91 MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2011
launch issue!
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HOMES / STYLE / VINTAGE / SHOPPING / CRAFTS
www.thecamouflagecompany.com info@thecamouflagecompany.com Telephone +44 (0) 20 7823 1984
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TEAM Caroline Charlotte Hannah Clarke Taylor Bishop Editor and Art Director
Deputy Editor
Researcher
Welcome...
to the first issue of 91 Magazine! A magazine for the vintage style and craft lover. Why “91”? Well, number 91 is the home of Patchwork Harmony; my online boutique and blog. It is also where I live; the first piece of blank canvas that I can call my own and decorate as I see fit. Its stilll very much a work in progess, (isn’t it always?!) which you can read about on my blog. This online magazine is the latest addition to the family at no.91, bringing together many of the ideas you often see on my blog and plenty of exciting new things, thanks to the fabulous expertise of my contributors! Turn to page 26 to see how to make a fairy lights garland with paper cups, and page 35 which features the lovely home of Veronika, owner of online shop Sarah and Bendrix. My aim is for readers to be able to sit down with a cuppa and have a good flick through, as well as have the opportunity to link on to other valuable sources of inspiration. I look forward to hearing what you think! Caroline x 91 Magazine is a Patchwork Harmony publication. All content is copyright of 91 Magazine and its individual contributors. Images can be used only with a link back to www.91magazine.co.uk and where possible, the contributors website. Cover Photograph : Alla Pimm
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An enormous thank you goes to these lovely ladies, whose creativity, talent and enthusiasm has brought to you the features, photography, illustration and craft projects you’ll find on the next few pages! Its truly been a pleasure working with you.
Sophie Warren Smith Writer & Stylist www.sophiewarrensmith.wordpress.com
EllieTennant Interiors Journalist & Stylist
www.ellietennant.com
Helen Brady
Mural & Decorative Painter www.inspired-spaces.co.uk
Jaime Wilkie Interior Design Student www.jaimedoesdesign. blogspot.com
Tif Fu
Blogger, Cra Granny www.dottieang
Johanna Bolhoven Chloe Adlington Fashion PR & Personal Shopper www.ragtradeproductions.co.uk
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Stylist & Blogger www.homeandcosy.com
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CONTRIBUTORS Erin Sleeper
Illustrator & Graphic Designer www.erinsleeper.com
ussell
after, Author and chic fanatic gel.blogspot.com
Alla Pimm
Photographer www.etsy.com/shop/winsomeness
Jenna McKenzie
Photographer www.jennamckenzie.com
KathrynTaylor Photographer & Blogger www.house49.typepad.com
Rhiannon Nicole Wedding Stylist www.heygorg.com
Vicky Callaghan Designer & Craft Enthusiast www.etsy.com/shop/dottydoo
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Contents
Page 8
Page 26
Page 10
Page 31
Interiors & Style News
Nature Inspired Accessories
How to Make... A paper cup fairy lights garland
A World of Vintage... A look at the global market for vintage
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A Vintage Lovers Guide to... Farnham, Surrey
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Etsy Seller Spotlight... Alla Pimm
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The History of Vintage... Marmalade Jars
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Style Notes... From a Student Room
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A Few Things from my Life... The home of designer/maker Veronika
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Paper Me Pretty.... A wallpaper Jewellery class reviewed
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A Space of my Own... Stunning workspaces
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Ladies Online... Charlotte from EdgeInspired
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NEWS
New from Cox & Cox this season is a myriad of beautiful products to accessorise your home. We adore this vintage desk lamp in teak and brushed aluminium, £195, Cox & Cox, www.coxandcox.co.uk
Our top picks on the newest, most stylish buys for your home this season By Sophie Warren Smith
Tea With Bea are a new Hereford based ceramics company who are making their retail debut this season with an exclusive range of jugs for Liberty. The owners Karen & Steven Bourke, were successful entrants earlier this year in Liberty’s prestigious Best of British Design Open Call.
Karen Lewis at Blueberry Park is a designe textile accessories. She designs and produc screen printed fabrics that she then uses to riety of accessories for the home. Karen li her fabrics with vintage pieces, as well as o produced fabric suc and fresh str
Vintage cushions, £35, Blue www.blueberry
Bone china jugs with ducks, foxgloves or hollyhocks, From £28.50 for a 2l jug. Tea With Bea, Liberty, www.liberty.co.uk
We Make London was formed by a group of like-minded d able places to sell their products. They have become an talented UK designers. They have run eight successful fa 10th December at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, Lo designers offering a huge array of handmade items perfec We Make London, www.wemakelondon.co.uk
er/maker of ces her own o make a vaikes to team other British ch as Liberty ripy shirting.
eberry Park, y-park.co.uk
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Louise Body, one of the UK’s most exciting designers of papers and fabrics has released 2 new designs called ‘Still Life’. The new range consists of 2 wallpaper designs and 4 co-ordinating fabrics, inspired by various pots and vases which are loved objects passed on through generations of Louise’s family. The designs give the collection a strong contemporary feel while retaining a sense of timeless design. Shelf & Pots wallpaper. £60 per 10mm x 52cm roll, Louise Body, www.louisebody.com
designer makers who were united by a lack of affordexciting platform to promote, support & showcase airs & a Pop Up Shop since 2008, and on Saturday ondon there will be over 80 of the UK’s most talented ct for Christmas presents.
After 40 years of being hidden, the extensive archive of original textile and wallpaper designs by the late artist Sheila Bownas have been brought back to life by Flora Dora’s Chelsea Cefai. (left) The bold hand painted designs cover a vast range of styles from pretty florals to strong geometrics and span 3 decades. Rosa cushion & Ronnie cushions, £26.50 each, Flora Dora, www.flora-dora.co.uk
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mother nature
Bring the outdoors indoors with these lovely flora and fauna inspired accessories
Chaffinch Wallpaper - Anthropologie ÂŁ88 per roll
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Hummingbird Cushion Natural History £70
Ceramic bowls with glazed wood texture Liberty £28
Vintage Small Deer Horns
Owl Vase
Pale and
Rose and Grey
Interesting
£22
£65
Printed tape Custhom £6
Ceramic Bird Serving Dish Patchwork Harmony from £5.95
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Sweethearts, Castle Street
Indulge in some sugar-coated nostalgia at this oldfashioned sweet shop. Shelves are lined with glass jars containing traditional sweets, and you can also find some fantastic 80’s throwbacks (think
The Vinta Guide
Fizz Wizz popping candy and liquorice wheels). Modern day favourites are also available. Scrumdiddlyumptious! Kiosk 2, Castle Street, Farnham, GU9 7HR
Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square A wonderful place for all those who love arts and crafts, situated in historical buildings in the centre of Farnham. This year they held their first vintage festival (below), so keep an eye out for future vintage events! There are also regular antiques sales, farmer’s markets, temporary exhibitions and crafts on sale from local artists and craftspeople. Or why not spend the evening watching some theatre or an art house film? There’s also a great little café. Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7QR www.farnhammaltings.com
The Liberty Foundation, Ca What could be better than a combination of retail therapy, bargain designer goods and doing your bit
for charity? The shop sells nearly new designer cloth
shoes, bags and jewellery, and also has a great vintag
section. Proceeds go towards providing care, rehabil
and education for abused and abandoned children i Belize, Central America. 67 Castle Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7LN www.libertyfoundation.org.uk
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age Lovers e to...
astle Street
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Bourne Mill Antiques Centre, Guildford Road An Aladdin’s cave of all things antique, the mill building (below) itself dates back to at least the Domesday Book, and even has its own ghost! Visit the website to see a spooky photo for yourself, or perhaps experience an encounter with a spectral being while browsing amongst quirky furniture, works of art and unusual china and glassware. There is a tea room also. 39-43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PY www.bourne-mill-antiques.co.uk
The Packhouse, Runfold ’Stylish Vintage Living’ is the slogan of this mecca for antique and vintage interiors. Spend hours wandering through the maze of rooms, displaying furniture, soft furnishings, garden ornaments (left), glassware, china, bits, bobs and pieces from a huge number of suppliers. This is a brilliant place to look for that perfect piece of unique furniture, or a lovely birthday gift. And after a tough few hours of shopping, stop for a coffee and something to eat, or even indulge yourself at the new Secret Beauty Room. Hewett’s Kilns, Tongham Road, Runfold, Farnham, Surrey GU10 1PJ www.packhouse.com
This guide was complied by Helen Brady, a resident of Farnham, Surrey Illustration by Erin Sleeper
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Petals and Lace
Photography by Alla Pimm 15
seller spotlight
Alla Pimm :: is a photographer based in West Yorkshire :: her artist mother & photographer father inf luenced her life behind the camera lens :: :: She is inspired by nature, tasty food, talented people & beautiful things :: :: She has a love of vintage, and shops at markets around Huddersfield, York & Holmfirth, while also buying online at Etsy and Ebay :: :: Her grandma used to say: ‘It is a bad soldier who doesn’t dream of becoming a General Officer.’ So Alla dreams, of becoming a famous photographer one day :: ::She wants to travel to France because it is the homeland of many artists that she loves; Claude Monet, Henri-Edmond Cross and Louis Aston Knight :: :: Her favourite Etsy shops are ... Cotton Bird Designs (UK), Heather Kent (USA), Some Other Prairie (USA) :: :: Click here to visit Alla’s Etsy shop :: :: Click here to view more of her beautiful photography on her Flickr page ::
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History of Vintage
The Curious Story of Marmalade
image: cottagefarm
Words by Ellie Tennant
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n the opening chapter of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, when poor Alice is falling down the rabbit hole, there is a fleeting mention of a classic Victorian condiment: “She took a jar down off one of the shelves as she passed; it was labelled
‘Orange Marmalade’, but to her great disappointment it was empty: She did not like to drop the jar, for fear of killing somebody underneath, so managed to put it into one of the cupboards as she fell past it…” Blink and you’d miss it, but Alice found
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a black and white earthenware jar at the beginning of her adventures in Wonderland – the same sort of jar as the one that’s currently sitting on my desk filled with pens. ‘Grand Medal of Merit, Vienna 1873. Only Prize Medal for Marmalade, London, 1862’, the faded but still impressive lettering on my pot reads. A flamboyant wreath of oak leaves decorates the centre: ‘James Keiller & Sons, Dundee Marmalade’. The story begins in the early 1700s when, so legend has it, an enterprising Scottish grocer named James Keiller took advantage of a Spanish ship seeking refuge from the stormy North Sea in Dundee harbour. He ran down to the quayside and bought himself a shipload of Seville oranges at a bargain price. Unfortunately, his investment was a bitter disappointment – the fruits were less than fresh and consequently tasted, well, a bit bitter. Luckily, his clever mother, Janet Keiller, turned them into marmalade and, although she wasn’t the first person to make it, she added chopped rind to her secret recipe, suspending peel in the preserve for the first time. It was an instant hit. In 1880, James Keiller & Sons opened a second marmalade factory in London and, by the late 19th Century, the firm was shipping as far afield as Australia, China and South Africa. Rumour has it that the word ‘marmalade’ came about because Janet Keiller shouted at her son to bring her more oranges from the ship: “Bring more, my lad.” Sadly, this is mere marmalade myth. According to the Oxford English
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Dictionary, the word actually appeared in the English language in 1480, borrowed from the French word ‘marmelade’, which in turn was from the Portuguese word ‘marmelada’, meaning quince jam. The famous Keiller marmalade jars were made at the Maling Pottery near Newcastle, a firm that became very successful around 1850 when it was one of the first factories to mass-produce transfer-printed earthenware pots relatively cheaply. In one year, they made 1.5 million jars for the Keillers alone. Today, Keiller marmalade is made at Robertson’s jam factory in Manchester and earthenware pots have been replaced with cheap glass jars. But the vintage jars can still be found – at charity shops, car boot sales and flea markets. They make great pen pots, I find, but can be used for holding toothbrushes in the bathroom, cooking utensils in the kitchen, as vases for flowers or – if you seal the tops with wax discs – for storing homemade marmalade. Now, there’s a thought. A man who knows more about marmalade jars than most is Steve Jones, curator of the world’s first online museum of marmalade – Marmaland – and owner of at least 400 vintage marmalade jars. It could be more. He’s not sure. Steve finds his jars at auctions and on eBay,
91 digs them up at Victorian rubbish dump sites, and admits he regularly ‘rifles the cupboards of the elderly’ to fuel his habit. “My wife would say I have more than enough already, but there will always be pots that I don’t have, so I can’t see an end to it,” he tells me. “As with most collecting, it has become an obsession. In fact, my thing for marmalade jars is more of an illness now. I set up Marmaland to attempt to quench my insatiable thirst for information on all things marmalade-related.” Steve describes his wife as “tolerant rather than happy.” He recently posted a YouTube video entitled: ‘The Marmaland Marmalade Marmalanding’ – showing 99 vintage pots perched on six shelves high above a staircase. Just think of the dusting. There are three online ‘Marmagalleries’ on his website, showcasing his full jar collection, and Steve has also compiled a gallery of vintage marmalade adverts and ephemera. Steve tells me that his pots are worth anything from a few pounds for “a good common 1800s pot”, up to £600 for a rare design. “I prefer the James Keiller Dundee jars to the Frank Cooper Oxford ones,” he says. “Both are very common today, because the brands were so popular and long-running. But my favourite jar by far is a 1lb ‘J Filshills of Glasgow’ pot. It’s fairly battered, but the only example I have ever seen.” Through his study of marmalade, Steve met his friend and associate, the mys-
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terious Marmalord – a figure shrouded in mystery and, erm, marmalade. He’s an anonymous online marmalade guru with his own Twitter account and, according to Steve: “an irrational fear of lemon curds.” Curiouser and curiouser. The Marmalord contributes important marmalade-related facts to the Marmaland museum, such as this gem: “The bizarrely-named London marmalade company Descastro & Peach gave up making marmalade after the product was tested in the 1850s and found to contain children’s toe-nails and high levels of copper.” Yum. Our adventure in Marmaland has come to an end. If you’d like a vintage marmalade jar yourself, pop along to eBay, or visit one of the following online vintage shops: The Peanut Vendor, Velvet Ribbon, The Dog and Wardrobe, CottageFarm or FBVintage. If you’ve become a marmalade geek, like me, see below for ‘further reading’. Finally, if you’d like to make your own marmalade as Janet Keiller once did, head to Lakeland for tins of prepared Seville oranges. Nobody need know you’ve cheated.
Further Reading :: * W M Mathew, Keiller`s of Dundee: The Rise of the Dynasty, 1800-1879
* C Anne Wilson, The Book of Marmalade: Its Antecedents, Its History and Its Role in the World Today
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Style Not ...
Words by Jaime Wilkie Photographs by Tif Fussell
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from a student room S
o you’ve just moved away from home for the first time, but does that have to mean living in an identikit dorm room with no individual style? Can you really live with the dullness that comes with student digs living’?
The majority of student accommodation is basic without any hint of style. Most halls of residence and student flats are decorated with a neutral colour scheme and filled with cheap furniture you’ve seen a million times before. However, don’t be deterred by this neutrality as there are many ways in which you can inject your own individual style and make the room a homely, inviting space in which to study and socialise. All that’s needed is a little creative thinking when it comes to decorating. Remember at school when you would use wallpaper to cover your books? Why not take this principle and breathe new life into that cheap furni-
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Starting or returning to university can be hard, especially when it comes to finances. But styling your student digs is one thing you can do cheaply and uniquely if you get creative!
ture? You don’t even need to buy a roll of paper, just collect samples to create a patchwork effect. Posters are a cheap and easy way to liven up bedroom walls but a little cliched (Che Guevara poster anyone?!) So instead you could try stretching fabric remnants over canvas frames. Collect cheap frames from markets and car boot sales and paint them all the same colour - again just pick up paint samples from the hardware store. Or create an inspiration wall with magazine clippings of beautiful photographs, postcards from art galleries and trinkets you’ve collected. Fairy lights are also a cheap and pretty way to add a bit of sparkle to your room, especially if you add your own twist to them. (see our DIY project on Page 26).
Right: Ikea stool covered in wallpaper samples.
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Decorate old tins with wrapping paper and use glass paints on jam jars to create colourful eclectic storage solutions for your stationery. Make bunting or garlands from vintage magazines or music sheets. Use decorating your space as an excuse to socialise too! Join a craft or knitting class and learn a new creative skill - you’ll come home with beautiful handmade items to give your dorm room a more homely feel. Anything from cushion covers, a patchwork quilt for your bed, a cover for your computer or even a hat and scarf for those cold nights walking home from lectures (or the student union!) Scour your local area for budget accessories by finding car boot sales, charity shops and flea markets. Or without even leaving your room, b r o w s e E b a y , Freecycle, Gumtree,
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Etsy and Folksy. Online stores have frequent sales and discounts so keep one eye on your favourite shops! When looking in these places think about alternative uses for things you find. For example, secondhand clothes in pretty fabrics could be re-purposed as cushion covers. Be open-minded when looking for ideas but keep in mind the image you are trying to create and remember, it’s your style so there’s no right or wrong. Decorating and styling in this manner is not an instant fix. It may take some time to complete the look but don’t give up as half the fun is in the searching. Bear in mind, many of the items you collect now will be with you longer than a set of Ikea mugs, as you will have chosen them with love. Your first space away from home should be a voyage of style discovery. Explore your inner stylist and create an inspiring and productive atmosphere to help you achieve your goals - without breaking the bank!
Go to Page 46 for some inpiring work spaces! in ’A Space of my Own’.
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We all need to treat ourselves sometimes! So why not splash out on one of these lovely accessories, perfect for a stylish student pad?! All under £25. Porcelain Desk Organiser £22.90 Black+Blum This desk tidy is based on tea cups. A simple idea that could be replicated if necessary on a budget.
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Art Print Follow Your Dreams £14.00 Rockett St George Art with an inspirational message can be a life-saver when you feel yourself panicking over that last-minute essay.
Tetbury Plant Pots £9.75 Graham and Green Add some colour to your room through a natural source by adding greenery to these plant pots.
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Handmade Re-cycled Vintage Paperchain £5 Ellie Ellie An old principle for decorating, paperchains are easy to make and can be hung anywhere to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Drawstring Laundry Bag £6.50 Patchwork Harmony Avoid succumbing to the traditional image of a student and instead use this fabric laundry bag to hold your dirty clothes.
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Project by Rhiannon Nicole Photography by Jenna McKenzie
how to make...
a paper cup fairy light garland
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You will need: a set of fairy lights paper cups scrapbook paper scissors double sided tape a craft knife Start by cutting the paper or card to size using a flattened out paper cup as a template.
Using double sided tape at each end, carefully stick your cut out scrapbook paper to each paper cup. Try to fit it as close to the ’lip’ of the cup as you can.
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With your craft knife, carefully cut a small ‘X’ in the bottom of each paper cup. Finally feed your fairy lights through each cup. Voila! Pretty shades for your fairy lights! NOTE: It is advisable to use LED lights instead of normal bulbs, as these can become too hot.
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If you would like a more detailed version of this project visit the beautiful blog by Rhinannon Nicole Hey Gorgeous.
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Photo: Kitty Gallannaugh Models: Samantha Hicks, Alicia Guseva & Sera Jyackaman. Make up & Hair: Laura Naish. Fashion Designer: Jennifer Lilly.
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A World of Vintage The trend for vintage is certanly not a fad. But why has it become so popular, and what effect has the global interest in this style for fashion and home had on the market? Johanna Bolhoven takes a look at the world of vintage.
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he vintage market is booming and, according to many, vintage has never been more in vogue – the Autumn Winter 2011 catwalks showcased elements of 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s fashion. But what do we define as vintage? Where does the appeal come from? And
how far does it reach? Typically, products produced before the 1920s are referred to as antique, and products from the 1920s to 1980s are considered vintage. This is not to be confused with retro, short for retrospective, or “vintage style”, both of which usually refer to products that simply imitate the style of a previous era. The Roberts Revival 250 Radio is an example of this;, it looks and feels like a 1950’s radio but is actually based on modern and digital technology. Much is written about what attracts people to genuine vintage pieces, whether it’s the desire to seek out individuality, the hunt for something
different from the usual high street offerings, or to own items that portray heritage, craftsmanship, style or simply “have a story to tell”. Steven Philip, of vintage boutique Rellik, sums up the sentiment well: ‘There is more body and soul in a vintage piece,’ he says. We can’t ignore the nostalgic worth of these products. Memories are important to each one of us and consumers will inevitably develop a strong emotional attachment with a product, brand or style that evokes a sense of “the good old days,” our childhood, or even granny’s secret recipes! Some argue that vintage has only become a significant trend since the
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beginning of the global financial crisis. Instead of buying new goods, more consumers are becoming second-hand savvy, visiting vintage stores or flea markets to find quality products at decent prices.
Metal stars at Hells Kitchen Flea market, NYC
Sunbury Antiques Market, UK / Leigh Metcalf
Chiswick car boot sale, UK / Kotomi Yamamura
Goods at a flea market in Tokyo, Japan / Me Old China Blog
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Carmen Haid, founder of vintage fashion eboutique Atelier-Mayer, believes this aspiration to acquire something of ‘real value’ is unique to British culture. She claims: ‘in Italy or Spain people would rather buy vintage inspired designer gear than something second-hand, in the UK the genuine article still trumps.’ However, Melanie Beese, expatriate and general manager of Dubai Flea Market, believes this interest reaches slightly further than the UK. ‘Flea markets are a very European thing,’ she says. ‘It’s part of the culture and tradition of countries like England and Germany, but not over here [in Dubai], where people want everything new, or at least they used to.’ For lovers of vintage products, few things are more exciting than digging for treasures at a bustling flea market. Some of the most popular, entrenched markets are in Europe - including
Porte de Vanves in Paris; Brera and Navigli in Milan; Borgo D’Ale and Alba in Italy; and La Braderie in Lille, France. It seems that this love of the genuine article extends beyond UK shores. It also seems that our American cousins – considered pioneers of the aspirational lifestyle – may be set to challenge our vintage crown. Elle and Blair Fowler, founders of online fashion community Elle and Blair, were surprised to discover the craze for all things vintage when they moved to LA two years ago. They said: ‘It felt like every cool ring we complimented or beautiful scarf we saw was vintage,” they say. “Everyone in LA-la-land loves vintage and now we’ve joined the club.’ LA, it would seem, has created a vintage way of life, with its abundance of bustling vinyl record stores, classic American cars still in use on a daily basis, and the presence of America’s leading antique flea market on Long Beach. So it’s only natural that vintage-style is becoming increasingly visible in people’s homes. AgentGenius, an American real estate news magazine, reported earlier this year that vintage appliances, most notably
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from the 1950s, are popping up in homes across America. You could call it the Betty Draper effect! But what about the two powerhouse regions, Asia and the Middle East? With booming populations, an expanding economy and major construction projects – Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing are named as the top three real estate investment prospects in Asia. Nobody can ignore the effect this market is having on the fashion and design products industry. The Sunday Times reported earlier this year that the luxury goods market has, so far, defied the effects of the global financial crisis and this is largely “thanks to the soaring demand from the East”. Consumers are newly rich and eager to spend. With buying habits firmly fixed on designer products, China is forecast to become the world’s biggest luxury
Dubai Flea Market market. However there are signs that tastes are diversifying; moving away from
appreciation for one-off collectables and vintage
‘bling’ and towards a more understated luxury. Up until now, the perception of wealth has influenced everything from fashion purchases to home design. In this part of the world, owning a Louis Vuitton bag or new furniture imported from Europe, is regarded as a status symbol. But with the rise of the Chinese antiques market and the increasing influence of flea markets and vintage fairs, consumers are demonstrating a greater
It is clear that there is an increasing global love affair with all things vintage, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. The style is a path of rediscovery - from decade dressing, to that treasure hunt for a unique jewel in a bustling market. Vintage style can add those touches to everyday life that evoke affectionate memories – and this emotional connection to tradition and our past ensures the trend is unquestionably timeless.
treasures.
Flea Markets around the world.... • Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand : : arguably the biggest flea market in the world • Dublin Flea Market, Ireland :: : DJs and bands play at this monthly market • Hells Kitchen, New York : : A small but perfectly formed weekend market. • Grande Braderie, Lille France - take a day trip to this huge once a year event. • Camberwell Sunday market, Melbourne, Australia - 2nd hand & handmade goods only..
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A few things from my life.. Complied by Chloe Adlington / Photos by Veronika
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Who lives here? Veronika and her husband, with their 3 year-old daughter Anya. 3 bed semi-detached property in Surrey Purchased in 2007 and extended in 2010
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V
eronika’s home oozes comfort, style & individuality. The gorgeous grey tones, clean lines and fluffy rugs are the perfect setting for busy family life and a growing small business, Sarah & Bendrix.
“I started creating pictures using paper hearts about 2 years ago and since then the business grew and grew!” Her handmade pictures make lovely romantic, simple and personalized art and are showcased expertly around her own home.
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V
eronika describes her decorating style as “ever changing and eclectic, but I feel like after 4 years of experimenting and moving furniture around I’ve finally found the right places and colours I want to live with! We have lots of things from Ikea and Laura Ashley but this is supplemented by thrifty finds from Etsy, Ebay and vintage shops.” Next on Veronika’s home improvement list is painting the kitchen and living room. She enjoys visiting blogs like The Marion House Book, Bodie & Fou and Design Sponge for interior inspiration.
Veronika’s shop :: www.sarahandbendrix.com Veronika’s blog:: www.fewthingsfrommylife.blogspot.com
Words by Vicky Callaghan Photos by Kathryn Taylor
Paper me Pretty
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The lovely ladies from Magpie Arts in Manchester show Vicky Callaghan how to create pieces of jewellery using scraps of paper and a few odd buttons.
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f you are the type of person who is always on the look out for something a little different, fun and quirky to do then Magpie Arts, the jewellery workshop is an ideal place to visit. Tucked neatly away in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, it offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere where craft enthusiasts can learn the clever tricks and skills required to produce beautiful handmade jewellery. Zoe James and Nicola
Karwat are the ladies in charge, organising fun afternoons, filled with ribbons, buttons, scissors and glue, needle and thread, giggles and chit-chat. And they really know their stuff. Both graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a first class honours degree in 3Dimensional Design before setting up Magpie Arts in 2009. Their aim is to put their skills and knowledge to good practice and share them with those willing to learn, through a range of differ-
ent workshops. I was seduced by the idea of a ‘wallpaper jewellery’ workshop so I went along to have a go. I was a little nervous at first as I didn’t know what to expect and I did wonder if I was actually creative enough to make something good. But I worried for nothing. I arrived at Manchester Craft and Design Centre, where Magpie Arts is based and was immediately inspired by the surrounding studios. Sat poised with my pencil in one hand and glue gun in the other, I was ready to go! And the girls really did take care of me, guiding me every step of the way. There were times I struggled to see past one
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style or design and they would help me look at it in a different way or suggest other colours and patterns to try. One suggestion I really loved was the use of buttons to break up solid colours or simply to jazz it up a little. The allotted two hours flew by and I was sad to leave. However, I walked away with a beautiful set of brooches and a feeling of achievement. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Other workshops include making jewellery from resin or using ribbons, buttons, silver wire and beads. All materials are provided so don’t worry if you go empty-handed – you definitely won’t leave that way! You can also use personal objects to make a necklace or brooch. Just take them along with you and you will be amazed by the different ways in which they can be made into something beautiful to wear and keep. Zoe and Nicola also offer unique ways to celebrate special occasions. At office parties, Christmas dos and hen nights, for example, they can provide two hours of crafty fun and even throw in a few bottles of pink fizz! As a bride-to-be myself, I
will be sure to speak to my maid of honour about this little hidden gem.
For more info on the workshops at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, visit: www.craftanddesign.com/about/workshops or contact mail@magpieartsworkshops.com Zoe
07817 244731 or Nicola
07740 951014
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A Space of my own Create a work space sanctuary to encourage creativity and tranquillity
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Hang a curtain over shelves which are storing your files and any unsightly cluttter. Use the space in front of your desk to create an inspiration wall. Pin up magazine cuttings, postcards, photos, fabrics and anything that might inspire you. Or if you are lucky enough to have a pretty view from your office or studio window, then position your desk in front of the window and draw your inspiration from the great outdoors!
Take advantage of natural light and place your desk next to the window Photos: Lisa Cohen / Polly Wreford
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Photos: Deb
bi Treloar / Polly Wreford
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Go for an industrial look for your work space and take advantage of some of the fantastic vintage factory furniture and fittings found at flea markets and shops such as Elemental and The Old Cinema. These old wooden trolleys are a perfect storage solution, are easily manoeuvrable and look great! Try not to allow your desk to get too cluttered, but at the same time display things that make you feel good while you work. Plants, flowers, family photos or even a beautiful globe, so you can plan your travels when you next have a break.
These images are taken from ‘A Space of my Own’ The latest book from interiors journalist, Caroline Clifton-Mogg published by Ryland Peters & Small £19.99
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Ladies Online
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More and more women are taking the plunge and setting up their own
business. With the internet making this easier than ever, many of these businesses are being run solely online. We meet some of these inspiring women who have made cyperspace their marketplace.
Name: Charlotte Lowcock Age: 32 Business: EdgeInspired Interview by Charlotte Clarke
How did you get the idea for your business? Ever since I was a small girl, I have always loved to make things and over the years, have spent many hours hoarding and collecting tiny treasures. I find inspiration everywhere, be it an evening walk along the beach, a beautiful old building or a tiny shell.
You run your online shop with your partner, how did this come about and how do you make it work? After meeting my partner Stuart at work and finding a shared passion for creating things, we would spend hours talking about how wonderful it would be to be able to create our own products and sell them. Then we discovered Etsy and decided to take the plunge. Just before Christmas last year, we set up EdgeInspired. As time passed, this became so successful that back in June this year, I made the decision to quit my day job and concentrate full time on expending our business. I could never have done
this without Stu. He has been wonderfully supportive and even though he still works full time, will come home every evening and gladly help out with whatever tasks need to be done, often working with me late into the night.
What made you choose Etsy.com as a platform to sell? We discovered Etsy by accident one evening and after spending time browsing through the website and chatting to other users in the forums, encouraged by their friendliness and the community feel, we set up our shop.
Do you eventually plan to have an independent website?
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Yes, we are currently in the process of setting up our website. It is very exciting and we can’t wait for the site to go live.
Is there anything you are better at dealing with than your partner? My biggest advantage is that after quitting my day job, I have more time during the day to engage with our lovely customers, be it a phone call or an email to thank them for their order.
What methods do you use to promote your business? Social media has had a huge impact on our business. Being able to connect with people all over the world with just the click of a button is fantastic. We have made so many lovely friends and many of our wonderful customers have found us through Twitter and Facebook.
What makes your business unique? We are so passionate about our products and having excellent customer service is our number one priority. We truly value each and every one of our customers and will always go the extra mile to ensure that their experience of buying from EdgeInspired is as enjoyable as possible.
How do you tackle competition? Communication is so important to us, especially in a society where shopping online can end up being quite an impersonal experience. We always like to personally thank each of our customers for their order and include a little hand written thank you note. It’s the little things that make the difference.
What has been the hardest thing to deal with so far? When we first started EdgeInspired I was still working full time. I would spend break time and lunch times sat at my desk in the office busily wrapping up orders ready for posting after work. As time progressed, my desk was becoming more and more covered
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91 with boxes and starting to look very much like a small Post Office. My colleagues would often find me buried under mountains of tissue paper and ribbons as the orders piled in and break times never seemed long enough! Finally, something had to give and with Stu’s and my families support, I decided to quit my day job and concentrate full time on the business. I haven’t looked back since.
How do you maintain a work / life balance? This is very much a work in progress. We have a home studio and inspiration can strike at the strangest times. We can often be found working late into the night. We try to take time out at weekends to regroup and spend time together walking along the shore, having a picnic by a lake and catching up with family.
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Which businesspeople do you look up to? There are so many. One that immediately springs to mind is a lovely lady called Helen Wilde, who runs a wonderful website called ‘From the Wilde.’ She has sourced a wide variety of products from a range of exciting and contemporary designer makers, artists and illustrators from the UK and carefully chosen international artists. Since we started working with Helen a few months ago, she has been such an inspiration. She injects such passion into her business and has given us so much help and support, especially after I made the decision to quit my day job. The other person who has been a huge influence is my uncle. Ever since I was young, he has run his own business and I have learnt from him that by being passionate about your products, working hard and being determined, great things can happen. He has
taught us so many things and is a constant source of inspiration and support - we are truly grateful.
What achievement are you most proud of so far? Receiving lovely emails and feedback from happy customers and knowing that we have been able to make a difference to someone’s day with our products.
What are your future plans? We have so many exciting plans for EdgeInspired. We are currently designing a new home ware range which will be launching in January 2012. It will include many exciting new designs inspired by my original watercolour illustrations. We are also working on a 100% eco friendly range of greetings cards and gift tags. Visit the EdgeInspired Etsy Shop
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Toodlepip!
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading
91 Magazine!
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91 Magazine is a Patchwork Harmony publication. All content is copyright of 91 Magazine and its individual contributors. Images can be used only with a link back to www.91magazine.co.uk and where possible, the contributors website. www.patchworkharmony.co.uk www.patchworkharmony.blogspot.com