Author: Maru Saurer

Falling in love again…

Image | | Maru Saurer

l LOVE to travel, and so when l came across Love Travel Guides by Fiona Caulfield, my heart skipped a beat. Her ethos of embracing a city’s true essence by emerging oneself into the culture is a true reflection of how l also like to travel.

The first book ‘Love Bangolore’ was published on Valentines Day in 2007. Since then Fiona has added to the series with, Love Mumbai, Love Delhi, Love Goa, Love Bengaluru and, Love Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The authencity in which Fiona writes, magically entices me into another culture, and the hand-drawn illustrations, emphatically enrich the reading experience. l feel inspired and enraptured as l explore the hidden treasures of India.

With it’s luxurious design, and cloth packaging, these charming Love Travel Guides are truly created for the luxury vagabond who wishes to fall in love …

 

 

Exquisite paper cuts

| Maru Saurer

These outstanding paper-cuts by Sad Giraffe, beautifully reflect the skill and mastery which can be found in the form of paper play.

l am highly impressed with the intricate attention to detail that the founder of Sad Giraffe – Brandon Flyg, takes with each piece that he sculptures. Each piece is hand-cut with an X-acto knife, using durable recycled paper, and can take several hours to create!

These images cleverly show just how delicate the paper actually is, which gives the paper-cuts such an exquisite touch.

My attention was especially drawn to the “French dress” series, some of which, l have chosen to showcase on Looking Glass. With regal and opulent flair, the 8 x 10 elegantly dressed lady magnificently comes to life.

On a conservation note, much of the proceeds generated by these splendid paper-cuts are given to animal charities, which is l feel is simply heartwarming, and most noteworthy.

Playful pencils

| Maru Saurer

The classic pencil form has certainly been given a new lease of life by Margaret Haas, founder of Paper Pastries. The concept of implementing pieces of random knowledge, and phrases onto a set of pencils adds a complimentry, and playful dimension to the functional aspect of the pencil.

Paper Pastries is a haven for people who enjoy tactile, playful stationery, from rubber stamp sets to unique Moleskin notebooks. One can’t help but get a warm feeling of printing nostalgia with a contemporary twist, when browsing this online store. Each piece of stationery is hand-stamped, adding to the authentic spirit of bygone days, and the pencil sets come in a fine muslin bag.

On a personal Looking Glass note, the shape of the classic pencil takes me back to memories filled with anticipation of starting a new school term. And l have found to my amusement, that the feeling derived from working with a freshly sharpened pencil has happily stayed with me, in the form of a ritual – before embarking on a new project, l sharpen a pencil in preparation for fresh creativity.

These pencils from Paper Pastries are perfect to carry on this much-treasured tradition.

Taking a walk on the wild side

Image | | Maru Saurer

When l look into the big, colourful eyes of these paper animals – aptly named, ‘The Wild Bunch ‘, l can’t help but be amused! Founded by Madeleine Rogers in 2001, Mibo has creatively expanded its original collection of designer lampshades to textiles and paper projects.

‘The Wild Bunch’ is one set out of six paper animal kits that can be purchased, and brought to life with the simple tools of scissors, a ruler and glue.

For as long as l can remember, l’ve been particularly fascinated by the structure and nature of the giraffe. To combine the thrill of assembling an endearing 3-D version of this beautiful creature, and to admire it’s shape and form when completed, truly captures the spirit of paper play.

l for one, am most delighted to learn that Mibo has extended its range of lighting and homewares to paper projects, which l feel will create much enjoyment for children and adults alike.

Have fun exploring the wild side!

A stitch in time

Image | | Maru Saurer

29_jan7
January | 420gsm white watercolour paper | Coloured cotton thread | 420 x 297mm

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Joy of Living | 90gsm graph paper | Various colour cotton thread | 297 x 210mm

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Liberty – From Regent Street | 420gsm white watercolour paper | Black and Gold cotton thread | 500 x 700mm

Stitching doesn’t immediately spring to mind when one thinks of illustration, which leads me to believe that the work from Peter Crawley gives an impressive fresh perspective on this medium.

Each piece is intricately created by hand piercing watercolour paper with a pin, the paper is then stitched with a needle and cotton thread.

With this knowledge in mind, l carefully considered which images to share on Looking Glass, with the purpose to show each stitch and piece of thread in minute detail.

The varied choice of project, from typographic solutions, to stream-lined architectural structure, is glorious in form and precision. l also adore how the multi-coloured threads become an integral part of the illustration (as shown in the piece ‘January‘). Beautiful!

A particular illustration that instantly caught my imagination, was the piece ‘Joy of Living’, (shown here in the centre of the three visuals). Inspired by the Ishihara Plate test for colour-blindness, the illustration was created as part of a ‘joy of living charity’ project.

“Joy can sometimes feel very distant or become hard to see. However, it is always present and we never lose it, sometimes we just need to look a little harder”. (Quote from Peter Crawley)

Looking with a close eye at the stitched illustrations from Peter Crawley, l would conclude, this to be very true indeed.

 

Aspects of life – made out of paper

| Maru Saurer
© No.1 Housing / Photo Kenji Masunaga
© No.9 Orchestra / Photo Kenji Masunaga

Imagine my delight when l came across daily life being reflected through the delicate form of paper! Designed by Japanese architect Naoki Terada who established Terada Mokei this year, the 1/100 Architectural Model Accessories Series is simply a playground of paper bliss!

Displayed here is the No.9 Orchestra and No.1 Housing series.

The beauty of the 1/100 Architectural Model Accessories Series, is the interaction that it immediately generates. Each set comes as a self-assembly kit, so by simply popping out the pieces and folding them into place, you can create your very own world. What fun!

With a full orchestra coming to life, and a cyclist enjoying a ride while a dog looks on. One can’t help but become enchanted!

l do believe that the basic concept of the self-assembly model kit has been given a new lease of life via the extraordinary 1/100 Architectural Model Accessories Series.

Enjoy!

Storytelling reflected in embroidery

| Maru Saurer

l came across this enchanting “labour of love” project rather recently, and was immediately bowled over by the intricate detail captured on canvas. Jillian Tamaki has spent the first two months of this year, busily working away on these dustjackets. Described as her “dream project”, the Penguin Threads Deluxe Classics project certainly pays homage to the beauty of embroidery, and in my mind takes book illustration to a raised level of creativity!

The exquisite attention to detail woven into the fabric creates a vivid impression. With it’s black and orange contrasting threads, along with construction and texture of the mane, the dust jacket for ‘Black Beauty’ by Anna Sewell is strikingly strong in character.

Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, is charmingly depicted in soft colours, with brightly coloured woven braids of hair, and ‘The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodges Burnett whimsically flows across the cover in tones of cerise pink and purples.

From a typography angle, one can clearly see that the embroidery of the book title, authors name, and pull-out quote from each book has also been taking into careful consideration. Each book cover perfectly reflects a style of typographic flair, allowing each woven thread to tell its own captivating story.

As a person who enjoys reading, l’m rather looking forward to the launch of the sculptural- embossed versions of these richly woven books in October 2011!

What to eat in April…

Image | | Maru Saurer

l was thrilled when illustrator, Emma Dibben kindly accepted my invitation to be a part of Looking Glass! I’ve been an avid collector of her food illustrations since being introduced to her work via the magazine publication – Waitrose Food Illustrated.

l find Emma’s “sketch” style of illustration celebrates the seasonal offerings in a warm and welcoming manner, tempting the reader to visit their local market, and purchase fresh produce.

The rendering of additional ink/paint spatterings that accompany the main illustrations, in particular lend themselves to the idea of a much-used cookbook, which l feel adds to the charm of Emma’s work.

A splash of colour, the tonal hues of a fruit or vegetable, and the attention to detail to capture the contours of a herb or leaf, makes these illustrations a mouth-watering experience – bringing them vividly to life!

As a person who enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients, Emma’s drawings, simply inspire me to try my hand at new recipes and techniques. Although, l have to confess, l do indeed have a soft spot for the classical dish – rhubarb crumble with a dash of vanilla sauce.

Spring has joyously arrived, and so on this note, l warmly invite you to taste the culinary delights of April!

Weaving a magical vintage spell

| Maru Saurer

Specialising in hand embroidery as a form of drawing, alongside applique and collage, Jessie Chorley’s chosen techniques of creating functional objects for the home or as wearable accessories, undoubtedly weaves a richly woven tapestry of vintage charm.

Jessie Chorley and Buddug Humphrey run their concept store on London’s famous flower market

Columbia Road. With hand embroidered bunting, vintage petticoats, and decoupage picture frames hanging in the window, both location and decorated interior, perfectly creates an enchanting ‘Alice in Wonderland‘ setting for their signature vintage style.

l for one, could quite happily spend an afternoon or two, exploring its contents. Antique toys, hand-stitched covered journals, and trinkets galore, are but a few treasures waiting to be discovered!