Su Blackwell, a new kids storytale book and exhibition at Anthropologie Gallery.

Posted on November 10, 2012 by smudgetikka

I adore these paper cut out sculptures by artist Su Blackwell fashioned from vintage books with enormous delicacy and care.

She has sculpted a new selection of images for a children’s book by Thames and Hudson called The Fairytale Princess just in time for Christmas. The book which contains seven classic stories from the Enchanted Forest may be for children but these intricate paper sculptures are for sale from £900 if anyone should feel like treating themselves to a rather expensive gift this Xmas season!

The sculptures are on display at Anthropologie in the Kings Rd and at Long & Ryle in John Islip St in London. I couldn’t resist a quick peek at the Xmas decorations at Anthropologie while I was there so I’ve popped a few of those onto the blog too!

Su Blackwell at Anthropologie in the Kings Rd London for Holiday 2012

The Fairytale Princess for Xmas 2012 a new kids bedtime book by Su Blackwell

Details from the book sculptures displayed at Anthropologie by Su Blackwell

Adorable fairytale castle and forest sculpture by Su Blackwell in stories from the Enchanted Forest at Anthropologie, for sale at £5,500

Fun sculpture of the princess in the bath and the frog! By Su Blackwell from The Fairytale Forest

Holiday Christmas tree decorations at Anthropologie

Gorgeous marbled effect blown glass Xmas tree decoration at Anthropologie for Holiday 2012

Great idea using old pasta jars and sugar sprinklers to make Victorian style decorations at Anthropologie for Holiday 2012

All posts copyright Smudgetikka – permission must be asked for reproduction 2009 – 2012

Book day today, 600 Black Spots by David A.Carter, a fantastic Pop Up spectacular.

Posted on April 1, 2012 by smudgetikka

One of the great Art classic Pop up books, I love how intricate the structures are in this book. Its for ages 3 and up and helps with counting skills but beware of little fingers grabbing the paper as the structures pop out as they are pretty irresistible.

Its been copied but never bettered, not currently in print but there are plenty of copies available here at reasonable prices.

David Carter has great range of counting pop up books worth checking out including including One Red Dot and Yellow Square.

600 Black Spots by David A. Carter

From the opening page with its spray white fan this book grabs the attention, 600 Black Spots

Quite a task counting all the spots in David A. Carter's 600 Black Spots book

I love the modernistic art inspiration in the 600 Black Spots pop up book

David A.Carter classic pop up counting book

Sliding towers encourage interaction in 600 Black Spots

An explosion of colour for the last page in 600 Black Spots

Book of the day – Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart

Posted on March 18, 2012 by smudgetikka

Robert Sabuda is an extremely talented paper artist well known for his spectacular MOMA Christmas cards and his Dinosaur book is just wonderful and a true classic which has led to many variations and many copies but none quite as wonderful as this original.

Its perfect for the boy coming into a real love of Dinosaurs and this was one of my son’s favourites at that time. Who knows why but between 5 and 9 years old they all seem to go through it and such a beautiful book is a great way to teach them to care and look after their books as you have to be gentle with such intricate work.

Hidden on every spread are little corners to be untucked which also have mini dinosaurs inside as well as the very impressive central sculptures.

For girls there is an Alice in Wonderland in the series, also very good are Sharks and Prehistoric Mega Beasts by the same team.

Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart

The dinosaurs leap out of the pages as you open the book

Smaller pockets in each corner contain mini dinosaurs too.

The spectacular T.Rex head of Robert Sabuda's book

Elegant and beautiful, the final missing link Archaeopteryx

All posts copyright Smudgetikka – permission must be asked for reproduction 2009 – 2012

Gucci’s children’s book for Christmas

Posted on December 17, 2009 by smudgetikka

In a special project for Christmas, the creative director of Gucci, Frida Giannini has commissioned fashion creative Michael Roberts to create a sequel to his first childrens book, Snowman in Paradise which was published in 2004.

The new book, Snowman in Africa will be exclusively on sale in Gucci stores and on Gucci.com only until December 31st.

This features Roberts distinctive collage styles in a whimsical tale and Gucci are donating 100% of the profits to UNICEF. Check out the animation on the website too. www.gucci.com

The retail cost is £18.