Recycled textiles

These cushion covers made from clothes care labels really take recycled fabrics to the next level! Requires 4 weeks lead time to snip and make from scratch. (via indie-guest)

Thank you all for your comments!

Thank you all sooo much for your encouraging comments in my last post. Muaks! I really appreciate the time you all gave to give such constructive comments! It is really helpful and I hope to feed some of your thoughts and ideas into the next series of patterns I am working on.

Meanwhile, just thought I would have a little bit of fun photoshopping some of the patterns into possible applications. While I initially felt that these patterns will be suitable for stationary and home accessories, I actually think they might make a cute apron or tote.

above: It's a cushion cover! I am imagining that the circles to be in velvet with some extrusion from the white flower motifs to give the surface a little more dimension here. (original image from here *runner up of the domino decorative contest*)

above: It's a wallpaper! (original image from here)

afternote: the flower motifs for the wallpaper could be a little bit smaller and textured.
above: It's an apron! Cotton canvas, maybe? (image from here) above: It's a tote! I am imagining the pattern to be on silk or cotton sateen. (original image from here)

Surface Design Crit

ok, here goes...{ I have to admit that it took a bit of courage to decide to put this up at laissezfaire. =) }

I have recently been dabbling in surface design during whatever free time I have. Since this is something completely new to me, I am hoping to involve more people in this process and get feedback on my designs. The first set of patterns I am working on are inspired by oriental flowers...Which colour combination do you like? Do you see the designs going on a pencil case, pillow case, gift wrap, skirt or wall?

If your have any other thoughts, new ideas, suggestions, inspirations etc, do leave a comment! Whether you are an expert in this field or layman, I would love to hear what you think! I do hope to post more work regularly to invite feedback. Thanks!!

#1: Oriental Bud (blue)
#2 : Oriental bud (lime green)

#3 : Oriental bud (pink)

Orike Muth

Orike Muth & Sandra Lindloge of Orike Muth have designed these beautiful lamps and pillows. Each material is screenprinted by hand with japanese motif in fantastic colours and prints.

Aren't these mini bolsters the most gorgeous things? I am not sure about elsewhere but pretty much every kid in this part of the world grows up with one of these as a comfort buddy. Mine was in a vintage Snoopy print.

Click here for more gorgeousness at their gallery!

Focus Fabrik

Ever since I started taking the "Print your fabric" class, I have been extremely sensitive to surfaces, patterns and fabric designs in general. I really love the fabric collection and display by Finnish brand Focus Fabrik which I got to know from Debi Van Zyl's wonderful blog. So fun, dynamic and inspiring!

Some interesting patterns and fabric designs that seem to be inspired by the urban environment below. Do check out more designs and products at their store here!

Print your fabric

Want to learn how to print your designs on fabric to personalise your home decor accessories, T shirt, bags etc? Well, this course is for you!

I have been interested in learning more about textiles and printing for the longest time. Was really excited when Imeda told me about this course at NAFA called "Print your fabric". They are starting a new class on Sept 18. The class runs once a week on Tues from 7-9pm. For some reason, this course has already been postponed a few times due to lack of interest. I think it is because people don't know about it.

There are currently 5 people (including me) who have signed up for this course. They need 12 people. So if you know of anyone who might be interested, could you please let them know? Thanks!

Click here for the course outline.

(images above from joom and Patapri)

Communist Chic

Check out Ostel, a new budget hotel in Berlin that celebrates Communist retro chic. It must be my penchant for nolstalgic items, coupled with my several visits to my husband's Russian motherland, that started me appreciating this style of decor. The hotel is located in a former East German housing block in the Berlin Mitte district. The rooms are furnished with Communist-era pieces salvaged from private houses and second hand shops. . ohh...I just love the fabrics and wallpaper and the music on their website!

New designer

I recently came across the work of Catherine Brown, a talented young designer from the UK. Catherine just graduated with 1st Class Honours in surface pattern design. Think she has a bright future ahead of her as her designs are fresh and unique. Check out these eye-catching gift wrap designs!

I also love her collection of designs she did as part of her Level 3 project for furnishings and home interiors below.

Catherine also designs greeting cards for sale. Do check them out here!

Retro inspired deco

I love to mix things up and have fun when I design. Usually, I like to start with a modern and neutral base and then layer it with things that I find in different places to add texture, colour and personality to a space. Recently, I have been drawn to the quirky colours and patterns of retro inspired interiors and fabrics. Check out these retro cool rooms I found!

(above) "Orla Keily classic package" by Luxe Interiors. I love the way the fresh olive green on the walls is repeated in the pattern on the rug in the living room. The warmth of the oak wood really stands out well in the sea of lively colours and retro inspired fabrics by Orla Kiely.

(above) Jon's 60's Retro Bedroom ( via Apartment Therapy). I am so drawn and inspired by the colours in this room.

If you're looking for some vintage reproduction and retro themed fabrics, you can find them at Repro Depot in the US or Pluck in Singapore. Some of the fabrics you find in these places will make wonderful wall hangings, cushions, shower curtains and upholstery. You can even snip them up and frame them in a lovely photo frame to jazz up a wall.

(above) fabrics from Repro Depot.

(above) fabrics and wallpaper from Pluck (images from Fashionisspinach)

Fairground Studio

I did a post on the gorgeous patchwork-inspired lampshades by Karen of Fairground Studio some time back. Fairground Studio is currently offering a 10% on all lamps (with stands) to Laissezfaire blog readers. Just email them to order and mention Laissezfaire to get your discount. Thanks Karen!

Michelle Brand

Aren't these the most gorgeous things? Created by Michelle Brand, this fabric was produced by cutting, sanding and assembling the base of plastic bottles into the tapestry. (via sub-studio)

Toile Embroidery

I couldn't believe it when I first saw Richard Saja's toile embroidery art. His work reminds me of how I used to draw on the characters in my school textbooks. So cheeky and fun!