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Handmade thread lamp string lighting - choose your own colour combination!
Blog
Welcome to the Cable and Cotton Blog where we will update you with anything on minds……
Galletly and Tubbs – Top Drawer January 2011
March 20th, 2011
Mark and James from Galletly and Tubbs in Glasgow. They came up with some great colour combinations after much debate!
Introducing Our New Collection
March 10th, 2011
In case you have not yet had the chance to check out our new range of Pre-Selected decorative string lights, then now’s the chance. Just like all areas of design, we were inspired by the wonders of nature, as well as the diversity of the world’s most popular cultural hot-spots.
So this year, our new collection of cotton lights has been designed to bring into your home the feeling some of the most majestic cultural destinations our magnificent world has to offer.
For those who want to inject the feeling of fiesta into their home, then you’ll love the Brazil and Mexican (see above) decorative lights. Made up of contrasting blues, purples, oranges and yellows, these two can definitely help to spice up your home.
For those who want a far more refreshing injection of colour, then experience nature’s finest with the Devon and Caribbean (see above) cotton lights. Made up of crisp blues, greens and yellows, and some neutral creams and beiges too, these help to give your home a more revitalising colour lift.
To experience far away and exotic dream locations, then check out the Morocco, Carousel and Havana (see above) sets of indoor string lights. Mixing slightly more interesting and unusual colours, these three sets of string lights help to add intrigue and interest to any interior.
For a real sophisticated set of globe string lights, then check our oh la la Paris set. Or for a set of string lights that say ‘hot hot hot’, then feel the burn with our fabulously hot Outback (see above) range inspired by the heat of Australia’s deserts.
What ever you want out of your set of indoor string lights, whether it’s an injection of vibrancy or the feeling of relaxation, then you’ll find the perfect set in our new range collection of Pre-Selected string lights.
January Photo Competition: And the winner Is…
March 5th, 2011
Once again, we are proud to say we have been inundated by customers who have sent in pictures of our decorative string lights. From newborn and children’s bedrooms, to period homes and caravans, it’s been great to see such a diverse demographic enjoying them.
January’s winner was chosen as we feel it reflects exactly what we hope our lights to achieve; an injection of colour. And the winner of January’s photo competition is… Carla Swinand!
Actually bought for her daughter’s 13th birthday, we love how the indoor lights have been perfectly matched to suit Carla’s daughter’s bed linen, showing us and you how our bedroom string lights can compliment any colour scheme.
As winner of our January photo competition, Carla will be sent a free 35-bulb string light set to enjoy herself, or perhaps donate to another member of her family!
If you fancy entering our February photo competition, send us your photos to be in with a chance of winning your very own set of free indoor string lights.
Put a Spring in Your Step With This Season's Colours
February 16th, 2011
With temperatures now averaging (just) above freezing, and our days being treated to the odd spot of warm(ish) sunshine, we can’t help but start to feel that spring is in the air. And with a new season comes a whole new range of seasonal colours to consider for your home, which this year ranging from the two extremes of the spectrum; neutrals through to neons.
Here at Cable & Cotton, we believe our decorative string lights provide a great way to inject a bit of colour into your home. Whether you use our cotton lights to update your home’s colour theme, or to add a touch of mood lighting to a room, there is a colour combination to suit you.
For this spring, if you’re thinking of adding colour to your space, then you can’t beat a fresh selection of colourful string lights. Think daffodils and daisies and you get the idea. This Pick Your Own string lighting set above is made up of Pale Yellow, Bright Yellow, Ivory, Flash Green, Pure White and Anais Green, and simply oozes ‘springtime meadow’.
For a slightly more vibrant and uplifting string light set, then you’ll be glad to hear that brights and neons are in vogue. Sharp fuschia pinks and grassy greens are mixed with the softer tones of primrose yellow and bluebell lilac give a room that ‘secret garden’ feel, with the string lighting set above made up of Pale Yellow, Fuschia Pink, Lavender, Salmon Pink, Lilac, Flash Pink, Ivory and Anais Green.
Finally, if you want a calmer, more serene set of spring indoor lights, then opt for neutral tones with a slight hint of colour to give the room a fresh lift. An unimposing mix of Pale Yellow, Ivory, Pale Pink, Sand Stone, Pure White and Soft Pink helps add a touch of colour whilst remaining fresh and calm.
If you don’t fancy choosing your colours and need a bit of help, then check out our Pre-Selected page for inspiration; we recommend the Daisy, Devon and Gobi combos for the spring.
Top Drawer Spring/Summer 2011
January 21st, 2011
It’s that time of year again when we get out there to spread the word about Cable & Cotton, and this spring we had a stand at the Top Drawer creative trade exhibition at Earls Court, London. Not only did we get the chance to meet some of our fantastic current concession holders, but we also met some new ones who love our string lights as much as we do, and have decided to stock them in their shops all over the country. Our bright and cheery stand definitely managed to get passer-bys’ attention!
But one of the other great things we love about Top Drawer is the chance to check out what else is on the market, which is why this exhibition is perfect. The Top Drawer exhibition showcases some of the best old and new designers from the worlds of fashion and accessories to gifts and home.
As ever, there was an abundance of quality and innovative products on display, and one of the first we came across was SKK Lighting (see above); a supplier of fun to functional lighting solutions. What really caught our eye was the cute Teddy Bear lighting which looked just like a giant gummy bear; didn’t quite taste the same though…
For us here at Cable & Cable, what really grabs our attention are funky and innovative products we haven’t seen before, especially one’s with a retro twist. Thankfully, the whole vintage and retro theme dominated this year’s exhibition, with the likes of Ary Interiors (think Moomins on trays, above left) and my personal favourite, Hello Geronimo (above right); a ‘collection of handmade embellished artwork that draws inspiration from texture, colour and embroidery’, giving a pop-art inspired result with a crafty finish.
As mentione, top design was the name of the game, which is why the Wild & Wolf stand (see above) was a favourite. Specialising in nostalgic and design led gifts, we especially loved the cartoon-kitsch Rob Ryan ceramic collection (see to the right of picture above).
It was great to see so many ethical products at the show as well, from home accessories (see nkuku for beautifully crafted furniture and accessories, above left), gifts (Betty & Betts for ethical and organic notebooks, above centre) and fashion (for great sustainable and functional bags check out Onya, above right). Going green has seriously never been easier!
Didn’t manage to get to the show, but are interested in stocking our string lighting? Then just check out our wholesale page and get in touch for a chat about our product.
Interior Design Trends of 2011
January 19th, 2011
2011 sees yet another dramatic shift in interior design. This year, there is one major theme which stands out, and that is innovation. Instead of following specific trends which can easily date, those interested in interior design are focusing on ways to make their home unique, and this is being done through the following:
Personalisation – Arguably due to the fact that we spend more time entertaining and being at home, we have decided to make our homes reflects our lifestyles. Homemade accessories (or at least products from the high street that give this effect, like multi-coloured quilts and knitted throws) are growing in popularity, giving our homes a comfortable and relaxed feel with a DIY edge. There has also been a surge in the restoration and renovation of second hand furniture and accessories, showing that we are no longer afraid to put our own stamp on the homes we live in.
Juxtaposition – Homeowners are seeking new ways to make their home stand out, and in 2011 the most popular way this is being achieved is by mixing rich textures and archaic influences with new forms and shapes. This way, interior design for 2011 achieves an innovative yet comfortable balance whilst still pushing the boundaries of modern interior design.
Colour Splash – This trend is being echoed in fashion design as well, where we are seeing muted creams and greys finished with splashes of colour, especially neon tones. Neon accessories are a great way to achieve this innovative effect, as the motto is ‘less-is-more’ so it can be achieved easily. You can get this look with our pick and mix string lights by mixing neutral shades such as Sand Stone and Slate Grey with bright ones like Flash Pink, Bright Yellow or Flash Green.
Holiday Inspired Style
January 6th, 2011
It’s the start of a new year, and no doubt many of us will have already started thinking about our summer holidays. But with the summer break still a good 6 months away, we have come up with 5 string lighting combinations to help bring the feeling of some of the world’s most relaxing, fun and memorable holiday destinations into your home.
Caribbean – Bring the feeling of paradise into your home with this Caribbean inspired string lighting combination. These fresh colours not only help to inspire your holiday, but also offer an easy way to update your home for 2011. Colours: Pale Blue, Lime Green, Pure White, Prussian Blue, Anais Green and Sky Blue.
Ibiza – Inspired by the dance scene in Ibiza, this fun string lighting combination is a great way to brighten up your home. So much so, in fact, you can practically hear Creamfields! Colours: Pale Yellow, Ruby Red, Salmon Pink, Flash Pink, Bright Yellow and Sky Blue.
Outback –These rich, warm tones help capture the essence of the great scared rock that is Uluru, and help you to turn up the heat with this Outback inspired string lighting combo. Colours: Ruby red, Raspberry Red, Bright Orange, Khaki Green and Orange.
Devon- Our nation’s West Country offers some of the most stunning beaches in the world, with soft sandy coastlines next to luscious green cliff-tops, and our Devon inspired combination captures this very essence. Colours: Bright Yellow, Pale Blue, Ivory, Sandstone, Olive Green, Prussian Blue, French Green, Anais Green, Sky Blue and Orange.
Brazil – The carnivals of Rio attract millions of visitors every year, with holiday makers spellbound by the energetic dancers and their bright costumes. This Brazil inspired cotton light combo helps to capture the spirit of the carnival through an array of bright colours. Colours: Fuschia Pink, Flash Pink, Bright Orange, Deep Purple, Violet, Prussian Blue, Anais Green.
All our holiday inspired cotton lights have been designed using our Pick Your Own facility, made up of 35 lights and costing just £32 + postage each. If you fancy getting your hands on one of the sets, just note the colours for each design and create them yourself. Alternatively, you can use your own holiday snaps to help inspire your very own unique indoor lighting.
December Photo Competition: And the winner is…
January 2nd, 2011
Firstly, we would like to say thank you to all those who took the time to send us in their photographs of our cotton lights in their homes. It’s great to see others enjoying our string lights, especially during the festive time of year, and it’s been hard to choose just one winner.
The winning photo we have chosen for the month of December was picked for its artistic merit as well as originality. So without further ado, the winner is…. Freya Pigott from Devizes!
The fantastic composition enhances the festive feeling of the photograph, with the lights of the Christmas tree reflected in the mirror adjacent to our own string lights. Given as a Christmas present, we can see how our product has helped to bring warmth and colour into Freya’s home this Christmas.
What we especially like about our winner’s choice is that the colours make this set of string lights appropriate to use throughout the year, with the blues and purples a great way inject colour into the home all year long. Although ideal for Christmas, we can tell that they will be loved and used throughout the year as well.
Our winner Freya will be sent a free 35-lamp set of our cotton lights, so if you fancy a chance of winning this prize, then please send us your photos to be entered into the January competition.
Hooked on the Inglenook!
December 20th, 2010
Nothing puts a smile on our faces more at Cable & Cotton than seeing our string lights in your homes. This week, we got a lovely email from Mary, who took the time to take some festive photos of her string lights in her home.
It was only a couple of weeks before that we did a blog on how rich and rustic string lighting compliments country cottages, and here’s proof!
Mary commented on how ‘they have helped get our cottage inglenook into the festive spirit’, and we can see why; our only disappointment is that we don’t get to spend Christmas with her!
Beautifully complimented with a real holly and berry garland, we believe these photos illustrate how our cotton lights provide a stunning alternative to traditional Christmas lights.
Want to get your hands on some in time for Christmas? Just go to our Stockists page and we’ll let you know your nearest Cable & Cotton concessions.
If, like Mary, you want to show us what you’ve done with your Cable & Cotton string lights, then please don’t hesitate to just Get In Touch!
Blighty's Lights: The Best and Worst of Christmas Lights
December 13th, 2010
It’s that time of the year again, and the gloves are on; the fight for the best Christmas lights means that once again our UK villages, towns and cities are putting all their efforts into turning their streets into a Winter Wonderland.
After trawling through some of the best Christmas lights displays we have seen, unsurprisingly we also came across a few that, well, simply weren’t quite up-to-scratch. For them we felt the only way to at least honour their efforts was by creating a separate category; the Christmas Blight award.
So, firstly to our winner of the Best Christmas Lights award. We were desperately hoping that some small village or town would take the prize, but we simply avoid finding the winner in London. As ever, there was some fierce competition, but this year’s winner has to be…. Carnaby Street!
Laura Porter, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Carnaby Street, best known for its retro fashion and kitsch designer shops, let its history influence this year’s Christmas light display. Opting for a unique solar theme, Carnaby Street’s futuristic (and slightly camp) Christmas light display left us feeling, well, on top of the world! A definite must-see if you plan on being in London during this festive season.
The winner of our Christmas Blight award has been given to the place we feel didn’t quite get into the festive spirit. Hitting the news last month, we saw Sacriston, a village in County Durham, erect what has been dubbed ‘Britain’s worst Christmas tree’. Torn apart by recent storms, this tree (or bush, as locals call it)is now left standing at just 4ft tall, dwarfed by the metal tripod that surrounds it.
North News & Pictures Ltd
Want to inject a bit of festive cheer into your home this Christmas? Then check out our Pre-selected or Pick Your Own lights, and see if you can give Carnaby Street a run for their money!
Top 5 Christmas Light Combinations
December 6th, 2010
Not sure how to bring a touch of festive cheer to your home this Christmas?
We have come up with 5 of our favourite Pick Your Own string light combinations to help make your home even more cheerful this Christmas…
Traditional Christmas Lights – mix lime green, ruby red and sunflower yellow for a set of classic Christmas tree lights. Fun for everyone, these string lights will ooze Christmas all winter long.
Rustic Christmas Lights – mix aubergine, raspberry red, anais green and orange for this rustic twist on traditional Christmas colours. For a more mature home, this Christmas light combination is for the adults.
Image (from left to right): Traditional, Rustic, Princess, Muted and Berry Christmas lights.
Princess Christmas Lights – mix ruby red, fuschia pink, bright yellow and pale pink for a girls only Christmas effect. Great for young girls to the young at heart, this string lighting combo is sure to brighten up your cold winter days.
Muted Christmas Lights – mix raspberry red, khaki brown, sand stone and orange for a more sophisticated string light combination. Muted tones with a hint of colour helps to make this Christmas a refined Christmas.
Berry Christmas Lights – mix forest green, lime green and anais green with a hint of ruby red for that classic Christmas look. Bring the outside inside with this holly and berries effect Christmas light combo.
All the combinations are designed using the 35-lights option, helping to create dramatic festive lights for your home.
Remember, these are just one of many string lighting combinations you can make, so check out the Pick Your Own section of the site to start creating your perfect Christmas lighting blend.
New Mexican
December 5th, 2010
Our favourite winter selling string light, the Mexican sold so well that we started running low on some of the colours (don’t worry, more arriving in plenty of time for Xmas!) so we tried a twist on the Old Mexican with some of our new colours and the results have been overwhelming. I put one set on my windowsill (shown in photo – quick one on my iphone) and evryone stops to look and 2 people even knocked on my door and asked where I got them!
So it looks like the New Mexican will be a standard pre-made set next year.
be creative……
City Pads to Country Cottages
November 29th, 2010
We all know what it’s like. When it comes to decorating, lighting solutions can often be the most difficult to find, with it particularly hard trying to find the perfect indoor lighting to suit the character of the house. But whether you have a city pad or a country cottage, Cable & Cotton can help. Our string lights are a perfect example of old-meets-new, with the bold, modern design perfectly complimented by the rustic cotton used to add the colour.
For city pads, we recommend opting for a mixture of neutral and bold colours for a more sophisticated finish. Think creams and beiges with a bright accent colour like purple or yellow, helping to create a bold statement piece of indoor lighting. For minimalist apartments, then opt for a white and cream string lighting combination, but for funky flats, then a cartoon mix of reds, blues and yellows would give a real impact.
When it comes to displaying our string lights, for city pads we would suggest they would look best sitting on a side-table or even the floor, giving the look of a modern piece of art. Or alternatively, our contemporary lighting could be hung vertically from a blank wall, again giving the impression of a piece of wall-art.
For country cottages, then you can get a totally different look by opting for rich, earthy tones to keep in with the rustic feel of the property. Warm reds, browns and greens are a great way to bring the outside inside, with our string lighting giving off a warm glow that will compliment any period property.
To allow the string lights to fit in and become a part of the cottage, then put them in slightly unusual places to emulate a relaxed environment. We would particularly recommend placing them casually along a wooden shelf, or even in a (unused) fireplace.
Wherever you live, Cable & Cotton’s string lights can also be used as an alternative to candles, for example on the dining table or in the bedroom for a bit of mood lighting. And with so many colour combinations to choose from, you will have no problem finding the perfect string lights to compliment your home’s unique style.
Check out Alice Palace
June 16th, 2010
If you are looking for unique design-led greetings cards then this is the website for you!
New colours arrive!
May 22nd, 2010
We have added 7 new colours to our palette now so we have a total of 42!
We hope you can find a light string colour combination to suit you from our pick and mix page.
There are a growing number of pick and mix concession retailers which is growing quickly so you should have a local shop with a pick and mix near you soon! If you are a retailer and would like to have a concession then please e-mail us.
Flight of the Conchords
May 17th, 2010
This we had to add to our blog for no particular reason except it’s funny as hell….
Wedding Lights
May 14th, 2010
We have been inundated with requests to have our string lights for weddings and wanted to let anyone who’d like to have them for weddings to know that we can supply a 50 light string length which costs £39 – if you contact us then we can arrange delivery and help you select colours if you are not sure. We can offer a discount if you are buying more than 5 sets!
Cable and Cotton at Top Drawer Jan 2010
February 1st, 2010
A little clip of our stand at Top Drawer – we had a great time….especially wiring up the lights behind the stand which was a bit tricky!!
New Colour Combinations
January 28th, 2010
Here are three new string light colour combinations for you – ‘Rio’, ‘St Ives’ and ‘Gobi’ – we found nice photos of these places and matched the colours ! These will soon be uploaded to the main website.
RIO
ST IVES
GOBI
