Friday, 30 January 2015 by Irene Hoofs
Another sale not to miss: 20% discount on the Tas-ka cushions in the Bloesem online shop.
And have you heard? The 3rd Bloesem Gazette is out! Lots of inspiring interviews from our favourite creatives inside... grab a copy or read it online here.
Here's are some links we love this week:
Top 15 Interiors Trends of 2015
Mini Fruit Cakes... a clever twist on the traditional fruitcake
Take a look at how an old factory in Berlin gets transformed into a beautiful living space... We are in awe!
Learn to diy this sleek and minimal mirror hanger
We love the mix of rustic & modern furniture in this gorgeous home
If you are always fumbling for dropped cables when charging your phone... this night cable is the perfect solution to your frustrations.
Keen on taking artfully styled food photographs? Join us for our #Instafood class next week with photographer and food stylist, Trisha Toh!
Xo, The Bloesem Team
Thursday, 29 January 2015 by Irene Hoofs
In the latest issue of the Bloesem Gazette, titled "The Converation Issue", we wanted to delve into the minds of our favourite talents from around the world. Having had a long time crush on her work, we got in touch with Dutch textile designer, Mae Engelgeer, again after we last interviewed her in early 2012.
Hi Mae, the last time we talked was in May 2012, has a lot changed since then? We’d love for you to update us.
Yes a lot has changed. I think the last time we spoke I had just moved into my first studio space. We were busy developing the ISH. Collection and our presentation for Milan 2013. I think since Milan things went into a more vivid flow, but now (2.5 years later) it’s not quite like that anymore, which of course is a good thing!
What is the first thought that crosses your mind when you wake up?
Is it morning already? And then I think about the things that are on my list for the day, and of course my daughter, getting her ready and to school. Then coffee, I love coffee!
What are your recent designs inspired by? How difficult is it to keep coming up with new collections?
We are working on a more minimalistic collection now. And (I am) very excited, there are a lot of collaborations in the works and I am even working on furniture fabrics! Something that has been on my list for a long time.
I always have new plans for new collections and I am always thinking of what is next before I present new work, so no. I think at this moment we have a lot of projects running at the same time, so there is always something to continue with or to finish. During the process of one design or collection I easily pick up new directions to continue with. So one project slowly goes over in the next collection. It is a continuous flow from one to the other.
More about Mae after the cut..
Could you share with us 3 of your favourite spots in your city?
I really like this new place called SLA. They have very nice and healthy salads, drinks and it is located close to my house which is in the old south of Amsterdam, called De Pijp. I also really enjoy the North of Amsterdam, near the NDSM warf. There is a lot going on there. Good spots for drinks and hangouts. The Stedelijk Museum, which is new and really has international allure and great exhibitions. I am very happy they sell my collection in the Museum Shop.
What is a normal day in the life of Mae Engelgeer?
I think it’s quite busy. Being a mom and having a career that takes a lot of time. So what is normal: Waking up, breakfast with my daughter, then getting her to school. Then I cycle to the studio which is in the East of Amsterdam, overlooking the canals, which I really love.
Then coffee and starting up the computers, reading some emails and catching up with the intern(s) to discuss the projects to work on. Maybe 1-2 appointments or preparing for the textile lab if we have an appointment scheduled for that week. Working on different project. Trying to finish my “to do list” which I always make but hardly ever finish because there are always things coming up during the day or things take longer than expected. I think I always want to do more than the hours that I have in a day. But I think this is normal when you are running your own studio, it is never finished. Then (I will) see if we have to order or ship production. In between there might be some phone calls, and emails. Actually this continues the whole day, if not on my computer then I read them on my phone. Then home, family time and later in the evening I often end up behind the computer again.
Is there a piece of advice you would share with budding designers who are still in school or thinking of quiting their day job?
Follow your dream, work hard and just go for it.
What comes to mind when you think of the term “success”. Do you feel you have achieved it?
Well, what is success? I am of course very thankful for where I am and what I do as a textile designer at this point, but there are still a lot of things on my list to do or achieve. At the same time I am also very happy looking back.
When you look back at your very first collection, how do you feel?
This was the Bow collection. I look at it in a few different ways. On one hand, it was the start of my work as a textile designer and it got picked up by several design stores. And on the other hand, I am happy my style changed into a more graphic and modern signature style.
Finish this sentence -- "If I could, I would..."
If I could, I would go to NYC directly!
Images courtesy of Studio Mae Engelgeer.
We want to say a big thank you to Mae for being a part of the 3rd Bloesem Gazette , The Conversation Issue. We are big fans of her work and can't wait to see more from this great design talent. In the meantime, we're happy to sell Mae beautiful creations in the Bloesem shop.
.. Mae Engelgeer
.. Read the Bloesem Gazette " The Conversation Issue"
.. Shop Mae Engelgeer teatowels in the Bloesem Shop
Wednesday, 28 January 2015 by Irene Hoofs
{ 1. Deckle & Hide candle ; 2. Keecie bird keyrings ; 3. &Klevering marbled tealight holder ; 4. Babe Body Souffles (available in our brick and mortar store) ; 5. Mossery weekly planner ; 6. Keecie Clutch }
Our sweetest picks from the Bloesem store to give to her this Valentine's day! It doesn't just have to be for your girlfriend, these make the perfect gifts to show the other special ladies in your life that you love them. Get something for mom, or for your bestie, we know they'll love it. Pair it with a heartfelt note and you're all set.
.. Bloesem.co
Tuesday, 27 January 2015 by Irene Hoofs
It has arrived: Volume 3 of the Bloesem Gazette! This issue is all about conversations as we we speak to some of our favourite creatives from around the world- from getting to know their personal lives to their work and dreams for the year. Take a peek into the life of textile designer, Mae Engelgeer, and her upcoming collections; be inspired by the story of our Bloesem Class teacher, Natalie Miller; get expert forecast from Studio Oink on interior design trends of 2015 and so much more! And of course, this issue is not complete with a travel guide of 3 cities in Europe by Trisha Toh and also a delectable dessert recipe for you to whip up at home!
Also in the Gazette: All the latest information about our upcoming classes -
4 - 7 Feb: Food styling and mobile photography
5 - 8 Mar: Gold foiling calligraphy for beginners
28 Mar: Marketing for Makers
8 - 11 May: Tapestry weaving
12 - 13 May: Macrame
You can grab a copy of the new issue at the Bloesem Studio or cafes in Tiong Bahru, Robertson Quay, Holland Village and more to come... For our international readers, we haven't forgotten you so here's our online version of the Bloesem Gazette for you to enjoy! Also, if you would like us to drop of some gazettes at your establishment feel free to leave us a comment on our social media or even and email and we'll be right over with the gazettes..
For the cover of this Gazette we took a picture of the fabulous poster by Michelle D'Avella from Pushing Beauty. We are big fans of this poster and we can highly recommend it hanging it in your office or workspace ... it will keep you motivated! Pencils are from Palomino and I added some vintage pewter!
We would like to say a huge thank you to the following sponsors for being part of Issue 3: The Ordinary Co, Whimsigirl, Scout, Enerfloyd, Woolf Works and Ohpopdog. And not forgetting Wit & Folly for the lovely illustration!
We are starting to look for partners for our next issue, if you would like to work with us please drop us an email at bloesemads[at]me[dot]com.
Download the Bloesem e-Gazette
Monday, 26 January 2015 by Irene Hoofs
If you are a patterns lover, you are sure to fancy this new Swedish brand, By May. Created by designers Johanna Örn and Maria Bergström, this brand features unique home interior products with strong emphasis on pattern design, colours and variety of materials. Their gorgeous collection include wallpapers, cushions covers and window films that will make playful additions to any home decor. The pattern that caught our eyes got to be the confetti series that looks oh so lovely on a cushion cover. We are already a big fan of their upcoming collection of Watoji Notebooks and can't wait to get our hands on them!
Friday, 23 January 2015 by Irene Hoofs
Sophisticated and clean interior by Mim Design.
Give your phone a make over with this diy marbled phone case tutorial.
If you are thinking of your next wanderlust.. here's 10 reasons to travel!
Going crazy with these geometric shelving...
Vintage-inspired Bathroom
Gorgeous Macrame Planters.. You can learn to make them in our Knots and Ropes Class with Natalie Miller coming in May! Don't miss this!
Raspberry and Limoncello Ice Cream
Pretty pastel-coloured ceramics
Printable Valentines Cards to give your sweeties.
Xo, The Bloesem Team
