Scotland Cross Stitch

I am off to "sunny" Scotland tomorrow for a week long walking holiday with a group of friends. I'm really looking forward to going away, which is good because the house we're staying in is in the middle of nowhere. It'll be great going away with a bunch of friends, especially as it's been a while since I saw some of them.

 

I'm expecting lots of rain, lots of midges, and lots of cold. Ok, I know rain should help keep the midges away, but if I expect them all and only suffer 2 of the 3 then I reckon we'll be doing ok.

 

If you have never been to Scotland, I thoroughly recommend it. Scotland is an absolutely beautiful country, great for hiking (and skiing, although I've never skied). Edinburgh is a lovely city, with a lot of history, and of course, there's Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) to go looking for, bagpipes to listen to, men in kilts (oh la la!) lots of whisky, and that's just to name a few!

 

If Scotland is more of a dream than a reality at the moment, then how about stitching some of these Scottish related cross stitch kits and patterns, to tide you over until you can go.

Scottish Piper on Ebay

 

Scotland Map by Happy Cross Stitcher

Nessie by Skye Stitcher

Celtic Needle Case by Textile Heritage

Highland cow by Textile Heritage

 

 Happy Stitching!

 

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Friday Finds: Wedding Hair

I'm in the midst of starting to plan my sisters hen do, and everything is very weddingy at the moment. Most things are booked in, and her dress and accessories are all sorted and sitting waiting for her at my parents house. However, there are so many small details for brides to think about that I'll hopefully help inspire you with todays selection of bridal headwear!

Loizou Designs' delicate flower tiara is perfect for the boho bride, or those who just want to get back to nature. I love the fairy-like softness of this intricate design, helping you be a fairy princess for a day.

 If you've spent years dreaming of being a princess bride on your wedding day, and glitz, glam and glitter and sparkling throughout your big day, then check out this Swarovski crystal tiara by Hollywood Designs UK, it could be just the one for you.

 

 

If understated elegance is what you're looking for you can't go wrong with these pretty pink pearl and sparkling Swarovski crystal hair pins from jewellery made by me. Alternatively they would dress up your bridesmaids hair as a perfect compliment to your own.

 

 

For something a bit different how about trying out some kanzashi? These beautiful flowers are hand folded by the very talented Kitty Kanzashi to create a lovely, unusual bridal hair piece. Make you're extra special by ordering a unique custom made design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bewitching Lace don't lie. This beautiful hair comb and veil have indeed bewitched me. Easy to wear, and without a need to worry about getting tangled in a long veil, this is a great answer to those who want a traditional little something!

 

Enjoy getting hitched!

 

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Friday Finds: Denim Delights.

For reasons unfathomable, I have always wanted to be the owner of a denim skirt. It was only 2 weeks ago when my denim fashion desire was finally sated, with the purchase of a cute short denim skirt on a shopping trip to Meadowhall. Needless to say, it has already been taken out plenty of times since I got it. Denim, however, does not to be restricted to items of clothing, here a just a few other ideas to give your life a splash of denim.

A cute denim bag is the obvious alternative to clothing. I adore this tote bag by Poppy Patchwork. The band of daisies gives this patchwork piece a feminine edge, and the beaded cord ties make it perfect for hauling your gear around this summer.

Craftbox Creations have made this beautiful latch hook rug in a fabulous flower and butterfly design, using pieces of denim. It looks so soft and comfy that I want to wriggle my bare toes amongst it!

For something a bit more unusual, head over to Les Bijoux De Claire for this statement denim rose necklace. It will definitely give your outfit a unique cool look. Who knew denim could be so elegant?

Kids love denim too, so how about treating your little girl to a cute pony toy this to keep her and her friends busy this summer? Ptarrh have made this fabulous denim horse cuddly toy, which will make your child the envy of her pals.

 Add a splash of floral colour  to your blue denim like MinXtures have for this cute appliqued cushion. It would look great in a teenage girls bedroom, or for your sofa to relax on in front of a good movie.
 
Happy Shopping!

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Pick Me Up

It's Monday. It's a busy day in the lab at work, and generally, things are all a bit down at the moment. I have a classic case of Monday Morning blues, and I'm hoping the chocolate and some amusing and positive thinking cross stitches will help dissipate the blue into a happy colour. Maybe yellow, Yellow always seems like a bold, bright, sunny summery happy colour. What's your happy colour?



By Needle Nosy on Etsy.



On Deviant Art. For Similar Items go to Snarky Little Stitcher on Etsy



Pattern available from www.crossstitchers.co.uk



Pattern available from andwabisabi on Etsy

 Well after consuming my chocolate, and giggling at some funny cross stitches and smiling at some cheerful ones, I'm definitely feeling better, and a lot less blue. I hope you are too!

Keep Smiling!

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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: New Sheets

Firstly I must apologise for this post being a day late. I had a really busy day at work as my colleague was off so I didn't have time to write it in my lunch break, as I normally would, and my internet at home was playing up. Boo. I hope it was worth the wait!

About a month ago I treated myself to new bed sheets. My old ones were fine, they were pretty, only a couple of years old, and my favourite colour (purple). However, since breaking up with my boyfriend earlier in the year I've been sleeping in the same room, with the same sheets (he moved into the spare room while we sell the house). he's not in my bedroom anymore, but his presence was. After all, we bought those sheets together. I'd go to bed alone in our sheets, (which is something I did regularly before the split, as he runs a pub) so it was almost like he hadn't gone.

Then I read a blog post by The Penguin Theory who mentioned redecorating/ rearranging your bedroom. It reminded me of a friends advice in the early days after the breakup, (she changed her sheets, curtains and a rug after a long term relationship ended) and it encouraged me to do the same. I am now the proud over of 1 set of white with pink blossom and another pale green with brown/grey branches and flowers bed sheets, neither of which I would have bought previously. I moved some small things around a bit (the furniture is too big to move) and the bedroom became mine. 

So it's good to replace your bedding every once in a while, but a relationship break up isn't the only reason to do it. You may just fancy a change, or want a bit of luxury in the bedroom, or spice things up, make a room lighter and brighter, and anything else you can think of. So, here are some lovely bed sheets from Etsy to help inspire you to do just that!

Cloud Hunter have created this beautiful shabby chic rosette covered white duvet cover. It is the perfect way to add some feminine frills to your bedroom.

I love the blue and green tie dye effect sheets by jbddyeworx. They are bold and bright, and makes your bed fun and funky. This duvet set in particular makes me think of a pre- teen boys cool and colourful room.

For a contempory bedroom head over to Urban Accent Home to get a closer look at this simple but beautiful hand painted duvet cover. As it's hand painted it is unique, but you can also customise it to make it even more special, just for you!

If your bedroom is lacking in luxury look no further than this beautiful damask bedding from BH Décor. If you fancy a change from the bold turquoise covering, you can turn it over to an ivory covering instead, making it 2 duvet's in 1! Fabulous!

Last but not least is this sexy pin up girl silhouette bed cover. Add some cheeky raunchiness in a simple and classy way with this bold design by Duvet Cover. Don't worry if she's a bit too much for you, the other designs available include elephants, the Eiffel Tower, and even an airplane!  

Happy sleeping!


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A little bit Dicey

3D Cross Stitch!

Yes, you heard me, 3D cross stitch! every now and then when I get a few free minutes, I google something to do with either cross stitch or hand embroidery. Occasionally it's hardanger, sometimes stump work, often just a theme such as fairy tale cross stitch. The other day, however, I came across this awesome 3D cross stitch walled garden by pure chance.

Kay Dennis is behind this beautiful garden embroidery design, it must have taken her absolutely ages to design and make it. The outside is as detailed as the inside, and she use a wide range of different materials including wool, embroidery cotton ribbon and seed beads, along with a huge variety of different stitches and techniques to create different textures to make all of the detail extremely  realistic.

 

 

 Don't just take my word for it though, head over to her beautiful website for more images and inspirations!

 

 

Her work has inspired me to try out some 3D cross stitch. In the past the closest I've gotten is some 3D Dice earrings and some half finished robot earrings/ keyrings. Most 3D cross stitch cards use perforated paper, which I have never used, however I think I could mange a simple 3D design using some plastic canvas, and with my Dad's birthday coming on Saturday, I may have just enough time to practise and make something...

 

which means I'd best go and get stitching!

 

 

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Treasury Trove

Last week my products have been featured in not one but 2 fantastic Etsy Treasuries. How brilliant is that? They're my flower hair clips and flower brooch made using these fantastic stackable beads from no snow supplies.

First up is this beautiful Treasury by Vix Jarman Jewellery.

'Spring Designs' by vixjarman

Spring themed treasury, all from very talented Craft Britannia Team :-)

Cotton scarf in taupe (... gemmaclarkhome $55	Spring Bud Chrysoprase ... NanfanJeweller... $18	Pigeon Picture - Print... BostonStClair $12	White and Yellow Flower... JillianReneDec... $53
Pheasant Feather Brooch NatalieHough $16	24" Square Cushio... MoGirlDesigns $35	Handmade Toy Bunny, Eas... poosac $30	Forest Necklace, Tree P... EmilyMadeMe $10.5
Victorian Filigree Pear... OhNostalgiaWed... $25	Peony Flower Earrings, ... Diaszabo $17	Apple shaped cushion/so... studiomeez $32	Original Owl baby in he... KAmyKrafts $25
Cross stitch pattern PD... RedGateStitche... $5	Earl Grey Tea, Set of 1... helenjewellery $20	Double Bow Earring Chai... SweetVenomJewe... $4	Black, Yellow and Red F... YouSewShould $6

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

She creates beautiful  silver jewellery using simple designs and a variety of techniques. This art deco tulip pendant is one of my favourites.















The other Treasury by Viknet is also Spring themed. (They obviously didn't know it'd be almost snowing today).

'Spring Me' by viknet

 

Picture Books Russians ... JannasCraft $3.99	Lemon Green necklace an... insou $38	Etsy Shop Banner And Et... klady3818 $10	Full Apron - Garden Bir... BonniesSewCraz... $12
One Yard Giraffe Fabric newsong64 $9	Nature photography , La... PhotographyDre... $13	Jewelry Supply Recycled... TheSparkleStor... $3.89	The Trees - 8 x 10, ins... EinBierBitte $16.5
Red and Green Flower Br... YouSewShould $5	Hand Crochet Ribbons &... Antiquebeginni... $15	Wonderful Black and Ora... newsong64 $59	Yellow Flower Photograp... HeyHarriet $6
Cat 1 8 x 10 inch pict... EnchantedLens $15	Ocean Photograph, Nauti... ara133photogra... $15	French Country Wall Dec... ara133photogra... $15	Ducklings BLPhotography $18

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

This talented lady makes beautiful crochet shawls in a wide range of colours. I wish I had the knowledge to create something as delicate and beautiful.
















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