Easter: Chocolate Confetti - Chocolate Fantastic ...

With Easter fast approaching I wanted to show you some of the fabulous chocolate wares that are being lovingly handcrafted at the Chocolate Confetti studio.

These brilliant Easter chicks are hand made from scratch. Each is crafted from the highest quality milk chocolate (no cheap supermarket stuff allowed). Chocolate Confetti chicks are then styled with marzipan beaks and combs.

As you can see from the close up picture, each chick is a work of chocolate art and retails at just £7.49. For those who prefer more their Easter treat in a more traditional form, Chocolate Confetti create fabulous chocolate eggs. Giant eggs for £12.49 and small eggs at £4.99. Some of their trendy polka dot eggs are shown below. 

To see all of their chocolaty wonders, visit the Chocolate Confetti website.

Gifts: Alyssa Ettinger ...

From her studio in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Alyssa Ettinger makes porcelain into tactile works of art. Interesting patterns and fonts add a modern twist to this classic material. With each piece crafted by hand, Alyssa creates a unique item every time.

This bowl is part of the 'Knitwear Collection'. Inspired by sweater patterns, which give an intricate pattern to its modern shape. Glazed on the inside, bowls are food-safe. Measuring 5.5" in diameter and 3" high, the bowl retails at $65 (prices are American Dollars).

The 'Knitwear Collection' uses both cable knits and regular knits. Slip-cast cups (shown above) and tumblers (shown below) are available in a variety of colours. Each piece in the collection is unglazed satin matte finish on the outside, giving a pearl like finish to the touch.. Prices are $50 for a set of two cups and $35 for each tumbler.

Celebrating true New York classic themes, these porcelain wares are cast from antique bottles. The set consists of two half-pint sized bottles and one rare pint sized bottle. From dairies in Brooklyn and Queens, the embossed fonts add historic detail to these fun porcelain pieces. Ranging between 4" and 6" in height, the bottles make wonderful vases. The collection retails at $100.

To see all of these pieces and many more, have a look at the official Alyssa Ettinger website.

Stationery: Poketo - Art for Everyday ...

Poketo collaborate with international artists to create limited edition lifestyle goods. Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung are participants of the lively San Francisco art community and founded Poketo in order to offer an affordable alternative to buying traditional forms of art. Today we're looking at some of their modern stationery designs that merge art with everyday functionality.

The adorable 'Star Check List' is much more exciting than a boring old notepad. It's funky characters will raise a smile no matter how many things on that 'to do list'. With 120 pages there is plenty of room to add dates and check marks to your tasks. Pads are spiral bound, with thick, recycled chipboard covers. The 'Star Check List' retails at $12 (prices on today's post are in American Dollars).

The 'Still of the Night Dreambook' is a large hard bound book. Covered with black foil stamping in a sophisticated floral pattern. Containing 240 pages of high quality paper, you can sketch, paint or doodle all of your thoughts and dreams.

Dreambooks are available in two designs, the natural floral scene (shown above) and an abstract 'Scenes Unseen' version (shown below) which uses silver foil on a white cotton background. Each dreambook retails at $30.

'Animal Notebooks' are a set of five beautifully screen-printed designs on a heavy Kraft cover. Each book has different images on the front and back for an extra special touch. Notebooks contain 80 pages and come with a ribbon bookmark, all for just $20.

The 'Digest Your Life Planner' is a fun, graphic design in bright solid colours. The planner contains sections for yearly plans, 52 weekly plans, notes and contacts, allowing you to plan all the fun details of your life. Printed with soy inks on 100% recycled paper, planners are $10.

'My Wonderland' is a 54 week planner. Printed with soy inks on 100% recycled paper. Designed by Leah Chun, the planner is full of graphics inside and out; sections for notes and ideas, to do list, favourites, address book, and a zodiac chart.  'My Wonderland' retails at $10.

Poketo are bound to brighten up your world with their fun, frivolous stationery. To bring some of their art into your life visit their website.

Gifts: Miju - Thoughtful Jewellery ...

Miju is the brainchild of Mike Giles and Judy Lawrence. Creating beautiful, thoughtful jewellery, from their workshop in Montreal. Today's post shows just a few examples of their fantastic designs.

These fun 'X-ray Cameo' pendants are available in both girl (above) and boy (below) versions. The laser cut silhouette is etched with a skull, creating a sleek, contrasting image on the black acrylic base. The 'X-ray Cameo' necklace retails at $32.

This modern 'Contributor Bird' pendant features a white acrylic bird hanging on a long, 20" chain. Each necklace comes with a 1 inch “I am a contributor” button. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each set go to the WeAreContributors charity organization, who donate skateboards to underprivileged youth across Canada. The necklaces are available for $20.

'The Wind Beneath' is a collection of  pendants styled on feathers. The 'Wing & Prayer' necklace is fashioned from white acrylic. Each design is Laser cut to create an accurate duplication of this natural form. Etched with detail and suspended on a 16" chain, the necklace is $32.

Also available in the collection is the 'Amis' necklace, a set of three black feathers on a long 30" chain. Laser cut and etched on black acrylic, the design is also available with white feathers, both retail at $32.

To see and purchase any of these necklaces, visit the Miju online shop.

Gifts: Pigeon Toe Ceramics - Perfect Porcelain ...

Pigeon Toe Ceramics is the brainchild of fine artist and designer, Lisa Jones. Combining modern flair, Scandinavian influences and good old-fashioned skill; a collection of stylish ceramic homewares have been crafted.

These hand-thrown porcelain discs have been strung on a deerskin lace cord to create a chic 'Disc Chime', that gently clinks and sways in the breeze. A choice of colours and twines are available for this piece. Choose between 4 discs (shown above) or for more impact hang 8 discs (shown below). Glazed in Bone, sets retail between $28 and $46.

This charming porcelain bowl is suspended on three 12" strands of leather lace. Each 'Scribble Planter' is hand-crafted and finished with contrasting smooth and rough textures, adding depth and interest to its classic form. The interior is glazed in Bone. Retails at $52.

The unglazed 'Porcelain Tray' has a faceted base, the cuts highlighting the unique shape as the tray is suspended. Hanging from leather cords and an oxidized metal ring, it's ideal for holding plants or veggies. Ditch the regular plant pots to hang these trays around your home. This planter can be purchased for $56.

Today's final image from the Pigeon Toe Ceramics is the trendy, over-sized 'Hanging Test Tube Vase'. With an unglazed exterior and interior in clear gloss, each test tube hangs on a 12" leather lace (colour choice available). Retailing at $32, these vases are high quality accessories that will be cherished.

Today's Card and Gift Blog post shows pieces from the 'In the Garden' collection. To see more from Pigeon Toe Ceramics head to their website.

Gifts: Ruka-Ruka - Graphics in Gifts ...

Ruka-Ruka is husband and wife team Sinead and Alastair Gray. A graphic designer and painter respectively, both are big fans of all things print based, which shows in their imaginative and contemporary gifts.

Overlapping numbers create a vibrant, graphic print to highlight the important dates in your life. Combining yellow, magenta and cyan a personal visual is formed. Artworks can be further personalised with individual messages. Images are available in 4 colour variations.

This second picture is from Ruka-Ruka's 'Transparent Colour Series'. Developed from experimenting with colours, these prints mix and overlap bold colours to form a striking graphic. Each print can be personalised with your own colour combinations and choice of names or message.

All Ruka-Ruka artworks are printed on a heavy 320gsm oyster paper to give a rich colour to the final image. Measuring 30 x 40cm, prints fit standard frame sizes.

From the 'Left Field Heroes Collection' is a unique 'Allen Ginsberg T-Shirt'. An unusual gift, made in homage to the sixties beat poet and political activist. The original American hippy in this classic image is screen-printed by hand on a 100% organic cotton jersey. Various colour and sizes are available.

Celebrating an oddity of military history the 'Bermondsey Tank T-Shirt' is a fun and unusual gift. Now abandoned on waste ground by the Old Kent Road in London, the tanks former life in Cold War Russia has become the inspiration for this t-shirts graphic style.

To see more from the Ruka-Ruka print collection, visit their online store.

Gifts: Delica - Felt Fantastic ...

Delica create unique, eco-friendly accessories and gifts. Each piece is expertly hand-crafted, using a variety of felting techniques. 

An alternative take on the classic stranded pearl necklace, Delica has created necklaces of felt beads. Lighter than pearls each bead is hand crafted from soft merino wool.

Gradually changing sizes of wool beads are stranded and knotted with a  clean, cream waxed cotton cord.

Necklaces are made to order and can be created in a series of colours including cream, cranberry, olive and lemon grass.

Delica has also designed a modern, seven bead necklace. Beautiful hand felted merino wool beads are strung on a hand dyed organic cotton ribbon. The necklace can be tied at different lengths for alternative styles.

This refreshing gift idea is a set of three pebble-shaped felted soaps.  Hand sculpted from high-quality, organic olive oil soap, each soap contains essential oils for a natural fragrance. Soaps are then hand felted in natural shades of merino wool. Lasting twice as long as regular soap, the wool acts as a natural exfoliator too. Gift wrapped in a Delica kraft box and with full instructions for first-time felt soap users. 

Felt nesting bowls are both a decorative and practical item. A great house warming or birthday gift, these bowls can be used to display your most treasured possessions. Bowls are hand knitted and formed from 100% wool yarn. Available in sets of two or three, nesting bowls also come in assorted colour palettes.

To get your hands on some of Delica's felt goodies check out their online store.

NEW!! Bo Griffin - The Shooting Gallery ...

To brighten up our Monday morning, the lovely folks at Bo Griffin have sent me images from their brand new range of greetings cards to show on today's post. 'The Shooting Gallery' are groovy new cards designed in a graphic, comic book style.

The artwork is inspired by the fairground. Bold, bright colours highlight the images and bring out their unique Bo Griffin spirit.

Designs have a movie poster aesthetic. Each with its own cool character centered on a fun and frivolous backdrop.

The range consists of nine different designs, each with an inspirational message such as Fly High, Get Lucky and Love You.

Greetings cards are 5" x 7", printed on a high quality FSC approved board. Each card is supplied with a gorgeous gold envelope.

To see the full range of 'The Shooting Gallery' and stock up on the designs, visit the Bo Griffin website.

Gifts: Andrew Tanner - Stylish Ceramics ...

I've been spotting fabulous ceramics by Andrew Tanner Design in glossy magazines for years and I was excited to recently discover the design studio was based in my hometown. Andrew has sent me some lovely images to share with you here today.

The 'Silhouette Collection' (shown above) are a set of wall plates. Made from Bone China, that has been pierced with beautiful, simple designs. Plates are available as single designs, retailing at £69 or in themed collections of 3 plates. Current sets include romantic and parklife, retailing at £175. 

 

The 'Crate Fruit Holder' is a celebrated design classic. A modern alternative to the standard, boring fruit bowl. Full or empty, the fluid lines of the piece make it an elegant homeware gift. Available in black or white, 'Crate Fruit Holders' are just £30.

  

'Dual Heritage' is a series that challenges contemporary design with traditional values. Wall vases are created from both modern and classic forms. Each vase can be purchased for £42. Alternatively, as the image shows, you can group both together, buying a set for £79.

  

'Enchanted Forest' (above) and 'Flock' (below) are two of the tableware ranges available at Andrew Tanner Design. The collections include mugs, bowls and platters. Prices start from £15. 

  

'A Stitch in Time' is a collection of centre piece bowls and vases inspired by textiles. Uniting traditional tapestry designs on modern ceramic forms. Hand made in the UK, each piece is limited edition with a run of 250 pieces per item. Prices start at £68.

The latest range from Andrew Tanner Design is the fun 'Sayings in Stitch' mugs. Based on regional sayings from across the British Isles, the mugs celebrate local culture and offer a fun, souvenir-style gift. The text is rendered in a cross-stitch design. Mugs are £14 each.

  

  

To see and purchase any of these items, visit the Andrew Tanner Design website.

NEW!! MiiTribe Cards from Seadragon ...

MiiTribe is a brand new range of greetings cards from Seadragon Publishing. A photographic humour range inspired by music, fashion and culture from the last fifty years.

Designs celebrate being part of a tribe. The clothes and music of your life, whether you're an Elvis fan, punk or hippy. The clay characters are styled to perfection, with their rooms and pets embracing every aspect of their chosen tribe.

For maximum choice the designs are available in four different formats. 'On White' lets the characters have all the glory and 'Room Set' shows them in their natural habitats. The 'Humorous' and 'Birthday' ranges combine funny, charming text with the images. 

Each card retails at £1.95 and can be purchased directly from the Seadragon Publishing website. Trade buyers will also find full contact details to stock the range.

To see an earlier Card and Gift Blog post on Seadragon Publishing, showing more of their fab cards, click here.