiring ways to decorated in an art house style.

    On walls: Antiquity, LW1462C/1, Linwood. SR2 stationery rack, £19, Scumblegoosie. Covered in Penaholic, LW1452C/1, £75 a roll, Linwood.

    On walls: Antiquity, LW1462C/1, Linwood. SR2 stationery rack, £19, Scumblegoosie. Covered in Penaholic, LW1452C/1, £75 a roll, Linwood.

    Read more →

    Artisan designs from Original Little Bird

    by  • April 13, 2012 • Living • 0 Comments

    A pretty postcard caught my eye on a pinboard last week, leading to the discovery of talented artisan designer Gabi Bolton and her company Original Little Bird.

    I love the originality of Gabi’s designs, especially Bunny Scrapbook, which features an adorable collection of hand-drawn rabbits (below). Available as a digitally printed fabric or screen-printed wallpaper, the design is ideal to add a touch of nature to a country kitchen or for a more grown-up fun factor to a child’s bedroom.

    Bunny Scrapbook fabric, £55 a metre, Original Little Bird.

    Bunny Scrapbook fabric shown in Turquoise, Brown, Faded red and Dark purple, £55 a metre, Original Little Bird.

    As well as the cute bunnies, Gabi’s designs also feature pretty birds and old maps – adorning bags, suitcases, tea towels and cushions. The earthy colour palette along with the contemporary drawings gives traditional styles a more modern feel – resulting in the perfect rustic treats for your modern country home.

    Various fabrics, from £40 a metre; Burlington satchel, £175; Upcycled vintage cases, from £150, all Original Little Bird.

    Various fabrics, from £40 a metre; Burlington satchel, £175; Upcycled vintage cases, from £150, all Original Little Bird.

    Read more →

    Magical Moroccan-style bedroom

    by  • February 21, 2012 • Living • 1 Comment

    I don’t know about you, but I could spend hours curled up on this bed with a good book or magazine. I love the mix of different colours and textures used in this stylish bedroom look by Oka. The subtle cream on white embroidered fabric used as drapes is the perfect contrast to the ethnic style throw on the bed. All that you would need is some refreshing fresh mint tea served in a Moroccan tea glass to feel right at home. Now back to reality…

    Single divan bed with drawers, £799. Upholstered headboard, £295. Off-white plain linen headboard slip cover, £95. Gunnebo bedside table, £265. Elephant lamp, £220. Cream card rectangular shade, £66. Roslin throw, £290. Urla rug, £725, all Oka. Similar drape fabric can also be found at Oka.

    Read more →

    Autumn craft course

    by  • September 28, 2011 • Crafting • 1 Comment

    With the kids now back at school, why not learn something new for yourself and attend a craft course. One of our favourite British fabric and wallpaper designers, Lewis and Wood are holding a series of creative workshops throughout October and November, tailored to discovering a new skill such as upholstery, block printing and lampshade making. Each day course, priced from £95, includes expert tuition in Lewis & Wood’s Gloucestershire studio, a delicious lunch and refreshments.

    Lampshade making at Lewis and Wood

    Lampshade making at Lewis and Wood

    Block printing at Lewis and Wood

    Block printing at Lewis and Wood

    Read more →

    Pretty craft kits

    by  • April 20, 2011 • Crafting • 2 Comments

    I’ve just found these gorgeous craft kits put together by Diane Dawton at Wonderstuff. Containing everything you need to make them up, plus step-by-step instructions, there are lots of kits to choose from including lavender bags, egg cosies and interior decorations. Perfect for giving a handmade touch to your home – I particularly love this jolly pin-cushion and cute brooch.

    Pin cushion craft kit, £6.50, Wonderstuff

    Blue felt flower brooch kit, £5.95, Wonderstuff

    Read more →

    John Lewis royal wedding fabrics

    by  • March 16, 2011 • Crafting, Living • 4 Comments

    I’ve just seen this new fabric called ‘Royal Wedding’ from John Lewis. Priced at £14 per metre, it comes in both navy and cream and features delicate florals and flags. I love the bunting idea – perfect for creating street party decorations – or try giving your home a regal touch with some home-sewn soft-furnishings.

    Royal Wedding fabric, £14 per metre, John Lewis

    Royal Wedding fabric, £14 per metre, John Lewis

    Add to FacebookAdd to DiggAdd to Del.icio.usAdd to StumbleuponAdd to RedditAdd to BlinklistAdd to TwitterAdd to TechnoratiAdd to Yahoo BuzzAdd to Newsvine

    Read more →

    Hand-printed fabrics

    by  • March 2, 2011 • Crafting, Living • 1 Comment

    I love these pretty hand-printed fabrics made by Sarah Waterhouse. Screen-printed in her Sheffield studio, there is a range of distinctive designs with fabrics featuring motifs such as birdcages, brollies and beehives. Not only does she sell fabrics by the metre Sarah also makes some into hand-sewn accessories. These lovely needle cases took my eye – perfect for organising my sewing box!!

     

    Needle case

    Needle case, £6, Sarah Waterhouse

    Bird Brolly Fabric

    Bird Brolly fabric in sunshine, cherry red, lime and teal, £7 for 47 x 47cm pieces, Sarah Waterhouse

    New fabrics by Sarah Waterhouse

    New fabrics, £7 for 47 x 47cm pieces by Sarah Waterhouse

    Read more →

    Easy appliqué cushion

    by  • January 5, 2011 • Crafting, Living • 1 Comment

    Turn your hand to this quick craft idea by Deputy Editor, Sara Bird, and jazz up a plain cushion in minutes.

    Choose a pretty patterned fabric with different motifs and designs, such as flowers and birds. Using fusible webbing iron on to the back of your patterned fabric paper side up. Turn your fabric right side facing and cut out your selected designs. Work out where you want your patches to go on a plain cushion case. Peel off the backing paper and iron onto the cushion case glue side down.

    You can leave this as it is, or add a few little embroidery stitches like here for added decoration

    Fusible webbing and coloured embroidery threads from Sew Essential, 01922 722276

    Find similar fabric from Northlight, 01865 248850

    Plain cushion cases from House of Fraser, 0845 602 1073

    For more craft projects visit housetohome.co.uk

    Easy applique cushion

     

    Read more →

    How to make bunting

    by  • July 14, 2010 • Crafting • 3 Comments

    I love this pretty pastel bunting, which was shot by stylist Carol Wortley-Bishop for the next issue of Country Homes. ‘Decorate outdoor dining areas and decking with bunting for the appeal of a regatta,’ says Carol. ‘A lilac and pistachio colour scheme gives classic striped fabrics a softer feel.’

    Now is the perfect time to make your own bunting and add a little country style to outdoor dining and garden parties. Or to buy ready made, try Jonny’s Sister or The Cotton Bunting Company. Here’s to lazy summer days in the garden… 

    How to make bunting

    Make pretty country-style bunting

     

    For more craft ideas and inspiration visit Housetohome.co.uk.

    Add to FacebookAdd to DiggAdd to Del.icio.usAdd to StumbleuponAdd to RedditAdd to BlinklistAdd to TwitterAdd to TechnoratiAdd to Yahoo BuzzAdd to Newsvine

    Read more →

    Print and pattern

    by  • January 14, 2010 • Living • 1 Comment

    Just came across this beautiful, understated blog by Jane Foster, an artist specialising in silk screen prints. She has produced designs on fabric for the new revamped Clothkits (remember them?) and her greetings cards have been on sale in Habitat. She also sells things online. I find her clean, fresh yet retro style irresistible – and perfect for a new year.

    Jane Foster's vintage fabric cats

     

    Intricate silk screen prints by Jane Foster

    Read more →