Once a year, to mark the start of summer, I will drink 1 can of Lilt. I like my insides to know it’s tropical time. Other people like to mark the summer by participating in popular pastimes such as hula …
Aino-Maija Metsola’s work is overflowing with colours and shapes so inviting that I wish it would pour out the taps when I run a bath, and I could dive in and have a daydream about magical places where people play …
As I plunged my youthful hands into ice barrels of bloody fish, guts and all, I dreamed how bloody marvelous my life was going to be. I was going to art school and after that I was going to be …
INDESCRIBABLE…INDESTRUCTIBLE! NOTHING CAN STOP IT! THE BLOB
You wouldn’t know it but I know about pets, more so than the average person. I have participated in serious boardroom meetings discussing affordable housing concepts…for hamsters. In the name of research I have dressed small to medium sized dogs …
I worked out it would cost me approximately £3 per week, or £156 a year to have a permanent helium balloon attached to my daughters pram that says ‘It’s a girl!’. Like her father, she is folically challenged and I …
In recent news, residents from a small community in Alderney, Channel Islands, were compelled to spend a considerable amount of their time finishing their version of the Bayeux tapestry. The original was painstakingly embroidered by a bunch of nuns, depicting …
I once almost blenderised my finger off whilst making hummus, after which I dedicated a few hours to some deep thinking. As the shock subsided, I contemplated my post injury look, settling on a criminal-chic mahogany finger-tip. I looked on …
I recently came across the work of designer Esme Winter. Esme produces cards, wrapping paper, notebooks and textiles featuring elegant patterns that have a distinctly British sensibility and are quietly brilliant. The designs remind me of the inside covers of …
This festive period I will not be going off piste on a ski resort with Wham. No. Rather I will be going off piste here at Jackie Magpie, with a prematurely poured pint of warm Baileys in my peripheral, wishing …
Old people really know how to live. This revolutionary conclusion of mine came from holidaying in a cottage originally designed for the over 65′s. During this period I experienced carpeted bathrooms, brewed tea in a teapot and I conveniently poured myself a brandy from the well-stocked Formica drinks …
Why not celebrate the chemistry of the earth by wearing something that has been inspired by the atomically arranged goodies of the ground? Whilst you are toasting nature, go all out and spend the day imagining you are Charlotte Linton’s …
I am a long standing admirer of artist, illustrator, designer Ana Montiel’s delicate yet striking work. The way she combines geometrics with muted pastel tones gives what her work an almost hypnotic quality. Ana is also a delightful lady and …
This week I’d like to introduce another cool new column, you lucky, lucky people! I give you Pattern Party, hosted by writer Sarah Godfrey. Sarah will be searching for pattern perfection and sharing her finds with us every fortnight here …
I recently discovered the brilliant work of one Nancy Straughan, a printed textile designer who makes patterns that look mature (vintage even) in a fashion forward sort of way. I got in touch with Nancy for more on her interests, …
