Merry Christmas to all

Thanks to everyone who has come to visit the blog and shown their support and encouragement over these last couple of months - have a fabulous Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. I'll be back in 2015, with plenty more Characters to share. I hope to see you then. x

Countdown to Christmas 24!!!

Here is the last day of our countdown, as at last Christmas day is finally upon us. Today will be spent feverishly wrapping presents and trying to fit the turkey into the fridge, alongside all the party nibbles  and pigs in blankets. And to celebrate we have some illustrations from French speaking design duo Plume et Pinceau. My knowledge of the french language leaves a lot to be desired, however, it's just as fun creating your own story to run alongside this wonderful set of seasonal illustrations. If you're better at french than I, or fancy the challenge of translating it can be found on their website: plumeetpinceau.ch. For everyone else - enjoy!

Popetse Toys

These handmade characters are from Popetse Toys, and take inspiration from the tales of Robin Hood, and feature badgers, bears and archer birds, with their own bows and quivers. Sculpted in France from organic materials these character are made to order, allowing each one to be totally unique and special. It's rare to see such expressive characteristics in stuffed toys, but these little guys certainly have a lot of character. Find out more from Popetse Toys from their website: www.popetsetoys.com, or from their Easy store.

Littlephant

Welcome to the world of Littlephant. Littlephant is a creative Swedish brand owned and lovingly run by designer and illustrator Camilla Lundsten. The brand focuses on products, which are clever, fun, inspiring and colourful for you, your kids and your home. Their products certainly put a smile on your face, and encourage creative thinking that proves that form and function can work in perfect harmony. They have a wide range of products all sporting a signature Swedish attitude and quirky expression, from storybooks to wall art, bags and accessories to mobiles, and printed fabrics to giant crochet toys.

Not only do they boast a beautiful design aesthetic but an environmental conscious too. The brand is very aware of its duty to the environment, producing only from factories that meet very high criteria, and with respect for the air that we breathe and the people around us. What’s not to love.

We particularly love the vintage colourful feel of the characters. I feel like the characters are both modern and on trend, but that we’ve grown up with them. Find out more on their website: littlephant.com, or follow them on Instagram: +Littlephant Team.

All these wonderful and beautiful images are from Littlephant's 2015 catalogue.

Christmas countdown - Day 22

I received a Christmas E-card last week from a supplier, wishing me a merry Christmas, and showing their support for UNICEF's work against the spread of Ebola in West Africa and their efforts to reach out to children affected by the crisis. I really love the illustration so I thought I'd share it with you all for day 22 of our countdown to Christmas. To find out more about UNICEF's work, or to show your support visit their website: www.unicef.org.

Christmas countdown 21

Scandinavian design by its very nature reminds us of Christmas, and all things festive, which is why By Nord's designs translate so perfectly into a Christmas range. For most of the year these photographic black and white prints work across bedding, pillows and other homeware paraphernalia, to create a modern, clean and timeless range. Come Christmas the designs appear on super sized stockings, with an accompaniment of ceramic hanging decorations, to celebrate the season in refined style. Shop online on their website: www.bynord.com.

Christmas countdown 20

As soon as the calendar reaches the twenties Christmas really begins. So todays festive characters pay homage to spending all day in your PJ's and curling up by the fire. These character prints are from Fat Face, and decorate their wonderful sleepware. All available and more from their website: www.fatface.com.

I ended up here

I ended up here, is an unusually named creative group quietly creating imaginative illustration and quality design, in Australia. Their creative paper products fuse original elements with stylish, light-hearted illustration, which aim to support local business and support local industry.  Particularly inspiring are these card designs, which are available as large prints to frame, or as smaller stationary items. Find out more from their website: iendeduphere.com.