Newark Antiques Fair, UK

Newark Antiques Fair or the IACFhas chairs of all styles, periods and well worth the visit. What would you think these chairs were originally? No, they are not Bauhaus.

A very good place to find chairs of styles and periods

Folklore – Better Living by Design

Folklore is a beautiful new shop right up our street – literally. It may be a little difficult to find at first, wedged in between two Gill Wing stores and boasting an antique sign which reads 193 BERWIC rather than Folklore.

On my second visit I almost got lost, failing to notice it due to its inconspicuous shop front. However, after spotting the paper and crotchet lampshades in the window I was reminded why it had initially caught my eye.

They later explained that they had kept the old sign allowing it to add to the character of the shop while corresponding with their philosophy of sustainability.

The Cabinet – designed and made in collaboration with the Hendzel + Hunt studio in South London. Constructed from reclaimed birch ply. Available exclusively from Folklore.

Danielle Reid and her husband Rob opened the shop on Islington’s trendy Upper Street 1 month ago. The couple started the company, based on the belief that better living is possible through design. They curate a selection of pieces by a mix of designers, makers and craftsmen and try to source locally where possible.

Everything inside Folklore is either handmade, antique or made from recycled or found materials. Others are easily recyclable at the end of their life. All are made in an environmentally mindful way. Danielle strongly believes that ecology and ethics are integral to design and there is a theme throughout the shop which emphasises the importance of being environmentally mindful.

As recycling becomes more mainstream and becomes the norm, recycled goods and furniture are becoming more beautiful in their own right. Folklore paves the way for sustainable living and proves that recycling can be elegant by exploring diverse styles and uses of materials.

You can also like Folklore on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest.

Around the World in 80 Chairs: Girardot Colombia

This multi-coloured rocking chair was on the street of Girardot a small Colombian town 3 hours from Bogota.

History, Hidden Treasures and the Art of Recycled Jewellery

Walking down Brick Lane, Portobello or Camden Passage you can see vintage jewellery, antiques that look like family heirlooms to 80s neon rings or lighting earrings. There are a number of jewellery designers that take old or discarded objects and use them to create new pieces.

Maria Zureta Photo courtesy of Boticca

It takes a good eye for detail to spot something good in a pile of junk. “My eyes are trained,” says Maria Zureta designer Roberto Costa, who explains that years of experience of working with vintage jewellery have taught him how to find real quality. He sees the importance in saving materials that can be reused “I love being able to give another chance to an object.”

Roberto Costa Photo courtesy of Boticca

However it is not just the opportunity of a bargain that can be found at these markets or the fact that vintage objects can give pieces real character, but the fact that this is a sustainable way to create interesting and beautiful jewellery. Clementine James, the designer behind Little Glass Clementine says “We live on a finite planet, our resources are dwindling and as artists we need to inspire people to move away from mass-produced fashion.”

Little Glass Clementine Photo courtesy of Boticca

“We have enough intriguing objects and beautiful jewellery already made scattered around the globe.” Clementine emphasises the fact that these pieces have character and each individual object has a story. “I try to create a personality in each piece, one that hopefully resonates with others.”

Little Glass Clementine jewellery Photo courtesy of Boticca

Elspeth Walker, the designer behind Sweetlime loves the fact that vintage tribal pieces she uses have a whole history behind them, adding another dimension to her jewelry. “It may be possible to make these pieces now, but they will never have the same feel of natural aging and warmth,” she says. “These pieces give the new piece an absolute sense of uniqueness.”

Sweetline jewellery Photo courtesy of Boticca

Girandoles designers Isabelle and Louise have collected numerous objects to prepare for jewellery in the event of a great idea “we gradually formed a ‘war chest,’ a great stock in terms of quantity, quality and  diversity. This is our wealth!.” Boticca describe their line as quirky, whimsical added with some humour, the pieces are transformed into fun and detailed jewellery. Isabelle and Louise describe the process and reworking of objects stating that  “each object is thus restored to a different purpose.”

Girandoles jewellery Photo courtesy of Boticca

Jolita Jewellery’s designer Algis Abromaitis visits London’s markets several times a week, where he sorts through piles of jewellery looking for pieces to use in his designs.  This allows him to use a wide range of different styles and materials “I like incorporating vintage jewelry into my designs as it gives them a new lease of life.” Each piece of Jolita Jewellery is unique and truly original, made from a collaboration of vintage objects.

Jolita Jewellery Photo courtesy of Boticca

Vintage, antiques, reusable materials can be found everywhere and in all shapes and sizes, there is a whole art of salvage, reworking and integrating different materials. Recycling old objects is not only a great way to make unique and beautiful jewellery but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Photos and interviews courtesy of Boticca. You can also like Boticca on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Around the world in 80 chairs: Vilnius Stool

weather permitting, our door seating for a cafe appears on the street. The stools are made from bit’s of scrap wood looking like little works of deconstructionism

Around the world in 80 chairs: Altavilla Sicily

This chair, on a mountain road side was facing the most spectacular view of the hills and sea. One could say it is an old falling apart chair but how much rest and peace it has given to sitter. The key was only noticed after the photo was developed.