Pinspiration - NYC

I'm heading off to NYC for a few weeks so this week the Pinspiration board is NYC themed! Posts might be a little less than normal for a few weeks but I hope to bring you new work and inspiration from the Big Apple!

Also, while we're talking about America, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!

1. New York is always a good idea // 2. New York from above // 3. NYC Pattern
4. New York Lettering // 5. The Big Apple Collection by Michael Mullen

See all my boards on Pinterest HERE!

New NYC Inspired Designs

Today I am sharing with you a sneak peek of some new designs inspired by my recent trip to NYC..

I created the designs for MOYO magazine's second issue design brief contest, Architecture. If you haven't heard of MOYO magazine before, it's the world's only online magazine dedicated to Surface Pattern Design, made by the creators of 'The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design' Rachael Taylor and Beth Nicholls. If you love design, pattern, colour, you should definitely check it out!

Someone told me they look like the 'life line' in an emergency room.. I love idea that they represent the heartbeat of the city as well as it's architecture and skyline! I'm going to develop the designs further and in different colour palettes so expect to see more soon!

Don't forget, it's the Lets Fly bloghop TOMORROW! I, along with more than 50 international designers will be sharing new designs using Pantone Colour of the Year: Emerald! It's not to be missed!

Images copyright Rosie Simons 2013 // Bloghop logo: MaJoBV

Update & Christmas Wishes

Hi everyone!

Sorry for my blogging absence! I was so busy in New York I just couldn't find time to blog, I had an amazing time and have so much inspiration to share but I might just have to save those posts for the New Year!

Below are a few photos from the hundreds I took.. Just a few of the highlights being an incredible sunset from 'The Top of the Rock', the view from our apartment building and visiting the marimekko shop (fabric HEAVEN)!!

This will probably be my last post for 2012, so I am sending you all best wishes for the Christmas/Holiday season! I hope you have a great one!

Here's hoping 2013 is a great year! I have lots planned and lots of inspiration, new designs and products to share with you all, so come back in the new year! And finally, here's a rather cheerful Christmas decoration I saw in Canada back in the summer to see us out! Merry Christmas Everyone! x

Images copyright Rosie Simons 2012

Mint obsession

I have a mint obsession and it's really starting to show!

I bought some mint jeans at the weekend and I cannot wait to wear them! Here is an image of a similar pair (don't worry this isn't me!)

Mint seems to be everywhere this season and there are some lovely mint colour palettes doing the rounds on Pinterest..

Today I have been working on an abstract repeat pattern created with shapes and colours found within imagery of 'industry in New York City' and found this also becoming mint based! So here is a little sneak peek of the work in progress project..

More coming soon!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Shortly after my last post I jetted off to New York City for a week thanks to my wonderful boyfriend! Like many people out there I LOVE New York! It's a fantastic place all the time but just before Christmas it is so magical!

To add to my adventures before jetting off to New York I visited Gent in Belgium for the weekend, another beautiful place especially in the run up to Christmas!

This was my second year running celebrating my birthday in New York and attending the Etsy staff Holiday Party, so here are a few pictures from my trip! (it's quite hard to pic 'just a few' out of the 1000 photos I took!)

Exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Winter Garden at the World Financial Center, absolutely amazing with lights hanging from palm trees inside the glass house

'One need never leave the confines of New York to get all the greenery one wishes' - Frank O'Hara

The Freedom tower is getting there

View of Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge park at night

New York Rangers vs Dallas Stars (my first ever time attending a sports game!)

Pretty Brooklyn Street

More views from Brooklyn Bridge Park across to Manhattan

I had to take a photo of this when I saw it because I couldn't believe the similarity to the South West Trains logo (seen below)

 On the roof of the Etsy office at 1am taking in the spectacular view, you are level with the Manhattan Bridge and traffic and subways go whizzing by beside you and the view over to Manhattan is unbelievable!

My first ever trip to Kate Spade.. 'Live color fully' and they do.. SO MUCH COLOUR!

Amazing Sephora window with paper crafter writing and flowers

The High Line Park - A public park built on a historic freight line elevated above the street on Manhattan's West Side. It's an amazing park, cutting through buildings, old and new and giving you unbelievable views down Manhattan's streets and avenues.

An entire shop of buttons.. heaven.

An entire shop of ribbon.. even more heaven!

Times Square (from a way back as it was so busy stopping or taking pictures was impossible!)

Looking down Avenue of the Americas

Central Park on a sunny (but absolutely freezing) afternoon

I love the look of the worn painted on advertisements on walls

Manhattan Bridge at sunset

Brooklyn Bridge Park at sunset

I LOVE NEW YORK

And then Christmas, New Year takeover and now, back to work. The sad reality of finishing my dissertation for hand-in in 3 weeks time! But I thought I'd finish off with this picture of the wrapping present my mum used. It was apparently very cheap but I really enjoyed the design, simple but very effective!

Now I guess I'd better stop avoiding work and get on! Here's to a great year!