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Alijoedesigns – Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

November 2, 2018
Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

Now its November we can officially start talking Christmas. If you’re an early Christmas shopper or just wanting to find that elusive gift for that someone special, you might not have to look any further than today’s post. And, if they or you for that matter, have a perchance for humour and the unique Alijoedesigns will fulfil both guaranteed!

Alijoedesigns – Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

We’re talking decorative wall art with a difference today in the form of repurposed vintage plates that will inevitably put a smile on your face every time you look at them. That in itself is something to cherish don’t you think?

Decorative wall plates are definitely hitting it off as a, dare I say it, trend. Personally, I say forget trends and hang them anyway because if they look as great as Alijoedesigns plates there’s no question but to.

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

Alijoedesigns displaying of plate designs at The Exhibitionist Hotel earlier this year

One of the things I adore about Alijoedesigns decorative wall plates is that they add another dimension to your walls that normal artwork doesn’t achieve.

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

I purchased this vintage plate set from Alijoedesigns and framed it using an upcycled charity shop art piece. It brightens up my desk area perfectly.

Frame them or keep it simple and hang them as they are with the pads supplied. Either way, you’ll be giving your walls and those that see them something to admire, talk about and more importantly put a smile on the faces of those that see them!

About Alijoedesigns

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

Debbie Carne – “The secret Banksy of the Vintage plate world’

As always, it would be rude of me not to introduce you to the brains and the creativity behind these wonderful unique plate designs, Debbie Carne.

Debbie was, in her own admission, late to the table when it came to finding and fulfilling her dreams of creating a career out of a creative streak that had left her wanting from her previous career as a consumer psychologist. It may have taken some 40 years to get there, but I’m thrilled that she did, as are many others that have come across Debbies’ witty contemporary designs.

As a late starter in this wonderful industry, with no training or formal qualifications, I have to pinch myself to check that this second life is really happening.

Whilst it wasn’t easy for her to find exactly what it was that would change her direction in life for the better, Debbie finally found her creative outlet after having attended a short course in ceramic decals. It was to be the trigger she needed to explore the concept of printing quirky imagery onto vintage plates.

Debbie’s achievement as an artist/designer is one that will inspire anyone who has an unrelinquished creative thirst that needs to be addressed, no matter how far down the road in life you are!

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

Debbie aka Alijoedesigns hard at work

I’ve always loved the offbeat, unexpected role that art and design can play, and I recognised an opportunity to combine my passion for rummaging in junk shops with creative thinking. It is the impact of juxtaposing the traditional with the unexpected that I seek to express in my work, giving a witty, contemporary twist to the classic, decorative plate. (Debbie Carne – Alijoedesigns)

The Plates!

Debbie sources or I should say rescues plates, throughout the UK that she falls in love with and knows that she can work with. Not any old plate will do either!! Plates range from art deco squares to a chipped or badly damaged cake plate.

Each carefully chosen plate forms the backdrop or frame for her work. And, in some instances, provides the source of imagery for her collages.  Debbie integrates her concepts onto the design of the plates that will leave a lasting impression on those that see them.

Each piece is a one-off, guaranteeing a unique art piece for your walls which I personally adore. I say who wants to walk into other people’s homes and see something that’s mass-produced when you can stand out from the crowd and add some personality and individualism!

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

‘Taking My Time’

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

The Twisted Leg Collection: ‘As Seen On TV’

Even blank plates have their offering. Debbie uses them as a blank canvas to embellish with her wonderful witty designs.

Whatever Debbie creates you’ll be guaranteed each piece is completely unique.  Even if the concept is repeated on a different plate, the look will never be the same!

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

The Food Collection: ‘Tuck In’

“I didn’t really get decorative plates, but now I do”

When a young waiter said this, and smiled as he watched me install a wall of my upcycled plates at the café where he was working, I knew I had achieved what I set out to do.

Rescuing abandoned vintage plates, I use the original designs as the frame and inspiration for my concepts. It is the impact of juxtaposing the traditional with the unexpected that I seek to express in my work, giving a witty, contemporary twist to the classic decorative plate.

I love art and design that makes me smile. Described by one customer as ‘the secret Banksy of the vintage plate world’ I hope my work makes you smile too. 

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

The Food Collection: ‘Eating my Greens’

Inspiration from works such as Fornasetti, John Stezaker, Lichtenstein and Magritte are just a few that prompts a personal moment in Debbie’s life and creativity.

One customer has described her as ‘the secret Banksy of the Vintage plate world’ and I would tend to agree with them.

Her wish is quite simple, to put a smile on your face and there’s no doubting that Debbie’s designs do just that.

Sustainable Design

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

The Twisted Leg Collection: ‘Mind the Gap’

Of course, the plates having being rescued by Debbie in the first place, inevitably mean less waste going to our refuse sites. So you’re definitely on a win-win if you like to buy for your home with the environment in mind! Sustainable design at it’s best!

Behind The Name

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

The Food Collection: ‘Dessert is on Me’ (Cake)

Something that Debbie is often asked is why the name Alijoedesigns? There is, of course, a meaningful story as there is with every plate Debbie designs. Aliejoe combines the nickname of Debbie’s eldest son Alex (Ali and the second name of her youngest son, Oliver, Joe. Many years ago on a family walk her boys discussed the idea of starting a bakery business delivering freshly baked croissants to neighbours on a Sunday morning. They were going to call it Alijoe’s bakery and had great plans to put it into practice. Needless to say, as with most teenagers, the teenage life and Sunday morning lie-ins took priority and the bakery business never happened. Thankfully the name lives on through her creations!

See Alijoedesigns For Yourselves!

Alijoedesigns - Witty, Contemporary Plate Designs For The Best Dressed Walls & Tables

Alijoedesigns pop-up shop West Elm, Kingston-upon-Thames earlier this year

Earlier this year, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Debbie and seeing her designs in the flesh at a pop up at West Elm in Kingston-upon-Thames. You can see how amazing her plate designs at this event were by clicking on my video below.

I’m thrilled to say that Alijoedesigns is back there again from Friday 16th – Sunday 18th November!! I literally can’t wait to see what Debbie has in store for this event. I’m heading there for sure as it also happens to coincide with our wedding anniversary and will be on the lookout for the Hubs or maybe I’ll treat myself! I hope to see you there too!

If you’re unable to make it, then head on over to Alijoedesigns website here! There’s a feast of designs to whet your appetite and make your walls great. Debbie has also designed a tableware range, which I have to say I’ve added to my wish list too!

And, if you want to brighten your days, why not give her a follow on Instagram because her squares are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. They also provide you with an insight into the creative mind behind her fabulous plate designs.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by today!

Maria xx

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15 Comments

  • Reply JENNY KAKOUDAKIS November 3, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    Besides the plates themselves which are absolutely genius, I also enjoyed each and everyone of the titles! A unique concept, but would you use these only as art or for your delicious cakes? Hmmm….

  • Reply hellopeagreen November 3, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    I’ve followed Debbie on Instagram for absolutely ages and love her plates. One day I’ll find a space/project for an Alijoedesigns original.

  • Reply Caro Davies November 3, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    I can’t believe that I’ve never seen these! They’re just fabulous! They really do remind me of Fornasetti — with a cheeky twist. They’re amazing aren’t they? And now firmly on my wish-list!!!

    Caro | https://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk

  • Reply Lins @ Boo & Maddie November 3, 2018 at 5:14 pm

    These are absolutely fabulous and not a brand I’d heard of before, thank you for introducing me to them! X

  • Reply Karen Clough November 3, 2018 at 9:06 pm

    How funky are these! Love that they come in a variety of shapes too. Off to give them a follow on Insta :)

  • Reply Stacey Sheppard November 3, 2018 at 9:24 pm

    I really love the trend for wall-hung plates and I’d love to create a little gallery wall for plates at home. Sadly though we’re all out of wallspace now. These designs are great though and I loved hearing all about Alijoedesigns.

  • Reply Sam | Dove Cottage Blog November 4, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    Oh wow! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like these before! So creative!

  • Reply Nicola Capper November 4, 2018 at 10:36 pm

    These are so much fun! Thanks for introducing me to Debbie x

  • Reply Lin Warwick November 5, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    Since first discovering Debbie’s plates – I have been a real admirer – just waiting for the right wall and the right design !

  • Reply Fiona Mostyn November 5, 2018 at 2:46 pm

    These plates are such clever designs and so pretty. I love how every design is individual too.

    • Reply Maria November 10, 2018 at 7:49 am

      Yes so clever and pretty. I think their individuality is key to their appeal too 😃

  • Reply BritishStyleUK November 5, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Wow I love these!!! Beautiful artwork, witty designs and vintage plates given a new lease of life – what is there not to love?

    • Reply Maria November 10, 2018 at 7:48 am

      Aren’t they just fabulous! So pleased you love them too! X

  • Reply Donna Ford November 7, 2018 at 10:41 am

    I’ve been such a fan of these for a while. Love the quirkiness and clever design. So much fun! I’d probably put them on the wall though rather than eat my cake off them…

    • Reply Maria November 10, 2018 at 7:47 am

      Yay a fellow Alijoedesigns fan 🙌🏻 Oh definitely the wall they’re too good to eat off!

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