Today I took a trip to the 'National Glass Centre' in Sunderland to get a commission glass blown for my degree. It is going to be a fish tank which I have been working on over the past few months. The final piece will hopefully be shown at 'New Designers', an exhibition in London, later this year. Here are some of the photos of my piece being blown in glass! Exciting Times!!!

Here are some photos I took in Newcastle recently. They are of the Tyne Bridge, The Baltic Art Gallery and the breakwater columns at Blyth. See what you think!

Can you imaginepeople from every country in the world participating in a simultaneous moment of peace? Can you imagine the impact?... We can... Please join us!

I decided to photograph myself texting a group of friends and family some words encouraging peace and asking them to take part in next years 'World Wide Moment'. This was my way of spreading peace. The idea is that next year they might tell another 10 people about the event and word will spread. Peace out!!!

Just came across some old photos of my Final Major Project at College in 2006. It was a project inspired by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Schizophrenia which aimed to raise awareness regarding mental health issues. The design addressed a common part of OCD whereby there is a need for both sides of the body to feel equal. It was made using laminated ply in a former which is supported by 8 Steel legs which were welded with a support beam! The good old days at Newcastle College!!!

http://www.modelmayhem.com/patcotillojr

In this photo: Vala Durvett

My gingerbread men recently took a trip over to America for the 'designers against AIDS' charities most recent venture, 'NYC AGAINST HIV' fashion show. It was an event which aimed to raise awareness and included dancing, singing with the ultimate crescendo of a fashion show which featured my gingerbread accessories!!!

Pictures courtesy of www.cookedbread.com

Earlier this month 'Toast' the trendy Sheffield Boutique launched its new website. As you can see, the table I designed earlier this year in collaboration with this shop features on the site. 

I spent last month travelling around Europe with a friend from uni. We rocked Amsters, Berlin, Budapest, a few islands in Croatia, Slovenia, Rome and Barcelona!!! It was a trip which included an awesome Graffiti tour in Berlin, party times in Budapest and spending a night in Montpellier surrounded by tramps and gang warfare! The whole trip was amazing and personal highlights included 'Tacheles', (a squat which is now rented out as creative space for artists), the cool installations in Amsterdam and chilling in the Parc Guell in Barca! Here are some of the photos I took whilst away;

Woolen Installation in Amsters!

Coliseum 09

Slovenia - Lake Bled

'Tacheles' staircase

Berlin Wall repainted

Slovenian Gorge

Photography by Richard Bell

I recently took a trip to Gumbet, Turkey. It was an amazing trip which included hospitalization, a visit from the police and an abundance of rip-off 'Gucci' purses!!! Good times though!!! Here are some of the photos, mostly playing around with the shutter speed on my new Nikon camera!!! They are of the neon lit skyline at night and the bottom two were from a fire show we saw! Pretty Cool!!!

The brief for my final second year project was to design a functional coffee table with hidden depth, character and an overall sense of personification. I also aimed to provide a contemporary and innovative storage solution without compromising the look of the design. 

The table top opens to reveal a layer of latex which acts as storage for everyday items. The tabletop is then placed back down onto the latex and the items bow into the latex where they are stored safely. The piece is made from 18mm plywood and 5mm sheet acrylic. Details have been laser-etched within the piece. 

Inspiration from this piece came from 'Milan Furniture Fair', 'Designers Block', 'Moustache' Design, 'Alessi' and street art. 

The Journal

The Chronicle

Here are two articles from local newspapers, 'the Journal' and 'the Chronicle' about my sisters show with photos of my gingerbread men! 

EMMA BELL Photography: Thom Will
Hair: Charlie Le Mindu
Styling: Alexis Knox
Make Up: Michelle Webb
Models: Gui and Rachel

Here are some pics of the lasercut dresses, waistcoat and accessories I made from the photo-shoot for Emma Bells AW09 Look Book. NICE...

WWW.ACORNPHOTOS.CO.UK

ACORNPHOTOS.CO.UK

BILLABALDWIN.COM

On the 25th Feb 2009 I got the opportunity to make some of the accessories for my sisters AW09 show at London Fashion Week held at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. The theme was "I'm saving the dogs" and was inspired by a trip to South East Asia. I made 2 dresses, a waistcoat and some accessories to be shown on the catwalk. These were Acrylic gingerbread men and hearts which were lasercut. I went down to London for the show and it was AMAZING!!! Here are some of the snaps from the event!!! 

Photo by Tom Mckeown

One of the most AMAZING  experiences of my life!!! Me and a few friends headed out on April 22nd to attend the annual Milan Furniture Fair. Personal highlights included, 'Designers Block', 'Moustache', 'Droog' and 'Established and sons', in Zona Tortona, and the 'Kartell' and 'Flos' stands at the Salone del mobile. We also made time to go to the AC Milan v palermo game, GREAT TIMES!!!  

Here are some of my design entries for an online competition advertising 'Hugo Boss' in 2008. 

The idea behind 'The Heirloom Table' was that owners would be encouraged to add their own style, feelings and treasured items into the piece. In time this would create a piece of furniture which told an amazing story of where it came from and who had owned it. There is room on the exterior to draw, paint, stick or scratch as well as space inside to add any items of sentimental value. This piece is currently showing and for SALE in the boutique 'Toast', The Forum, Devonshire Quarter, Sheffield.

So here it is, my first blog entry... This was a project from 2008 and it was designed with FUN, HEALTH and NATURE in mind. Made from 9mm roundbar, it aims to create a cocoon around you and encourages the customer to take 5 minutes out of their day to chill out in a cool environment . Now anyone fancy a smoothie???