In recent months there has been a real surge for raw, imaginative and free illustrations, and in my eyes, one of the leading designers in this category is James Ward of Jimbob Art. Ward honed his skills in illustration whilst studying at Westminster University, London, where he developed a love for working in pen and ink. After a recent vacation to Sweden, Ward came back to England truly inspired; inspired by their use of natural history design and the range of products or surfaces that features them. It’s from this point that Ward began using ceramics as a medium to display his range of animal characters.

‘I feel drawing anthropomorphic characters can describe so much about human emotions and personalities with the juxtaposition of the animal’s expression against his clothing, an item or text.’ – James Ward

I am enchanted with Jimbob Art’s selection of ceramics and the beautiful illustrations that cover them; they’re so playful and humorous. The bright pops of colour on the monochromatic designs bring the illustrations to life and add to their charming nature. Each individual illustration is hand-drawn with on-glaze ink on to dishwasher proof white porcelain. All of the ceramics will look not only brilliant as a table setting, but great on display; perhaps on a welsh dresser or kitchen shelving. My personal favourites have to be the El Guapo plate, The Dominator plate, the Owl in Pants teapot, and the Tea Defender Mug. It’s probably too early to be writing a ‘Christmas Wish List’, but these will definitely be going on it!

It’s impossible to believe it’s already September, the prime season for trade shows is here! In anticipation, here is a small selection of the shows I’m most looking forward to and which exhibitors I’m excited to see…

Origin – the contemporary craft fair

Ontwepduo is dutch for ‘design duo’. Designers Tineke Beunders and Nathan Wierink work closely together to create inspiring creations such as the above Light Forest (left) installation.  Their products have a brilliant industrial edge which is spot on at the moment. The award winning Shan Annabelle Valla is the next exhibitor I am looking forward to seeing. The collection of playful decorative curiosities take a twist on the normal, highlighting the everyday beauty. The above Itzy Bitzy Ditzy vases (right) have a fantastic texture which you wouldn’t expect from porcelain.

Top Drawer – design-led gifts, lifestyle and fashion accessories.

As a cookie extremist I instantly fell in love with Nikki McWilliams scrumptious cushions and homeware accessories (left). I’m looking forward to seeing the tea time treat creations, such as the above Tunnock’s Teacake and Bourbon cushions. Next on my list for Top Drawer will be Fifty One Percent, a colourful company which offer a great selection of folksy tableware, bedding and textiles. All in bright and bold colours.

100% Design – cutting edge, contemporary interior design

& Then Design (left) is a creative venture of Nottingham based furniture designers Samuel Wright and Jamie Bowler. Their pieces are intelligently crafted and full of character. The overall look is effortless and perfect for both at home and the workplace. London based Ochre (right) create subtle yet sophisticated designs that embody glamour. The craftsmanship is to an exceedingly high standard along with the materials used. The ‘Arctic Pear’ table lamp pictures above (right) is a personal favourite.

Rebecca Newport trained as a textile designer and is now a freelance stylist and assistant.  I came across Rebeccas work this evening and absolutely fell in love with it.  I really like the way she brings colour together using small and quaint objects.  Each styled set-up is a picture in it’s own right and would make such pretty postcards.  Well done Rebecca, such original work.  Take a look at more of Rebeccas work on her lovely blog

Below are some of my favourite ‘cabin living’ inspired accessories and interiors of the moment. I know this trend has been around for a while now, but I love it!

It appears that creatives around the globe have opened their doors to the friends of the forest, with looks featuring cute woodland critters such as owls, deer and rabbits and earthy timbers in warm tones. I love how this style can be both fun and elegant, whilst inviting the outside in! I especially like the white ceramic animals from Have You Met Miss Jones…

Vintage Posters availabe from Etsy.com

Interior of The Cabin restaurant in Perth, Western Australia

Image courtesy of Velocity

I recently came across the work of Polly Hope and wanted to share it with you all as I am a big fan.  Her Eco freindly collection includes interior textiles, cushions, lamp shades, upholstered chairs and illustrations.  I think her choice of colours are spot on.  The style is decorative and feminine but has a very sophisticated feel due to her choice of subtle colours.  Her cushions would make a fantastic focal point on any plain chair, bed or sofa.  I am particularly drawn to the one below, uh oh,  I can feel a purchase coming on…(the only down side to this job is that when you see something you fall in love with you just HAVE to have it!)

Here is what Polly has to say about the collection: “The textiles are special because they are very Eco friendly, all organic cottons, peace silks and linens and the dying and printing is carried out naturally using herbal dyes and designed by me. I spent 4 months in India last year researching the right factory for production, it was important for me to know the people I was working with and make sure the whole production process was sustainable and  the workers were treated fairly.”  Click here to see for of her work and her contact details.  She also publishes a gorgeous blog – good work Polly!