Hi there Folks,
This blog has moved. Please visit my new website www.prettypretty.co.za for all the latest news and more.
Many thanks
Jo
What a magnificent Sunday! Although working I was lucky enough to be able to take my laptop outside and enjoy the glorious sunshine, the birds, the butterflies and the odd bumble bee. I am so happy spring is here.
Thanks to one of my new favorite blogs (yes, I know I should have been working) Creature Comforts, I discovered these delicate porcelain feathers. These are so going on my Christmas list. You can check them and lots of other lovely stuff at Velocity.
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Thanks to my daily dose of Oh Joy! I found this fabulous “exhibition space” Papernstitch. It showcases artists and designers selling hand made goodies, there is some really amazing talent, well worth a visit. I find “dipping” into websites like this so inspiring. Now, if only I didn’t have to work today, I would love to potter about and attempt to make something pretty.
This gorgeous faun is from Sanfran67 one of the exhibitors on Papernstitch.
Sanfran67 also has some very pretty paper art on Etsy and well as on her website
To get the weekend off to a delicous start, have a look at Amy Atlas’s gorgeous website. Amy is a even planner in New York and is famed for her devine dessert tables. YUM!!
Kyoko Okubo created these delicate and very intricate washi (traditional Japanese paper) sculptures. Really breathtaking.
Every Monday is started swearing to my self that this week I am going to be very good, no chocies, no biscuits with tea, no ice cream. Well I got off to a fabulous start when I stumbled upon Cannelle et Vanille, the photography is amazing and the delicous treats are truely decadent. Well worth a visit.
The weather has taken a turn for the worse. Saturday saw Cape Town experience one of the worst storms in a long while and on Sunday it hailed! You would never guess that a couple of weeks ago the sun baked down on our little garden making flowers bloom and buds turn green.
Since getting my new camera I cant resist photographing everything that happens in the garden – in the nick of time Alexis grabbed a fist full of the hail before it melted.
Its been a while since my last post. Work has been manic and my design team are down to only two (eek!) Sadly the last thing on my mind has been pretty and inspirational things… UNTIL… I saw these adorable little babies. Normally I wouldnt post photos of kitties, but these are taken by my dear freind Jo and she is a fabulous photographer who’s work is so inspiring. Thanks Jo for getting me going again. Check out her adventures with her new kittens here.
Jo-Anne Cavanagh Photography
isn’t this the most gorgeous chandelier? I found this thing of beauty at “This is Glamorous“, this is such a pretty website, with the most elegant snippets.
I simply love this little vase cover and I am quite proud to say I have one gracing my chest of drawers in my bedroom. Tord Boontje designs exquisitely intricate pieces. Have a look at Artecnica for this and other gorgeous peices
These little 3d flower cards are also a beautiful examples of work at Artecnica, designed by Tahmineh Javanbakht and Clara von Zweigbergk.
I am determined to make my own cuckoo clock and I have started collecting pic’s for inspiration. The simplicity of this version would suite our home. I found this example at Snow Home. Check out the website, they have some really great goodies.
Snow Home also sell these magnificent trays. I have blogged about Ibride before and couldn’t resist to punt them again. They have an equally magical website, check it out.
I have noticed more and more interesting street art in and around Cape Town. As soon as I get my new camera I intend snapping shots of these temporary gems.
Wooster Collective is a great showcase of ephemeral art found in cities around the world. These super sized birds can be found in Dublin by famed street artist Steve Power.
Its been a while since my last post. Life has been hectic and writing little juicy snippets has been difficult. So to kick off a new week and a new month here is a lovely print by Sieben Morgen, she makes the most fantastic block prints. Visit her shop here.
The 10th April is a very special day. Today my best friend (and little sister) turns 30. Ally, I hope your day is full of prezzies, cake and lots of bubbly. Enjoy!
(flowers from Rosenow Floral Design)
Just a quick post, seems I am going to be burning the midnight oil again. Here is a another example of calorie free pastries. These are made by KupKup. How cute!
Saturday morning found Alexis and I happily eating breakfast in one of our favorite spots, Queen of Tarts, in Observatory. This is such a happy place. We have slurped many a fantastic cup of coffee there and had loads of many delicious breakfasts (often including an vital cupcake or two).
This spot always lifts my spirit and inspires me. Tina, the owner, has just opened a great vintage kitchenware shop across the road. Naturally we popped in and naturally I walked out with a whole set of gorgeous tea cups (thanks Alexis!).
Spots like this remind me of why I love this city.
I discovered Laure Cinotto this afternoon (via Oh Joy). She is a hugely talented florist, a foster Mum to the most adorable kittens as well as talented crafter. Dont you think these bouttonieres are adorable? Kind of makes me wish I had seen them before our wedding.
Hey, its time to hunt for Easter Eggs again! This little nest is an example of the Easter gifts I have made for my family.
Here’s wishing all a very happy and peaceful Easter. If you are traveling anywhere, please drive carefully.
With Easter around the corner, what better way to put to good use the foil that your Easter Bunnies came wrapped in. Jeannette Jansen had a stylish solution: The 3600 kcal necklace. And if that sounds like way too many calories, then you could always opt for the 60kcal pin. Brilliant!
Quirky tableware is fantastic, Versailles Fluo is a decadent collection of old fashioned tableware with a zingy bright “bit”.
Have a look at this beautiful ceramic “Grass” vase. Grass is crafted by design duo Claydies, in thier words: “Grass has a very naïve ceramic expression that is both uplifting and amusing”.
Take a look at Zee’s delightful photos. Her style is so fresh and inspiring, I love the collections of bits and bobs, they really satisify the magpie in me!
It been a while since my last post, we have been very busy with wedding plans, the wedding and the honeymoon that I simply couldn’t get to everything. Anyhow, have a look at Tamar Morgendorff, isn’t this bird house fantastic. Birds where a big theme at our wedding and they continue to inspire.
I found these adorable little characters while browsing Cher Ami (one of my favorite visits for the day). They are made by French company Serendipity
The magpie in me cannot resist these fairy tale like temptations. Halligan Norris has a wonderful collection of jewelry, each piece telling its own little story. My favorite is this amazing Alice in Wonderland ring.
Sometimes one stumbles across beauty of such a fine and delicate nature that it humbles you. Aoyama Hina creates the most intricate and unbelievable paper cutouts. At first I could not believe my eyes, surely it was impossible for anyone to be that dexterous with a pair of scissors? If, like me, you couldn’t believe it, check her out on YouTube. (link found through Mein Inspiration, which is a fabulous blog full of incredible paper art and sculpture)
I thought I’d take this opportunity to start bragging about my upcoming wedding. Holly is going to be my flower girl, well actually my flower bird. Keeping in the theme of all things birdy, she is going to wear little feathered wings. isn’t she adorable? Check out more gorgeous photos taken by my dear friend Jo (Holly’s Mum). She is an amazingly talented photographer… brag, brag!
On my wish list for Christmas is this fabulous print by Kelly Smith, titled “I Love You My Deer.”
The weather in Cape Town is pretty miserable today and in a sad attempt to cheer myself up I went hunting for fabulously sparkly things. Tearose Workshop have some really dainty and special pieces that you simply have to check out.
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