Drawing and Laser cutting.

I can't believe it's nearly spring already.

Making trend book has been keeping me busy and slightly bloated from jotting ideas down, drawing and stitching.

Above is a laser-cut sample that I have done in the beginning of January this year.

I finally found a use of a very old Poem book, that was given for free by one my most frequently visited (and buy) stall holder in Huddersfield Saturday market.

It took rather long time to create such a little sample. But at the end it was worth the wait.

I think maybe because we're so used to everything that are fast and loud. We slightly forgot on how fragility and patience can lead to something wonderful.

I'll be curious on how many more old things I can find around the house and upgrade them into a new life.

Lv T

A weekend to be.

I'm very much looking forward to see Jane Eyre this weekend.

Apology for the constant post around the Bronte village. Below are some of the friendly animal that greeted me when I was walking around the village during a lovely summer morning.

Lv T

Bronte Walk

I love walking around the Bronte county and browsing the charity shop around Keighley.

This summer I was lucky enough to visit The Bronte's family house and walked around the wild meadow of the moors and valley.

Even thou the Haworth village only have one main high street with independent shops, I seemed to see different and very curious delightful detail every time I visited this particular place.

Lv T

Garden between the valley

I have been spending most of my summer this year in North Yorkshire. If you happen to have the chance to visit Harrogate, a walk around The valley gardens is a must place to visit during a dry British summer. Stopping by in Betty's tea room when the queue is not too long is also a brilliant way to treat your date before going window shopping. The local would shop in Weeton's farmer supermarket and take a slurp of the wonderful Vanilla Ice Cream by the Ripley company.

Another way of spending a lovely Sunday afternoon with the family is to enjoy the outdoor bar and enjoy the conversation with a Chinese beer at the Royal Bath Chinese Restaurant just behind the Harrogate Turkish bath and Health Spa.

Lv T.

White roses

Finally internet is back on regular (faster speed) and things are looking rosier in my side of the world.

This summer I have been spending my holiday season healing with my loved ones, gaining more advice from my textile tutor, drawing, sewing, and back to my old creative self.

The lady luck didn't go very far either in the past couple of weeks. I have given the opportunity to work part-time in a wonderful hand-made doll and Teddy bear shop 'Mary Shortle' Leeds.

I have a wonderful boss who let me have a day off to hold a stall in Saltaire Antiques fair on this month's bank holiday weekend. Twas a lovely day out to meet with other stall holder and chatting about which vintage product are sought after for next season. My aim is to raise money for my end of year show of my textile degree. Treasures that didn't find a lovely home on that fair will be on sale via Ebay next week.

It would be much appreciated if you could spread the news and follow Loading Darling's product updates via Facebook and Twitter.

Lv T.

Soft breeze.

Very calming and very fresh shade of turquoise around Westbourne Grove, London.

The tones of gray, pale turquoise and pink will prevail.

Christian Dior

Lv T

Window Planting

There are so many hidden gems around central London. The art book shops and small galleries around Green Park are specially worth to look at if you're looking for inspiration. I love seeing the little plant box that are placed outside the window display. Stripes print by Sonia delaunay caught my eyes with its red and black combination. My highlights from this particular walk, was to see the beautiful gold lace brocade dress of Chanel and the beautiful oriental print fabrics that are used to fill up the space.

Another street that I found it most stimulating was Cecil Court, WC2N. Old prints that were produced since 300 years ago and limited edition quality antique books were sold side by side with very knowledgeable shop owner.

Cecil Court is a very quite street and very pleasant place to be at for those who can respect the fine leather bindings of second-hand book, and those who can admire the plates of great illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Kate Greenway, and Beatrix potter.

Lv T.

Let There be Light.

"Always be mindfulof the kindness and not the faults of others."

~ Buddha Quote ~

I was fortunate enough to be invited to Marsden by my friend Joseph. Its a beautiful village just half an hour outside Manchester. Beautiful stone building of houses and independent shops are neatly tucked in between the Pennine hills.

I attended one of Joseph fantastic meditation classes that was held in Marsden’s local library. Community sense of support was not left behind in such a liberal minded town.

Joseph’s teaching of patience, and to take pleasure in the little things in life were followed by discussions over delicious chocolate cookies and teas. I find it quite remarkable on the power of ‘being in the moment’ can clear the mind and made my thinking lighter.

If you ever wanted to attend great mediation classes such above, your local community notice board usually have some information about where to go to nearby. Joseph was trained by very wise and kind people that are based in Vajprapani Buddhist centre in Birkby, Huddersfield. They have a vegetarian cafe which serves the most gorgeous cake and brownies every weekend.

For information on their future group or one-to-one classes or volunteer contact (01484) 469652 or e-mail them at teacher@vajrapanicentre.org .

Lv T

Pursuit of optimism.

July is a special month for the creative industry. Impressive collections of hard work and new visionaries from freshly graduate designer were displayed in New designer show 2011, London. Talking and observing to one of the designers in 'One Year on' section allowed me to consider the best way to display your portfolio and sell able sample to gain new client and costumer for future work opportunity.

Today a little packet from Laura Olivia arrived. Her garish, and brightly coloured trademark is a joy to look at. I was kindly offered to select whichever pattern that I like directly on her lovely stands to go with my lavender pouch. Placing the lovely scented objects in my room reminded me on a lovely book that I picked up from the local library last year, Home is where the heart is by Ilse Crawford. It taught me a great deal on appreciating the space that we live. She explores the philosophy of putting the human element back into our homes, rather than just focusing on the aesthetics.

I thought I would share you one my favourite paragraph in the book on handmade.

We need the handmade to balance the mind-numbingly similar machine-made things around us, things that can only ever express the efficiency and speed with which they were produced. Craft makes our homes more human. We sense the time, care and skill that went into the making. Like life in its slow accumulation of experience, a crafted piece is an expression of the daily moods of the maker during its creation. It speaks of the concentration and love with which the object was made. It can be sensual, intricate, full of sentiment - and imperfect. It carries the imprint of the hands that made it.

Lv T.

London A.M

It was simply too beautiful to missed on such glorious morning in West London. The morning light and the clear blue sky make my walking scenery seemed to feel very romantic.

Accompanied by a a fresh late from Grosvernors cafe in Mayfair, I solely enjoyed looking at unexpected details on the architecture around me. (Click row of pictures for bigger resolutions).

Lv T

Chasing the blues

Gorgeous different shades of blue around National Coal mining museum.

Apology for the lack of post in the past months. Things has been going Topsy turvy in my side of the pond.

Sometimes when everything seems to falling apart, you tend to forget some of the amazing friends that you have. However on one particular double rainbow afternoon over the sky in Rhubarb Festival, you realised that there really is a brighter and calmer phase after horrible grey cloud.

The sprinkle of rain did not seem to dampen our spirits to explore even more local treasures around the district of Wakefield.

Good things just keep coming one after another.

A wonderful opening exhibition by Wuon-Gean was beautifully captured by my dear friend of mine Celina.

Lv T

Round and round.

Just one of those days where you just want to walk in the park and listen to wonderful music through your headphones.

Couldn't help but noticed the gorgeous fall colours that emerging in Roundhay Park, Leeds.
The air was crispy cold.

And I witnessed a man proposed a happy looking young woman in between the woodlands. I think that was the most romantic things I've seen this season. Really put a smile on my face seeing little moments like that. :)

I've decided to make this post, as my last one of the year. There are so many books I want to catch up with. Also the pressure of completing a new design for the brief that I'm currently working on, really floats my boat at the moment.

I have manage to decluttered my tab-bar and place them into a Loading Darling Tumblr HERE (and possibly quick update to share more visual lushness).
Off course I will still visit your blog every now and again. Be sure to leave me a link of your site. And please don't forget to visit my friend's blog (which you can find on the right-hand side of the sidebar).

Lv T.

Solitude Saltaire

Salts Mill Gallery in Saltaire always greeted me with fresh smell of white lilies. Thanks to Jonathan Silver's entrepreneurial ambition. The 3 floors of magnificent historical mill is packed with inspiration and wonderful books to browse within one roof.

Exciting artwork by Yorkshire born artist David Hockney tend to lift my spirit up with his usual colourful palette and mostly his quirky way of dressing.

The antique space on the top floor is flourished with ever changing antiques delights, and contemporary interior objects to make the house more like a home.

Weekend is always a wonderful time to visit the mill with all the family. The historical town of Saltaire is also worth to walk around for a romantic on a nice day.

Every so and so month The house of Rose and Brown vintage store of Saltaire host a wonderful vintage fair that's worth to check out (there is a slide on my side bar that will give you more details for the next upcoming events).

Lv T.

Anywhere art.

This time last week me and my dear friend visited exhibition in Leeds that was held in a formerly fashion retail space. How lovely it was to see the local government to support young and upcoming artist, into a scene that is currently growing steadily for the right crowds.
Do check out my friend's great post about the evening here.

I keep seeing exciting micro exhibition around Leeds last weekend. One particular out of the many events that are hosted by 'Art in Unusual spaces' is Bring the Happy . Well it looks pretty empty in the picture above. But it was quite busy while I was waiting for my turn to take part on the exhibition. The good old Bazaar bible and brilliant Sophie Calle book kept me busy till my turn was on.
Pretty interesting how a group of teenagers were participating calmly, in the gallery before they were off to go to the cinema next door.


Above are wonderful set of photographs that are taken by mostly National Geographic photographer. Organised by Wecommunic8. High quality image that are blown up in public spaces like this, really made you stop and think for a few second about the subject that are in the pictures.

Lv T

Tropical Wool

Tropical world in Leeds always takes me back to a nice warm, and sticky rainforest weather in South-East Asia. Ouhh the little family of Meerkats and butterfly also cheered me up with their funny body language.
All those fresh colours that I've seen, made me want to browse in 'Baa Ram Ewe'. Packed with deliciously soft yarns to knit and crochet that are mostly from Yorkshire. Do check out their British breed sourced yarns through their online store here.

I happily picked up this super fluffy Angora and a mixyarn of Silk Mohair in Candy Girl.

It will be interesting to see what it will become of them in the next couple weeks. ;)

Lv T

The bridge to optimism.

There are so many beautiful things in Snug Gallery. Usually I get really intimidated with snobby gallery waiter that really puts me off on enjoying the art that's inside. But here, the owner is genuinely friendly and just lets you enjoy on what's to offer within the space.

I was so proud to buy my first ceramic piece by Rebecca Callis, that's now sitting prettily in my dressing table to hold my Make-up brush.

And what do you know about 'one thing lead to another'. I was ever so lucky to visited Great Nothern Contemporary Craft Fair in Spinningfield Manchester (Fiuhh that was a long name :D ), and actually met the designer of my pretty pot and say hello to her.

The fair was just indescribable. There were so many high standard pieces from textiles, art, jewellery design, and illustration design. My brain was like a fireworks, filled with excitement just by browsing all the beautiful handmade things.

Below is Ingrid Wagner who kindly let me tried one her gigantic knit needles. I could stay forever in that stalls admiring her work, and also to continue my first rug knit.

Do check out her lovely company here for more information and possibly join exciting studio program.

The graduate pavilion that was dedicated for fresh graduate was as highly competitive as the established UK craft makers next door.

Julia Snowdin's gentle art piece really struck me the most. The artist herself was generous enough to chat with me and my group of friends about her inspiration and how the materials evolved together with the initial ideas.

Visiting the event has helped me very much with getting more focus on the brief that I'm working on at the moment. The video below also inspired me to enjoy bright but slightly muted colours for my final design this term.

What inspiring things have you came across lately?

Lv T.

Stealing kisses in Hyde Park corner.

Not to be confused with Glorious Hyde Park in London.
A colourful spot in Leeds of Hyde Park, is pack with shops with full of inspiration and budget friendly cafes.

Stroll around in Retro boutique with their collection of Interiors goodies, and vintage wonders at:


8-10 Headingley Lane,
Leeds,
West Yorkshire
LS6 2AS
01132 782653.

To rest those burning feet from walking. Sit down and enjoy a marvelous latte, served by a smiley staff at LS6.

16 Headingley Lane,

Leeds,

West Yorkshire

LS6 2AS

01132 945464

Waaa... I can't stop singing to this song these past two weeks. :D

Lv T

Intimate Grandeur

Starting with a small and rather mysterious black door. I followed the tempting sign of pointing index finger, down the stairs. Suddenly the lady below greeted me with a caddy of wrapped chocolate, gorgeous smile, and generous kindness of services that are offered.

I couldn't stop looking at every direction on this vintage haven. Rather like a wonderful place to do a dress up in a wadrobe full of exquisite dresses with details.

Sadly, my knee went all weak after trying on a very modest pink dress. Puffed up like a macaroon silhoutte, with 3 scallops details on the bodice, and generous long perfectly fitted sleevs.

Even thou I felt like the happiest girl in the world once I'm in the dress. Once I took it of,

it is sad because I totally failed the '6 months shopping for clothes ban'.

Maybe it was too ambitious of me to go the whole cold turkey for 6 months. Should have probably said 6 weeks, so it can be like a treat, and it feels sooo ever much better cherishing the recent purchase.

I wonder if a tiny crack of broken heart can be the major excuse of why we women indulge ourselves on shopping?

Highly thoughtful shopping experience such as the place above, most of the times...

altered muddy minds to a different type positive emotions.

There is a wonderful small selection of highly wearable vintage range for men that I wouldn't mind trying it on too (because of how good the collections are).

One dress will have to do for now.

Till another 10 weeks maybe?

Visit 'The Story of O' at:

5 Crescent

Hyde Park

Leeds

LS6 2NW

Telephone: 0113-2751969

Lv T

Play Stations.

In mid September I was lucky enough to be able to see a marvelous dance perfomances by The Featherstoneshaughs company.
Strong movements in Egon Schiele's rhythmical brush mark, influenced the two production that are currently touring around the country.
The hard work and training that the dancers accomplished were wrapped up in beautiful costumes designed by Sandy Powell (two times academy awards winner for best costumes in 'Shakespear in love' and 'The Aviator').

Live Drama and dance performances in Theatre, is definately something that I enjoyed going back and fell completely at ease this year.
It definately put you into a different perspective on looking at creativity and hard work sums up together.
And what a way to spend the evening to see other people's passion that can lead you to a new inspiration, and possibly dreams for your next output in life.

Lv T.