Tuesday, February 28, 2012

A cup of tea and a slice of French toast

Way back in my textile design student days I was fortunate to undertake work experience at the now sadly departed Wardlaw Fabrics - the Australian reps of a host of prestigious International interior fabric and wallpaper companies including Designers Guild, Osborne and Little, Schumacher, Warner, and Pierre Frey. It was at this time that I fell in love with the crisp cotton fabrics and finely engraved print designs from the exquisite Pierre Frey collection. I still count the Pierre Frey 'Minton' archive tea cup fabric from the late 90's as one of my favourite textile designs of all time, and these new designs inspired by vintage ceramics and porcelain may have just become favourites too....


Tea-Time Glace






Macao Bleu de Chine


Macao Laque




Somehow I don't think the common 10-14 maximum colour / screen printing limitation is practised here!






Ming Fuschia


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Journey on a Cloud


I picked up 'Journey on a Cloud', a Children's Book Inspired by Marc Chagall, written by Veronique Massenot and illustrated by Elise Mansot at the National Gallery of Victoria bookshop recently, and I think this title definitely makes it into my all-time favourite children's picture book list.


One of Marc Chagall's most enduring and mysterious paintings Bride and Groom with Eiffel Tower forms the backbone of this beautifully crafted children's book. 


Zephyr is a day-dreaming mailman from a small village of blue houses and hills. One day he embarks on a fantastic aerial journey aboard a cloud, taking him on an adventure exploring distant and colourful lands.



Journey on a Cloud (Voyage sur un nuage) was first published in French by L'Elan Vert in 2008. The English edition was published by Prestel Verlag in 2011. The English edition is available on Amazon UK, and in Australia at Fishpond Books.

Monday, February 20, 2012

New Digs


I have been out of action for a few weeks due to a very big (and time - consuming) move to the country, north of Melbourne. Here are a few shots (in between the thunder storms) of my new residence / design studio. I can't wait to get creative again!



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Sharing the love on Valentine's Day

Copyright Natalie Ryan 2012

Here is my mono-print illustration for a Valentine's Day blog hop organised by Chris Chun. Take a look at Chris's blog to see a wonderful collection of love-ly illustrations contributed by talented artists from around the world.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Patterned papers from Rie Elise Larsen



 I love the latest collection of summery patterned paper goodness from the Danish designer Rie Elise Larsen.



I have bought a few sheets of paper before and they are almost too special to cut up - the papers are hand printed in India using deliciously thick opaque inks.


Owl notebook


Big City notebook


Blue Square


Pink Flower


Blue Triangle boxes
Everyone loves a triangle at the moment!


Set of three boxes 


Visit the website for more lovely and bright patterns here:
http://www.rieeliselarsen.dk

Wednesday, February 1, 2012