Happy As Larry

 

Happy as Larry is such a perfect name for Amy’s business.

Not only are her homewares bursting with character through their fun use of colour and texture, she is also a bit of a saint with all her charity work in Nepal. Happy as Larry homewares actually make you feel happy because they are cute and bright and by buying one you are doing your bit for a great cause.

What better reason do you need to smile?

 

 

Artist Name: Amy Eaton

Artist Location: Perth, Western Australia

Type of work – Medium: Homewares Design – specifically in the area of felting and textiles

How would you describe your style of work?
Handmade, colourful, fun-filled with a quirky but safe edge for the modern home.

Are you formally educated or self-taught?
After Studying Fine Arts with a major in textiles, I taught art in High Schools before I started Happy as Larry. I loved it and continue to still do a little bit of teaching on the side.

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
Colour is my main inspiration. I love the way colour can make you feel when you enter a room. My kids are also another source of inspiration. A lot of my work has come about through necessity for my boys, for example the felt storage bags.

The Nepalese I work with and support are also inspirations. They are the happiest people and it just goes to show that you don’t need “things” to make you happy! I want my business to really make a difference in this world. I am passionate about fair Trade and empowering women to prosper in their communities.

Where can readers see / buy your work:

www.happyaslarrydesigns.com

We will also be showing our range at a few trade shows next year, keep up to date with all the latest by “Liking” Happy as Larry on Facebook

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?
Just go for it, believe in yourself and your work. Live it – it’s a real job!

Just Coasting

When you think outdoor furniture what do you list as requirements? Mine is that it must be super comfortable, can survive when left at the mercy of the elements, and that it looks good.

A little birdy told me to check out Coast New Zealand, and let me tell you, their range of luxury outdoor beanbags tick all the boxes. Their products are designed using marine grade fabric which allows them to remain outside come rain, hail or shine. How comfy do they look?! Perfect for relaxing on, in the sun with a drink and a good book. The only problem I can spot with them is that you may need to fight to get to sit on one, as anyone who visits is sure to make a beeline for the comfiest chair in the house!

Check out the full range of styles and colours available on the Coast New Zealand website.

Psst! Did you know coast also do a range of luggage that’s pretty amazing too?

Trade Up

You don’t need a fortune teller or a crystal ball to see that Gypsy homewares are looking good at the moment. HH has wandered far and wide for the rich rose reds, silverware and jewels, leather and twine.

No foolery here, these pieces celebrate the colourful spirit of the gypsies without sacrificing the creature comforts of your home, no horse and cart required!

1. Brass platters in Antique Silver –  Citta Designs

2. Gorgeous Reversible Red Quilt – Cox & Cox

3. Gypsy Chandelier –  RAW Space

4. Hazel Woven Bottle – Freedom Furniture

5. Brooklyn 2 Seat Leather Sofa – Freedom Furniture

6. Sweet Batix Cushion –  Goldnbrown / Hard to Find

Think Outside the Box

On the hunt for some fun seating that won’t cost an arm and a leg? Something that the kids can easily move around and that you don’t need to be precious about?

Well all kids love a cardboard box to play with, so perhaps these cardboard stools by Design for Use are the answer to your prayers! They come in such an amazing range of colours and patterns and yes, you heard right, they are made of cardboard. Designed to hold up to 200kg, they sit 45cm high and are hollow so the kids can stack and move them easily without the fear of any injuries.

Fun or what?!

Little Birdy

I am a teensy bit obsessed with the work of French designer Matthieu Challieres. How adorable are these birdcage lights?

The delicate copper wire cages are decorated with divine little bird ornaments in various colours and sizes. It’s like having an aviary without all the responsibilities! They are so wonderfully whimsical, what a great statement piece to have in a nursery or child’s room.

Check out the full range that is available through the Conran Shop.

Give Me Gelato

It may just be me willing the warm weather to return to my corner of the world, but lately I have been leaning towards gelato coloured homewares. Pastel pops of yellow, pink and blue all in delicious creamy, milky tones.

Are you hungry for a little gelato at the moment too?

Porcelain replica retro milk bottle – Urban Cartel

Farmers Egg Crate & Butter Dish – Anthropologie

Blanket Provence – Le Souk

Magnetic Kitchen Timer – Matt Blatt

Barrel Flip Clock – Typo

Gelato Iron bed range by Incy Interiors

Milk pots with handle and spout – Dunlin Home

Swallow Birds – RAW Space