The Northern Quarter - #NQ

Well if I struggled getting discrete photographs in Debenhams, then I knew it was a pointless endeavour to try getting snap happy in the intimate environments of the Northern Quarter shops. It is a shame, as there was so much to share. I shall have to work on my sneakiness before my next adventure.

The first stop, I mentioned in my earlier post was Fig and Sparrow. Such a beautiful shop – here are a few more images to entice you to visit.

Then the Oklahoma café, I’ve eaten here before, and can recommend it if your ever passing, though you have to be lucky – the café area is small and tables are in high demand. I did manage to get a few sneaky shots in the shop of some eggcups from Mini Moderns, with their hares and deer’s decorated in tartans they have a distinct Scottish feel.

Finally I trudged round to Magma, I’d saved the best until last (I did mention once or twice before that I like this shop), again I thought it was too obvious to take photo’s, so I’ve been to their website (www.magmabooks.com) and pulled off a few images. Another thing that stod out from the books was these adorable aprons and chefs hats from Kooroom (images from Smallable), again I’vejourneyed onto the web to get some images. It doesn’t really encapsulate the joy of being in the shop itself, but hopefully it’ll give you enough of a reason to visit.

Debenhams - SS15

I don’t usually frequent Debenhams out of habit, unless I’m presented with a wedding list or a very specific Christmas list. However the last few time I’ve wandered through, I’ve been distracted by the home wares store; and today was one of those days. It wasn’t one collection in particular, but lots of little bits – it was like routing through a little boutique. I couldn’t indulge in as many images as I’d have liked here, as I was quickly ushered out the store by the shop assistants, who frown upon this sort of thing. But lots more can be found on the Debenhams website (www.debenhams.com). We start with a little patterned blue penguin doorstop, by Debenhams. An amazing set of six wooden fox face coasters from Sass and Belle, I don’t know how practical these are, but I loved them so much I bought some anyway.

Then from At home with Ashley Thomas, gorgeous bird prints, illustrations and ceramics. Ashley Thomas (www.ashleythomasdesign.co.uk) is a UK based artist and designer, who creates wonderful homeware designs in the attic of her Victorian house, nicknamed ‘The leaky factory’. It is probably a good thing I wasn’t allowed to stay here too long; it could have become expensive!

Stoneware character

In and amongst all the images I took on my venture out to Manchester, I have one lone image of this little character. I remember seeing him in a small card and gift shop back towards the city center from Paperchase. It was a great little find of a shop, filled with lots of great cards and unusual trinkets, but my recording has let me down. If anyone knows can they please fill me and I can update the post. But he’s such a fun character I thought I’d share him anyway!

Paperchase - Valentines Day 2015

As I mentioned in my last post, all the shops displays were heavily influenced by the onset of Valentines day; and stepping into Paperchase I was greeted by row upon row of red cards. Some were heart felt, some were a little rude, some were hilarious and lots and lots featured characters, in every guise imaginable.

Fay’s Studio (www.faysstudio.com), is a greetings card design company set up by illustrator Fay Martin, who prides herself on being different. With her quirky designs and colour palette (in particular the lack of red!), her work really does stand out from the crowds, and brings a smile to your face.

Stop the Clock Design (stoptheclockdesign.com), is another independent company comprising of textile designers Kathy Slatter and Erin Taylor. They both have their own illustrative styles, which work beautifully together to make design led, affordable, hand finished greetings cards, perfect for the love of your life!

Sue downing, and her bright, bold and super cute illustrations just make you want to own every single one of her cards. Sue’s based in Newcastle upon Tyne, where she shares a studio with her husband (www.mrandmrsdowning.co.uk), creating a wide variety of illustrations for the world to enjoy.

Stepping away from Valentines day for a bit with this felt monkey card from Ohh Deer, I’ve visted Ohh Deer in a previous post (click here for previous post) and their designs never fail to catch my attention.

And finally these gift-wrap collections are really different with their bright colours and block graphics, strongly contrasting all the pastel palettes that are currently lining the shelves. All items featured and more can be found on the Paperchase website.