Design: V&A Craft Projects

The snow may have melted but it still feels like winter, so why not have a cosy night in and get stuck into some creative projects? The V&A's HSBC Designer in Residence Lao Jianhua has an Instructable project on how to make a table lampshade out of origami boats that looks very do-able, even for the less crafty amongst us (myself included). And would certainly make a lovely finishing touch to a candle-lit dinner party.

I think this is a great approach for the V&A to be taking – getting design inspiration out of the museum and into an online crafting community like Instructables. At the moment there are a couple of projects – this one and a funky clock – let's have some more please!

Sophy Colbert

Design: Bright eyes, burning like fire

'How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun', Vincent Van Gogh

Now I don't know about you but all of this cold weather and snow is making me crave the colour yellow...Yellow cushions, yellow dresses, yellow furniture! There's just so something so happy and optimistic about the colour and it's fast becoming my second favourite. (Green is first of course). So, on this snowy day in Brighton I have rounded up some of my favourite sunshine buys on Etsy, the site for everything eclectic. Spring please come soon!

Yellow Cushion, $45, Golden Lotus Necklace, $290, Vintage yellow Dinner Service, $65, Card Holder, $10, Vintage Wallpaper, $5, 1960's Cocktail Dress, $70 reduced to $30, Vintage Mens Sweater, $22, Solar Pure mineral eyeshadow, $3.99, Bow dress, $185, Groomsmen Ties, $108, chrysanthemum Ring, $400, Nap Mat, $76.

My love must be a kind of blind love
I can't see anyone but you

Are the stars out tonight
I don't know if it's cloudy or bright
I only have eyes for you, dear

The moon may be high
But I can't see a thing in the sky
'Cause I only have eyes for you

I don't know if we're in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here, so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you

Design: UNTO THIS LAST

Unto This Last uses innovative digital technology to produce made- to-order furniture with a retro/contemporary, modular design. There is a wide range of furniture on offer, from lightshades to beds, drawers and cupboards. The look is sleek and functional, unfussy with exciting geometric lines and curves.

Because each item is made to order, the company can offer a wide range of stylish, well designed products from two small workshops in London which reduces their environmental impact, whilst allowing Unto This Last to price their items competitively.

The ethos is very much about keeping it local – they don't deliver outside London – but it's well worth a trip to either their Brick Lane or Battersea Park workshops to pick up a bargain as the prices are highly affordable.

I'm particularly attracted to the origami-inspired Facet sideboard – perhaps because it looks a bit like a Transformer! It's one of the more expensive items in their range, but as an investment piece and future heirloom, I'd be happy to fork out for the high standards of craftsmanship and timeless design.

According to their website, Unto This Last will open more workshops around the country depending on the success of their London venture – here's hoping that 2010 brings them the impetus they need to branch out around the UK.

Sophy Colbert

Design: Misha Makes

I first came across Misha Makes creations on a cold Saturday morning in the North Laines, Brighton. I literally could have bought every piece on her stall, I loved them all! Quirky, fun and individual jewellery that you wouldn’t find on the high street, all hand made by Misha using a mix of charm pieces, trinkets and gems. The designs are trendy yet classic and add the perfect element of vintage to any outfit.

Jewellery is Misha’s passion and she hopes to one day be able to give up her ‘day job’ to commit her time to her talents as a jewellery maker. To support Misha’s work, you can buy your piece here or find her stall every Saturday (weather permitting) at the Upper Gardener Street Market in Brighton.

Carly Gordon

Design: Patchwork on furniture?

When I first saw this unique storage chest I couldn't believe how amazingly simple and beautiful it is and I fell in love with it completely. This one-off piece is a patchwork quilt of interesting patterns and textures, handmade by American artist  Margaret Taylor. Combining rustic material with practical and modern design, which is absolutely enviromental friendly, she creates furniture and other household items for her company, Dryads Dancing.

Marta Cernovskaja

Design: Custom Made Wallpaper

Innovative recent graduates from the RCA, have setup a custom-designed wallpaper company entitled Custhom. Craft is reinvented as wallpaper, using handcraft techniques, digital embroidery, paper craft and silk screen-printing. Nostalgic social commentary is expressed through hand rendered imagery and rebellious collage. These wallpapers are perfect for spicing up a wall, room, office or restaurant.

Design: Ideas for Light

Last week I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Abbi Kiki's ‘Ideas for Light’ exhibition. Working alongside Horsell Electrics, Abbi creates innovative and unique lighting that brings a new sense of fun and playfulness to lighting design. I love the ‘Plantlife’ range (pictured) which recycles factory off-cuts such as aluminium and steel to create beautifully inspiring statement pieces for your home. Abbi’s aim of designing “classic ambient lighting products that transcend fashion” is certainly achieved!

‘Ideas for Light’ can be seen at the Rodhus Gallery in Brighton from 23rd October – 20th December.

Carly Gordon