Designer Thursday: The Mug

Welcome to another Designer Thursday

Today I am inspired by the rain, the rain that is pouring down outside my window as I type this, the rain that just won't stop. 

source : seekerofhappinessblog.com

On days like this I consume about twice the amount of tea, maybe that's why us Irish love our tea so much. 

And like any good tea drinker I know that the enjoyment of a cup of tea greatly depends on what you are drinking it from. I am not a cup and saucer lady. I like my mugs, with nice comfortable handles and just big enough that you can savour the moment without the moment ending with a cold cup of tea.

Take these mugs for instance, the result of a collaboration between Designist and Le Cool Dublin. 

This is an Irish truism.

"If the slightest problem arises,someone will inevitably offer you a mug of tea"

I have quite a collection of mugs. But there are still others I lust after. 

I have always wanted a mug with a Rob Ryan, and then this Christmas I got one. Thank you! 

And then I saw this beautiful and romantic (yes I just called a mug romantic) duo by him

"All of these words are worth less then the breath used to say them if we cannot be together"

This would make a really cool 9th wedding anniversary present, a twist on the traditional pottery gift. 

One of my favourite mugs is my Penguin Classic mug which was produced by ArtMeetsMatter.

And I can still remember the day that the handle on my Beatrix Potter mug finally gave up the ghost. - on a complete aside; don't you just love that expression 'gave up the ghost'

Then there is Scottish company McLaggan Smith Mugs whose Morse Code mug I am the proud owner of.

And finally I leave you with my most recent purchase, the Bicycle Riders favourite tea, which I snapped up in a local shop.

 

I think I can still land my collection safely on the right side of obsession, but maybe I should change it up, I could start collecting tea pots next...

Have a favourite mug send me a photo over on twitter @six0sixdesign or on my facebook page

Tea mad and proud. 

xx V

Tickets at tea time

I found this on the craftzine website and I just think it's blooming amazing. 

 It is by artist Brian Jewett.

It's got me pondering how I could adapt this to my own uses. I shall keep you posted. Perhaps there is a craft tutorial in the near future...

xx V

The institution of the cup of tea

 'Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world' -T'ien Yiheng

There are many solutions to all the woes of the world but one that any Irish person will swear by is a cup of tea. Everyone has their own exactly perfect way to drink it and the brand that they swear by. It's always offered and rarely refused.

 'There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.' - Henry James  The Portrait of a Lady

#1

I really really love these Dunk Mugs by the lovely Denise in her Etsy shop here. They sell like hot cakes so, if you're reading this state side, get clicking.

 

 'Tea should be taken in solitude' - CS Lewis

#2

And for those in fear of losing their Perfect Mug to some nefarious thief how fab is this Lock Cup concept from designer Efrat Gommeh. To be honest I think I'm more tickled by the idea of someone not seeing the hole... I'm mean, I know.

 'All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes' - George Orwell

#3
 
From the ever interesting Suck I give you the My Cuppa mug. Inspired by the Pantone colour charts it tells you what tea you are.

 

I'd say I'm a milky. But growing stronger.

hmmm... I rather fancy putting the kettle on.