Desk Snapshot

A sneak peek at my new card design..

My Current Project

I am currently working on a new ceramics range at the moment with a local ceramics studio here in Chiang Mai.....it's so exciting!! It will be the first time that I will be involved in the actual development of the shapes and sampling for each product.

Looking at different sizes, shapes and finishes to work from.

Please lend a helping hand!

The recent floods we had here in Chiang Mai a few weeks ago are now hitting Bangkok. It's given me time to reflect on how lucky I am and how we definitely do take alot of basic things for granted that many people do not have such as access to affordable medicine, dental care, and clean water. Although the flooding has now gone from Chiang Mai, the tourists have not returned. This has a huge impact on the local community. I also had friends here whose houses were flooded.

25% of all profits from sales made in my online boutique until the end of November will be donated to the Thai Red Cross for Disaster Relief Fund. Virtually most of the local people here have no insurance so have lost everything in the floods. It has been a very tough time for Thailand.

Even if you don't want to buy anything from me, please donate to the Thai Red Cross for Disaster Relief Fund.

Wallpaper Inspiration

When I was in Seoul last week, I found some lovely antique rice paper drawings which will provide inspiration for one of my upcoming projects next year. I am planning to design a range of beautiful, hand painted wallpapers. I've been meaning to do this for the past few years now but have decided that 2012 is going to be it. Please keep asking me about this as I don't want it to fall by the wayside LOL....

Hand Painted Rice Paper Panel - over 100 years old

One section of a rice paper screen featuring the same flower.

Flushed

I bet Captain Kirk didn't have one of these on the Enterprise.
The only thing it didn't have was a TV!

Outdoor Bliss

An afternoon tea stop at Zoo Cafe in Sam-Cheong which had a fantastic rooftop garden

It's amazing what a bit of greenery can do to transform an outdoor area

There's nothing better than sitting down with a good coffee and reading a good interiors magazine!

Tea Museum

The National Tea Museum

Inside there is a gorgeous open space for having tea
with exhibition gallery and shop

Love the display and the exquisite ceramics on offer

Some of the glazes are just incredible.

I had lotus leaf tea - good for restoration and reviving feet
for more shopping LOL!

The tea selection was huge.

A stroll through Insa-dong

I was tempted but I think I have to improve my 'Chinese painting'
before attempting to paint on fans.

There's always lots of various exhibitions happening in
the art district of Insadong.

One of my key finds - an antique store selling 100 year old
hand painted and wood block rice paper panels .

Clever Idea - digitally printed rulers on fabric for bar stools

Yep - there was definitely no KFC in here.

This time of the year is beautiful with all the ivy and greenery.
I especially love the gingko trees.

Exquisite door handle.

Tree Magic

Zoe Ouvrier is a French artist who creates beautiful art pieces by engraving into wooden panels. The effect is extraordinary. We first saw her work at MaisonObjet many years ago and to re-discover her work here at the Westin Chosun (where we're staying this week) was a nice surprise. Incidentally, this hotel is the oldest western style hotel to ever open in Korea - it's 97 years old today. Thank God, it's had a facelift LOL!

The reception area

Complimenting textiles and furnishings

The detail is extraordinary

Copyright Zoe Ouvrier

What is this called?

I have something to confess and I'm a bit embarrassed...I have no idea of half the names of flowers I paint. I am so ignorant; as long as it's pretty and colourful - I'm there! I don't suppose anyone knows what types of flowers these are?

I know Missoni has used these in their designs too.

Stunning colours

Have you noticed how colours in nature are always perfectly balanced;
in that nothing looks out of balance or weird?

What are these called again?