Tuesday 18 December 2012

Beautiful Burger









As a follow up to my last post on edible packaging, it seems that Brazilian-based fast-food chain Bob's has replaced its plastic burger wrappings with edible ones - Way to go! - I wonder what it tastes like?

Via: DesignTaxi

Sunday 16 December 2012

Breadtopia











Blues is to jazz what yeast is to bread. Without it, it’s flat.” - Carmen McRae

There's nothing more disappointing, whilst on the run, than grabbing 'a-sandwich-to-go' only to find that the bread is less than acceptable. 

The momentary illusion of a tasty sandwich, created by the attractive packaging, its filling promising satiation, is immediately dashed by the first bite; the filling runs off in terror, the bread shrinks into a glutinous lump and then proceeds to stick to the roof  of one's mouth. Swallow, and it dawns on me that this 'bread' has only just started its journey, and has a long way to go... Ugh!

It is with this in mind that I rejoice at the movement of the real bread movement, where the baking of bread is artful - the use of the best organic ingredients, perfect preparation, and the pimping of the worn out old homely-style bakery establishment to one befitting the sale of real bread.

Photos of BlĂ© Bakery on Agias Sofias in Thessaloniki, Greece 
Via: The Cool Hunter
Blurb: © Alison Day Designs

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Living in a Box



There are times when we all feel as though we are 'Living in a box.' ...

If you were given the choice to, would you pay luxury rates to stay in a hotel that is housed in shipping containers? 

It seems that the Chinese architectural firm: Tonghe Shanzhi Landscape Design have created a 5-star luxury hotel, the construction of which was also eco-friendly.










Via DesignTaxi

Sunday 25 November 2012

Stylish Suds


"What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul"- Yiddish proverb


This afternoon, a particularly blustery and grey Sunday, I took off on my Vespa and joined 15 other people curious to learn the art of soap making. Held at the Connect International office, by Stephanie Fermor from Toastie Studio& Thomas Poortman

During the three hour workshop, we learnt the techniques necessary to create four different kinds of soap. Apart from using different shaped molds, we also 'flavoured' them from a selection of delicious scented oils, such as: chocolate, vanilla, orange, cappuccino, passion fruit and banana, to mention a few. 

The bars of soap could either be clear (like glass), or we could stir in water-based colourings along with curls of soap (created with the use of a cheese slice), brightly coloured plastic fish, or in the case of the exfoliating soap - oatmeal. For each soap we had to work quickly, because once the melted soap mixture left the bain marie, it immediately started to solidify. At the end of the workshop, our four different soap bar designs included: a clear bar with aforementioned brightly coloured plastic fish swimming around inside, a realistic looking ice lolly on wooden stick, a funky cup cake and a square oatmeal bar. And once the soap had finally cooled enough to be removed from their prospective molds, each was individually wrapped - perfectly packaged for Christmas presents.

Interested in making your own soap? Supplies can be ordered from: Soap Queen & You Wish. (Links courtesy of Stephanie)

For a peek at my creations made during the workshop...


© Alison Day


Wednesday 21 November 2012

Chocca Choo









Ever the love of chocolate - what about this? ... The longest chocolate train ever, created by Maltese chocolate artist, Andrew Farrugia

Setting a new Guinness World Record, it measures 34.05 metres and weighs 1,250 kg and took 700 hours to complete. 

It is magnificently detailed and includes tiny details such as a bar and a restaurant within some wagons.

Via: DesignTaxi 


Tuesday 13 November 2012

Come Dance With Me

























Enormous replicas of high-heeled shoes made from shiny pots and pans by Paris-born, Lisborn-based artist: Joana Vasconcelos.

These stunning pieces of footwear are part of an installation called 'Shoes', which have traveled the world. 

Beautiful in their conception, they are also a comment on the persisting traditional double role that womankind continues to lead, in a modern day world.

Via: DesignTaxi

Sunday 4 November 2012

Living Doll



Just had to share these amazingly lifelike and original toys created by Russian based artist, Santaniel.

Made from a combination of fimo clay, fabric fur and wire, but they almost seem to be alive!  For more: here