"Solid Rock and a Firm Foundation"

Garden furniture shopping was not somewhere I expected to be inspired. However my Mum and I happened to walk into a new shop that had appeared in our local shopping centre as the wooden tables and chairs had attracted her attention. 

Obviously walking in we were aware that this shop was indeed a shop with some kind of charitable cause, as there were large signs saying "The Rock Foundation" in the window. But when enquiring about purchasing technicalities, we were given  some fabulous background information on the items for sale. These quality pieces were not just made to fund the charity, these were made as part of the work that the charity completes as part of its aim. Through a large range of practical workshops and placements the charity aims to teach and develop the skills of those with learning disabilities or who are disadvantaged. 

[Image from: http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0CAQQjBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thisisgrimsby.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flocalworld%2Fugc-images%2F275785%2FArticle%2Fimages%2F19395877%2F4984464-large.jpg&ei=F1XNVJrMAoawUZ-NgugO&bvm=bv.85076809,d.d24&psig=AFQjCNFDdnabBdOxrUR7ki6coG1yVH07SA&ust=1422829187690317]

This really touched my Mum and I, as the beautiful pieces had an equally lovely story behind them, and not only financially helped someone, but actively did as well. If I was not moving abroad in the near future I would have loved to seek information on how I could help the charity with any skills I may possess that might be of any use. People are very judgemental about Grimsby and Cleethorpes, however if something so great can come out of the area, then respect is deserved. 

I strongly urge people to at least look at this charity's website and learn more about this fabulous cause. There is a lot in the news about unemployment and the importance of training. Surely everyone should be entitled to learn and develop as a person! 

http://www.rockfoundation.org.uk

[Post title quoted from the foundation's website]

The Underground in an Ocean

I do not mean to keep posting about New York. However I came across this piece of news the other day and found it so extraordinarily amazing that I felt it had to be shared! 

Certain members of the US public were shocked and horrified when they spied tug boats dumping old subway carriages into the ocean. Like I initially did, New Yorker's probably presumed this was just a lazy and Non-Eco friendly way of the state disposing of unwanted goods cheaply. 

[Image from: http://www.viralforest.com/subway-cars-dumped-coral-reef/

Image taken by : Stephen Mallon]

However Viralforest.com continued to explain that this was a part of a project to restore and create ocean habitats.  

This video shows the results brilliantly.  

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gOfLCeyuZA

Panasonic Ecoideasnet]

This is the evidence that the plan is successful 10 years on. This beautiful image hides its artificial origin unbelievably well. So don't panic people: for once dumping is restoring that damaged human activity! 

[http://www.viralforest.com/subway-cars-dumped-coral-reef/]

Random small things

The past two days have exemplified to me of how the small things have the most impact on people. 

Yesterday I recieved these images from my boyfriend in New York. This instantly made my day a whole lot cheerier. 

This morning Good Morning Britian followed a story about random acts of kindness that individuals have completed for no larger motive or reward. To those that had had these small acts of kindness offered to them this meant a whole lot more than most would think. If anything, their gratitude and happiness as a result of the good deeds were more than worth the effort.

Just remember people to appreciate the little things in life because they can have a big affect. 

Do you see USB NYC?

NYC is a big thing in my life at present for several reasons. The first, most regular readers will be aware of, is that I am moving to New York for several months training  (sorry for repetition but I'm excited!) Another is the fact the City's bad weather is making world news at present,  and the final: my boyfriend is currently over there. 

I am keen to see new little quirks that the city holds whilst over there. I want to become aware of the daily culture and not just (although large,) the tourist culture. 

This post by Most Epic Stuff appeared on my Facebook news-feed this afternoon and is exactly the type of hidden secret of the City I endeavour to discover for myself. An absolutely brilliant idea by Berlin based designer Aram Bartholl : http://mostepicstuff.com/here-is-why-usb-drives-are-buried-in-walls-all-across-new-york/

In case you haven't followed the link above yet ... There are various USB sticks cemented into walls over New York City! People can plug these into their laptops/ USB ports and share files. A great way to spread the word. But be warned the upload of viruses has been reported in the past, and obviously if you attempt to connect the USB art directly into your treasured laptop try not to scratch it! 

[Image from: http://mostepicstuff.com/here-is-why-usb-drives-are-buried-in-walls-all-across-new-york/]

The Tumbling Process of Design

I have recently been acquainted with Tumblr. Obviously as a blogger using Blogger, Tumblr was unusual to get my head around using alongside this, however I am finding the whole project quite exciting and beneficial. 

Whilst on our industrial placement we have two modules to complete which will compliment our placements and increase how much we get out of them. 

The first stage of the initial assignment includes street style. It is a daunting task to fashion designers, who are used to being sat in their study alone and working away! However I started on this project whilst in London, and once I had finally plucked up the courage to ask well dressed passers by to snap their style, all was not so scary, and actually, looking back the images are very inspiring. 

Check out my attempts via this link! 

http://jessicajasminefdm.tumblr.com

Jewell- The Making of Us

I love reading, but with my demanding, yet fulfilling course, I rarely get time to sleep, let alone read! 

I was always told not to say, when at an interview that one of my hobbies is reading. This is because I do not prefer a particular genre of poetry or prose; not do I have a favoured author. 

I am also aware of a slight snobbery towards so called "chick-flick" fictional novels. 

However I believe there is a fine line in this classification. I often feel that some modern literature is of a better standard than some of the classical favourites. 

At the end of the day it is down to preference. 

I have just spent the last day stuck with my nose in the book "The Making of Us" by Lisa Jewell. An original story line and structure page turner instantly attracted me to this. Although I do not have favoured areas of literature, I am also picky with what I read, and if a book has not grabbed me by page twenty I am reluctant to continue. 

This story line has really effected me; leaving me feeling both content for finishing and discovering the finale to this fabulous piece fiction; and gutted to have left the fanatical lives if Lidya, Robyn and Dean. 

I definitely intend to read more by this talented author, and recommend others too as well! 

Illustration Insane

I decided as a warm up activity for updating my portfolio, I would produce digital illustrations for new cover and profile images for my twitter account; I mainly use twitter as a source of information and promotion for fashion work and so it felt relevant to combine the two tasks.  

I've always loved manual work and preferred hand-drawing over digitally producing. However as technology only continues to progress, as does its use in the fashion industry, I feel it was necessary to progress my digital skills. 

Using Photoshop, Illustrator, most of my patients and many hours has resulted in me producing these images, which display past design ideas. I still have long way to go in improving my digital skills, but for now these will just about do !