Friday Finds: Valentine Hearts

This year time is running swiftly past, (seriously, where is it all going? I have way too much to do with too little time!). The end of January is drawing to close, I'm having a massive half price sale (check out most of my recent posts) and February is quickly descending onto us. With February comes valentines day. A day when couples everywhere get loved up, and celebrate being with each other. So ladies, now is the time to start hinting at the romantic gestures you would like you're other half to make. maybe a home cooked dinner, or how about being whisked away to Paris for a weekend of romance. maybe something simple would make your day, like finally putting up the shelves or hovering the house, while we dream and drool over romantic gifts...

 

 

Sew Happy Girls make what every girl wants, a fabulous, unique love heart pendant. We all have a heart necklace of some design (I was wearing one yesterday, complete with matching earrings!). Their felt heart sequined pendant is fabulous, I love the cupids arrow too!

 

 

Vintage Chic adoring domestic goddesses everywhere are dreaming of beautiful table cloths. This one, by Iren Garden is perfect for those romantic candle lit dinners for two...

 

 

Love Hearts where one of my favourite childhood sweets, (ok they still are, and I may just have some at home...). You can't go wrong with a cute Love Heart message, and here are 6 of them in shot glass format from Toasted Glass, perfect for playing a naughty drinking game!  

 

 

These intricate quilled heart earrings have been made by the very talented Quill Paper Treasures. I can't stop peeking at her colourful jewellery designs!

 

 

 

Wood Brands customisable photo frame makes the perfect valentines Gift. It's elegant, classy and completely unique, I can just image reframing your favourite wedding day photo as a sweet reminder of many happy years together.

 

Happy Valentines Day!

 

 

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Friday Finds: New Home

Phew! It's been a busy few weeks since I got back from my holiday (you can read a bit about it on my new travel blog, http://exploragem.blogspot.co.uk/ although I have not had much opportunity to write much about my trip to Andorra and Northern Spain, as things have been pretty hectic because... I've been house hunting! With completion date not yet confirmed (but hopefully just around the corner) and a house mostly devoid of furniture I have been spending my free time searching for advertise and looking around house shares, and I am very happy to say I will be moving tomorrow! The house I'm moving to is lovely, closer to work and close to shops, but most importantly I'll be living with two lovely singles girls about my age, which is great as most of my friends are coupled up, and having been single since my long term relationship ended in January, I'm very much looking forward to making some single friends!

 

The only downside is that packing takes ages, (probably partly because I spent a fair while sorting out my crafting bits and pieces) but I can't wait until it's done and I'm all moved in, hence my new home inspired post today!

For a quirky new home present how about these cute jam biscuits from Bee's bakery. Take them round to a new neighbour along with some mugs, teabags and milk and you'll soon have new friends!

Brighten up your new walls with Red Post Box's wall décor.  A happy house is what makes it your home, and this shabby chic poster is a perfect reminder of that.

For a friend or family member who's moving, help make their new home satisfaction even greater with a personalised card from Sharon Langdon. I love the doodle effect of this card, (I spent many hours doodling at school, sorry mum and dad). Check out her other artwork too.

 

Meiorigami have created this beautiful book lovers gift by carefully folding the pages of an old library book. It's a very unique idea of rejuvenating an old book, and best of all, as it doesn't damage the book it could still be read should you wish too. Make sure you take a look at the other words available.

Textile art is very popular right now, and for good reason. It is very homely and great for giving your home a colourful, shabby chic splurge. I love the colours  Naisy Homemade has used for this applique 'Home Sweet Home' picture.

Happy New Home!

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Friday Finds: Aliens!

Have you ever wondered what's out there, hidden amongst the infinite universe of stars and comets. The world is so huge we know hardly anything about it, let alone the universe. Could there be there other life out there?

Personally I find it hard to believe that there isn't some form of life out there. Who knows where or what it could be, maybe there are countless other worlds full of strange plants and creatures. Maybe there are worlds similar to Earth, and maybe there are ones so different that we wouldn't recognise that the life was even life. Who knows, maybe there really are the stereotypical aliens out that somewhere, maybe not, but here's a few aliens you could have in your home, so you appear alien friendly, just in case they ever come and decide to take over our world...

This friendly little Alien worm is perfect for keeping track of all your pens. S/He will be the perfect quirky accessory that will make you the envy of the office. If you fancy making your own you can even buy the pattern too! Get your crazy alien worm from Butterfly Love 1.

Who doesn't have a soft spot for ET, the friendly alien who just wants to phone home. I never had an alien friend when I was a little girl, but how awesome would that have been! Second Chance Jewellery will give you plenty to reminisce about with their geeky ET silhouette necklace.

Jupiter Moon have the perfect twist on a guardian angel, how about a guardian alien instead? The simple bold design is fantastic, even those who aren't sci-fi geeks will love this design.

Tea Parties will never be quite the same when served out of this alien tea pot. from Richard Symons Art. It's unconventional and unique, and will most certainly be the talking point when you pour the tea for your grandma.

I've only got eyes for you. With that many eyes it is indeed quite the compliment. Out from the Shadows card is a great way of showing your sentimental feelings to a loved one in a funny, geeky, science way.

Happy alien hunting!

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Friday Finds: Barbeque!

Last weekend I hosted my first Barbeque of the year! (And my second!) It was lovely to relax in the garden with my parents (BBQ no.1) and then my friends (BBQ no.2) smelling the charcoal and grilled meat. delicious. I have missed BBQ's over the long winter months, and I definitely intend to make the most of my garden by having more Barbeques soon. have you been making the most of the sun with a tasty meaty BBQ? Sadly I have none planned for this weekend, so instead I've discovered some fabulous BBQ inspired items on etsy to tide me over.

You can't have a Barbeque without fire. Unfortunately most BBQ's don't look particularly attractive. If you want to make your Barbeque a garden feature then how about this stylish decahedron Barbeque from Dog Biscuit Designs. They also make square and pentagonal fire pits to increase the heat!

These saucy BBQ pin up girls are busy keeping the smoke down. Instead, turn up the heat by using these vintage cards by In Grips We Trust as invitations to your Barbeque, or as a cheeky birthday card for your friend who can't get enough of Barbeques!

There is something about barbeques that draws all the men to it. It's probably the meat, the fire, and the long tongs and pokers required. If your dad has a bit of a BBQ reputation (in a good way) then why not splash out this Fathers Day and let him know he's the best at the BBQ with this apron from Direct23Ltd. With a bit of luck it'll encourage him to use his skills more often!

Rustic craft design is the place to go for some personalised BBQ tools. What more could a BBQ enthusiast want than their own special set of tongs, fork and spatula, all engraved especially for them.

When the weather's not so nice you can still treat yourself to a burger. Head to Nicola Luke for this fabulous felt creation that can be used as a pin cushion. Don't forget to check out her other tasty treats on Etsy and Facebook. Banana Split anyone?  

Happy grilling!

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Friday Finds: Vintage Cinema

I went to the cinema for the first time in months on Monday, (we saw The Hangover Part 3) which was pretty funny, so it was a good time all round. Anyway, my cinema trip is the inspiration between todays Friday finds theme.

Cinema's have changed a lot over the years, from the first silent black and white movies to todays 3D films and computerised special effects. Howver, when all is said and done the Hollywood of the past has always been portrayed as a very glamorous time. What's more, it's not just cinema buffs who appreciate vintage cinema and old movies. I know very little about cinema and it's past, but I definitely appreciate a lot of Hollywood film paraphernalia, such as these fantastic Etsy finds.

Add a touch of the abstract cinema with the golden age of cinema print by Lucius Art. It's cool and funky, perfect for adding a touch of the unusual to your walls.

Fans of Breakfast at Tiffany's will recognise the beautiful Audrey Hepburn adorning Fantasy Case's iPhone cover. This will give your everyday mobile a big injection of glamour.

If your planning a cinema/ movie themed party/ hen do/ stag do then make sure you head to cake a doodle doo for these cool cupcake cases. While you're there, check out the other styles available.

Fancy yourself behind the camera? Look no further than this vintage film camera pendant from Bling DIY. The crystal lens will give you some cinematic sparkle.

The collector inside you will love these vintage Hollywood starlet cigarette cards from Toast and Marmalade. It's easy to use your imagination to create a fabulously glamorous display suitable for showing off these talented ladies.

Happy Shopping!

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Friday Finds: Cupcakes

I reckon it's time for a tasty treat! It's been a long and busy week for me, as my boss was off so I've been on my own in the lab, beginning with 2 very long days on Monday and Tuesday, so now I think I've earned a little treat, and what better than a cute and tasty little cupcake? Even better, why not treat yourself and have a cupcake with me!

Ummm... Delicious!


Right, that's better. Now we're both happy having treated ourselves to a yummy cupcake, lets keep the satisfaction of the moment going by browsing these cute calorie free cupcakes!

Aphrodite delights are the creators of this beautiful cupcake. The look good enough to eat but don't be fooled by the glittery frosting, this cupcakes are bath bombs, so head over and choose from the many cupcake designs for the one you want to relax with!

If you fetish for cupcakes is something you want to display in a big way, then take a closer look at Dash Ambler's cute cupcake dress. It is frilly, flirty and very feminine, so you're girly sized will be happy to!  

We all have a little cupcake. It could be your daughter, a niece, a sister or a friend. Tell them what they are with Nyha Graphics' colourful card. It's blank for your own message, although the one on the card says it all!

If making things is more your cup of tea, then this cupcake cross stitch pattern by And Wabisabi makes the perfect accompaniment. The bold and bright design not only looks fun to stitch, and but also cute to look at once it's stitched!

Cupcakes should come with oodles of frosting. It's even better when topped off with glitter, like this lilac cupcake key ring from  Sweat n neat jewellery. It'll always make you smile when you reach for your keys.

Happy munching!

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Friday Finds: Trains

Once again I'm off to my sisters for the weekend for more wedding things. This time it's making invitations and Bridesmaid dress shopping, although I'm not holding out much hope of finding Burgundy dresses in May.

Anyway, lacking a car this means I have a fun 2 hour train journey to look forward to. Hopefully my new Kobo and the second instalment of the Hunger Games will provide plenty of entertainment. Train journeys don't tend to be very exciting. However, some train journeys are pretty epic and rather more interesting. One of my friends went on the Orient Express last summer. A steam train I went on once on holiday had both a Victorian feel mixed in with the Hogwarts Train from Harry Potter (It was where they'd done some filming) and even a miniature railway sparks excitement in young children. So this week, to make trains seems a bit more exiting again, I've got yet more crafty items from Etsy for you!

This personalised train cushion from Malooshi is lovingly hand made by mums for your special youngster.  It's bold and bright, and any child will love seeing their name on their favourite train!

If your boy is all grown up then head over to made by Peggy for a closer look at these vintage Victorian style cufflinks. They are perfect for any suited man and a special occasion.

Century21 Art are responsible for this beautiful train print, the photo of which was taken in the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, used for Harry Potter! The print will remind us all of the steam trains of the past. Nothing smells quite like one! This artistic picture is also available in 5 different sizes!

Trains aren't just for boys as these steampunk steam train pendants by Plum and Posey Inc prove. For extra unusualness, these cool necklaces are made from wax seals!

A fun and useful gift is this train soap by Funny Soaps and Bits.  To make bath time extra fun you can even choose the colour and scent!

Happy Shopping!

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Friday Finds: Farms

Please say that you are also amazed by how quickly the weeks are going by. How is it already time for another Friday Finds! I must confess it has crept up on me after a busy week, so I resorted to my face book page and loyal followers to inspire me for todays post, and I am very happy to report that I was not disappointed. Michelle suggested Sheep as todays theme, however I have previously used Sheep as my theme. She has still inspired me though, sheep are very much a farmed animal, and with the beginning of may new lambs are merrily prancing in the fields, and tractors are busy fertilising and planting. In our agricultural land there is no shortage of beautiful farm inspired items, and here are but a few.

No farm yard is complete without pigs, and House of Ismay have added a literary twist to not only pigs, but many other animals with these quirky brooches made from old copies of books.

This funky farm invitation, courtesy of Sandy Ford Design is personalised for your child, to make their birthday extra special. Check out her shop for other colourful themes. 

Farms by default are messy places, and willies are invaluable. but wellies are fantastic at festivals, in the rain, or even walking. make yours stand out from the crowd by knitting your very own welly topper from Wessenden Woolies

 The Spice Artist have a wide choice of funny sheep inspired original paintings and prints by Merve. The bold designs draw the eye and spread a smile.

The farm yard inspiration behind Jandee Designs is obvious with this cute tote bag. It makes the perfect useful accessory for the farm fashion conscious country bumpkin.



Happy Shopping!

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Friday Finds: Summer Sun

As April draws to a close and May begins to encroach upon us (hopefully) bringing sun and warmth, it's time for a wardrobe re-vamp and some summer sun-loving accessories! Last weekend the glorious warm weather encouraged me to go shopping, and I bought a new summer skirt, and some flat summer peep toe shoes, so I've already made a start. I still need some sunglasses, and a few other summery bits and pieces, (new dress anyone?) so today I've been browsing Etsy for ideas and inspiration.

WOW! What a lot of choice there is, so many colours, styles sizes and shapes are available in a huge range of summer goodies, from sunglasses to cocktail glasses, and sun hats to shoes! Here is a tiny, tiny glimpse of the many gorgeous summary specials, but take my word for it, head over to Etsy and have a browse yourself!

Summer should be all about colour, and these Retro rainbow Sunglasses are perfect for oozing coolness when you're out and about, or just chilling on the beach. Retro and Me even sell these in a choice of colours! perfect for coordinating with your favourite clothes!

Rosie Ann Shop keep the Retro theme going with this cute little summer dress. I love the vibrant colours, the luscious lilac really makes the electric blue stand out. You won't go un noticed in this beautiful summer dress, don't forget to check out her other ones too!  

Lilac is one of my favourite colours, so it's no surprise that this beautiful felt brooch by Lupin caught my eye. It makes the perfect summer accessory for your favourite dress, jacket, or bag. Have a browse of her other felt accessories while you're at it to be super ready for the summer.

 These flower shoes for a little girl are absolutely adorable. They will make any girl feel like a little  fairy princess, and will look astoundingly cute with a pretty summer dress. Head over to Lushbebe for these and other beautiful shoes for little girls

I love the simplicity of this crocheted hat by Magic Doll.  The neutral colours ensure this hat will go with anything, weather you are strolling along the surf or negotiating the shops. The attention to deal showcases real talent.


Happy Browsing!


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Friday Finds: Wedding Invitations

I'm off to visit my sister Jessica and her fiancé Danny this weekend, (in fact, it is quite likely that I am either on a train heading there, or busily chatting away whit them already) I really enjoying seeing my sister, she's just under 2 years younger than me and we've always been pretty close, she is definitely a good friend and not just my younger sibling.

As she's getting married in November, this weekend will include a fair amount of wedding planning, gossiping, and all round wedding and girly fun. However, one of things we're hoping to accomplish is to decide what wedding invitations to make. Both of us enjoy cross stitch - (in fact she's making some cross stitch wedding favours, but more about that later) and we've both made cards in the past, so it's only natural to make the wedding invitations ourselves. (Besides, it's another good excuse to craft and gossip over a bottle of wine, right?) While this weekend is all about making a mock up and working out how and what to make, I figured the first place to start was by having a browse at what's out there for ideas and inspiration, and I've no doubt that my sister and her fiancé have done some of the same. It made sense to begin my browsing on Etsy as all invitations on there are made by people, not machines, and are much more unique and interesting than standard shop bought invitations, so here are a few favourites.

The lovebirds are really cute yet also manage to be very chic, with a funky vintage style to them. Crafty Pagan can also customise the design to your colour theme (the listing has a useful colour chart) and also sells many other gorgeous wedding stationary.

This extremely elegant lace design is the creation of the talented Betsy Button. Each one is hand stitched so make sure you leave plenty of time, but the sophisticated beauty of these invitations will more than make the wait worthwhile.


A Dollop of Inspiration are behind this colourful butterfly design. The invitation opens like a blooming flower. The pink, lilac and blue shades compliment each other in a lovely way to finish this beautiful design for a spring wedding.

 This design had to be featured because the names are those of my sister and her fiancé! What a coincidence! The unusual jam jar design is very rustic, and this would be the perfect invitation for a simple, rustic wedding. The faded colours also add a touch of vintage to this invitation by Aesthetic Journeys.

 
Invites Couture are the shop to browse for a super luxurious extremely memorable way to present your wedding invitation. This silk wedding invitation box is embellished with a crystal and pearl brooch, and has several slots inside for the invitations. It is customisable to any colour.

Happy browsing!

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