Sitting Pretty

It's fair to say that as much as I love cushions, I bloody well adore chairs (fairly obvious over at Chairs, Chairs, Chairs) so when I find a cushion that has chairs on it, I get, well, totally excited.

And if they feature some of my all time favourite classics, then all the better.

So ladies and gentlemen, I present Sitting Comfortably? from Mini Moderns.

Just for the record, Mini Moderns are a pretty damn fab company and if you don't believe me, head over to their website.

As well as the cushion, there's also Sitting Comfortably? wallpaper, which I also heart very much.

Although, I have to admit, I'm slightly worried about ending up a mad old woman surrounded by chairs and cushions and chair on cushions and chairs on wallpaper, but then again maybe it wouldn't be so bad...

Memories Of Summer

Venturing into the garden the other day, I noticed my lovely rose bush (almost bare during the summer) had decided to bloom in all its glory in the middle of September.

Now, I'm the first to admit I'm not in the slightest bit green fingered, in fact being summoned into the garden to help usually has me running to do the hoovering!

It's not that I don't like nature, I love it, I just don't want to, being the hardened city girl I am, get that close to it.

It's no surprise that nature has provided inspiration for designers for years, after all it surrounds us all the time.

One such designer that is constantly inspired by nature is the lovely Ella Doran. Her digital prints are far from twee but still remain a feminine touch.

I love these two, which are perfect for the memories of summer, something I need now my rose bush has wilted and readied itself for next year's blooms.

People Will Always Need Cushions Too...

Of course, there were lots of textile designers exhibiting their wares at LDF. I love being surrounded by designers, their creativity is infectious and of course getting to see stuff ahead of the rest of you, always gives us journalists a little buzz!

Doing the rounds at 100% Design, I came across Margo Selby, a wonderful textile guru known for her geometric, woven products.

New to her collection is a range of cushions that have been designed in collabaration with another of my all-time favourite design companies, People Will Always Need Plates.

Margo has taken PWANP's now iconic Trellick Tower print and used it to create two cushions. Available in Yellow and Grey and Black and White, the cushions are reversible, which means apart from being super stylish, they're super practical too.

I love them but with winter fast approaching the question is, do I go for the boots I've seen or one of these? Boots or cushion? Cushion or boots? This is definitely a dilemma, I'll let you know who wins, my sofa or my feet...

Doing Porridge

Despite my love of interiors, I am the first to admit that on the whole, hand on heart, essentially it is fluff really.

No one's ever going to win awards for writing about cushions and wars aren't going to be solved by having nice wallpaper.

So, it's always refreshing to see that interiors CAN make something of a difference.

While researching a trend page recently, I was told about an initiative called Fine Cell Work, they're a social enterprise who teach prisoners how to create needlepoint cushions and then sell their wares on for them.

Prison has always, as I'm sure it does most people, terrified me. Thankfully, I've never been inside one (unless you discount the time I went to a Jet gig at Pentonville Prison Officer's Club) so can only imagine how grim they are.

There certainly are some interesting facts on Fine Cell Work: 80% of the cushion makers are men (kinda dispels the view you probably most have on prisoners doesn't it? I know it did mine) and that all the teachers are volunteers.

So, of course I was impressed but are the designs any good? Well, yes actually they are.

Naturally, I love the Battersea Power Station one given my strange love affair with this building but what I really loved was the tongue-in-cheek tally countdown, presumably to release date.

This sort of initiative really deserves our support and Fine Cell Work are always looking for volunteers, so if you're handy with a needle (I'm not!) get in touch.

Right, sermon over, promise and back to more fluff and frivolity soon...

A Traveller's Cushion

Being a Londoner (born, bred and extremely proud) it never ceases to amaze me just how lost I can get in the capital.

I've been known to wander up and down the same street several times looking for number 21 only to find it's not on the odd side of the street but of course next to number 20, only across the road, round the corner and in fact on a totally different street.

A work experience girl who I worked with some years ago could testify to this, poor love was dragged up and down a road in Bloomsbury while I desperately tried to find the AW M&S show, getting more and more agitated with every step.

So, it's no wonder you often see tourists looking totally perplexed as they try and find museums, theatres and parks.

The Tube can be equally confusing, so I think this cushion from Rockett St George is a must for visitors and native-Londoners alike.

Ok, so it's not as practical as a carefully folded Tube map or even a pocket-size A-Z but it's infinitely more stylish and should you be unlucky enough to be travelling South to North on the laborious Northern line, could provide the perfect comforter to have a quick nap...

Woof!

If you regularly read my blogs, then you probably know I'm, shall we say, just the teeniest bit obsessed with dogs.

I have a theory that it comes from not having one when I was a child (my poor Mum is allergic to anything and everything with fur) but the real love affair with pooches began when I started walking my neighbour's dog Nell (RIP).

I love most dogs (apart from Yorkshire Terriers - they scare the life out of me) but one of my favourite breeds is Pugs. Now, some people think these little fellas are ugly (scandalous!) but not me, I think they're adorable and it seems Ben De Lisi agrees with me.

This cushion is without a doubt the hero product from his AW09 collection for Debenhams.

It seems I'm still no closer in getting my beloved pooch but in the meantime, this cushion will do.

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

I'll let you into a secret, I'm a little bit obsessed with aviation.

I love planes, adore flying (even the take off bit that everyone seems to hate sees me sitting with a huge grin on my face) and become like a small child in a sweet shop when visiting an airport.

It has to be said though, travelling used to be a lot more glamorous. Trips were planned (rather than just decided on a whim with a quick log on to EasyJet) and women had their hair beautifully coiffed with glamorous outfits and lipsticked smiles.

Today it seems that even celebs can't be bothered to dress up - choosing comfort over style.

Which is why I was delighted to be told about this cushion from Mini Moderns. It's from their Lost & Found collection, which turns vintage fabrics into stunning cushions.

I love vintage fabrics because they always feel like they have a story behind them. With some late night detective work, I found out that this yellow fabric started off life having something to do with the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

Perhaps it was used for stewardesses uniforms or even those little covers they used on the seat head rests.

Either way, I love it and think it would look perfect in my living room.

Seaside Dreaming

I've spent most of this weekend with my leg on a cushion.

A severe bout of blood poisoning has meant cushions have had to be practical not just stylish for me.

That doesn't mean I haven't wanted to look for gorgeous cushions of course and a friend alerted me to Fiona Howard's beautiful designs recently so I thought it was only fair to share.

It's not entirely by accident that I've chosen her lovely, whimsical Harbour design. Whenever I'm poorly or bored, my mind often wanders back to beautiful Falmouth where I spent three years studying.

And this cushion reminds me more of that beautiful, special and unique place than any other maritime-inspired one I've seen.

I haven't got sea-faring legs at the moment (I haven't even got walking-from-one-room-to-another-faring legs!) but as soon as I do, I'll be off to Falmouth to breathe in the sea air, dine on scallops and watch the boats bobbing on the river. Bliss.

How True!

The way I feel about 2009 has changed dramatically in the last few months. It's fair to say for one reason or another the start of the year was shit with a capital S.

Erring on the side of pessimism has often been a trait of mine but no longer. Don't get me wrong, I haven't suddenly become an eternal optimist (it's not by chance that journalists are some of the most cynical people around) but I'm seeing the brighter side of life - and I like what I see.

Someone told me back in January that being made redundant, would, eventually be the best thing that ever happened to me. At the time, I didn't believe it but finally 7 months on, I can say, that while it wasn't the best, it certainly hasn't been the worst.

I'm working again but this time I feel like I'm my own boss, making decisions that I never had the chance to before.

So, when I saw this cushion by Emily Peacock I thought I would adapt it as my new mantra.

Because let's be honest, it's true! It also reminded me of a quote I saw recently in a magazine " fear is temporary, regret lasts forever" I'm kinda standing by that one too.

The Tree Of Life

A while ago (mostly because we couldn't get Sky to work) we had to chop down bits of the only tree in our garden.

I knew it had to be done (after all how else was I going to watch Gossip Girl?) but as the other half balanced precariously on the ladders, wielding a saw with me muttering about him being careful and cursing Rupert Murdoch at the same time, I felt a little tear in my eye.

I love trees, new saplings, beautiful old oaks, cherry trees are my particular favourite (I never climbed them mind, much too girly for that sort of shenanigans) so it made me sad to see us butchering our only one.

Trees and nature have long been the inspiration for interiors designers, and this gorgeous Dotty cushion from 95% Danish (available at Furnish) is no different.

I love the almost naive design and gorgeous mustard shade of the leaves (it's also available in two other colours) and its going on my wish list as a must-have of the new season.

Well, buying a cushion might relieve my guilt until the real tree grows back...

Old Friends

I've made no secret that I love retro cushions and furniture. In fact, I often think that I was born in the wrong era (I made it as a 70s child by 9 months - good planning parents!) 

In fact, talking of parents, I remember a bedspread not dissimilar to this fab cushion from Hunky Dory Home knocking around when I was a toddler. 

I love the big, printed sunflowers - perfect for cheering up this dreary day (what happened to summer by the way?) and the colours just scream 1970s. 

Hunky Dory Home has some great other cushions and accessories for all over the home and if you don't believe me, well look for yourself. 

Broom, Broom

I'm a bit out of practise of travelling around London during rush hour, although this week has seen a lot of visits to town and boy had I forgot how angry people get when travelling around the city. 

I'm more than aware I used to huff and puff with the best of them, a train delayed by two minutes (horror) and over-packed train (disaster) and lo and behold someone actually attempting to get off a train before you can get on (that's almost grounds for manslaughter) but what working at home has taught me is it really doesn't need to be that way. 

So, your train's two minutes late or you might have to wait for the next, less busy one, so what? Is two minutes really going to make that much of a difference, is the country's economy really going to collapse if you're not at your desk by 9.30? No, it's not. 

So, next time you're tearing your hair out or have just been really nasty to the person behind you on the bus, maybe you should think of this cushion. 

I love its naivety (it is in fact intended for children), the colour and style. The Rush Hour cushion from 95 % Danish is the perfect antidote to rushing around like loons, making out we're the only ones who have to get to work and generally making rush hour a totally vile experience. 

Of course, once I go back to work in an office, I'm sure I'll be huffing and puffing along with the rest of you, but if you see me get red and wound up remind me of this cushion and I reckon I'll calm down...

Summer Holiday

I am craving a summer holiday at the moment - call it an urge to get away from South London or just the knowledge that my big, super trip across the Atlantic isn't until October, but it's getting stronger everyday.

Annoyingly, I'm not exactly flush at the moment so it looks like even a trip to Bognor is off the cards - not that there's anything wrong with Bognor (have never been - just trying to placate the Bognornese) 

So, in a strange, torturous effort to cheer myself up, I decided to look for holiday cushions. Well, if I'm not going to the beach - the beach can come to me in the form of soft furnishings. 

It was on one of my virtual travels (whilst desperately trying to steer clear of any holiday websites) that I came across these silk cushions from the ever-brilliant Re. 

They're inspired by vintage silk scarves and feature destinations such as Blackpool and the Isle of Wight. 

I love their kitschness and can imagine 50s ladies wearing similar scarves to ward off the cold British sea air. 

It looks like a lot of us will be staying home this summer thanks to the weak pound (yep, well done whoever that's down too) so maybe we should embrace our great seaside, after all there is enough of it...

HRH

To be perfectly honest, I am feeling less than regal today. More like Cinderella in fact complete with scrubbing brushes and mop and bucket. 

Which makes this cushion a rather odd choice. 

I'm not a Royalist either (although I wouldn't say no to being a princess - Harry though not Wills - too boring) but I really love this cushion. 

It's from good old John Lewis (or as my first boss will always refer to it "Johnny Lewis") and I love the way the design almost looks like a watercolour pulled from a canvas. 

So, in the absence of any Royals pledging undying love and offers of marriage looks like I'll have to make do with this cushion...

The Easter Bunny

Predictably, there's an debate raging on the BBC Have Your Say about what does Easter mean to you. 

Even more predictably there are those who are most interested in who got the most eggs and those who want the former to be struck down by some higher force for being so blase about one of the most important Christian festivals. 

Personally, I'm not really bothered about either side of the argument but it does give an excuse to show off some Easter-themed accessories. 

Those who know me know I'm not a particular  fan of rabbits (or bananas, or lying and cheating politicians - ooh this is a topical post) I know they're cute, I can see that but I've always found them a little unpredictable (must be all that hopping) and it freaks me out that they don't make a noise. 

I do however, really like this cushion - simply called Kissing Rabbits from Anorak.

And even I have to admit, the rabbits on this cushion are rather sweet. I have to say though, I'm glad the designers called it Kissing Rabbits instead of what we all know those bunnies really get up to...

Beautiful Brooklyn

I don't think I've ever made a secret of how much I love New York City. 

It is one of the few places I feel I could actually live and work other than my beloved London Town (and yes I did make that decision on the basis of a five day visit...) 

And while Manhattan is fabulous and everything you would expect it to be, Brooklyn is pretty damn fine too. 

I can easily see myself living in a beautiful Brooklyn Heights Brownstone surrounded by dogs, cats and children - hell, seeing though this is a fantasy, I'll have a cool loft in SoHo too...

...Ahem back to the real world then and this gorgeous cushion by Judy Holme which features the iconic Brooklyn Bridge (walking over it to Manhattan is one of THE most romantic things I have ever done) 

Soon, I feel my home with be full of NYC products in some strange homage to this fabulous city. 

The Dog Sitter

I'm dog sitting at the moment which (not being allowed a dog of my own) is a lovely treat  and I'm grateful for the warm (ish) sunshine and dry days so we can have fun and frolics on the common. 

There seem to be a lot of dog cushions out there and I thought I'd featured most of them, what with this one from Fauna, this one courtesy of Donna Wilson and one of my personal favourites from Habitat. 

So in honour of my guest of honour, Mr Frank (a five-year-old, slightly overweight, very cute and a bit stupid Staffie) I present one of Twinkle Living's brilliant cushions. 

I love Twinkle Living almost as much as I love dogs, so expect to see a lot more from them soon...

Just A Number?

Isn't it strange what feelings bar codes evoke? I've seen a number of people with bar code tattoos and often wondered what they're trying to say? 

Are they making a statement about not just being a number or are they hoping to find out how much their arm costs at Sainsbury's? 

However, at their most basic, bar codes are just that. Something to tell us how much something costs. 

I love Ferm Living and their bar code cushion. It's bold, graphic and striking - all get my vote and I'll be throwing this is my shopping basket waiting for the bleep, bleep...

Sailing Days

It's beautiful days like this that make me crave Falmouth.

Ok, so I'm a total London-phile but having spent three amazing years in this beautiful seaside town, when the sun's shining I feel Falmouth calling. 

So, what better a cushion to share than this Boats one from Cath Kidston? 

It reminds me of looking over the harbour seeing little fishing boats bobbing up and down on the river. 

Good Ol' Blighty

It's a bit grim here at the moment isn't it?

Recession, interiors shops closing (I won't let you know what my prediction is for the next one - wouldn't want to jinx it for them) and the high street in decline. 

To be honest, Tooting Broadway has never been one of my favourite places in the world but even I felt a little sad driving past the boarded up M&S and Woolies the other day. 

Perhaps, it's because people love to shop online and who can blame them with great sites like Plumo? 

Amongst their stunning clothes and elegant jewellery nestles a small but beautiful collection of homewares. 

My pick of their new collection is this sweet British Isles cushion. It's super cute and I love the detailed stitching, plus it certainly paints a prettier picture of Blighty. 

Perhaps, Gordon Brown could hold it up at the next PM Questions, might just cheer everyone up a bit...

Tattoo Art

Tattoos fascinate me and while I've often contemplated one but never seen it through (needles and me don't get along - in fact I once told the school nurse I would rather get TB than have my injection again) but I do have several friends that have gone under the needle. 

And it seems last weekend was a bit of a tattoo-themed one. Firstly, my boyfriend found some pictures from the 1900s of people covered in tattoos in a wonderful antiques shop in Lechlade and then I came across Emily Peacock. 

Emily creates her beautiful cushions from tapestry and I particularly love her tattoo designs, which include this LOVE one as well as HOPE and FAITH. 

Emily sells her cushions ready-made or in kit form. Now, I've been looking for a hobby and I'm thinking that using a tapestry needle would be far easier to stomach than facing a tattooist's one...

Face Off

It's taken a while for me to feature Piero Fornasetti's work - no apparent reason, but I was reminded of this highly talented man when browsing a new discovery Love The Rain. 

You can read more about Fornasetti here, and he was an extremely fascinating man.

My favourite of all his works are the images he created using a picture of opera singer Lina Cavalieri's face. 

These have been translated into prints and these thought-provoking cushions. 

I have to say, I think I would have preferred not to have known her identity and instead spend ages wondering who she was, where she lived and what she did. 

Fornasetti himself claimed not to know why he chose Lina. But then why does any artist choose a particular muse? 

Patchwork Dreams

I know I keep banging on about Twitter but it's gone from being something I was kind of interested in to something that's now becoming a bit of an obsession. 

It's a good job though, because without it, I wouldn't find out about people like @NestaHome

This gorgeous patchwork-inspired cushion is one of theirs (you can buy online a here)

And while you're there, why not pick up one of their stunning chandelier prints too. I know they're on my wish list. 

We need to champion people like this. It's true we need to support the highstreet (probably more now than ever) but we need to support independent, young designers too. 

Frankly, though, what with plans to buy all these cushions, rugs and chairs - it's probably a good idea my bank manager doesn't know about these blogs! 

Someone's rubbish...

...is someone else's treasure, so the saying goes and never has a truer word been spoken when it comes to these cushions.

After all, what would you think of doing with an old rice sack? Perhaps you'd throw it in the bin or if you were feeling particularly green, maybe recycle it. 

Well luckily for us, those clever people at Urban Outfitters have transformed used rice sacks into these brightly coloured cushions. 

We live in a throw away society (and a recession!) so making something out of nothing is all good in my book! 

Manhattan Dreaming

I've been day dreaming (yes, I know I meant to be looking for a job) a lot about NYC a lot recently. 

I fell in love with this most amazing city back in May last year when I spent an amazing five days there. You often hear people bang on about their "holiday of a lifetime" and this was definitely mine. 

The day dreaming has only been increased by pouring over the amazing Elliott Erwitt's New York book (bought as a Christmas present by my boy) Elliot's photography is amazing - in fact if you love NYC as much as me, I urge you to splash out on it. 

I was thinking about New York, when I came across this cushion by Snowden Flood. I love Snowden's work, in fact her cushions are among my favourites on this blog. 

And her Statue of Liberty design, is no exception. By the way, I cannot even begin to put into words the excitement I felt when I first saw this iconic landmark. 

So, in the absence of having the funds to travel over the pond, I'll make do with snuggling up with my New York cushion and book...

Twit Twoo

Apparently, owls don't actually go "twit twoo" but I'm not letting that bother me. 

How cute is this cushion? 

It's by designer Donna Wilson, who like me must be a bit obsessed with animals. She puts a whole host on her cushions and blankets, including this previously featured design 

I love this little fella in red but he's also available in green and blue 

Take On Toile

Toile, or to give it its full name, Toile de Jouy, is a pattern that traces its origins back to 18th century France. 

Traditionally known as a fussy pattern, which often depicts pastoral scenes, it's the mainstay of many a period home. 

In my opinion, its ok. I don't hate it, but it's not for my home either.

However, this version of toile I love. 

Look carefully and you won't see a maid milking a cow or a farmer working the land, no you'll see famous London landmarks such as the Gherkin and St Paul's. 

This clever interpretation is by Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons aka Timorous Beasties and as well as the London Toile cushions, this novel and perhaps thought provoking design is available as fabrics and wallpaper depicting Glasgow (where the design duo met) as well as London. 

We Are Family

K Studio is another great American find I've come across while tweeting. 

They sell a fantastic range of accessories, including cushions of course, all with hand drawn characters and figures. 

I adore this cushion from the Family Series. A complete family portrait if you will, and it so reminds me of a drawing a small child would do. 

Woof

Ok, I fully admit this cushion is a little bit mental but seeing though I'm a little bit obsessed with our canine friends, I just couldn't resist it. 

It's by American design company Fauna (available from Design Public) who make a wide range of animal printed homes accessories. 

They don't just stop at dog cushions, oh no. There's a cat, rabbit and even an elephant and zebra. 

Sadly, I'm not in a position to have a dog (not enough time to look after one and, well actually we're not allowed by our landlord) so I'm going to get one of these little fellas instead and prop him up on the sofa. 

I do know he's just a cushion though and won't be feeding him and taking him for walkies, honest...

What A Find

Twitter is wonderful. FACT. I dismissed it at first but can now find myself becoming slightly obsessed my it. 

For one, it gives me the opportunity to get my blogs (Chairs, Chairs, Chairs and Rugs, Rugs, Rugs) out there and it also leads to great finds like this cushion from amazing website H is for Home(follow them on Twitter @hisforhome)

I love the way it uses vibrant colours without being garish and the Scandinavian vintage fabric is just beautiful. 

Retro Revival

It's Friday the 13th and while I'm not a overly superstitious person, I've decided I'll stay in the warm and look for beautiful chairs, cushions and rugs. 

I'm actually really surprised that I've not featured one of Marimekko's cushions before. I adore this Finnish design company with all its stylish and quirky fabric designs and their shop on St Christopher's Place is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford St. 

It was really tricky deciding what cushion of theirs to feature. Should I go for the fun, giant pink flowers or the sophisticated monochrome design. 

In the end this retro Lumimarja design got my vote. I love it's colours and simple design and it reminds me of something I can't quite put my finger on but more importantly than that, it's perfect for my new living room, which as I write is having it's first coat of paint. 

A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Or in this case, three so the head for this posting doesn't really work but I couldn't resist it. 

Much like I couldn't resist this cushion from American company Dwell Studio. I love their twist on traditional Chinoiserie and simple yet very effective design. 

I also adore its hand painted quality. I'm having great fun at the moment planning new furnishings for my flat and this would be perfect. 

Dwell Studio have stockists in the UK but where's the fun in that? Especially when they've got a tonne of stockists in NYC. Personally I think I'll be heading Stateside to do my cushion shopping...

Call On Cupid

It's St. Valentine's Day on Saturday and whatever you think of it (the people I know opinions range from "waste of time, why do I need a day to tell someone I love them" to "but it's so romantic, we always do something") you can't ignore it; Hallmark et al wouldn't let you. 

So, in the spirit of things, I've decided to feature a Valentine's-themed cushion. 

It's not a slushy. fluffy, overly romantic design. Not covered in love hearts or even worse festooned with Playboy bunnies (I kid you not, type Valentine's cushion into Google and you'll see a lot of tat) 

No, my choice is this rather elegant, simple Je Taime. Designed by Jan Constantine and available from The London Cushion Company, it wouldn't look out of place in my newly decorate bedroom - hint, hint...

Ticket To Ride

I blogged about cushions from Bonjour Mon Coussin a while back and have resisted the urge for a repeat post but their designs are just too delicious. 

I've avoided their patisserie cushions (far too tempting when I'm trying to avoid all things sweet) and have instead plumped (excuse the pun, I couldn't resist) for their tickets cushion. 

Simply called Tickets (surely that should be billets - why give it the English translation, it sounds far more chic in Francais) it features prints of transport tickets from all over Paris. 

I love it because every single foreign trip I make I collect all the tickets from train journeys, museum visits and fairground rides (geeky I know) and promise myself I'll make a collage or scrap book when I get home. 

Of course, that never happens so I'm thinking Bonjour Mon Coussin could perhaps offer a bespoke service - now that's a good idea...

Amazing Alpaca

I wish I'd had these cushions to snuggle up to over the last couple of days. It's been freezing in my flat during the snow, which has meant layering up and having the central heating on full blast. 

Made of wool from Alpacas in Chile, they're available from One Eco Home, a favourite store of mine, who stock beautiful furniture and exquisite accessories all with an eco theme. 

The cushions are available in these gold and grey tones as well as whites, pinks and beiges. 

Chair On Cushion

A while ago I blogged about how it was clear other people love chairs just as much as me because they put them on everything from tea towels to clocks. 

I also said if anyone would like to design a dress with Eames chairs on for me that would be very cool and make my day...

...well, it would seem no one has got there with the dress just yet but they have with a cushion. 

Brilliant designer Snowden Flood has put one of my favourite chairs on a cushion. 

It features the Eames RAR chair and I would love it if Snowden would put all my favourite chairs on cushions, although considering all the chairs on ilovechairs that would be a hell of a lot of cushions...

A Day At The Races

I have to be honest, I've never been that keen on horses. While I completely appreciate they're noble and beautiful beasts, I've always been a little bit scared of them. 

Get up close to one and I'm sure you know what I mean. Have you seen the size of their eyes? And those big teeth and stamping hooves. Call me a coward but it makes me a little shaky...

...I do however, like this cushion by Zedhead Designs. 

For one, they're not real horses (see, no flies on me) and I love their different coloured saddles as well. 

But most of all I love that it's designed by an up and coming textile designer Zoe Thompson. 

With all the big design companies and high street shops around, it's important to support solo designers. 

Zoe has got a great range of cushions as well as some stunning lampshades, so be sure to check out her website. 

Return To Sender

Isn't a shame no one seems to send letters anymore? 

All forms of communication seem to be social networking sites, texts and emails. Don't get me wrong, I embrace new technology, it's just that I wish something other than a bill would pop through my letter box. 

Letters are just so delicious, I have a box of letters my parents sent me when I was at university and re reading them is always a pleasure. 

So, in the absence of any interesting correspondence this morning, I decided to share this Airmail cushion with you. 

It's from a French design company Bonjour Mon Coussin (which roughly translates as Hello My Cushion) and they have a wide range of post-themed cushions. 

As well as their postal cushions, they also have ones depicting chocolates, Parisian maps and tickets and money. 

I think we'll be seeing a lot more from Bonjour My Coussin as they definitely are my favourite cushion company du jour. 

P.s Just received a card from my Mum and it brought an instant smile to my face!

Anyone For Scrabble?

Ok, I have to admit that however sad this may sound, my boyfriend and I love to play Scrabble. 

You can keep your Pictionary and Monopoly (far too conniving for me) but give me a board, some lettered tiles and a notepad and I'm away. 

A strange pastime you might think, seeing though we're both journalists but after a hard day playing with words, there's nothing we like more than to, erm, spend an evening playing with words. 

So I was really pleased a friend of mine (check out his website here) spotted these Scrabble tile cushions. 

They're from designer Emma Smart and I love them, think off all the fun you could have if you bought the whole alphabet...

...guests over staying their welcome? Then a simple L E A V E N O W spelt out on the sofa should do the trick. 

And what could make for a more romantic message then a Scrabble L O V E? 

Barking Mad

I love dogs, I used to be more of a cat person but dogs are now my number one animal. 

There's nothing like a dog's welcome; whether you haven't seen them for days or just popped out for a paper, they're always delighted to see you. 

I spent the weekend with my favourite one Frank. He is the cutest and softest Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the world (don't believe what people say about this breed by the way - dogs much like people develop personalities in accordance to how they're brought up) 

Saying goodbye to Frank is always a little bit sad, he has perfected sad, puppy dog eyes and always manages to make you feel guilty when he sees you packing your case. 

So this cushion is for him (actually he'd probably quite like it for his box) and I love it too. 

Donna Wilson creates knitted cushions and throws with simple yet really effective prints such as this dog one and a humorous BLAH print. 

Check out her website to see her full range. 

Under The Sea

Much like I'm fast falling in love with Jonathan Adler's designs, I'm also totally in love with Thomas Paul and his beautiful products.

I've blogged about Thomas's cushions before when I mentioned his gorgeous Russian doll design and I love this seahorse design too. 

Seahorses, to me, are magical creatures and make great motifs for home wares but I also learnt something really sweet about them today. 

During courtship (which lasts a couple of days) they hold tails as they swim along with their chosen mate, and as everyone knows, the male seahorse is the one who gives birth. 

Something that's definitely going to get the vote amongst female cushion buyers...

Disco Fever

The great thing about blogging is you get to read other people's blogs and take inspiration from them. 

I definitely have to name check my friend Roh Roh and her blog The Beat That My Heart Skipped because if she hadn't received all her Christmas presents this year, then I wouldn't have known about Jonathan Adler and his great cushions. 

Jonathan produces a number of needlepoint cushions, now I know what you're thinking, needlepoint = grannies = fusty, pastoral scenes or even worse Home Sweet Home signs...

...not true with Jonathan's quirky designs, like this cool as retro Studio 54 ticket cushion. 

Jonathan also designs pottery, lighting, rugs and furniture (check out one of his very special chairs on Chairs Chairs Chairs really soon) 

The Eternal Optimist

Of course the normal saying is "Life is not a bed of roses" but I love this twist by Lulu Guiness.

Known more for her stunning handbags, Lulu also designs a range of bedlinen and accessories for the home. 

I reckon with all the doom and gloom around at the moment we could all do with a little more optimism and this cushion could be the perfect way to provide it. 

I mean, looking at this cushion is bound to do your Psyche more good than one that reads "life is shit" 

Botanic Inspiration

I might have the creative edge when it comes to writing (yes, I am blowing my own trumpet) but put a pencil or paintbrush in my hand and nothing creative happens.

Instead, little stick men emerge on the paper and not a lot else. In fact, all I'm capable of drawing is a plan of how I envisage a magazine feature looking. 

Anyway, it's for this sole reason that I really admire people who can draw. I'm not just talking artists here, but designers, architects and especially fabric designers are all high on my admiration list. 

Which is why I've always loved Clarissa Hulse's designs. She takes her inspiration from nature and transforms humble flowers, leaves and tress into botanical delights. 

There are loads of cushions to choose from (not to mention wallpaper, lampshades, bedding and more) but this Dogwood design is definitely my favourite. 

Liberty Taker

There's something magical about shopping at Liberty.

From its mock-Tudor facade to having its finger permanently on the style pulse, it's unlike shopping at any other department store. 

My favourite time to shop there is just before Christmas to see the beautiful displays and the bewitching Christmas shop. 

Known best for its Art Nouveau fabrics, Liberty has created a range of cushions that embrace this style period beautifully as part of the Liberty of London collection. 

I love this yellow version although the cushion is also available in fuchsia pink and blush. 

Right, that's sorted then, taxi to Regent St...

Festival Fever

It's great to feature international companies as well as homegrown ones and I found this cushion while browsing the fabulous American site Anthropologie.

Anthropolgie stocks a great range of fashion and jewellery, and thankfully an extensive range of products for the home. 

This Festival cushion (or pillow as they call them Stateside) really caught my eye because of its bohemian (still a hippy at heart) design and beautiful use of subtle golds, greens and greys. 

While Anthropologie doesn't have any stores in the UK just yet, you can buy them on line. Or you could (and this is my cunning plan) take a trip to New York and buy one in person. 

Fabulous felt

I love felt, in fact, its probably my favourite material of all time. 

Not only is it really versatile and warm but its available in an amazing array of colours. Ok, I confess my love of felt really comes from a childhood happily playing with Fuzzy Felt...

Anyway, it seems Selina Rose also shares my love of this fantastic fabric. She's created a whole range of products using it including coasters and table mats, hanging panels and rugs. 

Selina takes the felt and creates printed or cut work products all of which are beautiful. 

I've got my eye on the Botanica rug but while I'm saving the pennies for that one, I'll settle for a couple of cushions instead.