Author: Adelle and Justin, the H is for Home folks!

Designer Desire: Dorrie Nossiter

Montage of Dorrie Nossiter Jewellery designs

Born in Aston, Birmingham, jewellery designer Dorrie Nossiter (1893-1977) worked in the Arts & Crafts and latterly Art Deco styles.

Nossiter is another designer I discovered from a recent auction catalogue; it included the rock crystal necklace at the top of our montage above – simple elegance!

She studied at the city’s Municipal School of Art from 1910 to 1914. During the 1930s, she exhibited her work a number of times at Walker’s Gallery in London.

She created rings, earrings, brooches and necklaces in gold and silver using gemstones such as amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, garnet, peridot and tourmaline.

As well as at auction, you’ll find a handful of examples of her work for sale at any given time on eBay and Etsy.

As Dorrie Nossiter never signed her work, it has often been mistaken for her friend and contemporary, Sibyl Dunlop – perhaps we’ll feature her in next week’s Designer Desire slot.

Portrait of Dorrie Nossitercredit

Additional image credits:
The Peartree Collection | Sotherbys | Sworders

Price Points: Eco-friendly trainers

Eco-friendly trainers

Last week, we shone a light on ethical sustainable jewellery. Today, we’re keeping on the green fashion theme with a selection of eco-friendly trainers.

Trainers – or sneakers if you prefer – can earn their green credentials in a few different ways. Firstly, via their business methods; fairly traded, no child labour used etc. Secondly, by their manufacturing & packaging materials; recycled, organic, sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free.

I love the idea that instead of getting chewing gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe… it’s what the bottom of your shoe is actually made of!

  1. Good News x H&M canvas sneakers: £39.00, H&M

    Good News x H&M. Together with British shoe brand Good News, we have developed a unisex collection of retro-inspired sneakers that leave a reduced environmental footprint. These sneakers are made from canvas containing some organic cotton and some recycled cotton. They have side panels in patterned twill, a tongue and lacing at the front, a padded top edge and contrasting colour heel caps. Linings and striped insoles in cotton canvas and chunky, fluted sole trims containing some BLOOM™ ethylene vinyl acetate, a material made largely from algae biomass. The bottom of the soles is made from patterned rubber, some of which is recycled.
    Composition
    Outer sole: Rubber 100%
    Upper: Cotton 100%
    Upper: Cotton 60%, Jute 40%
    Lining and sock: Cotton 100%
    Upper: Lyocell 100%
    More sustainable materials
    Shell: Recycled cotton 27%, Organic cotton 11%, Tencel™ lyocell 5%
    Lining: Recycled cotton 20%

  2. Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers: £73.00, FarFetch

    This shoe uses an outsole made with a special material which contains 20% recycled industrial chewing gum waste. The material is developed and sourced by UK-based Gumdrop Ltd. adidas Originals supports Gumdrop’s mission to give a second life to the vast quantity of waste chewing gum that is not biodegradable. This product is made with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials. 50% of upper is recycled content. No virgin polyester. It’s also made with vegan alternatives to animal-derived ingredients or materials.

  3. LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers: £150.00, LØCI

    100% vegan sneaker. 100% recycled packaging
    Made with 100% recycled materials that give you a superior water-resistant upper, with a custom-made cork insole for a soft re-bounce to keep you charging ahead. Our sole is made with lightweight recycled rubber for extra durability in creating a no-slip rubber grip.
    Naturally elastic cork insoles provide both extreme comfort and ensure perfect weight distribution. Whilst cork midsoles mean less impact force and reduced joint stress.
    Breathable bamboo mesh lining, selectively sourced to be odour-resistant and help prevent moisture build-up.

shop eco-friendly trainers

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
£150.00
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
£73.00
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
£39.00
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
£150.00
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
£73.00
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
£39.00
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
£150.00
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
£73.00
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
£39.00
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
£150.00
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
£73.00
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
£39.00
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
LØCI x REED SEVEN vegan sneakers
£150.00
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
Stan Smith screaming pink leather trainers
£73.00
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
Good News x H&M canvas sneakers
£39.00

Getting rid of your artificial grass? How to turn your lawn into a spectacular natural paradise

Getting rid of your artificial grass? How to turn your lawn into a spectacular natural paradise

For some home-owners, having a garden can be a fun way to spend more time outdoors and enjoy nature.

Others dislike all the hard work that goes into maintaining even the simplest of gardens, which is why they seek time-saving solutions.

One product that was popular for many years with home-owners who didn’t want to put too much effort into their garden is artificial grass.

Artificial grass is usually made from synthetic fibres used to mimic the appearance of real grass without the upkeep.

While it can be a useful way to save time and effort, artificial grass is also notoriously bad for the environment. It discourages wildlife and insects, and it creates a lot of carbon during the manufacturing process.

As such, many home-owners are now considering their options and looking to remove their artificial lawns.

It’s possible to reduce the maintenance you have to undertake in your garden by paving over it or using decking, but this can create a very uniform look that isn’t always aesthetically pleasing.

A natural lawn with real grass could be a great solution, and while it does require a little more upkeep than other options, it can be worth the effort.

If you’re thinking about getting rid of your artificial grass, keep reading to find out more about adding a natural lawn to your garden and turning it into a beautiful outdoor haven.

Plant grass seed

Once you’ve removed your artificial lawn, you’ll need to put fresh grass in its place. While you can buy living turf, planting grass seed will give you a more natural look. Before you sow your grass seed, you should spend a few days caring for the soil and putting down some natural mulch. You can then plant your grass seed, making sure to scatter it uniformly. As the grass grows, you should watch out for any bare patches and add more grass seed to ensure you create a beautiful, natural lawn.

Add a flowerbed

Planting flowers around the border of your lawn can be a great way to add a pop of colour to your garden. It can also be great for attracting pollinating insects to your garden and encouraging biodiversity. You don’t have to just add flowers to your lawn border: you could also consider some perennial shrubs and hardy, ornamental plants that don’t require much care. Providers such as Plants2Gardens offer a variety of plants, from perennials to bedding plants, shrubs to container flowers and more, so you can find whatever you need to create the perfect border for your lawn.

Mow your grass regularly

Once your grass has grown and you’ve updated your border, you need to maintain it. The main task you’ll need to undertake is to mow your grass. Real grass grows and needs to be cut at least every 2 weeks, depending on the weather. Invest in a quality lawn mower and set aside time regularly to check and cut your grass to keep your garden looking neat and luscious.

Artificial grass might seem convenient, but a natural lawn can have many benefits for the environment and for you as a home-owner. A natural lawn looks better and can give your garden character. Use these tips to make the transition from artificial turf to a real lawn as simple as possible.

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Auction alert: Modern Living sale

Scheurich Fat Lava West German ceramic vase with red glaze - 517-38

The Mallams Modern Living sale takes place on Wednesday 17th Aug 2022 from 10am at their Oxford premises. Up for sale is a good selection of quality, European mid century modern and later art, furniture and homewares. We’ve selected a few to showcase in this week’s Auction Alert.

The Buyer’s premium is 30% (inc. of VAT) of the hammer price. Bidding online via the Mallams website doesn’t incur any further charges. However, if you bid and win items via the-saleroom.com costs an extra 4.95% plus VAT of the final selling price.

Mallams do not have in house packing or shipping facilities but can suggest companies to assist with this.

Maurice Burke for Arkana Pair of 'Tulip' white stools or tables

Lot 48: Maurice Burke (20th Century) for Arkana
Pair of ‘Tulip’ white stools or tables, stamped ‘Arkana’ to metal disc on the base, 45cm x 51.5cm (2). Overall wear, scuffs and scratches. Consistent with age and use. Otherwise ok.
Estimate: £100 – £200

Light elm Ercol coffee table

Lot 50: Light elm rectangular coffee table, with Ercol circular label to the underside
104cm x 36cm x 47cm. Overall with signs of wear and use. Some watermarks and staining to the top.
Estimate: £100 – £200

Pair of lamino lounge chairs

Lot 67: Pair of lamino lounge chairs
Teak, with patterned upholstery, designed in 1956, stamped to the underside ‘Swedese, Yngve Ekström, Made in Sweden’, 100cm high overall (2). One chair has a split and repair. Is now very sturdy. Overall signs of wear and some scratches. Upholstery is not original. Very comfortable. Otherwise seems ok.
Estimate: £500 – £800

Vico Magistretti for Cassina 'Veranda' black leather reclining armchair

Lot 77: Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) for Cassina ‘Veranda’ black leather reclining armchair, with fold out footrest
108cm high with the back extended, 94cm wide overall x 63cm deep without the footrest. Note: The matching sofa and a matching armchair is also available as separate lots in this sale. Overall wear, some scratches and scuffs as expected. Consistent with age and use. Some indentations to the leather. The folding mechanism is very stiff, but does open and close as seen in photographs. Some indentations to the leather.
Estimate: £150 – £300

Alessandro Albrizzi glass and chrome coffee table with purple coloured glass

Lot 86: Alessandro Albrizzi (1934-1994) glass and chrome coffee table, with purple coloured glass
Top measures 152cm x 76cm, the base measures 143cm x 61cm. The glass is not fixed to the base, it just sits on top. Overall wear and some scratches, consistent with age and use. Some small chips to the edges/corners in places.
Estimate: £300 – £500

Merrow Associates Ltd glass topped table and four chairs

Lot 87: Merrow Associates Ltd glass topped table and four chairs
Estimate: £300 – £500
The smoked glass top measures 117cm across, 71.5cm high overall, the chairs measure 74cm high approx overall (5). Overall wear, scratches and scuffs as expected, consistent with age and use. Small chips to the glass table top in places.

David Shrigley Fruit and Vegetable series

Lot 233: David Shrigley (b.1968) Fruit and Vegetable series
‘If you don’t like tomatoes’, ‘The moment has arrived’, ‘They were too long’, ‘You win this mushroom’, ‘When life gives you a lemon’, offset lithographs, unframed, 80cm x 60cm (5)
Estimate: £400 – £600

David Sharp at Rye Pottery slipware charger

Lot 299: David Sharp at Rye Pottery slipware charger
Decorated with a tree, incised signature to the reverse ‘David Sharp Pottery, Rye, E. Sussex, England’, 29cm across. Overall seems ok with minimal glaze faults.
Estimate: £50 – £80

Lisa Larsonfor Gustavberg 'Thalia' ceramic vase

Lot 336: Lisa Larson (b.1931) for Gustavberg (sic) ‘Thalia’ ceramic vase
With impressed mark and label to the base, 25.5cm high. With damage and repair to the rim. Overall wear and some minor firing flaws as expected.
Estimate: £40 – £60

Kitty Kahane for Rosenthal collection of ceramics

Lot 342: Kitty Kahane (b.1960) for Rosenthal collection of ceramics
Comprising of: a teapot, 22cm high overall, pot with cover, 14cm high, large bowl 30cm across x 13cm high and a smaller bowl 20cm across x 9cm high overall (4). Overall ok with minimal signs of wear and use.
Estimate: £50 – £100

Scheurich Fat Lava West German ceramic vase with red glaze - 517-38

Lot 343: Scheurich Fat Lava (West Germany) ceramic vase with red glaze
Estimate: £50 – £100
Marked ‘517-38 W. Germany’ to the base, 38cm high. Crazing to the glaze, minor display marks and wear, otherwise seems ok.

Geoffrey Baxter for Whitefriars vases

Lot 384: Geoffrey Baxter (1922-1995) for Whitefriars
‘Pineapple’ tangerine glass vase, pattern no 9731, unmarked, 18cm high, ‘Totem’ pewter glass vase, pattern no 9671, unmarked, 27cm high and a ‘Random strapping’ tangerine glass vase, pattern no 9797, unmarked, 18.5cm high (3)
Estimate: £100 – £200