New fabrics coming to the shop soon!

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Hello everyone on this grey September day.

It is noticeably cooler and the light is fading fast these days. Soon the leaves will turn yellow, then brown and finally fall. I must say, although I appreciate the coziness of the Fall season, ever since I started painting again I'm aware of how short the days are now. I don't know about you, but I can only paint in natural light.

We've made quite a bit of headway in our garden, but it's going to be a while yet, before it looks presentable. Leo, of course, likes it messy. It was fun to watch him play and jump on the small mounds of earth :) 

Anyway, on to shop news!

I've been patiently waiting for new fabrics to arrive and I'm hoping for a September/October delivery. Keeping my fingers crossed. Here's a sneak peek of what's coming:

From German manufacturer Acufactum

From US Designer Brenda Riddle

Summer Picnic from Melissa Mortensen

I'm also awaiting the arrival of a few select novelty fabrics. I don't usually carry novelties, but the theme of the fabric collection is all about "sewing and handmade", so I thought they would fit in perfectly.

In my paper section I have recently received these fun items from German company Krima & Isa

And finally the most exciting news! As long-time readers may know, I have been carrying the gorgeous nostalgic and retro style fabric collections by popular US Designer Tanya Whelan for as long as I can remember. After a hiatus for a few years Tanya is back! She's now an independent designer and will be re-releasing the all-time favorite "Barefoot Roses", re-named "Barefoot Roses Classics". Sewing enthusiasts in the US are lucky, as the fabrics will already be rolled out in November. For the rest of us we will need to be patient and wait until March 2022. So, if you've missed out the first time, here's your chance to grab some of that yummy rose print fabric with additional color aqua to choose from!

That's it from me. Thanks for reading along! Have a wonderful day and weekend ahead. By the way, I have opened a new instagram account (English) for the sole purpose of showcasing my journey in art. In case you're interested and want to take a peek. You'll find me @duni_studio_art

Tilda fabrics, Paper Goods & New Sashiko Threads

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Tilda Old Rose

Hello dear readers!

This year has gone by so fast; I can't believe Christmas will be here in 6 weeks. Looking back I have  spent a good chunk of my precious time in doctor's offices, so a lot of my planned projects had to be put on hold. I am one step closer to figuring out what is causing my persistent symptoms, so there's that. A while ago I decided to focus less on the physical pain and more on the things that bring me joy. The Tilda fabrics seen in the picture above definitely make my heart skip! There are matching buttons in two sizes and woven jacquard ribbon with rose motif as well. I made some Christmas decor using the small red rose and the large grey rose fabric.

If you are looking for unique Christmas cards, check out these vintage-style card sets from April Rose. They come in sets of 8, with two designs and include a white envelope. There are four sets to choose from! Premium quality printed in England.

April Rose Card Sets

Jot down your Christmas gift or to-do list on these fun and practical Christmas-themed note pads from German paper goods supplier Krima & Isa. Matching pencils available too! Apart from these, there's a fun range of Christmas postcards, gift bags, tags, ribbons and advent stickers.

Krima & Isa

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New in are these sweet and romantic fabrics from well-known Japanese fabric supplier Lecien. I had ordered these a long time ago, and I have to admit it's becoming increasingly difficult to acquire these fabrics. The bulk of fabrics usually go to the huge craft stores - independent stores like mine are at the bottom of the list. I'm lucky if I even get half of what I ordered. Nevertheless I love these floral prints from the Antique Flower 2019 collection!

Antique Flower in Pastel

Speaking of Japan, some of you might be familiar with Sashiko, the simple stitching tradition of northern Japan. Sashiko means "little stabs" creating little stitches that look a bit like rice grains. Originally this technique was used to mend and recycle garments with white thread. Nowadays Sashiko has developed into richly patterned and often brightly colored designs. I have been studying and practicing the art of Sashiko embroidery for several months now. I am still learning, but I find the results of the mostly geometric patterns quite satisfying. And now that we've entered the winter season, those long evenings at home are perfect for some meditative Sashiko stitching! You can find the original Sashiko threads in several colors in my shop. I especially like that they come on practical cones. To get started all you need is a long needle with a large eye and some fabric with an open weave, like linen, jeans fabric, cotton flannel etc. You don't require a hoop for this embroidery technique.

I am working on traditional pattern - Shippou

Mini Tutorial using Sashiko Thread

Apart from traditional Sashiko stitching, the thread is suitable for crossstitch, crochet and other crafts, such as tiny tassels or these wrapped beads - Here's my little tutorial for making a Sashiko thread bead necklace!

You will need:

wooden beads with large hole (as used for Makramee)

Sashiko thread

needle with large eye

glue

cord

small wooden beads (optional)

Cosmo Sashiko Thread

How to:

Thread the needle with a very long piece of Sashiko thread, double it up and tie a knot at the end. Dab a little bit of glue on the inside of the wooden bead and press the knotted end of the thread into it. Then start "wrapping" the bead with the thread, carefully pulling it through the hole. Make sure that all areas of the bead are covered. Weave the end through two or three threads on the inside and snip off. You can add a tiny bit of glue to secure on the inside. Make two more. 

Cut a piece of cord to the length you wish your necklace to be. Thread your Sashiko beads and (optional) smaller wooden beads and tie the ends. And you're done! Enjoy :)

Wordless Wednesday

via Duni's Studio

Stationery & more!

Hello lovelies!       Hallo, Mädels!

I may have mentioned it on the blog more than once that I simply love stationery! I have fond memories of me as a kid spending afternoons at the stationery store. Not that I had much pocket money to spend, but just being there among all the pretty cards, colorful notebooks, notepads and pencils was enough. So many colors, so many choices. Usually I left the store with a new sheet of cute stickers :) Happiness!

And these days? Well of course I still love stationery. So much so, that I've added some pretty new items in my online shop! Check out the following...

Songbirds

Ich habe es auf dem Blog bestimmt schon einige Male erwähnt: Ich liebe allerlei Schreibwaren! Als Kind bin ich nach der Schule sehr gerne im Schreibwarenladen stöbern gegangen. Hach, all die hübschen Karten, bunten Notizbücher, Radiergummis und Bleistifte - Herrlich! Nicht, dass ich viel Taschengeld hatte, aber ohne eine Kleinigkeit konnte ich den Laden nicht verlassen. Meistens war es ein Bogen mit süßen Aufklebern :)
Und heute? Ich liebe die Papeterie natürlich immer noch! Schaut mal welche Neuigkeiten im Shop eingetroffen sind...

 

You are so foxy

Home is where the heart is

Shabby Chic Roses notebook

And the fun doesn't stop there. Next year in January I will be visiting the Paperworld / Creativeworld international trade fair for hobbies, arts and crafts in Frankfurt. Exciting! I'll be sure to take some pics and share them on blog.

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Nächsten Jahr im Januar werde ich zum ersten Mal auf die internationale Paperworld / Creativeworld gehen. Ich freue mich schon auf alle Neuigkeiten im Bereich Papier und Basteln und werde dann berichten!

Happy Friday!

Krima & Isa #livecolorfully

Hello lovelies!      Hallo, ihr Lieben!

I wasn't able to access my blogger dashboard until now, hence the lack of posts. I usually schedule posts a week ahead, but today I'll just have to wing it!

Are you familiar with the Krima & Isa brand? No? The products (in their words) are a cheerful blend of corner-shop and Alice in Wonderland. Sounds wonderful to me :)

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Das ganze Wochenende bis heute konnte ich mich leider nicht bei Blogger einloggen, daher auch keine Posts für diese Woche schreiben. Etwas ärgerlich, da ich euch noch einiges zu zeigen habe! Also improvisiere ich und stelle heute die tolle Marke Krima & Isa vor, die bestimmt vielen Lesern bekannt ist...

Krima & Isa was founded over ten years ago in Hamburg, Germany by graphic designer Kristina Marquardt with just a small portfolio. It has now grown into a thriving family business located in an old printer's building in the historic part of town. 

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Krima & Isa wurde vor über zehn Jahren in Hamburg von der Grafikdesignerin Kristina Marquardt mit einer kleinen Produktpalette gegründet. Es hat sich mittlerweile zu einem kleinen Familienbetrieb mit umfassenden Sortiment entwickelt. Die Firma hat ihren Sitz in einer alten Druckerei in der Altstadt.

The product range includes among others postcards, notebooks, pencils, giftbags and button badges featuring popular polkadots, stars and stripes and whimsical animals with delightful details! All products are manufactured in Germany / Europe and undergo strict quality control before being distributed to retailers. 

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Die Produktpalette umfasst unter anderem Postkarten, Notizbücher, Bleistifte, die beliebten Geschenktüten, Buttons - mit fröhlichen Pünktchen, Sternen und Streifen sowie lustigen Tieren mit bezaubernden Details! Alle Produkte werden in Deutschland / Europa nach strengen Qualitätskriterien hergestellt.

Baker's twine! Who doesn't love it?! I love it so much that I offer eight different colors in my online shop :) There's approximately 35 meters of twine on each reel for wrapping gifts, attaching to tags and so much more. I've seen some crafty people even crochet with it!

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Baker's Twine (bunte Garnrollen)! Wer liebt sie nicht ?! Ich schon, und deshalb biete ich gleich acht verschiedene Farben in meinem Online Sortiment :) Auf jeder Rolle sind ca. 35 Meter zum Geschenke verpacken oder für Anhänger und vieles mehr. Manche häkeln sogar damit!

Krima & Isa - these cheerful designs will delight kids of all sizes. The twine and the button badges make great party favors too!

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Krima & Isa - liebevoll gestaltete Papeterie zum Sammeln oder Verschenken. Die Garnrollen und die lustigen Buttons sind ein schönes Mitbringsel oder  z.B. als Gastgeschenk!

Duni's Studio Online Shop

Meet Siobhan {British Craft Awards Winner}

Hello lovelies,

Last week I introduced you to the newest range in my shop ~ April Rose England, the brand created by watercolor artist and illustrator Siobhan Harrison.

Today I'm delighted that Siobhan, British Craft Awards 2015 Winner, found some time in her busy schedule to join us here on Duni's Studio for a mini interview! In fact, she's just back from a whirlwind visit to Japan where she showcased her items. Siobhan kindly provided a couple of pictures (further down).

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Hallo, ihr Lieben,

letzte Woche gab es einen kleinen Einblick in die neue Papeterie Kollektion ~ April Rose England und heute freue ich mich die Designerin und Illustratorin, Siobhan Harrison hier bei Duni's Studio inklusive Mini-Interview vorzustellen! Ich bin wirklich dankbar, dass Siobhan sich die Zeit für mich genommen hat, denn sie ist nämlich erst vor ein paar Tagen aus Japan zurückgeflogen, wo sie ihre Produkte auf einer Austellung vorgestellt hatte. Weiter unten gibt's davon ein paar Fotos!

Hi Siobhan! Thank you for joining us here today at Duni's Studio.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Did you always plan to become a designer / illustrator?

Since I was a child I have always been drawing. I was brought up in a creative household so there was always paper, pencils and paint to hand. I trained for fashion and textile design in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire in the U.K. After graduating I worked in the textile industry both in London and New York. I was interested in illustrating Children's Books so I took a short course in Illustration at Central St. Martins London. I then went on to illustrate many children's books which I really enjoyed.

2. What was your inspiration for the April Rose brand?

I exhibited at a Licensing show in London with my Childrens book artwork and watercolour artwork which I have always produced for the Greeting Card and Gift Industry. The watercolour artwork was exhibited under the April Rose name. I partnered with several companies to work in a Licensing capacity with the April Rose brand at the License show. The artwork took off particularly in the Craft Industry. I have always been interested in making studies of natural forms and the watercolor artwork fitted well with this. The name was inspired by British springtime.

The essence of the April Rose brand is based around watercolor floral work and vintage style images. All products are illustrated, designed and made in the U.K.

3. Which new designs are you currently working on?

Currently I'm excited to be working on a range of Greeting Cards for a local Greeting Card company for Spring 2017. The range has a vintage theme running through it.

4. You are so prolific. How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by always keeping an eye on up coming trends and ideas within the illustration and design industries.

I like visiting art galleries/exhibitions to spark new ideas. Travelling is also a good one for keeping inspired. I've just got back from a two week trip to Japan which was very inspiring in terms of soaking up the Japanese culture and viewing artwork (see collage below).

5. And lastly, what do you do to relax after a busy day at work?

I like to go swimming when I get the chance.

The above picture shows Siobhan demonstrating her beautiful watercolor drawings.

And in the picture below is where her studio is located!

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Das obige Foto zeigt sie bei ihrer künstlerischen Tätigkeit, das Foto unten das Gebäude wo sich ihr Studio befindet!

I am based in Cheshire in the Northwest of the U.K and travel to work at my studio which I share with several other Illustrators. The studio is based in the Bluecoat Art Gallery in the centre of Liverpool and is one of Liverpool's oldest buildings and has a long standing association with the arts. Its great to be working with a Greeting Card company that are based locally.

Hallo Siobhan! Es freut mich dich hier bei Duni's Studio begrüßen zu dürfen.

1. Bitte erzähl uns ein wenig über dich. Wolltest du schon immer Designerin / Illustratorin werden? 

Ich bin in einem kreativen Zuhause aufgewachsen und habe schon als Kind viel gezeichnet. Überall lagen immer Papier, Bleistifte und Farbe! Ursprünglich habe ich Mode-und Textil Design in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire England studiert. Nach dem Studium arbeitete ich in der Textilindustrie sowohl in London und New York. Ich interessierte mich aber besonders für die Illustration von Kinderbüchern, so nahm ich einen Kurs in Illustration am Central St. Martins in London. Anschließend habe ich viele Kinderbücher illustriert. Es hat mir viel Freude bereitet.

2. Was hat dich zu der April Rose Kollektion inspiriert?
Ich stellte meine Aquarelle aus den Kinderbüchern in London für die Lizenzierung frei. Eine Firma aus der Geschenke Industrie hatte Interesse diese auf Grußkarten zu drucken. Die Marke April Rose wurde geboren. Inspiriert hat mich dabei der englische Frühling und mein Interesse an Naturformen, die sich gut mit Aquarellmalerei verbinden lassen.

Die Marke April Rose basiert auf floralen Aquarellen sowie Bilder im Vintage-Stil. Alle Produkte werden in England illustriert und hergestellt.

 
3. An welchen neuen Designs arbeitest du gerade?

Zur Zeit arbeite ich an einer Reihe Grußkarten für eine hier (in England) ansässige Gruß-Kartenfirma für die Frühjahrskollektion 2017. Das Thema lautet natürlich Vintage!

 
4. Du bist so fleißig. Wie bleibst du motiviert?

Ich halte mich immer auf dem Laufenden was kommende Trends in der Illustrations- und DesignIndustrie angeht.
Ich besuche gerne Kunstgalerien und Ausstellungen um neue Ideen zu entfachen. Reisen dient auch als Inspirationsquelle. So wie neulich meine zweiwöchige Reise nach Japan. Die japanische Kultur und Kunst fand ich sehr inspirierend. (siehe Collage oben).

 
5. Und zum Schluß, wie entspannst du nach einem anstrengenden Arbeitstag?

Wenn die Zeit erlaubt gehe ich gerne schwimmen.

I'm in love with this card! Not only does it feature a vintage sewing machine, but I also love the saying "sew amazing". Any crafty person would be happy to receive a card like this along with the cute, matching notebook! 

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Ich liebe diese Karte! Daran gefällt mir nicht nur die zuckersüße Vintage Nähmaschine, sondern auch der Spruch "sew amazing" (Wortspiel: sew = so). Eine wundervolle Karte für eine Freundin, die gern näht. Dazu das passende Notizbüchlein!

Siobhan's watercolor illustrations are not only featured on greeting cards and notebooks, but, among others, metal signs as well! When I saw these I just had to have them for my shop. Add a sweet decorative touch to your home - hang them on a door handle, from a peg on the wall or simply display them on your kitchen shelf.

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Siobhan's Aquarelle gibt es nicht nur auf den Grußkarten und Notizbüchern im praktischen Handtaschenformat, sondern auch auf dekorativen Metallschildern! Diese musste ich einfach für mein Geschäft haben. Sie lassen sich überall dekorativ einsetzen - hängt sie an einen Türgriff, von einem Wandhaken und aufgestellt im Küchenregal zwischen den Tassen sehen sie auch hübsch aus. P.s. Weitere Designs folgen in Kürze.

Who else keeps notebooks in the kitchen? I usually keep one to quickly jot down recipes or ideas or whatever else I need to remember :) These ones would look so charming on your kitchen counter. The notebooks are A6 size and the paper is lined. They'd make a wonderful party favor too! 

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Bei mir liegt in der Küche immer ein Notizbuch...um schnell ein Rezept zu notieren oder eine Dekoidee oder was mir gerade so einfällt und ich es später nicht vergessen möchte :) Diese Notizbücher mit den nostalgischen Illustrationen machen sich gut auf dem Küchentisch. Als Mitbringsel oder Giveaway kommen sie bestimmt auch gut an. P.s. ich erwarte noch eine zweite Lieferung mit verschiedenen Designs.

The April Rose England range is a new brand distributed through boutique style shops in the U.K., France and now in Germany through Duni's Studio! I'm so thrilled! Make sure to stop by my online shop and check out the charming items, including Christmas cards or if you are in the area drop me a line so that we can arrange a viewing appointment. Huge thanks to Siobhan for taking  the time to answer my interview questions. Wishing her continued success!

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Die April Rose England Kollektion wurde im Jahr 2015 auf den Markt gebracht. Verkauft wird sie in Boutiquen in England und Frankreich. Und jetzt auch in Deutschland via Duni's Studio! Ich bin überglücklich diese bezaubernde Papeterie im Sortiment zu haben :) Schaut doch mal in Duni's Studio Online Shop vorbei. Es gibt auch zwei originelle Weihnachtskarten. An dieser Stelle ganz lieben Dank an Siobhan für das tolle Interview und weiterhin viel Erfolg.

April Rose England | Twitter

Monday Moodboard

Most kids are or will be back in school soon. This has inspired me to create a moodboard centered around really fun back-to-school items. That cool mug, however, is great for anyone in need of some early morning motivation :)

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Der Schulanfang für die meisten Kinder rückt immer näher. Das hat mich dazu inspiriert, eine Collage mit witzigen "Back-to-School" Sachen zusammen zu stellen. Die coole Tasse motiviert jedoch nicht nur die Schüler am frühen Morgen :)

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Happy Monday!