I went to the NEC on Thursday, the final day. I enjoyed seeing the "Art Press" Stand, particularly the collections from Jane Ormes, and the quirky birds from Kate Wilson, a very friendly company, with some lovely work.

I also like the illustrations on these English Eccentric candles. There seemed to be lots of black line work illustrations around, some with pastel shades, or just white/cream board, and the odd jewel or flitter finish.

Although not new, The Art file had some lovely designs from Ally Gore and Robert Reader "Ink Press", if you've not seen them they have a lovely subtle deboss, 

I liked Becky Broome's kitchen textiles, designs made up of ephemera, torn labels, crests, old print, on kitchen textiles, cushions, tea cosies and tea towels etc. 

www.beckybroome.com

Poole Pottery had some tableware designs on Lifestyle, with line drawings of London, Paris and New York, with blocks of colour & a retro feel. Like Hilary, i noticed lots of hand drawn images of city buildings, and maps. Lagoon had map wraps of London, Paris and New York, highly commended in the GA gift of the year. I also liked  the London landscape mugs from Art Rooms. Sabrina Roscino had some framed prints of NY scenes for Art Marketing.

Thought these egg cups from Hannah Turner, were cute.

http://www.hannahturner.co.uk/

I was happy to see Meri Meri's cupcake paper sets, Ive blogged about them before, themed paper cases and little flags with pirates, robots, dinosaurs amongst others, and also to see their range of cake "stands", a cardboard yellow transporter with cars inside each holding a little cake. Wish i had a picture.

Just like everyone else i enjoyed Disaster Designs, and this, their Wagtail collection, more birds & watches!

I also attended the WGSN trend forecasting seminar which i hope to be able to share more fully soon, watch this space....