Saturday, February 28, 2009

Pink and orange


This kind of blends in well with the colors in the previous post. (Our two-year old likes parking his cars on the back rest of the sofa.)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Vintage Norwegian album covers



Every now and again I come across some vintage records with great sleeve designs. Here are two Norwegian ones - the top one,"Rosemalt Sound" is from 1967 and is designed by Chris White. White is originally from England where he studied in the mid- to late 1950s, then moved to Norway at some point, and is still living here. The second album, "Pirion" is from 1968 and designed by Peter Haars. Haars died in 2005, came from Germany originally, and became an important contributor to Norwegian graphic design in the 1960s and -70s. One of his biggest influences was Pop Art. I found this book cover collection of his on flickr.

PS: In case you wonder about the music on these albums, Rosemalt sound is jazzy folksy music and Pirion is a childrens album by singer songwriter Alf Prøysen.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Icicles



These daggers of ice are currently hanging outside our home office window.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Emalox II

...and here's my Emalox collection:


Tips: If you have any Emalox items, don't put them in the dishwasher, don't cut on them and if you serve salad in the light colored bowls, skip the red onion...

Emalox



The previous post got me thinking about Emalox. There's not much info out there in cyberspace (at least not in English) so I thought I'd try and fill the gap somewhat.


I've collected a bit of vintage Emalox bowls over the years, because of their simple shapes and great lustrous colors. The designer of these bowls was Bjørn Engø, originally a furniture designer. In the mid 1950s Engø started designing bowls, plates and ashtrays in enameled aluminum for Emalox at Ryen in Oslo. The basic forms of these products, and their fresh colors became very popular and are today sought-after collectors items. Emalox’ Grey Series was awarded a prize for good Norwegian design in 1967, and was then expanded to also be produced in other colors. The jury stated that they 'considered the grey, yellow and light green series to be the producer's best'.

A more well-known contemporary of Bjørn Engø is Grete Prytz Kittelsen. She is arguably most famous for the Lotus range (pots, pans and bowls) for Cathrineholm, but is originally a jewelery artist specialized in enameling works.

Images borrowed from Norsk Designråd (The Norwegian Design Council).

Figgjo fajanse Barcarole


I've been on the lookout for this pattern by Figgjo for some time – it's called Barcarole. I love the color combination. Seeing as I collect little lidded pots, I was very pleased that I managed to bargain this online.

PS. If you wonder about the orange lighter in the picture, it's a vintage Emalox design.

Staffordshire pottery cups


These are my new favorite cups. I found them on ebay. Need I say that I was happy?

Norwegian winter




Just a couple of snapshots from my doorstep this weekend.

Friday, February 13, 2009

I've been tagged

The lovely Biba over at Inspiration Bubble tagged me. These are the rules: Write 6 random things about myself, link the person who tagged you, post the rules. Tag six people and link them. Let them know they have been tagged.

So, here goes:

1. I'm a compulsive shopper of pottery with retro patterns. (As you might have realized if you've visited this blog before).

2. I hope to someday make use of all the pattern inspiration I have gathered up and try to make some patterns myself. Fabric print, possibly.


3. Almost all my furniture is either Ikea or vintage finds/hand-me-downs.

4. I've become addicted to coffee (just as well I have enough cups to support my addiction).

5. I hope to one day own an Eames rocker, preferably with a greyish glassfibre seat and waltnut runners.

6. I procrastinate.

I would like to tag the following people: Heather at Skinny Laminx, H is for Home Harbinger, Marie at Marie In Wonderland, Paul at Sweet Paul, Uncle Beefy at The Bedlam of Beefy and Francesca at Mrs Eliot Books.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Textured glass


Amongst my collections is a bit of textured clear glass. I have only recently started collecting Iittala's Ultima Thule range, but I already have a 24-piece set of vintage wine glasses in a similar design (make unknown). The other items in this style that are filling up my cupboards, are candle sticks, vases and ashtrays. These types of glass items were very popular in Scandinavia in the 70s.

Tomorrow is yet another trip to the fleamarket. Can't wait..

Pretty in blue (and gold)


Sometimes items come my way that isn't really my style, but I still like them enough to hang on to them. This pretty dove blue and gold Egersund teapot being the most recent example. I inherited it from an old aunt of mine, together with the sorbet glasses. The teapot will not be used, but on display in the kitchen, however.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Sebastien Tellier

I went to see Sebastien Tellier live in concert at Blå in Oslo on Tuesday night. I really like this video of his, "Broadway".

Monday, February 2, 2009

Sunshine at last


This is my neighborhood today. It's great to finally see some sunlight again. Don't think we saw it at all through January. Bring on spring!