Where the fairies dance...

Or at least I think the photographs are places where the fairies should dance. The etherealimages are made by UK photographer Tim Simmons. The way he plays with the lightning and the landscapes makes nature almost look unearthly. He travels all over the world for the artworks and his portfolio consists among other things of lakes in Iceland and 'outer space' rocks. The pictures of the forests of Great Britain I like most. To see more of his work please click here.
Images: copyright Tim Simmons

Bunnies & foxes

When I popped into the Zara yesterday I found these lovely forest themed shirts. I have many a dress of this Spanish brand in my wardrobe and I'm not saying I'm necessarily going to add any one of those shirts to my closet, but I was still pleasantly surprised to see that at Zara forest=fashion. Well apparently. Make sure to check out the autumn collection or order some clothes online. www.zara.com

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

With glasses like this you can think about this Alice in Wonderland riddle over and over. Who knows you might even find the answer. The glasses are made by Artel in Prague. It is mouth blown crystal and hand etched. Maybe not the table ware to get out for a family dinner, but certainly the light of day (or should I say 'dark of night'?) at a Halloween party. They are for sale at The Future Perfect.

Autumn bowls

A simple, but beautiful concept are the bowls of Malaysian based artist Jurema Walendowsky Baker. These objects are made out of recycled paper and paper mache. She works in a 'green way' and always uses what is left over from the rain forest. Other artworks are created from dried-up coconut, bamboos, palm tree leaves and Malaysian dried fruits. Through a lacquer process she transforms them into decor for the office and home. You can view the collections here.

Cosy blankets

L'aviva home has a great range of luxury handmade textiles and objects from around the world. These hand embroidered coverlets are crafted by Otomi Indians who live in the mountains. The patterns used are inspired by old wall paintings in the region. I love the intense colours used, combined with their magic images. Owner of the company, Laura Aviva, travels frequently around the world to find beautiful handmade goods. www.lavivahome.com

Gently light up the night

Sisters Victoria and Charlotte, owners of UK brand White Rabbit slept as little girls with an enchanting light beside their beds. It was a hand painted toadstool decorated with dancing elves and fairies, which gave them a reassuring light. As grownups with children they started looking for a modern version of the nightlight, but couldn't find one. Now they have a range of night lights. All made in English pottery barns. Like this lovely Owl Light 'Henry' that glows from the inside. To see their products click here.

Want to ride my bicycle, want to ride my bike

We Dutch love our bikes. These great nostalgic bicycle bags are created by Utrecht-based product designer Daphne de Vos. They are pretty special because the bags used to be owned by real postmen from the old Dutch mail delivery company PTT Post. Obviously when the postmen delivered their goods they weren't pimped to the gems they are now. Daphne de Vos studied fashion design and worked at different children brands before she started her own product line. Among other things, she also makes lovely pillows, cuddles and lifestyle lamps out of old coffee cups. I'm expecting to see her products in the magazines soon. Click here to visit her web shop Peluche.

The wicked queens' business card

I'm thrilled with this cute key chain which arrived by mail yesterday. I fell for the images of 'Snow white and the forest animals", but I quite like the wicked Queen as well. I'm using it as a card holder and expect a lot of 'oohs' and 'aahs', while pulling my business cards out. This Etsy-seller has many mini-wallets for sale so make sure to check out her shop.

Foxy napkins

British illustration artist and graphic designer Nicola Rowlands makes lovely illustrations and I immediately fell for this bit of fox loving. The napkins are not the only products she has for sale. Among other things you can shop for pillows, tote bags and aprons. Most of her work has a certain sweetness with the right dose of (good) oddness about it. To check out her work click here.

Brainy trees

It's the Equinox today. Or in other words: the day and night have the same length after which the nights become longer. Since autumn has arrived, I thought I'll show you these prints of artist Andy Kehoe. The amazing detailing in his work, the intensity of the colours and the leaves which he drew with such precision, make your eyes drawn to it. He's also one who explores the darker side of the woods. Most of his work is a bit awkward (in a good way), portraying strange creatures. The poetic titles of his work are certain to feed curiosity. What to think of: “Watchers of the Forest Sanctum” and "When the Last Leaf Falls". Enjoy his website.

Magnet board

Danish design brand Roommate came up with these fun magnet boards. The design duo aims on children, but I wouldn't mind putting these lovely magnet boards up in my hallway. They come in 3 colors: green, purple and orange. There's also one named 'Twitter', full of birds. For retailers check out their website.

Chocolate floor

(via Frame Magazine)
If I was to build a house in the forest, I'd like it to have one of this magical chocolate bar floorings from Dutch designer Marcel Wanders for 'Impressions' from Senso. I think even the witch from the Hans & Gretel story would mistake it for pieces of chocolate. The design in the new flooring is all about texture and creating a 3D impression. It works for me. I even have to restrain myself to take a bite out of it.

The fabricated forest

I'm looking forward to stepping into Ferry Staverman's design forest at Woonbeurs Amsterdam (25th sept - 3 oct.). I love the simple way this Dutch artist transforms cardboard paper, into dreamy, lush shapes, like these 3D trees. He finished studying art in the end of the sixties and was in the past employed as an education worker at Palace Het Loo. While he was looking at the gardens of the palace, observing the shapes of the fountains and bushes, the idea that he wanted to create similar open shapes rose into his mind and he started changing his art. Before his style used to be more austere. To know about this fabulous artist and see where his expositions are check his website.

Storm in a teacup

Not a cup to actually drink your tea out, but a great gadget to look at. Turn the handle and the boat will ride the waves and bolds of lightning appear. John Lumbus designed them for Laikingland and made two different versions, The Dutch Delfts blauw and a traditional English cup. While you might not be using them to drink tea out of, you might just use them when you're angry at your partner, but don't want a real fight. Just bring the cups out, turn the handle and give him a stare. http://www.laikingland.co.uk/

Black birds

These blackbirds look like they are having a ball, hanging out on these festive flags which you can put up in- and outside. Designer Kathryn Hunter drew these blackbirds after observing some real birds sitting on a wire. The birds are screen printed onto cotton fabric and have charming unfinished edges like prayer flags. You can choose between warm and cool colors and there is even a 'financial crisis'-version. Or in other words: a very affordable string of beautiful flags. Check the goods out here.

About a skirt of clouds & riding the cat

So pretty, these paintings from French born artist Isabelle Bryer. The 'fairytale'-, 'outer world'-like atmosphere she creates with her paint brush caught my eye. Bryer states that the images live in her head, begging to be painted so that's what this former fashion designer does. She describes her work as "descriptive and poetic" and is among other things inspired by her surroundings, Alice in Wonderland sketches and artists like Rousseau. There are indeed a lot of nature and birds in the paintings. Please check out her website.

Wood cut rug

The woody wood rug was the first interior design product of Dutchie Yvette Laduk. Before she started developing products she was working as a freelance art director. I love the idea of this rug, a very real looking wood cut as a carpet. Luckily the material used is not as hard as wood, but nice and soft. Laduk cut the edges and then burned and fixed it, so it's will easily reach the age of a tree. For more information, click here.

Bag of lights

I came across these paper bags of lights on the design market in my hometown, De Utrechtse Fabriek. The lightning is soft, sweet and rather magical. You can either put them inside or outside as long as you make them heavier with sand. Don't worry the paper won't set on fire because the bags are impregnated and fireproof. To go to the website of online store Het Zijstraatje, click here.