Hello fellow bloggers, I hope you find yourselves well this gloomy November morning. Firstly I would like to apologise for the delay between blogs but I have been on holiday! I went away to Zambia and Kenya for two and a half amazing weeks but I am saving that for another blog, although my return is very much related to this post.
I find that after being away on holiday it re-establishes your own ideals of life and gives you a greater understanding of how you want to prioritise your responsibilities or your factors of life. I wish I could say I was going somewhere deep and meaningful with this but instead I put the a question to you, how many ways can you re-arrenge a studio flat? Well apparently a couple.
I found myself this gloomy November morning on my day off from my full-time job, the day I am meant to be doing my Raspberry Iguana job, getting 100% distracted in re-arranging the studio flat that I occupy with my boyfriend.
It all started Friday night, or correction the day we moved into our furnished flat and discovered that we have possibly the most uncomfortable sofa in the world. We had talked about buying a sofa and asking the landlord to remove the leather covered wooden box on which we are meant to sit, but decided that then we would be stuck with a sofa bought for the purpose of a 12 month lease. So on Friday we wanted to stay in and watch a couple of films but had had enough of bits of the sofa digging in to our bruised bodies. So I thought it would be fun to move the mattress onto the living room floor and camp out for a movie night, as it happens the mattress didn't make it back to it's base all weekend, until I suggested maybe we could switch around the two "rooms" or spaces as I now prefer to call them. So at 8.30am this morning the boyfriend went off to uni and left me in charge of sorting out the flat. It didn't take long for the flat to end up like one of those puzzles where you have to slide one piece to be able to move another and finally make a picture, it was at this point I considered giving up but decided it was the point of no return. So as I ploughed through stuff, just loads of stuff and dust, (we had been away for 2 and a half weeks why was there dust?) I was thinking about how the flat is a space and how as tenants it is about adjusting that space to fit you, your life style and your priorities. I was thinking about how as a tenant you can't decorate but it is important to make the flat feel like it is your own home and there needs to be a way to put your stamp on it. I looked over at the wooden box and the desk in the old "bedroom" and thought that it is good to have a designated working space free from distractions.
After 4 hours, yes 4 hours, lots of huffing and puffing, feeling rather frazzled and in need of a very strong coffee I stood back to look at my achievement and simply said to myself, "Who am I kidding, I have just re-arranged the whole flat to make TV viewing easier and more comfortable." Not quite what I thinking as now I feel that TV viewing has been put to the top of the life priority list but I shall await the boyfriends verdict anyway.
I will also upload pictures later so I can hear your verdict too.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
Monday, 21 November 2011
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Perk Up and Pay Attention
Perk Up And Pay Attention- this is going to be big!
Raspberry Iguana is moving with the times and feels that Keep Calm And Carry On is not what the population needs, the population needs to Perk Up And Pay Attention.
Keep Calm And Carry on is history, quite literally, it was one of three slogans created in 1939 by the government in order to uplift the spirits of the nation on the brink of war. It was trying to keep moral and a stiff up lip attitude towards the approaching troubled times. 2000 copies were made but were kept hidden in storage throughout the war until and remained hidden until rediscovery in 2000, when Stuart Manley, a bookseller, found a copy in a box of books he had just bought at auction. In 2005 the nation went made for Keep Calm and Carry On when the poster was featured as a gift idea in a newspaper supplement. My question is why?
I have to say I am with Churchill (then Prime Minister) on this one. The reason the slogan was never used at the time it was created is because in Churchill's eyes to say to Keep Calm suggested a time of panic and this did not send a positive uplifting message to the nation. I agree with this and further add that to Carry On is just plain foolish. People can't go through life pretending that hard times aren't happening and just ignore them, burry their head in the sand, people need to Pay Attention.
Perk Up is such a positive message to send out, the very definition of Perk is to become more lively, cheerful and interesting. This is what the nation needs, we need to cheer up and Pay Attention to what is going on around us and then act on it. This nation needs motivation and this slogan has is.
As for the design of the poster, I love it, bold red, simple and to the point. The poster I love it's the slogan I don't agree with.
Therefore in conclusion to this blog, follow Raspberry Iguana because
Raspberry Iguana is moving with the times and feels that Keep Calm And Carry On is not what the population needs, the population needs to Perk Up And Pay Attention.
Keep Calm And Carry on is history, quite literally, it was one of three slogans created in 1939 by the government in order to uplift the spirits of the nation on the brink of war. It was trying to keep moral and a stiff up lip attitude towards the approaching troubled times. 2000 copies were made but were kept hidden in storage throughout the war until and remained hidden until rediscovery in 2000, when Stuart Manley, a bookseller, found a copy in a box of books he had just bought at auction. In 2005 the nation went made for Keep Calm and Carry On when the poster was featured as a gift idea in a newspaper supplement. My question is why?
I have to say I am with Churchill (then Prime Minister) on this one. The reason the slogan was never used at the time it was created is because in Churchill's eyes to say to Keep Calm suggested a time of panic and this did not send a positive uplifting message to the nation. I agree with this and further add that to Carry On is just plain foolish. People can't go through life pretending that hard times aren't happening and just ignore them, burry their head in the sand, people need to Pay Attention.
Perk Up is such a positive message to send out, the very definition of Perk is to become more lively, cheerful and interesting. This is what the nation needs, we need to cheer up and Pay Attention to what is going on around us and then act on it. This nation needs motivation and this slogan has is.
As for the design of the poster, I love it, bold red, simple and to the point. The poster I love it's the slogan I don't agree with.
Therefore in conclusion to this blog, follow Raspberry Iguana because
Perk Up And Pay Attention
is the future slogan of Britain.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
How many sleeps till christmas?
Raspberry Iguana is in full festive swing with christmas ideas emerging from all angles.
With the sudden change to cold weather Raspberry Iguana has found itself looking forward to cosy evenings in and is starting to bubble with excitement at the thought of Christmas delights. I always feel really inspired as a designer around this time of year as I there is so much creativity over one occasion and each designer has their own personal take on how to create the pieces for such a big calendar event. From futuristic, kitsch or traditional. Raspberry Iguana too is in the process of making a Christmas range. For anyone who has visited the market stall they will have already seen that special themed designs have been printed on to tote bags which will make great re-usable gift bags. Raspberry Iguana will also be making a smaller version of these. Raspberry Iguana has also created a Santa Sack for little ones and is happy to take on special commissions for these which would include your input on the design and could also include the persons name. More excitingly Raspberry Iguana will be making hand made snowflakes, stars and other hanging decorations so you will have to stay tuned to see the first pro-to-types as they are still in production.
On a personal note I always look forward to Christmas as I am very traditional and just love to dedicate a few special days to nothing but hanging out with my family. Like most families will do, mine also has it traditions so I thought I would share some things with you and maybe you would like to share your traditions too.
On Christmas Eve everyone will pop over to my mum and dads house and my Grandad T. would have roasted a joint of beef earlier in the day so we can have hot beef sandwiches for tea. This is the first time during the holiday season that we will all meet up and all we do is have a good catch up, I really love that. We will also set out all the presents under the tree. Now, although I am young I have never and don't think I ever will go out on Christmas Eve, I hate the idea of being awake after mid-night because I would just be too excited.
On Christmas day morning we will start with a cup of tea and biscuits and then once everyone is up we will open our gifts, still in our Pj's.
These things may sound silly to you but to me these routines are what makes my festive season feel special. I love that my mum makes table gifts and that each year Christmas has a different theme for us. So far it has been gold, silver, petrol blue, deep purple, pink and fluffy and a more traditional red.
It may be a bit early for a Christmas blog but as I see it build up around me I find myself feeling nostalgic.
So as I said before, keep posted for photos of Raspberry Iguana's Christmas decorations and just in case you were wondering it's only 67 sleeps, 3 hours and 23 minutes...eek!
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
With the sudden change to cold weather Raspberry Iguana has found itself looking forward to cosy evenings in and is starting to bubble with excitement at the thought of Christmas delights. I always feel really inspired as a designer around this time of year as I there is so much creativity over one occasion and each designer has their own personal take on how to create the pieces for such a big calendar event. From futuristic, kitsch or traditional. Raspberry Iguana too is in the process of making a Christmas range. For anyone who has visited the market stall they will have already seen that special themed designs have been printed on to tote bags which will make great re-usable gift bags. Raspberry Iguana will also be making a smaller version of these. Raspberry Iguana has also created a Santa Sack for little ones and is happy to take on special commissions for these which would include your input on the design and could also include the persons name. More excitingly Raspberry Iguana will be making hand made snowflakes, stars and other hanging decorations so you will have to stay tuned to see the first pro-to-types as they are still in production.
On a personal note I always look forward to Christmas as I am very traditional and just love to dedicate a few special days to nothing but hanging out with my family. Like most families will do, mine also has it traditions so I thought I would share some things with you and maybe you would like to share your traditions too.
On Christmas Eve everyone will pop over to my mum and dads house and my Grandad T. would have roasted a joint of beef earlier in the day so we can have hot beef sandwiches for tea. This is the first time during the holiday season that we will all meet up and all we do is have a good catch up, I really love that. We will also set out all the presents under the tree. Now, although I am young I have never and don't think I ever will go out on Christmas Eve, I hate the idea of being awake after mid-night because I would just be too excited.
On Christmas day morning we will start with a cup of tea and biscuits and then once everyone is up we will open our gifts, still in our Pj's.
These things may sound silly to you but to me these routines are what makes my festive season feel special. I love that my mum makes table gifts and that each year Christmas has a different theme for us. So far it has been gold, silver, petrol blue, deep purple, pink and fluffy and a more traditional red.
It may be a bit early for a Christmas blog but as I see it build up around me I find myself feeling nostalgic.
So as I said before, keep posted for photos of Raspberry Iguana's Christmas decorations and just in case you were wondering it's only 67 sleeps, 3 hours and 23 minutes...eek!
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
Friday, 30 September 2011
A Love of Leather
I am loving leather fashion this season. I can't quite put my finger on it but to me it just adds some more edge to traditional items making them a stand out piece of any outfit. Leather pieces to me give elegance and glamour with a sophisticated sexiness.
I admit it has taken me a while to feel comfortable wearing leather because it has always seemed a bit too risky and sexy, something that only looks good on super skinny models strutting up and down a catwalk. However this season I can completely understand the appeal, structured items looks so different in leather and it just catches the light differently. You can wear all black but avoid flatness by adding some leather texture.
I thought I would share my recent leather purchases with you (modelled by myself so be kind).
Here is my most recently wardrobe addition, it actually inspired me to write this blog post. I was actually shopping for a summer skirt to wear on my holiday but spotted this on the rail and thought I might as well try it on, I never thought I would end up buying it. I just loved that it was a girly shape but the texture gave an edge of gothic, biker glam. I questioned if I would get my wear out of it but with some high heeled brogues and a blouse it gives me a great look I could wear to work, the ankle socks just finish off the look. I kept my jewellery limited to necklaces and all black with a hint of pearl, to me this is a perfect modernisation of the little black dress.
The Dress is from H&M and was £24.99 (obviously imitation leather).
In this photo you can't argue that leather is not sophisticated. I actually bought this skirt last year for my graduation, I wanted something that would say 'fashion student' but it needed to be smart too. I think teaming this skirt with a pussy bow blouse give a great look for the office and would be great for heading out for drinks after work too. To me this proves leather can look smart.
The skirt was from Topshop last year and about £35.00, again imitation leather.
I admit it has taken me a while to feel comfortable wearing leather because it has always seemed a bit too risky and sexy, something that only looks good on super skinny models strutting up and down a catwalk. However this season I can completely understand the appeal, structured items looks so different in leather and it just catches the light differently. You can wear all black but avoid flatness by adding some leather texture.
I thought I would share my recent leather purchases with you (modelled by myself so be kind).
The Dress is from H&M and was £24.99 (obviously imitation leather).
The skirt was from Topshop last year and about £35.00, again imitation leather.
This is my final look. I have seen a lot of leather look or wet look leggings around on the high-street at the moment but I wasn't sure if they were for the masses and perhaps just suited the super skinny and I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that. However I think I have found a solution, these are panelled leggings, thick legging with leather strips down the sides. The leggings are a perfect transitional wardrobe piece. I have slobbed out in these with vest tops and plimsoles but equally in the outfit above I look as though I am about to hit the dance floor. They are comfy, sleek and leg lengthening. Leather leggings make leggings sexy.
My leggings are Topshop and were £25.00.
This blog post just shows the items I own that are leather but there are plenty more options on the high-street too. Even if you are not feeling brave enough to fully embrace the look there are great alternatives with pieces such as knitwear with leather trim pockets.
Leather is luxurious, sleek and stylish, what do you think?
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
Sunday, 25 September 2011
London Fashion Week
I know I am a week late but better late than never. I've been thinking for about a week now how I find not just London Fashion week but all Fashion weeks I find quite strange.
I have always considered myself a summer baby, I was born in summer but I still find it my favourite time of the year and not just because of my birthday. However this year I find myself looking forward to winter. I can't wait for those crisp morning chills, duvet days, hot chocolates and stodgy food like stews and roasts. Maybe it is just because summer has been a little bit of a let down in England or maybe I am just loving the winter wear I am seeing about the high-street. I work in retail and I swear I have already picked out a new winter coat for everyday of the week, unfortunately my wardrobe isn't big enough.
So you probably are asking yourselves where I am going with this? I think it is so strange that in autumn/winter you buy your spring/summer wardrobe and in spring/summer you buy your winter wardrobe??? Am I the only one?
I can not imagine buying the latest trends in boots, coats and scarfs whilst wearing shorts and sandals. How do you know you will still like that outfit all those months later or still fit in it? Also in summer just looking at a jumper makes me feel all hot and bothered. This works the other way around too, As I said earlier I want to snuggle in big cosy jumpers and thick woollen stockings not be thinking about buying a new summer dress to wear on my summer holiday with destination unknown.
To be honest though what it really boils down to is I am an impulse buyer, I always have been and I love new clothes. I can't wait to wear something new, as soon as I buy it I will have my outfit planned for the next day.
So what do you guys think? Do you have to wear new things as soon as you get them or would you be happy to wait for months? Do you pay attention to Fashion Weeks or just let it pass you by? Are you looking forward to winter or are you sad the summer is coming to an end?
Please share your thoughts, lets get a discussion going.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
I have always considered myself a summer baby, I was born in summer but I still find it my favourite time of the year and not just because of my birthday. However this year I find myself looking forward to winter. I can't wait for those crisp morning chills, duvet days, hot chocolates and stodgy food like stews and roasts. Maybe it is just because summer has been a little bit of a let down in England or maybe I am just loving the winter wear I am seeing about the high-street. I work in retail and I swear I have already picked out a new winter coat for everyday of the week, unfortunately my wardrobe isn't big enough.
So you probably are asking yourselves where I am going with this? I think it is so strange that in autumn/winter you buy your spring/summer wardrobe and in spring/summer you buy your winter wardrobe??? Am I the only one?
I can not imagine buying the latest trends in boots, coats and scarfs whilst wearing shorts and sandals. How do you know you will still like that outfit all those months later or still fit in it? Also in summer just looking at a jumper makes me feel all hot and bothered. This works the other way around too, As I said earlier I want to snuggle in big cosy jumpers and thick woollen stockings not be thinking about buying a new summer dress to wear on my summer holiday with destination unknown.
To be honest though what it really boils down to is I am an impulse buyer, I always have been and I love new clothes. I can't wait to wear something new, as soon as I buy it I will have my outfit planned for the next day.
So what do you guys think? Do you have to wear new things as soon as you get them or would you be happy to wait for months? Do you pay attention to Fashion Weeks or just let it pass you by? Are you looking forward to winter or are you sad the summer is coming to an end?
Please share your thoughts, lets get a discussion going.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Blog Overhaul
So what I have been thinking over the last week or so is how much discussion this blog lacks and that is something I don't want. So I have been pondering about other things that I could blog about apart from just what Raspberry Iguana is getting up to. So my thinking led me to a few subjects for further blogging topics and discussions, so I'm asking my readers what do you think?
Obviously I will continue to update you all on new designs, markets, new products etc. of Raspberry Iguana but as I said before it doesn't leave to much discussion.
I have decided I am going to be sharing my thoughts and opinions and in return asking for you for yours on trends I notice or better still if you notice a trend then write a comment and start your own discussion on my blog, I would love it. So the sorts of things I was thinking about were interior and fashion clothing. The discussion may lead to be about trends I love or trends I just don't get. My background is in trend prediction so it's time I put those spotting skills back to good use.
I want to also start up some discussions and healthy debate about social networking and how people react at different levels, what social networking they like, don't like, use and don't use. How does social networking fall into our personal and work life and do the to marry successfully.
Raspberry Iguana wants some comments and interaction with it's followers because if I can capture you, I can learn how to capture others. I want people to tell me what they want so Raspberry Iguana can give them that.
So this is just an insight to the future at the Raspberry Iguana blog, so keep an eye out for the first discussion very soon. However if there is something you think we should be discussing then please get the ball rolling.
With Love Raspberry Iguana X
P.S. Raspberry Iguana had another amazing market day on Wednesday
Friday, 16 September 2011
September the 14th at Greenwich Market
So I think by now it is clear to all Raspberry Iguana followers that Raspberry Iguana has a market stall at Greenwich Market London. The only thing I can say for the day was it was amazing! I have a fresh to do list before my next days trade but I like to keep busy so that is fine by me. So for this post I thought rather that write in detail about the stall I thought I would stick to some photos, as pictures say a thousand words. Hopefully this will encourage you to pop down and say hello.
Enjoy!
With Love Raspberry Iguana X
Enjoy!
With Love Raspberry Iguana X
Monday, 12 September 2011
To Market Again
Raspberry Iguana will be at Greenwich Market tomorrow between 8.30am & 5.30pm. Come and visit to look at all the wonderful new designs and products Raspberry Iguana has been busy creating over the last couple of weeks.
This is an official invitation to, Raspberry Iguana would love to meet you all.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
This is an official invitation to, Raspberry Iguana would love to meet you all.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
The Search for Edith
This blogging post is slightly more on the personal side. I want to share a little bit of my personal history with you all as I am one of those people who feel knowing where you came from helps guide you to where you are going.
For those of you that don't know the main aim of Raspberry Iguana is to become an interior design company that also creates it's own homemade products too. So this left me quite intrigued to hear the story of my great great aunt, Edie or Edith. She was born in England and at some point moved to Calgary Canada. It was in Canada that she started her own interior design business.
Unfortunately at this stage I know very little about as my Nan can't remember any set dates of details that could help me trace her. All we really know is she moved to Canada in the early 1900's and would have been in her early twenties. My nan seems to think that she didn't stay long in Calgary and would of set up her business in a different city.
Edie would have been married at one point and had a son too. Tragically her son died when he was a teenager in a car accident yet we don't know his name or exact age. Her husband also died.
In the 1950's she came back to visit friends and family in London, once on her own and once with a new man friend. We think she came over on the Queen Mary but we are not sure and we think she may have travelled in her widowed married name but unfortunately we have no clues as to what this was.
When she died she left everything to my great grandad although he never travelled to Canada to settle her estate.
We (me and my family) have seem to have come to a bit of a dead end and are left wondering about her business and life in Canada and why she moved there in the first place.
I am calling all bloggers to get your ideas on how I can start to find her with so little information on her and her own immediate family. For me it is comforting to know that Edith managed to start her own business which I am assuming was successful enough to support herself, I just wish I could know more about her and her life in Canada. I also wish I could fill in the missing gaps for nan who unfortunately cannot remember.
Well even if this is as far as the search goes-here is a photo, at least we can put a face to the name.
For those of you that don't know the main aim of Raspberry Iguana is to become an interior design company that also creates it's own homemade products too. So this left me quite intrigued to hear the story of my great great aunt, Edie or Edith. She was born in England and at some point moved to Calgary Canada. It was in Canada that she started her own interior design business.
Unfortunately at this stage I know very little about as my Nan can't remember any set dates of details that could help me trace her. All we really know is she moved to Canada in the early 1900's and would have been in her early twenties. My nan seems to think that she didn't stay long in Calgary and would of set up her business in a different city.
Edie would have been married at one point and had a son too. Tragically her son died when he was a teenager in a car accident yet we don't know his name or exact age. Her husband also died.
In the 1950's she came back to visit friends and family in London, once on her own and once with a new man friend. We think she came over on the Queen Mary but we are not sure and we think she may have travelled in her widowed married name but unfortunately we have no clues as to what this was.
When she died she left everything to my great grandad although he never travelled to Canada to settle her estate.
We (me and my family) have seem to have come to a bit of a dead end and are left wondering about her business and life in Canada and why she moved there in the first place.
I am calling all bloggers to get your ideas on how I can start to find her with so little information on her and her own immediate family. For me it is comforting to know that Edith managed to start her own business which I am assuming was successful enough to support herself, I just wish I could know more about her and her life in Canada. I also wish I could fill in the missing gaps for nan who unfortunately cannot remember.
Well even if this is as far as the search goes-here is a photo, at least we can put a face to the name.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Raspberry Iguana's Brighter Future
Good morning bloggers
I have to share with you my latest handmade product. Last night I made my very first Raspberry Iguana lampshade. It was very fiddly and a bit of an experience but all in all I am quite pleased. I think I may keep this one for myself being my first lampshade ever made but now I have the know how you can expect to find more and more designs and lampshades in the mix.
This lampshade can be used for a ceiling lamp or a table lamp. I quite like this shape and size but think I may make some smaller ones to as it does dominate my little side board but at the same time makes a clear statement as a feature lamp.
The design of lamps will follow the original designs but may be slightly adjusted to suit a repeat pattern to cover the shade in the design.
Well I will leave the pictures to do the rest of talking, enjoy...
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
I have to share with you my latest handmade product. Last night I made my very first Raspberry Iguana lampshade. It was very fiddly and a bit of an experience but all in all I am quite pleased. I think I may keep this one for myself being my first lampshade ever made but now I have the know how you can expect to find more and more designs and lampshades in the mix.
This lampshade can be used for a ceiling lamp or a table lamp. I quite like this shape and size but think I may make some smaller ones to as it does dominate my little side board but at the same time makes a clear statement as a feature lamp.
The design of lamps will follow the original designs but may be slightly adjusted to suit a repeat pattern to cover the shade in the design.
Well I will leave the pictures to do the rest of talking, enjoy...
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
Monday, 29 August 2011
Greenwich Market Success
Tuesday the 23rd August 2011 will always be remembered as the first day Raspberry Iguana went to market, and what a day it was.
It was an early start, my dad offered support and picked me up from my flat other wise known as Raspberry Iguana's head office at 6.00am. It was apparent that the weather was going to be against us as the rain came down and the grey clouds hung gloomily above us, yet we were not going to let this dampen our moods. We nervously and excitedly waited patiently with anticipation in the middle of the empty Greenwich Market ready to be placed on an rusty stall. As we eyed up the competition the market became alive with a hustle and bustle of activity. As soon as we were placed at our empty frame we got to work. Given that we were new to the market dad and I set up very quickly, we were very in tune with my vision of the look of the stall and just got on with doing the task at hand. We were so organised we even had time to sit down and have a coffee and a biscuit and watch everyone else whilst they put the finishing touches to their stalls.
Trade was slow on Tuesday, as I said below the wether was against us yet we continued to remain positive and try different things to get people to come to Raspberry Iguana's stall.
The regular traders were very welcoming and interested in finding out about my product and trade but not at all in a competitive way, it was more of a way of finding out more about who would be joining their community. They themselves were having a quiet day.
Having said the day was quiet, the day was a great success. The afternoon brought customers, paying customers so all in all sales were made. Raspberry Iguana received many compliments too, many passers by said how beautiful the bags were and mentioned the quality of the drawings and the finished product itself, I blushed and said thank-you but was jumping up and down inside wanting to scream with excitement. It was a lovely feeling to know that all the hard work and sleepless nights had be worth the push and that strangers to me enjoyed the product and not just out of politeness, they wanted to part with their money and actually own a piece of Raspberry Iguana art.
So in conclusion the market experience was a wonderful one, a really happy day and a much needed boost of energy for Raspberry Iguana. A lot was learnt from the day in terms of product, price and even where to park for free next time. So the question your all waiting to be answered...did Raspberry Iguana pass her trial day? Why yes of course! So keep posted for further dates on when to catch Raspberry Iguana on the market.
Now I can not write a post about the day at the market without saying a big thank-you to my dad. He got my lights and extension lead, he got them all PAT tested too. He drove to pick me up, he bought some sheets (thank-you to mum for donating them.) He bought the picnic too, complete with Jammie Dodgers! Most of all he kept boosting moral, whenever there was a slow period he picked me up and we would try something else. More importantly he just kept me company and I really enjoyed just spending the day hanging out. So dad-thank-you for all your support, I couldn't of done it without you.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana X
Monday, 22 August 2011
This little Iguana Went to Market
Raspberry Iguana has found itself very excited and all of a flutter this fine London evening as it's puts together the final preparations for it's Greenwich Market debut tomorrow.
The stall will have myself, Rose, the designer and my dad too (thank-you again for the support). We would love the chance to meet you and show you the products first hand and would welcome any comments or ideas you have too. We will be there from 8.30am so please pop by and say hello.
The stall will have the 10 original designs but some new additions too. The new designs are featured below. Also there is now a new product of cushion covers and at the moment they are exclusive to the market stall - just to further tempt you for a visit.
Well I hope to see you all at the market tomorrow. Stay posted for post market day news, there will be photos!
With love
Raspberry Iguana X
The stall will have myself, Rose, the designer and my dad too (thank-you again for the support). We would love the chance to meet you and show you the products first hand and would welcome any comments or ideas you have too. We will be there from 8.30am so please pop by and say hello.
The stall will have the 10 original designs but some new additions too. The new designs are featured below. Also there is now a new product of cushion covers and at the moment they are exclusive to the market stall - just to further tempt you for a visit.
Well I hope to see you all at the market tomorrow. Stay posted for post market day news, there will be photos!
With love
Raspberry Iguana X
Monday, 15 August 2011
To Market, To Market
Well Raspberry Iguana has been all a flutter with excitement this week as it has been offered the chance of a trial day at Greenwich Market London. The stall will begin trade Tuesday 23rd August from 8.30am and will carry on all day. Raspberry Iguana would love you to come down and visit the stall, it would be your chance to see the product and chat with the designer herself (me). It is only a trial day and after the days trade the stall will have an assessment and then fingers crossed that Raspberry Iguana will get to trade on a regular basis. The aim is just to get the product to all you guys and actually get to meet you too.
Not only this but Raspberry Iguana has been very busy designing new products. There are now some cushion covers in the mix but I think the suspense will have to go on just a little longer because the cushions will not be making their debut until the opening of the market stall, another reason for you to come down and visit us.
So just to confirm the date you need to take note of is Tuesday the 23rd August 2011, the location is Greenwich Market, London. Raspberry Iguana will be at the market from 8.30am onwards but pop down anytime.
Hope to see you all very soon.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana x
P.S. Don't forget to keep posted for the results of the trial day.
Not only this but Raspberry Iguana has been very busy designing new products. There are now some cushion covers in the mix but I think the suspense will have to go on just a little longer because the cushions will not be making their debut until the opening of the market stall, another reason for you to come down and visit us.
So just to confirm the date you need to take note of is Tuesday the 23rd August 2011, the location is Greenwich Market, London. Raspberry Iguana will be at the market from 8.30am onwards but pop down anytime.
Hope to see you all very soon.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana x
P.S. Don't forget to keep posted for the results of the trial day.
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Some of my Original Artwork
I have a confession, I am a horder, I like to record every memory with a souvenirs. For example right now I am still carrying around cinema tickets in my purse from months ago. I love scrap booking too and building albums of experiences not just photos. I think this need or want to collect mostly comes from college, we were always taught that inspiration can be found in everything and that we should explore and record everything we do in case we found it a route for art exploration. I think I also get this need to collect from my mum, she keeps everything and is a keen crafter too when she has some spare time.
So anyway, I recently went home to my mum and dads house and had a dig around in my old room, as I often do. Every time I go back to my parents house I end up coming home with twice as much as I went with as I gradually bring more and more keeps sakes and what not back. With each trip I sneak back more and more of my girly treasures making mine and my boyfriends flat a little palace full of pretty girly-ness, too bad for my boyfriend. On this particular trip I was on a mission to photograph some of my work I have given to my parents over the years. It was at this point that I found myself shuffling under my bed sliding boxes out of my way and trying to avoid the dust, finally I found my portfolio.
So to get to the point, here is some of my old artwork from college and some projects of my own. So let me share it with you and let me know what you think.
So anyway, I recently went home to my mum and dads house and had a dig around in my old room, as I often do. Every time I go back to my parents house I end up coming home with twice as much as I went with as I gradually bring more and more keeps sakes and what not back. With each trip I sneak back more and more of my girly treasures making mine and my boyfriends flat a little palace full of pretty girly-ness, too bad for my boyfriend. On this particular trip I was on a mission to photograph some of my work I have given to my parents over the years. It was at this point that I found myself shuffling under my bed sliding boxes out of my way and trying to avoid the dust, finally I found my portfolio.
So to get to the point, here is some of my old artwork from college and some projects of my own. So let me share it with you and let me know what you think.
P.S. Don't forget Raspberry Iguana's Etsy store launched and now there are 5 more designs to choose from. Check it out http://www.etsy.com/people/RaspberryIguana?ref=ls_profile
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Raspberry Iguana Joins Etsy
Well as you may be able to guess from the title Raspberry Iguana has joined Etsy. I am very excited about this because despite the lack of communication between myself and my current followers, I have managed to gather some new ones from Etsy.
So here it is in official blog format the official launch of the Raspberry Iguana Etsy shop. That's a hint to start buying :)
So apart from setting up online shops Raspberry Iguana has been busy making some new bags and thought you may enjoy a little peep.
These designs have already been uploaded on facebook but only as their paper designs so hopefully this will give a better idea of the finished product. However these are not on my Etsy shop yet as it involves being technical and I prefer to leave that to my other half, they will be on by the end of the week though but if you really can't wait that long then log onto the Raspberry Iguana website and e-mail me as I can take orders through that too.
http://web.mac.com/raspberry.iguana
http://www.etsy.com/people/RaspberryIguana
Unfortunately this is only a short blog today as Raspberry Iguana is very busy creating new designs and working on commissions but keep posted and I will be sure to share all my ideas with you soon in their finished form.
With love
Raspberry Iguana x
So here it is in official blog format the official launch of the Raspberry Iguana Etsy shop. That's a hint to start buying :)
So apart from setting up online shops Raspberry Iguana has been busy making some new bags and thought you may enjoy a little peep.
These designs have already been uploaded on facebook but only as their paper designs so hopefully this will give a better idea of the finished product. However these are not on my Etsy shop yet as it involves being technical and I prefer to leave that to my other half, they will be on by the end of the week though but if you really can't wait that long then log onto the Raspberry Iguana website and e-mail me as I can take orders through that too.
http://web.mac.com/raspberry.iguana
http://www.etsy.com/people/RaspberryIguana
Unfortunately this is only a short blog today as Raspberry Iguana is very busy creating new designs and working on commissions but keep posted and I will be sure to share all my ideas with you soon in their finished form.
With love
Raspberry Iguana x
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Raspberries are yummy, Iguana's are not
Hello everybody!
This is just a quick post before I head off to my day job, which unfortunately is not running Raspberry Iguana but hopefully it will be one day :)
I was browsing the web for inspiration in the form of raspberries. I found lots of yummy recipes involving raspberries and thought I would share one with you.
RASPBERRY AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES (makes 12 large cupcakes)
This is just a quick post before I head off to my day job, which unfortunately is not running Raspberry Iguana but hopefully it will be one day :)
I was browsing the web for inspiration in the form of raspberries. I found lots of yummy recipes involving raspberries and thought I would share one with you.
RASPBERRY AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES (makes 12 large cupcakes)
Ingredients:
113g (1 stick) butter
75g (2.5 oz) white chocolate
150g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
1tsp vanilla essence
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
188g (1.5 cups) self-raising flour
160ml (2/3 cup) of water
24 fresh raspberries
75g (2.5 oz) white chocolate
150g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
1tsp vanilla essence
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
188g (1.5 cups) self-raising flour
160ml (2/3 cup) of water
24 fresh raspberries
For the frosting:
100g (about 4/5 of a stick) butter
156g (1.25 cups) icing sugar
3-4 Tbsp pureed fresh raspberries
12 fesh raspberries to decorate
100g (about 4/5 of a stick) butter
156g (1.25 cups) icing sugar
3-4 Tbsp pureed fresh raspberries
12 fesh raspberries to decorate
Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 180C (350F).
Melt the butter in a double boiler (or in a pyrex bowl over a pot of boiling water on the stove). When half melted, add the white chocolate and stir until both chocolate and butter are melted. Check for lumps and remove from the heat.
Add the sugar, then the eggs and vanilla essence - mix well. Sift in the baking soda (to prevent lumps), then add the flour and beat until mixture is smooth. Stir in the water, a little at a time, mixing well between additions until all water has been absorbed into the batter - it will be quite runny.
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper muffin cups. Pour about 2 Tablespoons of batter into each cup. Place 2 fresh raspberries into each cup, then divide the rest of the batter equally among the cups. Bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting the cupcakes.
For the frosting, gently heat about 15 fresh raspberries with 2 Tpsb water in a small saucepan on the stove, until the raspberries are soft enough to mash with a fork. Allow to cool completely.
Cream the butter, then add the icing sugar and cream together. Add the pureed raspberries 1 Tbsp at a time until the right consistency is achieved. Use a piping bag or a palette knife to ice the cakes and top each with a fresh raspberry.
This recipe is from from Cook Sister, including the picture. The link is below.
http://www.cooksister.com/2009/10/raspberry-and-white-chocolate-cupcakes-with-raspberry-buttercream-frosting.html
What do people think to printing raspberry themed deserts on bags? Practical, fashionable and yummy. I would try and find Iguana deserts but i don't think they would be very tasty :)
Well I hope this inspires some baking if nothing else. Next to fashion has to come tea-parties with cupcakes.
With Love
Raspberry Iguana x
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