Everything Begins somewhere.  Tell us a bit about your background – what path led you to creating your amazing fabric bird sculptures? I grew up with a seamstress Grandma who looked after me whilst my Mum was at work. She sadly died when I was still very young so I never learnt how to sew from her but all the tools of the trade were very familiar to me and as I started to explore my creativity, growing up, fabric and thread were natural things for me to use. When I went to art college I enjoyed illustrating in fabric, using the freehand machine stitch to draw and tell stories, I’ve always enjoyed drawing. When it came to choosing what to study at university I had no idea so a college tutor suggested Surface Decoration, which would combine my love of drawing with textiles, so I went for that. I don’t know that it was the best degree for me, some parts of it I enjoyed but I longed to be on the Decorative Artefacts course my friend was taking. She would come home each day with explorations in stitch, sculpture, ceramics, painting and drawing and it all looked so much fun, so inspiring and free. I think I would have swapped but my Dad, probably very sensibly, said I should stay on a course that had more opportunities so I did.

Bourke's Parakeet and Peach Faced Love Bird Sculptures, individually handcrafted by British Textile artist, Abigail Brown

What inspired you to create your beautiful bird sculptures? When I graduated and started designing cards and stationery I thought I’d try to make my own textile pieces and see what I could do with them. I made plush animals and embroidered wall art which a gallery took on and it gave me such confidence in myself. A friend asked me if I could make her a bird for an antique cage she had been bought and that was the very first fabric bird I made. When I showed that piece on my MySpace page at the time people loved it and it inspired me to make more… simple as that!

Gurney Pitta Fabric Bird Sculpture crafted by hand by British textile artist, Abigail Brown.

Talk us through your design process, how do you create these gorgeous creatures and how long does each one take? I start with internet research, pulling off images of the specific bird from all angles. From these I draw to workout the shape of it’s body and create my pattern. I use the machine to sew the body, which them has a piece of wire inserted to form the beak and legs and I stuff it until the form has taken shape. The decoration is built up with layers of carefully cut fabric, glued in place and then finally stitched with the tiny black stitches that hold them in place more securely but also add the detail.

Abigail Brown creating a White Ponsenby Owl in her London Studio; Brown Ponsenby Owl sculpture

How do you think your creations are best displayed in a residential or commercial space?  How would you style them? They work wonderfully for both. In the home they can work individually because they are such small scale and don’t get lost. In a commercial space such as the galleries, shops, hotels and bars they have been displayed in they need to be in flocks or they would be lost. It’s worked well to see them dotted around stores in clusters, up high on shelves or in unexpected places so that they suddenly appear when the customer is really exploring, but equally seeing them displayed in large groups has such dramatic impact, all the different colours and shapes, that can be so beautiful. It’s lovely to see how differently people display them. I’ve tried all kinds of things with them: displaying as taxidermy pieces, showing the British more muted pieces amongst vintage home accessories for a beautifully soft look, sympathetic to the medium they are created from, but also in modern, bright colourful settings contrasting the soft fabrics with glossy ceramics, reflective glass and luscious green plants. I think anything can work with them and that’s really wonderful!

Abigail Brown Fabric Bird Sculptures, Gurney Pitta and Grey Headed Kingfisher.

What challenges have you faced since starting out as a designer and on the flip side your biggest triumph? There’s always going to be a lot of trials working for yourself. Sometimes as simple as getting out of bed and into the studio! You’ve got to stay motivated constantly, work long hours being all aspects of the business from payment chaser to marketing officer and still find time to make the work. You have to be thick skinned, believe in yourself, be bold and brave and get your work out there and sometimes that can feel very hard to do. Making enough money can be tough. Luxuries are the first things to go when money is tight so I have to plan for that and be prepared. It can all be very hard and I guess that’s why it’s really not for everyone: no regular wage, no holiday pay, no one to make up the slack when you’re struggling… but when you succeed, when someone tells you how much your work means to them then it just feels incredible! When you can find your work in a shop or magazine you greatly admire it’s a huge triumph, it really makes you feel so much more confident about what you’re doing. I’ve been very very lucky!

Recent press for Abigail's Bird Sculptures - St James Lifestyle Magazine, December 2012.

Abigail Brown's bird sculptures featured in Elle Decoration, June, 2013, "Need to Know" - Pretty Pink Flamingos, Crimson Backed Sunbirds and Peach Faced Parakeets are just a few of the handmade birds in textile artist, Abigail Brown's colourful flock. Made from both new and second hand scraps of fabric, each as "feathers" that have been individually cut, stuck and decoratively stitched."Birds have such an array of patterns and colours," says Brown, "Every time I think about moving onto another animal I keep finding ever more tropical species I want to make."

How would you describe your work & what would you say is the most special thing about your work? I make what I feel inspired to make, I explore my ideas and inspirations and it’s all very true to me and the person I am. I’m not trying to be anything or to make any big statements, it just all comes from a very simple enjoyment of the animal kingdom, and my love of fabric. The most special thing about my work is that one person made it; I made it. From start to finish each piece is made by hand and even if I make 2, 5, 25 of that one piece, each one with be different to the last. As they are stuffed and take shape each piece will shape differently, the fabrics will be layered differently and the final personality that appears will look like a whole new one. Each piece is totally and utterly unique.

Abigail Brown's stunning Flamingo Bird Sculpture, standing at 34cm tall.

What are you most proud of in your work? I am a bit of a perfectionist and put all of myself into what I create. I am proud of my skill and craftsmanship. I know that each piece that goes out is made with the highest level care and love. If I didn’t feel proud about it it wouldn’t leave my studio.

Abigail Brown Peacock Bird Sculpture - unbelievable! Standing at 33cm tall.

What does a typical day at work look like? Days start easily if the sun shines through the window, otherwise I’ll find it hard to drag myself from sleep. I’ve just got into running so I’m enjoying a 5-7km run in the park every other day and it’s a great way to start. The park is full of wildlife, I can even see green parakeets there now and it’s inner city London! I arrive at the studio around 10-11am and with music I begin my work. I share my studio with 3 other makers: a jeweler, a textile designer (Sue Goodwin – who also sells her work through EB) and a weaver. I generally work through till 6-7pm, sometimes later if I’ve got lots on. I am rapidly outgrowing my space as I collect more and more ‘things’ so it’s pretty cosy, I do feel very happy there with all kinds of fabric and paper oddities surrounding me!

A little bit of a visual reference for Abigail Brown's studio companion, Suzanne Goodwin. Suzanne's designer cushions and designer textiles are also sold through everythingbegins.com. Just click the image to view and buy online.

What would be your dream creative project or collaboration? I am trying to work bigger! I can’t do it too well with the fabric in the way I make the birds because it just takes too long and hurts my hands but I’m increasing in size with my paper mache sculpture and I’m loving it! I want to take it into large scale installation and create wonderful, magical scenes with my creatures. Something so big it could be an interactive experience… hmm… let’s see!

If you weren’t a designer what would you do? I never wanted to be anything but an artist, I’ve never enjoyed anything anywhere near as much. It’s what I do when I rest, what I explore when I’m out enjoying the world… I couldn’t be anything else!

What inspires you? The magic and wonder of the world. The creativity of others.

What are your favourite reads, both magazines & blogs? Selvedge magazine has to be up there, discovering all kinds of new things about fabric in every read, it’s a wonderful magazine.

Selvedge Magazine, one of Abigail Brown's favourite magazines - in which her fabric bird sculptures have also featured

What are you listening to right now? I’ve been listening to a French musician Camille today after a friend recommended her last week.

What books would we find on your bedside table? My favourite author is Haruki Murakami, you’ll find lots of his works on my book shelf, but right now I’m dipping back into Dickins – his character creation was second to none!

What art would we find in your home? A lot of mine, dotted around amongst our other objects. I’m also an illustrator so the art that most appeals to me is quite illustrative and often takes the form of animal characters.  I like a lot of colour and fun around me.

Gorgeous little birds by Abigail Brown - Blue Tit Fabric Bird Sculpture and Chaffinch Bird Sculpture.

What does a perfect day off look like? Not having to get out of bed too early, bright, warm sunshine and something like banana pancakes for breakfast. Getting out into nature; being in the countryside with lots of wildlife or a trip to the sea. Eating lots of delicious food, definitely some cake. Being carefree and relaxed away from any rush or stress and sharing it with someone I love, lots of laughter and fun.

You live & work in London.  Fill us in on your must see / must do experiences (the more secret the better!) Every week something new is happening in London and the experiences get more and more incredible! Secret Cinema throw the most wonderful parties that are centred around a film but when you book tickets you don’t know what it’s going to be! You’re given clues to suggest how you would dress and told what time to arrive and where closer to the date. On arriving instantly you are swept into the film itself, greeted by characters who whisk you into it all and the whole evening, which also involves watching the film, is spent exploring everything that that film created – the sets, the costumes, the characters and the story. It’s the most incredible event. My most recent discovery, sad as I’ve been in London 7 years now, is the oldest surviving music hall in the world, Wilton’s. It’s in the east end and it’s incredible, it’s another time altogether in there and a great place to see live music.

Abigail Brown Kingfisher Bird Sculpture.

Tell us your ideal travel destination.  Both for a holiday and adventure. Japan is my ultimate!! I’ve been longing to go for years now as I’m fascinated by their culture and their art. I want to see everything, experience everything it has to offer so I’d like to go for a while.

What/were was the last amazing meal you ate? Dishoom, an Indian eatery that has opened the most beautiful 1950’s Bombay café in east London. Everything about that place is wonderful and the food is to die for!

Most treasured possession? The scrap fabric bag my Grandma made for me.

Where would we find you on a Saturday?  Doing what?In the studio probably, I generally work Saturday and have Sunday off.

Click to view and order your very own Abigail Brown Fabric Bird Sculpture online.

So we were pretty chuffed when the team over at Good Weekend Magazine (weekend supplement of The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne's The Age newspapers) selected Stamp Rug as this week's "Object of Desire".

Stamp Rug featured as Object of Desire in Good Weekend Magazine. Buy Stamp Rug online, click the image above.

Stamp Rug, the Object of Desire in this weekend's Good Weekend Magazine.

Cover of Good Weekend featuring Stamp Rug as the "Object of Desire"

Stamp Rug is available in many colourways and sizes.  View and buy Stamp Rug here in our online store >> www.everythingbegins.com/rug-maker.html.

A massive thanks to the team over at Good Weekend Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age for publishing Stamp Rug and our designer's products once again as their "Objects of Desire".  In twelve short months our designers products have featured three times, including Stamp Rug, House of Kami's leather necklets, individually handmade in their Milanese atelier and the Big Ben Wall Clock sticker by Funky Little Darlings.

Hop on over to our online store to check out these "Objects of Desire" - Stamp Rug, Little Ben Wall Clock Sticker, Leather necklets and many, many more!

Oh and don't forget to check out our blog post on Stamp Rug, where you can see Stamp Rug in-situ in many of our customer's homes. 

Karen Johnston, Designer-Maker of The Print Society.

The Print Society's designs are driven by colour, shape and scale, ensuring that their homewares and accessories are innovative yet simplistic at heart.  The Print Society's designer cushions and designer textiles are influenced by their travels and love of traditional textiles from cultures far and wide, old and new. The Print Society takes a practical approach to their work and design, and can often be found toying with geometrics and mark making.

We caught up with Karen Johnston, the designer and printer behind The Print Society in her Sydney studio.  Karen loves to work with natural fabrics such as hemp and linen and all of her fabric is hand printed locally in Sydney, Australia.  The Print Society uses water based, non-toxic inks and dyes and have a sustainable, low impact approach to manufacturing and materials.

The Print Society Designer Cushions, Colour Collector collection.

Everything Begins somewhere. Tell us a bit about your background – what path led you to what you are doing now?

I’ve been printing for over ten years now. I originally studied Fashion Design at East
Sydney Tafe and started to play around with printed fabrics to ensure I could create
completely unique designs. I returned to study Textile Design and Printing a few years
later to sure up my printing skills and methods. Designing homewares is great for a
printer as these kind of products allow you to focus on the print design rather than the
shape of the item.

The Print Society | Designer Cushions | Reversible Cushions

What challenges have you faced since starting out as an artist and on the flip side your biggest triumph?
Space can be a challenge, as printing takes up a lot of room, but you learn to create work
arounds when you need to. We’ve had some create media coverage so far, which has been fantastic, but our biggest triumph would really be the high level of customer satisfaction that we’ve achieved.

How would you describe your work & what would you say is the most special thing about your work?
I like to work with lots of colour. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s always bright colours, although they do feature heavily, but rather an eclectic use of colour. I also work
with traditional mark making techniques, whilst keeping a certain amount of focus on
shape and scale. The most special thing about my work is my experimentation process.
Testing new methodologies, materials and ideas, keeps me on the go!

The Print Society Emerald Green and Chevron Diamond Dust cushion

The Print Society reversible designer cushion in Ultra Violet Diamond and Peacock Blue.

I am most proud of the positive reaction I’ve had from customers in relation to the designs
and materials. Feedback is really important to me and it also provides a lot of motivation.

What kind of material do you think has great possibilities?
Hemp – I think Hemp has long been associated only with environmentally sustainable
projects and products, however its incredible durability is often forgotten. Products made
from hemp have a very long life span.

The Print Society's Designer Brush Stroke Throw in black and emerald, and ‘Confetti’ print in fuschia with hand painted \ hand applied copper spots.

The Print Society Designer Brush Stroke Throw

I’ve always enjoyed working with hemp, it prints up beautifully.  Not only is hemp a sustainable product, but it’s also very long lasting.  The fibres are so strong that hemp was originally used for rope on ships, so it really improves the life span of a product.  As for the yak hair, it really adds something a little unique and very hard to find (trust me!) plus it gives the fabric a slight grey tone, rather than the natural tone that is often associated with hemp.

Which product would you redesign if you could?
Child proof lids and other types of packaging that are difficult to open – there must be a
better way!

The Print Society Designer Brush Stroke Table Cloth available in multiple sizes to suit all tables.

The Print Society Designer Brush Stroke Tablecloth in Neon Pink. Available to suit all table sizes.

What does a typical day at work look like?
Email, print, make, draw, cut, email, print, paint, email!

What would be your dream creative project or collaboration?
I would like to work with councils to make seat covers for park benches. Imagine being
greeted by a colourful bench at your bus stop in the morning…so much better!

If you weren’t a designer what would you do?
Horticulture – gardening and a love of plants runs in my family.

Karen's Edit. Karen loves our Round Shelves by Bride and Wolfe. Click to view and buy.

What inspires you?
Other creative people of all types. The dedication and passion expressed by others for their work is both infectious and incredibly motivating.

What are your favourite reads, both magazines & blogs?

Overland and Meanjin

Habitus

InsideOut

http://bigbangstudio.blogspot.com.au/

http://strangeflowers.wordpress.com/

What are you listening to right now?
N.S.Cho – amazing violin, cello and piano pieces.

The House of Kami Silk Scarf, Black Sea is one of Karen's favourite EB products.

What books would we find on your bedside table?
Right now I’m reading E.M. Forster’s ‘A Passage to India’ and Amartya Sen’s ‘The Idea of
Justice’ – I like to have at least two books on the go at the same time, usually one fiction
and one non-fiction. I’m slowly compiling a list of books as I read them on my blog,
hoping for suggestions from far and wide!

What art would we find in your home?
I collect Indigenous art – our hallway serves as a gallery, and I’m filling it up piece by
piece. You would also find old maps, books and textiles on display throughout the house.

What does a perfect day off look like?
A bit of a sleep in, followed by a home cooked breakfast with my boyfriend (he’s a fantastic cook!). Then a trip to the Art Gallery of NSW or the MCA, and a wander around the Botanic Gardens to find a spot to stretch out on the grass with a book. Dinner at La Ricetta on the way back, and a quiet evening at home with my man and my puppy.

Polly George Fine Bone China Butterfly teapot is one of The Print Society's favourite Everything Begins' products.

What/were was the last amazing meal you ate?
The blue swimmer crab risotto at La Ricetta in Enmore – to die for!

Most treasured possession?
Is a puppy a possession? It feels wrong to say that as he’s such a little human, but my 8
month old beagle Cooper is so beautiful!

Where would we find you on a Saturday? Doing what?
Newtown – drinking coffee, pottering around in book stores – bliss!

The Smoky Quartz Ring by New Zealand designer Nga Waiata is another of The Print Society's favourite Everything Begins products.

Sydney’s best kept secret?
The Bower in Marrickville – a reuse and repair centre collects, repairs and sells pre-loved
furniture and the like, to divert waste from the Sydney metropolitan waste stream – best
bargains ever!

And finally, let us in on a little secret?

Lighting...shhh.

Buy The Print Society Designer Cushions and Designer Textiles Online. Simply click to shop.

Rise & Shine Art Print by The Lepolas features on the Bright Bazaar Blog

Well what do you know, he then went on to buy it for his fabulous self!   So you can only imagine our joy when we clapped eyes on exactly what he did with this cheery, yellow number.

Our Rise and Shine art print by The Lepolas as featured on Bright Bazaar.

Rise and Shine Art Print as featured in the Bedroom Makeover of Mr Bazaar of Bright Bazaar Blog.

I absolutely love Mr Bazaar's Spring bedroom makeover, how seriously bright & cheerful.  I just love how he integrated the Rise & Shine print into the space - and how cute it reminds him of his Gran!  Although no surprise, I recently got chatting to Mr Bazaar himself on email and have to say he is a super, super nice guy!

WANT TO GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS GORGEOUS RISE AND SHINE ART PRINT FOR YOUR HOME?  CLICK THE RISE AND SHINE ART PRINT TO VIEW OR BUY ONLINE.

Rise and Shine Art Print from Everything Begins. Click the image to buy online

Take a  peek at more gorgeous images of Mr Bazaar's bedroom makeover over on The Bright Bazaar Blog.

What do you think?

Drink More Gin Art Print by Robert Rubbish features in the April Inside Out Magazine.

It looks amazing with those other prints.  So unexpected to see a 'Drink More Gin' art print with those gorgeous, pretty little prints!  How seriously good does it look! Food for thought dear readers!

With loads of new products and designers launching this past week, including city art prints from nickprints, designer rugs and designer cushions from Xavier&Me and stunning luxury silk scarves from Bay & Fyfe, I thought I would just take a quick peek to see what is happening in-store.  When I looked at Google Analytics, I couldn't believe just how many people that were browsing the Everything Begins online store at this time of night.  We have customers in over 18 countries so many different time zones, but the thing that got me is that each and every customer in-store as I looked was in Australia (I guess everyone else is in Monday morning meetings!).  Wowsers, that's some dedicated shoppers.  It's times like this I wish we were a bricks and mortar store, so that I could see you all and say hello.  For anyone that knows me, they'd tell you, I love to chat!  So sitting here at my desk right now, I give you a big wave and a big hello and really want to say thanks so, so much for stopping by, you truly make it all worthwhile.

So what else is distracting me right now?  The latest cover from British interiors mag LivingEtc featuring Emerald, the Pantone Colour of the Year.  

Emerald Pantone Colour of the Year 2013

Just a few weeks back on February 1, Pantone announced Emerald as the Pantone Colour of the Year.  In the coming weeks and months we are set to see a whole lot more Emerald, the colour of 2013 gracing the pages of glossies and blogs around the world.  However, this spread from Living Etc has to be one of the first I've clapped eyes on.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the little Emerald cushion on the chair, because you know what, we already have some absolutely gorgeous Emerald interior products in-store and some I reckon would look even better in your home!  No messing around around here, Emerald's in?  Then get it in!

So yes, we reckon this little Emerald stunner would have looked quite at home on that there chair!  Go, on, take a peek at this stunner of an Emerald Cushion from Everything Begins designer Xavier&Me right here

Emerald Cushion available from Everything Begins. Just click the Emerald Cushion above to view and buy online.

If you follow interior design trends or just really love this  "Pantone 2013" Emerald, then take a closer look at our designer cushion collection online as we also have these absolutely gorgeous double sided Emerald and Coral Chevron designer cushions fresh in-store in our exclusive range from Xavier&Me.

Double Sided Emerald and Coral Chevron Cushion.

Simply click the image to view and / or buy instore.

Now, whilst we're at it, if like us your eyes are always drawn to the finer details and you happened to spot that gorgeous monochrome butterfly art print in the background, then make sure you checkout our monochrome butterfly heart art print in-store in our affordable art collection as we reckon it would give this print a damn good run for it's money!

Butterfly Art Print available to buy instore in our Affordable Art collection. Click the image to view and buy instore.

Lively, radiant, lush...Emerald is a colour of elegance and beauty, one that is said to enhance our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.  What do you think of Emerald, the 2013 Pantone Colour of the Year?  Will it be making it's way into your home?

Amy x

Bay & Fyfe Founder and Creative Director, Frith Hucks.

 

Your debut scarf collections are absolutely amazing and the collections are just getting stronger and stronger.   Talk us through your design process including the inspiration behind the pieces and colour used.

Thank you, that’s very kind. This next small collection is definitely our best. We’ve gone against the digital print trend and we screen print our scarves. This is a much harder process to perfect and it took a while to find the company to do it. Now we have, the results are spectacular.

'Puffer Fish', one of three new silk scarves in Bay & Fyfe's latest collection - a collaboration with Australian Artist, Daimon Downey.

It also took a while to work out the right process to re-create Daimon’s paintings into a digital file in preparation for screen printing. We had to find a way to create the brush strokes and paint blemishes over the top of the animal which is actually a digital image. After 18 months of experimenting, I think we’ve got it right.

Colours – well that’s a bit of self indulgence really. I collect colours from anywhere – nail polishes, clothes, magazines, pantone books – and put a palette together. Daimon will then come along with his paint cans (I kid you not) and swatches and we’ll play around with what works. He’s a wizard with colour, so I enjoy this a lot. We may have to sample a couple of colour ways if we’re not sure, but normally 5 out of 6 picks are right.

"Flamingo", another of the three latest silk scarves from creative concept label, Bay & Fyfe. Right on Trend.

What challenges have you faced since starting out as a designer and on the flip side your biggest triumph?

Getting our creations produced to the standard we want has been a real challenge. I describe our scarves as ‘Hermes meets Dame Vivienne Westwood’s so the bar is set pretty high. There are been some huge challenges with printing and finishing, but we’ve found the right studio workshop now that does incredible screen printing and all our finishing is done in Australia.

'Snake', the third scarf in the latest collection from Bay & Fyfe.

In regards to triumphs  I think a highlight has been seeing one of our scarves in an editorial in the Wall Street Journal magazine. Another highlight would be showing a prestigious trade show, Tranoi, in Paris this year.

Bay & Fyfe Horse Zebra Scarf gracing the pages of The Wall Street Journal - no 5.

How would you describe your work & what would you say is the most special thing about your work?
I’d describe our work as ‘creative luxury’. We’ve taken work from a very talented Australian artist – Daimon Downey – and turned it in to wearable art that oozes timeless style and luxury.

What are you most proud of in your work?
I think the way the elements have all come together – the silk that took me 7 months to find, the detail of our screen printing and the beautiful depth of colour that each scarf has. It sets us apart. People have been known to get goose bumps when they see our scarves – that’s pretty special.

Bay & Fyfe Silk Scarves, Pastel Zoo Collection One.

What does a typical day at work look like? 
That’s what I love – there is no typical day for me. Every day is different.

What would be your dream creative project or collaboration?
I’d love to do a collaboration with Dame Vivienne Westwood herself. I love her quirky creativity.

If you weren’t a designer what would you do?
I’d buy and renovate houses. It’s still on my lists of things to do, but requires some substantial funds to pull off. One day….

Where do you go for inspiration?
Instagram is a creative persons dream. I regularly get ideas from other people’s pictures

What are your favourite reads, both magazines & blogs?
I always read Belle and InSide Out magazine. They are great for inspiration and new finds to explore more. Inside Out has a great blog too. I regularly check out the Interiors Addict blog because there’s always interesting interviews and news of the interiors world.

Bay & Fyfe Off the Mantel Wool Scarf as seen in Belle Magazine. Nothing like a jaunty little scarf to casually drape around one's shoulders! Also available in two additional colourways, Cream & Orange and Pink / Purple

Bay and Fyfe Wool Scarves as seen in Belle Magazine - three colourways, Blue & Teal, Orange & Cream and Purple & Pink.

What are you listening to right now?
I’ve been enjoying Florence and the Machine at the moment. And I really love the song on the teaser for Downton Abby…but I need to Shazam it because I don’t who it’s by.

What books would we find on your bedside table?
‘The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner’. I read it before I ran the New York marathon a few years ago, but I need to reboot my running, so I’m reading it to re-inspire myself.

What art would we find in your home?
You’d find pieces I’ve collected from all the different places in the world I’ve lived. I’m particularly attached to my Piet Hein Eek dining room chairs my Daimon Downey painting.

What does a perfect day off look like?
A nice long walk on the beach and a swim.

Tell us your ideal travel destination.  Both for a holiday and adventure.
I like holidaying in Europe. The Italian lakes are a favourite in the summer and Austria in the winter for skiing. My favourite adventure countries would be Peru and Bolivia because I love really un-spoilt, remote places to explore.

What/were was the last amazing meal you ate?
Dehesa in London a few weeks ago. Amazing tapas.

Most treasured possession?
My Bay & Fyfe scarf collection. It’s got my heart and soul in it.

'Zebra', the Daimon Downey piece that was the catalyst for the Bay & Fyfe label.

Where would we find you on a Saturday?  Doing what?
Coffee, paper, mooching, swimming

Sydney’s best kept secret?
Bird & Bear café on the water in Elizabeth Bay.

And finally, let us in on a little secret?
Once upon a time I wanted to be a milliner.

Click here to view and buy Bay & Fyfe's scarf collection online.

Here at EB we are a bit of a sucker for city art prints, but not just any old city art prints, as with everything at Everything Begins, what we really love are those that have been carved out, created over time with great love and ridiculous amounts of skill and talent.

The latest city art prints to be added to the EB affordable art and graphic art collection are no exception.  Introducing British graphic designer, Nick Patchitt of graphic prints brand, nickprints - the latest design studio to join the EB design collective and online boutique.

Nick Patchitt, Founder and Designer at nickprints.

From an early age Nick has always been attracted to the graphic side of life – logos, symbols, pictograms and type. A career in graphic design satisfied this interest to a large extent... but not completely. Nick has also been invigorated by living in two of the most visual and vibrant cities in the UK, Brighton and London. Put these ingredients together and the end result is a highly distinctive and original series of city art prints.

'London Calling', 'Brighton Rocks', 'New York' and more recently 'Paris, Je T'aime have already achieved much success. Next up is another of Nick's favourite cities, Barcelona expected this coming British summer.

Nick's other work is an eclectic mix of graphic and typographic prints featuring tea, fish, The Beatles and British Rock music. All nickprints products are printed on quality fine art paper.

nickprints City Art Prints include London city art print, (seen here), New York city art prints, Brighton city art prints and Paris city art prints.

London City Map Art by nickprints.

London Calling, London City Art Map by nickprints

You have created 4 city art prints, each available in several colours, how would you describe your prints & what would you say is the most special thing about your work?

Very graphic and painstakingly put together. I don’t consider anything special about them although whatever people think about my work I don’t think you could ever accuse them of being dull!

nickprints Paris city art print, available in red and white.

nickprints City Art Print - Paris City Art Print, close up detail.

What are you most proud of with nickprints?

Conceptually, my ‘cityprints’ range is pretty unique, as far as I am aware, which I find pleasing. As above, I’m proud of the amount of effort I put into each piece.

nickprints City Art Print, New York City Art Print

nickprints City Art Print - New York City Art Print

Rock UK print by nickprints

Rock UK - close up featuring music genres and British bands.

nickprints City Art Print - an ode to Nick's hometown Brighton, Brighton City Art Print, available in red and blue.

nickprints City Art Print, Brighton City Art Print

nickprints Wall Art Map of Great Britain.

nickprints Wall Art Map of Britain close up of the South East of England.

nickprints wall map art of the British Isles - a close up of Ireland.

nickprints Wall Art Map of the British Isles, shown here a close up of Scotland.

Nick Loves: 2. Love Unlimited by Aardvark

Nick Loves 3. Love Was Lost Typographic Art Print by Letitia Buchan.

Nick Loves 4. Julia Trigg Epherma Art Print, Signals 2. In fact Nick happens to have this very print! Uncanny!

Nick Loves 5. Julia Trigg Ephemera Art Print, a Limited Edition, Signals 7.

Click here to view and shop the entire nickprints collection of city art prints.

Rise and Shine Art Print as seen on Bright Bazaar - Will's Ten Things I Learnt and Loved this Weekend.

"Don't you think this Rise & Shine Print is perfect for Spring" - indeed we do!  We reckon it's a pretty damn fab affordable art print to wake to every morning. Nothing like a spot of bright & cheery yellow to put a spring in your step!

Bright Bazaar is one of our all time favourite blogs, so beyond excited doesn't come close.  Thanks Will!

With a new collection to share, never has there been a better time to have a little chat to one of our favourite designers, Ellie Bradley of Xavier&Me.  So  here goes, the latest in our Designer Spotlight Q&A's.

Xavier&Me, Founder & Creative Director, Ellie Bradley.

Everything Begins somewhere.  Tell us a bit about your background – what path led you to what you are doing now?

I’ve always been interested in design and interiors. I used to play around with furniture layouts in my bedroom when I was a little girl. But it was during my 15 years working in advertising that my interests grew and prompted me to launch Xavier & Me. I worked with some of Australia’s best design agencies, photographers and stylists so the idea just grew over time. I used to sketch ideas and designs when I travelled so after many sketch books later, I started to explore these designs on textiles.

Xavier & Me Striped Rug. The Coastal Stripe Striped Rug is available in six colourways and six sizes including rugs and runners. The Coastal Stripe Striped Rug is shown here in Black and White.

Xavier&Me Coastal Striped Rugs, available in six colourways, Black, Nude, Sunshine, Aqua, Graphite and Navy.

What challenges have you faced since starting out as a designer and on the flip side your biggest triumph?

My biggest challenge to date is working for your self and by my self. Don’t get me wrong, I love it but you do become quite isolated so I have had to make every effort to get out and about, especially to industry events. Limited budget has also been a bit of a challenge but this has made me become very savvy, and think outside the box.

My biggest triumph is that I am still here doing what I love four years later.

How would you describe your work & what would you say is the most special thing about your work?

My work is colourful, graphic but also soft and feminine. I have carved a colourful signature style that people love, but I love to explore other patterns and techniques which see some collections with soft hand painted designs. The thing I love most about what I do however is experimenting. I love to get out in the backyard and play with natural pigments and dyes, I love to get out a pen and draw something, then digitally manipulate it. It really is fun.

What are you most proud of in your work?

My designs. They really are a part of me on a cushion, or a rug or even a throw.

Xavier&Me ID Collection, the perfect personal stamp for your home, available in four colourways, Yellow, Pink, Navy & Pastel Pink.

What kind of material do you think has great possibilities?

3-D printed fabrics. It’s such amazing technology and I can’t wait to do some of my product designs with this technology.

What does a typical day at work look like? 

It’s busy. Just very busy.

Xavier&Me Striped Rug, South Beach. Available in five colourways, Black, Yellow, Pink & Blue

Xavier&Me striped rug, South Beach in Paradise Pink.

South Beach Striped Rug by Xavier&Me in Yellow.

Striped Rug, South beach by Xavier&Me. Available in five colourways.

South Beach Striped Rug by Xavier & Me in Sand Pink.

If you weren’t a designer what would you do?

I would be an Interior Designer or Architect. However saying that I am fascinated by volcanoes so maybe a volcanologist!!

What inspires you?

I get inspired by lots of things - patterns, people, places, but mainly it would be colour. This appears everywhere in everything so it would be the colour that first catches my eye.

Xavier&Me Chevron Cushions are an all time best seller. These colourful beauties have just been released in several new colourways, including pantone colour of the year, Emerald.

What are your favourite reads, both magazines & blogs?

I am reading Living etc, Vogue, Real Living plus all the other great home magazines. Online I love to read Lonny Magazine and Anthology. I also love to visit numerous blogs and design sites.

What are you listening to right now?

What ever is on the ipod.

Hot new collection of Ombre Cushions, available in 8 colourways.

What books would we find on your bedside table?

None. I usually am so tired I fall straight asleep but in my studio that’s another thing. I have a bookcase filled with books and magazines.

What art would we find in your home?

I have some indigenous art bought when I worked on Tourism Northern Territory account. They are etchings from two artists in Arnhem Land. I also have some old etching I picked up from a Paris Flea market that are framed along with a couple of pieces I have done.

What does a perfect day off look like?

My perfect day would start with a walk down at the beach at sunrise, followed by a scrumptious breakfast. I would then spend the rest of the day relaxing. Not lifting a finger or thinking about what I need to cook for dinner!!

You live & work in Sydney, where EB’s HQ is.  Fill us in on your must see / must do experiences.

I am the worst tourist guide however if I have international guests staying with me I would do tell them do the following:

1. Bondi to Bronte walk, especially during Sculptures by the Sea
2. Walk the Botanic Gardens around to the Opera House.
3. Visit the Hunter Valley. Great vino and food
4. Beaches. Sydney has some of the best beaches in the world so I would get them to visit anyone our beaches especially Palm Beach.
5. Ferry ride to Cockatoo Island

Tartan is back in a big way. We have just launched the fab range of Xavier&Me tartan rugs available in four colourways, Pink, Autumn, Pop & Russian (as pictured here)

You love to travel.  Tell us your ideal travel destination.  Both for a holiday and adventure.

My ideal travel destination would include both relaxation and exploration. I used to be able to lie on a beach for two weeks straight but now I need to get out and do things. I can’t just sit around. So ideally I would travel somewhere that I have the choice and of course it needs to be somewhere I haven’t been before.

Best holiday destination for me is Noosa. It’s a special place. I was taken there as a baby and I have now taken my baby (he is not really a baby now!!) there. It’s a very special place for me.

Best adventure holiday would need to be somewhere I have not been before. I would love to get down to South America, also visit India and Northern Europe.

Ellie Loves 1. C F McEwan Designer Scarf: Towers.

What/were was the last amazing meal you ate?

It was New Years Eve at a good friends house. They made an awesome curry. It really was like the ones you get back in the UK. So tasty. But I am really looking forward to a degustation lunch at Aria which is booked in for Feb. Can’t wait to eat some amazing food.

Most treasured possession?

My family. Everything else is replaceable.

Ellie Loves 2. welovekaoru ABC Fine Bone China Typographic Teacup & Saucer. Ellie would take tea in an E or an X.

Where would we find you on a Saturday?  Doing what?

Pottering around Balmain or visiting friends. My day usually starts very early with checking emails or doing work of some kind (I never stop), then I will either potter around the house. We have a little boy so we go for a walk down to one of the local parks and grab coffees on the way, then it will be back home for lunch or meet up with some friends at a pub for lunch. I always have a little afternoon nap (as I get up very early) and then I need to start thinking about dinner. After dinner, we then sit down and catch up on some TV or movies we missed during the week.

Ellie Loves 3. Gina and May Designer Umbrella, Starlet

Sydney’s best kept secret?

Dawn Fraser pool at sunrise. Quite magical and a great place to do your exercise

And finally, let us in on a little secret? 

I taught myself everything I know. Oh and I can’t go past a good piece of chocolate covered licquorice. Slightly addicted!!

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Xavier&Me has carved a colourful signature style that is both modern and timeless. Xavier&Me Creative Director & Designer, Ellie Bradley brings a layered and luxurious understanding to the world of modern design with her collection of artfully conceived textiles, accessories and home accents.

Xavier&Me is dedicated to bringing you comfort, style and colour to your home. Designing everything, from classic patterns to latest trends, vintage to modern, inexpensive and well-considered to aspirational and unique, Xavier&Me’s collection of designer cushions, rugs and homewares that will fit with your lifestyle for years to come.

Everything Begins' designer Xavier&Me frequently appears in national press including Real Living, House & Garden, Vogue Living, Home Beautiful, Woman’s Weekly, Madison and Donna Hay, to major newspapers including Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Daily Telegraph.

Ellie lives and works in Sydney, Australia.