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: Game of Thrones

I have just finished book 4 of A song of ice and fire, an extremely popular series by George R.R. Martin. You may know it as Game of Thrones, which is the title of the first book in the series and the HBO TV Series. I am definitely not alone in being a fan of the series. For those of you who haven't read/ seen it, I highly recommend it, for those of you that are reading it currently, keep going! I can't wait to find out more about the characters. And for those fans who have already read and seen al they can, Check out some of the awesome Game of Thrones paraphernalia on Etsy!

Beneath Glass have made these dark and dramatic Stark Direwolf Sigul earrings. Check out the rest of their shop too, for plenty of other fantastic Game of Thrones Jewellery.

 

Daenerys is one of my favourite Characters. She transforms from a young girl being bullied by her brother into a strong, proud, determined young woman, and this cross stitch kit from The World in Stitches shows her beauty, strength and fear superbly.

It is extremely apt to use a Game of Thrones bookmark while reading the series, there's a fantastic choice for everyone by Bijoux Malou - which one will you choose?

'You know nothing, Jon Snow' is fast becoming one of the many catch phrases of the series, and is a part (also one of many) that I particularly like. Not only is the saying a good one, but the hoodie looks nice and snug too! Thanks 21st Century Clothing!  

Pandora charm bracelet fans will love this Game of Thrones charm bracelet by Kawaii Candy Couture. with all the books, a variety of potions, and various Siguls/ charms what more could a girl want? Other than dinner with her favourite character...

I love this drawing of Sansa. She is a character who I didn't particularly like in the beginning, but has grown on me immensely. She learnt the hard way how to play the game, and this portrait by Crystal Chara captures that perfectly.

Back to the books now!

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Friday Finds: Baking!

I've certainly been spoiled since moving into my new house 2 weeks ago. Between them I've had 3 cupcakes, 2 rock buns, 2 portions of crumble (and more crumble was made yesterday. That's a lot of baking, especially when you take into account that they have both been away for a week!

 

I'm going to have to do some baking soon! It's been a while, so I'll have to see what I've got and find some time, (I might also have to start doing more exercise so that all these baked goodies don't make me fat!) Are you hungry yet? After perusing these baking goodies you'll want to get busy in the kitchen too!

First things first, we must make sure that you're kitted out properly for baking. Rosie Ann Shop has got that (and you) covered with this adorable child's apron. Little girls everywhere will want to bake just to wear this! Don't worry, she makes aprons for us big girls too!

 

 

The next step is to decide what to make. It is pretty likely that you'll need a rolling pin at some point, but why not treat yourself to an extra special one, like this horse one by Pyrographical Dreams. After all, it's not like they wear out!

 

 

Now the dough's all roll rolled out you need to choose your cutter. Head to the 3D Printer for a cool selection of cutters, including this sci fi fantasy Dr Who Tardis cutter, and go crazy for cookies!  

 

 

 

Cookies not for you? then how about a well loved cupcake? These stripy cupcake cases are really funky, with such a bold and bright design they will be perfect for all sorts of parties. Head over to Peggy Rose Pink for a closer look.

 

 

If you are partial to a tasty tart then look no further than LaCroixRosion for these vintage tart cases. The patterned design will make your tarts look really elegant, (and even more delicious)!

 

Happy baking!

 

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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: 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: Faces

Hello! I am back again! Sorry for my absence of late, things have been pretty hectic and stressful these past two weeks, what with work being so busy and me frantically house-hunting, but I am back online and raring to go!

While I was on holiday (I spent 2 weeks traveling around Andorra and Catalan is Spain) I met loads of lovely people, from many different countries, including Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and Slovinia! There were lots of new faces, and I can happily say that the vast majority of them were happy and friendly (the less friendly ones were mostly due to a language barrier) so this weeks post is dedicated to all of the new faces, and the lovely people behind them, that I met when I was away. P.S. if you want to read more about my holiday, I've started to write about it on a brand new blog!http://exploragem.blogspot.co.uk/

Who isn't mesmerised by this Canvas painting of a fiery red head with enchanting blue eyes? I find her wide eyed stare drawing me in, I want to know more. For this beautiful artwork and others like it head over to the talented Alice Mason.

Ice cool fantasy is order of the day at Cross Stitch Nerd.  There must be something about the eyes again, I want to discover her secret. This beautiful cross stitch pattern reminds me of all the reasons why I'm stitching Shh Now.


Happy Turtle Crafts are the cool kids behind this funky face footwear. You will be way too cool for skool in these fabulous hand painted canvas shoes. Even better, the design is customisable, so you can choose your favourite character!


I adore a cheeky wink, however some of us are better at doing them than others. For some unknown reason I can only wink closing my left eye, and seem to screw up most of my face in the process. IM Creations have solved the problem though, with this monochrome Fornasetti wink scrabble tile pendant.


JohnNovis is the person behind this faded portrait print. I love the unusual fade effect, and the way it enhances her features even more. This beautiful face print is available as a downloadable transfer, so you can print it on whatever you'd like!

Happy head hunting!


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Friday Finds: Vampires

Who doesn't love a good vampire story. Following the huge success of the Twilight Saga, and TV series such as True Blood and the Vampire Diaries, it's hard to escape from it. There is something dark and mysterious, scary and just a bit sexy about the thought of Vampires, and what you would do if you met one. I've read a book recently called 'Fat Vampire' by Johnny B Truant, about what would happen if there was a fat vampire (as there never is any in the films). I have always had a fascination with Vampire stories, and now is the time to realise all the awesome Vampire memorabilia that's available!

Fancy being nibbled? Then check out IM Creations statement scrabble tile earrings. Should you chance to come across a real vampire, you may just get what your earrings wish for!

If you prefer to think of yourself as a Vampire rather than ones dinner, then try on this fabulous handmade gothic renaissance dress by Camelot Costumes. Purple not your colour? Then take a moment to look through their other equally fantastic dresses.

Monster Minxx have created a prosthetic vampire brow to take your Vampire fancy dress outfit 1 step further.  Just don't go down any dark alleys in this, you might scare off the local 'hard' kids!

 

 

This Gothic Vampire Art Print by The Gothabilly Shop will darken up any room. Check out their other vintage style horror art prints so she's not left lonely.

 

 

 How about a handmade leather coffin journal to keep note of your vampire sightings/ tasty victims? The Victorian Vampire Society UK have made this beautiful one.

Happy Blood Sucking!

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Friday Finds: Mountains

As you read this I will be setting out on a 4 day hike in the Andorran/ Spanish Pyrenees. it's the first time I've been on holiday on my own (a whole 2 weeks of it, yay!) and while the first few night are fully booked, the next few (for my hike) roughly planned, and the last week Is complete unplanned, so I'll be winging it. However, my whole trip has been centralised for the hiking, and specifically, the beautiful mountains of the Pyrenees. I have always loved hiking, since I was little a day hike has been a regular feature of my holidays. I went to Switzerland a few years ago and was a bit grumpy for the first few days as it rained and the clouds were really low, so hiking wasn't really an option. This time my hike will last several days, which means packing light as I have to carry everything. Packing light however, still means a rucksack that weighs in at 10K, which will be heavier with food and water added to the mix. I'll have thighs like Xena the warrior princess! Anyway, before I make you to jealous of my holiday plans (or more likely, before you start think that I am actually really crazy) I think it's time to move on to some of Etsy's Mountain wonders.

 

 

This fabulous Print by Beloved and Co was a clear winning candidate for todays featured, because it's exactly how I'm feeling right now. I can' wait to be there, away from the distractions of modern life. If you have ever needed some encouragement to head to the hills, this is it.

 

 

 Alice Mason is the talented artist who painted the original of this bold and beautiful print. The contrast between the trees and the dark night time mountains is stunning, like all of her work.

This mountain themed iPhone case by Queen of Cases is perfect for the intrepid mountaineer. With this to look at each time you reach for your phone the mountains will never be far away, even if your stuck in a stuffy office.

Give your home a splash of mountain light with Sugar Lips Glass bright mountain sun catcher. I really like the use of the different colours, the purple reminds me of beautiful heather covered moors.

For a touch of the dramatic, (as many of us mountain adventures have experienced) head to JPicPhotography for this striking photograph. The looming craggy, mist shrouded mountain makes me want to head there to see it!

Happy Hiking! 

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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: 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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