Wednesday 30 November 2011

Interview: Sandra Dieckmann.

Sandra Dieckmann's enchanting woodland beasts and navajo prints are so strikingly beautiful they can't help but conjure up festive daydreams for their viewers. Her intricately drawn subjects are often accompanied by graphic patterns brought to life by a vibrant colour pallet which showcases her incredible talent perfectly. Born in Germany, living in East London, Sandra was kind enough to answer our 10 little questions. 

How would you describe your work to someone who hadn't seen it? 
Colourful, detailed, crisp, folky, inspired by the natural world and I guess a little dreamy. 

What/Who has had the biggest impact on your work? 
I think it's what rather than who. Realising that you only have one shot at happiness - meaning this one life - and believing that being happy means creating your life in the best way that you can. 

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 
Someone honest, driven, and open. Also someone that has time for the world and not just themselves. People with open eyes. People that make eye contact and aren't scared to tell a long story. People that can say 'not so good' when asked 'how are you?' Someone whose work I admire and that I feel can bring as much to me as I can them. Maybe David Attenborough will take me on one of his ventures one day ;-)

Who amongst your contemporaries do you admire? 
I admire my good friend Jamie Mills' work for it's honesty and beauty. I'm also a big fan of Caitlin Hackets's detailed wonder worlds and creatures and I love Jack Hudson for his colours and shapes. Lizzie Stewart's characters are darling and the taste of history and romance that her images leave behind I find enchanting.
I think I could go on as there is some great talent out there at the moment but hey! Here you have a few. 


What has been your biggest work achievement to date? 
Honestly. Turning down a big contract that would have seen my illustrations washed all over shops. It's so hard when integrity collides with potential income but I think it's important to stay true to your art. 
The designs I did for Moment skies that will be in stores next year has been an amazing opportunity, a fun job with a great client.  

It's your last meal on Death Row. What would you have? 
Nothing. Why would I need to eat if I was about to die?

What is the greatest invention of all time? 
In First place: The Bed.
In Second place: (but only because it makes me sad sometimes that lonely souls spiral deeper into isolation and eye to eye communication decreases) The Internet. Without it I would have to go knocking on doors and would be annoying people on the phone. Work would be double as hard and twice as slow. 
Itunes on Shuffle. What is the fourth song that plays? 
Motorbike - Wooden Ships.

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do? 
I'd definitely be studying again to become a veterinary surgeon and practitioner. 

What do you dislike most about popular culture? 
The way that people are made to believe that they are making choices, when in fact it's like chicken feed, everything is thrown right in front of them. Switch off the TV nation and look at each other. 
All images courtesy of sandradieckmann.com


Post Guidelines.

United Kingdom 1st class: 15th December
United Kingdom Special Delivery: 19th December
International Airmail (Western Europe): 6th December
International Airmail (Eastern Europe, USA and Canada): 3rd December
International Airmail (everywhere else): 29th November 


Tuesday 29 November 2011

Seen you looking.... Carluccio's Crackers

We're loving these crackers from Carluccio's. Their designs are right up our street.

Monday 28 November 2011

Grafika Walls....

We did a little experiment with one our new Grafika paper designs. Because it comes in larger sheets (700mm x 1000mm) we decided to decorate one of the walls in the studio. We were pretty pleased with the result. What do you think? 

Thursday 24 November 2011

Christmas Cards.

So the Christmas countdown begins in a one week! Make sure you are prepared by having the perfect cards to send to your friends and family. We have a great selection of Christmas cards and packs over on our website.


1. Baubles, Sean Sims.
2. Rockin' Robin, Snowfolk by Darling Clementine.
3. Gold, Pantone.
4. Enjoy Christmas, Poste.
5. Presents, Yuletime by Sean Sims.
6. Snowy Belle loves Boo, Belle & Boo.

Retail Therapy: Junk Funk.

Name: Junk Funk
Established: 2003 Spitalfields Market, London.
Location: Now settled in Brighton's laid back 'North Laine' area on the Gloucester Road since 2007.

How would you define your shops style? There is no shop style but we're into design, typography and creativity. So if we like it, we get it in and see if it sells.

What sets your store apart from your competitors? We enjoy it! And we are passionate about finding new products and designing our range of T-shirts and other products all at the same time.


Where else can we find you? You can fin us on twitter (@junkfunk), Online, Facebook and our Blog although we don't have much time to update them so they're a little neglected.


Wednesday 23 November 2011

Interview: Steve Scott

Australian native Steve Scott is a quite extraordinary illustrator and animator. His amazing psychedelic visuals were the backdrop to Led Zeppelin's re-union in 2007. His client list is as impressive as his portfolio so we very excited when he took the time to answer our 10 questions. 

What is your greatest achievement? 
I would say either seeing my animations on stage at the O2 Arena for the Led Zeppelin re-union gig or seeing my work at the Guggenheim. Both had a slightly mind blowing quality.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it? 
hmmmm that's a hard one.... pop, psychedelia, humour. 

Who/what inspires you most? 
There's a few people I constantly look back to for inspiration, for example Tadanori Yokoo's  60s screens prints are sublime, full of great detail & humour & colour. Of course Herges Tin Tin. More recently I've really fallen for the fluid lines of french comics artist, Christophe Blain.
Who would you most like to collaborate with? 
I would love to work with a good writer such as Jeff Vandameer and create a creepy, weird comic. 

What is the worst job you have had? 
Making T shirt designs for a psychopathic boss in australia who threatened to destroy my career when I said  was leaving.

What one piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self? 
Kiss that girl. 

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time? 
Not under the rule of plutocratic bankers and corporations.

What do you dislike most about popular culture? 
X factor brave new world brainless entertainment.

What is the greatest invention of all time? 
The internet. I don't think I would be as busy without it.

If you didn't do what you do. What would you do? 
Probably be a homeless bum. Prior to my current career I was fired for smashing up two cars as a car park attendant. 

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Online: DJECO.

We absolutely love the French website DJECO. Not only is it beautifully illustrated, but it has amazing products and is really interactive and fun. 




Go have a look around with your little ones. Or even on your own. Thumbs up!



Monday 21 November 2011

Paper Craft..... Paper Pom Poms.

Versatile and alternative paper decorations 


You will need:
Tissue paper between 6-12 sheets depending on how dense you want your pom poms to be, scissors, pencil/pen, ruler, pipe cleaner, string.
1.Measure the length of your paper then divide and mark the edge as a fold guide e.g the paper shown was 24cm in length so it was marked every 3cms, this will ensure even pleats which should result in an even and full pom pom. 
2.Using your guide pleat the paper back and fourth to create a concertina. 
3. Fold the concertina in half and then secure with the pipe cleaner in the middle. (This will later be used to attached the string so you can hang your pom pom up)
4. Draw a semicircle at the tip of the concertina, then repeat with the other end. 
5. Cut just inside the semicircle leaving a rounded edge. 
6. Repeat with the other side.
7. Open out the concertina to create a circular shape with scalloped edges. 
8. Start with one end i.e the pipe cleaner being the middle, and start folding the 'petals' back to the centre. Being extra careful not to rip or tear the tissue. Do this alternately on each side. 

9. You should have created one half of your pom pom. It may not be perfect yet but you can shape it later. Then start the same process on the other half making the pom pom whole. 

10. Once the pom pom is more spherical you can start improving its shape by smoothing any creases and making the spaces between the 'petals' more even. 
11. Attach the string to the pipe cleaner in the centre. 



Friday 18 November 2011

Thursday 17 November 2011

1973 make Ravioli

We had a great staff night out. We learnt how to make sweet potato and ricotta ravioli in one of Jamie Oliver's recipease cooking classes. It was really good fun!!