International School of Colour + Design
News
WE LOVE :: A Colourful Christmas
It's that time of year again and iscd is looking to colour for new inspirations and variations for the festive season's table and tree decorations! as well as great gift ideas that can be whipped up in a minute.
It seems like iscd cannot get enough of little Moroccan tea glasses for mood and atmosphere. they're great for flowers, as candle holders, to hold teaspoons, to serve ice cream in, to serve iced drinks in, and yes, to serve Moroccan mint tea in (great summer drink). They are really festive and beautiful all year around.
iscd enjoys the idea that holidays can be about something else besides the craziness that one often participates in at this time of year. Is it possible to be more creative this year, a little quieter, maybe read a book or connect with only those we want to connect with? spoil yourself in the new year but fueling the creative side of your brain and excercising your outer thinking! iscd's short courses are perfect for just that, Styling With Colour 4 week program takes everything you know about colour and styling, then throws it in the mix to grow and expand your knowledge. alternatively there is the one day free of charge Personal Style Discovery Workshop! perfect for the quick fix.
In the above photo iscd likes the idea of using up some prints that were too nice to throw out but not nice enough to give away. Cut them up and tie them on a ribbon and make a little garland. Adding some little doodles on photographs is always fun and in this case, used some white ink.
Parchment paper rolls are great, but did you know it is also available in round sheets? Yes, it is sold by the 100's at cooking supply stores in various sizes for the use in the bottom of cake pans (so your carrot cake and chocolate cake doesn't stick to the bottom of your pan). It is also a great wrapping paper for your baking and in this case the round sheets were perfect for these little sugar cookies. They wrapped up so neat and then got finished with beloved decoration tape and a little ribbon.
A great idea for the little ones is to make a garland advent calender. It's nice to be able to hang this and have it get smaller as the days of December count down. As each day passes you can snip off a treat bag. in the photo above some little gift bags from a craft store were used. Just pulled out the handles and then hole punched them, and strung them on a long piece of ribbon, tying a knot at each bag. Don't forget to put the tiny treats in first!
iscd can only hope you found some inspiration here, and we wish you a safe, happy and COLOURFUL Christmas break.
See you in 2010!
WE LOVE :: Contemporary Artist Francoise Nielly
Here's a French artist to ignite any one of our 'Art on the Edge' advanced visual art students' imagination. Francoise Nielly lives in a world of images. She has explored the different facets of "image" all her life , through painting, photography, roughs, illustrations and virtual, computer generated animated graphics. It is clear now that painting is her direction and her passion.
She gets her sense of space and construction from her father, who was an interior designer/architect.
Françoise Nielly's painting is expressive, exhibiting a brute force, a fascinating vital energy. Oil and knife combine then sculpt her images from a material that is , at the same time, biting and incisive, charnel and sensual. Whether she paints the human body or portraits, the artist takes a risk : her painting is sexual, her colours free, exuberant, surprising, even explosive, the cut of her knife incisive, her colour pallet dazzling.
A Day in the Life :: iscd Interior Styling students work on the job...
This Month, several iscd Interior Styling Diploma students took to the Real Living Magazine styling studio's to gain invaluable experience working on set and location with industry professionals such as the magazine's Editor Deborah Bibby and Style Director Jason Grant.
Jason Grant shares his experiences working with iscd students - "Work experience candidates from iscd that come to Real Living are always full of enthusiasm to put their knowledge into practice. They get to learn on the job and be part of photo shoots, experiencing first-hand all the behind-the-scenes action. Also, students get a taste of what interior styling for a monthly interiors magazine is all about, and are able to make valuableindustry contacts." he shares some shots from the day below.
Ashleigh Bennett, Catherine Morgan and Lucy Thane each spent a week working not only With Real Living Magazine, but alongside Sibella Court, Proprietor of The Society Inc. Author of ECETERA etc and opener of the iscd 2009 End of Year Foundation Course Graduation Exhibition.
Ashleigh Bennett shares with us her final thoughts about her whole week - "Our iscd educators are a big part in encouraging us to dream big dreams... not only that, but they pass on information, ideas and opportunities to you relevant to your creative journey. At the beginning of my Foundation Course I knew that I had a love of interiors, I didn't realise just how achievable and realistic my dreams could be!"
Industry Insider :: Seven Handy Hints on How to Decorate this Christmas
Christmas decorating in the Shabby Chic Cottage Style is defined as an elegant, comfortable, "lived in" feeling with a perfect mix of the old and the new.
Here are a few simple steps for creating a shabby chic, cottage Christmas by turning your home or apartment into a place of warmth this holiday season!
1. Choosing a color palette - Whites and creams are the staple colors for Shabby Chic style and also Christmas decorating projects. They can be used to create both an elegant or casual theme. White can be used exclusively or you can warm it up with beautiful pastels such as pinks, blues, or lavenders.
2. Fabrics - Use beautiful vintage inspired floral fabrics that fit within your Christmas color scheme. Damask would enhance and elegant theme while, quilted floral matelasse, white denim, and crisp linens can be used for table clothes or napkins for a more casual decor.
3. China - Set your table with mismatched china remembering to keep with your theme. This can be done fairly inexpensively with the help of your local thrift stores and flea markets. Using simple white dishes with small accents of floral china will add a special shabby chic Christmas charm.
4. Candles/Lighting - Illuminated lighting is a critical element in creating the atmosphere of warmth. lights are perfect for trees doorways and mantels. A chandelier adorned with glass prisms reflects the light . Candles of different sizes, displayed beautifully in old canisters or on saucers will add that extra warmth.
5. Christmas Tree Decorations / Floral Arrangements - When entertaining guests, use fresh flowers as finishing touches all around your home. A bouquet here and a single flower there. Use interesting things to display them in such as tea pots, bottles, water pitchers. A single white rose in a small charming vase next to the sink in the bathroom reminds your friends and family that you care about even the tiniest details.
6. Pillows - Place floral accent pillows in your white or cream color scheme on dining room chairs, benches, and unexpected areas to create an inviting comfortable atmosphere while adding extra seating.
7. Slipcovers - If you don't already own slipcovered furniture, pre-made slipcovers can be purchased relatively inexpensively at many local department stores. The benefit of slipcovering your furniture during the holidays protects your furniture from the occasional seasonal spill. Simply take them off and throw them in your washing machine when your guests have left.
Christmas decorating in a Shabby Chic cottage style brings joy and elegance into holiday. It's a charming, kid friendly, and relatively inexpensive. Decorate with the things you love and the warmth of the season will fill your home. Happy Holidays from our home to yours.