Laura Pollard Designs.com

The new gnomes are back but now they're coming into your home! Don't worry though, they're here to help. Since leaving University I've been working on developing these designs further as some needed tweeking. It's not cost effective for me to manufacture these designs at this time, but I'm working on that!

The ‘Mini Men Fruit Bowl’ or ‘The Fruit Fanatics’ consists of a metal sheet held by four ‘Mini Men’.

The flat surface challenges the conventional ways of storing fruit whilst encouraging interaction through both the dynamic figures and the process of self assembly of the product itself as well as the fruit it holds.

The simple slotting technique allows the bowl to be transported easily and stored neatly away when not in use.

In its present form the bowl can also be used as a cooling stand for pans and as a platform for storing bits and bobs often chucked mindlessly onto the kitchen table.

It is currently under more development with plans to make different sizes and the men out of acrylic which would allow a wider variety of colours!

‘Pushing Up Daisies’ is a fun product which subtly plays on a common saying.

The original design consisted of a metal plate with an intricately cut out ‘body’. The product comes to life when used and brings some added spice to the inexpensive pots commonly used to grow herbs in the kitchen.

The design has recently been developed in various acrylics offering a wider range of colours.

In the chance the purchaser does not have the desire to have green fingers, ‘Pushing Up Daisies’ can also be used as quirky coasters which can be easily cleaned and enjoyed by all the family.

There's so much versatility with this design I was even able to make little keyrings with the coaster offcuts!

The Little Chefs Book Stand may not be the most innovative product in the collection however it still performs as well as traditional bookstands and bring a quirky feel to a somewhat boring object. Unlike traditional models, it is a fraction of the weight making it easy to transport into the home and around the kitchen. The fun characters and lively colour will be a welcome addition in any kitchen.