Coffee Talk – part one

Most weekday mornings, seconds after my clock-radio switches itself on, I begin an internal debate about whether or not to get out of bed. The angel on my shoulder gently reminds me that I have venti-sized responsibilities; lunches that need to be made, bills that need to be paid and the emails waiting on my office computer that aren’t likely to answer themselves. At the same time, the devil on my shoulder presents an almost-convincing argument for staying in bed (and can usually keep me tucked snugly under the duvet for at least another 15 minutes.) I would like to say that it’s virtue that eventually rouses me, but I have to confess – it’s coffee. Just knowing that there is a fresh pot of fair-trade, organic coffee waiting for me in the kitchen gives me the little nudge I need to get into the shower and start my day. You can call a it a habit or an addiction, but I prefer to think of it as a life-long love affair with the stuff.

South African textile & graphic artist Wendren celebrates her own love of coffee in this entry on her blog. After reading her post, it came as no surprise to me to see the influence that coffee has had on the handmade goods available in her shop, The Wren. The bag pictured below, is just one of a number of beautiful accessories that Wendren creates from used coffee sacks.

Taking her inspiration from her breathtaking home, nestled between the mountains and the sea in Cape Town, Wendren has been creating her line since 2007 and has been thrilled to see her designs meet such an enthusiastic response. The embroidery on this clutch (below) is, as Wendren says, “…there to remind you that every day, there are little things that make it special and those should be treasured.” The journal that accompanies the Coffee Clutch would be a fitting place to record one’s own inspired thoughts; perhaps while enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in a favourite spot.

When I go to my local coffeehouse for some “alone time”, I always try to sit in one of the leather chairs beside the fireplace. I love to curl-up facing the door with a book, my laptop or a crochet project in my lap. I‘m happy to relax there for an hour or so, nursing a huge cup of coffee and people-watching. Most days, though, in the interest of time my coffee has to be taken “to go” and enjoyed on the run.

These reusable coffee sleeves (above), from Inbound Thread, are a cool way to get a grip on a hot cup. Designed and made by Sandra, an industrial designer with a hip, urban esthetic, the sleeves are made of a durable and insulating wool felt and sized to fit a standard take-out cup. From her workshop in Boston‘s South End, Sandra designs her products with an eye for both form and function and maintains an informed awareness of how her designs impact the environment.

The infatuation continues – please come back next week for part two of “Coffee Talk”.