My First Fair!

Last Saturday I lost my craft fair virginity when I took my Piccadelhi products out in to the big, wide world (well, Crouch End) for the first time.

The inaugural Crouch End Christmas Craft Fair was held in the Town Hall Square and I joined around thirty other stallholders there, each of us selling a variety of hand-crafted wares.  The sun was out early and after putting up the gazebos provided, I set about laying out my table.  As recommended, I had done a dress rehearsal the night before so I knew where everything needed to go. This meant I saved a bit of time, which was just as well as customers were beginning to browse before the advertised 11 o' clock opening time.  

Ready for business!

Obviously I was apprehensive about how my range would be received by the residents of N8 but, after making my first sale at around 11.15am, my nerves were steadied.  Throughout the day there was a constant stream of visitors, including appearances from a few familiar faces, and I barely had time to make use of the chair I had brought along.  The wind proved a bit of a problem - the poor lady selling her art work next to me eventually got fed up chasing her paintings across the shrubbery and packed up about 3pm, and at one point Santa was left exposed as his grotto went sailing across the square! - but all in all it was a resounding success for all involved.  

I made some good sales but, perhaps more importantly, I gained valuable feedback.  I went in to the day treating it as a learning experience more than anything - any sales would be a bonus - but I came away with twice as much money as I started with, a handful of new Twitter followers and a head buzzing with ideas.  I have great enthusiasm for 2014 and shall start working on some new designs over Christmas.

My bright coloured wares attracted lots of interest.

More than anything the whole experience gave me so much more confidence in my designs and belief that this is something I am meant to be doing.  Standing behind my stall greeting shoppers made me feel far happier than I ever have in my working life so far…although perhaps in the future I shall target indoor events - I may have been happy but I was still cold!

National Blog Awards

I've entered in to the National Blog Awards 2014! Voting is now open so I'd love you to vote for me - to cast your vote just click the link below:

http://www.blogawardsuk.co.uk/blog-entries/very-kerry-h

Thank you! I'll keep my fingers crossed :-)

Support Handmade This Christmas

In the year since I started this blog I have been taken on a wonderful journey of discovery. I have come across a smörgåsbord of fabulous designer-makers - a veritable feast for the eyes - all of whom have inspired me to begin my own label, Piccadelhi.  This time last year I had an idea but the burgeoning friendships and new acquaintances I have made have helped to turn it in to reality.

There is so much talent in the UK craft industry (now worth an estimated £500m) and it has been heartening to see it continue to grow.  This Christmas I am showing my support by buying my gifts from independents rather than the high street and I urge you to do the same.

To that end, I have rounded up some of the best markets and fairs in London in the run up to the big day.  Grab a glass of mulled wine, open the Quality Streets and read on…

Handmade In Britain

As part of the Christmas Arcade, the Handmade in Britain pop-up features sixty-five designers spread out over two rooms within the beautiful setting of Somerset House.  You can enjoy a spot of skating at the famous ice-rink before warming up indoors and tackling the festive shopping in the building's West Wing.  

The mall is also home to a variety of luxury brands and, new this year, is the Champagne and Chocolate Bar.  

The Christmas Arcade runs until the 5th January 2014. For opening hours, see somersethouse.org.uk .   Entrance is free.

We Make London

Designer's collective, We Make London, ventures from its Camden roots to the other end of the Overground line with a Christmas boutique at Kew Gardens.  After a spin on the Victorian carousel and a visit to Santa's Grotto you can visit the Christmas Village and shop in truly festive surroundings. Housed in traditional wooden chalets, the cream of London's artists and crafters represent a range of disciplines including ceramics, textiles and fashion.

The Christmas Village is open daily from 4.30pm-10pm and runs until the 4th January 2014.  Entrance is free.  For more details visit the Kew Gardens website.

Pop-Up Britain

The latest venue for the Pop-Up Britain store is the prime location of Piccadilly in central London.  It is situated at 211-214, within an arrow-shot from the iconic Eros statue (which has been transformed in to a snow globe for the festive season) and just a few metres from the tube station.  The space, which opened on 7th November, is home to 50 brands each holding a week-long tenancy and is open until the  3rd January 2014.

Designers Makers 

The Designers Makers team return to the Southbank Centre for a second year to host their Christmas Market as part of the Winter Festival.  Over 50 designers from across the UK are showcasing their wares in the Festival Undercroft space beneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Look out for the specially created Garudio Studiage Christmas Grotto and there will also be workshops and demonstrations on how to make your own affordable gifts.

The market opens on the 16th December and runs until the 22nd, 11am - 8pm daily.

Crouch End Christmas Craft Fair

Finally, I couldn't sign off this post without mentioning the Crouch End Christmas Craft Fair - Piccadelhi's inaugural market!  I shall be setting up shop with around thirty or so other local artists and crafters in the Town Hall Square on the 14th December.  As well as the stalls there will be music from the London Metropolitan Brass Band and carols sung by the finest local school choirs.  So, if you're in the area between 11am and 5pm, do come down and enjoy a glass of mulled wine or cider, take the kids to see Santa in his Grotto (this is the real deal, not like those impostors at other events!) and generally get in the festive mood.

Shop local this Christmas!

Mini Moderns Monomania

Sometimes when you read a slogan it sounds a bit pretentious and fake.  In the case of Mini Moderns, their tag line, "Made in the UK by nice people" is totally apt: they really are Nice People. 

I first came across the home decor brand at the beginning of this year at a trade show, having been immediately attracted to their stand courtesy of the Buddha of Suburbia collection which was making it's debut.  I was particularly drawn to their 'Darjeeling' pattern and have closely followed their, what seems rather rapid, progress to Future Classic status ever since.  

When I discovered that the founders of my New Favourite Brand, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, were to be speaking at the upcoming Crafty Fox talk I excitedly booked my ticket faster than you could say 'mid-century'.

Keith Stephenson (left) and Mark Hampshire

Keith and Mark met in 1997 while working at a branding agency but soon discovered that the politics that goes with such a corporate environment was not for them. After pursuing other careers in TV (Mark) and fashion (Keith) they launched Mini Moderns in 2006.  

Their collections have a distinct mid-century feel but inspiration comes from an eclectic mix of nostalgia, literature and travel - particularly their refurbished railway carriage home on Britain's only classified desert, Dungeness.

At the event, Keith and Mark talked with honesty, openness and humour.  It is easy to see why they have built such strong relationships with suppliers and stockists but I particularly admire their hands-on approach to the business.  In my eyes they have created  exactly what I would want my brand to be -  a first collection snapped up by Heals, lauded in respected titles such as Elle Decoration and with stockists worldwide - but they remain a small team of three (with assistant Charlotte), packing up orders themselves, politely answering all emails personally and tweeting kind words of thanks to anyone who contacts them.

'Darjeeling' cushion, £45

They seem genuinely baffled as to why all this success is happening to them, constantly referring to themselves as 'lucky', but it is testament to who they are as people as to why they have garnered such respect in the interiors world.  They never set out to build an empire, just to do something that they were passionate about.  They set themselves goals, not in a monetary sense but in terms of what they would like to produce: when a paint manufacturer complimented their wallpaper, they reciprocated.  Now they have their own range of paint, something that, at the beginning, seemed impossible.

The pair are also committed to helping young designers and recently collaborated with a select few on the Remix Project hosted by the East London Design Store.

With the Mini Moderns brand rapidly entering the wider consciousness Mark and Keith have their work cut out but, with a new collection, Hinterland, launching next year it is a race they are definitely winning.  Who said nice guys always finish last?

'Whitby' Wallpaper - £45

Paint range, £5 for 250ml.

'Festival' Porcelain Espresso Set, £20.

Photos from minimoderns.com 

The new collection, Hinterland, launches in 2014.

Get What You Always Wanted for Christmas

Regular readers of this blog will know that I like to do my best to promote and support independent UK designer/makers so I was delighted to discover two ladies after my own heart: Ann Ellison and Deborah Bancroft, founders of What I Always Wanted - a new(ish) online shopping platform, showcasing 'beautifully designed and crafted British made gifts and homeware'.

The success enjoyed by Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish, founders of Not On The High Street, has led to a flurry of online marketplaces opening up, each in support of British artisans and each offering unique gifts and hand-crafted products. 
Launched in May 2012, What I Always Wanted is one such site. While its primary function is similar to that of Not On The High Street, it doesn't have the (rather intimidating) quantity of sellers.  Instead, there are - for the moment at least - 50 or so carefully selected craftspeople from all over the UK.  With many of the designers exclusive to their site, you are bound to discover something you always wanted but couldn't find.

Not On The High Street has grown in to a one-stop shop for stylish, unique gifts and, if the trend for handmade craft continues, it is likely to face some stiff competition from the WIAW ladies.  

With Christmas just around the corner you can avoid the usual high street pandemonium and find everything you want without leaving the comfort of your up-cycled armchair. 

Here's what's on my wishlist:

Hemlock tea towel, £12 - Annabel Perrin

Outline vase, £84 - This Is Pewter

Ronnie & Frank cushion, £40 - Yoke

Fishbone necklace, £30 - Behind the Showcase

Photos courtesy of What I Always Wanted.

Introducing... Jo Davies

Stoke On Trent may be known as the Potteries but Stoke Newington, in North London, is emerging as the home of the potters.

I have mentioned before on this blog the endearing work of N16-based Takae Mizutani and Sons and now I have discovered another talented ceramicist in the area: Jo Davies.

Jo Davies

A graduate of Bath School of Art and latterly the Royal College of Art, Jo has carved out a successful career as a ceramicist over the last ten years, winning several awards in the process.  She has held residencies in Wales and Norway and exhibited all over the world, but I caught up with her at the recent Tent London show in East London, not far from her Chocolate Factory studio.

I was initially drawn to the simplicity of her work but, on closer inspection, there's a lot more to it.

Jo describes her ceramics as 'a bringing together of contrasts' and it's easy to see what she means: pieces are soft and yet sharp, sturdy yet delicate, abstract but with a certain tangibility. 

By using a combination of wheel-thrown and hand building techniques, Jo creates pieces which are incredibly tactile. Her cups, each one unique with throwing lines that are made to 'fit the fingers', are particularly irresistible.  There are elements of androgyny too - feminine sensuality is combined with strong masculinity.  

If it was a person I think Jo's work would be Angelina Jolie: sophisticated with a cheeky humour and a glint of wickedness, perhaps not unlike Jo herself?

'Choker' vases, £65.

Cups, available in three sizes, from £10.

'Zsa Zsa' vase, from £190.

Jo takes commissions and also offers tuition at her studio. For more information visit http://www.jo-davies.com 

All images courtesy of Jo Davies Ceramics.

A new Line in home accessories!

When I started this blog, almost a year ago, my intention was to share the work of independent designers and other interior design related novelties that caught my attention.

What I wasn't quite prepared for was the overwhelming tidal wave of inspiration that washed over me as I discovered one talented indy after another. Feeling massive disillusion in my day job, I ventured down to Cass Art and bought some shiny new Stabilo pens and drawing inks and started doodling again.  

After completing a short evening course at Central St Martins my creative juices were well and truly flowing.  I've long been a believer of the mantra 'I tried and failed but at least I tried'  and I knew that this was something I had to at least try.  As I've mentioned in a previous post, I'm not big on self-confidence and, coupled with an inherent meticulousness, my designs have been a long six months (particularly for Mr VKH!) in the making.

Spurred on by an incredibly supportive network on Twitter and my amazing hubby (he won't like me saying that but it's true), I'm delighted to declare Piccadelhi officially open!

I launched my Etsy shop last week and already have one bricks and mortar stockist under my belt.  This time next year, Rodders...

I hope you like it!

Photography by Yeshen Venema

Piccadelhi is stocked in Search and Rescue, 121 Stoke Newington Church Street, London

Follow us on Twitter, @PiccadelhiUK

and on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/Piccadelhi

Tent London Review

So another London Design Festival has drawn to a close.

I've been a little preoccupied with my own design project over the last few weeks so I only had a few hours to visit one show.  Fortunately for me, one of the finest showcases for contemporary design was happening a hop, skip and a ten minute overground ride away at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.  

The Tent London / Superbrands London show has become one of the leading design destinations at the festival and is a must-see for anyone wanting to discover the latest in furniture, lighting and interiors products.

Held over four days and spread across two floors, the eleven-acre site is host to two hundred and forty companies, plus forty global 'super brands'.  There is also a program of inspiring talks and, for the first time at the London Design Festival, a graduate show: Brink.

The standard of exhibitors was extremely high so it was difficult to select my favourites out of the established brands, independent designers and new talent but below are a few of those that caught my eye.  

Orée

As aesthetically pleasing as some technological products can be (and I'm really only talking about Apple here), mostly they are just highly impersonal, clunky bits of metal.  Creative technology entrepreneur  and award-winning product designer Franck Fontana noticed this too - et voilà! - Orée was born.  

Wireless keyboards, €150 - Orée

Working with a team of talented artisans from their workshop in Castelnaudary, southern France, they produce elegant yet durable high performance technology objects using the finest natural materials. The range currently comprises these incredibly tactile wireless keyboards (available in maple or walnut) , a matching touch slab (trackpad), leather pouches and the 'power pebble' - a wireless charging pad made with marble.  Everything is made to order and engineered so as to minimise material waste.  In an age where technology is advancing at break-neck speeds, there is a graceful timelessness about Orée's products.  How very French.

Curiousa & Curiousa

Founded by Esther Patterson, Curiousa & Curiousa launched at Tent London in 2010 gaining the prestigious Elle Decoration Approval award in the process.  Fast forward three years and she's back in East London, this time with a British Design Award nomination and an impressive client list that includes the Royal Albert Hall and Harvey Nichols.

'Triptych' Stacks, £2600 each - Curiousa & Curiousa

The exquisite hand-blown glass pendants that Esther designs are made by highly skilled UK based crafts-people, something to which the company is strongly committed.

Along with ceiling pendants, there are also wall lights and table lamps in the collection, each radiating a kind of ethereal beauty.   Make your mouth water by visiting the website here.

Parris Wakefield Additions

I first came across design duo Sarah Parris and Howard Wakefield's colourful patterned textiles earlier this year when their 'Garden' cushions were featured on a shoot for KBB magazine.  Launched only last year, the initial collection was well received at Tent then and the studio has since gone from strength to strength.  This year they were back to introduce the new 'Zig Zag' collection, the inspiration for which comes from mountain peaks.  Sarah explained that studying the way that light changes throughout the day and at different times of the year influenced the interesting colour palette. 

Zig Zag fabric, Parris Wakefield Additions

Their graphic design background is evident in the Additions range (they also run a successful graphic design agency, Design Dialogue) and patterns are produced digitally from start to finish with no sketching involved.  The result is a distinct kaleidoscope effect that is then transferred on to cushions, lampshades, fabric and wallpaper.  There is also a rug collection made in collaboration with Knots Rugs.  To see more of the collections, visit the Parris Wakefield website here.

Zoe Murphy

Before I go I must give a special mention to the queen of up-cycling, Zoe Murphy, whose stand was easily my favourite at the show.

Margate-based Zoe draws much of her inspiration from the seaside town, the sad neglect of many of it's landmark sites reflect her core values: that with little love and attention - and, of course, good design - things can be brought back to be something that is desired and respected.

Zoe Murphy's stand at Tent

I was particularly drawn to the colour scheme: the pinks and oranges reminded me of the fruit salad penny chews (showing my age now!) and sticks of rock.  

Since graduating from Loughborough university in 2008 with a first class degree in Printed Textiles, Zoe has firmly established herself as one of the UK's most talented young designers and sells work through Liberty London and Osborne and Little as well as direct through her website.  Last year she featured on Kirstie's Vintage Home for Channel Four.

For Zoe, it seems the only way is Up(cycling)! 

Flora + Fauna

The eleventh London Design Festival is underway and this year, among the high end and established brands, the indies are making a stand. Or rather, a pop-up.

The lovely people behind Designers Makers, the agency bringing independent designers to market, has launched Flora + Fauna, a bricks and mortar outlet for forty carefully selected members to exhibit their work throughout the month of September.  Although the shop opened it's doors at the beginning of the month, last week was the official press launch to coincide with the beginning of the Festival. I went along to see what's in store...

The shop itself, at 136 Columbia Road (formerly The Powder Room), is a delight to the eye and brimming with expertly crafted products from all areas of design including jewellery, furniture, ceramics and print.  Nestled comfortably among the permanent stores it has been a labour of love for D/M director Sophie Rees and her small team but the hard work has paid off and it's sure to give the other proprietors a run for their money.  

The flora and fauna theme is hugely popular at the moment but the beautifully curated interior offers a few surprises on the subject away from the usual flowers and woodland animals.

Flora + Fauna interior

Flora + Fauna interior
(image courtesy of Designers Makers)

Flora + Fauna interior
(image courtesy of Designers Makers)

Goodie Bag!

Some of the chosen designers I had come across before and some were pleasing new discoveries but all deserve their place among the UK's finest.

If you're visiting the London Design Festival this month it's definitely worth the 15 minutes walk from the Old Truman Brewery to explore this delightful little haven of handmade goodness.

Flora + Fauna is open 11am - 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday until 30th September.

You can read more about the Designers Makers monthly market here.

Testing Testing 1,2,3

When I decide to re-decorate a room I end up spending a small fortune on tester pots before finding the right colour, resulting in a wall of patchwork.  Even though I try to use at least a 30cm square for each colour, there is always a fair bit left in the pot and it seems such a shame to waste it. 

After trying, and failing, to find the perfect blue when re-painting my bedroom (if only Farrow & Ball had invented Stiffkey Blue two years ago!) I now have a mini paint store in my shed.  So I decided to put the leftovers to use...

These wine crates, which I have in my living room, are painted in three different shades. Clockwise from left: Larder Blue (Fired Earth), Lulworth Blue and Cook's Blue (both Farrow & Ball).  All are £3.95 for a sample pot.

The paint-dipped look is bang on trend this year and a simple yet elegant way to bring it in to your home is to create these pretty bud vases using old bottles or jars:

The left over paint is simply poured in to the vessel and swirled gently around.

Adding ribbon around the neck is a nice finishing touch and also can disguise any drips.

They make lovely decorative accessories or could even be an inexpensive gift.

Crafty Fox

For the last few months I have been busy developing my own range of homeware and stationery products, inspired by all the fabulous designer/makers I have come across since starting this blog towards the end of last year.  I'm almost ready to release my tea towels, bags and cards in to the wild but a lack of self confidence (yes, really!) means I'm rubbish at blowing my own trumpet and the thought of approaching journalists and potential stockists absolutely terrifies me.

So, last week I attended the Crafty Fox Talk on How To Do Your Own PR.

I only found out about it at the last minute (thanks to Twitter) but luckily managed to bag myself the second to last available space. 

Illustration by Jimbob Art

The Crafty Fox Market is a curated art and design event giving emerging designer/makers a platform to sell their wares and is currently held seasonally in Brixton, south London. It is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Stephan and Sinead Koehler and it is Sinead who also hosts the Crafty Fox Talks. These speaker-led events are specifically for creatives and are a great way to learn and be inspired, as well as being a good networking opportunity.

The panel of speakers consisted of Perri Lewis, freelance journalist and author of 'Material World: The Modern Craft Bible', Zeena Shah, creator of lovely screen printed things who has starred on Kirstie's Vintage Home and The Apprentice, and finally Miss Cakehead (aka Emma) who runs the PR agency of the same name which specialises in 'edgy' campaigns that no-one else would dare!

It was an insightful evening and afterwards we were invited to showcase any samples of our products that we had brought along which is certainly a good ice-breaker.

Networking, Camden style.

As I mentioned earlier self confidence is not my strong point and having seen the quality of some of the other items on show I was reluctant to let other people see mine. But, what good is attending a talk on PR if you don't take any advice? Coaxed by my new acquaintance, Mandy, I sheepishly placed my cards on the table and went off to mingle.

I met some very talented crafters, some of whom I will introduce to you in a later post, but the biggest surprise of the night came as I was chatting to the lovely Cecily Vessey about mugs, as you do. 

I was approached by a very nice lady who loved one of my designs and, to my utter disbelief,  asked if it was for sale. Why, yes, I suppose it is!

And so I sold my very first item. The thrill of having a complete stranger wanting to buy something I have created has given me a second wind. Now I know it is possible that other people will like what I am doing, I have the courage to put it out there.

Thanks, Crafty Fox,  for teaching me to play like Dizzy Gillespie*.

*Any younglings reading this might want to Google him.