Fig 35 H&M Home

Over the Xmas period my marigolds have seemed to be firmly fixed to my hands, now I can't wait to wash up in style, with this wonderful array of graphic printed tea towels from H&M home. Ohh which one to choose? - sod it, I think I will have them all.

Fig 34 Mauro Perucchetti`s Jelly Babie's

The Westminster City Council granted approval for Italian artist Mauro Perucchetti`s "Jelly Baby Family" to be placed at Marble Arch.
Contemporary art has a lot of art objects that seems more toys, just to remember Jeff Koons`s baloons or Takashi Murakami `s manga figures, but these are something new and not usual to Mauro Perucchetti`s works before. The sculpture depicts giant resin jelly babies who together make a family – the father the largest of the colourful jelly baby figures will stand at 3.2 m (10.5ft) high, while the smallest of the jelly babies, the child of the family will be 2.3 m (7.5 ft) tall. The statues are part of the council's City of Sculpture Festival - with installations donated for free by some of the world's leading galleries and artists.
I think this installation is truly scrumptious, just imagine if they were made of that squidgey stuff and molded into the shape of your hug.

Fig 33 Lacoste & Musee de I'Elysee

Di Liu is the winner for Lacoste Photography competition with Musee de I'Elysee, His / Her work is about the conflicting relationships between nature and human society, which is created by the phenomenal rate of Chinese urban development.
I was struck firstly by the size of the animals and secondly by the sadness which elevated from these beautiful creatures, their postures, their softness & genteel qualities. These images pulled me in, and made me realize we are pushing such beauty and nature out of our urban spaces and city's for what? For more high rise buildings, flat's... more greed... more anger... What a shame I would way prefer to live in a world of beauty and gentle giants then greedy money thirsty people.

To read more about the competition take a look at the link below
http://www.lacoste.com/l1212/#/elysee/photographers/di-liu

Fig 32 S'more's

I found these fantastically fun foodie creations while looking at many recipe sites for our annual boxing day feast with the whole family which is growing fast, With 7 kids all under the age of 6, I thought these would be fantastic - It will sure make the kids go wild with delight. While my cousins (there parents) will squirm with the thought of there little Rugrats consuming something with that amount of colour and sugar so close to bedtime. But it's Xmas so I can get away with it.
S'more is a traditional nighttime campfire treat popular in the United States and Canada, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. Although it is unknown when the name was shortened, recipes for "Some Mores" are in various Girl Scout publications until at least 1971. The one's shown above have been slightly adapted from the original recipe - I absolutely love the colours of the marshmallow'S chosen and the way they sparkle like xmas tree lights, Merry Xmas everyone have a very indulging one x

Fig 31 Baby Boom

This year so many of my friends have given birth or have told me they are pregnant,I wanted to give them something to put in there nursery which would be personalized to them and there new born baby. I looked at my old carr's biscuit tin and thought what a lovely print that would look so good in a nursery - so here it is.
If you are interested in buying a personalized print, email me.

Fig 30 My Favorite Birthday Book

For my Birthday I asked / hinted to my folks that I would love Orla Kiely's book Pattern, and here I have the very heavy book in hand, I have always loved her work, the bold use of colour and shape - it has nostalgia without being stuffy and overly fussy (Kath Kidson). It's modern but with a 1950's twist its girly and feminine with a sophisticated edge. I love the look books they are always so clean and graphic with hints of colour and detail echoing the colour palette within the textiles.
" The World of Orla Kiely is one where pattern reigns. Immediately recognisable, her unique design language and sure sense of graphic control has seen her label become a hugely successful brand in the decade since its launch. From her early signature bags, the collection has grown to include a complete womenswear line, accessories, travel and homeware, sold in shops and outlets worldwide."

Pattern Orla Kiely Published in 2010 by Conran Octopus Ltd
http://www.orlakiely.com/uk/

Fig 29 Movember

All Movember I have been donning a slug on my top lip to raise money for Prostate Cancer Research, I did this mainly to show my huge love and compassion towards my Dad who has just recently gone through having prostate cancer and is now recovering after his operation, and for all those other beautiful men who have been affected by the disease which effects 36,000 men a year.
This is my 30 day Movember Diary, So far I have raised a hair raising amount of £516.10 Hope you enjoy it. x

Fig 28 Giraffe Junkie

My beautiful and talented friend Julia Lowe made this very clever animation Giraffe Junkie for their music video for their Band - Keston Cobblers Club. The story will pull on your heart strings and calm you like an episode of Postman Pat, I would so prefer to be a Giraffe than a horse - to see the world from such great height's and to have long long legs. I loved this video... the music is just as sweet and professional, A very talented bunch - keep an eye on The Keston Cobblers Club I have a feeling they are going to be big.
Put the kettle on snuggle up to a loved one or something cuddly - and press play


There was once a giraffe who wanted to be a horse. He wanted a swishy tail and clackity feet and for his mane to wangle in the wind when he galloped over the hills. So, one sunny day he flew his rocket to the Planet Horse, to sip tea with his equine friends...but the horses were not so horsepitable. in fact, they despised the giraffe, with his silly long neck and wonky spots.....

Fig 27 A Lesson in Lino Cutting

A Lesson in Lino Cutting - Firstly you will need to gather your tool's you will need a Lino cutter the best one to get when your starting is a pack where you get a handle and 10 cutters (gouges) with it, this allows you to choose and experiment with different mark making. You will need some lino which you can find in most art shops, always get more than you think, as you will need one just to experiment and practice with first, you will need some paint/ink I used aqua linoldruck in carmine red, this paint is specifically for lino printing, it is off a very smooth consistency and rolls on an even colour. It's especially good when a little dryer and tacky, secondly you will need a roller, to roll the paint onto your design evenly. I find the rubber ones are a lot better then sponges, the spongey rollers soak up to much paint and create an uneven patchy impression. You will also need some fine sand paper to add more texture to the lino and to sand off the shiny service as to give more texture for your paint to grip to, sand your lino before cutting as it saves a lot of hassle then if you were to do it after, as all the sand gets stuck in all the marks you have just made.
You will also need a pencil or permanent pen to draw your design on with, I prefer permanent pen as pencil tends to rub off. Cutting lino can be hard work, what I did to make it more easy is to put your lino in the oven at low heat for 3-5 minutes so its soft - you will find it a lot easier to cut and will achieve sharper lines as the lino won't be so brittle and crumble... Always cut away from your yourself.
I hope this has inspired you to create your own xmas cards this year, Don't forget to sign and No. them. Merry Xmas Kylie x

Fig 26 Mo...vember

This year Im taking part in Movember - raising awareness and money for the Prostate Cancer Research, seeing as my Dad has battled with the disease I thought this would be my chance to give something back to him and for all those other beautiful men who have been effected by prostate cancer . Every day in November I am growing a different tash - this I think is my best one yet - definately giving Tom Selleck a run for his money, If you guys have any more design's I will be very happy to wear them.
To see my mo grow go too

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyliemordle/sets/72157625342520210/

To read my story go to
http://www.justgiving.com/kyliemordle
lets here it for Movember, The Mo has to grow x

Fig 25 Let Them Eat Cake

Let Them Eat Cake, and my golly did we do just that! Last weekend we celebrated my Mum's 60th with a Vintage Tea Party, these are just some of the spongey delights that were on over. I can't wait for another - though will try and share the Battenburg a little more next time, I forgot what joy that little sweet checkered cake could bring.

Fig 24 My Technicolor Desk

Im obsessed with colour, most of these little items have been picked up on my travels, or little token gifts from friends, I particularly like red items, I wonder what this means? I love old faded school books, and useless things which make me smile.. like the little red tv - its a little picture viewer of dog's dressed up - there is one dog on the telephone which looks a a lot like me, it always makes me laugh hysterically.
I also love the Red tin of Chili powder with the bird on it, I bought in Amsterdam, going to use it to grow some real chili's in.

Whats your favorite colour / item ?

Fig 23 The Good Old Days

I found these images the last time I went home amongst box's and box's full of family photographs, I have what you would call Peter Pan syndrome where I look at the world with a child's eye, (well I try most of the time through the mundane reality of everything). These photo's brought all those memories back, the excitement, adventure, discovery of being a child, and all you had to worry about is where your favorite teddy was. What you were having for tea that evening the worst being having to eat a whole pile of mashed potato before you were allowed your desert.

Oh those were the days, Happy Days.

Fig 22 Wee Wisdom

Wee Wisdom... A magazine for Boys & Girls Printed in November 1957
This magazine was found in pristine condition with all the pages - my favorite being
"This Is Francie" I have always wanted to design something like this, the hours I had as a little girl trying to make my own. Im loving Francie's style might try it myself this week, that little red coat and cable knit jumper will be in my wardrobe for sure, this autumn.

Fig 21 At The Fair

I found this little sun bleached number while rooting around the 'Treasure Chest' with my sister, I was firstly drawn to the colours they reminded me of the clapboard houses which lined the streets of San Francisco on a hot summers day. And secondly the nature of the illustrations which are very cute and have a great graphic composition my favorite page being the tightrope.

Puffin, Twink & Waggle AT THE FAIR By Rodney Bennett and Joyce Dennys

Fig 20 A Lesson In...

These four little books are guides on how to...avoid common faults in gravy making,...
How to glaze a fruit tart... decorate your own wedding cake... wonderful ways of cutting a carrot. They would look great mounted in box frame's on a kitchen wall.

They were published by Van Den Berghs & Jurgens, Ltd, Unilever House, London E.C. 4

Fig 19 Bon Appetit

This book was so bright and colourful I could not pass it by, the illustrations are so French the mask on the little boy - see double page spread reminded me of the film Amelie - Its a complete treat and the recipes if not daring (Scotch Egg!!) are all illustrated beautifully so don't worry if you can't read French.
The recent books shown on my blog, will be on sale - on my soon to be online shop.
Watch this space for details.

Fig 18 Hipstamatic

I am completely in love with the Hipstamatic iphone App - If you haven't purchased it yet than rummage for a 50 pence piece in your pocket or look in the back of your sofas buy it now!! It will change your life - Well it will make you see life in rose tinted glasses!!

From top left to bottom right - Rhubarb taken at Borough Market delicious 'the taste of summer', Banana Birthday Buns were whisked up by my fair hands for my best friend Lana Banana (hence the foam bananas!!) A.Gold (sweet shop) pass every morning on my way to work I eye up the sugar mice's in the window, must not forget buy for xmas stocking fillers, Accessories left in a stylist house, plastic flowers on my friend Lotty's bike who also wheres flowers in her hair, Heart shaped cactus, Pandora's Box in the lanes Brighton, American Diner, Very Sweet Apricots French Market in Dorset.

Fig 17 Window Shopping

During my brief stay in Las Vegas in between weddings, Fat Elvis, playing craps and eating buffets. I managed to do a little window shopping.

Captured here are some of my favorites 'Lanvin' being top of my list, love the mannequins there expresions and the way the window designer has given them personality and drama using such simple and graphic make up. I Love lanvin, will keep my eyes peeled for more of there spectacular work, the clothes are just as good as the window displays.

Hermes window's caught my eye, The Carousel horses complemented there brand using there icon as a means to display there collection, While at the same time keeping there french origins.

Louis Vuitton's windows were spot on for Vegas. With there branded dices amongst there collection very clever, very striking.

And lastly Paul Smiths Window display taken inspiration from Mondrian, have always loved Paul Smiths obsession with colour and his eclectic taste in art and found objects, his shops to me are like minnie museums, he's a collector like me "of the strange and beautiful".

Fig 16 Quilt Trip

During my time in San Francisco (The city) I dipped in and out of many thrift stores, my favorite lined the streets of Mission, but the one in which we got the most bargains and spent the most time deliberating on how much we could take back to England was "Thrift Town" which was on the Corner of 17th street & Mission.

My biggest and most beautiful purchase of all and the envy of many is a vintage quilt hand sewn using the Californian colour palette of spring. It's huge and cuddly and will be used on many September evenings around a BBQ on a beach or lounged over a whicker bench on the balcony of my one day beach house.

If you are inspired by this post, then you will most probably love this Exbition at the V&A "Quilts 1700 - 2010" March 20th - July 4th.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/future_exhibs/Quilts/index.html

Fig 15 Feeling sweet in California

During my trip in San Francisco I started to get a sweet tooth for there confectionery packaging, all those delicious treats boxed up in the most boldest, coolest packaging.

I wanted them all, seriously not so much the sweets them self's but the boxes (well maybe the Swedish Fish) I love the colours and names - Mike & Ike with the Californian faded blue box just like there clapper board houses, Milk Duds with that brown and mustard logo reminds me of a stripey top my Dad wore in the early 80's.

Good & plenty always my favorite in taste and style - I actually ate the Liquorice comforts that's why they are not in this photo, also the big cherry how great is that little pink number? Yup I hope you are as overwhelmed by this array of delicious treats as I am. Happy Easter bunnies lent is over tuck in.

Fig 14 Stamp collecting

Check these lovelies out, my friend Lu gave me these stamps in Decemeber for my Birthday I have a huge obsession with Dick Bruna. His ability to draw with such simplicity while being able to evoke huge volumes of personality. I love the use of flat vibrant colour and the graphic boldness of each character. Stamps are such a beautiful canvas to apply graphics and art. And these little gems will look fantastic in a box frame mounted on my bedroom wall.


I also fell across 'British Textile Stamps'at a car boot sale one very chilly and wet Sunday morning. I used to have the same William Morris wall paper in my bedroom as a child so this set is particularly nostalgic and I was born in the same year 1982!. These are all British textile designers from July 1982 I love the vibrancy and how different they all are yet they look good sat side by side, I would love a summer dress made out of the Paul Nash - Cherry Orchard print.

Fig 13 Sorry Im late!

Sorry im late for work...But I was stoped in my tracks by this wonderful montage, Inspired by Alice in Wonderland I love the overall shape and the circus colours and the juxtaposition of the placed characters and the shapes in which they are making particularly the 3 of hearts and I have an obsession with hands. Loved it it really did make my day, Its stuck on the wall just off Brick Lane just before the bridge one road on right before Cheshire Street, Hope it stays there for a while.
Think this is a valid excuse for being late for work, Don't you? Would love to know who created this little master piece.

Fig 12 Happy Valentines Day x