Flock Friendly Group - Flock Association of europe

Flock Friendly Group
Volume 1 Issue 15: Winter 2011 to Spring 2012
Welcome
to the 15th FFG newsletter!
This newsletter highlights some more great examples
of flock. Interior design, fashion and packaging design
all evidence an array of wonderfully rich and vibrantly
coloured flocked designs. The contemporary interiors
market sees sumptuous wallpapers in amazingly
original designs and it is great to showcase some of
the key manufacturers in this FFG newsletter.
PIP wallcovering—wonderful!
Pip Studio design company launched its latest
flocked wallpaper in October 2011. Dearest Peacock
design, as illustrated, (see Fig. 1) is available in rich
red; pale blue and pale pink and is manufactured by
Eijffinger, the Dutch wallcovering and fabrics company.
The wallpaper depicts oriental figures, flowers and peacocks in a highly decorative repeat pattern. The 10 metre rolls measure 53 cm wide approximately. The wallpaper costs approximately £145.00 a roll.
Amsterdam-based Pip Studio produce a variety of decorative, kitsch-styled goods that include stationery, bags
and homeware designs. The Pip Studio designs are
distinguished by their brightly coloured, highly ornate
patterns, that often evidence a touch of nostalgia.
Eijffinger produce a range of wallcoverings that offer
contemporary designs for the home….a delightful range
of flock.
For further information see:
http://www.eijffinger.com/en/
http://www.pipstudio.com/en/
.
Fig. 1 Detail of Pip 2 Dearest Peacock wallpaper, Ref. 313064,
manufactured by Eijffinger, 2011.
Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year To All
„Tis the season to be jolly - and enjoy the delights of the flocked
bauble. With vintage and contemporary examples readily available
no Christmas tree is well dressed unless it has at least a few furry
baubles. The example on the left (Fig. 2) was purchased from London based DZD retail display props retailer. This store is a wonderland in its own right with Christmas display items available all year
round. See: www.dzd.co.uk.
The poodle bauble with flocked coat (Fig. 3) was purchased from
Paperchase. In terms of collecting flock, Christmas baubles offer a
great focus. Many designs are particularly precious and become
cherished items that are lovingly displayed throughout the years.
Page 2
Natalie Adamson-Wain
Scottish designer Natalie Adamson -W ain creates
some lovely things - textiles and design items
which feature embroidery and flock. As Nathalie
states on her website „The use of digitally -printed
flock is my special signature and it‟s this marriage
of modern and craft techniques that is woven
through both ranges. It‟s a fusion that gives my
customers the freedom to mix and match old with
new and craft with technology.‟ Natalie notes „I
would describe my style as eclectic and vintage,
with a twist of granny chic…‟ (http://www.nathalie designs.co.uk/)
Natalie graduated from the Edinburgh College of
Art and worked in textile studios for clients including Diesel, Juicy Couture, Abercrombie and Karen
Millen. She now runs her own business, located
just outside Glasgow, and sells her designs
through a variety of shops and on -line retailers.
Flock Friendly Group
Nodding & Flocked….
The ubiquitous flocked nodding dog has been positioned on
the back parcel shelf of cars for years - a back seat passenger that bobs along when travelling. However this design
classic has perhaps been too readily dismissed as kitsch
and not worthy of critical consideration. As such, the nodding dog appears to have missed the history books in terms
of any significant documentation of its creation and analysis
of its enduring popularity.
Yet this design has enjoyed a certain revival in recent years
with the popularity of the Churchill Insurance company bulldog advertising icon resulting in new sales of nodding dogs.
However, the flocked nodding phenomenon is not just dog
focused. A variety of animals are also available. As illustrated, flocked nodding deers can be purchased in Canadian
souvenir shops; the flocked nodding lobster appears to be
popular in Nova Scotia and flocked lions are available in
Glasgow. Images: Collection K. Hardie
Natalie‟s cushions are beautifully made. The
flocked animal outline contrast with the delicate
vintage fabrics and decorative trimmings used to
make each creation unique. There‟s a certain delicac y to these designs. Natalie‟s flock ed jumpers
offer intricate floral patterns that grow across the
front of the garments. The swathe of flowers create a delightfully distinct look -surprisingly produced in flock. Images©Natalie Adamson -Wain.
.
Page 3
Wallpaper
Flock and wallpaper form a classic partnership: the two
have been joined in a unique relationship for centuries. A
variety of flocked wallpaper is widely available for today‟s
interiors - subtle patterns to loud statement designs—the
choice is exciting.
Whilst widely popular across the decades, surprisingly flock
wallpaper‟s history remains relatively undocumented. Increasingly historical examples are being collected and researched, however the overall picture of flock wallpaper‟s
full history is yet to be patched together. Thankfully contemporary books are capturing today‟s creations - such as Joachim Fischer‟s book Wallpaper, 2008, published by h. f.
Ullman (an imprint of Tandem Verlag GmbH). This book
presents an interesting collation of examples of contemporary wallpapers. The book focuses upon the materials used
in contemporary designs and highlights the work of key designers.
Fischer presents the designs of German designer Ulf Moritz
whose wallpaper designs include the use of flock.
Moritz has produced designs for the Marburg company,
Germany.
Fischer‟s actual book cover highlights an example of
Moritz‟s flocked design - cleverly the very book cover is
nicely flocked. This book is nice to have and nice to hold.
More on Moritz can be found at: www.marburg.com
Fig. 9 Cover of Fischer, Wallpaper book, 2008.
Pleasing papers
It always seems a shame to use flocked wrapping paper for
parcelling up presents which are then opened enthusiastically and often in haste. The paper is often torn and discarded as the recipient gives cursory attention to the wallpaper in
preference for the gift within. Many may not fully appreciate
the fine qualities of a good flocked wrapping paper.
Retailer Paperchase regularly include flocked wrapping paper in their stationery range which often proves hard to part
with once purchased. There‟s something quite special and
sumptuous about a sheet of flocked paper that is still pristine
- non-creased and unfolded such paper can even be framed.
A number of retailers such as Laura Ashley have also produced flocked craft papers.
An interesting discovery are the packs of 20 assorted tissue
paper strips in different colours, patterns and surface finishes, available in the UK in 99p shops. As illustrated (Fig. )
the packs of papers offer quite a collection of alluring designs where some have flocked patterns. Others include
paint and glitter finishes. Manufactured by Eastern Treasures Europe Limited.
Fig. 10 Paper, Eastern Treasures Europe Ltd, 2011.
Flock Friendly Group
Vo lu m e 1 I s s u e 1 5 : W in t er 2 0 1 1 t o Spr in g 2 0 1 2
In search of flock…….
The Flock Friendly Group
is a specialist interest group to promote and celebrate all things flock.
The FFG aims to provide a meeting point where flock can be shared - to
develop and encourage an interest in flock and its history and uses; to
further the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of flock by all.
The FFG aims to bring together people of all ages, backgrounds and
levels of interest and experience in flock to promote and disseminate
their personal and professional flock experiences. The FFG as a forum
aims to provide information and to link artists, designers, manufacturers,
organisations, institutions, researchers and scholars etc; to contribute to
flock‟s promotion and development internationally; to bring together flock
fanatics and flock experts. If you are interested in joining the Flock
Friendly Group please contact me.
It would be good to include your flock news, views, activities and
developments in future newsletters. In particular then newsletter aims
Fabulous Fantasy Lip Kit packaging (2010) by
Estee Lauder “MAC” Cosmetics featured a
flocked tartan design inserted into an injection
moulded lid. MAC cosmetics‟ smart tartantopped box, as featured opposite, was a limited
edition item. Brown Abrams of flock
manufacturing company FiberLok, Inc , Fort
Collins, Colorado, USA highlights this example
as his company created the unique flock process
for the design.
to showcase the work of designers, artists, craftspeople and companies
that work with flock. Should you be interested in holding the flock
exhibition at your venue or if you have images, text, information or web
links please contact: Kirsten Hardie email: khardie@aucb.ac.uk
Newsletter
Information about this company can be located
at: www.fiberlok.com
Issue 16 of the newsletter will be published at Easter. If you would like to
contribute to the newsletter please email with news, questions and images accordingly. All contributions should reach Kirsten by 20 March 2012.
The newsletter is distributed digitally and enjoys a wide international
readership. Back copies are available at : www.issuu.com
Barbie Flock
Flocked Skulls and Cross Bones Wallpaper
Barbie‟s dog Tanner (2006) (Fig. 11) is a flocked
plastic Labrador. Manufactured by Mattel,
Barbie‟s loyal companion stands approximately
4.5 inches tall and has movable parts - his
mouth opens, he eats „biscuits‟ and even goes to
the toilet. But back to the flock…..
Skull by Beware the Moon
Flocked Skull and Cross Bones wallpaper is manufactured by the British company
Beware the Moon.
This design is produced in a
range of tantalising colours
such as Black on Gunmetal
and Bronze on Bronze. The
wallpaper also comes in non
-flocked versions.
Funky Monkey
Funny name, funny fabric: Funky Monkey
Flocked Stretch Denim is a flocked 97% cotton
and 3% elastine fabric that has a flocked pattern
finish. Measuring 150cm (57 inches), this fabric
offers interesting possibilities for use. Costs approximately £3.99 a meter.
The company‟s She wallpaper offers another seductive
design - the outline drawing
of a pin up girl - a naughty
design that teases the consumer with its design and
range of colour-types including Nude Fur on Water Violet. She is truly beautiful.
Fig. 12 Skull by Beware the Moon.
Cost per roll; approximately £104.00 + VAT.
For further information see the company website:
http://www.beware-the-moon.com/