Dezine Konnections Interior Design

Triumph's Women in Making 2014: Please vote for me & my handmade lampshades

2014-04-01T20:00:00.000+01:00

I have only just gone and entered myself into Triumph's Women in Making' 2014 competition. Would love to win as this will help me grow my handmade line tremendously. In leaps and bounds beyond my imagination.

It's a bit late in the day as it started a few weeks ago but I still do stand a pretty good chance if my wonderful reader-friends can vote for me (if you think my African Print lampshades are awesome). Pretty please!

Here's the link here (kindly just click on it):

Vote for Tola Laseinde (Triumph Maker 2014)

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Simples ;-)

THANK YOU ALL SO VERY DEARLY!

p.s. It's for real & not an April fool's joke

Using African Wax Prints in Interior Design

2014-03-09T20:31:00.004Z

I am so so sorry for MIA (missing in action). Been so so busy behind the scenes that I have neglected my blog (.... a tad bit!). It's the Year 2014 and we are already in March. Where did the first two months go?

So I am now back on track! Whoop whoop !!!

I have been indulging & totally loosing myself in the world of African Design. A lot. And I mean both interior and fashion design. I am blown away by the talent I stumble across on a regular basis. Whether it's on social media, at Handmade fairs & Exhibitions, in magazines, on Television etc. My beloved fabric has gained a well-deserved international recognition, even though it's been around like forever.

I keep my eye on the ball as I also create & sell my own bespoke handmade products - lampshades, cushions, wall decor, lavender pouches/bags etc - with an African twist.

And here are a few inspiring discoveries which have given me loads of new ideas.

Fabulous richly coloured African Pouffes

Photo Credit: thebootstrapproject.com

I need me some of these rare African patterned towels

Photo Credit: frenchbydesign.blogspot.co.uk

I'm still trying to find out which Hotel this is in Nigeria. I just love the layout, textures, colours, fabric & furniture pieces.

Photo Credit: iamforevernigerian.tumblr.com

These square cubes, one-off design pieces by Ron Arad, are pretty neat!

Photo Credit: Do-lo-rez by Ron Arad

What I would really love is for people to see and meet the makers at the grass-root level. The indigenes of Africa who are great craftsmen/craftswomen. Very skilled at what they do but are not paid enough nor given any recognition for their creativity. Be it furniture, art objects & paintings, clothes etc. It's endless. In future I would like to work more closely with these special people - do my bit by giving back to my African roots. My social responsibility.

Our African wax prints have been around like forever and still have much more to show in the future.

"My take on African Prints ~ They are timeless. The future is African, in wax prints full of vibrant colours and patterns"

Handmade Monday Sale

2013-11-24T22:37:00.001Z

Just so you know, i don't want you to miss out now

1 day flash sale tomorrow, Monday 25th November 2013. Support the 'Handmade Monday' Cause (www.facebook.com/handmademonday). Am offering 20% off everything - lampshades, cushions, lavender bags, wall boards etc.

Please see image below for coupon code. Any questions please email me - tola@dezinekonnections.com. Thanks!

keeping you all informed & happy at the same time. Happy bargain shopping! ;-)

Lampshade Making Workshops

2013-11-03T22:19:00.002Z

Are you fed up with seeing the same old plain and bland lampshades and can’t seem to find something that is so you? Why not make your very own lampshade and learn a new skill at the same time.

Why not book a lampshade making class (for Adults) with Pots of Art in Hitchin

All you need to do is just bring along your fabric for making a 30cm lampshade (measurements should be at least 110cm x 30cm). Light-weight or medium-weight cotton works best (with no textures, embroidery or embellishments).

You will be provided with everything else you need to make your lampshade. Absolutely no sewing involved!

Workshops will be held at: Pots of Art – Hitchin

To book please call: 01462 420265

Provider: Tola Laseinde

Cost: £ 40 per person

Duration: 3 hours

Dates & Times: To be confirmed

Online Shop: www.ankaralampshades.etsy.com

Facebook: www.fb.com/Dezine.Konnections.Interior.Design

Email: tola@dezinekonnections.com

If this venue isn't convenient for you, I can come to you. we offer one-to-ones, group workshops, you can even host a party or hen night with a difference (the host will be charged only half-price).

We cover Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London. You can email me at tola@dezinekonnections.com

Why don't you have fun and learn anew skill at the same time. Make your very own unique lampshade made by your very own hands!

Back to School Sale: 50% off all Handmade Home Decor Products

2013-09-07T15:44:00.004+01:00

I am ever so sorry for being MIA. I know so unexpected without any warning. I had taken a bit of an unplanned break during the summer holidays. A breather to unplug & down tools, relax and reflect too. But saying that, I did do 2 fully-fledged market days last month in London @Camden Lock Market. Never ever done an outdoor market before so that was a whole new world to me. And I enjoyed every part of it. I promise to do another post on that, so I won't say too much now!

But back to THIS post! My son, aka Funky Geek, started secondary school last week. We all were & still are excited about this new stage of his life. And to celebrate that with my readers & customers I am having a sale on all my handmade products.

It's 50% off everything in my shop online (including custom orders). Yes ~ all products ARE Half Price. Please use Coupon Code: BACKTOSCHOOL while checking out. We now make African Print lavender bags/pouches using freshly-dried lavender. Custom request are welcome too!

Am sure this is a good time to get your Christmas shopping out of the way. There's something for everyone!

So are you ready! On your marks, get set ....... GO SHOPPERS GO :-)

My ETSY Christmas in July (CIJ2013) Sale is now on ......

2013-07-15T12:37:00.002+01:00

Sorry for my 'no posts recently' absence on my blog. Just been so so busy with my handmade line of Lampshades, cushions etc. Time just seems to fly by.

Just so you know though we at Ankara lampshades by Dezine Konnections Interior design are taking part in the 'Christmas in July' Sale. All you need is on the sale poster below. You could also send me a message via the 'contact the shop owner' link on the left hand side of my shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnkaraLampshades) if you have any questions or queries.

I also wanted to share with you some lovely treasury list that featured my African wax Print and Printed Cotton Lampshades in the last few days. Nice collections from hardworking Etsy Sellers. Am just doing my bit in promoting Etsy!

I usually have this surprised-shocked look on faces when I am promoting my shop to people I meet in various settings (could be my son's school, networking events, independent shops or even among my friends) and they have NEVER heard of Etsy. Am like WOW, really! So I go into an extended talk about what ETSY is. And their usual response is 'Oh really, I must have a look'. I then proceed to whip out my Blackberry and show them my online shop. And I always, always get the same reaction - your lampshades are soooooooooooo beautiful. Such unique patterns and colours as well.

his is what my handmade creations are ALL about. The smiles on my lovely customers' faces when they buy one of my fab lampshades or cushions. Total satisfaction guaranteed!

I'll be doing a few market stalls (Camden lock next month) and craft fairs this summer and beyond. So to keep up to date of my events, please 'LIKE' my Facebook page and you won't miss out ......

https://www.facebook.com/Dezine.Konnections.Interior.Design

}My take on Xmas in July Sales ~ You have the chance to get some/all of your Christmas (and other important occasion) shopping out of the way. Also the prices are reduced too.~

UK Handmade's Summer 2013 Showcase feature!

2013-06-12T19:20:00.001+01:00

Oh, did I tell you about my Summer Showcase feature in UK handmade, one of my unique handmade Ankara lampshades made it. I think this would be a perfect gift for Father's Day, would go well in a man cave / home office / bedroom me thinks! The possibilities are endless. Here is the link to the Summer showcase http://www.ukhandmade.com/showcase/summer

and here's a closer look at my fab Blue Chevron African Wax Print Lampshade ......

Did you know that there is a matching pillow available too ......

For more wonderful handmade gifts, here's the link to my Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnkaraLampshades new items added on a regular basis. Will be making notice / pin boards, fabric bookmarks and other home decor items soon. :-)

And I also have a sale on at the moment, all info on the flyer below.

Happy shopping my fellow readers!

The Thomas Chippendale Factor ~ Happy 295th birthday Sir!

2013-06-05T22:28:00.001+01:00

Oh how I so love classic periodic furniture. I mean the ones that take us back in time. And never go out of fashion

And today is a very significant day as we mark Thomas Chippendale's life!

Image Credit: google.co.uk

And I so love Google's Doodle. Trust them to come up trumps. All well-known Chippendale furniture pieces 'doodly' represented here!

So, who was THOMAS CHIPPENDALE?
He was a very famous 18th century English cabinet maker as well as a furniture designer. And he's from Yorkshire, just like me :-) I wrote a piece about him for one of Interior Design Diploma assignments which is reproduced below

"He was well known for making furniture that was more functional thus concentrating on strength over appearance. Quite famous for his cabriole legs with the carved claw and ball foot that were popular on his chairs and dining tables He loved using acanthus leaf as carved designs and pierced urn shaped splats on chairs. His style commonly featured elaborate lines and embellishments

Chippendale published a book called “the Gentlemans’ and Cabinet-Makers’ Director”. This served like an advertising journal for tradesmen.
He also had a Chinese style, sometimes called Chinoiserie which featured pagodas, bamboo turnings, claw-and-ball feet, intricate latticework and lacquering. Then finally, he had a Gothic influenced style that contained pointed arches, quatrefoils and fret-worked legs.Chippendale was best known for his desks and secretaries and he was the first to design the Pembroke table which had a drop-leaf design with an oblong or rectangular fixed centrepiece which contained a drawer underneath.Thomas Chippendale loved using Rococo, Chinese and Gothic influences and representing this in his furniture by including motifs like shells, rocks, foliage, flowers and C scrolls.. His was a master carver with designs typically being made of His later works had French-Chinese and Gothic influences."

And now I share some of his most beautifully designed furniture ......

Lovely Jappened Chippendale wardrobe in Green and Gold at Nostell Priory.

Image credit: nttreasurehunt.wordpress.com via Pinterest

A couple of "Chippendale" armchairs

Image credit: tdclassicist.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Now this I adore. Rococo inspired Chippendale mirror adorned with flowers, birds, leaves and bulrushes.

Image Credit: furniturestyles.net via Pinterest

This lovely corner cabinet with chinoiserie detailing, I believe, was made for the actor David Garrick 1768 - 1778.

Image credit: vam.ac.uk via Pinterest

}My take on Thomas Chippendale ~ His furniture pieces are classics, their value has appreciated a lot over time and I wouldn't mind owning a piece of history one day!~

Ankara Lampshades Snapshot

2013-05-07T18:40:00.000+01:00

Ankara Lampshades Snapshot, a photo by Dezine Konnections Interior Design on Flickr.

A bird's Eye view of my Etsy Ankara lampshades shop. This is the snapshot created by Google URL Shortner!

Pretty cool thumbnails.

Via Flickr:
AnkaraLampshades.etsy.com

Craft displays at craft fairs

2013-04-22T14:13:00.000+01:00

As I plan to attend more craft, handmade & vintage fairs displaying and selling my handmade fabric lampshade, I always look out for the best ways to display my wares. I plan to add on Pillow/ cushions and a few other soft furnishing lines in lovely vibrant African Print / Ankara fabric too!

I continually scout pages like Pinterest, blogs etc for inspirational and motivational

The Glass Effect

2013-04-11T16:37:00.000+01:00

I have always been fascinated with glass and how is applied in design of products, interiors, architecture. Glass is smooth. Glass is transparent. Glass is sleek. Glass is classy. I can go on and on about why I think glass is a good touch to your interiors.

Image credit: gweenkent.blogspot.co.uk

Show me a home that doesn't have some form of glass in/attached to it and I'll
Read more »

Happy Easter Sunday: Alternative Easter eggs

2013-03-31T21:29:00.003+01:00

Easter and Spring go together as they are both times for renewals, redesigning, clearing out and

Here are some Easter egg alternatives for the home

Cool Spring 2013 interior looks

2013-03-20T13:56:00.001Z

So it's the first day of Spring 2013 and I look out of my 'home office / living' window and it is so gloomy outside. So it also kinda makes the interiors look dark & dull a times. So why not brighten up your home with some touches of Spring accents. Not gonna do much writing on this one. I just want you all to experience the Spring mood! :-)

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month

Handmade African Print Fabric Coolie Lampshade Giveaway

2013-03-01T13:12:00.004Z

Oh yes, it's finally here. My first ever giveaway. And what is even more delightful is that I handmade the product myself. I also have an Etsy Shop with many more beautiful designs. My love for the African Print material, popularly known as 'Ankara' in Nigeria, has spurred me into creating my new line for my interior design business. My own range of Handmade fabric lampshades.

So I was thinking I am going to offer a giveaway to give someone the chance to own one of my colourful patterned lampshades. This will be a wonderful piece of eye candy and I think will suit a table lamp being a 10 "coolie lampshade.

All you need to do to enter is

1) Leave a comment on this post telling me why you think you should win this giveaway

2) Leave a 2nd comment if you are a follower of my blog for an extra chance to win

Ts & Cs
The chance to win this giveaway ends on Wednesday 6th March 2013 at midnight
This offer is only eligible to UK residents
Entrants must be 18 years or older.
The winner will be notified by email
If the winner chosen doesn't respond to claim the prize after 48 hours of being notified, I will chose another person

Also there is a 10% Sale on all ready-made Lampshades & custom orders too. Visit my ankaralampshades.etsy.com shop. Just use Coupon Code: ALSSALE2103. Ends 31st March 2013.Thanks

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Interior DesignTrend for 2013 ~ African Print influences

2013-02-25T19:58:00.000Z

Yes African Prints have exploded all over the world. Also known as Ankara in Nigeria, it's been introduced more and more into interior design and now found it's own firm footing.

This bedroom below reeks of African heritage. From the bedspread, pillows, colour of the bed frame to the painted walls, plates and all. Everything is so well coordinated without loosing the functionality of the room.

Image Credit: http://ellelens.com/wordpress/

I will most definitely be blogging more on this as I'm a British-Nigerian and I think Ankara, the African print fabric has taken over the world.

In terms of creating eye-catching focal points in any space, I make fabric lampshades using the Ankara material by hand. The designs and colour combinations are endless.

Here are some below for your viewing pleasure ;-)

Please visit my Ankara Lampshades shop on Etsy. I also share images on my page on. You can also reach me via:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dezine.Konnections.Interior.Design

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/DezineKonnects

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/DezineKonnects/

Happy Valentine's Day! Again!

2013-02-14T21:47:00.001Z

Just a quick one to wish you all a good day. Whether you are in or outta love, just enjoy being you!

image credit: http://ciaonewportbeach.blogspot.com

image credit: http://www.crystalclassics.com/villeroy/candles/retrocs.htm

"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning." -Author Unknown

http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard

Timeless Furniture ~ The Bathroom Vanity

2013-02-07T14:20:00.001Z

Gosh I haven't done one of these in like ..... ages.

I think this baby-pink beauty is a winner. It's in the style of new Baroque It's a revival of the old style and the pink colour puts a spin on it. I absolutely love it. The edges of the mirror have been delicately cut out.

The handles look like a big buckle. Too cute

Image Credit: http://www.fournimagz.com/

I'm curious as to where you would place this piece? In the bathroom or somewhere else entirely? Would love to read your feedback!

The Cloth Shop ~ a treasure trove of fabrics & trimmings

2013-02-01T23:00:00.003Z

I've always wanted to visit this cute little shop in London ever since I saw it feature on Kelly Hoppen's Superior Interiors. The name is 'The Cloth Shop' and it is nested along the famous Portobello Road. My wish came true last week when I got the chance to go to venture into the big city. That's just what I did.

You see I live in the country (escaped London a while ago now).
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Yaay!! Handmade Ankara Fabric Lampshades now on Etsy

2013-01-21T17:43:00.001Z

As you know I have been very busy with my new business venture which I am so passionate about. Am so happy to announce that we now have an online shop, please click on Ankara Lampshades on Etsy to get there ;-)

AnkaraLampshades

Ankara Lampshades by Dezine Konnections Interior Design

Favourite

I started making Handmade Ankara fabric Lampshades and they come in
Read more »

Lights, Camera, Action!

2013-01-14T13:39:00.003Z

I've always had a thing for stage & production design having worked for a film and television production company in another life. I'm always fascinated with the way film sets are staged and the final design. They always tell a story.

This one below is from the movie 'Somethings Gotta Give'. The wicker chairs are wicked! and black. Very clean and smooth lines accentuate this set design as well as the neutral colours used.

Next one up is from the 'Adjustment Bureau' movie. The ceiling lampshade
Read more »

Happy 150th Anniversary London Underground Map

2013-01-09T15:09:00.000Z

It's the 150th Anniversary of the London Underground Map. Can you believe it? Is it really that old! Wow. But you really can't do without it. I keep on finding old version here and there around my home. They are definitely here to stay!

Image Courtesy of http://www.alllitup.co.uk

I love this beautiful London Underground Map Edition of Blue Marmalade's
Read more »

To expose or not expose?

2013-01-08T14:23:00.001Z

Exposed building materials? Are they your thing? I've always had a thing for a bit of difference. Bringing the outside in type of thing. It creates a unique and rusty kind of ambiance. Country-Cottage feel mixed with contemporary pieces of furniture.

The industrial feel is making a big comeback. People are now more interested in sustainable and green living. Upcycling is becoming the order of the day. In with the new and out with the old.

Loving the old rusty chairs too.

Happy New Year for 2013 Y'all

2013-01-01T19:13:00.000Z

Just a quick first post of the year

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY AVID READERS

And thanks for reading my blog all year round too

Keeping Warm this winter

2012-12-31T12:11:00.002Z

This is culled from my recent guestblog post with the Advertiser Newspaper Group. Here's the link to my blog with them Design Noteblog. I wrote this just before Christmas. Enjoy.

Winter Warmers - Get your fireplace going

Just less than a week to go and it’ll be Christmas! By now the stocking fillers must be overflowing with delightful presents, the Christmas tree glowing and taking up its rightful residence, needles and all. I bet your homes are decorated all over with reminders of what’s to come!

As it is winter and we have had snowfall already, our homes need to be

Emerald - The Colour of 2013

2012-12-29T23:31:00.001Z

So here we are again ........ another 'Colour of the year' has been revealed by the world renowned Pantone.

Image credit: http://www.pantone.com

And the winner IS 'EMERALD'. And Am so very excited about this colour. So I should be as green IS my favourite colour. Seriously, no kidding!

Pantone describes emerald as .........

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty
that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

An emerald is a precious and luxurious gem stone. I love the sparkle from