Did someone mention the S word?!

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If you can even begin to comprehend beyond Christmas, do! We promise to have some amazing offers for you across our ranges. Visit Pure Design Christmas Eve to find out what's 'in-store'...

Elaine xTweet the Post

Eco Design Fair December 2008. Eco goodies galore....

Tweet this Post I hope you managed to make it down to Brick Lane this weekend to see the myriad of wonderful (and some weird!) eco design products, people and concepts at the Eco Design fair. Despite the rain, wind and chilly boiler house conditions, the fair was buzzing. The air was filled with the scent of warm mulled wine and mince pies and eco savvy Christmas shoppers had their purses poised.

We were delighted to have a range of work from several designers on show, all of which attracted the admiration of the public. People thought Karin Helena Turner's gift wrap was beautiful, one lady was so delighted with it she bought a piece to frame in her hallway. EaKo's fire hose belts were a hit and Stella's coasters were snapped up. All of the designers work on show (without exception) were showered with compliments - Audrey Hayes striking scorched wooden stools and sculpture, even became a bit of a touch stone at the show.

There was a great range of wonderful eco products on show and from so many different companies, small and large, new and old. One of the Pure Design team was lucky enough to be asked to 'model' for a shoulder massage demonstration from our holistic therapy neighbours - I was obviously in the wrong place when that offer went out!

My thanks to all the designers who provided their work for us to include in the fair, to Louise Kamara for organising such a great event, and also to our intrepid volunteers who helped in front of and behind the scenes. We can all rest easy now knowing there are a few more eco friendly pressies out there being placed under the tree, and wrapped in Karin's eco paper - it might be a green Christmas after all...

Image: Elaine and Pure Design @ Eco Design Fair, Truman Brewery London, December 2008Tweet the Post

Last Minute, Easy Eco Gifts - Eco Design Fair @Truman Brewery this Saturday

Tweet this Post This Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December is your chance to browse and buy fabulous, unique, designer eco gifts, at one of London's leading Eco Design fairs.

Taking place at the Truman Brewery, in Brick Lane.

The fair opens 12-7pm Saturday and 11am-7pm Sunday and looks to be bigger and better than ever. Pure Design will have eco-fashion, jewellery, furniture, sculpture, lighting, throws, belts and bags from a range of our designers. Designers include: Oria Ethical Jewellers, Susiemaroon, Stella Corrall, Laura's Loom, Audrey Hayes, EaKo, Esther B, Julie Roberts, Tamasyn Gambell and Karin Helena Turner Designers. We will also have some fantastic last minute bargains for you, and we will be offering a free eco gift wrapping service on all Pure Design purchases over £25.

So, if you are looking for the last of your Christmas presents, or just want to treat yourself and join in the festive eco fun, come and visit us at the fair this weekend.

.....see you there! Elaine x

Images: Susiemaroon vegetable tanned leather ToolBelt, Oria Ethical Jewellery Silver necklace (recommended in the Guardian Gift Guide 2008), and recycled plastic and fabric coasters by Stella Corrall.

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The Guardian list Oria Ethical Jewellery on 2008 Christmas Gift Guide

Tweet this Post Great news! The Guardian have listed Oria Ethical Jewellery's 'Tony Owl and Blossom' necklace (available through Pure Design, at sale price £75.60)) as one of their top gifts for Christmas.

Visit Pure Design's Gift section for more great Christmas eco gift ideas, or visit The Guardians' illustrated online gift guide now.
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Pre-Christmas Sale & Bargains Galore

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What better way to beat those winter blues with some eco friendly bargain hunting with Pure Design. There is currently 10% off all products across the online store until Christmas Eve. And the even better news is that you don't have to queue from dawn in the cold, or arm wrestle your way to the till! Everything you need is right infront of you (accompanied by your flexible friend of course!). Click here to visit Pure Design online boutique.

By doing your Christmas shopping online you can save on fuel, parking, and carbon emissions. It's the greener way to do it.

I recommend your pour yourself a warming glass of mulled wine and nestling down in a comfy sofa to browse our collections at your leisure. We have some fab new ethical jewellery from Oria Ethical Jewellery, Coasters by Stella Corrall, and the softest warmest throws by Laura's Loom. And if you are stuck for ideas why not try our suggestions under our Gift Ideas.

However, if you simply can't resist the thrill of the high street bargain pursuit, you can always visit us this Saturday 22nd November at Bohemian Butterfly, 18 Kensington Church Street, which is sadly the last day of our showcase there (a big thank you to BB for their hospitality). However a very exciting day for our customers as we are offering a super special discount of 25% off display pieces. Failing that, your last chance to see us in the flesh this year will be at the eco-design fair Truman Brewery on Saturday and Sunday 13/14th Dec near Brick Lane.

Don't forget though that all the amazing eco designer products in our collection are handmade and limited editions, so if you have your heart set on something, don't hesitate!

Image: Stella Corrall, Recycled plastic coasters. Set of four from £13.50 (sale price).Tweet the Post

Pure Design Press Evening

Tweet this Post Just a short post to say thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday 12th November for our press reception at Bohemian Butterfly. It was great to see you there and we hope you enjoyed seeing some of our latest designer products, and of course the bubbly!

For those who couldn't make it, do email me at elaine'at'puredesigncompany.co.uk and I would be happy to post you a press pack (includes latest press releases and images and special press discount code!).

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Pure Design Director Elaine is a Future100 Winner!

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I am really proud to report that I have just been recognised as a Future100 in relation to my work with Pure Design. All the hard work and sleepless nights are beginning to pay off!

The Future100 is a select group of social entrepreneurs in Britian who have been recognised as changing the face of British business for the better through entrepreneurial flair and innovation. The Future100 has been set up by Social Enterprise development agency Striding Out.

Founder of Striding Out Heather Wilkinson said:

"The future of our world is in the hands of individuals who are committed to generating commercial and ethical returns. Challenging economic times can offer opportunities to question the way we operate as both a business community and a society. We are looking for the 'Future 100' young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of everyday business and improve commerce's impact on the wider world."

With Pure Design having just celebrated its 1st birthday, founded in October 2007 and launched in spring 08, I am so pleased to have had the progress I have made to date celebrated and recognised by this award.

Striding Out have organised a Future100 event taking place on the 18th November at the British Library, London, to celebrate the Future 100 winners - the event takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week 17th - 21st November. Special guests from government, policy innovation and media will be invitied, and samples of Pure Design's eco accessories will be on display including EaKo FireHose bags, Susiemaroon belts, and Oria Ethical Jewellery. Click here for more details on the Future100 event and Striding Out.

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Show your loved one How Much You Care this Christmas - Ethical & Eco Precious Jewellery by Oria

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Show your loved one that you more than care this Christmas by putting your money where your heart is.

Oria Ethical Jewellery is now available from Pure Design is beautiful and timeless and you can be sure the gold and gemstones used have been mined in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

The Nina Collection design is based on the Chinese Phoenix, a mythical bird of fire, so gentle that it crushes nothing, signifying justice, honesty and high moral values.


The large Nina ring in 18ct gold is priced at £1,364.00, and is available set with diamonds £1,560.00 – £1,992.00. The stack rings are sold individually and are available with a pink or green Tourmaline, Amethyst, or Champagne Diamond, priced £559.00 - £1,590.00


Free delivery on all orders over £150.00 and all jewellery gift wrapped.

More about Oria Ethical Jewellers
Oria was formed in 2007 by Tania Kowalski and Synnove Saelthun. Having worked within the jewellery industry for a combined 25 years, they became increasingly concerned with the environmental and social impact of mining and production within the industry and with the lack of transparency within the supply chain. They created Oria to put their concerns into practice. The Nina range is named after jeweller Tania’s sisters bold and beautiful personality. Oria say “We take great care to source our materials from ethical suppliers who ensure workers are paid a fair wage, that working conditions confirm to fair trade protocols, that no child labour is used, and the extraction and production methods minimize the impact on the environmental. For example cyanide and mercury are not used in the extraction of gold and silver. “

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EaKo Scoops HSBC Start-Up Stars Green Award for 2008

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We are extremely pleased to announce that EaKo (one of Pure Design's featured eco designers) has scooped the respected Green Award from HSBCs Start Up Stars event. Well done them! The timing is also perfect as EaKo are launching their new range of Fire Hose eco accessories. The Fire Hose range of products are all available to order from Pure Design.

The range includes a fabulous ladies Tote, men's saddle bag, wash bag, card holder and four very hip styles of unisex belts. And for a limited time only the full range of products are available to see and buy at our Pure Design showcase at Bohemian Butterfly (until 22 November). Bohemian Butterfly is an independent jewellery store located on Kensington Church Street, London, nearest tube High Street K ensington. Please see our post dated Monday 13th october for more details on the showcase. Please note EaKo's full range will be available to order from Pure Design throughout this period and in the future.

We will also be selling EaKo FireHose products at this year's eco design fair in Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London on 13/14th December. So there's plenty of chances to bag yourself a truly eco and stylish accessory or christmas gift, and no excuse to miss out!Tweet the Post

Pure Design Showcase @ Bohemian Butterfly, High St. Kensington

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Visit Pure Design in store, London.
27th October ~ 22 November 2008

Come and see work from our designers in London this October and November. For four whole weeks we will be showcasing work from several of our designers in London boutique 'Bohemian Butterfly', located just off High Street Kensington. Your chance to see some beautiful designer eco products up close and personal.

Work on sale will include Eako's fantastic range of fire hose belts, bags and accessories for men and women; Julie Roberts enchanting sculpted lampshades and Laura's Loom heavenly soft Howgill Throws. This is an exclusive opportunity to see work from a range of our eco designers under one roof. The aforementioned are just a few of the designer products that will be on show and we would love you to drop in and see the full range of fabulous products available to buy. More details on opening times and how to find us below.


A little bit about our gracious hosts:

"Bohemian Butterfly, a jewellery boutique in the heart of Kensington, specialises in unique one of a kind handmade jewellery pieces. Our jewellery collection consists of pieces made in-house by our designers Alisha and Calvin, and pieces sourced from global travels. We aim to provide jewellery that appeals to the customer with a discerning taste for quality and design. Our materials are hand selected and carefully manipulated to create beautiful, timeless jewellery. We are proud to offer a bespoke service to our clientele and strive on producing pieces that meet your high quality demands. Visit our website Bohemian Butterfly for more information."

Details: Nearest tube is High Street Kensington. Showcase from Monday 27th October - 22 November. Shop opening times Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 12-6pm Bohemian Butterfly Ltd. Ground Floor 18 Kensington Church Street London , W8 4EPTweet the Post

Pure Design @ Christmas Eco-design Fair, Brick Lane, 13th & 14th Dec

Tweet this Post Just a really quick note to let you know that Pure Design are delighted to be showcasing and selling work by their designers at this year's Christmas eco-design fair in London. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday 13/14 Dec at the Old Truman Brewery gallery in Brick Lane. Why not combine an eco shopping trip to Pure Design, with a spicy curry in one of Brick Lanes famous curry restaurants, nothing like a curry to reinvigorate weary shoppers!

Click here to see where The Old Truman Brewery is.

It will be a wonderful chance to see our designers work firsthand, and to snap up some show bargains and beautiful unique eco gifts in time for Christmas.

More details to follow...Tweet the Post

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Be kinder to the planet this Christmas and use 100% greener Karin Helena Turner Designs gift wrap and cards on sale from Pure Design. Beautiful, environmentally friendly and with a high quality finish, Karin Helena Turner Designs gift wrap and cards will make your present look a hundred bucks, and, won’t cost you or your kids the earth. Now available to order online from Pure Design.


All cards and paper are printed with non-toxic vegetable based inks; using 100% recycled paper (85% post-consumer waste, 15% wood free unprinted waste). The envelopes are 75% recycled and from an FSC Accredited paper mill in Scandinavia, incorporating post consumer beverage cartons. The see-through packaging that the cards are packaged for sale in is 100% compostable and made from corn starch.

Karin Helena Turner Designs have a passion for pattern and all things decorative. Established by Karin in 2007, the company aims to create inventive and beautiful packaging that delights and inspires people. Karin is a textile designer with a specialisation is surface decoration and creates gift wrap and cards that are artwork in their own right. Karin has also gone to great lengths to ensure her products are as environmentally friendly as possible.


Orders can be placed online, all major credit and debit cards are accepted and payment is securely processed by paypal. Any questions please call us on: +44 (0) 207 193 2885, or email sales'at'puredesigncompany.co.ukTweet the Post

EaKo fire-hose range now @ Pure Design; eco accessories for men and women

Tweet this Post EaKo is a fantastic design company that has a knack for converting unloved, discarded and down-right dirty waste – into highly desirable and durable pieces of design. Their love affair with fire hose is a great case in point.

EaKo say “The instant we met the London Fire Brigade we fell in love with their old hose. Although we started in London, EaKo now collects hose across the UK and in order to thank Britain’s Brigades, 50% of our profits go back to the Fire Fighters Charity. We scrub away all the soot, grease, and everything else that builds up after 25 years of active duty, and in the process reveal a truly remarkable, truly green textile.”

Watch a short clip featuring Kresse Wesling; social entrepreneur and founder of EaKo by clicking here.

Their designs are now available from Pure Design online, and include the 'slider' a great casual belt - which originally came to fame at the Live Earth concert. Other designs include 'round and round', 'fire and eyes' and 'big yellow'. And because the belts are made from incredibly durable fire-hose, they looked great for ages. Belts come in a range of sizes and the different styles to suit women and men.

In addition to their belt range, EaKo have designed a range of bags including a stylish and waterproof travel bag and a card holder (girls – these are brilliant Xmas presents for the guys), a Tote bag (a great Xmas pressie for the girls) and a unisex Messenger bag.

All of these items and more belts are available from our online gallery, click here to view all EaKo products in store.

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Bamboo Baby now available from Pure Design

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I am delighted to announce that a selection of Bamboo Baby's fabulous clothing for newborns, tots and mums-to-be will now be available from Pure Design. AND as if that wasn't exciting enough we are offering free shipping on all products in the range!

Founded in London in 2006 by sisters Chloe and Sophie Tostevin, Bamboo Baby is a unique and contemporary brand that aims to have minimum negative impact on our environment. Textile designer Sophie, designs Bamboo Baby’s fabulous range of baby and toddler and maternity wear, and we are pleased to have a few highlights of past and present collections available for you to buy. Bamboo is a wonder eco material. Naturally organic, sustainable and eco-friendly; absorbing 35% more carbon dioxide than equivalent stands of trees. Bamboo clothing is absorbent, breathable, thermo-regulating, antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

Visit our gallery to see some of the great items we have available to order today.

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Scotland-on-Sunday 'Style Bible' reviews Susiemaroon & Pure Design

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Pure Design is not just about selling work, it's also about raising awareness of eco-design amongst shoppers, and raising the profiles of UK eco-designers.

Don't get me wrong, Pure Design is a business and aims to be a thriving one at that, but it is also a social enterprise, and one of our key ambitions is to show people there are beautiful, green, designer UK alternatives to mass-produced products - and to promote the designers behind this work.

This piece of press in Scotland-on-Sunday was valuable in terms of sales but also really encouraging as it shows people want to hear about beautiful eco products. It is also pleasing to see how Pure Design is able to support designers and bring their work into the limelight.

If you are an eco-designer and interested in discussing your work with Pure Design please drop us a line. I will do my best to respond to your inquiry as quickly as I can. Email me on elaine'at'puredesigncompany.co.ukTweet the Post

Eco-Fashion Show & Party, 12th August, London

Tweet this Post Join Pure Design @ Eco- Fashion Party

Come and see our fabulous range of fashion accessories and then go to an after party at London’s trendiest and greenest nightclub.

We are pleased to offer 25% off entrance for Pure Design Guests.

Use discount code ‘exhibitorguest’ when buying tickets. Book at www.eco-fashion.co.uk

This event has been organised by In2Fashion and is a fabulous chance to bag some beautiful eco-fashion accessories, not least from Pure Design. The fair opens at 6pm at the British Library and the after-party takes place up the Road (Pentonville Road) at Club4Climate, a fantastic venue that only just recently opened its doors.

Club4Climate is powered by dancers, whose energy is captured by the futuristic dance floor. It's been in the press, there's a club album already on the way, and I know I'm dying to have a peek for myself - so snap up this chance to attend this exclusive eco-party!

Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.

The King’s Library, British Library, 96 Euston Rd, NW1 (www.ecofashionparty.eventbrite.com). Tue 12th 6-8.30pm.

After-party at Surya, Club4Climate, 156 Pentonville Rd, NW1. Euston or King’s Cross tube/rail. £10 (includes entry to afterparty). To register visit www.eco-fashion.co.uk.
Information: About Pure Design visit www.puredesigngallery.co.uk, About Bar Surya visit www.club4climate.com

Image: Esther B, vintage silk evening bag. Esther’s exquisite range for Pure Design will be launched at the party!

The event is organized in partnership by:

And supported by:

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Sunday Times include Susiemaroon's place mats in feature 'best new design and deals for your home'

Tweet this Post Featured in Melinda Ashton Turner's article 'Inner Vision' (in the Home section of Sunday Times, July 13th 2008), Susiemaroon's place mats were named amongst the 'best new designs and deals for your home'.

We were thrilled to see that out of the designer work selected, Susie's place mats were awarded the coveted eco-design slot as the 'The Green Room' product in Melinda's feature. Well done Susie!

The place mats are made from organic calico and cotton and trimmed in vintage French lace. The mats are embellished with embroidery in one of the four motifs from Susie's Assemble range. The detail of the place mats is so attractive - we wouldn't want to cover them up! The place mats are available to order now through our gallery, priced at £24 for one, or £80 for a set of four plus p&p. Custom made, production and delivery can take up to 4-6 weeks during busy periods, although we will do our best to get them to you sooner, and will notify you when they are being posted. Click here to order.Tweet the Post

Eco-designers save us!

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There is certainly no accounting for taste! This water 'butt' has been featured on Eco Street....

If this doesn't demonstrate the need for more stylish eco-designers I don't know what will!!!

I don't even think I can excuse it by saying, 'at least it's eco'. Oh dear. Apparently it is available in white, tan or brown. Thank goodness it's a limited offer.

Eco-designers help us!
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WWF - masters of raising awareness....(on Green TV)

Tweet this Post How do you get a nation, to consider the plight of the Portugese Eagle? Football of course!

A little different from eco design I know, but I had to recommend this fantastic clip on Green TV. Having watched the latest film covering a campaign by WWF - where top footie club Benifica 'lose' their eagle mascot, I'm hooked. Just goes to show the power of tapping into something we hold dear (be it football or wildlife) in order to get the green message across.. what an amazing campaign...

Click here to watch the clip.
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Are you the next great British Designer?

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Calling All Designers....Do you think you can design the next 'must have' product?

A fantastic design opportunity has just come to my attention. Pure Design was contacted by the BBC recently in their search for the next great British Designer.

This competition is open to all designers, from any walk of life. We would of course love it to be an eco-designer, and so wanted to let you, our readers know about this fantastic opportunity.

"Ten aspiring designers with the talent, drive and vision to create the next 'must have' products of the 21st century will be given the unique opportunity to learn and work alongside Starck and his team over a period of several months. At the end of it, one person will continue on for a six-month placement."

Applications must be made by 22nd August, click here to read more about the competition or to apply.

If you aren't a designer yourself but have a friend or colleague who is - email this post to them so they don't miss out. Click on the 'envelope' icon below to forward the post.Tweet the Post

Style Report: Eco-Design Fair, London 19th June

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I dashed along to the eco-design fair last Thursday at the Candid Arts Gallery, and despite only having 30 minutes to look around I was really excited to see some top quality eco and ethical design work on show…

One of the most interesting of the bunch was Lucy from RE-silicone. Her variety of silicone lighting, rugs and accessories were like none I had ever seen before and would certainly make a dramatic design statement in any interior.

Izzy Lane had gorgeous high-class ladies shoes, coats and tailored suits on display. All products are 100% vegetarian friendly and the wool for the clothing comes from happy rescued or retired sheep that live at the sanctuary.

I was also really pleased to see Bamboo Baby who I had met a year earlier, and whose business appears to have been flourishing in the meantime. Although they have stopped producing most of their range of general bamboo women’s clothes for now (skirts, tops etc), they have developed their range of baby and maternity wear further to include a bamboo denim which they said was proving really popular. I can’t get over just how soft the fabric is – bamboo really is a wonderful alternative textile. And just in case you wanted to learn a little more I’ve included some info on bamboo textile below…

"Pay attention (!) here comes the science bit"….
Bamboo has many amazing properties – first and foremost it is beautifully soft. It is extremely versatile, and can be used to make knitwear that feels like cashmere, soft and durable denim, cosy blankets, snuggly bathrobes and silky-soft jersey pieces. It is a high-end luxury product.

Finished bamboo fabric is hypoallergenic and thermo-regulating. It can be machine washed at 40 degrees just like cotton. (For environmental reasons we recommend you wash at 30 degrees.)

Bamboo fabric is UV-resistant and completely biodegradable. Bamboo is naturally organic, sustainable (the world’s fastest growing plant) and takes in 35% more carbon dioxide than equivalent stands of other plants. It is a grass, so regenerates without the need for replanting. Bamboo is rain-fed only and helps to reduce soil erosion.

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'Dialogues of Wind & Bamboo' Saturday 21st June, Edinburgh...

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If you live in Edinburgh and have yet to make your cultural plans for this weekend, get along to the Royal Botanical Gardens on Saturday evening. Alongside the Scottish Arts Council, Royal Botanical Gardens and China Now; Pure Design are proud sponsors of this cultural arts project, and the work of eco designer Susiemaroon - who is one of several artists engaged in the project.




A little bit about Dialogues of Wind and Bamboo....
This is the story of a journey exploring themes inspired by the connection between plants and people. For Kimho Ip, a composer and musician from Hong Kong working in Edinburgh, wind symbolises change while bamboo represents traditional Chinese culture but it also stands for constant renewal.

In the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on June 21, Midsummer night, the audience will be invited to join the journey, following different artists as they explore themes of change and continuity through music, art, dance and song. Click here for full details about the performance.

Susie Brown (Susiemaroon) is the designer of Natural Progression, a bamboo sculptural installation for Dialogues of Wind and Bamboo which forms a stage for dancers and musicians on 21 June.

Susie has been writing about the project on her website. Here's a little extract of her latest musings...

"It all began when I arranged delivery of the three hundred, four meter long bamboo poles on Tuesday. Unfortunately my studio is situated in an old building which boasts an alarming amount of fire doors, corners and stairs so Natural Progression is being constructed in the shared drying green out the back of my little flat. To the great distress of my neighbour Audrey, I will be dipping (the bamboo that is) and sawing for the next three weeks."Tweet the Post

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New to Pure Design? Take advantage of this great offer and register with our gallery now and receive £5 off your next purchase. Click on the banner to register now...Tweet the Post