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!