OHH DEER

As the title of this blog post suggests the words, 'oh dear' pop into my head. They may in fact pop into your head also. To be honest, oh dear may be putting it a little mildly. Replace the word 'dear' with a word that rhymes with 'duck' and you have more of a realistic idea of what phrase swirls through my brain roughly 10 times a day. But on this occasion I shall be putting my swear book down and 'oh dear' will have to suffice. But I'm actually not here to explain myself as to why I haven't blogged in three months (you may have noticed...oh dear), I am here to inform you lovely readers of an online illustration company called Ohh Deer.  

I have been aware of this company for a few years now but only recently gave into temptation and purchased a few items from the website. All sorts of quirky and unique products can be found on this website. Some cheeky, some cute and some down-right honest illustrated gifts await for you to explore. One of my favourite illustrations is of a cat (surprise surprise) with the title 'Cats don't give a f**k' attached. In turn, you can get this illustration on a mug, cushion or greeting card!   

The company itself was founded in 2011 by a guy called Jamie Mitchell and business partner Mark Callaby. The company employs 35 illustrators from all over the world and Ohh Deer just keeps on growing and growing. I have to admit some of the products are a little bit pricey, but you are helping independent illustrators and you are getting something that is a bit more different than what you might find on the high street. And who doesn't love getting stationary as gifts?! 

Also, calling all students, you can benefit from 20% off all year round at ohhdeer.com. You have no excuse now!

Now, here's hoping I don't take another extended holiday from blogging any time soon. Remember you can keep yourself updated via my Instagram page if you fancy giving it a wee peek! Just click on the link in the side bar. Enjoy the rest of your week everyone! And my wee cat Lottie (as pictured above) would just like to remind you to CALM THE HELL DOWN!

x

Created in Belfast

Mmhm, it's been quite a while since I last typed a few words and uploaded a few photos on Life NI Style. But I'm not going to bore you with excuses and ramblings. Here's to a brand new month! I don't know about you but June was a pretty big yawn-fest for myself. Apart from my brother moving to America for a year to work at Disneyland, (thanks for the many Snapchats Conor, making me extremely jealous) the month of June was a bit of a drag. 

But! 

As always, the beginning of June brought the Belfast school of art degree show and I was raring to have a wee nosy at the exhibition! I have to say the show did not disappoint and it was great to see all the wonderful work from a range of disciplines. Animation, applied arts, fine art, graphic design and illustration, interaction design, photography and finally the most important one of all (just kidding), textile art, design and fashion. No wonder it took almost three hours to view everyone's work! Stepping back inside the building and the heart of creativity in Belfast brought back so many memories of my time studying at this university. It's been just over two years now since I graduated from the art college and it just feels like yesterday that I was hunched over a knitting machine, a sewing machine or computer. Looking back my final year consisted of many a late night, many crying sessions, many meal deals or McDonalds, many hours spent deciding on the right shade of cream (yes, there are so many), many 5 minute breaks and deep conversations on the right size and type of font and so much money spent on print-outs (while also cursing that damn feckin' printer when it didn't print out those 50 pages you needed). So yeah, despite all of this, seeing the end result and all that work you put in was all worth it. And I have to admit that I do miss it.

My absolute favourite part was viewing the textiles and fashion section of the exhibition. So much hard work and dedication by the students had been put into their projects over the past three or four years and finally they were able to have a platform to showcase their beautiful collections or final pieces. Below I have included the cream of the crop in regards to the work which stood out to me and which I admired the most. Also, just a small mention on the textile designer, Terri McStraw. Her woven fabric collection titled 'The Fíor Collection' was just utterly beautiful. The fabrics she created were so luxurious and cosy and woven to perfection. I think this lady will be one to watch out for in the future! 

Terri McStraw designs - www.strawni.com 

Natalia Lees - natalialees.com

Adele Brown

Rachel Gallagher 

Alice Blackstock

Finally, just a little quote I came across and I thought it would end this blog post quite nicely!

Freckle.

So Spring has sprung! 

Okay, so maybe it hasn't just yet, thanks to the snow rearing its ugly head a few days ago. Ironically though, little snowdrops are slowly making an appearance in my garden! Here's hoping those darling buds of spring start popping up and the sun decides to peep through those grey clouds very soon! 

So this week I have decided to write a little feature about a new independent magazine I came across, named Freckle. I first became aware of this magazine a few weeks ago via social media, and ever since my acknowledgement I have been itching to get hold of this inspiring booklet. "Freckle is an independently published magazine celebrating the people and landscapes of Northern Ireland and beyond."

On Saturday myself and my other half ventured into Belfast and made a pit-stop at Established Coffee. Knowing that this coffee shop stocked Freckle I was optimistic I would be able to buy a copy, but unfortunately they had sold out, (an indication of how popular this magazine really is). Of course we couldn't leave without having a delicious cup of coffee from this establishment, which in my opinion, provides the best coffee in Belfast, and quite possibly in Northern Ireland. Their chocolate brownies are also the yummiest I have ever tasted! So what I'm trying to say is that you should definitely visit Established Coffee at some point, which can be found on Hill Street, Belfast.

Thankfully I was able to purchase a copy of Freckle at The Black Box! 

This refreshing magazine was just what I needed to escape the humdrum of life this week. I think what attracted me to Freckle is the fact that normal people with interesting lives are featured. The stories which are told come from the need to just get up and do something with your life.  And it's also great these tales are all based in Northern Ireland! 

I also admired that this magazine practices 'slow journalism'. Too often magazines are spun out too quickly without real thought while systematically going through the same motions every week or month. 

Freckle is certainly a magazine where real thought and skill has been expressed. The book is beautifully made (printed onto recycled paper) along with stunning photography. The issue delves into the themes of ocean, soil, belonging, expressing and exploring. My favourite story would be that told by Jim Allen. His story titled 'Love of This Salted Fringe' is a poetic account of his life living by the coast. It is such a beautiful tale told by Jim and after reading his story you will be yearning to take a trip up to the North Coast this weekend. His poem at the end of the article is simply wonderful and one I will definitely be recounting to others.   

If you want to open your mind and discover the hidden gems of Northern Ireland, then you need this magazine in your life. This wee country isn't all that bad. We just need to become more tuned into the fantastic talent we are producing and the beautiful landscapes at our doorsteps.  

If you are interested in buying Freckle, a list of vendors can be found on their website. There aren't many copies left so pick one up today! Or if you already have a copy pass it onto a friend or relative to enjoy!

 >> http://www.frecklenorthernireland.org/magazine/ <<

HitRECord

Are we recording?

You may or may not be familiar with this tagline. The photo above may just give it away a little. And if you are completely unaware of what the hell I am raving about then prepare yourself for heaps of inspiration and creativity. My plan is that after reading this blog post you will know all about the wonderful production company that is HitRECord. I first became aware of this company roughly three years ago when my good friend Debbie bought me my very first book of Tiny Stories as a gift! I have been pretty much hooked on all things HitRECord ever since! And thanks to my lovely boyfriend I have now obtained volumes two and three of Tiny Stories to add to my collection, as well as a very cute t-shirt! 

So lets get down to the logistics of HitRECord. The production company was set up by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother over four years ago. I, myself, have been a, lets say, "pretty big fan" (to put it mildly) of Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever since the movie, 500 Days of Summer. So when I first heard of his company I knew I had to check it out. This open collaborative production company is definitely a cut above the rest. Artists of all kinds from all over the world are asked to contribute their work to HitRECord. You don't have to be a famous animator or musician to contribute. You can simply be scribbling away or writing a mini-novel in your bedroom and decide to share your work or set up your very own collaboration. You can find out more in-depth information about HitRECord by clicking on this link http://www.hitrecord.org/ or you can watch a video of Mr Levitt describing the premise of his company at the very end of this post!

The Tiny Stories collection is definitely my favourite concept to be released by HitRECord. I love an illustration book and these books are packed with beautiful and meaningful doodles and whimsical artwork. To be honest sometimes I relate more to a drawing than words on a piece of paper. The books are almost keepsakes to me and something I would pass down through the generations. They are also a very special gift to anyone who is appreciative of illustration. Below I have included a few of my favourite pieces of artistry that are included in the tiny books. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Now all you have to do this weekend is doodle until your heart is content!