Triumph's Women in Making 2014: Please vote for me & my handmade lampshades

I have only just gone and entered myself into Triumph's Women in Making' 2014 competition. Would love to win as this will help me grow my handmade line tremendously. In leaps and bounds beyond my imagination.

It's  a bit late in the day as it started a few weeks ago but I still do stand a pretty good chance if my wonderful reader-friends can vote for me (if you think my African Print lampshades are awesome). Pretty please!

Here's the link here (kindly just click on it):

Vote for Tola Laseinde (Triumph Maker 2014)

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Simples ;-)

THANK YOU ALL SO VERY DEARLY!

p.s. It's for real & not an April fool's joke

Using African Wax Prints in Interior Design

I am so so sorry for MIA (missing in action). Been so so busy behind the scenes that I have neglected my blog (.... a tad bit!). It's the Year 2014 and we are already in March. Where did the first two months go?

So I am now back on track! Whoop whoop !!!

I have been indulging & totally loosing myself in the world of African Design. A lot. And I mean both interior and fashion design. I am blown away by the talent I stumble across on a regular basis. Whether it's on social media, at Handmade fairs & Exhibitions, in magazines, on Television etc. My beloved fabric has gained a well-deserved international recognition, even though it's been around like forever.

I keep my eye on the ball as I also create & sell my own bespoke handmade products - lampshades, cushions, wall decor, lavender pouches/bags etc - with an African twist.

And here are a few inspiring discoveries which have given me loads of new ideas.

Fabulous richly coloured African Pouffes

Photo Credit: thebootstrapproject.com

I need me some of these rare African patterned towels

Photo Credit: frenchbydesign.blogspot.co.uk

I'm still trying to find out which Hotel this is in Nigeria. I just love the layout, textures, colours, fabric & furniture pieces.

Photo Credit: iamforevernigerian.tumblr.com

These square cubes, one-off design pieces by Ron Arad, are pretty neat!

Photo Credit: Do-lo-rez by Ron Arad

What I would really love is for people to see and meet the makers at the grass-root level. The indigenes of Africa who are great craftsmen/craftswomen. Very skilled at what they do but are not paid enough nor given any recognition for their creativity. Be it furniture, art objects & paintings, clothes etc. It's endless. In future I would like to work more closely with these special people - do my bit by giving back to my African roots. My social responsibility.

Our African wax prints have been around like forever and still have much more to show in the future.

"My take on African Prints ~ They are timeless. The future is African, in wax prints full of vibrant colours and patterns"

Handmade Monday Sale

Just so you know, i don't want you to miss out now

1 day flash sale tomorrow, Monday 25th November 2013. Support the 'Handmade Monday' Cause (www.facebook.com/handmademonday). Am offering 20% off everything - lampshades, cushions, lavender bags, wall boards etc.

Please see image below for coupon code. Any questions please email me - tola@dezinekonnections.com. Thanks!

keeping you all informed & happy at the same time. Happy bargain shopping! ;-)

Lampshade Making Workshops

Are you fed up with seeing the same old plain and bland lampshades and can’t seem to find something that is so you? Why not make your very own lampshade and learn a new skill at the same time.

Why not book a lampshade making class (for Adults) with Pots of Art in Hitchin

 All you need to do is just bring along your fabric for making a 30cm lampshade (measurements should be at least 110cm x 30cm).  Light-weight or medium-weight cotton works best (with no textures, embroidery or embellishments).

You will be provided with everything else you need to make your lampshade.  Absolutely no sewing involved!

Workshops will be held at: Pots of Art – Hitchin

To book please call:  01462 420265

Provider: Tola Laseinde

Cost: £ 40 per person

Duration: 3 hours

Dates & Times: To be confirmed 

Online Shop: www.ankaralampshades.etsy.com

Facebook: www.fb.com/Dezine.Konnections.Interior.Design

Email: tola@dezinekonnections.com

If this venue isn't convenient for you, I can come to you. we offer one-to-ones, group workshops, you can even host a party or hen night with a difference (the host will be charged only half-price).

We cover Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London. You can email me at tola@dezinekonnections.com

Why don't you have fun and learn anew skill at the same time. Make your very own unique lampshade made by your very own hands!

Back to School Sale: 50% off all Handmade Home Decor Products

I am ever so sorry for being MIA. I know so unexpected without any warning. I had taken a bit of an unplanned break during the summer holidays. A breather to unplug & down tools, relax and reflect too. But saying that, I did do 2 fully-fledged market days last month in London @Camden Lock Market. Never ever done an outdoor market before so that was a whole new world to me. And I enjoyed every part of it. I promise to do another post on that, so I won't say too much now!

But back to THIS post! My son, aka Funky Geek, started secondary school last week. We all were & still are excited about this new stage of his life. And to celebrate that with my readers & customers I am having a sale on all my handmade products.

It's  50% off everything in my shop online (including custom orders). Yes ~ all products ARE Half Price. Please use Coupon Code: BACKTOSCHOOL while checking out. We now make African Print lavender bags/pouches using freshly-dried lavender. Custom request are welcome too!

Am sure this is a good time to get your Christmas shopping out of the way. There's something for everyone!

So are you ready!  On your marks, get set ....... GO SHOPPERS GO :-)