Lady Bon loves....Eilean-Shona Arts

Ok, things you should know about me number 237: I am a mad clepto. Well, horder really, since I don't steal....much.
I just like nothing better than filling up a room, and the walls are no exception.
I have one wall in my living room that I just cover in prints that I have came across and love. On an evening while watching TV with the boy I often find my eye drifting over to my busy wall, and I just sit and appreciate it. Many of my prints I have collected while attending or working at tattoo conventions (the Scottish Tattoo Convention in Edinburgh being my favorite) & i have a few prints by the same artists. But there is one selection of prints I favour which come from a very different source.

My busy wall in it's infancy. There's 3 of my Eilean-Shona prints here.

I first discovered Eilean-Shona Arts when I had a stall at Granny Would be Proud craft/vintage fair in Glasgow's west end. As i was going through a rather rabid print collecting phase about then, it couldn't have come at a better time!
What drew my eye to her work is just how clean and crisp it is. Her style is that interesting hybrid of simple yet detailed. Illustrations are against a plain background and many feature no, or very little colour, the main image drawn using only pencil. Now, I'm sure to some, that sounds dull, but it really makes you appreciate how beautiful and detailed that main image is. Her illustrations are varied, but many are nature orientated, which I'm especially fond of. Not all of her prints I have are of animals of course, but I must admit, most are...they're just so beautiful! I mean, who wouldn't want to own something from her 'Animals that Mate for Life' collection?! I'm actually a little obsessed by her latest works of animals in jars. So far i have Red Panda, but I plan on collecting them all!!

A trice of the prints in my collection. The greetings cards are perfect for filling the little spaces on my wall.

Now, if you like her style but aren't into animals (you're a freak), not to fear. She also has a beautiful collection of fashion illustration that carries her signature style beautifully, in addition to some interesting, and pretty varied, art photography (find folders here). And if you're just not into pictures then, again, fear not, as she does a rather excellent selection of merchandise such as bookmarks, note pads and little vanity mirrors.....excellent giftage I hear you say?!

Beautiful photies and fashion.

I think a lot of people are put off by the idea of owning 'art', rather than some nice pictures they got from Ikea, because they think of it as being arsey or too expensive. Now, as much as I can appreciate where this attitude comes from, it needn't be the case & I think artists such as this are putting paid to this kind of thinking. Eilean-Shona prints will set you back a mere £15 for an 8x10" print and only a couple of quid for a greetings card. All are printed and mounted on lovely paper and you can also buy framed prints and photographs and, of course, there's the gift merchandise. Now being able to buy art at craft fairs, such as Granny, so what could be easier? Online? Well, her website is under construction, so watch this space...

Oh little Roe Dear, you will be mine....oh yes, you will be mine.

I for one will be buying more to fill up the larger wall in my new living room.
So get on it people! Beautiful, accessible art from a local lass....what more could you want?!


Thank you for reading. And always remember....Lady Bon loves you...
http://www.tattybon.com

Things to do in Glasgow when you're dead.......excited about Christmas

Hello lovely friends. OK, so I know I haven't been about for a while, but you know what, who cares, Christmas is a-coming!
So what, pray tell, is there to get up to in the run up to Jesus' birthday in the fair ol' city of Glasgow.... while you're getting your Christmas shopping done of course.
Well, here's a wee run down to get you started .

Abandon Ship Apparel Christmas party

So, those lovely folks at Glasgow based brand Abandon Ship Apparel have opened up in their home town. They've got a wee sneaky pop-up shop in Princes' Square (ground floor, entrances on Buchanan St or just off Queen St) & it's just spiffy. I mean, any shop that finds itself in Princes' Sq that sells pants that say 'fuck you buddy' has my thumbs up any day!! On top of that you'll find all the classic gear you'd expect to find from the Abandon Ship boys, Deathtoopers et al, as well as a few new pieces in there.....here come the Christmas jumpers!

This December 13th they'll be having an in-store Christmas party. So get you mingingest, madest Chrimbo jumper & get your arse down there....you won't regret it!

Pink haired hottie Honey Pop shows the new Abandon Ship Christmas jumper

                                                            

                                                               

Christmas outfit fun the vintage way

I'm a big fan of vintage, it's no secret. Vintage ornaments, vintage pictures, vintage everything! But is there anything better than a great vintage dress? I think not. We all love  Topshop & Primark, but who wants to turn up to the Christmas party wearing the same dress as their work buddy? The answer should be 'no one'!

My personal favorite Glasgow shop is, of course, the City Retro on King St (just behind the Trongate). I've had many an epic wee vintage number from there, including my greatest 50's party dress ever! Right now it is chocked full of sequins and glam that's make you the bell of any Christmas party. Fact. All that on top of the usual vintage goodness they have, what's not to love...

Get along too Granny would be Proud

Everyone that knows that Glasgow is a pretty crafty place.....well, they should. A grand old selection of what's going on can be found at Granny would be Proud fairs. What better way to your Christmas shopping done & support the little guy that this? Granny takes place in the Hillhead Bookclub, just off  Byers Rd, every second Sunday but will be on every Sunday in the run up to Christmas. Each fair has 18-20 stalls....that's a lot of crafty goodness to choose from. There's handmade jewellery, hand knitted hats and geeky toys, Christmas decorations, vintage clothes, hand made cushions and homeware....tones and tones.

Add that to the warm Granny atmosphere & the fact that you can have a wee sneaky mojito while you browse & you've got the perfect little Sunday out.

Lots of selection at Granny, including the best vintage specs in town from Eyedresser & some Darth Rudolf action from Tatty Bon

Get your good self festive ready

So, everyone wants to look their best at Christmas right? Folks out buying themselves new outfits instead of getting presents (it's not selfish, it's just common sense, right?), investing in fake eyelashes they know fine well they can't apply....you know the drill.

Well, when getting yourself up to your Christmas standard get down to Parnie St. Peaches Wax bar is one of the newest additions to Glasgow Cross area. Open only a few months I've already heard it toughted as the best place in town to de-fuzz. The salon looks amazing! Glitter to the max, baroque mirrors & a friendly atmosphere.... & there's Chopper the Chihuahua to coo at, take your mind right off any waxing discomfort.

T'is the season to be tidy & well trimmed folks! Eyebrows, foof, legs, these things are important. Go see the professionals. You can even get lash extensions......& I hear they even do a wee cheeky vajazzle.

So there it is folks. There's no need to get dragged down by the Scrouge types this year. There's always lots going on in Glasgow & this is only a tiny wee selection, I'm sure your town is just the same if you have a look around.......& if that's not enough to bring you out of the holiday blues.

Thank you for reading. And always remember....Lady Bon loves you...