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!

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.

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

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!

For one week only students from the prestigious Art School will take up residence in the windows of the flagship Heal’s store on Tottenham Court Road to create original and limited edition artwork and installations.

Heals launched this project last year to celebrate their bicentenary and it was thoroughly well received. It has the potential to showcase the talents of the students and also to lead to future collaborations.  I think this is such a great idea and an incrediable opportunity for the students

One particular artist, Alex Springer who took part in the project when it launched last year, is this year creating 6 handmade working cameras from homeware products found around the store including a Brabantia bin which customers will be encouraged to use to either take a photograph of themselve or of a product from around the store (image below).

Joseph Griffiths (image below) is creating large scale 3D laser cut butterflies Joseph will produce an installation in the window covering the walls, ceilings, floor and window.

Sophie Blagden (image below) will be modifying ready made sculptures found in second hand stores Sophie will be working live within the window with her work exhibited on plinths as each piece is complete.

Student Cansu Aladag will be creating a large scale hand knitted structure using walking sticks as knitting needles, which will cast off in-store and progressively continue to suspend across the front of the store between the columns.  She will also be hosting small workshops to teach customers how to knit so that they can help her complete the unique installation.

There will also be a workshop by Poppy Whatmore who will be producing model fantasy furniture.

Heal’s hopes to create the same excitement as last year, encouraging customers to take part and be involved in the process of seeing an original piece of art being created.

I think it will be well worth a visit…!

A customer taking part last year

Work in progress: Artists in Residence 2010, Diana Taylor

One such talent worth discovering is Australian interior stylist, prop salon owner and author Sibella Court. Sibella has a wonderful eclectic style, combining collectibles and tid bits in the most exciting way that is alive with creativity and life!

Check out these snippets of Sibella’s amazing work

Image: Brassed flowers by Patricia Fernandes

Image: Brooches by Patricia Fernandes

Speaking with Patricia and learning about how she creates her pieces, I have come to appreciate the lengthy and involved process involved and especially her awareness of her design process and its’ impact on the environment.

Image, necklaces  by Patricia Fernandes)

Follow Patricia’s design journey here and keep yp to date with the launch of her online store and new homewares collection which will include framed wall plaques. Keep an eye out for Patricia Fernandes as a designer of the future!

Her collections of wallpaper, fabric and print designs are still manufactured and supplied today in a variety of colours. What I adore most is the Japanese influence in her work, featuring fans, bamboo, flowers, cranes and geometric shapes, in a contemporary graphical style that is so wonderfully distinct. Wander through more of Florence Broadhurst’s fabric and lifestyle galleries here: Signature or purchse her designs here

Feature by Meghan Plowman