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?