vennarddw

Born nearly 28 years ago to Lynn and Joseph II Vennard I have grown up loving the finer things in life… Now don’t get my wrong, this is not high-end brands and expensive products but more skilfully crafted items from world class artisans, local artists and designers. I have many passions in life and until recently was living the champagne lifestyle of a champagne budget.. This alas all changed last year when starting my own homewares, gifts and interiors company in Surrey UK (www.featherandfern.co.uk) and now I am still trying to live the champagne lifestyle but now on a lemonade/water budget.

When not working night and day in the F&F you can often find me searching the cities and towns for that special item for my home. One of my most favourite jaunts is to a small seaside town called Lewes, this trip is always accompanied by the friend of all friends Mirrymir, together we fine those hidden treasures lost to the normal eye, in need of a little love and care or just in desperate need of a home on our shelves and bookcases.

This change in lifestyle has not stopped me looking for items for my home but has caused me to look deeper in my soul for that special thing… no longer am I picking things up without a care in the world but instead looking and searching for the right piece at the right price, usually this pays off and I end up finding something which I fall deeply in love with straight away.

I know what you’re all thinking…How do I swap with some one like this? Someone who has their own gift and homewares company… Don’t worry, in the business world I buy what sells and only sometimes what I like… try and channel your inner Vennard (we all have one).

Lets now discuss what it is I like so you don’t disappoint me….. ☺

My Style…

If you have ever visited my home (which I hope unless we are friends you haven’t) my style will jump right out at you. I have a passion for graphic posters, when I say graphic, I don’t mean all nude and rude but stylized, minimalist, clean. check out www.michaelschwab.com for what I mean, also bright colours and strong patterns are everywhere.

I am also a keen collector of the slightly strange, the slightly crazy but at the end of the day slightly amazing and lovely. For example upon my coffee table along side the stunning interior books and the glass of Merlot you will find a bowl made of the finest woods inlayed with copper. But what’s inside I hear you ask… inside are a handful of porcelain fortune cookies.. Not expensive at all but instead beautifully crafted.

Lets get down to the nitty gritty of it all… what are you going to swap with me!!

So you know my style, my loves, you know what I do and you even know what’s on my coffee table. How are you going to add to the fold?

I will list a few things below, which should help you.

• I love graphic (style) prints, from posters to postcards. even the simplest postcard can be framed up in a cheap Ikea frame (I have many) and hung on my walls

• Vintage cooking wares, from bowls, to plates to even the kitchen sink. I love it all. I am often on the look out for plates and cups to sit among my other lovely items.

• Vintage Glass – I was recently given an old bottle (dirty) which once cleaned up read San Francisco Fig Company. This was just a simple glass bottle… probably found on the floor by my dear Mar,

• Food…. Now I love food, and this can be seen by just looking at me. I have a passion for everything American, sweet and savoury.

• Coffee – I am a massive coffee fan. I think I draw the line at the one, which is made from the bean which some animal has excreted..

• Apple - Not the fruit but the super brand. From past to present I love their designs and their message – Maybe a vintage print or badge or a brand new ipad… what a swap that would be ☺

• Rob Ryan – I have recently fallen in love with this mans paper craft, its truly amazing.

• Etsy. I love seeing what people all over the world are creating. Now I am not actually asking for ‘Etsy’ but the products in which can be found with in her.

• Anything handmade and designed – I love things with a graphic design feel, strong colours, bold patters… you get the idea..

I have also recently discovered a special type of glue that you can use to make your own notepads. It’s called padding compound and it’s a simple adhesive that you apply to a stack of paper to turn it into a notepad. but alas it's not easy to get here in the UK :(

Okay enough for now.. I will carry on thinking of some ideas for you swapper…..