Piece of cake

Knitted this birthday cake for my mum-in-law. It's taken me weeks but I finally finished it! I love doing something different for my loved ones birthdays and giving them something they'll always remember and cherish. If you fancy trying to make a knitted cake, I'd recommend Knitted Cakes by Susan Penny which is where I got the pattern from.

Line Up

Loving these pouches by Pi'lo.

Just my type

As I trundled along to the bakers in the snow I spotted this gorgeous sign. It was tucked away in a doorway next to the bakers on Mount Road, Hastings. I have no idea how old this is. I've tried to see when Hastings phone numbers were only 3 digits but haven't had any joy finding out. The telephone came into action late 1800s. I'm thinking this might be early 20th century? Anyway, Hastings is full of beautiful things like this so I'm going to try and build a Flickr collection of painted signs and ghost signs of Hastings. If you know of anywhere local I should be paying a visit, drop me a line! I only hope these signs will be here for many more years to come.

Baby it's cold outside

With the snow a foot and a half deep outside, there's no other place to be than in front of a nice warm fire. Richie and Flower are getting all toasty in front of the fire, the fireplace of which we're strangely growing to love. We were going to have it removed but this 1930s relic adds character and we like a bit of different. What do you think - should it stay or should it go?

How cinemas should be

Once you go to the Aubin & Wills cinema in Shoreditch, there's no going back. Never will you step foot into the likes of the Odeon ever again. Sofas to sink into, blankets to snuggle in, footrests to stretch out on, a bar to order your choice of beverage, wine coolers to keep your wine chilled. I know where I'm going for the next blockbuster.

These boots are made for walking

In the winter I always get in the mood for knitting but I'm a very impatient knitter and pretty unadventurous too. Bored of not venturing beyond scarves, I attempted Heidi Neurauter's 'One Hour Baby Booties' pattern from Stitch and Bitch Nation and boy was the pattern easy to follow. If you're after a quick knitting fix, be sure to look this pattern up.

"The boos always come from the cheap seats."

Listened to a fascinating interview last night on the radio with James Lee Burke, an American author and an absolute character. Anyway today, Radio 2 read out some of his wonderful words from his web chat with listeners after yesterday's show. After hearing this little piece of advice he gave to a young girl, I just had to share it with you all as it's truly inspiring.

"Thanks, Miss Sophie. Never give up. I believe that talent comes from a hand outside us and that it is given to us for a reason. Never let the naysayers get you down. Write one day at a time and write for one reason only, to make the world in some fashion a better place. Eventually every artist learns the following lesson: Take pride in rejection and excoriation. The boos always come from the cheap seats. You stay on that oldtime rock and roll and grin and walk the cannon smoke and let go of the world. It will drive your critics insane."

What a wonderful way with words.

Lightbulb moments

Every creative person should have one of these by their bedside.

The Tag-it designed by Ham & Cheese. Source: Design Milk

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner

London home accessories always catch my eye. I have a growing collection of London gems to remind me of the city I grew up in and still miss to this day (as happy as I am on the south coast).

Loving the above: The London globe from John Lewis (other cities also available - see link) and this dear little lampshade by the inspiring Charlene Mullen.

Source: Living Etc, Dec 2010

Cardboard City

I love it when designers do clever things with paper. Truly inspired by Daisy Lew's Pop-up NYC. At first glance, each spread represents an icon familiar with NYC. When viewed from another perspective you get a cityscape - genius.

Pen & Pringle Purchases

I can often be found rummaging in junk shops - I love it. I love hunting for quirky finds that bring a touch of uniqueness and charm to a home. I'm slowly building up an eclectic mix of both old and new to create what I feel is a vibrant, happy and characterful home that's true of me and the hubster. As I clutter my home, I'll keep you posted on my finds. Here's a look at some of my latest indulgences:

I've always liked the idea of having a valet stand. I like leaving things lying about for a day or four - it's called living I tell the other half. I like the lived in look and in our Victorian house this valet stand will look lovely in the bedroom with a few of my usually strewn garments.

The globe I got as a present for the hubbie. Although it's not old, the vibrant colours look great on the shelf with my vintage bits. It's actually really nice to look at the globe and daydream about flying off to the other side of the world. I think every home should have one.

The Woolpack

I've been saying how it's high time I picked up my knitting needles and what do you know, I get an email about a knitting pack whose packaging is so cool even hoodies might be tempted to knit. Ok maybe not quite.

They're on the pricey side starting at around £50 for a basic kit but the package design makes this set very tempting, plus it's not just any old wool and the wooden needles are very slick too. Check out their website to see their collection.

To paint or not to paint?

It was like all my Christmases had come at once when I snapped up 4 ercol dining chairs in wonderful condition along with a 60s extendable dining table made by McIntosh the other day.

As they currently sit and gather dust whilst we do up the house, I'm wondering, do I paint the chairs and add some eclectic charm to our dining room? Or is painting a classic chair a serious crime? They do come up a treat when painted:

Oh!! What to do?!?!

Bit of this, bit of that.

Happy Thursday people. The weekend is nearly here!!

My day was brightened up today when I turned up at work to find this cheerful pantone wallstore by my desk. Designed by the award winning John Green who I saw at 100% Design, this beautifully simple piece of storage is going to be all the rage. What's even more wonderful is that printed on the back is a list of attibutes associated with the colour of your wallstore. 

Pantone Wallstore by John Green

On my way to meet some friends I spotted Hastings dabbling in a bit of reverse graffiti which I think is fabulous. For those unsure what reverse graffiti is, it's basically when surface dirt is blasted off with stencils - also known as clean graffiti. I think it's a great thing for our little creative town to get involved in. 

Reverse Graffitti off Robertson Street.

Do It Yourself

Ok, I know it's early days yet but check out this print-and-make-at-home advent calendar from Mibo. Beats those hideous shop bought calendars  any day!!

Legs Eleven

Oh my. Never have I seen such amazing tights. Super creative, these unique tights from Les Queues de Sardines are to-die-for. 

Lovin'....

...the work of blog pal Victor Fox aka Clare Miller's recent work on a boring old traffic signal box. If all dreary street boxes and posts were transformed like this, oh what a brighter and happier place we would live!!! Maybe we should start a campaign??

Train doodle #01

What's the time?

I'm rubbish with the time. I'm always an hour or so out when guessing roughly what time it may be. But I need worry no more! With this super cool screensaver I downloaded, there's no chance of missing tea-o-clock. Available to download here.

Moustachvetica

I'm doing a little digging on moustaches and came across this cool typographic poster. I love this sort of humour. Source.

Banish snail trails

These pocket tissues from Rockett St George are an absolute delight. Me thinks I'll be packing these in my handbag for sure! I love my London bits - keeps my hometown close to my heart. 

The Perfect Brew

I've been archiving my uni work and came across my portrait collection "The Perfect Brew" of which I never had the chance to blog about or upload on Flickr. 

The photographic collection is basically all about tea. I love tea. It's so many things, all in one cup. A refreshment, an icebreaker, a peacemaker, or simply something to warm your cockles. As a beverage enjoyed by many walks of life, I looked at producing a beautiful photographic collection that celebrated the British institution of the cuppa and provided insight into the rituals of how to make the perfect brew by lovers of tea.

And so I scoured Hastings and St Leonards for tea lovers and produced the following collection of which I submitted as part of my graphic communication degree at The University of Brighton.

To follow are some of my favourites. To see the full collection visit my Flickr. 

Missed me?!

Oh my gosh, where has the time gone? It's been over a month since I last blogged?! It's all been a bit systems go since I started working for design agency The White Room but after coming back from Bestival this weekend, I've got a fresh burst of creative energy and during my research have unearthed a wealth of design tidbits I'm sure you'll love. 

As a lover of bicycles, I seriously needed restraining when coming across this website. Perhaps I should give a warning before allowing bike lovers to peruse this portal of pure unadulterated bicycle erotica. At Bike By Me you can build your own bike in the most gorgeous colours and see the beauty before your very eyes. Enjoy my bicycle friends. 

For those looking to reduce their impact on our wee planet or who simply can't be asked to keep buying bottles of water, check out these bobble bottles from Harvey Nichols. Not only do they reduce landfill but water is clean and crisp with it's carbon filter. 

Check out these delicious pots from An Angel At My Table. My house seriously needs doing up but I'd quite happily sacrifice the necessities for this rack of sunshine! 

Well they're my little finds for today. Now that I'm back online, I'll be giving you a peek into what I'm working on and a behind the scenes at The White Room and what we do so keep your eyes peeled. x

Rain?

A little illustration I did in honour of the heavens that opened today and surprised us all in our havaianas and vests. Inspired by 1950s children's books, this illo is of a girl seen in a recent magazine illustrated like the children's books of old. Hope you like.

School's Out

A momentous day graduating from Brighton University. Much love to my dear friends, family and amazing husband for all their love and support over the last 3 years. I couldn't have done it without you. xxx

Summer Madness

Well hello there! Sorry it's been a while since I last blogged. This month has been mad. I've graduated from uni, been on holiday for some much needed r&r, bought a house and also started a new job as a designer. Wow, pretty crazy when I look back at it like that. With all this summer madness I've had strict orders this weekend to relax as I can't sit for 5 minutes without getting fidgety and wanting to be productive. I tried, but failed. Inspired by my "sew&save" postcard, I decided to get my sewing machine out. 

In our new house we have a separate toilet and let's just say the romance in a relationship can deteriorate quite rapidly with the poor privacy of a glass door - I need say no more. It really is a lovely door but something had to be done and so with some pretty fabric I created two double sided panels that work a treat. 

Loving living in a period house and looking forward to doing it up room by room, all of which I'll keep you updated on! It's very much "retro" at the moment with crazy carpets and wacky tiles. Just check out this wardrobe in our second bedroom. Think I might keep it!

Anyway, that's all for now folks but now that crazy July is out of the way, I shall be back on fine form to report from the new Pringle quarters. You may have noticed the Pen&Pringle online shop has closed but only as a temporary measure whilst we get settled and organise Pen&Pringle's products. I shall keep you posted once it is open again.

Ta ta for now!

Tobias and the Angel

Another must visit. This shop had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing like crazy. From vintage fabrics and furnishings to running block print workshops, there's lots of inspiration to be had in this little haven.

The burbs

At the weekend I took a brief trip to London and was spoilt with the loveliest afternoon tea at The Orange Pekoe. I've been once before and it's most definitely one of my fave places for Afternoon Tea, especially because it's near where I used to live... ahh, I love the green burbs of London. Anyway, if you're ever in the Barnes area, a visit to the Orange Pekoe is a must! It's got a fantastic selection of luscious teas and they do to-die-for cakes.

Talking of cakes, where Uni is tailing off, I now have more time on my hands and so here's a little something I knocked up this very evening - so yummy:

Banana and Walnut Cake

150g softened butter

300g Self raising flour

3 ripe bananas

120g soft brown sugar

Dash of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon rind

Handful of walnuts

2 eggs

2tbsp olive oil

I'm a lazy cook (life's too short for spending hours fussing in the kitchen) so I like to just chuck things together and see what happens. So where you should normally "fold" and mix in a "figure of eight", I kind of just bish, bash and bosh a recipe and more often than not, the results are truly tasty.

1. Mash banana with a fork until truly mushy.
2. Chuck in soft butter, sugar, lemon juice & rind, walnuts and mix thoroughly.
3. Add half the flour and one egg and fold until cake mix is wet again.
4. Add remaining flour and 2nd egg and mix thoroughly.
5. Mix in 2tbsp of olive oil (this will make the cake lovely and moist).
6. Place the cake mix in greased tin and cook for approx. 50 mins at 180 degrees.
7. Et voila.

Enjoy!!

Turntableware

Liking Ella Doran and Kavel Rafferty's vintage vinyl-inspired tableware.

Join their vinyl junkies evening on 17th June from 6pm - 9pm where they'll be launching this range.

Ella Doran Shop, 46 Cheshire Street, London, E1 6EH.