Cherry

Is it just us, or is there nothing more facinating than looking at how logos have evolved over the years? If you’re still reading, then you will probably get as much pleasure from this superb archive of logo evolution as we do. Look out for the original Apple logo, the one before the iconic multicolour marque came out. That’s some shift!

We’ve enjoyed looking through MoMB’s list of the hottest betas on the planet – a great indication of what we’re all going to be fiddling with more over the next 12 months.

Loads of social/web2.0 entries, as you’d expect, plus plenty of neat ways to collaborate, share ideas and speed workflow.

Some of our favourites:

• Multicolr – Search Flickr images by colourways, great for visual inspiration.
• Cooliris – A very cool, if somewhat motion sickness-inducing, way of browsing the web visually.
• OffbeatGuides – Create your own personalised city guides, still in early days (insisted I see Phantom of the Opera every night), but a great idea.
• Singsbox – Find your favourite music for free, compile a playlist, stream it on your site.

Life in yellow and purple, thanks to Multicolor

There’s been a real renaissance in the art of the hand-made here in London recently. Just walk around Spitalfields Market in the run-up to Christmas and you’ll be presented with dozens of independent traders lovingly sewing, knitting and stitching an array toys and gifts for shoppers looking for one-off pieces with a little more substance than the usual mass-produced stuff available on the high street. It’s good to see.

Those wanting more should head to Bust Magazine’s Christmas Craftacular – until now confined to New York and LA, this year the indie craft extravaganza comes to London. Happening on 6th December right next to Euston Station, it promises drinks, DJs and classes on making your own gifts. Perfect if the Credit Crunch is hindering your Xmas shopping.

For those unable to make it, there’s Etsy, a wonderful site with over 100,000 independent sellers offering handmade goods ranging from original illustrations to dancing robots. Coming over like a more wholesome eBay, it makes Oxford Street seem very unappealing indeed.

To celebrate the opening of All Star Lanes in The Old Truman Brewery here on Brick Lane, we’re holding regular Cherry Kingpins events throughout 2009, starting in January.

The rules are simple. Cherry Kingpins (an elite Cherry bowling/drinking team) extend an invite to all our clients and friends to come down and challenge us. You’ll need a team of four (no ringers please), and be able to bowl with one hand while holding a Zombie in the other.

Want to take part? Drop us an email or give us a call, and we’ll take on your challenge at the next available Cherry Kingpins night. We can accommodate one team per night, so get in quick.

Keep an eye out for updates and scores as the year progresses.

Cherry is proud to announce the official launch of the new ArtLab brand identity and website today.

Halfway between an online gallery and a contemporary art library, ArtLab gives customers the flexibility to buy or borrow works for their home or workplace.

We think it’s a brilliant way of acquiring art, allowing clients the opportunity to grow their collections and their knowledge of contemporary art without spending a fortune – or having to commit to purchases. Want to experiment a little? This is the place for you.

There’s a well-chosen mix of artists and styles featured, including paintings from our current favourite, Tessa MacGregor, and some arresting melancholic photography from Gesche Wuerfel.

It’s an inspiring place to spend some time, so take a look here and start brightening up your walls.