Pin-ups

Lately I have had a real crush on all things woven, Navajo, western, Aztec whatever you want to call it. I love the natural fibres used and I really want to know all about Peruvian weaving and the natural dies that they use.
Here are some crafts, makes and ideas of different degrees of skill for you all to peruse. Some beautiful things...

Arrows

 Clutch Bag

Wall Hanging

Dip Dyed Baskets

Dream Catchers

Hope you like them too! 

X

Crochet Basket

Recently I have been noticing that there have been some crochet containers and boxes popping up in the shops. For example these, these or these, which are all a bit boring and quite expensive. So when I have a gap in my new bookcase to fill, and could do with some kind of basket to put my current project in, what more can I do but make my own basket?!

So I went to my inspiration finder (Pinterest) and found a gorgeous basket pattern. I love the colours with the ombre effect! But I decided to go for a simple black and white colour scheme. I used Patons Fab Big yarns and size 10 crochet hook for my basket. It is brilliant! I am hooked and I am going to make lots of them, maybe even a big one to put me in! Woo!

What would you keep in your basket? X

Bringing me a Little Joy

Do you ever wish that you could own something just a little different than anyone else? Jewellery is something that I love, and always have, but I'm not one of those girls who thinks 'the bigger the better', in fact I say less is more. But what I do love is a handmade piece, because you know it's completely original!

And I have found the most wonderful little lady who brings great joy to me every time I open one of her packages. Her name is Little Joy and she makes bespoke jewellery and objects from a little workshop by the sea on the Isle of Wight;  her beautiful creations are made to bring you a 'little bit of joy in your lives!'.

Some of my pieces of joy...

Lauren Griffiths is the lady behind Little Joy. She manipulates silver, natural materials, ceramics and fabrics into fabulous jewellery pieces. She has a beautiful range of products on etsy, as well as commissioning jewellery and objects at great prices, from as little as £18, with more intricate handmade pieces costing in the region of £120 - £600. No commission is too hard, I should know, I have asked for some strange things to date. The process starts with a chat between Lauren and the client, then she draws up some images before starting on the piece itself. But she makes sure you are happy at every stage. 

Some more joy...

 

I'm not telling you all this because she gives me free stuff, I wish she did! But I am telling you because this little lady is genuinely amazing at what she does and deserves to get both her name and her beautiful pieces out there into the world! 

Even more joy...

X

Hand Warmers

Getting up in a morning is something that I struggle with at the best of times. But knowing that I have to go out to 3 degrees cold in a morning really makes me want to stay under the covers. So, I decided to make a couple of hand warmers to keep my hands and pockets warm on my way to work. They are so simple and easy to make, I recommend that you all try.

Materials:
Some cosy fabric of your choice (I used some fleece fabric from an old blanket)
Some yarns
Some decorative pieces
Barley or Rice
Scent filling (optional, but I used dried lavender)

 

I took my fleece fabric and cut out two shapes, I chose hearts as they fit nicely in the palms of my hands. I then used the knitted hearts from my earlier tutorial and stitched the heart to the front of one of my heart cut outs.

Then using a blanket stitch I took my yarn and stitched all around the edge of the heart, making sure that there are no large gaps and leaving about an inch gap near to the end to be able to put the filling in.

Then I mixed up some pearl barley and some dried lavender and spooned it into the gap that I had left. Make sure that you fill all the corners and gaps inside the warmers and fit as much in as you can (you don't want a saggy hand warmer). Then stitch up the final section and finish off. 

Then when you are ready to go out, pop them in the microwave for around 20 seconds and they should last around 20 minutes in your pockets or your gloves (if they are small enough to fit). They are great for short journeys and something that I am going to be making for a few friends for little stocking fillers! Now I am looking forward to my morning walks.. x

Rome

Today I am super excited!! I am currently waiting to board a plane to Rome, Italy. I love Italy. I last went to Lake Garda a few years ago which was stunning. This time I am prepared for a lot of sightseeing and photo taking. I can't wait. Look how beautiful it is.

I will be sure to share my experiences when I return. :)

Wool Week

The Campaign for Wool is a cross-industry initiative from HRH the Prince of Wales. He wants to make Wool a great part of our lives, not just to help our wardrobes, but also to help the farming industry. Personally I think it is great! I love wool. It comes in all sizes, colours, textures and there is just so much that can be made from it. So what better way to celebrate wool week than to buy an amazing piece of knitwear. So here are some knit crushes that I have my eye on...

H&M - Angora Fluffy Jumper / Cable Knit Jumper

H&M - Embroidery Jumper / Bat Jumper

Topshop - Sheepish Jumper / Fluffy Jumper

River Island - Pointelle Jumper / Heart Knit Jumper

Every single one of these jumpers I love, each has its on uniqueness and all should hold a place in my wardrobe. Better start saving. x

Things I have eyes for...

Leaving home is an important time in everyone's lifetime and when you know its coming it gets quite exciting. I found out 3 weeks ago that I am moving out and ever since I have spent most of my time searching the net/shops for things that I need for my new home. The list it seems, is endless with the things that we need, but we will get there eventually. I love old styles of furniture and things that are a little different to everywhere else. These few things are things that I have spotted along the way that I have my eye on, some a little more pricey than others. The Roberts radio is something I am thinking of treating myself too as I have always wanted one, and if the weathers nice, I can take it with me to sit outside...
I am also looking at lots of new projects to take on to make and do for the new home, tonight I have started crocheting a big circular rug! Its going to be smashing I hope, something a little different... Cant wait to show it to you when its finished!
:)


1. Wall Mural, 2. Step stool, 3. Radio, 4. Coffee Table, 5. Map Cushion.

Just because...

I haven't done a Things I have eyes for for a little while now. Blogging has been at the back of my mind due to personal issues, but every so often a girl just needs nice things to make her feel good. So this week I have gone basic but beautiful! These jeans are standard but so good, I really need some new jeans...;) The top's so cute, I have had my eye on this for some time!! The shoes, oh my the shoes, I would wear them always.. :) The bag is different and I love that. And the ring, with the symbol of infinity I really do like...
Nice things :) x

Things I have eyes for..

Being on holiday throws up a lot of outfit issues. I never know what to pack, especially when holidaying in England. Raincoats and wellies are a standard need, but this is an outfit that I would pick for a lovely dinner out by the beach. This vintage dress is gorgeous and would look great over skinny jeans, with a plain leather belt around the middle to add some shape, red sandals to show off the great colours in the dress, a bag to match and some great vintage turquoise and coral silver jewellery. Simply fabulous! All I need is a glass of wine or a gorgeous cocktail like this...
Time to relax me thinks x

Things I have eyes for..

I love knowing a holiday is just around the corner, and for me its only 5 more whole days before I am walking down that beach in Devon. I am soooo excited. But what to take with me? The weather in England has been awful for like a month now but in my mind its going to be hot and sunny, which may go badly wrong, but my packing is all set for a day at the beach. Ive got a cute swimsuit and headband to wear on the beach, a beautiful dress and sandals for when I start to go a little pink, and a picnic blanket and basket filled with scrummy foods for us to munch on all day :) Ahhh want to be there now!

Things I have eyes for...

This week I have been thinking about my holidays. Knowing I am going away in only 2 weeks is super exciting, and my head is racing with all the things I need to take with me. I am staying in England and seeing the weather recently, I know I'm going to need coats and jumpers, but looking at new exciting summer goodies doesn't hurt!

These new Converse are great! I remember my first pair, in fact I still have whats left of them, and I am looking at getting a new pair, so these might be them! The second is this cute little bag, I like to take a bag out when I go walking along the beach and it only needs to fit my essentials so this is perfect. The crochet cardigan is gorgeous. I wanted to make one myself, but I don't think I am going to have time so I bought this one, it fits so nicely and it's great as a small layer! This snood is perfect for those chilly times, and it's spotty too! Gorgeous. I saw these shorts and jumped for joy, they are beautiful and will cuten up any outfit, I love the embroidery. And this ring is definitely something I am going to have a go at making. Why have I not done it before?

Ahh, I can't wait to be walking down that beach again...

Snapshot of my week

 

This week I have had some good times, I got a promotion at work so my lovely man took me out for dinner at a nice restaurant called The Farm. The food was lovely, and so was he.

Then the rest of the week included a really nice day out with a friend doing some shopping, we found an American diner in Selfridges in Birmingham and had burgers. I saw the Bullring bull's new spandex outfit, this poor girl was gluing on many many sequins, and all for the Olympics hey! I found some bracelets made from knitting needles on folksy.com, and when they came they were so lovely. I love a handmade item!!

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been there for me recently, helping me to get my job, you know who you are and you are all fabulous!! :) THANK YOUUU!!!

Things I have eyes for: Crochet Goodness

The things I have eyes for this week are all crafty things to make or buy handmade and link up to yesterdays post about how to make a granny square.

I hope these give you inspiration to make some of your own crochet objects. The apron would look so cute as an apron for a shop worker in a knitting store. The blanket is something I would love to get cosy under watching some great old films. I love the art, textured and something different to show people. The top is cute for a little one, and so easy but it really stands out. The lampshade is so retro, as is the cushion, these are both things that I would love to attempt myself.

Happy Crocheting x
Find more here

Drip Drip Drop

It's April and that unfortunately means many showers! So how do we stay looking good when the clouds won't let us?

This Umbrella is really cute, its polka dot and navy so will go with anything. I know trying to match my umbrella with my outfitsounds silly, but sometimes it's too much for me when they don't! Something to do with OCD probably. These little raindrop Stackable rings I found are so cute, one would be cute on its own but a couple is so much better! This Jumper is fab, with several flying ducks and just the right amount of warmth for this time of year. These stripey Wellies are lovely. I love wellies and wish I could wear them all year round, in England it could happen. Last but not least is a yellow Rain Mac! I have wanted a yellow rain mac for aaaagggggges and this one is beautiful! I cannot wait until payday!! :)

And, just because it has been in my head all week, get this in yours too...

Things I have eyes for...

This week I am loving the Hippy/Aztec feel amongst the clothing that's out there at the moment. I have gone for a basic outfit with the main attraction, Swedish Hasbeens! I purchased my first pair last year and have not looked back! They are AMAZING! I am pairing them with this cute t-shirt dress, a fabric belt, a cute quilted bag and some amazing Vogue sunglasses. Just need the great weather to accompany my outfit :)

1. Dress, 2. Belt, 3. Sunglasses, 4. Bag, 5. Shoes.

Things I have eyes for..

Today I am feeling very vintage home wares and I have been thinking of all the things that I would love to own if I had my own little home. A singer sewing machine and a beautiful mannequin bust to make pretty dresses on; I would get a cute little desk with a typewriter so my man could type love letters to me all day long (I would love that, cheesy I know). I also love these old shoe forms that have been made into book ends, just a cute little vintage addition to a bookshelf...
I love having dreams... x

Things I have eyes for this week

Well this coming week the weather is looking like turning back to winter, and therefore wrapping up while trying to look springlike is a tough thing to do... but with some of these things I think I can manage it.

The first is a beautiful bag that I found today, which I may try to replicate in a different form. The second is an amazing yellow raincoat (something I have always wanted), the third are classic white converse trainers with the slim lined style, and the fourth is a pair of blue skinny jeans. I want ALL of these things!
It is more of a casual look for me, but I still think it is a cute look x

Things I have eyes for this week

 

This week I have been feeling a 50s peach and mint vibe. I found this beautiful dress and cute little socks. This perfume is my most favorite but a little out of my price range... but I have had a hard time recently so I am going to treat myself I think... :) The eyeshadow is really cute, I love this brand, to be honest it's one of the only ones I can wear due to sensitive skin but they really produce some great stuff! And the book... well its just what it says on the tin :)

Things I have eyes for this week

Well this has been a bit of a busy week for me with work, but I still have had time to find things that I have eyes for :)

I love being paid, but I am terrible with money because all I want to do is go out and spend it! This dress I pass in a window every morning and evening on my way too and from work and it's a good job the shop isn't open as I would deffinatly have it by now! These shoes are so cute, I had some just like it when I was little and I am sooooo going to go and get some tomorrow.. :)  The bag is just a really cute bag, it comes in a few of the spring 50's ice cream colours and its just a nice size/shape/everything! The mixer I have wanted for a very long time, but it costs as much as a holiday in my eyes and therefore it's something I just have to want for now. The Mixing bowl is also something I have always wanted, Mason Cash has been around for years and I remember my granny having one when I was little, fond memories of her homemade cookies being made in that bowl, but I like the modern touch on the cream rather than the standard brown colour :)
Hope you like my likes x

Things I have eyes for this week

The last few days have been so lovely, sunny and warm... it makes me forget about the cold winter and think that spring is finally here... so what beautiful spring finds have I found on Etsy this week?

These are all things I would love to own. The quilt is really simple but effective. Last year I attempted to make my own quilt but I really want to do another one and I am looking for inspiration, this makes me want to get on it asap. The dress is really cute, a basic wrap over with a cute polka dot effect. The bag would look great with a cute pair of light tan sandals and a big beautiful necklace. The birdhouse is really cute, I love the ramshackle effect of the wood. Last year we had some baby robins in our garden, I noticed their nest a day or two after they hatched and watched them being fed most days, and then one day I was lucky to see them fly the nest. The family haven't come back yet, they come back every year, so this year I would love to give them a swanky pad to come back to. The bow ties are technically kids but I would love for my man to have one, he would look so cute with a shirt and bow tie, he wore one at new year and he looked awesome!
Come on Spring, I miss your sunny days :)