Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Contemporary Applied Arts

I don't often venture into central London these days, preferring the safety of home, I rarely leave Dartmouth Park.

However, on Friday I found myself in town lunching with old colleagues, and I usually don't leave without a quick trip to Contemporary Applied Arts - a one stop shop for the most beautiful and inspiring in British Craft, a mix of lovely jewellery (Sarah King's work, pictured), glassware (my favourites by Michael Ruh) and a lovely light exhibition space.

Current exhibition is Kyffin: A Celebration is currently on, but only until 30th August. An exploration of the best in British hand bookbinding and a tribute to Wales' most distinguished artist, Sir Kyffin Williams who sadly died in 2006. Bookbinders from around the country have contributed. Really stunning collection of hand bookbinding, promoting the best of British in this field and truly inspiring.

I've always had a passion for hand bookbinding, although never done it myself. Perhaps after this semesters Silversmithing course I may just give it a go...

Christmas Collection Sneak Preview

Everyone behind the scenes in the retail world is gearing up for the very busy festive season. I know I certainly am. I've been finding some lovely new products for the Roost Living Christmas Collection. So I thought I would share a few with you...

Above is Reiko Kaneko Reindeer Bauble - capturing the last animal to peer into it - in this case a Reindeer.
These cushions are just divine!!! And I'm selling them exclusively! Handwoven silk by Preeti Gilani, a well known fabric designer. Her attention to detail is just amazing. What a truly inspiring designer. Also by Preeti, her lovely Tote bags and purses and stunning silk ties below:

Mizuyo Yamashita, designer of my best selling Wobbly Bowls, has a wonderful new product - The Paper Cup. Handmade using porcelian. Each cup has a gold butterfly or floral motif detail. They are so so lovely! Would make wonderful Christmas presents, so delicate and elegant!
I'm planning for the Christmas collection to go online in October but please let me know what you think! I'd love feedback. Is there a product you feel is just gorgeous?

And if you do know of any wonderful designers you think would be perfect for Roost Living, do let me know, i'm always on the lookout for great design talent....
-

A few of my favourite things...

I thought I would share with you a few of my favourite products on the site at the moment.

Firstly, Kathleen Hills’ Vintage Pendant Light £79, a wonderfully elegant marriage between old and new. Lining up 8 in a row would look just magnificent, perhaps down a hallway or in a room, What I truly love about these lights is that they each light is completely unique – each vintage shade is individually chosen by Kathleen and you never know what you are going to get – a Vintage Pendant Light Lucky Dip!

An original to the Roost Living collection, but still a best seller is Kathleen Hills’ Star Light - the angles are just so great – and such an unusual material for a light fitting – but it really works. Perfect for a nursery – that’s what I’ve got in the back of my mind for when my time comes, whenever that may be.