Internet connection problems are making it difficult to communicate...

Really sorry I'm not putting blogs out there right now...Problems with my internet connection have meant I can't upload any images right now...and what's a design blog without the images...?

I'm taking my laptop to the computer doctor tomorrow and hopefully they can tell me where I'm going wrong.

Meanwhile the proposed blogs (with images) are backing up so hopefully back to normal very soon.

Yeah...! We won top prize for our retro rag-doll.

We did it...!
First prize in the Make-a-Toy competition at our local haberdashery shop...and £50 in gift vouchers burning a hole in my pocket!

Well done to Patsy...our Dreams and Wishes entry.

 

But just take a look at these delightful little characters...rag-dolls have certainly moved on since the scary-faced dolls of my childhood...

 

We've featured these Jess Brown dolls before and can't resist them. 

 

 

jess brown

rovingovine

smudgetikka

jess quinn

cocodollz

jane foster

 

 

I think I've got some work to do to get as good as these 'softie' makers.



child's art and toys combine beautifully at Child's Own.

I just can't help smiling at the images of Wendy Tsao's creations at Child's Own.
This very clever lady makes soft toys from a child's drawing and the results are adorable....

 

 

Wendy is based in Vancouver but showcases other 'softiemakers' from around the world on her website...

 

Check out her Flickr page for more beautiful little monsters inspired by kid's art.

Kid's beds aren't what they used to be...!

Once upon a time a kid's bed was just a kid's bed...now you need a degree in engineering to work out all these new complicated-looking structures...
Still! I'm not complaining...I'd love to be the envy of my friends with any one of these fine examples.

aalto

 

by miko

designoform

punkin patch

kieeri

kjerstistykke

 

paul coudamy

imgfave

 

this old house

salk

abrogers

Book storage ideas for kid's rooms.

Books form a big part of a childs room, at any age, and finding practical, stylish storage ideas can be a frustrating task.

Standard bookshelves are the obvious choice whether freestanding or specifically designed to fit the room...but don't stop there...

Little kids will love these cute ideas....

amazon

houzz

karton group

Make your storage portable....

houzz

Or incorporate space into existing furniture...

newbookseat

Look out for second-hand fixtures and fittings at local auctions...

Get creative with fabrics....

indulgy

Or go for the downright quirky....

homedepot

andrea espach