mengsel

colours of cuba

2011-12-21T13:33:00.001Z

There's a reason for my almost one month long absence on my blog. I was in Mexico and Cuba for 3 whole weeks! My husband competed in Ironman Cozumel (3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42km run) and we made a big holiday out of it. It was an amazing trip to say the least.

All the colourful vintage cars (or maybe just very OLD cars) in Havana were amazing and our whole group fitted into one of these taxis on a night out on the town. That's 8 people including the driver! Guess they don't build them like that anymore.

a little birdie told me...

2011-11-25T01:43:00.001Z

...10% off all weekend in te Mengsel shop! To receive your 10% discount on your whole order, simply enter the code LITTLEBIRDIE at checkout. Easy peasy! Good time to get cracking on those Christmas pressies...

Go shopping in the MENGSEL SHOP

"Nightingale" in chartreuse and black

murky water

2011-11-25T01:30:00.000Z

Just stumbled upon the Etsy shop of artists Ernesto and Cassandra Velasco, based in San Fransisco. I just love the red, white and black palette of the Murky Water series. These are prints of original pieces painted on wood panel with cel-vinyl paint. You can visit Etsy shop HERE.

colour of the day: lavender

2011-11-13T12:59:00.001Z

I've just printed a fresh new edition of "Nightingale" in soft lavender and black. Edition of 55 prints, each signed, numbered and dated. Hope you like this colour? I was in the mood for some softer colours and I've been thinking of using lavender for a while. Took me a while to mix the right balance of blue and purple, but quite happy with the result! The Nightingale print is also back in a second edition of chartreuse and black in the Mengsel Shop.

"Nightingale" in lavender, available HERE in the Mengsel Shop.

say hello to folly

2011-11-07T09:37:00.000Z

Mengsel has a brand new stockist in the UK, the ever so lovely Folly. Folly was conceived out of a desire to find beautiful and imaginative gifts and a love of mixing contemporary pieces with unique vintage treasures. The website stocks a selection of Mengsel prints, like Bigger Boat and Nightingale. Some of my favourite pieces from the site...

Liberty Book of Home Sewing - £19.99

Floras Field Wooden Tray by Darling Clementine - £24.95

Un Dimanche a Paris Wallpaper by Familie Summerbelle - £44.95

movember

2011-11-06T19:50:00.000Z

Movember is here! Will you be growing a 'tache? That's if you're a boy. If you're a girl, you will just look silly.

Moustache Stamp by Greenteam - $8.90

Mr Moustache tote bag by Sirena con Jersey - EUR 16.00

I Love your Moustache card by Woodland Ink

i heart moustache button badge by Heart Zeena - £1.50

Moustache Gentleman plush cushion by Caroline Dulko

brand new print: "HELLO" silkscreen print

2011-11-04T16:59:00.000Z

I've got a brand new print design. Yay! It is called "Hello" and is available in two colours: Cobalt & Crimson and Moss & Neon Pink. Hand pulled onto 220gsm paper in the studio by moi. Edition of 60 prints in each colour - all signed, dated and numbered.

These prints are such great gifts for any occasion. The art of the hand written note is something that's totally disappeared in our quick fix generation of e-mails, texting, facebook, twitter, IM, Blackberries and iPhones.

Hope you like it! Available in the Mengsel Shop, just click on the links below.
"Hello" silkscreen print in Cobalt & Crimson
"Hello" silkcreen print in Moss & Neon Pink

red red red

2011-11-03T09:35:00.001Z

Brand new crimson red version of Mengsel's "Bigger Boat" cushion now available in the Mengsel Shop! Only a few of these made, so if you want one, you better be quick. Limited stock available. Why not get a set of turquoise green and crimson? I still love the nautical trend!

SHOP HERE for the "Bigger Boat" cushion in crimson.

Christmas 2011 Shipping Information

2011-11-02T18:20:00.000Z

Get those gifts shipped in time!

Can’t believe it is that time of the year again. Christmas 2011 is rapidly approaching. Mengsel prints are shipped worldwide from the UK, so if you live abroad, please have a look at the last posting dates below.

Mon 5 December 2011: South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (incl Japan), Australia and New Zealand
Fri 9 December 2011: USA, Canada & Eastern Europe
Mon 12 December 2011: Western Europe
Tues 20 December 2011: United Kingdom

Don’t miss out on getting those special gifts in time (and most importantly – avoid crowded, crazy shopping malls!)
GO SHOPPING...

Holiday countdown!
- Luzelle

House & Leisure November 2011

2011-10-28T18:16:00.000+01:00

Two of my prints made it to the pages of the gorgeous new House & Leisure issue (November 2011). This South African magazine is a constant source of inspiration for me and always manages to get me homesick for the wide open spaces and blue skies of SA. "Tiny Towers" (blue and lime) and "Robots in Love" looks great against the backdrop of a bright yellow wall in this Kids Room inspired shoot.

Available in South Africa at Vamp Furniture, Cape Town or online at the Mengsel Shop (shipping worldwide from London, UK).
"Robots in love" HERE
"Tiny Towers" HERE

"Robots in Love" in bright red

"Tiny Towers" in blue and lime

Say hello to Hello Polly

2011-10-23T12:11:00.000+01:00

G'day my Australian friends! I have a new stockist in Melbourne, Australia. Hello Polly just opened its online shop and was set up by Sarah Kelk (formerly of The Red Door Gallery in Edinburgh - another stockist of mine). Sarah has a fantastic eye for spotting smile inducing designs from some of the most talented designers, including Elsie Dodds, Lisa Jones and Snug.

A selection of Mengsel prints can be purchased at Hello Polly, including "Fish&Chips", "Moka Express", "Retro Roosters", tea towels and cushion range.

Here's a few of my favourite picks from the site. Visit Hello Polly at the following link: http://www.hellopolly.com.au/

Olaf cushion, Lisa Jones

Blue Flowers Wrap, nineteenseventythree

Things to Do Notepad set, The Small Object

A print, Elsie Dodds

...c'mon, I HAD to pick on of my own designs! Bigger Boat cushion cover, Mengsel

Affordable Art Fair Battersea

2011-10-21T18:16:00.000+01:00

Mengsel prints (framed and unframed) will be for sale at the DegreeArt stand (G12) at the Affordable Art Fair Battersea from October 19th - October 24th. You can get your hands on some of my most popular prints, including Moka Express, Fish&Chips, Robots in Love, Whale and Bigger Boat. The fair is a great way to see my work up close if you are interested and just a fun day out, viewing all the talented artists' work.

More information at DegreeArt's blog: http://www.degreeart.com/blog/2011-affordable-art-fair-degreeart

You can see some of my prints at the show in the image below... Have a great weekend!

Featured in Computer Arts Projects November 2011

2011-10-21T14:35:00.001+01:00

Happy weekend everyone! The brand new Computer Arts Projects is out (November 2011 issue) and I'm very proud to have my interview included in a fantastic article : " Successful Print Selling". It means the world to me to be recognised by my fellow printmakers/designers/makers.

I've always been a fan of the magazine. It really helps designers to find their feet out there by giving them business and creative advice as well as loads of inspiration and tutorials. I'm in great company with this article, sharing the pages with Andy Council, Crayon Fire and James Brown.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month

2011-10-14T13:56:00.000+01:00

To celebrate this very special month of Breast Cancer Awareness, I've decided to donate 15% of every sale of my bright neon pink Moka Express silkscreen print until the end of October to the Breast Cancer Campaign.

I can't tell you how many of my girlfriends have lost their Mothers to breast cancer in the past few years. It is very sad and heartbreaking to see somebody go through something like this. By giving just a little bit, we can all help contribute to the research.

More info about Breast Cancer Campaign at their website: http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/page.aspx?pid=434

I keep thinking about the Sex & The City episode where Samantha finds out that she has breast cancer after going to the doctor to find out about a boob job: "I just don't want to lose my breasts, they're FABULOUS!"

You can purchase the "Moka Express print" in neon pink in the Mengsel Shop, as well as my Etsy Shop.

shades of grey

2011-10-09T21:23:00.001+01:00

As you all know, Mengsel prints are all about colour, colour, colour. Maybe the changing weather is affecting me, but I've created a second edition of "Robots in Love" in slate grey and a brand new limited edition of "Moka Express" in dreamy dove grey.

Both of these prints are available at the Mengsel Shop

"Robots in Love" HERE and "Mini Moka" HERE. Both are A3 size and shipped in a sturdy mailer tube to any spot in the world. Happy shopping!

"Robots in Love" in slate grey - edition of 50 prints

"Robots in Love" close detail

"Mini Moka" limited edition white on dove grey

"Mini Moka" close up detail

paper runway entertaining

2011-10-06T10:41:00.001+01:00

Online magazine, Paper Runway's fourth issue launched last night and I love it. Even more so when I found out that my "Moka Express" limited edition print in white ink on tangerine got a full page in the magazine. (Check out page 26-27) Paper Runway magazine is a quarterly magazine that offers you a mix of paper goodness, hot paper products, beautiful paper, features about the hottest paper sculptors, artists, illustrators, creators and quick DIY projects. Sooo, you've probably guessed it: this Australian magazine is all about PAPER.

The photography in this issue is so beautiful, so definitely worth having a peep. You can click HERE to read the magazine via issuu. More info about Paper Runway at www.paperrunway.com.

"Moka Express" ltd edition white on tangerine featured in Paper Runway issue 4.

winter coats

2011-10-04T09:32:00.000+01:00

After the fabulous last minute Summer comeback we've had for the past week, methinks it is probably time to start facing reality - Winter is coming, whether we like it or not! Apparently this first day of October was the hottest since records began 101 years ago. (Guardian article, 1 Oct) That's kind of nuts.

I usually go for a brightly coloured coat, but think I might have to get a basic black one this year. What do you think?

Double-breasted coat from Zara

Paul & Joe Sister Champagne Cape at Urban Outfitters

ASOS fit and flare coat with belt

Vila Vintage Style Belted Coat from ASOS

Double-breasted Coat in Mustard from Zara

Stone taped dolly coat in Stone from Dorothy Perkins

say hello to new stockist Elphick's

2011-10-03T13:20:00.001+01:00

Yay! Mengsel has a wonderful new stockist. Elphick's is a gallery set up in 2007 by the artist Sharon Elphick. The gallery is located on the very eclictic Columbia Road and showcases limited edition prints by British artists alongside Sharon's own beautiful work. A selection of Mengsel's hand pulled silkscreen prints are for sale in the gallery (framed and unframed). Elphick's stocks work by amazing artists such as Bianca Gomez, Charley Harper, Marcus Walters, James Brown and Lisa Jones. A beautiful space to visit...

You can visit Elphick's at: 160 Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG and get more info about the gallery HERE

colour of the day: terracotta

2011-09-14T18:36:00.000+01:00

Brand new A3 sized Mini Moka silkscreen printed with white ink on terracotta coloured Canson paper available to purchase HERE in the Mengsel Shop. I've only printed 10 in this very specific colour, so if you want one... be quick!

Terracotta is such a rich, warm and lovely colour and makes me think of the Mediterranean. Here's a little mood board I put together...

In this picture:
- Contemporary Ceramics by Atelier Polyhedre
- Structured Stem Willow Bag by Orla Kielly
- Kenitra Rug at Anthropologie
- Eames prototypes on manganese clay body - house numbers by Heath Ceramics
- Le Creuset Grand Teapot in Volcanic at John Lewis
- Mini Moka Express hand pulled silkscreen print in terracotta by Mengsel

something sweet for my dinner table/kitchen

2011-08-29T20:00:00.003+01:00

Just ordered this adorable cloud bread board form German designers Snug at Etsy. Can't wait to get it!

black swan

2011-08-28T19:27:00.000+01:00

When I was designing my Swan graphic pattern, I didn't really think about the Black Swan movie. But these graphic movie posters really compliment the feel of the design. The Swan throw pillow covers are available in black and coral reef and can be purchased online in the Mengsel shop.

a week of interviews

2011-08-16T09:58:00.001+01:00

August started off great for Mengsel, with two interviews on two fantastic blogs. If you've ever wondered what makes this head of mine tick, this is the best way to find out. The first interview was for my favourite South African interior magazine VISI's blog. You can read the VISI interview HERE.

The second interview was for my wonderful UK stockist, Heal's. The iconic store's blog has a section called Heal's Reveals which has featured amazing designers including Lisa Stickley, Donna Wilson and Rob Ryan . You can view the Heal's interview HERE.

angles

2011-08-15T11:29:00.000+01:00

It's gone all angular at Supermarket!

Polyhedron vases from Revisions Design Studio at Supermarket

Wooden geometric candle holders from Revisions Design Studio at Supermarket.

Salt & Pepper Shaker "icosa" by TaiDesign at Supermarket

Cube octahedron ring from Bandada at Supermarket

WIN a limited edition "fish & chips" print by Mengsel

2011-08-10T13:55:00.003+01:00

Hey y'all. Yes, you've guessed it: one of my favourite things - GIVEAWAY TIME!!! Yay!

My precious London town had a rough week, with all the riots going on. So I decided that it would only be appropriate to give away one of my limited edition "fish & chips" hand pulled silkscreen prints. As you all know, fish and chips is a rather English delicacy and enjoyed best in a cosy London pub with an ice cold pint of beer.

To win one of these colourful prints, you need to leave a comment below, describing your favourite spot in London or what you love about London. If you've never been, you can tell me why you would love to visit and what you would do.

Looking forward to all your comments! Entries will close on Wednesday 17 August at 12pm GMT. I will pick my favourite comment and send a lovely silkscreen print your way.

Good luck!

P.S. The "fish & chips" silkscreen print is available to purchase HERE in the Mengsel Shop and retails for £40.00. The print's size is A3 {42cm x 29.5cm} and will be sent unframed.

"Fish & Chips" by Mengsel

Computer Arts magazine Summer 2011

2011-07-28T19:44:00.001+01:00

Yay! I am one happy designer today. My "Bigger Boat" cushion and "Moka Express" tea towel in cherry red are in Computer Arts magazine this month! Computer Arts is the best selling magazine for digital creatives. It showcases the best illustration, graphic design, typography and web design along with advice from agencies and digital artists.

You can buy the "Bigger Boat" cushion cover and other throw pillows here and the Moka Express tea towels here. The Moka Express tea towel is also available in black and in mixed sets of 2. Visit the Mengsel Shop to find out more.

Bigger Boat cushion

Moka Express tea towel in cherry red

Retro Roosters in Home/Tuis magazine

2011-07-22T09:28:00.001+01:00

Mengsel's "Retro Roosters" silkscreen print in buttercup yellow is featured in a beautiful grey and yellow inspired interior shoot in the special edition DIY issue of Home Magazine South Africa (the Afrikaans version is called Tuis). These colours just compliment each other beautifully and I LOVE the Skinny Laminx upholstered chair. Gorgeous!

The Retro Roosters silkscreen print is available here from the Mengsel Shop. Available in A3 and A2 sizes as well as different colour options (buttercup yellow, apple green and bright red). Also printed on tea towels...

memory card memories

2011-07-21T10:33:00.000+01:00

As a child, my sister and I had this Memory Game. I've always loved the images on the cards and couldn't believe my luck when I tracked down this image on Flickr! Apparently it is a vintage German memory game from the late fifties or early sixties, but I distinctly remember the cover of the box as being very 80s. Bizarre. I asked my Mom in Cape Town if the cards are still lurking around somewhere at the back of the garage (of the house that I grew up in from birth and my parents stil live in) and she said yes, it is still there. The box cover is in Afrikaans (Geheue Spel = Memory Game) and it is registered to a company called Waddington House of Games in London.

I think this card game is probably one of the big reasons for my love of simple, colourful illustrations with a mid century modern feel. Thanks Mom! Brings back a lot of memories...

image from veloopity's Flickr photostream

obsessed with: ray eames

2011-07-20T10:04:00.001+01:00

As a jewellery design student in Cape Town (a long time ago), my favourite book in the very cool Technikon library was a very big and heavy one about the work and lives of Charles and Ray Eames. Quite an old book, well thumbed and read by many. I can't even tell you how many times I borrowed the book from the library, only to go back to renew it for another week or two. Think I must have booked it out for a couple of months at least.

I fell in love with the designs of this formidable duo and I was particularly fascinated by the quirky, tiny, pinafore-wearing Mrs Eames. She was such an odd little thing in a time when women either stayed at home with babies or worked as secretaries.

Charles & Ray Eames (image from vitra.com)

Ray holding Dot Pattern Fabric Design, circa 1947 (image from eamesoffice.com)

Ray's Desk, 1976 (image from eamesoffice.com)

Ray with model of the Eames House. Photograph by Peter Stackpole for LIFE magazine, 1950. (image from Ordinary Finds)

fancy some fish & chips by the seaside?

2011-07-19T14:58:00.005+01:00

Say hello to my brand new silkscreen print showing Britain's favourite dish: Fish & Chips!

Although, mine is a much more graphic representation of the classic dish with bright red ketchup, buttercup yellow chips, cobalt blue fish and emerald green (very dotty) mushy peas in true Mengsel style. This print has a touch of Mid Century Modern and Scandinavian style to it and would be absolutely lovely in your kitchen.

This A3 sized limited edition original illustration is hand printed onto 220gsm paper and consists of 50 signed prints. Available here in the Mengsel Shop.

"Fish & Chips" silkscreen print

Bigger Boat silkscreen print in ELLE Decoration UK

2011-07-17T13:53:00.003+01:00

Oh my goodness, I don't quite know how this happened - I haven't blogged in WEEKS! A bit out of touch after spending more time on my new designs and products and I've kind of been in this weird groove. Time to snap out of it!

Something that made me snap out of it: spotting my "Bigger Boat" silkscreen print in sunny yellow in the August issue of ELLE Decoration. It is only a tiny little picture in the magazine (hope you can spot it!), but it means the world to me. I just absolutely love having a subscription to my favourite interiors magazine and when I hear that magazine going through my front door post box, I literally run down the stairs and devour every single page.

Author Josie Curran lives on a gorgeous houseboat in Surrey and bought the print from me last year and it now resides in the main bedroom. I really love seeing my prints in my customers' homes and how it becomes part of their own unique style.

More about Josie Curran, her work and home at her website. The "Bigger Boat" silkscreen print in yellow costs £40.00 plus p&p and is available here from the Mengsel Shop.

P.S. Mengsel customers out there - I would LOVE it if you send in pictures of my prints displayed in your home to mengseldesign@gmail.com

"Bigger Boat" silkscreen print in yellow.

in case you missed it last time...

2011-06-27T16:40:00.001+01:00

... my limited edition beach towels made exclusively for One Kings Lane are available in their online shop until Thursday 30 June 2011 only. So be quick if you want to get your hands on a couple of these perfect beach items for Summer. This time around another sweet little canvas tote with my "Whale" print was added to the one off event on the wonderful One Kings Lane site. Better get them while you can! Go here to register at One Kings Lane and shop. (You have to be a member to view items)

"hotel londres" limited edition print in clementine & patina

2011-06-21T16:11:00.003+01:00

Ever wondered where birds stay when they go on vacation? Hotel Londres! The luxury London hotel for birdies on holiday. Bright and colourful, just how I like it. Limited edition of 50 in a A3 size printed by hand in bright clementine and patina on 200gsm acid free Fabriano paper.

Available here in the Mengsel Shop...

yay! time for wimbledon tennis again!

2011-06-20T11:06:00.000+01:00

One of the best things of living in Wimbledon is the tennis at the Lawn Tennis Club every year. Wimbledon village is buzzing with Londoners and visitors from almost everywhere. The pubs are overflowing and the Pimms are flowing! Who do you think will lift the trophy this year? Will Nadal hang on to the coveted silverware?

JFK and Jackie playing tennis. Image via aspiringkennedy.com

Tennis Matches. Image via piccsy.com

Wimbledon tennis poster from Vintage Fine Art Prints

Legends: Bjorn Borg & John McEnroe. Image via dailymail.co.uk

friday loves

2011-06-17T11:53:00.002+01:00

In true rainy weekend style, there's a 15% discount offer in The Mengsel Shop all weekend. I'm sure you'll find something bright and colourful to cheer yourself up, even when it is grey and wet outside. To receive 15% discount, enter the coupon code RAINYWEEKEND at the checkout. Click HERE to go shopping.
Friday loves for a rainy London weekend...

1. Kate Spade Flicker Bon Shopper
2) Thomas Paul reversible aqua banner pillow
3) Hatty 2 Bow Sandles from Topshop
4) Relight Candle Holder Range from Heal's
5) Double breasted raincoat from Zara
6) Modern Vintage Style at Anthropologie
7) Lemon Meringue cupcake - recipe from Martha Stewart

in the press: visi no.55

2011-06-13T12:11:00.001+01:00

I've been a fan of South African interior magazine Visi for years and years. Was so happy when my South African stockist, Paula van Niekerk from Vamp Furniture in Cape Town let me know that my "Retro Roosters" silkscreen print in buttercup yellow made a little cameo in an article about their fabulous shop! I can't tell you how fantastic it is for me to get all the best magazines (total junkie!) on my ipad via Zinio. Just amazing. This whole issue of Visi focused on wood and is a great read.

The "Retro Roosters" silkscreen print in buttercup yellow is also available here from the Mengsel Shop in an A3 size and A2 size. Also available apple green and bright red. Retro love!

Retro Roosters silkscreen print in buttercup yellow.

Freshly printed Retro Roosters drying in my studio.

woodbridge, suffolk

2011-06-12T12:53:00.000+01:00

Last weekend, we went to a beautiful wedding just outside of the seaside town of Woodbridge, Suffolk. We had a wonderful stay at The Quay House and I spotted lots of cool boats (I know I'm obsessed).

b&w

2011-06-09T22:24:00.001+01:00

New in the Mengsel shop this week:
Tiny Retro Robots! Silkscreen printed by hand in crisp white ink on pitch black Canson paper, this limited (edition of 30) print really plays with contrasts and will be a sweet addition to your home or a great wedding present for a couple with a taste for all things fun. The repeat pattern is based on my own illustrations and is available in here in the Mengsel shop. Hope it makes you smile!

(Also available in my here in my Etsy shop)

mengsel in the press: good homes magazine

2011-06-01T09:10:00.002+01:00

So happy to find out that my "Tiny Towers" silkscreen print in bright orange and fuchsia pink is in the July issue of gorgeous UK interiors magazine, Good Homes. Really love the styling of this bright and cheerful children's room.

The Tiny Towers silkscreen print is also available in a bright blue and lime green colour combination is available from the Mengsel shop.

my furniture wishlist is deadgood

2011-05-31T22:14:00.000+01:00

While visiting Clerkenwell design week last week, I really loved the quirky and stylish furniture from British label Deadgood. I love these...

Love Console Table by Ziglam and Brook, £634

Double Love Chair by Ziglam & Brook, £2507

Deadgood Bookshelf by Max Lamb, £36

new moka express colours

2011-05-23T19:20:00.001+01:00

If you've had an eye on my shop over the last week or so, you would've noticed that I have some brand new colours from my Moka Express prints in a new A2 size format (59.5cm x 42cm = 23.42 inches x 16.53 inches). You can even leave a little note for me when purchasing, if you would like me to trim the print down to fit a 50x40cm frame, as there is enough white space around the printed area for custom framing.

Great for bringing a pop of colour to your kitchen or a wedding gift for a lucky friend. Hope you like?

Available in the Mengsel Shop and my Etsy shop.

Denim Blue Moka Express silkscreen print

Neon Pink Moka Express silkscreen print

Charcoal Moka Express silkscreen print

mengsel beach towels for one king's lane

2011-05-20T09:22:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago, I had a little collaboration with the US based online homeware retailers, One Kings Lane. After the big success of the previous event that I did with them in February, they asked me to come back and contribute my very popular "Bigger Boat" and "Whale" designs for a beach towel project. I am so very pleased with how the beach towels came out and they are just gorgeous! Perfect Summer holiday accessory.

A members only website, One Kings Lane partners with top brands and designers to give their members insider access to designer decor, entertaining and travel needs, food & wine, fantastic gift selections, and exclusive tag sales curated by today's top tastemakers. An event lasts for approximately 3 days only and the site is for the most part for a US based audience. Unfortunately, they are not available anymore, as it was a limited edition sale. The towels got a lot of attention on interiors blogs and I have quite a few people contacting me and asking me for them. Sorry.... but they are all sold out! The GOOD NEWS is: You can still purchase limited edition hand pulled silkscreen prints in various sizes and colour options in these designs from the Mengsel Shop and my Etsy shop!

reversible "bigger boat" beach towels in turquoise

reversible "whale" beach towels in delft blue

mudam, luxembourg

2011-05-19T18:51:00.002+01:00

A few pics from my trip to Luxembourg. I walked up all the way to the financial district of the city to go to Modern Art Musem, MUDAM. And what a beautiful walk! A zig-zagging, winding road up the hill. Barely 5 minutes walk out of the old town city centre and it feels like you are in the woods. The MUDAM building in itself is a piece of art. The ultra modern building is surrounded by the remains of an old town fort. I spent a lot of time in the wonderful gift shop and the museum cafeteria is designed by none other than the Bouroullec brothers. I took 650 photos in the 4 days that I was in Luxembourg, so just bare with me. My visit to MUDAM...

getting there - winding cobblestone path in beautiful tree lined area

on the way - I DO love a tiny tower!

MUDAM - old + new

bridge

exterior staircase

WANT this bookcase

ply wood sitting area

ply chairs

top view of Daniel Buren installation

Daniel Buren installation - colour = light

kaleidoscopic ceilling

this amazing installation emphasizes certain architectural characteristics of the building

museum cafeteria by the Bouroullec brothers

something to nibble on

the way back - more old + new bridge

http://www.mudam.lu/en/accueil/

this belongs in my home: ercol for john lewis

2011-05-16T10:47:00.000+01:00

I've been an Ercol fan for quite some time and the Ercol Daybed is on my list of things that I would put in my dream home. So fantastic that John Lewis has an exclusive Ercol range now. I'm sure they will be snapped up pretty quickly. I think my favourite piece from the range is the Treviso desk by Matthew Hilton.

Ercol for John Lewis Chiltern Dining Furniture, £179 - £999

Ercol for John Lewis Chiltern Bench, £399

Ercol for John Lewis Chiltern Nest of 3 Tables, £399

Matthew Hilton for Ercol Treviso Desk, £950

Meet Ben & Pepper, Luxembourg

2011-05-15T12:48:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago, I went to Luxembourg for the bank holiday with my husband and a bunch of friends. Just so happens that one of my newest stockists, Ben & Pepper is located in Luxembourg and this gave me the perfect opportunity to meet the creative minds behind one of the city's exciting new homeware boutiques. Benoit and Pepper were incredibly nice and let me take pictures of the store (not completed yet - will open in a couple of weeks) and they even showed me around Luxembourg a little bit.

I just love all the gorgeous vintage and upcycled touches combined with the best new textiles. Especially the beautiful pieces from Christian Lacroix for Designers Guild. It really is a wonderful space close to the Old Town Centre. Can't wait to see it when it is completed and I wish Benoit & Pepper all the best in their new venture. More info at their website: www.benandpepper.com

we have a winner!

2011-05-14T12:06:00.000+01:00

I can't thank everybody enough for all the amazing comments left by wonderful readers in this blog giveaway. Everybody was so creative and sweet and I had a really hard time to figure out who to pick as a winner. In fact, it was so difficult that in the end, I resorted to writing down all the names and pulling one out of the hat. The lucky winner of an original hand pulled "Whale" silkscreen print in delft blue and black is... MICHELLE! Congratulations! Thanks again for all the entries. I DO love a giveaway and will be hosting another one soon, so please check in every now and again.

ultramarine and sky

2011-05-11T13:02:00.001+01:00

Introducing a new colourway for my "Swans" graphic silkscreen print. Bright ultramarine and soft sky are two blue hues that compliment each other perfectly. Hand pulled in my studio on bright white 220gsm paper. Limited edition of 50. This design is also available in the combinations of emerald/mint and bright red/hot pink.

Swans are such elegant, graceful creatures and I love simplifying these shapes to create a balanced, colourful image.

Have a look in my Etsy shop for more details. Hope you like all of these bright, happy colours...
(Flowers from my lovely friend, Laeticia)

Curate 40 X Pedlars launch night in Notting Hill

2011-05-08T23:28:00.000+01:00

On Thursday night, the pop-up shop Curate 40 x Pedlars officially opened and it looks amazing. I feel really honoured to sell my wares alongside such amazing talents. The shop looks so great! Curate 40 took over the basement of Pedlars, but a few things made its way upstairs, including my "Bigger Boat" silkscreen print. You can view all the participating designers at the Curate 40 website. From 5 May - 11 June 2011. A few snaps from the evening:

Curate 40 X Pedlars

2011-05-04T20:42:00.001+01:00

My framed hand pulled silkscreen prints and cotton tea towels will be for sale at the Curate 40 Summer pop-up shop at the wonderfully fantastic Notting Hill store Pedlars. The pop-up shop will be launched tomorrow night (Thursday 5th May 2011) at the store. So if you are enjoying the glorious Summer in London town, please pop over to Pedlars. I promise you won't be disappointed. The collection is limited and it will only be on for 6 weeks until 12 June. See you there!

giveaway time: "whale" print up for grabs!

2011-04-15T09:53:00.001+01:00

I am rapidly approaching another milestone in my Etsy shop: 500 sales! To celebrate, I have a very sweet little "Whale" print looking for a loving new home. Hand pulled with delft blue and black water based ink on 220gsm Daler Rowney paper. Size: A3 - 42cm x 29.7cm. Edition of 45 signed prints.

Q: How do I enter?
A: Keeping up with the prospective Summer Holiday/Royal Wedding Festivities/Happy Vibes, please leave a comment stating where you would go/what you would do for your DREAM SUMMER HOLIDAY! Yup, we can all do with a well deserved break. Please remember to leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly and entries are welcome worldwide.

The winner will be announced shortly after I've reached that 500 sale mark. So excited, can't wait. Thank you for all the support from my readers and customers. Couldn't have done it without you.

"Whale" is also available in chartreuse and grey and can be purchased from my Etsy shop.

once upon a time

2011-04-15T09:40:00.001+01:00

We are now exactly two weeks away from the biggest event of the year here in the UK. Yes, the holy matrimony of Wills and Kate (in case you haven't heard). The excitement here in London has almost reached fever pitch, with all of the shops filled with Union Jacks and Royal memorabilia. On the morning of the wedding, I will be getting on the Eurostar to Luxembourg via Brussels, so I will miss out on the big event. Maybe I'll record the whole thing on Sky? Will you be watching?

Anyway, as cheesy as Royal memorabilia can be, there's some pretty sweet and quirky things out there on Etsy to celebrate the special day.

William and Kate Royal Wedding Commemorative tea towel by Taylors Type at Etsy

Royal Party Parade Tape by Belle and Boo at Etsy

Royal Wedding Breakfast tea towel - neon pink

Westminster Abbey Cushion by Helena Carrington at Etsy

love bird commemorative tea towel by Heartzeena at Etsy

wish list: our workshop

2011-04-14T10:45:00.000+01:00

Our WorkShop is the place to come to find beautiful, interesting and quirky design gifts. Formed by London graphic design duo Pui Lee and Gemma Stanton Love everything about this site. My favourites:

London Tray by Swedish illustrator, Maria Holmer Dahlgren

Small Apple storage container for your bits and bobs.

Vintage Palissy Coffee Pot from the 1970s

Vintage Turi "Market" Design Coffee Set from the 1960s.

Mango Wood Bowl, made by hand.

in the studio

2011-04-13T17:53:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, I went to the studio to print a second edition of my very popular "Tiny Towers" print and decided to play around with the camera and also show you guys more of my work process. My studio is a shared space in Kew Gardens, West London. It is a really lovely spot and I drive through Richmond Park to get there from my home near Wimbledon. What I love most about screen printing is the quality and intensity of the colour on the paper and that each print is truly unique. Hope you enjoy this blog post and that it will give you a better idea of what I do!

I printed the first orange layer of the Tiny Towers design the day before.

I always mix my own acrylic ink with screen printing medium and it takes a while to get the perfect balance. I love playing with colour!

The pink ink of the second layer is spread over the exposed photo stencil on the mesh screen. With a second firm pull, the ink is forced through the fine mesh and onto the paper.

A clear Mylar sheet is taped to the printing table. The first pull of ink with the rubber squeegee goes directly onto the clear sheet and this will act as an indicator where to place the paper underneath the screen.

After the ink has gone through onto the paper, the hinged mesh frame is lifted.

Peekaboo!

Hello freshly printed second layer of "Tiny Towers".

Carefully hang them up to dry. No smudges and inky fingers!

Wash out all of the ink in the mesh screen with a power hose and leave to dry.

Messy shoes. Messy floor.

This is me in my happy place.

"Tiny Towers" framed and ready to be displayed in your pretty home.

"Tiny Towers" can be purchased online in my Etsy shop. Click here to view the listing. Also available in a blue and lime colour combination.

this image makes me think of my "manor garden" print

2011-04-11T19:03:00.001+01:00

"steeple chase" - image from Patternity.co.uk

The image above is the original ink illustration that I did for the screen template for "Manor Garden". The hand pulled silkscreen print is available in my Etsy shop in forest green and bright red. Maybe I should do a black or grey version? You can have a look at the original prints here.

grey retro roosters print at pattern & print

2011-04-05T11:42:00.001+01:00

Love this image that Emma from the online shop Pattern & Print took of my Retro Roosters silkscreen print in grey.

"Retro Roosters" limited edition silkscreen print in grey

Detail of "Retro Roosters" in grey

it's europe week at etsy!

2011-03-22T10:45:00.004Z

From March 21 through March 27, 2011, the European art and artists of Etsy will be celebrated. Although, I'm South African, I've been based in London for the past 5 years. Anyway, to get involved with the celebrations, I will be offering a special discount of 20% off ALL MY ITEMS in my Etsy shop.

To claim your discount: Enter the code EUROWEEK at the checkout, when making your purchase. This special discount code is only valid from Tuesday 22 March to Friday 25 March. Click here to go shopping!

Large map of Europe in Blues and Greens by englishmuffinshop at Etsy

mengsel in canada

2011-03-22T10:17:00.002Z

The randomness of this world never fails to amaze me. Lauren, a girl who worked with me in the London jewellery boutique EC One back in the day, stumbled upon my tea towels in Toronto, Canada. She kindly took a few snaps of the shop window, where my black Moka Express tea towel is displayed alongside some pretty cool designs. The shop is Good Egg, my stockist in Canada. Check out their website. Quite an amazing space. Thanks Lauren!

ski bunny

2011-03-17T10:40:00.000Z

Going on a very last minute ski trip to Meribel, France for one week in a couple of days. I'm definitely not a pro skier. Don't laugh, but I've been looking at ski instructor video clips on YouTube to prepare myself to not actually ski off the side of the mountain and come back with broken bones. I've been once before, so everybody's telling me that the second time will be a major improvement. Fingers crossed. Last time, I was in tears and hiked all the way back to the chalet and stuffed my face with cake to ease the pain. It was only on the last day that I actually found my groove and got the chance to actually look around at the stunning scenery. Very excited! Last year, I loved all the vintage ski posters in the restaurants and bars. Found some great posters at Snow Ski Posters.

heal's spring/summer catalogue

2011-03-16T15:52:00.001Z

The other day, I took a little stroll down Tottenham Court Road and popped into the Heal's flagship store to go spy on my framed silkscreen prints. When I flipped through the gorgeous Spring/Summer 2011 catalogue, I found my "Bigger Boat" silkscreen print in turquoise on the first page! Almost did a little happy dance in the middle of the shop, but luckily I restrained myself and spared the embarrassment. Love how they tied the story together: "New Wave" and "Live Aquatic". Images from the catalogue:

"bigger boat"

"life aquatic"

front page of catalogue

ELLE Decoration March 2011 issue

2011-03-15T10:44:00.001Z

Mengsel's "Leafy Heart" silkscreen print in macaroon pink was featured in a beautiful interiors spread in the March 2011 issue of South Africa's ELLE Decoration. Loving these colour combinations. Really makes the pink pop. Always a pleasure seeing my work in magazines that I adore!

This print is also available in duck egg blue and both of these colours are available at Vamp Furniture in Cape Town (for South African buyers) . My prints are shipped worldwide and you can view more details about this hand pulled silkscreen print here in the Mengsel Shop.

NEW print: Introducing "SWANS"

2011-03-14T19:55:00.001Z

I've been a little bit quiet on the blog front lately. For the past few weeks, I tried to focus solely on design. It is so easy to get side tracked by so many other things like Twitter, other blogs etc. Just wanted to block all of that out and draw for a change! So this is the first in a bunch of new designs. Hoping to get them onto fabric soon for cushion covers, tea towels and more.

Silkscreen printed by hand on white 220gsm paper in bright red and hot pink water based ink. Graphic repeat pattern of hand drawn geometric style swans. The swan is such an elegant, graceful creature and I love simplifying these shapes to create a balanced, colourful image. I've printed them in two more colourways, so will introduce them later this week. Hope you like my "Swans"!

Available in the Mengsel Shop and my Etsy Shop.

photographer hilda grahnat

2011-03-09T10:06:00.000Z

Just discovered Swedish photographer and graphic designer Hilda Grahnat's wonderful work via Darling Clementine's Tumblr. So beautiful. A few of my favourite photographs on her site:

colour of the day: olive green

2011-03-08T20:32:00.000Z

Freshly printed: an olive green version of my "Whale" hand pulled silkscreen print. The little grey whale is floating on top of a sea of olive green pattern of graphic waves. Also available in delft blue and black.

You can check out this playful, happy print at the Mengsel Shop and Etsy.

Heal's!

2011-03-01T10:49:00.001Z

A few screen shots of my framed hand pulled silkscreen prints at Heal's. "Bigger Boat", "Tiny Towers", "Toucans" and "Moka Express" in a Nordic White wooden frame. Available online and at the flagship store on Tottenham Court Road.

Guggenheim, Bilbao

2011-02-21T09:52:00.000Z

For my 30th (still hasn't sunk in) birthday weekend, my husband and I went to the gorgeous San Sebastian in Northern Spain, Basque country. We flew from London to Bilbao, so we had the chance to spend the Sunday at the iconic Guggenheim museum before heading back. The sky was bright and blue all day. Very different to the last couple of months in grey London. Loved every minute. A few snaps taken with my new Canon EOS450D digital SLR...

oh patti

2011-02-19T19:19:00.001Z

On our weekend away, I read my first book on my brand new Amazon Kindle. It really is a joy to read. I read the legendary Patti Smith's memoir, Just Kids. Such a great story of an artist finding herself in 1970s New York. The book focuses on her relationship with the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and how they ended up from being practically homeless to successful artists, each in their own right. I love her boyish, bohemian style and she is still making music today.

Horses album cover (image: Electric Ladyland)

Photo: Last FM

Come on Summer!

2011-02-18T11:19:00.001Z

I seriously can't wait for Summer. Really hoping for a good one this year. Already checking out some Spring/Summer clothes online. Maybe I'm a little over enthusiastic? Love these t-shirts from Zara. The perfect combination of illustration and stripes.

ban.do

2011-02-10T21:34:00.001Z

ban.do is a very sweet accessories company from sunny Los Angeles, who focuses on "bringing gals around the world cheerful, modern, sparkly accessories that are full of whimsy and all out girlishness." Just love the fresh styling of the photographs and the pieces on offer are really sweet and pretty.

mini ban.do heart dual hair clip/brooch

pinwheel bow

pop flower

pom pom shoe clips

accessories for my dream office/studio

2011-02-09T09:29:00.000Z

London based Present&Correct is a constantly evolving store, obsessed with stationary. A selection of P&C products mixed up with handmade goods, vintage items and work by designers from all over the world. In a perfect world, I would have a perfectly organised desk and office space with everything in its place. These cool items make it seem less impossible. I want everything from this store!


arrow stencil

1960s typewriter

desk rubber stamps

french airmail set

to/from arrow labels

letterpress action clips

and the winner is...

2011-02-08T17:55:00.001Z

Thank you so much to each and every one of you lovely people who left such kind comments in the Valentine's day giveaway competition.

Once again, the old name out of a hat manoeuvre worked its magic and the winner of the giveaway is:

Rosie! From the fabulous blog, A ROSIE OUTLOOK. Congratulations Rosie!!! Hope my duck egg blue "Leafy Heart" hand pulled silkscreen print finds a special place in your home.

Once again, thank you to all your entries. I will be organising another giveaway soon, so watch this space.


The prize: "Leafy Heart" silkscreen print in duck blue. Also available in macaroon pink.

{Available to purchase here}

Mengsel Valentine's Day blog giveaway!

2011-02-01T13:36:00.006Z

Valentine's day is only 2 weeks away. Do you have a gift for your sweetheart yet? I will be giving away one of my "Leafy Heart" original hand pulled silkscreen prints to one lucky reader. The paper size is A3 (42 cm H x 29.7 cm W - 15" x 11") and the print size is 22.5 cm H x 18.5 cm W - 9" x 7". It is worth GBP £24.00 (US $38.00) and only 30 printed of each colour.

Which colour would you give to your love this Valentine's day?
Macaroon pink?
or....
Duck Egg Blue?

To enter, please leave a comment below with you contact details, stating which colour you would pick to give your loved one and why. I will randomly select a winner on Monday 7 February and pop it in the post, so it will arrive in time for Valentine's day.

These prints are for sale in a special Valentine's Day section, along with other sweet gifts like "i heart robot" pillowcase sets, "mini moka" prints and more... Go check it out!

Macaroon Pink "Leafy Heart" silkscreen print, edition of 30

Duck Egg Blue "Leafy Heart" silkscreen print, edition of 30

heart on your sleave

2011-01-25T13:09:00.000Z

There's something about hearts that just make me smile. Watch this space for a great Valentine's Day Mengsel blog giveaway...

Louise Gray for ASOS t-shirt Dress With Heart Panel

Vivienne Westwood for Melissa heart shoes

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Heart Lock Sweater

Brand new print from Mengsel: "Whale"

2011-01-22T16:56:00.000Z

BRAND NEW silkscreen print from Mengsel! I wanted to create a print that would be a continuation of my popular "Bigger Boat" design, so here we have "Whale". Happily floating in love on a delft blue (my favourite colour) graphic patterned sea.

Signed, dated and numbered editon of 45 prints, A3 size, (approx 30x40cm). The "Whale" print is a pretty, sweet and colourful edition to any home. It will make a fantastic Valentine's day gift or a gift for a brand new baby's nursery. I will be printing more colour options soon, so I will keep you posted.

Available to purchase in the Mengsel Shop and Mengsel's Etsy shop, where there will be more images to view too. Happy gift shopping!


"Whale" silkscreen print in Delft Blue and Black

Detail of "Whale" print in Delft Blue and Black

Good Nightingale

2011-01-19T14:25:00.002Z

Yay! Yesterday, I managed to silkscreen print a new pillowcase set design of mine that I've wanted to make for a long time. It shows two little nightingale birds telling each other, "good nightingale". Even sweet little birds need a good night's sleep. At the moment they are only available in dove grey on white cotton, but I will be printing more colours soon. Which new colours would you like these couple of birdies to printed?

The "Good Nightingale" pillowcase sets will also be sold as singles, if you only need one of them. They are available to buy in the Mengsel Shop and my Etsy Shop. So hurry if you want to buy your better half a sweet Valentine's day pressie!

"Good Nightingale" pillowcase set in grey

Bigger Boat print at ESP Gallery Australia for a good cause

2011-01-17T14:10:00.001Z

The lovely Satu Chad contacted me last year to get one of my prints, Bigger Boat, for an exhibition in Australia that will raise money for the Asylum Seekers Centre of New South Wales. I'm very honoured to be part of this exhibition. More info at www.esprojects.com.au

Bigger Boat original silkscreen print in turquoise by Mengsel

Prints Charming: House and Leisure South Africa Jan/Feb 2011 issue

2011-01-03T15:38:00.000Z

Mengsel's colourful 100% cotton tea towels have been featured in one of South Africa's best interior and lifestyle magazines. The green "Retro Roosters" tea towel and black "Moka Express" tea towel will definitely brighten up your kitchen. Available at my South African stockist in Cape Town, Vamp Furniture and online at the Mengsel Shop or Mengsel's Etsy shop. So wonderful to see my work in one of my favourite magazines!

Areaware animal boxes

2011-01-02T14:21:00.001Z

Discovered these adorable starage boxes from the always amazing Areaware. Animals include a whale, camel, bear, rhino, walrus and more. Made out of New Growth Beech Wood. So clever and sweet.

whale box, closed

whale box, open

rhino box, closed

rhino box, open

walrus box, closed

walrus box, open

Mengsel prints now available at Heal's!

2010-12-28T20:44:00.001Z

I am very pleased to let you know that Mengsel's limited edition silkscreen prints are now available at Heal's! I've been so excited about this for a while now and so so happy about it. Mengsel prints are available to purchase at the Tottenham Court Road flagship store and online at www.heals.co.uk. Heal's have chosen a small selection of framed limited edition prints for their flagship store: Moka Express, Tiny Towers and Toucans.

A little piece of history about Heal's:

"Starting out as a bed-making firm in 1810, we've been designing and making quality furniture ever since. We love it and we're good at it.

When Sir Ambrose Heal joined the firm in 1893, he had the vision to work with the most skilled designers and craftspeople of the day to create furniture that is comfortable, beautiful and affordable, reflecting the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Influential designers like Mies van de Rohe, Marcel Breuer and Robin and Lucienne Day have all been drawn to Heal's distinctive character and reputation for innovation.

This tradition lives on. Heal's continues to work with the designers of the future and offer home furnishings that represent the best in contemporary design."

You can read more about the history of this great British company here at the Heal's website.

It is just an absolute thrill for me to have my prints in a store that stocks most of my design heroes. Happy 2011!

Mengsel now available at brand new online store, Cow & Co.

2010-12-23T18:57:00.000Z

Cow&Co. is an international online design superstore delivering new, unique & vintage items & gifts straight to your door. Mengsel's Moka Express and Retro Roosters tea towels are now available in this fabulous UK based online store. My favourites from the shop...

Ship Pillow by Gabriela Pardo. Price: £35.00

Glass Jar Light Shade by James Shaw. Price: £18.00

Teardrop Brooch by Lori. Price: £18.00

a few favourites from the week

2010-12-22T18:12:00.000Z

Can't believe that 2010 is almost over! Now that I have a little time to sit down and think about all my plans for Mengsel for the new year, I've also found myself compiling a few wish lists...


Black "Florence" Velvet & Silk Bow Necklace from Melbourne designer Hopeless at Etsy

Quotes Measuring Spoons from Beehive Kitchenware at Etsy

Belle and Sebastian 2010 North American Tour Poster, Limited edition silkscreen by Strawberryluna at Etsy

GEEK and NERD recycled-wood signs from William Dohman at Etsy

Tripple Bubble silver mirror headband/necklace by Jennifer Loiselle at Etsy

yup, it's discount time at mengsel!

2010-12-16T13:49:00.003Z

Hey there last minute shoppers based in the UK, plus everywhere else who just want a little treat...

Yes, it is discount time at Mengsel! Items shipped to all UK destinations can still arrive in time for Christmas if ordered before Tuesday 21 December 2010. Don't worry, I've left a few things until the last minute myself!

To claim your special 15% discount in my online shops, enter the twitter15 at checkout:

ETSY SHOP: Enter the coupon code twitter15 at checkout
MENGSEL SHOP: Enter the coupon code twitter15 at checkout

You can still get your hands on quirky "i heart robot" pillowcase sets, retro-inspired 100% cotton tea towels, tote bags and hand pulled art silkscreen prints from original drawings. This offer is available to customers worldwide until 21 December 2010.

Merry Christmas!


"i heart robot" pillowcase sets - available in black, grey, red, green, turquoise and gold

"Retro Roosters" tea towel set in delft blue and apple green

Mini "Moka Express" silkscreen print in wedgewood blue

shed working

2010-12-09T16:51:00.000Z

Somehow I got the idea that having a shed for an office/workspace/studio in the back of a garden is a fabulous idea. I don't really want studio space somewhere else where I have to pay a high rent and have to commute. Now I just need an actual garden! I've found some really cool shed offices online for inspiration.


Author Amy Bloom's writing haven. Credit: William Wright from "Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways"

Vivid Green designs and constructs low-energy offices, studios and workshops. Photo from The Telegraph

Shed workshop at Real Living. Everything in its place. A huge dream of mine.

Modern, green and affordable shed from Studio Sheds. Flat packed and constructed within 6 hours! From jetsongreen.com

Garden office by Decorated Shed

Summerwood garden shed decorated by Urban Mode. Image via Interior Design Show

Tiny Towns in England: Shere, Surrey

2010-12-08T14:18:00.004Z

After our disastrous holiday experience (see earlier post: travel nightmares) we needed a little outing to get rid of the consequential cabin fever that ensued after being snowed in for most of the week. Decided to drive to the picturesque little town of Shere, Surrey. Coincidentally, this was the filming location for the Cameron Diaz/Kate Winslet film "The Holiday". See my snaps below. Very quaint town with charming houses and lots of character. And the bonus: a mere 35 minute drive from my home!

Shere high street

Tea house and gallery

war memorial

Shere church

graveyard

church and gravestones

public "facilities" in high street

Garden and Home interview in December 2010 edition

2010-12-07T17:50:00.000Z

Garden and Home South Africa interviewed me a while ago and now the article about Mengsel, called "Adding To The Mix" is on the "Pat on the Back" section in the December 2010 issue. I can't tell you how amazing it feels to be recognised by such a prestigious South African publication like Garden and Home. You can click on the image of the interview below to enlarge the image and read the article or if you are in sunny South Africa, you can pick up a copy at your local news stand. A wonderful end to a very exciting year for me!

travel nightmares

2010-12-04T13:08:00.000Z

I've had quite an interesting week regarding travel plans. We had plans to go to Marrakech, Morocco for a lovely 4 night break in the sunshine with our family before they go home to South Africa and things JUST didn't work out! Our flight from London was for Thursday morning 2 Dec, but Gatwick airport was completely shut down because of the extreme snow conditions and all flights were cancelled. We changed our flight to the next day in the afternoon and hoped for the best. We were very excited the next morning to find out that Gatwick has re-opened and that our flight was on schedule for the afternoon. We could still go for 3 nights out of the planned 4. Got to the airport, checked in, no problem. Yay! We were off to Morocco! HALF WAY throught the flight the pilot had an anouncement: "We have just found out some rather extraordinary news! Spanish air controllers have gone on a surprise strike and we will have more news later on." Turns out that the announcement for the strike was made at 5pm, an hour after our take off and we were now in Spanish airspace. There is no way to get to Morocco without crossing Spain. We had to turn around for an emergency landing in Bordeaux, France and waited inside the plane to refuel. So it was all the way back to London Gatwick then. We got home at about 1am, back in the freezing snow. No point in trying to get another flight as we've missed half our holiday now. Oh well, hopefully we'll have better luck next time...

Passport cover destination world by Sugarcanetrain808 at Etsy

Brand new silkscreen print: "Picnic"

2010-11-30T12:12:00.001Z

Introducing my newest hand pulled silkscreen print, "Picnic". How ironic that I'm listing this during a raging snow storm outside!

Dining al fresco in the park on a red plaid sheet with a basket full of fresh French bagels, jam, a selection of cheeses and a few glasses of vino: The simple pleasures! "Picnic" is one of my orginal illustrations, drawn by hand and silkscreen printed in my studio in bright red and black on crisp white 220gsm Daler Rowney paper (made in the UK). Available to purchase in my Etsy shop, Folksy shop and The Mengsel shop. Hope you like it?

"Picnic" original silkscreen print

Christmas comes early

2010-11-29T12:09:00.002Z

Hope everybody had a great weekend, despite the icy cold? I have a little GIFT for you: With every "i heart robot" pillowcase set or tea towel set (Moka Express or Retro Roosters) purchased online, I will include a pack of silkscreen printed gift tags as a little gift to you. Worth $8.00 a pack, you will receive a free pack of 5 gift tags from a selection of the Moka Express design (bright red and wedgewood blue) and Retro Roosters design (chartreuse). Add something special to your gift wrapping this Christmas from Mengsel. Also available to purchase from my Etsy shop. This special promotion is available until the last shipping day for Christmas and until stocks last. Be quick!

Moka Express set of 5 gift tags in bright red

Moka Express set of 5 gift tags in wedgewood blue

Retro Roosters set of 5 gift tags in chartreuse

Mengsel's shipping dates from the UK for Christmas 2010!

2010-11-25T11:03:00.002Z

England Post Office Letter Box - London. Photo by Rebecca Plotnick at Etsy

Hope everybody is ready for the festive season? Here in London, they are already predicting snow for this weekend and yesterday I sampled the delicious Eggnog Latte at Starbucks. Yum! The shops are all very festive and the lights are on and everything is very magical.

I hope that you will be buying something handmade and special for your beloved friends and family this season. Just a little information about the very latest shipping dates for Mengsel's hand pulled silkscreen prints, tea towels, cushion covers and pillowcase sets: All items are shipped from London with the United Kingdom's very trusty Royal Mail. I will be doing my very best to get all your Christmas post to you as soon as I can, but there are certain time limits for shipping abroad. Please see the dates below for the last dates for shipping in order for you Christmas present to arrive in each part of the world:

Monday 6 December 2010:       Australia, New Zealand and South Central America
Thursday 9 December 2010:        United States, Canada and everywhere else
Monday 13 December 2010:     Europe
Tuesday 21 December 2010:    United Kingdom

Please don't hesitate to contact me directly at mengseldesign@gmail.com if you need any further information.

birdies + wood = pretty

2010-11-21T21:35:00.001Z

My favourite wooden birdies from Etsy this week...

Bonjour Birdie Brooch laser Cut Wood by Shara Lambeth.

Wooden Birdhead Cup by Naturedesign

Little Sparrow Pin by Littlesparrows

Screenprinted Wooden Chickadee Brooch by Genevieve Jodouin

Wooden Singing Finch Bird Necklace by Lucie Ellen

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-19T19:33:00.000Z

It is getting really frosty over here in England. This will be my 6th Winter in London, since arriving here with my friend and small suitcase from Cape Town. Since then, I've had amazing experiences and I definitely feel like a proper Londoner by now. I love this town! Rather strange, but I've grown quite fond of the Winter here, especially November and December and the run-up to Christmas, when London really comes to life. I've found some beautiful images of that time of the year in London. Enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate (or mulled wine).


Ice skating at Somerset House - image from The Guardian


London Eye - image from Hospitality Line

A wintery St. Paul's Cathedral from the South Bank - image from Eventa

Mini Minis

2010-11-19T19:04:00.001Z

I have received SO MANY requests from customers for a smaller version of my bestselling "Moka Express" silkscreen print. Most people would love to have one of these in their kitchen, but with limited space in urban kitchens (especially in London!), sometimes the 70x50cm size is just too big for teeny tiny cooking/dining/living spaces.

So I have created a "Mini Moka" handpulled print just in time for Christmas! Coffee lovers (I'm one of them) will love this print, which is based on my original illustration of classic Italian Moka Express coffee makers. Each tiny coffeemaker measures about 4.5 x 2cm each and there are 42 of them on the print.

Silksreen printed in bright red and wedgewood blue and available in The Mengsel Shop and my Etsy shop. What's your favourite colour? Happy shopping!

Librarian Friday

2010-11-12T12:04:00.002Z

I always feel like I'm dressing like a librarian. A complete geek, I have to confess that I'm very happy when hanging out in a library and love the smell of old books and especially the peace and quiet. Some cute finds from Etsy and more. Happy weekend!


Library Card Notebook from crabappledesign at Etsy

Studio Julie skirt at Kate Spade

Vintage Black Buddy Holly Eyeglasses from comeuppances at Etsy

Prada Fall/Winter 2010 at Milan (image from famespy.com)

Trio of vintage self help books, mid-century classics by SunnyDay Vintage at Etsy

Colour of the day: neon pink

2010-11-11T13:08:00.000Z

I just printed a special edition of my popular graphic "Toucans" print in a gorgeous neon pink and dark grey. Tropical and 80's: How much more colourful can it get? I discovered some brilliant pieces in the same hue. Hope this post fills your day with colour in this dreadful London weather. Available to purchase in The Mengsel Shop and my Etsy shop.

"Toucans" handpulled silkscreen print from Mengsel

Detail of "Toucans" silkscreen print in neon pink and dark grey.

Love this colour pop of a classic Panton chair at an antique desk. (Image from elementsofstyleblog.com)

Geometria Landscape 2 - painting on wood by Neawear at Etsy

"Hot Pink Neon Wayfarer on the sreet - Williamsburg, Brooklyn", photograph by BrooklynorBust at Etsy

Colour of the day: pumpkin orange

2010-10-29T13:21:00.000+01:00

It's Halloween! Are you all dressing up and getting ready to party? My colour of choice for this blog post is pumpkin orange. Hope you have a great Halloween weekend.

Orange Spectrum Clock from Chroma Lab at Supermarket

Elsie two seat sofa from SCP

Believe in People mug by Rob Ryan at SCP

Pumpkin Spice Creamer ...vintage orange USA by The Classic Farmhouse at Etsy

60's Bright Barkcloth skirt Suit by The Pigeon Chest at Etsy

movie inspiration: The Village

2010-10-28T18:40:00.004+01:00

With all the pretty new capes and coat styles for Winter, the trend for staying warm and toastie this Winter really made me think about the mustard yellow coloured hooded capes that the characters wore in the creepy M. Night Shyamalan movie, The Village. Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix went berry picking in the woods, trying to avoid "those we do not speak of". Those villagers were way ahead of the trend back in 2004!

Joaquin Phoenix in "The Village" - photo from The Editing Room


Bryce Dallas Howard in "The Village" - photo from uk.movies.ign.com

Ash Grey Woollen Studio Cape from Zara

Vintage 1960s PLAY CHARADE Wool Cape in Celery and white Tweed Cape by Fabgabs at Etsy

Cape in Mustard Yellow, with Neck Tie by Margerydaw0 at Etsy

London Affordable Art Fair 21-24 October 2010

2010-10-19T15:27:00.000+01:00

I'm pleased to let you know that Mengsel's original silkscreen prints will be for sale at the London Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park from Thursday 21 October until Sunday 24 October. A wide selection of Mengsel silkscreen prints will be available to purchase framed or unframed and will be exhibited with Hackney based gallery DegreeArt.com. Be sure to check out their stand at the fair. This is a great opportunity for Londoners to see my print work from up close.

When Will Ramsay founded the fair in 1999 his aim was to make contemporary art accessible to everyone, and to show you don’t need to be an art expert or a millionaire to enjoy and buy art. Ten years on The Affordable Art Fair is the leading showcase in the UK for contemporary art under £3,000 having welcomed over 430,000 visitors who have bought £73 million of art.
Battersea Evolution
Battersea Park
London
SW11 4NJ

More information about the London Affordable Art Fair's opening times and tickets at their website.

"Robots in love" silkscreen print in Delft Blue by Mengsel

Mengsel silkscreen print featured in Coast Magazine

2010-10-19T13:16:00.003+01:00

Coast is a monthly UK magazine dedicated to living by the seaside and feature homes, travel, food, property, gardens and health & beauty. Gorgeous magazine with beautiful photographs. I was delighted when I flipped through the November 2010 issue and discovered Mengsel's "Bigger Boat" silkscreen print in a beautifully shot Christmas shopping spread. The shoot was set up to look like a Christmas advent calender (loved those with the chocolates behind each door as a child). Each one contains a covetable, seaside-inspired treat.

The "Bigger Boat" silkscreen print is available to purchase in The Mengsel Shop. Also available in a yellow wave colour option.

A big thanks to lovely stylist Poppy Norton. You can have a look at her styling work at her website: poppynorton.com

leaving on a jetplane

2010-10-14T12:46:00.009+01:00

I'm very lucky and fortunate to visit Amsterdam again this weekend with loads of friends. My husband is running the marathon and I'm running the much tamer 8km run. My first run ever. Fingers crossed. I'm really at my happiest when travelling. Back in the day, travelling by air was a real luxury and people used to go all out and dress up for the occasion, so here's a few vintage travel inspired finds from Etsy:

Vintage KLM Royal Dutch Airlines travel bag by Hotdate at Etsy


Vintage Polaroid Colorpack 2 Camera by 8pointdesign at Etsy


1951 Netherlands Book from Pinkshirtsncarwrecks at Etsy

1932 vintage City Map of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Vintage 60s EMMA DOMB pink stewardess dress from dollydresshop at Etsy