Etsy titbits II: Adorn yourself

There are so many fashion blogs out there where people put together incredible outfits but for some reason they just don't tickle my fancy. This however is an inspired way to get dressed: 
"I cannot stop staring at this exquisite Blue Owl Painting by artist Michelle Morin of Unitedthread(This Original Painting is mind-boggling too - actually all of her work is) so I decided the next best thing to owning it (which I might still need to do) would be to use it to inspire a Wares To Wear post. Woohoo!"

So here is my "from wares to wear" inspired by Creature Comforts:

Take Shelter, Ashleyg

Electrical Storm Dress, RubyChicBoutique

Red Sun, CallieHelen

Studded hand printed fabric bracelet, ThiefandBandit

Letterpress Print, Happydeliveries

Adjustable ribbon sandals,  Mohop

I highly recommend checking out the Creature Comforts Blog- it is a ray of sunshine on your computer screen! 

Have fun adorning yourselves x

There's no such thing as too many books...

...Or confessions of a bibliophile

And I have the mug to prove it!

I don't know where I would be without books. I certainly wouldn't have a degree in English Literature. Then there's the 5 years where I would have been unemployed instead of working in Waterstone's. And now if it wasn't for the wonderful properties of fiction I would be bored out of my tiny mind during my 4 hours of commuting everyday. That's a lot of reading. But what could be better than having Margaret Atwood, Carol Shields or Alice Munro as your travelling companions?

Near my house in Brighton there is a little second hand bookshop which I find impossible to walk past.

The phrase 'like a child in a sweetshop' springs to mind. It is in here that I have found my papery friends for the last 2 months. I am nearly through my last batch and was planning a little visit when an internet present arrived. I couldn't remember what I had ordered but it was the most wonderful surprise:

Two books written by dear friends of mine! I was pleased as punch and proud as a peacock and other things beginning with 'p'... I started Luke and Jon this morning and, biased or not, was disgruntled to arrive at Victoria before finishing my chapter.

You can read more about Gemma's work on the Speak to Strangers blog and her latest project Look Up at the Sky London, and about Robert's writing at Luke and Jon and his music at The Library Trust.

I feel very lucky to know such talented people.

xx

"I read for pleasure and that is the moment I learn the most."
— Margaret Atwood

Etsy titbits I: Menagerie

Welcome to my first post of Etsy Titbits.

Etsy is such a tease. Everyday it tempts me with emails full of glorious things talented people have made. So I have been making my own collections of pieces and people that have caught my eye... the theme today is Menagerie.

This first theme celebrates the new cards now on sale in the etsy & folksy shops! Come and grab your own little piece of woodland whimsy!

Wall Candy

 One Can Never Have Too Many Friends Print, BlackBaroque

Super Manatee, lino print by Vicky Day

April Bear, Corelladesign

Plate-tastic

Will perform for cakes plate, Jimbobart

Joey the Bear plate, BeatUpCreations

PumpHouseStudios Plate

Little bits of Whimsy

Platypus Flash Drive, Hemingwayfun

Narwhal Ring, Papersparrow

Finnish animals tote, Andyeatsonlycandy

Stay tuned for more etsy titbits in the future!

x

Home Sweet Home

I didn't want to leave London but it turns out I was a fool to feel that way. I do, of course, miss my friends a great deal but they have gained a seaside retreat so it feels like I'm seeing more of them! 

Brighton has allowed myself and Slim to live the lifestyle we tried so hard to achieve in Brixton- that is to say full on Barbara & Tom. But with less goats.

Slim's fingers have been itching to start a new project since work on the van was completed so when we took over an unfurnished flat he decided that he would make our bed. I think he may have misunderstood when I said 'I love chippies' but it turns out I quite partial to both.

If like me you think that going to hardware shops is not the most exciting thing you could do with your day then you will understand my reluctance to go wood shopping. But we weren't going for a jolly to B&Q- we went to this most tremendous place in Brighton Town Centre.

Slim has found his fantasy store

"The Woodstore sells recycled wood from old reclaimed floorboards, antique pine joists, driftwood to all kinds of beautiful pieces that have a unique history and charm." Beautiful, Unique, Charm. Yep, ticks all the right boxes! What an inspirational place. After much deliberating and help from the friendly staff we came away with some beautiful pine posts for the frame and a solid piece of oak to use as the headboard. We also got some old drawer fronts to turn into shelves -  NOT A SPICE RACK - for the kitchen and no doubt we will be back soon to stock up for our future makes.


Because Slim did most of his work when I wasn't around I don't have any 'in the making' photos but his mortise and tenon joints are a thing to behold. Saturday was the first night we slept in it and it was A. MAZING. And it wasn't just because we had spent 2 months sleeping on a mattress on the floor.

Slim is adamant that I let you know it isn't finished yet. It still needs staining and waxing, but I think you'll agree that it looks incredible. It certainly makes all our other furniture look like it was salvaged from a skip (oh wait, that's cos it was...) I am so proud of the work he has done and I can't wait to see what he makes next.


Not to be outdone by the bed, the garden is certainly vying for our attention. As we moved late May  we were a bit behind getting our seeds in but everything has thrived in our little sun trap. 

It is such a joy to spend time sitting and pottering around the garden, especially after my long commute.

One of my favourite pieces of wedding booty.
This one is from the White Wedding

I seem to have only taken pictures of flowers but our tomatoes, courgettes, salad and beans are all looking tasty too! And there are some Elder tree branches leaning over our wall so I have been harvesting the berries ready for some Elderberry Wine. On the hunt for a good recipe if anyone knows one...

While I am showing you our outside space I would like to introduce you to the newest addition of our family: Everyone this is Archie.

He was rescued by Papa S from some youths who were mocking this poor, neglected puppy as he lay on the pavement waiting for rubbish day. How could we refuse a home to such a creature! He now sits guarding our front door. Just look at his obstinate and simple face.

He is in much need of some love and paint but I'm not which colours to go for- any suggestions? I look forward to being able to show you Archie in all his glory soon.

The best things in life aren't things. They're people.

Fact. Sometimes you just don't realize how much you need a weekend of silliness with a great friend. 

Founding members of the made-up but none-the-less brilliant punk band Jumper Kittens!

Although its Monday and I could do with more sleep I had a lovely time thinking about my weekend with Mazz on my journey to work. I love showing friends around the new city I live in and it's also the perfect excuse for a spot of afternoon drinking & fish and chips on the beach.

We had a mooch around the shops and soaked up the great atmosphere in the North Laines where Mazz found my birthday jumper. It is outstanding. And  as luck would have it, it was windy enough to wear it that afternoon!

Just look at his little funny legs!

I took Mazz to the shop that is like the inside of my head where she squealed in delight at the number of pretty things. I am going to have a lot of fun finding her birthday goodies there!

Thanks Mazz for an awesome weekend and for being an awesome friend xxx

Did I say something July?

My word! Where did July go?

I'm afraid to say there haven't been any crafty antics of late but I have found lots of things to make once the lovely, crazy, busy (TLC's difficult second album?) summer calms down.

Like this for instance:

"ooohh pretty" I hear you say. Damn straight. And it has one line of instruction:
Flick glow-in-the-dark paint inside a mason jar. Allow to dry.

Simples.

Next up may I present to you the most beautiful butterfly cake I have ever seen!

TA-DA! You should check out the other creations on SugarRobot's etsy site. Truly amaze-balls.

And this is just a random picture from DesignSponge. It might just be the most perfect place on earth:

*Sigh* 

But I say that like I've been having a horrid time which certainly isn't true. My holiday in Cornwall was beautiful.Great weather, great food, great company.

Constantine Bay Sunset

This was our view each night accompanied by a bottle (or two) of red. Pure Bliss

And when we got back to camp this was our cosy den.

Fairy lights? Check. Lots of blankets in a Navaho Indian style ?
Check. Radio? Check. Balloons? CHECK CHECK CHECK! I heart Big Trev.

And I found some fun settings on my camera. Tilt-shift features heavily in the photo album...

Mini paddling Laura at Bedruthen Steps

Slim did some excellent fish BBQ cookery and even gutted the fish himself. Not a job I would have fancied but I was more than happy to step up to the mark when it needed eating.

Thai-style Sea Bream  with samphire, courgette and baked spud.
Eating. Like. Kings.

It has also been Slim's big 3 0 birthday and we had a fab weekend camping with friend in the Sussex countryside. Just look at that bunting. I found it in a shop in Brighton- I tell thee- it was like walking into my mind. Best steer clear come pay day..

We don't really take a phone camping- it was being returned to some friends but I thought it looked rather fetching...

Emily of Brighton Bakery made this awesome DIY themed cake. Made with carrots, courgette and ground almonds it was so moist and tasty. And wheat/ fat free!

We were also treated to these rainbow cupcakes from Sal! CAKETASTIC. 

I love a girl who coordinates their nail varnish with their baked goods- nice work Vix.

The decorating committee (Ben & Sal) did a sterling job with these tealights in jars hung from trees around the campfire. It looked magical.

I don't know about the birthday boy but I had a great time!

I have some pictures of the garden I would like to share with you soon and also some sneak previews of the bed Slim has been making. So till then I shall love you and leave you with this cute tutorial from the Guardian website. Ta-ra xx

How To Draw Bunnies by Simone Lia...