Featured Designer: Zoe Murphy

This week, I've been loving the work of Zoe Murphy. An incredibly talented designer who 'upcycles' vintage furniture with her own vibrant and colourful printed designs inspired by her hometown of Margate.

I was drawn to Zoe's work because whilst I love old furniture, sometimes it needs a little 'je ne sais qoi' to bring it into the 21st century and make a cool original feature for the home. Zoe's ethos is 'love what belongs to you' and by using reclaimed furniture and fabric in an ethical way, her coffee tables, stools and dressers make it easy to do just that. Check out her website and see for yourself...

Grow Your Own - Allotinabox

Now that Spring has officially arrived, I'm ready and raring to start growing herbs, fruit and veg on my balcony again. Like most Londoner's, outside space at home is a premium, so while I dream of owning chickens and having the veg garden to end all veg gardens, I have to make do with my cramped little spot. I'm on the waiting list for my local allotment - which is perfect - not even 5 minutes away from home, but the waiting list is at least 2 years. Yes. 2 YEARS.

Last Summer we grew flowers, strawberries, tomatoes, baby carrots and herbs in pots, hanging baskets and even a supermarket shoppping basket (thanks Tesco's!) and created a colourful oasis on the 4th floor of our little corner of West London. So I was pleased to come across Allotinabox which is sold on gift site Culture Label.

Allotinabox's kit is perfect for those new to 'growing their own'. It contains packs of seeds for herbs and veg, little instruction packets and a planting wheel, the packaging is cool and totally recyclable. Now there's no excuse to not Grow Your Own!

Spring has Sprung

So British summertime has officially arrived (unofficially it was FREEZING cold today, so summer seems a long way away...). The days are getting longer, the trees are getting greener and the sun is out!

The new season has inspired me to get making on a new range if summer accessories. I've started with some sterling silver and leather rings and earrings, and leather and African wax print fabrics. Coming soon to RoseandRina.etsy.com.

The pictures aren't brilliant as I took them on my phone, but hopefully they give an idea of what I've been up to!

Craft Your Way to a More Sustainable Life

Karishma Shahani’s Upcycled Fashion

I'm linking to this excellent blog post by East London Craft Guerilla about how we can be more responsible and less wasteful with our time, money and possessions with a little bit of creative know how. At a time when the 'M' word (money...) is something we could all probably do with spending less of and saving more of, this post couldn't be more timely or environmentally ethical.

Check out some ideas that Craft Guerilla suggest for a more sustanaible life, or have a look at my 'For the Home' board on Pinterest, (roseandrina) for lots more original ways to be sustainable but chic.

Upcycled Vintage tray chalkboard! Photo by Regina Moore

Nut and rope braided bracelet. Photo credit unknown

Re used bird cage shelving. Photo credit unknown.

Washi Tape table. Photo credit unknown

Photos courtesy of East London Craft Guerilla

Found on Folksy: Yvonne Ellen

Folksy, the UK equivalent of Etsy that champions British Designer Makers is a great place to unearth original talented makers. One recent discovery that I had to share is Yvonne Ellen's range of upcyled vintage crockery featuring her own quirky illustrations.

My faves are the set of Dapper Flamingo Cups and the Ghetto Bambi plate. Too late for a gift idea for Mother's Day, but I can think of lots of other people I know who would love one of Yvonne's creations!