Raphael has really got in to books recently and It feels like his favourite past time is to empty his bookshelf to find the one book he wants to look at! So to keep him interested I try to update his mini library as often as I can!
I came across this little gem of a kids bookshop in Chadwell Street in Islington where every book is only a £1.00! Children’s Books maybe small but is filled with books for all ages and has a stream of customers passing through its door. Constantly updating their stock I always manage to find something for my little man to enjoy.
Whilst searching for fun wedding favours I came across a silhouette artist, Charles Burns, the roving artist. Unfortunately, he was booked up on the day of our wedding but I signed up for his news letter in the hope that I would be able to one day book him for another event.
Charles then sent out an email, requesting photo’s that he could use for a book he was writing and in return he would send a silhouette as a thank you. So I sent a few pictures and a silhouette of me got featured in the book!
Mastering Silhouettes is an instruction book into the art of silhouette portraiture. Its explains about all the techniques used in period and modern day silhouette portraits, advice on poses and materials and features of silhouette artist and their work.
As my silhouette was painted on glass so I went to meet Charles to collect it. I took Raphael with me and was lucky enough to see Charles in action as he did a portrait of Raphael.
It really is quite an incredible art form. The detail in the cutting is amazing, especially as it took less than a minute to do!
I find my hubby really difficult to buy for. Always on the hunt for something different, I was really chuffed when I came across ‘exhibition in a box’ at the V&A shop.
Created by artist Tom Martin, it is 20 mini handmade screen prints presented in a handmade box, designed for the ‘Cherry on the Cake’ range focusing on paper.
After the success of ‘exhibition in a box’ the V&A has now commissioned a new set of mini prints, Myriorama by Tom Martin. Each set of prints has a unique colour range and they fit together in any arrangement to create a bigger pattern.
Could make the perfect present for that hard to buy relative or friend!
I was thrilled when my hubby gave me a pop up book for my birthday. Big Bang Pop by a French Author Philippe Ug is filled with vivid colours and beautiful 3d images. It takes you on a journey through the milky way telling you about the life’s of stars.
I remember my mom having a set of vintage pop up books as a kid. I have really vivd memories of them and showing Big Bang Pop to Raphael reminded me of how magical I thought those books were so I thought I would feature a few on here which I think would make amazing Christmas gifts!
For Mama…
Another Philippe Ug, Drôle d’oiseau (Funny Bird) tells the story of a little bird, from an egg to flying the nest as a magnificent bird to discover the world!
For baba….
A box of bugs. 4 concept pop up books by David A Carter
For mama & baba….
White Noise by David A Carter is a pop up book for all ages where the paper structures create a sound as they open!
Fingers crossed santa brings me Drôle d’oiseau for Christmas!
Theres not much that would get me out of bed earlier than Raphael in the morning but the thought of snapping up a bargain and I am out the door! December is a great month for sample sales and two of the best are held annually at the beginning of the month.
Donna Wilson opened up her studios for her annual sale and there were plenty of bargains to be had! With discontinued stock and slight seconds for sale it is well worth making a note your diary! I managed to pick up a couple of her lambs wool blankets I have wanted for ages as well as a few treats for my baba!
Next, Alex Monroe. Held at his studio in the beautiful Iliffe yard it is perfect for picking up some christmas gifts or just to spoil yourself at bargain prices! I keep telling myself I have way to much jewellery but I cannot resist this sample sale and always manage to find something I love and this year was no exception!
mama and her baba 