tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25053035621789612192024-03-13T02:55:39.636+00:00Mel Smith DesignsMEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-62924274516892490692015-04-25T10:30:00.000+01:002015-04-25T10:30:00.953+01:00April - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
and so another month has passed! 7 weeks free of my day job and still no regrets. it had to be done and i am realising how much i can actually get done given the time. which sounds silly - of course if you have more time you can get more done. but i can only imagine how long my to-do list would take if i was still working a day job!</div>
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i will admit i had a bit of a blip this month. i had such a 'full steam ahead' straight after leaving my job that i think said steam finally ran out. boo. so i spent a week in london to rejuvenate myself. i went to a couple of markets for inspiration and had some more studio days with Liz of <a href="http://www.ellejanedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Elle Jane Designs</a>. it's good to talk things through...especially the amount we can natter for! </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">i visited the <a href="http://www.craftyfoxmarket.co.uk/" target="_blank">Crafty Fox Market</a> and the <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/" target="_blank">Renegade Craft Fair</a>. both were fantastic and full of brilliant designer-makers. i found some real gems amongst the isles including <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GingerDoodlesDesigns" target="_blank">Ginger Doodles</a> and <a href="http://www.lucie-ellen.com/" target="_blank">Lucie Ellen</a>. I got to catch up with the lovely<a href="https://www.joclarkdesign.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Jo Clarke</a> and finally got to meet <a href="http://www.carenbarry.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caren Barry</a> after, ooh must be over a year now, of regular chit-chatting online.</span><br />
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i also took part in another superb workshop from Patricia of <a href="http://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Design Trust </a>via the <a href="http://www.spacestudios.org.uk/artist-cats/ncm/" target="_blank">New Creative Markets</a> programme. it was all about creating my business plan. so lots of brain work required! i'm still working through the tasks but it is raising some good questions as to where i see myself in 3 years time and what my priorities are. it is making me question a few things, which i'll admit, is a wee bit scary, but it has to be done. so doing it i am!<br />
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i was accepted onto 2 spring fairs - i will be at <a href="http://www.thefairytalefair.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Fairy Tale Fair</a> at Brighton Open Markets on the second May bank holiday (Sunday 24th), and i will also be returning for another year with <a href="http://www.cityshowcase.co.uk/festival/2015-embankment-summer-market" target="_blank">City Showcase</a>, this time we'll be at Victoria Embankment Gardens just by the tube on Sunday 31st May. i really hope you'll be able to make a visit, they are both fantastic shows and i'll be airing different products at each event with special market offers, so be sure to get to as many as you can!</div>
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i have been working on a project, something a bit different from anything i've done before. it's for children, it's illustration based, it's colourful, it's fun... it's gonna be a-moo-zing. that's all i'm giving you. i'm just putting the finishing touches together and then i can share!<br />
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another 'new thing' are my newest products. something i'm about to release just in time for my spring markets - brand new wash bags and purses! yes, i know, very exciting! they are in a variety of prints and will soon be up and running on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">Etsy store.</a> but for now here is a sneak peek... i'm so pleased with how they have turned out, a huge thank you to Robyn of <a href="http://www.archiemaclondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Archie Mac London</a> who made these beauties, she is very very talented.</div>
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i have a strict(-ish) new schedule in place to help me work through my list of projects and all my admin work. so far it is proving useful! hopefully it's not just the initial excitement of a new spreadsheet to work to, haha!</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-53034860421404564932015-03-28T12:55:00.001+00:002015-03-28T12:55:31.669+00:00March - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
this will only be a quick round up today as i've had a burst of inspiration for a new project and i really, really, REALLY wanna get started! and to be hones there isn't much to share for March...</div>
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* the biggest thing of course will be that i left my admin day job - hoorah! i'd been there 7 years and had started building the design business alongside it. 7 years is a long time and i have made some awesome life-long friends there... but i can honestly say i do not miss it. (i write that with a huge grin on my face!) the time was right to move on and so i did, no regrets. (yet, haha!)</div>
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* and along with leaving my job i moved back home. i have given myself 3 months to get myself in order, and then i will be venturing back to London, this time the SE corner. so there's been a lot of unpacking and alas there is still some more to go but i'm sure i'll get there...just as i need to pack it all up again to move once more!</div>
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* i have spent a bit of time <span style="color: #ffd966;">rejuvenating my online store</span>. it was in need of a makeover and i'm rather pleased with the new look - lots of new fabulously colourful photos to show off the bold prints and gorgeous colours of my homeware products. it's actually made me fall in love with them all over again! </div>
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* i've bought back some old favourites from last year - the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelSmithDesigns?section_id=6867254&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6" target="_blank">button jewellery </a>was pretty much a sell out last summer - so it is back in new colours, something to suit every occasion, and the tea towels are currently on a special <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelSmithDesigns?section_id=6108428&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3" target="_blank">'Spring Clean' offer - BUY 1 GET 1 FREE!</a> it's that time of year where we all need to have a clear out and clean up so what better to persuade you than some glorious pattern accessories!</div>
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*<span style="color: #ffd966;"> my newest addition</span> to the shop are my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelSmithDesigns?section_id=6048152&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7" target="_blank">greetings cards</a> - a selection of birthday, occasion and blank cards from my both my 'Amsterdam' and 'London' ranges.<br />
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* and that's not all folks! there is more to come! i have new products that will be popping up over the course of the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled. and if you want to be the first to hear about all of these new goodies you can <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns/app_100265896690345?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">sign up to my newsletter here</a>. not only will you hear about new products first you'll find out about my events and projects and you'll also get your hands on some <span style="color: #ffd966;">special coupon codes.</span>..so what are you waiting for?! </div>
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* i found out that all of my designs for Muckboots' kids range <span style="color: #ffd966;">Puddletons</span> have been accepted and will soon be released! so very excited! i got to see some photos too and they look great...i can't wait to share them with you!</div>
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* on a similar note i will (hopefully) be able to announce a <span style="color: #ffd966;">new collaboration</span> in next couple of weeks...it involves bold colour, graphic prints and a product to do with the home...haha, teasing again, sorry...but just hang on in there and you'll soon find out!</div>
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right, now you're all caught up i'm off to doodle-town (sung to the tune of Funky Town). have a fabulous weekend everyone!</div>
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day 4 of no day job. it feels great it really does! well, it does right now, but i'm pretty sure in a few days time reality will hit and i'll have a little panic and wonder if i did the right thing and oh my god i have no security and lots of scary things like that.</div>
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but then i'll stop and think and realise that of course it was the right thing and all is well and good and i'm pursuing my dream and everyone should have that chance and i am very lucky to be able to give it a shot. and everything will feel wonderful again.</div>
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phase 1 of my plan was to quite my job - check! phase 2 was to move back home, and by home i mean back with family to save some pennies and be able to concentrate solely on design work - check! well, i'm physically moved in but i'm not completely unpacked. turns out i own a lot of things, and these things need to be sorted. and that takes time. which (rather ironically for someone who just left their job) i don't have. ha!</div>
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but it is for good reasons. i have a lot of freelance work at the moment which i am thoroughly enjoying working on again. it has been a while since i worked freelance but it is great working alongside Laura Olivia on various projects for some great clients. i also have my new brief from Muckboots Fall '16 collection due in the next week. so it looks like the unpacking will just have to wait a little longer. darn.</div>
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it really is great to get to work on projects set by someone else and not just what has been dreamt up in your head. and this is where i have a little some fun ahead of me - phase 3. i asked a few friends and put out a call on social media for volunteers. these lovely people who accepted the challenge have set me briefs acting as a client. i will post the brief and my final pieces as i work through them...i'm quite excited about this as a i really want to push how quickly i can work and how varied my style can be. it should get me working wit some different mediums as well. yay!</div>
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if you're interested in helping me out and setting me a mini project there's still time! get in touch at mail@melsmithdesigns.com...i'd love to hear from you!</div>
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but if that all seems a bit much, do keep an eye out on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">twitter</a> pages as i will be putting a call out for a special project in the next few weeks... it'll be nice and easy (for you!) but rather more of a challenge for me... the only clue you get is it's hidden somewhere in my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/melsmithdesigns/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> boards...</div>
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in between these mini projects i plan to organise my finances (encouraged by my recent workshops from <a href="http://www.taxbydesign.com/" target="_blank">Dean of Tax By Design </a>and <a href="http://www.businessbright.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ally of Business Bright</a>); approach shops with my new products; update my own online shop - i have a few new ideas up my sleeve!; research lots of exciting companies to collaborate with and then of course approach them with a marvellous offer!...i won't burden you with my whole to do list though...</div>
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but what i will share are a few of the other things i wish to achieve in the next 3 months that are not design related...i signed up to learn spanish, something i studied briefly at high school and became fond of again after my trip to Peru last year. i have a short trip planned in May so that is my target! ; i want to cook more and now have a wonderful kitchen to do so. the cook books are still in the depths of the unpacked boxes though which could cause a delay to this venture... ; i do however have my yoga mat and trainers out and at the ready! which means i can get back into pilates and jogging again as i'll admit i've been rather slack at this the past few months. tut tut.</div>
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hmmm...sounds like i won't be able to fit a new job in what with all this going on! i am so excited about the next 3 months and what i could achieve...it's a whole 90 days for just me and my business...what would you do?</div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-88575136152684953652015-02-28T10:00:00.000+00:002015-02-28T10:00:00.307+00:00January to February - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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february started off with a * bang * ... spring fair!! and with much of January dedicated to the show preparations there really wasn't much time for anything else. final samples to get made up, props to buy and paint, suitcases to pack, invites to send out...oh you know how it is.<br />
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setting up for spring fair was pretty straight forward (i like it when there are no surprises or complications...makes things far more appealing!). i had some bloody fantastic neighbours and the whole of the Design Lab group were an all-round great bunch of people to be stuck with for 5 days ;)</div>
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i made some good contacts from spring fair and set up meetings with a few companies to discuss potential projects. some rather exciting ones at that! so keep following and you might hear more about them all in the next few months...</div>
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my full review can be read <a href="http://makeitindesign.com/blog/2015/02/19/trade-show-review-mel-smith-designs-2/" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">i've been fortunate enough to attend yet more fantastic workshops from the New Creative Market scheme these past few weeks. both rather scary (one on tax and one on finances!) but both very informative and have given me lots to think about. in a weird way i'm actually looking forward to settling down and getting my spreadsheets sorted!</span><br />
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you may remember a couple of months back i announced that i was working alongside laura olivia to produce collections for our supermarket chains. what started off as a couple of designs ended up at over a dozen! there were some fantastic projects that i got to work on, a great variety of styles and themes...and to see them in production would be simply fantastic!</div>
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and of course let's not forget the big news...i quit my job!! i only have one more week at my day job and then i have 3 months focusing solely on building my portfolio (and sorting those spreadsheets!) ...i absolutely cannot wait!</div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-38942691098446890782015-02-07T10:26:00.001+00:002015-02-07T10:26:13.539+00:00the secret is out...<div style="text-align: justify;">
i do apologise for teasing you with my news and then disappearing whilst setting up for my second trade show at Spring Fair...but I'm here now to tell you all about it...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8Vh3XtQYv8/VNXnQmkt3NI/AAAAAAAAGxc/XszLxsVB3Kk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2015-02-07%2Bat%2B10.29.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8Vh3XtQYv8/VNXnQmkt3NI/AAAAAAAAGxc/XszLxsVB3Kk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2015-02-07%2Bat%2B10.29.02.png" height="640" width="392" /></a>i quit my job!</div>
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yes i did. after 7 years of working admin i decided enough was enough and had to take a step to up my design game. i managed to drop down to 4 days a week last year but I simply need more time to spend on design, portfolio, promo, manufacturing, commissions...oh the list goes on and on and on!</div>
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not only that, but i am also moving flat. i absolutely love Teddington and will be very sad to leave but it's got to be done (it's rather expensive around this area so my manufacturing budget is less than i would like!). so i am moving back home for a couple of months to spend time really focusing on a few projects and getting my portfolio built up. </div>
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so that's it, i have about 3 weeks left and the i'm off. woohoo!!! [queue George Michael's 'Freedom' as my soundtrack]</div>
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but what afterwards? well, i will be venturing across the city to the SE of London to play studio days with Liz of <a href="http://www.ellejanedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Elle Jane Designs</a> (i'm trying to persuade her to get an actual studio space with me one day but she's not having it. not yet anyway.) </div>
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so yeah, exciting times ahead!</div>
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off the back of Spring Fair (which was a very different show to Top Drawer, not least in size) i am definitely working more towards the commissioned/licensed work and collaborations. i had a few meetings with various companies and have some exciting projects lined up...but again i'm only able to tease you on that front right now...sorry! i'll tell you more soon, i promise!</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-32664317256478684632015-01-03T13:53:00.001+00:002015-01-03T14:02:35.248+00:002014 - how did it go then?<div style="text-align: justify;">
i don't know about you but 2014 went so fast. beyond ridiculous really. for me anyway. and i bet we all look back and go 'oh god, what did i actually achieve last year?' and then panic that we <u>didn't</u> do anything and <u>didn't</u> see friends enough and we're <u>still</u> stuck in that job and we <u>didn't</u> take that holiday...</div>
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but what about all the things you DID do? huh? don't be some blooming hard on yourself! there is only of of you and you can't do everything, and when you have big projects going on in your life (like starting a new business by yourself, from scratch) you have to make tough decisions, miss that night out, eat in and not out... it's hard but it makes it possible to get that bit further in your grand plan. i know i am guilty of working a lot but i do allow myself out. sometimes ;) i just have to plan my time wisely. i want this to work...i'm determined! i have big plans for 2015 and i WILL see them through dammit!</div>
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but anyway, as i was saying...it's always nice to look back on what you DID do and what you did achieve...try it. you might just surprise yourself. dare ya. </div>
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and i would like to say an enormous thank you and have a big group hug with everyone that supported me this year - the bloggers & magazines, the stockists & pop-up shops, everyone from the courses i have met, all my new design buddies, all my friends and family...all of you. you're great. that is all. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uN5ewqH9LL0/VKfvD4b0s_I/AAAAAAAAGuM/OoZxIAH5u3g/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2015-01-03%2Bat%2B13.37.13.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uN5ewqH9LL0/VKfvD4b0s_I/AAAAAAAAGuM/OoZxIAH5u3g/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2015-01-03%2Bat%2B13.37.13.png" height="262" width="320" /></a><b>JANUARY</b></div>
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...Top Drawer. wow. my first trade show. LOVED IT! a lot of follow up afterwards which proved fruitful and my first 2 wholesale orders! completed 2 Pattern Observer e-courses.</div>
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<b>FEBRUARY</b></div>
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...i started the Creative Hub workshops at The Fashion and Textile Museum, there was another Edinburgh hen do (seems to be the place to go!), my huge parcel of cushions arrived (much to my flatmates joy!) and first orders were shipped. possibly the biggest change was dropping a day at my day job to make more time for design...best decision. just need to drop another now ;)</div>
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<b>MARCH</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLpgLVJeRZ0/VHpFSbt2ilI/AAAAAAAAGrw/wle2aXTck44/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-29%2Bat%2B22.19.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLpgLVJeRZ0/VHpFSbt2ilI/AAAAAAAAGrw/wle2aXTck44/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-29%2Bat%2B22.19.51.png" height="200" width="197" /></a></div>
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...i was accepted to become part of the We Make London family and sell in their Camden shop. i could finally announce my collaboration with Muckboots which had been very hard to keep schtum about! there was also a Glaswegian wedding, a jazz night, 2 German birthdays, and some pet shopping! </div>
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<b>APRIL</b></div>
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...seemed only right that i deserved a little treat after the trade show and went back to Alexander Spa for a weekend of relaxation. i saw my lampshades in the window of their first stockist...a very exciting thing to see.</div>
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<b>MAY</b></div>
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...ok so maybe another treat - a weekend in Rome with mama Smith - not quite so relaxing this time though! 2 fairs this month - one a roaring success, the other not so much - but hey, you gotta try these things!</div>
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<b>JUNE</b></div>
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...second hen do of the year this time to Bristol for a Crystal Maze (you all remember that right?!) experience in the woods!</div>
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<b>JULY</b></div>
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...i got to play florist once more for my friends wedding in a beautiful country setting. Jools Holland was an awesome gig at Kew Gardens, and i returned form my 2 month creative block - thank goodness - and went full pelt at designing my new range. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQH54bNeiIM/U-YhZlrklII/AAAAAAAAGVs/iaaDjWyRDFI/s1600/IMG_4644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQH54bNeiIM/U-YhZlrklII/AAAAAAAAGVs/iaaDjWyRDFI/s1600/IMG_4644.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>AUGUST</b></div>
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...my first colour festival - surprisingly fun throwing powder at strangers in a car park, especially with some amazing house tunes playing. i went Back To The Future, oh yeah.</div>
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<b>SEPTEMBER</b></div>
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...i visited Autumn Fair to suss out my space for Spring. but most excitingly an amazing trip to Peru took this month over. i experienced some amazing things saw some jaw dropping sights and enjoyed the South American culture for the first time. pretty sure i'll be back at some point but more Asia to see first methinks! whilst away i was accepted onto the New Creative Markets mentoring scheme which is full of amazing workshops plus 1-2-1's with Patricia of the Design Trust - wowee! i was featured in the 2 big greetings card mags with my new Christmas card range.</div>
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<b>OCTOBER</b></div>
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...my flat mate left...boooooooo! but i got a new one - yeeeaaah! i finally sussed out Illustrator, my Kickstarter campaign was successfully funded for my new range of tableware, the samples arrived, and i teamed up with Laura Olivia on some freelance work for high street retailers.</div>
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<b>NOVEMBER</b></div>
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...lots of workshops and learning this month, and planning for the first of 3 Christmas fairs of the year. that takes up a surprising amount of time - especially when there are manufacturing problems to work around! i was also offered a spot on Print & Pattern blogs 'Designers for Hire' directory...roll on the commission deals!</div>
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<b>DECEMBER</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">...another 2 Christmas fairs dominated this month alongside the standard Christmas dinners and work parties. most excitingly this month was the release (finally!) of my new Morocco and London ranges...went down a storm, especially the London coasters. yay :) i ended the year with 8 new stockists which i'm going to pat myself on the back for... and here's to 2015 and a whole host of new exciting projects and releases!!</span></div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-88683349676894525862014-12-20T12:44:00.000+00:002014-12-20T12:44:05.826+00:00festive fair finds!<div style="text-align: justify;">
ahhhhh...today is the first saturday in about a month where i'm not either at a Christmas fair or planning for my next one! i'm still in bed and it's delightful (except for the fact i have a nasty cough and cold). i enjoyed all of my markets (for different reasons!) and wanted to share some of the work of the amazing designers i met whilst exhibiting across the last 3 weeks.</div>
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<a href="http://craftcentral.org.uk/madeinclerkenwell" target="_blank">Made In Clerkenwell</a></div>
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i was located in the basement but i was surrounded by 10 other fantastic designer-makers with a great selection of goods. </div>
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i have a soft spot for ceramics and instantly fell in love with <a href="http://www.sallymcgill.com/" target="_blank">Sally McGill's</a> new collection - bold blue and coral on white...right up my street!</div>
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another great selection of ceramics were on offer from my show neighbour <a href="http://www.janesarre.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jane Sarre</a> - i'm always a sucker for that olive colour, and putting it on beautiful vases...well, i'm not sure how i resisted! </div>
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and of course <a href="http://www.katievictoria-textiles.com/" target="_blank">Katie Victoria</a> was my very lovely and very Welsh neighbour for the show. gorgeously bright and bold knitted scarves, cushions and a rather lovely bobble hat i had my eye on all show!<br />
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<a href="http://www.eastlondondesignshow.co.uk/" target="_blank">East London Design Show</a></div>
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hosted for the second year at the Truman Brewery there were over 100 stands selling homewares, jewellery, prints, furniture and...ping pong games!</div>
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the stand to catch my eye the most was from the lovely <a href="http://www.wintersmoon.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Winter's Moon</a>, a combination of mid-century finds and new retro inspired prints on an array of homewares - my ultimate weakness!</div>
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i caught up with <a href="http://www.sophiehome.com/" target="_blank">Sophie Home </a>who i first met at the Wimbledon Art & Design Fair earlier this year, once gain selling her yummy geo knits</div>
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winner of the Best Stand was <a href="http://www.reclectic.com/" target="_blank">Reclectic</a>, a company that sources vintage furniture to hand paint with imagery inspired by that era. we happened to be opposite so could gaze at it all day!</div>
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<a href="http://www.thestockmkt.com/" target="_blank">The StockMKT</a></div>
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i'll be honest - this was by far my favourite market - the atmosphere was just amazing and the dj's and live Voodoo Love Orchestra were bloody fantastic! the first time it has been held at Spitalfields but it went down a treat.</div>
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now unfortunately i was so caught up in the dancing that i didn't actually take any photos! but probably a good thing otherwise i'll end up giving away some of the Christmas presents i have bought people!</div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-15504662719572422742014-11-29T22:21:00.002+00:002014-11-29T22:21:51.404+00:00November - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
november - the month of market preparation! 3 christmas fairs lined up. 3 stands to plan for. and lots of stock to package. </div>
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i have 3 very different style shows to cater for - first up (and which is currently on) is Made In Clerkenwell, a 4 day fair at Craft Central's open studios. second i have a shared exhibition space to fill at East London Design Show. and lastly an outside night market with StockMKT at Spitalfields. it's always tricky to know what products or designs to take to which market as you never know what will grab someones attention. all i know is that there will be sparkly fairy lights at them all!</div>
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i signed up to Print & Pattern's 'designers for hire' directory. i really want to get more licensing and commissioned work next year, so hope this directory will open up some opportunities for me. you can get so caught up doing your own projects and the designs that YOU want to see...so it's great when you get set a brief by someone else, especially when it has an enforced deadline...keeps up the challenge!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLpgLVJeRZ0/VHpFSbt2ilI/AAAAAAAAGrs/cMRE1aZrdpY/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-29%2Bat%2B22.19.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLpgLVJeRZ0/VHpFSbt2ilI/AAAAAAAAGrs/cMRE1aZrdpY/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-29%2Bat%2B22.19.51.png" height="200" width="197" /></a>and on the topic of licensing deals...i finalised another 3 designs for Muckboots this month. these will form part of the 2016 range. as always these will be top secret until their release, but i have also produced designs for the kids range, Puddletons. mini wellies for mini people! i'm hoping to share the earlier designs with you soon as they are due for release next year.</div>
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i had my first 1-2-1 with Patricia van den Akker of the Design Trust. this was through the New Creative Markets mentoring scheme which i was lucky enough to be welcomed onto. we discussed my plans for next year and where i want to take my business. lots discussed and my homework has been set! i'll be checked up on in January at our next session so best get cracking!</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-1266767942213986982014-11-22T14:20:00.000+00:002014-11-22T14:20:43.600+00:00'tis the season to SHOP!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666;">hello hello! so sorry for the lack of blog posts recently, my to-do list has exploded and time has shrivelled away from me. but i am here to you today to show you what has been taking up my precious moments...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">yes folks, it's that time of year to get shop-shop-shopping! and of course i will be encouraging every one of you to shop local and to buy from designer-makers. there are SO MANY markets on this year i can't keep up and i really hope i get the chance to walk around the 3 fairs i will be selling at and buy all my pressies.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">and that is what is one the agenda today...christmas fairs. i am very excited to be showing off my brand new tableware products, designs from my 'Travel Bug' collection, starting with 'Morocco'. i know i've been going on about these for a while now but that's just how excited i am! i have wanted to have my own kitchen products for aaaages now and it's finally happened!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">and not only 'Morocco' but my special surprise location that i mentioned on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> this week... 'LONDON TOWN'! something for the locals and visitors alike, i have designed a print for greetings cards, mugs, coasters and cheeseboards...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">so lots of new things to be snapped up in the next few weeks as well as my bright and jolly christmas cards, and a special 'stocking fillers' bargain bin! i can't wait to see what the other designer-makers bring along and get some unique presents!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">November 27-30th - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/719153611510643/" target="_blank">Made In Clerkenwell</a>, 33-35 St Johns Square, EC1M 4DS</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">December 4-7th - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/390806474405850/" target="_blank">East London Design Show</a>, Truman Brewery off Brick Lane, E1 6QL</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">December 13th - <a href="http://www.thestockmkt.com/" target="_blank">The StockMKT</a>, Spitalfields Market</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">TRADE : if you are interested in stocking any of the above products please get in touch at mail@melsmithdesigns.com </span><br />
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-87436408906040417482014-11-01T10:00:00.000+00:002014-11-01T10:00:00.258+00:00September to October - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 for the price of 1 this week guys! i didn't do a September round up because, well, i didn't have much to say whilst i was off gallivanting around Peru!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lxy2uSAFaCE/VEwrqT-fpFI/AAAAAAAAGmU/atgKztqaT4o/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-26%2Bat%2B00.05.13.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lxy2uSAFaCE/VEwrqT-fpFI/AAAAAAAAGmU/atgKztqaT4o/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-26%2Bat%2B00.05.13.png" height="125" width="200" /></a>now most people go on holiday as a break from work. but not me, oh no. as you will have seen from previous blog posts on Peru and it's gorgeous graphics and textiles my brain was very much activated and running full pelt whilst i was away! not only that but it was just before a tour to Islas Ballestas that i took a skype call and was accepted onto the <a href="http://www.spacestudios.org.uk/artist-development/new-creative-markets/" target="_blank">New Creative Markets</a> scheme. totally made my day i can tell you! (the islands were pretty too cool though!). i had my first meet up this month to meet the other designers and am signed up for a few workshops next month. there are so many amazing mentors involved i am so thrilled to have been picked and i'm really excited about what this could do for me and my business!!</div>
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i had a second proposal whilst i was away and another that i gladly accepted - i was contacted by <a href="http://www.lauraolivia.com/" target="_blank">Laura Olivia</a> about working on some projects together for high street companies...more excitement just before going on a trek!</div>
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the new Muckboots collection for Spring '16 was started - loving the briefs and loving the palette- just all round loving the collaboration!</div>
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i was packing up some goodies for 2 lovely new stockists. i now have products on their way to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedMagpie" target="_blank">The Gifted Magpie </a>in Oxon, and <a href="http://www.boka.org.uk/" target="_blank">Boka</a> in Devon. it's so nice to chat to retailers and these are 2 particularly lovely ladies so i am very pleased to be working with them :)</div>
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also on the shop front i am back in <a href="http://www.wemakelondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">We Make London!</a> i took the summer off to concentrate on other projects but am now back with a selection of goodies ready for the christmas season. and new stock will be coming soon...watch this space!</div>
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i learnt Illustrator!!!! nuff said.</div>
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i've had 4 press features - 2 in national greetings magazines (<a href="http://content.yudu.com/Library/A356m9/ProgressiveGreetings/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffree.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F2365252%2FProgressive-Greetings-October-2014" target="_blank">Progressive Greetings</a> and <a href="http://content.yudu.com/Library/A32h0f/GreetingsToday/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffree.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F2238787%2FGreetings-Today" target="_blank">Greetings Today)</a>, 1 as part of a christmas gift list (<a href="http://jessjean.com/2014/10/14/mel-smith-designs/" target="_blank">Jess Jean</a>), and 1 as part of a competition for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jacquelinewilsonfanclub" target="_blank">Jacqueline Wilson Fan Club</a> mag.<br />
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the samples for me new products came through and my kickstarter project was successfully funded which means i can now place an actual full side order for said new products! so soon i shall be selling a collection of coasters, cheese boards and mugs. so pleased to have finally entered the kitchen, have been dreaming of this for ages and really hope that i can soon venture to plates and picnic sets as well...ooh the possibilities!</div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-24148682524574568902014-10-25T12:22:00.002+01:002014-10-25T12:33:49.858+01:00Peru - Part 2 . . . the graphics!<div style="text-align: justify;">
bit of a delay in getting this second round of images to you, apologies. but it's all because of good, exciting things! you can keep up to date with all the latest news as it happens on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">twitter</a> pages. </div>
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but now let's go back to Peru. apart from the gorgeous textiles that adorned every table top, every bed, every neck, one other thing really stood out - and that was their use of graphics for their elections. everywhere. </div>
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walls were painted with the name and logo of those they supported, and it was like this in most towns. they even painted parts of the mountain! i've never seen such enthusiasm for elections. turns out they get fined if they don't vote. sounds like a good system to me. i asked what happens when the elections over - do they paint over it until the next round? but no, it all stays there, just the same. some of the locals hate it, i guess i would too if i could understand it and it wasn't just hold lettering!</div>
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and it wasn't just elections they were painting about - general signage was just painted on whatever surface they had...menus, company names, directions...<br />
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ah, i just love it. all of it! need to do some kind of text range methinks...</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-87216047866333815142014-10-18T09:56:00.000+01:002014-10-18T09:56:02.734+01:00blog hop<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and following after me in the blog hop will my very good friend and amazing illustrator Liz Smith of <a href="http://ellejanedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Elle Jane Designs.</a> Liz has been <u>such</u> a huge support to me the past couple of years - she has helped plan my stands (even helped <i>man</i> the stands!), provided critiques of my work, and just been there as all round go-to person when i needed help. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">now enough of the soppiness and onto the hop...</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">well this week has been a bit of a mixed bag. i have mostly been concentrating on new work for Muckboots. i have a couple of briefs to complete for the new season, a good mix so really fun to work on. unfortunately i can't share these with you though, sorry!</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">my travels. my new range which is about to launch is moroccan themed but something a little different to the current style that is out there. </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">next up will be some prints based on my recent trip to peru - lots of lovely geometrics! can't wait to get cracking on that one but have lots of other exciting things to do before i can started. you can see some of the textiles in <a href="http://melsmithdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/peru-part-1the-textiles.html" target="_blank">last weeks blog post,</a> and i have some fantastic graphics yet to share with you...watch this space!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-align: justify;">i have my little library of design books that i delve into at the start of a new project, and i use these alongside pinterest. the Print & Pattern blog is obviously an amazing source of the latest prints that are out there but i can't resist looking backwards as well - i have a real love for old 1920's-1950's prints and illustrations and now have many boards featuring vintage style designs.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UZU-MvX6T0/VEGZ-Q7o67I/AAAAAAAAGj0/SAxlifEJRyk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-17%2Bat%2B23.37.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UZU-MvX6T0/VEGZ-Q7o67I/AAAAAAAAGj0/SAxlifEJRyk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-17%2Bat%2B23.37.40.jpg" height="304" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How important is being creative to you and how do you blend this with your work/life/family balance?</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it is tricky when you still work 4 days at another job (i haven't been lucky enough to quit the day job just yet!) because it's your evenings and weekends that are eaten into. but i love it, it's my passion and it will become my day job one day soon. and it does i will be able to embrace all my free evenings that i'll get back!!</span></span></div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-25352831877628582502014-10-04T20:05:00.001+01:002014-10-04T20:05:57.059+01:00Peru - part 1 . . . the textiles!i'm ba-aaack!!! i've been off travelling about Peru for 3 weeks but i'm back on London soil now...and fully inspired!! it was an amazing 3 weeks and i will be sharing lots of photos with you in the next couple of weeks.<br />
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Peru is an amazing place and the trip i took was probably one of the most cultural holidays i have ever had. i went with my flatmate, Rebekka, and we ventured from capital city Lima through sand dunes, the 'poor mans Galapagos', the Nazca Lines, a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, stayed with two families to experience traditional Peruvian life, and of course completed a 3 day hike to get to the jaw dropping Machu Picchu. </div>
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but even through all that i can't forgot my true passion - the textiles. hand woven and hand stitched textiles were everywhere, in the form of scarfs, shawls, blankets, rugs...even trainers!! So much to choose from and some absolutely beautiful designs.<br />
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the main wool was alpaca or llama (and OMGoodness they are the cutest things!) and it was oh-so soft. baby alpaca is the softest but by far the most expensive. </div>
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we were lucky enough to visit the Woman's Weaving Project in a small village called Ccaccaccollo. we were shown how they naturally dye the wool using plants, and how they hand weave their garments.<br />
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needless to say i bought a lot! but i resisted far more!! i am now the proud owner of my Mamas scarf, a rug, a set of llama hat and gloves, a small purse. and of course a llama magnet to add to my selection.<br />
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-9678278769323642482014-09-20T10:30:00.000+01:002014-09-20T10:30:00.543+01:00new release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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well, summer is all over now. and as fas as i'm concerned, when that happens it's now count down to christmas! in which case i want to share with you my new range of Christmas cards. i have 6 designs featuring chirpy robins, decorated deer, beautiful wreaths and the best dressed Christmas trees. oh yeah, and a few penguins. mustn't forget the penguins ;)</div>
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all designs are printed on A6 card from sustainable sources and come with crisp white envelopes. they will be added to my online shop very soon so pop back when it's time to get the shopping started!</div>
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TRADE : if you are interested in stocking my cards please get in touch at mail@melsmithdesigns.com</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-1065006126832219852014-09-06T10:00:00.000+01:002014-09-06T10:00:00.378+01:00lots of lovely newness!<div style="text-align: justify;">
i'm finally ready to share my new ranges with you! up until now i have just been sharing some sneaky peaks into what i've been working on but now...here it is... </div>
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<b>Mel Smith Designs' take on the wonderful Moroccan life!</b></div>
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you may have guessed i was working on something along these lines from all of my recent <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/melsmithdesigns/travels-morocco/" target="_blank">pinning</a>! i visited Marrakech in 2010 and it was amazing! an absolutely amazing if not bonkers place and i (as you can imagine) got quite snap happy with the camera! i would highly recommend a visit to anyone and would love to go back one day.</div>
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an obvious starting point for the project was looking at the tiles and architectural mosaics ('zellige') and i had a LOT of photos to work from! i read up a little on the history of zellige and it get a wee bit complex when you get into stars with 96 points! i'm not quite that skilled to tackle a pattern of such complexity...not yet anyway!</div>
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you may recall the 2 Moroccan prints i did for last seasons collection. blue and orange with an off white. i decided to keep these prints and have a play around with the palette so they could fit in with my new look . and i'm so glad i did...look how they came out: </div>
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as mentioned in the blog last week i have been working on illustrations as well as good old repeats. i have a thing about 'scenes' (again you may have seen my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/melsmithdesigns/design-scenes/" target="_blank">pinterest boards</a> already) and wanted to pursue this route. much like with my christmas card range. </div>
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i couldn't resist a camel.</div>
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so what made me choose Morocco as a theme? well, it's not just Morocco, this is all part of a much bigger project, an ongoing collection that will be added to each and every year. i am documenting all of my travels and sharing my experiences through pattern and illustration. Morocco seemed like an good place to begin as i had already created those couple of Moroccan prints last season and it is on trend. </div>
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you might also be wondering where i got my palette from. well, this is also part of my documenting - i am choosing palettes that link to either a place or event in that location. for Marrakech i absolutely loved the YSL Gardens. so peaceful yet full of colour and life. plus they were a nice little escape from the mental souks!<br />
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so where to next?</div>
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well, there will be a post on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">twitter</a> pages on Monday explaining the next stages and i need you to be involved. i hope you can join me there :)</div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-55112590195060181012014-08-30T10:30:00.000+01:002014-08-30T10:30:00.160+01:00August - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
oh my golly gosh. i know i say it every month but where on earth is this year going?! It's September in 2 days time! but that's ok. cos that means it's HOLIDAAAAY! oh yes, i am off for 3 weeks in peru. so excited about so much of it. not to mention the llamas. </div>
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so as you can imagine, me being me, i have been frantically trying to get everything prepped and ready before i leave. and believe you me it's been manic! my to do lists for each evening have been chocka, but i have managed to get through all as wished. but there's still a few days left so i won't jinx it just yet...hehe!</div>
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so this has really been the month of finalising my designs for my new collection. i'm really enjoying this new series of prints and patterns. i'm working more on illustration as well as repeat patterns as well so a bit of a new challenge. you got a sneak peak on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> earlier this week so here's another to whet your appetite until the next post...</div>
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alongside actually doing the designs i have been thinking hard about where to take my next product range. some products i would like to continue doing - the lampshades for example - but i want something new. and the kitchen is where it's at! as you may have seen i have been asking for input on some market research questions, and thank you to all that commented, you've been a great help!</div>
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i am in the process of getting my sample templates prepared and sent off so they can be made whilst i am away...something lovely to be greeted with when i return!</div>
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also new on the design front are my first line of christmas cards. they are a set of 6 cards printed on FSC sourced card stock. i'm really pleased with how these look and i've already been showing these off to a few shops, to which i have had interest ... which is always a boost! </div>
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i have also submitted these to a couple of mags and have received great feedback so keep your eyes peeled on that front too!</div>
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bowie style of the <a href="http://printpattern.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=mel+smith&max-results=20&by-date=true" target="_blank">Print & Pattern</a> 'bible' gave me wonderful feature this month, showcasing my cushions, shades, books tea towels...pretty much everything! and it was quite refreshing to see your work presented differently - bowie selected both images of my products but also the original prints from my portfolio on my website, so it was really nice to see how they had translated. of course i have seen all this but it's been a while since i looked back on this range so was nice to see it all again, and how my first collection all came together. made me even more excited for this next collection! </div>
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it's always amazing to be selected and have your work shared on such a fabulous site. it's such an amazing source of inspiration...and i've been lucky enough to be featured a few times - this is my 10th outing there! thanks bowie!</div>
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there won't really be a September round up as i'll be off gallivanting around peru with alpacas and the like, climbing up rather steep steps, falling off steep edges and generally seeing jaw droppingly amazing sites. sorry, sorry...not trying to make you all jealous. well, maybe a little... ;)</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-25235225567234877652014-08-09T16:00:00.000+01:002014-08-09T16:00:00.071+01:00out and about in central<div style="text-align: justify;">
i have seem to have switched to a fortnightly post rather than weekly recently, apologies for that, but it is all for good reason! i am working hard on my new collection - lots of lovely new prints and a few new products thrown in for good measure too.</div>
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i've had a few outing to central london recently all of which i wish to share with you today.</div>
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<b>festival of love, southbank</b></div>
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stumbled across this one a couple of weeks back, and although i've recently seen in on another couple of blogs i'm going to show my pics anyway as it's very very cool. the festival celebrates the Same Sex Couple Act and has a whole host of events - talks poetry, themed weekends...i only saw the decoration along southbank and these illustrations form the <a href="http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/festival-of-love?gclid=CO24-d2fhsACFcSWtAod_WIAVw" target="_blank">website</a>. </div>
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<b>holi colour festival, wembley park</b></div>
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originally a traditional Hindu festival it is now celebrated around the globe amongst anyone. numerous dj's took to the stage whilst the rest of us ran around throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. we all looked like pollock paintings by the end! was great fun, can't wait for next year! </div>
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<b>secret cinema, Back To The Future edition</b><br />
now i can't give too much away because, well, it's secret. but basically hundreds of people are gathering together throughout august to visit hill valley. the set has been rebuilt and the movie is being screened in a secret location in london. everyone goes dressed in their 1950's gear to visit the set and do a bit of rock n' roll. no phones were allowed but hopefully when i get my old-skool disposable camera developed i can share more with you!<br />
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<b>wall, southbank</b></div>
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ok ok, this wasn't an 'event' but t was a pretty cool wall. just enjoy ok. what made it even cooler were kids wee measuring themselves against each one to see which person represented them. kinda cute.</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-66559371306757019572014-07-26T11:03:00.002+01:002014-07-26T11:03:36.396+01:00July - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
so so glad summer is finally here and seems happy to be sticking around (it's due to rain tomorrow so don't think it's me jinxing it this time - it was already decided by the gods!!). i think that has helped lift the spirits after the block and i feel very much on my way with my new collections, hoorah! most of this month has been working on them but with a few other bits thrown in for good measure...</div>
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* i've been thinking of which new products to produce to feature my new designs. i'll be keeping some of the same products as i currently have, but also looking to add something new to the mix...suggestions have been garden gloves, mugs, bedding and scarves. what do you think?</div>
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* i was honoured to be 'chiefo' for my wonderful friend Emily's wedding. not only was i lead bridesmaid but i also got to design all the wedding stationery as well as do the flowers. i see <a href="http://melsmithdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/a-new-direction.html" target="_blank">floristry</a> in my future...</div>
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* i've had some great feedback and press opportunities the past few weeks. they always work so far in advance - they're all doing their Christmas shopping guides now! seems so wrong when it's 30 degrees outside!! these should be coming through the ranks soon so stay tuned...you can see my latest press release <a href="http://www.pressloft.com/release.php?rid=20229" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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* so pleased my competition winners loved their prizes! one is even on it's way to BRAZL! follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">twitter</a> for your chance to enter the next round and to keep up to date with all my latest news, hot off the press! </div>
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* might as well also plug that i'm having a * { ! SUMMER SALE ! } * pop over to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelSmithDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">my shop</a> to have little lookie... i have a whole selection of stationery, accessories and homewares and lots of bold summery designs...perfect for this season!</div>
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* really want to share some sneak peeks of my new range but not just yet, still some more to do and then i might just be ready ... it's a range that is really personal to me and it is one that can grow year on year and be a whole lot of gorgeousness!</div>
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<br />MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-47492985088616301802014-07-12T15:52:00.000+01:002014-07-12T15:52:22.762+01:00a new direction?<div style="text-align: justify;">
i've had a lot of friends weddings the past few months and yesterday was the last one on the list. and what a stunner it was! i was 'chiefo' bridesmaid for ex-house mate emily and hubby to be rob. not only that but i was enlisted to create their wedding stationery, organise the all important palette and (due to a love for floristry) to do the wedding bouquets. such a great celebration of our friendship to be involved so heavily.</div>
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emily already had her eye on one of my 'rose' designs so we worked together to sort the palette and then this became the basis for the rest of the stationery (save the dates, invites and menus). the wedding was held outside on the grass leading up to a beautifully painted pagoda which was featured in the invites and the rose theme ran throughout.</div>
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all that was left to do on Thursday was the flowers. now i hadn't done much since my last friends wedding (last april...eek!) so i bought some flowers the previous week to have a practice with. and loved it! it was no different on Thursday, apart from the fact these flowers were absolutely stunning. a beautiful selection of corals, creams, and greens , including peonies, roses, stock, rosemary, and eucalyptus. (there were a couple more but i can't remember their names!)</div>
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it was so relaxing to do, i really miss it and i really hope one day it can become an actual part of my job. popping round to the florists house (she did the main displays) beforehand and seeing her works pace with all the flowers out was just lovely and i'm very envious! the smells were amazing and it's just such a gorgeous job. if only i can leave my admin job and replace with floristry...oh wait, i could do that. might get job searching this week...</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-88419056778539696942014-07-05T17:57:00.001+01:002014-07-05T17:57:16.067+01:00attack of the Creative Block monster<div style="text-align: justify;">
it's been a tricky couple of months in 'create-amazing-things-land' for Mel Smith Designs. as you may have seen on my latest monthly round up posts i haven't been anywhere near as productive as i was at the start of the year. and this is because of one thing. i've been suffering from the dreaded Creative Block monster.</div>
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he steals all ideas / visions / general ability to do ANYTHING, and you're left with...not all that much actually. on my big plan schedule for this year i was dedicating May through August for designing my new collection(s), starting with woodland. well he scuppered that plan well and good! it was the last week of June and i had 1/2 a design. HALF. crap.</div>
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i felt like i had a solid idea and could see what i wanted. but nowt happened. as continued for about 6 weeks. moodboard - done, doodles - yeah a few, thumbnail ideas - check, i even did the individual characters...but no actual FULL COMPLETE STUFF!!</div>
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i'm not sure what made the Creative Block monster strike. i guess i wasn't totally secure in the 'woodland' theme so switching projects also as a wise move i think. 'woodland' is something i'd still like to pursue but as another designer said to me, it's been done a lot and i'd have to do something crazily different to stand out. i haven't done many characters before (apart form my recently completed Christmas 2014 card range) so that all made me a bit nervous. but i can build on this separately and go back to it once i feel confident enough. </div>
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there are tonnes of advice pages on how to battle creative block, they all pretty much say the same - step away, go for a walk, try a different technique...but i think for me booking a 3 week trip to Peru this September may have helped somewhat! i did 3 designs in 4 days!</div>
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i ditched the woodland idea and went straight to what was going to be my 'supporting' range, a smaller collection based on my travel adventures. you've already seen some of my line drawings of the beautiful houses in Amsterdam. well, here's them all designed up. this is just a small part of my full illustration, don't want to spoil to great unveiling :p</div>
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and so i continue this weekend, concentrating on other traditional dutch pieces.</div>
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so for now i shall stick with the travel bug and continue our tour merrily around the memories from the wonderful places i have been fortunate enough to visit so far...where shall we venture next i wonder...</div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-16690536560136467942014-06-28T10:00:00.000+01:002014-06-28T10:00:00.921+01:00June - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
my oh my. where has time disappeared to? it has absolutely swooshed by this month and i'm way behind on my weekly blog posts. and i was doing so well as well. poop. oh well, i'll have to start making up for it in july...</div>
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wight so june, how has it been? well, thanks for asking. it's been pretty good. although that's more socially than design wise i have to say! in amongst clearing up after the markets from May, celebrating hen do's and 30th birthday shindigs i did get around to doing SOMETHING! </div>
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i'm pleased to say there have been a couple of press features this month. <a href="http://www.purpleholly.co.uk/shop/pc/home.asp" target="_blank">Purple Holly</a> (my first stockist) featured my 'trailing / single flower' double sided cushion in an ad that went out in Your Home mag. alongside Ms Kiely as well, oh so happy! i also had an absolutely lovely review from Beckabonce over <a href="http://beckabonce.com/2014/06/27/mel-smith-designs/#comments" target="_blank">here</a>, and she featured a selection of pretty much everything! - cushions, notebooks, tea towels, shades and magnets!</div>
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i've not been feeling as motivated the past few weeks, but i managed to get a space on another <a href="http://creative-hub.org.uk/events/" target="_blank">creative hub</a> session this week, and it came at just the right time to give me a bit of a kick up the arse to get going again!! it focused on exhibiting and had lots of tips. i'm showing at Spring Fair next february and am really looking forward to it so this got be all psyched up again!</div>
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a couple more <a href="http://www.wemakelondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">We Make London</a> shifts this month and i had a very successful day selling 3 notebooks set, a magnet set AND a tea towel set! BOOM! there has been a fabulous make over to the store, it looks brilliant, much fresher and shows off all the lovely goodies really well..come along and see for yourself!<br />
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my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/185221366/geo-swirls-drum-lampshade-100-cotton?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">geo swirls lampshade</a> is proving very popular with top sales since the lampshades were released. i love that fact even more as it's my favourite design!</div>
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so now it's on with the new collections. i made starts on both but need to really get experimenting and really knock those designs out! i'm working more on illustration tis time round which is a new and exciting venture, if not a little out of my comfort zone!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">i've been doing a bit of research for some new products. there are so many options, not 100% sure on the direction to take. think i might be throwing that open to you lot to vote! but if you have ay ideas or would like to see my designs on particular products just give me a shout over on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">twitter</a>...would love to hear from you!</span></div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-23976471907119409272014-06-07T10:30:00.000+01:002014-06-07T10:30:00.332+01:00get yer cushions over 'eeeere . . .<div style="text-align: justify;">
May saw me taking part in 2 design markets. i hadn't find a market since Christmas 2012 so i was both excited and nervous. </div>
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markets are a strange old thing. you can go to one and do fantastically and your products are well received and you sell loads...and then the next can be somewhat disheartening with people walking by and very few sales. </div>
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which is exactly how these two went!</div>
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Soho Flea Market was on bank holiday Sunday, outside down the whole of Dean Street. there were 14 bands playing and numerous food stalls amongst the 90 odd designers. it was AWESOME! such a good day ... got to meet up with <a href="http://www.joclarkdesign.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jo Clark</a> (first met at Pulse and then won her competition full of wonderful prints!), <a href="http://www.jimbobart.com/" target="_blank">Jimbob Art</a> (i bought the cheese weasel plate for my friend for Xmas), <a href="http://www.parasiteceramics.co.uk/" target="_blank">Parasite Ceramics</a> (an ex-fellow designer i spotted in We Make London), <a href="http://www.lollipopdesigns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lollipop Designs</a> (been following for aaaages now, love the planners!)...amongst many other new found-and-fabulous designers.</div>
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Wimbledon Affordable Art & Design Fair was the following Saturday and was situated in the village hall...but alas, it just didn't seem like a day people were out for buying things, especially interior textiles. i did however FINALLY get to meet <a href="http://www.annadentstudio.com/" target="_blank">Anna Dent</a>. she exhibited at Home this year but every time we went to each others stands we missed each other! also got to chat to kerry of <a href="http://piccadelhi.co.uk/" target="_blank">Piccadelhi</a>, <a href="http://www.sophiehome.com/" target="_blank">Sophie Home</a> (i so want one of her blankets!) and <a href="http://www.joannalayla.com/" target="_blank">Joanna Layla.</a> despite the not-so-great sales i had amazing feedback - lots of positive words about my colour palette and one comment being that my designs were 'spectacular'. which is always nice to hear! :)</div>
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no more markets or fairs booked at the moment - i need to concentrate on my new collection. it's always surprising how much time prep can take up for markets so for now i'm packing away and venturing to the woods...</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-92079359610892920282014-05-31T10:30:00.000+01:002014-06-28T00:13:10.768+01:00May - round up!<div style="text-align: justify;">
gosh. nearly half way through the year. how'd that happen? May just fleeeeeeew by for me, it was so, so busy but for lots of good reasons...</div>
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- i took place in 2 markets. Soho Flea Market and Wimbledon Affordable Art & Design Fair. i hadn't done a fair since Xmas 2013 so i was half nervous half excited. but the first went excellently, and the second one? well, i'm there right now so i ca let you know later! i was so lucky with the weather for Soho and i'm so grateful!! rain would have made things a wee bit more complicated. a nightmare actually. anyway, there will be more detail on the markets coming soon...</div>
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- i finalised new designs for my Muckboots project. very exciting to see this moving along and can't wait to see samples! </div>
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* i went to Rome! it was a joint Christmas and birthday present for my mum and we had a lovely (if not exhausting!) 3 days running / hobbling around all the sites and eating ice cream. </div>
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* i completed '<a href="http://melsmithdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/100happydays.html" target="_blank">100 happy days'.</a> a challenge to see if you can be happy for 100 consecutive days. photos were posted to twitter each day (unless i forgot. which happened far too regularly for my liking) and the big finale was rather fantastic - the Colloseum! </div>
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* another successful month in We Make London at Camden, which has now undergone a make over. pop over to have a look! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAidW7FYUmY/U4kERJOH8VI/AAAAAAAAGLY/cThBZvTWZvI/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-30+at+23.30.22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAidW7FYUmY/U4kERJOH8VI/AAAAAAAAGLY/cThBZvTWZvI/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-30+at+23.30.22.png" height="200" width="153" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0phi4-uiJs/U4kERA3NmPI/AAAAAAAAGLc/DmYNlOer1FM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-30+at+23.30.37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0phi4-uiJs/U4kERA3NmPI/AAAAAAAAGLc/DmYNlOer1FM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-30+at+23.30.37.png" height="200" width="171" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsh7RGvTViI/U4kEQ4CvyZI/AAAAAAAAGLg/pSisYztR_Zc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-30+at+23.30.29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsh7RGvTViI/U4kEQ4CvyZI/AAAAAAAAGLg/pSisYztR_Zc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-30+at+23.30.29.png" height="200" width="147" /></a></div>
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* menus were completed for my friends wedding in July. these sit nicely next to the Save The Date and invites already produced. obviously i can't ruin the surprise for the guests by showing you lot!</div>
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* drawings have been started for my new 2015 collection and i am so eager to get started on the actual designs...so roll on June! i'd show you a sneak peek but i want to work them up a bit more...make sure i get the wow factor!</div>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-92205045854227248032014-05-17T11:26:00.001+01:002014-05-17T11:26:26.432+01:00when in Rome . . .<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">earlier this week i had 3 days in the beautiful city of Rome. 3 exhausting yet amazing days! it was a late christmas/birthday treat for my mum who was absolutely shattered by the end of it with me dragging her round everywhere! i think we're both pretty much recovered now though...here's some the holiday snaps...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlfAJxq00pk/U3c4UgObFNI/AAAAAAAAGKU/-jjowoUrWXw/s1600/rome+sites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlfAJxq00pk/U3c4UgObFNI/AAAAAAAAGKU/-jjowoUrWXw/s1600/rome+sites.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">typical tourist! colloseum, vatican, st peters, trevi fountain, spanish steps, old town...did it all!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-do6mcxjxFbI/U3c4UGbYFKI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/rFWLYriUEqQ/s1600/rome+doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-do6mcxjxFbI/U3c4UGbYFKI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/rFWLYriUEqQ/s1600/rome+doors.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">i have a thing about doorways as you can see.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E1ciTb74MI/U3c4UCud25I/AAAAAAAAGKM/uvMUM-Zve0I/s1600/rome+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E1ciTb74MI/U3c4UCud25I/AAAAAAAAGKM/uvMUM-Zve0I/s1600/rome+pattern.jpg" height="298" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">and of course i was on the look out for pattern. not much of my style obviously but i did find these beauties</span></td></tr>
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MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505303562178961219.post-4268367992536543702014-05-10T15:12:00.000+01:002014-05-10T15:12:04.504+01:00#100happydays<div style="text-align: justify;">
for those of you that follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">twitter</a> you may have noticed a barrage of photos appearing recently. i have been taking part in the wonderful '<a href="http://100happydays.com/" target="_blank">100 happy days'</a> challenge, where you aim to succeed in being happy for 100 consecutive days. </div>
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why you ask? well, apparently people taking part in the challenge start noticing what actually makes them happy each day which results in being more optimistic and realising how lucky you are to have the life you have.</div>
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so here are my favourite moments of my 100 days, well, 98 days...2 more to go...what will they be...ooooooooh. hehe :) </div>
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join me on <a href="https://twitter.com/MelSmithDesigns" target="_blank">twitter</a> to find out what's still to come...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQm7patbcjE/U24y3D8HkrI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/sMGN3OKZt8A/s1600/100+happy+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQm7patbcjE/U24y3D8HkrI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/sMGN3OKZt8A/s1600/100+happy+days.jpg" /></a></div>
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turns out all i need in life is food, cider & cocktails, flowers, design, dogs, books, comedy, an awesome tv series, friends & family, games, and a beautiful sunny day :)</div>
MEL SMITH DESIGNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562369883348206562noreply@blogger.com