What's blogging my view

Very basic colour theory

2012-02-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

I saw this one over at SwissMiss today and just had to share it. I love these guys, OK Go - they make some funny videos. If you want to learn more about their collaboration with Sesame Street, click here.

I ❤ Etsy

2012-02-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

These new vintage items have just been listed in my Etsy shop, inspired by that day of ❤s which is coming up only too soon...

I will be listing some more items hopefully next week, so do check in again. Hint: Iittala glassware and beautiful teak... Not to be missed!

Coffee now and then

2012-01-27T03:57:00.000-08:00

I'm very happy with my Nespresso coffee set-up, but I wonder if coffee culture weren't a bit more charming before. Like in 1950s-60s London:

A postmodernist, me?

2012-01-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

Trolley, Consumer’s rest chair by Frank Schreiner

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be in London. When there, I made a point of catching some inspiration at the V&A through an exhibition called 'Postmodernism: Style and Subversion 1970–1990'. I was worried there would be a lot of Memphis style stuff (which I don't like), but I trusted the V&A to put on a varied show as usual. They did not disappoint.

Kunstkredit, poster by Wolfgang Weingart, Basel

As I started my graphic design studies in London just at the end of the postmodern era, this exhibition was a huge trip down memory lane for me. Especially the graphics of early issues of Emigré magazine, The Face and Wolfgang Weingart’s posters struck a chord. I was also pleased to see that my favourite artist Jenny Holzer was represented:

The biggest discovery I made at this exhibition though, was that of Bricolage. I had seen the term before but never really paid it much attention. Now I realised that based on the products I have been making over the years, I have actually been practicing some bricolage myself! I'm not sure I can label myself a bricoleur, although it amuses me to think I could then be in company with MacGyver... (!)

I'll end this postmodernist post with a quote I saw at the exhibition and which I found very interesting, being a blogger of superficial stuff:

Superficiality has depth, if understood and accepted
as the profound difficulty of human life.
Alessandro Mendini

PS. Actually, I'll end this post the way the exhibition ended. With this video by New Order, Bizarre Love Triangle :-)

Figgjo fireworks/flowers

2011-12-31T10:48:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the New Year’s Eve fireworks that is starting to pop, here's a little work in progress by me. And with this I'd like to wish you all a happy 2012.

I'm not sure where Whatsbloggingmyview will be in the new year, but if you stick around you'll find out :-) Take care!

Colourful bon-bon dishes

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is the other product line I have been working on lately which I will be selling at the Designers' Christmas Fair this weekend. Each dish is unique, designed using vintage china.

The little yellow one above is one of my favorites. The saucer I've used is Figgjo Flint's 'Lilli' (Rolf design).

Designers’ Christmas Fair, Oslo

2011-11-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again, and time for me to prepare for the annual Designers’ Christmas Fair in Oslo next weekend. I will be there selling my latest designs, a continuation of the Pølse & Lompe project from last year - calendars. This year we have two different calendar designs, plus some greeting cards. If you happen to be in Oslo next weekend, I hope you make your way to DogA. It's going to be good :-)

I'm also currently designing some other products that I hope to get finished for the fair. More about these later...

Eames movie

2011-10-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Great news brought to my attention a couple of days ago :-)

Here's the synopsis of the film:

"The husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames are widely regarded as America's most important designers. Perhaps best remembered for their mid-century plywood and fiberglass furniture, the Eames Office also created a mind-bending variety of other products, from splints for wounded military during World War II, to photography, interiors, multi-media exhibits, graphics, games, films and toys. But their personal lives and influence on significant events in American life - from the development of modernism, to the rise of the computer age - has been less widely understood. Narrated by James Franco, Eames: The Architect and the Painter is the first film dedicated to these creative geniuses and their work."

In cinemas from 18th November (I guess that's the US so probably a little later for Europe).

You can watch the trailer here.

Stavangerflint by Stanley Salvesen

2011-10-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

About two years ago I found the blue-ish grey bowl above at some fleamarket. I didn't know anything about it, I just really liked the design. Then, a couple of months ago my good friend Cecilie gave me some items as she was clearing out her cupboards (good girl!). I was thrilled to get my hands on the beautiful yellow vase also in the pic. It went SO well with the bowl :-) A short time after, I was researching some Stavangerflint info for a blog post, and I found this:

My two items were related! (Items # 109 and #107). The designer is Stanley Salvesen – I love his name, btw. Not to mention all the other fab items he designed for Stavangerflint. Click here to see more.

The beauty of glass

2011-10-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

I enjoy photographing glass. The light, the reflections, the transparency and the shadows are all interesting to me. The vintage stained black glass bowl above is my latest find. I think it might be from Hadeland, but that's a wild guess.

Still here!

2011-10-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

While I'm about to prepare some new blogposts at long last, I'm putting up this fantastic pallette of coloured mosaic tiles for you to enjoy. (I can't remember where I found the image, but I'm trying to locate the source...)

Turning 5

2011-09-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Ellis turned 5. I guess turning 5 is a kind of landmark birthday. I certainly remember mine well. That's me on the left on that very day back in 1974 and to the right is Ellis on his (37 years and 5 days later.)

(I did not make that fabulous crown for him btw, - his arts and craft teacher in kindergarten did :-)

Vintage ceramic lamps

2011-09-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for vintage table lamps, particularly of the ceramic variety. Here is my collection (so far).

Søholm, Denmark.

Desirée stentøj, Denmark.

Design: Per and Annelise Linnemann Schmidt for Palshus, Denmark. This is all of 70 cm tall. Quite a bit is hidden under that big shade. (Which is from Ikea, btw.) If you want to see more art pottery from Palshus, click here.

Unknown make.

If you've been following my blog for some time you might have seen these before:

Lovely yellow Bitossi, Italy.

Green Bitossi.

Bay, Germany.

Que sera, Sera?

2011-09-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

It was my birthday on Friday, and my friend Maggie presented me with this lovely jug and creamer from Stavangerflint. The pattern is called Sera and is by Inger Waage. I had the serving dish from before, so now this makes a great little trio.

At yesterday’s fleamarket I did actually find a complete coffee set in this pattern, but I have decided I just haven't got room for any more... Besides, I often like mixing plain cups with vintage items as I think a full set in one pattern can sometimes be too busy and you don't notice how great the pattern actually is. What do you think?

I did also have this one little Sera egg cup from before. I it is my favorite object in this pattern. It's got to do with the simplicity of the decoration plus the fat border on the brim. I do like that detail.

Yesterday’s catch

2011-09-04T04:19:00.000-07:00

The fleamarkets are back on again and here is what I scored yesterday: Lots of Staffordshire mugs, the white ones even came with plates to match. Note the lovely steel tray with wooden handles that they are sitting on - it’s stamped Cultura Stainless AB Silver & Stål Sweden.

I remember my mum having a set of the brown mugs when I grew up. I have come across a couple of them in various colour combos before but never so many in mint condition. Not yet decided if they’re going into my Etsy shop or not... Any takers?

I'm very pleased with these new additions to my random plates and saucers collection. The top one is by Stavangerflint. I don't have the name for the pattern or the designer. If you know, please share! The bottom one is Swedish, from Rörstrand and is called Drapé.

Torun - a sterling passion

2011-08-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

I would like to share a fantastic Swedish documentary with you on the late jewelry designer Torun Bülow-Hübe (she was the first female silversmith to become internationally famous). Unfortunately it's only available via svt.se in Sweden, but I recommend all my Swedish readers to see it if they haven't already. The rest of you should be able to enjoy this clip at least. And possibly a follow-up post. Watch this space.

Marimekko fall favourites

2011-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

(Click image to enlarge.)

While I'm on the Marimekko trail... These are my favourite clothes from their autumn/winter collection. Not sure I could get away with wearing those bold horizontal stripes, but one can dream, right? The top right outfit looks like something my grandmother used to wear. Maybe that's why I'm attracted to it :-) What it lacks in sex appeal I'm sure it makes up for in comfort!

Marimekko accessories

2011-08-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

You can never have enough accessories, right? And certainly not if they're by Marimekko! I was lucky to find the Marimekko Converse sneakers and the lovely Pisaroi tote in the sales a few weeks ago. I also needed a good umbrella so I decided to finally invest in one (I'm really tired of cheap ones that come apart after a few days). I went for the classic Piccolo pattern that I love as it will go with anything.

A day at Tivoli in Copenhagen

2011-08-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

Leaving rainy Oslo. My travelling companion pointing out to sea.

Breakfast Danish style.

Where the fun begins.

The Pantomime Theater.

'T' for tivoli.

The facade of the aquarium.

The back of restaurant Nimb Terrasse.

Chick!

The Japanese Tower and 'dragon boats'.

Total concentration in one of the veteran cars.

From the ride The Flying Suitcase - a travel through H.C. Andersen's fairytales. As Ellis said: 'It's like being in a different world!'
:-)

The Little Mermaid.

The Ugly Duckling.

The Snow Queen.
(To mention just a few...)

Ellis’ first candy floss.

...and possibly last. (A couple of bites and he'd had enough.)

The Big Clock. A charming little vintage ferris wheel. I just loved this one.

So long, Tivoli. I'm sure we'll be back before too long.

Going Tivoli

2011-08-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'm setting out for Copenhagen. I've been to Copenhagen many times before but never visited Tivoli. I'm taking my soon-to-be 5 year old and I think it will be almost as much fun for me as I'm sure it will be for him.

These illustrations are taken from the book Nordiske Hovedsteder (Nordic Capitals) which I have blogged about earlier (click here to see). The Copenhagen section of the book is written and illustrated by Ebbe Sadolin (1966).

I'll bring my camera and hope to have some nice Tivoli pics to show you later :-)

Love for Norway

2011-07-26T02:51:00.000-07:00

Illustration by Kaveh Adel

Day of the roses

2011-07-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

I so wish I could have been in Oslo today for what was initially intended to be a march in honour of Friday's victims. Everyone was advised to carry a rose as a symbol of solidarity. About 150 000 people turned up in the streets. As it turned out, it wasn't possible to march due to the huge number of people, but I don't think that really mattered much. After the event, people decided to decorate the town in flowers...

I have borrowed these photos from Ivan André Abelsen's facebook page. For more photos click here , here and here.

So what was my excuse for not taking part? Well, somebody had to stay home and look after the future generation... I watched the two hour long broadcast on TV of the speeches and the songs performed. It was impossible not to be moved.

Edited blog post

2011-07-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

Due to everything that's been going on here in Norway this weekend, I’m not really in the mood to blog much.

On Saturday night Prince was meant to play Oslo and I was meant to be there. (The concert has of course been postponed.) I did have a Prince song posted here, but have decided to remove it as it might seem inappropriate. (My original blog post title was also unfortunate, I have realised.)

PS. In case you should wonder, I have not been directly affected by the tragic events that have taken place. Me, my family and my friends (as far as I know) are OK. As a Norwegian it's impossible not to feel affected today, though.

I hope to be back soon with more regular posts.

In Living etc this month (well, August issue)

2011-07-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

Note the Interiors Extra 40 fabulous rooms 2011.

My dining area is one of those 40 rooms!

(Click the images for bigger versions.)

PS! Some of those vases on the sideboard are available in my etsy shop.

PPS! More cushions like the one in the picture are available in my web shop :-)

(Click on the links to see.)

Smile

2011-07-18T05:51:00.001-07:00

Can you see what it is? It's yet another retake on the famous Mona Lisa painting. It's actually called Mona Lisa Remix and it's by Graphic Nothing. As they say of this work: 'Makes no sense close up. Makes every sense from the other side of the room.' I love it and I'm thinking about putting her on my bathroom wall (to replace the Keep Calm poster...) I doubt it will make much sense from the other side of such a small room, though, but it's fun all the same.

If you want one for yourself, click here.

Bambi necklaces by Happymeat (aka Cecilie Ellefsen illustration)

2011-07-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

Mine is bright pink :-) These fun necklaces are currently for sale at BerlinTexaz in Grünerløkka. http://berlintexaz.com/

Also, check out Cecilies online shop for her wonderful silk screen prints!

Something that made me laugh today...

2011-06-27T03:47:00.000-07:00

...on the topic of parenting, exercising authority lovingly and firmly:

I've read this book a couple of times before, but it's always fun to re-visit. It's called "Families and how to survive them" (oh, yes). By Robin Skynner and John Cleese. The cartoons are by Bud Handelsman.

Nesodden midsummer nights

2011-06-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

The view towards Oslo on Friday night/Saturday morning.

Midnight in our garden yesterday. It looks like the white wall has some kind of projected image on it but it's just the shadows from the hedge. Not really visible to the naked eye, but the camera picked it up at 1600 iso. (Shame about the camera shake.)

Nordic capitals - a vintage book find

2011-06-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

The most wonderful illustration of Oslo with the tip of Nesodden pointing into the fjord. I found it in this book:

The book is from 1966 and features Helsinki, Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. The Oslo text and illustrations are by Odd Brochmann. I will probably come back to this book to show you some of the other capital highlights.

Please click on the images to see their full glory, by the way...

Examples of Oslo architecture.

This one I dedicate to my blog friend Lisa. If you read her blog Krims Krams you will understand why :-)

I find this one funny. The trams look different today, but the weekend skiers are just as mad. (That's my opinion, anyway.)

Nothing beats a beautiful Norwegian summer. Next week is St. Hans eve (midsummer night). I wish we still celebrated it as stylishly as in this drawing.

An extra treat for my Norwegian readers - the text that accompanies the illustration above:

Amen.

Video for the weekend

2011-06-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

I just love the video graphics for this. Music by Norwegian band Røyksopp.

Have a nice weekend all!

Fleamarket finale

2011-06-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a thrill today has been! Two local fleamarkets in one trip and here is what I found...

I'll zoom in on some of it for you:

Gustavsberg melamine cups and Emsa melamine plates in mint condition.

Teak salt and pepper shakers shaped as vikings. Another bargain that I initally thought I'd put on Etsy but changed my mind as soon as I unpacked them at home. Sorry guys!

Small vase from Strehla Keramik, Germany.

Big, heavy candleholder for hanging on the wall. Possibly the work of Konrad Galaaen.

Isn't she sweet? I think it was her glasses that did it for me. I might not have brought her home if it wasn't for those specs :-) It's a litho titled 'Selvportret' (Self portrait) and signed K. Axels. Danish, I presume. The jam jar is from Arabia, Finland, and the vase is from Germany.

I found a whole lot of plates, cups, serving platters and sugerbowls in this pattern (Safran)... I just couldn't get it all (sigh) and was going to settle for one item. I contemplated a lidded sugerbowl. Then there was this (above) - a huge serving bowl in exactly the same design as the sugarbowl, only forty times bigger. (OK - slight exaggeration, but it is BIG.) I thought I'd be as bold as the dish and went for it. The price? NOK 75. That's a bargain in my book.

Finally, some 50's halos for Christmas tree lights. Perfect for a kitschy winter holiday. Not an obvious choice when it's summer at it's best with hot, sunny weather like today.

I was thrilled putting all these items in the car and drive home through the beautiful countryside, sun roof open and some favorite tunes on the stereo. The last fleamarket of the season was a great finale.

Vintage glass items

2011-06-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

Smoked glass has been a favorite of mine for many, many years. These three items are the latest additions to my collection. I don't know what their makes are, but I think the tall vase at the back might be from Hadeland, Norway.

This little minimalist owl is often listed as a paperweight, and I can confirm that it is a Hadeland product. I guess the tiny crystal ball is also a paperweight.

Tormod Sjaamo painting

2011-05-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

I finally got my painting up on the wall where I wanted it before photographing it and showing it to you. I found this in my local charity shop a couple of weeks ago and was instantly drawn to it. The artist’s name is Tormod Sjaamo and around 1950-60s he used to teach at Statens håndverks- og kunstindustriskole in Oslo (similar to the Royal College of Art in Britain). He also lived in Nesodden which is my area.

Although it's signed '82, I think the style of painting is very mid-century. I love the colours and the composition and the fact that people interpret it differently. What do you see?

(Click on the images for a larger version.)

Stavangerflint Fox

2011-05-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

How's this for a great vintage kiddie's plate? I had never seen this previous to finding it on an online auction site. I was very happy to have the winning bid :-) It is another Turi-design and the decor is called 'Fox'.

Little dog "Lost"

2011-05-20T02:25:00.000-07:00

Every now and then when I'm thrift shopping for ceramics, porcelain and glass etc. I stumble across a picture that I just can't resist. This was one of those. Call it kitschy, I don't care. The expression on this little puppy triggered my rescue gene.

The picture looks like an etching, it's got an English title, "Lost", but I can't make out the signature (click on image for larger version). My guess is that it's from the first half of the 1900's, but I'm no art expert. If you are, or if you're able to interpret the signature, please leave a comment. If you're not an art expert you're welcome to leave a comment anyway :-)

I also found a painting on the same shopping trip. Stay tuned.

Blue again

2011-05-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

While I'm preparing something else for the blog, here's a little blue bit that I picked up thinking I could always list it in my Etsy shop. Meanwhile, I like it enough to hold onto it... I don't know the make as it's unsigned but I know I've seen it before. Most likely it's by a Scandinavian ceramicist. The colour and finish reminds me of Söholm, but is it? Again I trust one of you readers might be able to help me with the name.

Update (or: It's a small world): Gro sent me a comment to this post today – it turns out this vase used to be hers... She had donated it to our local charity shop where I found it. (It's from Greece, so not Scandinavian at all, as it turns out). My reply comment to Gro is this: next time you want to get rid of something this nice, don't bother with the detour - you can just give it to me directly :-)

Vintage children’s book III: La Fontaine Fabeln

2011-05-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

The last book in this blog post series is a vintage German children's book. It's got fantastic colourful illustrations by Gerhard Oberländer and was published in 1964.

Bottled mice, anyone?

Vintage children’s book I: Singeling for rare ting

2011-05-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Blogspot had big problems this week. As a result, the original version of this post (and comments) disappeared and was never restored. I'll try to repeat myself as best I remember..

This Norwegian children's book was published in 1961. The illustrator's name is Unni-Lise Jonsmoen. (She's the wife of the author Ola Jonsmoen.)

The story is about Enok who's 6 and home from school one day due to a cold. He's bored and his mum suggests he do some drawing, which he does. He then makes up some fantastic stories based on the drawings.

The sign on the tram reads 'Enok’s town'.

Vintage children’s book II: Min første bok

2011-05-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Picture books naturally don't have much text, but this one doesn't even have the year of publishing. Judging from the photos I'm guessing it's from the 1950s. The title of the book translates to "My first book" and the subtitle reads "A picture book in colours". And what colours!

Note how the banana is posed on some soft furnishing. I find that amusing for some reason.

There's more of course, but this will have to do for now.

Have a nice weekend! I'm off to another fleamarket tomorrow and hope to have something to show for it here later.

Blog bother

2011-05-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

I was a little alarmed to find that my Vintage children's book post from yesterday suddenly seemed to have vanished. All day today I've been trying to blog, only to find out blogger was doing maintance work. Sigh. I hope they manage to restore all missing posts as promised. Meanwhile, I'll continue with part two of the children's books.

Big apple by Arabia

2011-05-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

This is my latest vintage treasure. It's a huge serving platter and it's got pride of place on the dining table. Designed by Gunvor Olin Gronquist.

Beautiful blues recently thifted

2011-05-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Stavangerflint plate. Can anyone help me with the name of the pattern?

Christmas platter from Porsgrund. Incidentially from the same year that I celebrated my very first Christmas... Good vintage, in other words :-) I don't know who did the illustration, but as far as Christmas platters go I think this is one of the best I've seen.

This little vase/bottle has a stamp on the underside, but I'm not familiar with it. (This goes for a few items in my collection. Maybe I'll do a post on them later and ask for your assistance in interpreting them.)
Update: The vase is called Zyklon, designed by Cari Zalloni for German company Steuler. Thanks to Christin and Skynda Fynda blog for the info.

This ashtray is by Maria Philipi for Söholm, Denmark.

An Italian dish, possibly Bitossi. Very 'Rimini Blue' anyway.

Yesterday’s catch, part III

2011-04-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

The curves and light in this green Hadeland pitcher photographed so well it became a whole little series on its own :-)

When I grew up we had a bigger version of this pitcher in a smoked/grey colour. I've always liked its shape and the way it holds ice cubes. I think this was a popular design from Hadeland back in its days (probably the 1960s).

Yesterday’s catch, part II

2011-04-29T12:25:00.001-07:00

Iittala's 'Ultima Thule' decanter designed by Finish designer Tapio Wirkkala.

I've started collecting drinking glasses in this series (still in production), so finding this for nkr 40,- was a thrill.

Yesterday’s catch, part I

2011-04-29T12:09:00.001-07:00

We had quite a successful day thrift-shopping yesterday, my good friend Maggie and I. Pictured above is my main lot. All the items with yellow are from Figgjo. My guess is that they date back to the late 50's. The lovely little cookie tray in front is called 'Smørbukk' and is by Inger Waage for Stavangerflint. It was also produced in yellow, of which I have a dinner plate from before:

Borrowed colours

2011-04-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

From Poppytalk.

From My Vintage Vogue.

From the Inger Waage web site.

Post-Easter egg post

2011-04-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a great Easter. Mine was nice and lazy, enjoying the spring sunshine. I also managed to find some vintage treats :-)

Although the high season for eggs might officially be over for this year, the egg cups remain. Here is a vintage trio from Stavangerflint. The decor on the bottom one is called 'Honey' and the top one is 'Sera', both by Inger Waage. If you know the name for the middle one, please be a good egg and let me know. (Soft pun intended.)

Olivetti poster

2011-04-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

How cool is this poster? I want one to go with my typewriter :-)

Image borrowed from flickr here.

Vintage Olivetti typewriter

2011-04-20T04:18:00.000-07:00

(Click on images to enlarge)

Stavangerflint children's dishes

2011-04-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

I had dishes with these motifs as a kid. They got lost over the years but I was lucky and found a complete set (plate, cup and bowl) last year at a fleamarket. I'm pretty sure the illustrations are by Inger Waage, and they are just beautiful. And so fitting for spring.

Random views recently captured around my house

2011-04-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

Do these large glasses have a name? Or a use, for that matter? Other than looking pretty, I mean? I found the large teal one this week and bought it on impulse for kr 15 (less than $3). Only when I put it on the shelf did I realise how stunning the colour actually is.

The fruit dish in a similar colour in the background is by Per Lütken and the vases are Hovmanstorp handblown crystal made in Sweden. Incidentally they were the first items in my glass collection, many years ago.

Inger Waage items

2011-04-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

While I'm still working (slowly) on the aforementioned collage, I'll treat you to a glimpse of some Stavangerflint beauties. They are handpainted and designed by Inger Waage (possibly the most famous artist working for Stavangerflint). The finish is a beautiful semi-matte eggshell colour. I only just recently found the largest of these dishes on Etsy, the other two I acquired through a thrift store and on ebay a few years ago. The smallest dish is for holding a tobacco pipe.

Kitchen interlude

2011-04-08T04:54:00.000-07:00

While I'm working on a collage of pottery patterns for you, I thought I'd wish you a happy and sunny spring weekend with these photos taken in my kitchen today.

Fruit in da room. The Cathrineholm Lotus bowls look smashing in the sunlight.

Basic lunch. It's starting to feel like Easter, my favorite holiday. Time for yellow.

What's more peaceful than a dog soaking up some sunshine?

And then – time for a large mug of coffee (and some tiny biscuits) while blogging.

Enjoy your weekend!

Action Frank

2011-04-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

The last post in the series of little things... On occasion I find the odd vintage toy that I can't pass. This set of skiing gear for a 12" doll called 'Action Frank' being one such thing. I have never heard of Action Frank before, and it seems neither has ebay. I'd love to know what he looks like. Judging from this outfit, he has short legs (hence the short skis), extremely warm hands (mittens are made of net material), he's got big feet and is probably British (the Union Jack is adorning his anorak, anyway). If you happen to know who I live with, you might enjoy this a little extra.

Update: After a little more research. Could this be him? Guys and dolls, indeed :-))

More little things

2011-04-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

How cool is this? If you live in Sweden, this Lundby dollhouse lounge can become yours here.

The little things

2011-03-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

To prove that size doesn't necessarily matter, here are some of the smallest dishes in my collection.

Pastoraali, Arabia made in Finland. Artist: Esteri Tomula.

Also Arabia of Finland. Could this also be by Esteri Tomula?

Turi-design, Market, Figgjo Flint, made in Norway.

Furstenberg, made in Germany. For the ship TS Hanseatic of the Hamburg Atlantic Line. (Artist unknown).

Dashing driver

2011-03-29T03:08:00.000-07:00

When we visit London, a trip to the Transport Museum is always on the charts, as our 4 year old son insists on going to try out the London buses, trains and taxis. It's a great museum (with an equally great gift shop). Every time we're there, I'm intrigued by this guy. The way he's got that blanket wrapped around him like a skirt. For me it's like Hermès meets Jean Paul Gaultier or something. So cool. He should be on the Sartorialist blog, really.

Barn Igjen fabric by Cecilie Ellefsen

2011-03-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

My illustrator friend Cecilie has designed these fun fabric prints for mother and daughter team Barn Igjen. You can buy the fabrics by the meter here.

Just to give you an idea of a great craft project using one of these fabrics:

Thanks to Maria Sætre for putting this image out on facebook :-)

I think it's time for me to dig out that sewing machine again very soon.

Wooden Donkey web shop

2011-03-27T16:23:00.001-07:00

Wooden Donkey is one of my favorite spots online for quirky vintage purchases. Above are some of my latest finds there. 1 Tin toy car, 2 Book on modern glass, 3 Tin coasters (set of six) and 4 Wooden shop peg puzzle.

Take two

2011-03-27T02:14:00.000-07:00

Maybe these were the images I should have used in my previous post. But then I would have missed Francesca's witty comment, of course ;-)

I'm not trying to say my son's got great taste or anything (but he does, of course ;-p). I just thought I'd better post a photo without blurs. You learn as you blog, I guess... Thanks, Francesca!

Latest pattern purchases

2011-03-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

My Orla obsession never ends. I finally got my hands on a piece from her latest House collection. It was a difficult decision, but I ended up with this navy blue lidded cookie jar. I think it blends in OK with all the other jars and things.

The other house item I brought home from London this time was this cushion, bought at The London Transport Museum. I remember the days when that fabric adorned the seats of British Rail. It now adorns my lounge.

Inspiration in London SE21

2011-03-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday noon I headed south-east from central London

to the English countryside.

Well, to Dulwich College, at least. What for, you ask?

For this: Midcentury Modern. Furniture and collectables for the home from 50 top dealers and designers. I read about this last year and I've been wanting to go and see it for myself. I was thrilled to be able to go and enjoy all this mid-century goodness.

At the entrance point there was live music (a lady on ukulele) to welcome us visitors.

The show was quite full-on from the word go.

I just loved the juxtaposition of this shelf of mid-century fabric and the classical portrait painting.

Tulip table with Eames chairs in a rather unusual colour - bright yellow with dark green seat cushions. The Krenit bowl on the table was incredibly expensive, I remember.

Now for my favorite discovery at the show: fellow Norwegienne Maria Hatling. (Amongst all the vintage stuff at the show, there were some exciting young designers selling their products too.) I was drawn to this shelf full of beautiful printed cushions and framed prints. Maria has studied fashion design in Wales and I was delighted to find out she had worked as a creative for Orla Kiely for six years. I have even blogged about Maria's work earlier, without knowing it was she who was behind the designs. I am sure we will see a lot of Maria's work in the future.

An overview of Christon Hall.

I wouldn't mind this little chair. It was way out of my budget, though.

I wouldn't mind this Morris Minor either. 7200 pounds was the asking price.

This illustrated coffee table caught my eye. I really like the line drawing with the colour blocks behind it. (Petrol blue and mustard yellow being my favourite combo at the moment.)

I came to the show with hardly any cash in my wallet. It didn't occur to me that the sellers might not take plastic. In hindsight, this might be just as well, as I could easily have invested in something too big and heavy to carry on the plane home. The one souvernir I did purchase was this:

a London moneybox. To help me save up for the next trip, perhaps...

This cushion above is one of the things I had to pass on. It was by Lucy Bates Vintage Fabric. There was a lot of vintage fabric at the show, but I think Lucy had some of the best.

With a head full of mid-century impressions, I left Dulwich and walked in the lovely spring weather (cherry blossoms and all) across to West Norwood for Sunday dinner.

I hope to be back for this show again. And next time I will remember to bring cash.

Traditional Norwegian tapestry

2011-03-16T03:03:00.000-07:00

I have seen a lot of these wool tapestry things in my life, but never really had much interest in them, to be honest. When I came across these two though, I changed my mind. The colour-combo and patterns really appeal to me. I love the craftmanship that's gone into making them. They are created on a loom and I think they might be from the late 50s.

In all likelihood these will not go up on the walls in my house – I think it will give too much of a mountain cabin feel. Perhaps I could make cushions of them, but it seems a shame to cut them up. What do you think?

It could work on a table top, I guess.

London calling

2011-03-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Image: Courtesy Peter Visontay, Earth Photography.

Belgravia, Bloomsbury, Marylebone, Fitzrovia... these are some of my favorite names of London areas. Bloomsbury being my favorite place to stay. I will be there again soon, and I have to say I'm pleased to be leaving the snow and winter boots behind and hopefully soak up some London spring.

When there, I am planning to see these exhibitions:

Bridget Riley at The National Gallery (click here for more info on the show).

Image: Courtesy Karsten Schubert, London.

Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A. (Click here for more info.)
Image: © Courtesy of Gael Amzalag

More on all of this later (amongst other things). Meanwhile, I feel it's time to get in the right London spirit by watching an episode or two of Jeeves and Wooster. Rather.

PS. I wish I could have been there for this as well:

It looks fantastic. Next year, perhaps?
See more here.

What to write?

2011-03-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

I think I know that feeling... ;-)

Hope you're having a nice weekend. I'll be back on Monday.

Modernist motoring

2011-03-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what the link was between motoring and cigarette smoking back in the 1950s/60s, but I have in my possession these two Scandinavian ashtrays from that era - both carrying advertisement for car related organisations.

The Domino ashtray designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg should be well-known to a lot of you. However this particular one has the symbol of Scania (or Aktiebolaget Scania-Vabis to be precise). Scania do buses, that's about all I know about them... Other than that, I'd just like to add that I was thrilled to find this piece in a flea market a few months ago :-)

This second ashtray is Norwegian, produced by Stavangerflint and signed 'Kari'. It promotes the Royal Automobile Club of Norway and its hotel in Oslo ('Kongelig Norsk Automobilklub-Hotellet').

I love the way the couple in the car look so chirpy greeting us, even if they're almost running over a black cat... Also they have really dressed up for the occasion of taking a car ride, which is cute, and then there's that little poodle sitting like a statue in the back seat. Priceless.

Scandinavian mid-century pottery on Etsy

2011-03-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

...and some German lava-type pottery too. If you like any of what you see here, hop over to my Etsy shop to see more (click here).

Two for tea

2011-03-08T06:42:00.001-08:00

My favorite color combo for some time now - petrol blue and amber. These two lovely teapots have been sitting in my local thrift shop for years. And I have passed them more times than I care to remember. Because I didn't think I had room for them. In the end I couldn't resist them any longer and got them, and I made room :-) Now I don't understand why I didn't do it sooner.

Both teapots are unmarked but I have a feeling the yellow one is British and I'm pretty sure the blue one is Norwegian, most likely from Egersund.

Planetveien 12 FOR SALE!

2011-03-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Here I was, thinking this was going to be just an ordinary Friday. I'm very happy to have been wrong on that one; I think this is my longest blog post yet...

In the afternoon I got a mail from a friend with the news that THIS house is up for grabs: Grete Prytz Kittelsen’s modernist gem in Oslo. It was designed in 1955 by her then husband architect Arne Korsmo. Grete Prytz Kittelsen lived and worked there until her death last year.

I was kind of hoping the house would be turned into a museum as it is a very important building in Norwegian architectural history as well as holding Grete Prytz Kittelsen's workshop (the oven she used to make some of her enameled pieces is still in there). The good news is that it will be made a protected building. It will be interesting to see who buys it and for what price... (It’s estimated at 7 to 8 million Norwegian kroners, which is surprisingly modest for what it is and what it contains.)

Here are a bunch of photos borrowed from finn.no and DN, for you to enjoy and (like me) drool over. (Click on them for lager versions).

Have a fantastic weekend!

Of all the lovely interior photos, I think this one moved me the most. It’s a bit like the holy grail...

Grete Prytz Kittelsen posing for Vogue (no less) in her workshop, 1961.

Still not had enough? Click here for more fantastic photos...

Related posts: Here, here and here.

Arabia cup update: FIESTA is the name

2011-03-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

So, my hunch seemed to be right after all; the pattern on this cup is not called 'Valencia' (contrary to popular belief) – it is Fiesta. In case you're as much of a pottery nerd as me, you might find this piece of information interesting ;-) I also discovered that it is a cup for serving hot chocolate. Extra yummy!

PS! The designer of this cup is Ulla Procopé who worked for Arabia between 1948-1968. She also designed 'Ruska' – the best selling coffee set in the history of Arabia.

If you are looking for Arabia stuff, this web store in Finland (click on link) seem to carry a lot of the stuff. This is where I found the name... while looking for something else, of course.

New items in my Etsy shop

2011-03-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

I've just listed some new items in my Etsy shop. Keep checking in, as I will be listing more vintage items in the next few days.

Blog break over

2011-03-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

After a two month absence my old blogging nerve has started to twitch again. It's great to be back. Here is some of what I've been up to while not blogging:

...drinking lots of coffee from my favorite vintage mug of the moment - a Figgjoflint design,

bought this lovely tea towel at Etsy,

thrifted another huge Bitossi lamp at Fretex (the Salvation Army shop) last week, and today found a shade for it,

been thinking I need to get some Biri natural wallpaper on a wall in the dining area,

purchased three Marcel Breuer 'Cesca' chairs with WHITE wooden frames (no armrests) for the mere sum of $40. Now I just need a place to put them,

made a costume for my son's kindergarten carnival party. Theme: Fairytale forest. The end result includes Ikea hacking, velcro and bandages.

I purchased an enormous (soup?) cup online. Later on I also found a lid in the same design and hoped that it would fit. It didn't.

And today, my latest thrift gem: a large tea cup from Arabia of Finland.
I've wasted hours online trying to find out what it's called, but I think I need YOUR help, my dear clued up readers. All similar items on ebay are listed as 'Valencia', but I don't think that's the correct name. (As far as the colour go and to some extend also the pattern, I think it is close but no cigar.) Can anyone help clear up this conundrum for me?

So there you have it. I hope to be back with some more (shorter) posts soon.

Happy new year – I'm off on a blog break

2011-01-02T04:51:00.000-08:00

My dear readers and followers, the time has come for me to take a little blog break. I will be back at some point when I have more time, energy and inspiration to share with you all. Before I go, I'd like to wish you all a very happy new year and thanks for all your comments in the year that's passed.

I'll leave you for now with this decorative Turi design wall plaque from Figgjoflint in the "Folklore" series, which I was given for Christmas. The caption reads: Mat og make vil alle ha (Everyone wants food and a mate).

So long!

Janne

The Pølse & Lompe experience

2010-12-11T04:15:00.000-08:00

Pølse & Lompe* is the name of my latest project where I'm collaborating with my good friend Maggie. We launched this project last weekend at the Designers' Christmas fair here in Oslo, after having worked on it since early summer. The result we presented at the fair was an "alternative" pin-up wall calendar for 2011 and a collection of 18 greeting cards. It was received very well, and we're excited to continue on designing and writing for more cards in the new year.

For an enlarged and more legible version, click on the image.
(Apologies to my non-Norwegian readers...)

Maggie pushing our merchandise at the fair.

During last week we also got two great shops in Oslo selling our goods: Ruth 66 and Los Lobos.

A Pølse & Lompe web shop is in the pipeline. I will of course let you know when you can shop our merchandise online :-) Meanwhile, we have a contact page on the web (click here).

* If you wonder about the name, pølse and lompe is a traditional Norwegian hot dog dish. It's a long story...

Winter window

2010-12-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

This was yesterday. Today it was all foggy. Tomorrow I will tell you about my latest project.

Designers Christmas Fair in Oslo this weekend

2010-12-02T04:16:00.000-08:00

If you are in Oslo this weekend, make sure to visit the Designers Christmas Fair at DogA (Centre for Design and Architecture). It's open 10-18 both days.

I will be there selling a new line of products - this time in collaboration with my friend Maggie. (More on this in a later post.)

Getting everything ready in time has prevented me from spending much time blogging recently. I have some 394 blog posts to catch up on in my RSS feed at the moment too...

PS! The absolutely stunning poster (above) for the Christmas fair is designed by top Norwegian illustrator and designer Cecillie Ellefsen.

What it was all about (or: breakfast conference follow-up)

2010-11-22T02:08:00.000-08:00

Going for a spin in a rubber stamp carousel. (Or maybe they have been captured by some evil aliens?) One of the guys in white has been replaced by Chewbacca... something's going on here.

Breakfast conference?

2010-11-18T01:15:00.000-08:00

This little group was occupying the breakfast table this morning. I wonder what it was all about.

Christmas time already?

2010-11-11T02:39:00.000-08:00

This early Christmas surprise turned up in my mail last week. It is a gift from the super sweet Francesca over at Mrs. Eliot Books. Thank you so much, my friend! I have admired this pattern for some time, and now I finally have a sample in my collection :-)) The pattern is called Checkmate and is by the Empire Porcelain Company. If you like this, do check out Francesca's fab coffee pot here...

What is Christmas without some candle light? I almost passed on these candlesticks at my local flea market... Sometimes it's hard to see the gems among all the trash at these places. I'm very happy I brought them home, though. They are made from black stained wood, designer and make unknown. I love the little stick handles on them and the cone shaped tripod feet.

And then there is this vintage LP with Christmas songs that I picked up for its sleeve design. The illustration is by Peter Haars, who I have blogged a little about earlier (click here to see). It dates to 1968. This particular illustration reminds me a lot of Sanna Annukka's style.

And the winner is... (slightly on overtime)...

2010-11-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks for all your comments! I did say I would name the winner on November 1st, and here it is - a day late. I'm sure you've all been close to dying from excitement... ;-) So, without further delay, here goes:

All 13 names on individual notes...

... flip them all over...

... call in the assistant and tell him to pick one.

He's made his choice...
and the lucky winner of the jb design fridge magnets is...

Didi! My lovely friend in New Zealand.
Congratulations :-)

Total blog visitors or: Give-away time

2010-10-27T04:04:00.000-07:00

Hello dear readers,
It looks like today will be the day when my blog reaches the number of
100 000 blog visits :-)
As you can see in the screen shot above, I'm 51 visitors away at the time of posting this. I guess this cause for some kind of celebration, so I've decided to do a little give-away on this occasion. If you would like to become the owner of this item:

(the last remaining lot of my handmade vintage fabric covered fridge magnets), just leave a comment to this post some time between now and say November 1st, when I'll do a draw and name a winner. Good luck!

Oh, Orla...

2010-10-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

...why do you have to design so many stunning items? I have no more room in my cupboards! I still want these from the new Orla Kiely kitchen collection:

2010-10-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

It was time to take out all my Cathrineholm pots and pans today and give them a good clean.

And put them back on display.

In memory of the fantastically creative woman who designed them (although the Cathrineholm Lotus pattern items were not her own favorite pieces of work). Grete Prytz Kittelsen will remain one of the most inspiring Norwegian designers of all times. She died three weeks ago at 94.

(Portrait photo borrowed from Dagens Næringsliv)

British steel

2010-10-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist these little beauties from Viners Studio, Sheffield, England when I came across them in a fleamarket a few days ago – in their original box. The texture and shape of the teaspoons as well as the packaging practically screams of the 1960s.

PS! On the side of the box it has the designer's name: Gerald Benney, DES., R.C.A. (Which I Googled – it stands for Diploma of Designer, Royal College of Art.)

A couple of odd couples

2010-10-13T06:56:00.001-07:00

I'm now the proud owner of a Lisa Larsson (fox) figurine. I've placed him in the company of a recently thrifted ceramic piggy bank.

Two vintage melamine bowls designed by Sigvard Bernadotte for Husquarna, Sweden. I think the shape is beautiful. The red one was handed down to me from my grandmother some time ago while the little brown one was purchased yesterday.

The hobby room

2010-09-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hmmm... Should I do sewing, watch TV, typewrite, play tennis or maybe do a little shooting?
I love this interior image found on Retrospace. It's just so... wrong.

Funky Friday

2010-09-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Due to a severe lack of spare time on my part these days, my blog posts are few and far between. I hope to make it up to my readers soon. Meanwhile, here's a little something to hopefully get you in the right weekend mood. Have a groovy one.

Colorful cars

2010-09-16T12:38:00.001-07:00

Mum is not the only one in this household with a slight obsessive collecting disorder; The four-year-old loves his toy cars and can't get enough of them.

Just when I thought we had lined them all up, he sees some more on the shelf and climbs up on a chair in order to reach.

...76, 78, 79...

They all stayed in place for a whole week. After much debate I was finally allowed to move them in order to hoover the floor.

PS! The road map rug is from Ikea. From the PS range ;-) No longer in production unfortunately.

Random fall photos

2010-09-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Fall fashion colors

2010-08-31T03:57:00.000-07:00

Following up on my last post – it seems the colors in that print is everywhere this season.

Marni

Dries van Noten

Burberry

Kon-Tiki, Stavangerflint

2010-08-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

My latest Stavangerflint additions:

I love the colour combo in general, and the asymetric design on the big plate in particular.

This is not the original cup for this plate, but it is in the same product line and the petroleum blue colour goes well with pattern I think.

Here's an ad from a vintage catalog showing more items with this pattern (found here). I assume the range was named after Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki expedition.

Marimekko autumn wish list

2010-08-14T15:37:00.001-07:00

My birthday is coming up in a few weeks... ;-)

Amalia shirt dress
Designer: Mika Piirainen

Daniella dress
Designer: Chary Westberg

Edith coat
Designer: Nora Iknadossian

Lakunauha necklace
Designer: Kaisli Kiuru

Olkalaukku messenger bag (in aubergine)
Designer: Ristomatti Ratia

Puolikaskukkaro purse
Pattern: Pikku Suomu (by Annika Rimala)

Hip Eames environment. Not so hip occupants.

2010-08-10T05:40:00.000-07:00

I can't remember which blog I found this image on, but every time I come across it in my files it makes me smile. So, I thought I'd share it with you.

Friday kitchentop blog post

2010-08-06T02:30:00.001-07:00

I like the light in this photo. (Looks like it's time to go grocery shopping and get the bowls filled again...)

I think the Norwegian word for this thing is a 'saltkar' - a lidded tub for salt. Usually they will be pottery with a wooden top. This one is produced by Rosti Mepal, and as most kitchen things by Rosti it is made from a plastic or melamine – the lid too. I found this at Fretex (Salvation Army's second hand store) in Gol, Hallingdal. A great place for thrifts if you're ever in that area.

Ikea 2011 catalog

2010-08-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

The new Ikea catalog release is an interior design highlight of the year. Here are some of the few pictures that caught my eye so far.

It could look like Ikea is forecasting a more cabin/countryside-ish trend.

An all white backdrop for a colorful children's room. I particularly like the little 'Skojig' table lamp (far left).

...which looks even better as a pendant lamp:

This last bit is great news for me – I've struggeling to find some suitable cupboards (not too deep and with glass doors) for my vintage cup collection.
Voila!:

Hallingdal holiday

2010-07-31T13:28:00.001-07:00

Our summer holiday is over, and it was way too short and a little on the chilly side. Having said that, it's been enjoyable. Not least because I could drive, for the very first time, in our own tiny car to the family cabin in the mountains of Hallingdal. The car was filled to the brims with luggage and still we failed to bring the essentials: thick wooly sweaters. Anywhoo. Here's a few cabin life images for you.

A great lakeside view literally on our doorstep.

Kurt studying the herd of sheep passing daily.

A built-in bunkbed with crepe cotton bedlinen is perfect for summer slumbering.

I'm partial to a splash of yellow, as you know.

Nothing says summer in the mountains like cottongrass.

A little colour inspiration for the season coming.

And what would my cabin blog post be without a little fitting vintage pottery...?

Finding these stacked away in in the cabin brought back childhood memories. I don't know the name of the decor, but if I remember correctly, it's by Figgjo flint and probably dating from the 1950s.

Yellow and brown summer thrifts

2010-07-29T02:01:00.001-07:00

I saw this cofffe set in a second hand store in early June, but left it behind for some obscure reason. Afterwards I couldn't get it out of my head (of course), and last week when I was back in Valdres, I got them. All six sets :-) They are called Solöga (Sun eye) and are by Rörstrand, Sweden.

Stavangerflint used to have different colours and decors on the same designs - as seen here on their model no. 2557. I don't know the name for the grey cups at the back, but the one in front is called 'Solei' and is designed by Inger Waage.

Lastly, a beautiful teak serving spoon, made in Norway. I thought at first it could be a Skaugum design, but the handle is too pointy compared. Does anyone know?

Vintage from Valdres

2010-07-26T15:05:00.001-07:00

I've been to the countryside again. Here are some snaps from the house in Valdres where we stayed overnight. (If you are a follower of this blog, you might have seen some photos from this place before.)

I want this bedlinen.

The wallpaper is going, unfortunately. (Or maybe just as well?)

Freshly painted to the owner's delight. The house was built in the early 1940s.

The office, now serving as a guest room. Turid's grandfather had good taste in (solid) office furniture.

...and was a horse enthusiast.

Better than Best Lights? I wish I'd checked this lamp for a maker's stamp.

There is also a playhouse on the property.

Lots of fun for both kids and grown-ups alike.

The playhouse interior looks the part.

Vintage Barbie interiors

2010-07-17T16:52:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of ebay, here are some vintage Barbie interiors that caught my eye today. You'd think only the best would be good enough for Barbie, but it looks like all she had to sit on in the early days was cardboard, before Mattel Inc. advanced to give her some plastic furniture. Regardless, it all looks so much better than today's Barbie stuff.

Like a set design from Mad Men.

Barbie's sitting room in 1962.

Late 1960s? The furniture is not cardboard anymore, but the surroundings look rather two-dimentional.

1973. I got the yellow sofa + matching chair for my son's Barbie :-)

My favorite. From 1977.

Some more 70s chairs for Barbie to rest her little bum on.

Best birds from Figgjo and Porsgrund

2010-07-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

Intricate bird decorations is not a new thing. These are from the 60s and 70s. If you've been following my blog you might recall having seen the top two dishes here before (both Figgjo Flint). The other two are new additions: the small blue and white dish is from Porsgrund while my favorite of the lot – the one in the bottom right hand corner is another Figgjo Turi-design item, the name is "Grill".

(Click on the image for a more detailed view.)