Rose hair clips!

I made these wee hairs clips inspired by a tutorial on The Purl bee website

All you need are some scraps of felt, hair clips and coloured threads

A floral display!

The more contrasting colours you use, the prettier the effect. Easy to make and a nice girlie gift!



"New windows on Willesden Green" (& paper flowers!)

I love any initiative that supports local independent businesses to thrive, especially fledgling crafty and design shops! I was enthusiastic to read about "New windows on Willesden Green", one of the Mayor’s Outer London Fund projects, aiming to reactivate empty retail spaces by offering them rent-free to new businesses.

From this.....

An old Textiles building on Queens Parade was revamped, divided into units and given over for a limited period to 13 new businesses, ranging from vintage to hand made crafts. Each one had to give something back to the local community.

...to this!

One of the units, "Roses and string", a delightful boutique and workspace owned by Laura of "Alice with love" and Heather of "As you wish crafts", showcases and sells beautiful hand crafted home-wares, accessories and gifts.

Laura and Heathers way of giving back to the community is by hosting weekly craft sessions "Chit Chat and Make" with tea and cake served in dainty old china.

During a recent visit to the Manchester craft centre, I saw some paper flowers decorating a display cabinet and was intrigued how they were made, so when "Roses and String" CC&M's session last week was on how to make them, I popped along to learn!

It took me a few attempts to get it right, and I'm still practicing! The flowers can be used for anything - from simple table decorations to gift tags!

 

 

 "Queens Parade and the lovely Roses and String is well worth a visit"

     

The Chelsea Flower Show 2012 - fun shots!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kinzashi flowers!

Cut a strip of fabric - approx. 5cm wide

Cut the strip into 5 squares. Fold each square in half to form a triangle. Fold in half again.

Fold half the triangle back and then fold the other back to create a small triangle

Trim the corner of each triangle by a couple of millimetres where the 3 points meet. Next put a staying stitch in the corner and thread all 5 triangles like beads onto the thread until they are clustered together. Stitch the flaps of the first and last petals together. Repeat until all five petals are stitched together. Turn the flower over.

Using your finger puff out each petal until it looks like a pretty flower...

....not quite as pretty as cherry blossom, but a delicate pink Kinzashi! Very Kawaii!!

Ella Doran sample sale

I've always loved Ella Doran's innovative designs, created through photography-based images, so was delighted to see she was hosting a sample sale in her East End studio. My first ever Ella Doran purchase was a Route Master "Push Once" coaster, when I stumbled across the Shop off Brick Lane a few years ago.

The studio is located in a interesting place in Haggerston, London, behind a beautiful row of georgian houses, on a street lined with cherry blossoms.

I love this retro record player detail on a cushion. I treated myself to the place mat! 

I spied this Ella Doran designed plate in John Lewis a few years ago!

Striking graphics printed on trays

The pretty courtyard outside the studio with umbrellas hanging from the trees!

"Meadow" plate purchased at the sample sale!

This is one of my older Ella Doran purchases. I love the trompe d'oeil effect of the vintage plate. 

Haggesrston is a mixture of georgian houses and shabby tower blocks - like 2 worlds from different eras colliding. The newly opened overground station houses an artwork by Tod Hanson, called Elliptical Switchback, inspired by former Haggerston resident, Edmond Halley.

An "artistic" place mat to add to my collection! It's worth keeping an eye out for future sales, as not only are they held in a pretty courtyard and studio, with refreshments, but there is a big choice of lush end of line goodies and new designs at special prices! For more information, please refer to: www.elladoran.co.uk

Waterproof corsage!

Problem: What to do with ripped plastic bags?
Solution: Upcycle them to make a pretty, waterproof corsage...!

Draw circles on plastic bags and cut them out....

Fold the circles in half, then quarters....

...and then open out the layers to form a rose shape

 Repeat until you have a bunch of small flowers..(and OT has checked!)

Gather all the flowers into a bunch and sellotape the stems together

Cut a circular back with a middle hole, cover with plastic and insert bunch of flowers

 Pin to coat and brave the rain with a pretty upcycled waterproof corsage!

Colombia Rd flowers and fonts!

Colombia Road flower Market in east London takes place every Sunday morning. Flowers, foliage & all manner of beautiful plants jostle for space whilst the stall holders shout for attention! Each side of the road is hemmed by independent retail units selling antiques, cupcakes, quirky gifts, vintage clothes, gourmet treats and a host of other lovely delights! There are also an array of pretty fonts and typeface above each shop which make each unit stand apart from the familiar standard high street chains. Each one is unique. The scent of the blooms and fresh coffee seems to make everyone smile. HappyVille!

Mr Fox sat in the upstairs window embroidering...

 

This tiny man looked very pensive...amazing chair recycled from an old oil drum!

 

 

I love the old TV used to house cup cakes now..!