Icelandic design in Helsinki

Iceland has many talented designers and interesting design but for some reason we don't hear much about it. Now there is a chance to learn a little about the talent on that beautiful island. Today Design Forum in Helsinki opened a exhibition on Icelandic contemporary design. The exhibition features Icelandic furniture, product design and architecture. I was quite impressed, especially by the architecture.
The exhibition is open daily 1.12.2011 – 8.1.2012. Go get inspired!!!

P.S. There is also an Icelandic shop-in-shop in Design Forum so you can buy some of the designs. I had to spend some money there...

In these photos work by Basalt architecs, small tables or shelves by Snaefrid Porsteins and Sigridur Sigurjonsdottir and volcanic sand vase by Studio Bjöss.

Small projects & paint

Paint manufacturer Tikkurila has a Christmas calendar on their website with 24 different small projects that you can do with paint. These three are my favourites.

Stick art

I have different small art projects of my own under way all the time and right now I'm experimenting with wood. These are my painted sticks.

On my wishlist

I found something at Quincy webstore I could wish for Christmas. Native shawl sweater, Waffle coat and Waffle bag all look good. Dear Santa, please bring me the bag at least...

Urban living room

This is my photo for today. I went by an old, abandoned mill and saw this. I think there's often some beauty in ugly, also in this urban living room.

Moments by Ida Pimenoff

I'm a fan of photographer Ida Pimenoff's work and her beautiful photos are now available as a book too. Ida has a great talent of capturing the beauty in everyday life, light and shadows as well as nature. Her book is available at Luova.fi

Sleepy

This dark November is taking a toll on me and I feel that sleeping is the best solution. I could hibernate like bears do or take a long snooze under the feather bed linen. These nice sheets are By Nord from Denmark. They have a webstore and many items so take a look and sleep well. I know I will.

Treasures

My grandmother moved to a nursing home and these are some of her treasures that I now give a place to stay. The set of six Tango cups and saucers are from the 50's and by Swedish Rörstrand, the cups in the middle by Arabia (if someone knows the name for these, please do tell..) and the two boxer figurines are Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson who fought three historical fights in late 50's and early 60's. I will treasure these.

New shoes

I have been dreaming of these traditional Finnish shoes for a long time and now I finally found a pair. Cool, aren't they? Marimekko recently presented their version of the same tradition in black and in bright colours. Very nice too...

Illustration by Satu Kettunen

Satu Kettunen is a Helsinki-based illustrator with an unique and fascinating style. She likes to work with collage and mixed media and isn't afraid to use surreal elements or colors. She has done illustrations for several magazines as well as personal work. I have to say I like her style a lot and this Lonely Rider is one of my favourites.

P.S. The cowboy poster above can be ordered by sending Satu an email at her website. Great idea for a Christmas present!!!

Modern granny blanket

Oh my, this is fantastic! I found this most amazing modern granny blanket and instructions for it from Purlbee. It never occurred to me to make granny crochet like this, but now it's definitely something I have to try. The bright yellow looks great with classic gray. Purlbee has many other cool craft and knitting projects too, take a look.

Photos by Purlbee.

House party

I'm spending the Saturday night at home with lot of candy,  a movie and some unfinished knitting. This time of year when it's dark and cold out, it's my kind of party! Kids built a cardboard room and there is a party too. Enjoy the weekend!

Ikea tuning

Here is a great DIY painting idea for Ikea PS-cabinets. Nice colours too...
Via Livet Hemma.

New camera

I need a new camera and I'm trying to decide which one to choose. Before I make up my mind, I could inspire myself with this cool poster of retro cameras from Handz.

Warm hug from Iceland

 

I'm crazy about these woolen blankets from Iceland!!! They are designed by a company called
Vík Prjónsdóttir. It is a creative brand that designs and produces quality products from Icelandic sheep wool; a unique and sustainable source. They take inspiration from the nature and it shows in magical ways: Blankets resemble wings or a sealskin. In my opinion somebody should sell these in Finland, but untill then Birkiland is a place to shop for the blankets. I may have to do some shopping...

DIY stamps

Postal company Posti has a great service where you can make your own personalized stamps from your photos or drawings in their webstore. It takes about a week for your stamps to arrive in the mail and Posti promises to make stamps ready for Christmas cards if you order before December 5th.

Little Studio

 

Swedish Little Studio has great products and a nice new webstore. I love those cushions and cutting board!

Nothing to wear?

If you think you've got no nice clothes in your wardrobe and nothing to wear for this weekend's parties, think again... maybe these pictures will give you some new ideas. Stunning fashion photos are by talented Ryan Yoon.  Have a good weekend!

Retro with a twist

These cabinets and desk are so retro but at the same time they look very modern. Using colours would be a great way to freshen up the look of old furniture! I might have to try something similar. These and many more from Swedish company Retro Modern Design.

Coloring contest

Nurmi and i am Design have launched a Christmas inspired contest for colouring enthusiasts of all ages. You can take part in Facebook by printing out this black and white drawing and by making your own coloured version of it. The winner gets an eco friendly shopping bag full of delicacies with his or her own art printed on it. Get your pens and crayons ready and enter your version before November 22nd!