Wee Birdy Q&A: London craft and haberdashery

Q: I'll be in London in May and wondered if you knew where I could buy felt? I tried finding a shop in London like Spotlight (craft supplies) in Sydney but didn't have much luck. Any ideas? That sweet shop looks amazing! Thanks, Trixi

Hi Trixi,
I’m not surprised you didn’t have much luck in finding a craft supplies chain store in London – it’s sorely lacking in this area. However, I did find some other good options for you to check out in May.

Firstly, I headed to the fourth floor of John Lewis on Oxford Street. Back in its glory days, John Lewis’ haberdashery department was apparently THE place to go for this kind of thing. Sadly, these days you’ll find a much smaller and limited version of itself. But I did find a good selection of felt in white, black, ivory, red and green at £6.50 per metre.

Large bunny rabbit feltidermy, US$120, from Girl Savage’s Etsy shop.

Your best bet, though, is London’s marvellous Cloth House. It has two large retail shops on Berwick Street in Soho and sources a spectacular range of fabrics from around the world. You need to head to the shop at number 98, which has a fine and extensive range of felt.

In fact, Cloth House produces its own line from a mill in the French Alps which has been making felt for over 300 years. They have two different types of felt: a woollen viscose that comes in over 30 colours at £15 per metre, and a pure woollen felt at £25 per metre.

Gray kitty feltidermy brooch, US$30, from Girl Savage’s Etsy shop.

And if you’re up for a trip to London’s East End, you would also be in luck at Dalston Mill Fabrics. They stock over 15 colours in acrylic felt at £4.40 per metre, and a woollen felt in black and navy at £17.50 per metre. Good luck and don’t forget to buy a bag of bon-bons from Hope & Greenwood!

Silver gray doe feltidermy, US$45, from Girl Savage’s Etsy shop.

John Lewis
Oxford Street
London W1A 1EX
Nearest tubes: Oxford Circus and Bond Street

Cloth House
47 and 98 Berwick Street
Soho, London
W1F 0QJ
Tel: 020 7287 1555
Nearest tubes: Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Dalston Mill Fabrics
69-73 Ridley Road
Dalston, London
E8 3NP
Tel: 020 7249 4129
Nearest rail: Dalston Kingsland

p.s. OK, it's slightly off-topic but I love these hilariously cute “feltidermy” hand-stitched pieces by Girl Savage on Etsy. And I needed something to illustrate this post. Genius!

Brown mouse feltidermy brooch, US$30, from Girl Savage’s Etsy shop.

Wee Birdy Q&A: Homewares in W1

Q: I’m currently planning a trip to London in June and although I have been to London a few times (and lived there for a year in college and attended the LSE), I’m checking your blog for the new and fun. This trip won’t afford me much time for shopping because I’m travelling with my boyfriend and two of our teenage nephews, but I do plan to skip the Royal Artillery Museum for a bit of shopping.

I am planning to focus on the W1 area (Do Shop, Liberty, Mint, Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery), and would love any additional suggestions for home décor stores in that area. Thanks! - Lisa, Phoenix, Arizona.

Hi Lisa,
Wow, travelling with two teenage boys – you’ve certainly got your work cut out for you. But in terms of interiors shopping in the W1 area, you’re off to an excellent start with Do, Liberty, Mint and the CAA shop. Here are some others to add to your must-see list:

Lifestyle Bazaar
A relative newcomer to Carnaby Street’s shopping area, Lifestyle Bazaar specialises in design-led products sourced from around the world. And thanks to its French owners, it has a plethora of Gallic design, including Atelier LZC’s vibrant homewares collection (think birds and flowers), Jean Luc Le Deun’s innovative lighting and Leonor Mataillet’s gorgeous print cushions. There’s also a great line-up of British designers including Michelle Mason (retro-style organic prints and china egg candlesticks), Soop Groop’s homewares with humour (check out their ready-meal plates) and W2’s innovative London-icon range (I love their English Heritage blue-plaque collection).
10 Newburgh Street
London W1F7RN
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

Skandium
Quite literally, Scandi-cool heaven. Skandium is the ultimate shopping destination for Scandinavian design, with an impressive line-up of furniture, lighting, glassware, ceramics, textiles, kitchenware and books. It has two stores in London, one of which is located on Marylebone High Street in W1 (an excellent street for shopping and eating), as well as the Marimekko concept store on St Christopher’s Place.
86 Marylebone High Street
London W1U 4QS
Nearest tube: Bond Street

Marimekko
16-17 St Christopher's Place
London W1U 1NZ
Nearest tube: Bond Street

Heal’s
A traditional British homewares brand, Heal’s Tottenham Court Road flagship store has been operating since 1840. They stock a range of brands and designers including Clarissa Hulse and Sophie Conran, as well as their own classic brand of homewares. Keep an eye out for the Heal’s Discovers Designers range, which features new products by up-and-coming designers including Sam Aloof (gorgeous scented candle range), Royal College of Art graduate Ella Smith (graphic rugs and cushions) and Jessica Haigh (quirky knitted cushion covers).
196 Tottenham Court Road
London W1
Nearest tube: Goodge St

Habitat
Classic design and homewares mecca. Check out new Spring/Summer products such as the vibrant Sadie drinkware range (£9 for jug), the Zen-like Utopian melamine picnicware range (starting at £2 for a beaker), and Hus Mosaffar’s delicate porcelain teacup tealight holder (£5).
196-199 Tottenham Court Road (next door to Heal’s)
London W1T 7PJ
Nearest tube: Goodge Street
121-123 Regent Street
London W1
Nearest tubes: Piccadilly and Oxford Circus

John Lewis
OK, so it’s a predictable and middle-of-the-road department store, but their homewares section is well worth checking out. I like their extensive collection of bed linen (although coming from the States, you’ve got much better –and waaay more affordable – options over there).
John Lewis
Oxford Street
London W1A 1EX
Nearest tubes: Oxford Circus and Bond Street

Also, don’t miss Muji for their minimalist and understated range of homewares (head downstairs at the Carnaby Street store) and Beyond the Valley for quirky design pieces like cuddly cloud cushions, laser-cut decorative mirrors and Jake Phipps’ Jeeves Hat Light.

Muji
41 Carnaby Street
London W1V 1PD
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

Beyond the Valley
2 Newburgh Street
London W1
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Beyond the Valley

As for your teenage nephews (I'm thinking 13 or 14?), I’m sure you’ve already got that side of things sorted, but may I suggest the Tower of London, London Walks’ Jack the Ripper walk, the Ancient Egyptian mummy room at The British Museum (they’ll freak at the mummified cats), and the Doctor Who exhibition at Earl's Court Exhibition Centre.

If all else fails, the awesome Apple store on Regent Street should keep them occupied while you duck across the road to check out Liberty. Oh, and icecream. Try the legendary Knickerbocker Glory at Fortnum & Mason or go for one of the more spectacular sundaes (impressive in terms of size and scale) at the Harrods Ice Cream Parlour.

Rob Ryan + Tatty Devine = Must-have jewellery

Bird Lady II screenprint, US$500, from Mister Rob's Etsy shop.

A wee birdy (ahem, lovely Jess from Cult Beauty) told me that Mister Rob "heavenly paper-cuts artist" Ryan and Tatty "legendary acrylic jewellery designers" Devine have recently joined creative forces for a limited edition jewellery range.

Stay tuned for a first peek at the Tatty Devine pieces, which are based on prevalent themes (think whimsical birds, plants, flowers and folk) from Rob's work. Apparently one of the most special pieces is a heart-shaped piece of jewellery which can be custom-made to feature your top ten favourite things. Not exactly sure how that works but it sounds magical.

I can't think of a better creative collaboration - Tatty Devine will no doubt replicate the exquisite detail in Rob's artwork and infuse the pieces with their trademark pop-fantastic vibrant hues.

Rob is also exhibiting his paper cuts at the Tatty Devine gallery space in Brick Lane, including three or four giant paper cuts.

The jewellery and paper cuts will be available from 24 April at Tatty Devine.

Tatty Devine's cult-classic plectrum charm bracelet, £36.

Tatty Devine

236 Brick Lane
London E2 7EB
Tel. 020 7739 9191
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 11am-6pm
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street

57b Brewer Street
London W1F 9UR
Tel. 020 7434 2257
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 11am-7pm
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

What to take home Wednesday: Tote bag

You know you've progressed from London tourist to London resident when you're no longer wildly snapping pics of the resident performing grey squirrels in Hyde Park (check), or batting an eyelid when a giant mutant rodent emerges onto the Central line platform at Liverpool Street Station (check).

But I've lived here for over a year now and am yet to spot a fox in the neighbourhood. Where do foxes hang in Hackney? And does it make me a tourist if I really want to see one? (I kinda took a liking to Glasgow's Chip Shop Family from BBC's Springwatch. My god, I love that show. Bill Oddie is an ornithological legend. I'm seriously counting the days to the next series...).

Chip Shop cutie.

I heart Bill.

Garudio Studiage's handy new tote bag, £15, showcases the wondrous beauty of London's wildlife, with a three-legged red fox, grey squirrel, common brown rat and feral pigeon.
Available to buy online and instore at Beyond the Valley.

Beyond the Valley
2 Newburgh Street
London W1
Tel: 020 7437 7338

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday 11.30am- 6.30pm
Sunday 12.30pm – 5pm

Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

For more shopping in W1, click here.

London shopping: Tatty Devine for V-Day

Take heart from Tatty Devine’s fun acrylic bangles, brooches and necklaces for Valentine’s Day ...

Acrylic heart bangle, £29, from Tatty Devine.

Heart glasses cutout pendant, £35, from Tatty Devine.

Layered love heart brooch, £20, from Tatty Devine.

Heart-shaped lolly necklace, £29, from Tatty Devine.

Tatty Devine
236 Brick Lane
London E2 7EB
Tel. 020 7739 9191
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 11am-6pm
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street

57b Brewer Street
London W1F 9UR
Tel. 020 7434 2257
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 11am-7pm
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

London shopping: Beyond the Valley

Had your fill of high-street goodness at Oxford Circus’ Topshop? Want something cool and edgy to add to your ensemble? Then run, don’t walk, to Beyond the Valley, just a hop, skip and a jump away over on Newburgh Street, just behind Carnaby Street. This beyond-hip store is a London shopping highlight, with an energetic fusion of fashion, homewares, accessories, jewellery, books, zines and art. With a gallery space in one of the front rooms, the store holds regular exhibitions that showcase the work of young and upcoming designers and artists. In fact, the owners of Beyond the Valley are all Central St Martins graduates themselves, so they’re in a good position to foster and nurture new talent.

From the recent Fabrications exhibition.

The store features loads of fun and innovative wares, which come together in a dazzling display that gives you a massive shot of inspiration and product-lust. The Autumn/Winter fashion line-up includes Icelandic funky knitwear label Mundi Designs, as well as other indie labels including Makin Jan Mar, Starstyling, Vita Vass, Celia Sorenson and Alexandra Groover. Beyond the Valley regulars Yuko Yoshitake and Australian label Life with Bird are a welcome inclusion to the range, as well as their own house label which combines edgy and affordability, with prices starting at £35.


For those with a love for quirky-‘n’-cool jewellery, there’s Miss Bibi’s covetable (but pricey) tiny gold stiletto earrings (£208), chandelier necklace (£188) and ornate gold frame brooch (£144). At the other end of the price scale, there’s a delightful glazed porcelain thunder cloud brooch from Me Me Me for £28. Don’t miss Zoe Morgan’s playful perspex jewellery and Bow Belle’s adorable bow brooch and necklace.





But there are other surprises in stores, such as Lucy May Schofield's endearing notelet range, which includes old-school typewritten notes that take flirting and courtship to a whole new level. These tiny bound perforated notes feature phrases that are simple and sweet, without the Hallmark sap, such as “You make me handsomely happy”. Pop it in your partner’s lunchbox for a little extra non-SMS, non-Facebook sweetness. And flirt with ease with notes from the “Pulling” series, with phrases such as “I like your smile”. Genius.


Best buys include Beyond the Valley’s gorgeous laser-cut mirrors, including a unicorn (from £45) and magpie (from £28). The recycled leather slippers in beige and grey from Unu are also a good buy at £24. I’m also loving the excellent range of printed packaging tapes, with prices starting at £6 (brilliant on brown paper parcels!). Equally impressive is their line-up of original wallpapers, such as a gorgeous handprinted swallow paper for £140. And make sure you check out Matt Smith’s playful and elegant porcelain range, such as the rutting stag dishes (two for £25) and the deer cup and saucer for £50.





And I’ve got a big soft spot for this black cat tea cosy for £50:


Beyond the Valley
www.beyondthevalley.com



2 Newburgh Street
London W1
+44(0)207 4377338
info@beyondthevalley.com

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday 11.30am- 6.30pm
Sunday 12.30pm – 5pm

For more shops in W1, click here.

What to take home: Paddington Bear

There's been a steady stream of visitors to my part of the world recently, and it's got me thinking about the perfect London souvenir.

Now, there's much debate about what makes the perfect souvenir. Of course, the issue is entirely subjective and whether you're after a whimsical snow-dome London Eye fridge magnet or a quality, locally-produced woollen scarf from a remote island in the outer Hebrides is mostly a matter of taste (and budget). And it's not really a debate I wish to enter (although I have been known to indulge in both types of souvenirs, which I think is all the more fun).

So over the course of this blog, I'm going to start posting about some stuff that takes my fancy. I'd like to think that all of them are locally-produced, using locally-sourced raw materials, but sometimes your eye catches stuff that's, well, not. It's a sorry sign of the world that even the most classic, traditional products from a destination aren't as "local" or "authentic" as you'd like them to be. (But hopefully, I'll find some products that tick both boxes!). And you just might spot the odd tea-towel.

Anyway, without further ado, step away from that high-street souvenir tat stall, and put down that khaki vinyl Harrods shoppper ... here's what to take home.

#1 Paddington Bear
I've seen quite few knock-offs of this lovely little marmalade-eating fellow, but you really can't beat the charm of the authentic version (ahem, official licensed product) from London's premier toy store, Hamleys.

Traditional Paddington Bear, £44.99, Hamleys.

Isn't he just the smartest wee chap in his duffle coat and shiny red wellies? I know, you can buy versions of (arguably) London's most famous resident all over the world now, but Hamleys do have an impressive line-up of Paddingtons, starting at £5.99 for a keychain or a clip-on. Alternatively, head to Paddington kiosk at Paddington station in London for more bear fun.

I love this Paddington's furry face and standing at a stately 46cm tall, he's just the thing for a nursery bookshelf.

Hamleys
www.hamleys.co.uk
188-96 Regent Street
London W1
Tel: 0870 333 2455

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Nearest Tube:
Piccadilly Circus
Oxford Circus

Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 9am-8pm
Sunday 12noon-6pm

p.s. Want to know more about Paddington and his wonderful creator, Michael Bond? Check this out.

London shopping: Upper Playground

Progressive San Francisco brand Upper Playground is well-known for driving the fusion of art and fashion, and it has launched its foray into the European market with the recent opening of a boutique store in London. In addition to its Californian art gallery FIFTY24SF, the brand provides an opportunity for contemporary artists around the world to showcase their work on men’s and women’s street wear.


Artist-commissioned t-shirts are priced at £25 and feature funky designs by prominent names such as Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, Saber and Cope. Upper Playground has a huge following in the hip-hop and skate crowd, but the idea of limited-edition fashion is also gaining popular appeal for those looking for an alternative to mass-produced High Street style.


The basement boutique is just around the corner from Carnaby Street, and it features a small gallery space with a current exhibition of photography by Estevan Oriol. His images of legendary tattooist Mr Cartoon (his work decorates the bodies of celebrities like Fifty Cent, David Beckham and Juliette Lewis) add a gritty dimension to the store. I dig Herbert Baglione’s tote bags with their whimsical cat and moon design (£12) and Sam Flores’ cushions (£30). Now you really can wear your art on your sleeve.




Upper Playground
www.upperplayground.com

31 Kingly Street
London, W1
Tel. 0207 734 8705

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Tube: Oxford Circus

Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday 10.30-7.30pm
Sunday 11-6pm

For more shops in W1, click here.

London shopping: Mrs Kibble’s Olde Sweet Shoppe

If you’ve ever read a Harry Potter book (you have? smart bird!), you’ll be familiar with Honeydukes, the ever-popular sweet shop in Hogsmeade that sells everything from Acid Pops and Cockroach Clusters to Whizzing Fizzbees.

Now while Mrs Kibble’s Olde Sweet Shoppe in Soho doesn’t sell sweets that make you levitate or (thankfully) burn a hole through your tongue, it does capture the magic of an old-fashioned store packed with curios and unusual sweets.



Dozens of glass jars line the windows and walls, and you can pick and mix from an impressive line-up of sweets such as sherbet lemons (95p/100g), clove rock (£1.55/100g), watermelon sticks (50p), liquorice root (50p) and Pontefract cakes (95p/100g). There is also a range of ultra-versatile coloured sherbet crystals, which you can sprinkle on ice-cream, rim cocktail glasses, or dip with a lollipop.


A cabinet of truffles and ganaches also entices, with delectable fillings like William pear ganache, rose creams and violet creams (£3.75/100g). And the chocolate heels (£4.99) make a nice gift for your favourite sartorially-minded friend.

But the best gift award has to go to the very handsome Nostalgic Sweet Jar, which for £15.99 makes a wonderful treat for those with a sweet tooth and a fondness for retro. It’s packed with the goodies you gobbled throughout your childhood, like Flying Saucers, Parma Violets and Anglo Bubbly. For an extra service fee, you can also have the label personalised with a message to your friend. Sweet.



Mrs Kibble’s Olde Sweet Shoppe
57a Brewer Street
London W1F9UL
Tel: 020 7734 6633
Email: mrskibblesoldesweetshoppe@hotmail.co.uk

Opening hours:
Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm
Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 11am-7pm
Sunday 12noon-4pm

Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Look out for the new shop opening in St Christopher’s Place in a couple of months.

Edit: The new St Christopher's Place address is:

4 St Christopher's Place
London W1U

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
For more shops in W1, click here.

London shopping: Muji

One of my most satisfying shopping experiences in London is spending a bit of time in Muji. And with eight stores in the Greater London area, you don’t have to go far to stock up on some “essential” stationery items and “must-have” accessories.


OK, so maybe not “essential” or (at a stretch) “must-have”, but it’s deeply satisfying to pick up a functional (and nicely designed) product at a reasonable price.

Muji is a Japanese brand that has grown wildly in the past few years, with 15 stores spread throughout the UK. They stock a range of fashion, homewares and furniture, but I seem to always get stuck in their stationery, gifts and accessories department.

They are masters of minimalism – so there’s no jarring prints or florals here, folks. I’m a fan of Muji's clear acrylic storage range, because they make your bits and bobs look like tasty pieces in a cool gallery (see my postscript in the Tatty Devine post). I like the acrylic three-drawer box (£9.95) and the acrylic cosmetics box (£7.50).


You can also give your desk a Muji makeover with the acrylic hole punch (£2.95), large stapler (£4.95) and tape dispenser (£3.71). There’s also a lovely selection of notebooks and sketchpads, starting at 75p.



I also like Muji's fun gifts like the Re-Used Yarn Bunny (£6.95) and chunky tub of coloured pencils (from £7.95).



The best buy (and my personal favourite) is London in a Bag (only £3 now): a wooden set of all the iconic London buildings from the BT Tower to Big Ben. You can also get Tokyo and New York in a Bag (also reduced to £3 each), which look fab set up on a bookshelf. Check out my brother-in-law’s New York (which is actually in Sydney, Australia):




Muji
www.muji.co.uk
Click here for store locations.
I visited:
41 Carnaby Street
London W1V 1PD
Tel: 020 7287 7323

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 10am-7pm
Thursday 10am-7.30pm
Saturday 9am-7pm
Sunday 12noon-6pm

Tube: Oxford Circus

For more shops in W1, click here.