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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Project Tutorial: Bicycle Card

I made this embroidered metallic blue bike card for my dad's birthday. As it is a blank card is suitable to be used for any occasion, such as Fathers Day, Birthdays, or even a Congratulations card! You could easily use different colours to customise it.  What do you think? It's easy to do, and you could easily use this method to create your own designs too.

You will need

Embroidery threads (I used DMC 310 black and some metallic blue thread)

Even weave (I used 28 count)

Card (I used a pre-folded card that was 6"x4")

Spare Card for the border

Clear drying glue e.g. PVA or double sided tape.

First of all, you can print this chart out to the size you require for your card. I used a bike length of 10cm. (alternatively you can draw your own. TIP: use pencil first so you can rub it out if you go wrong before drawing over it in a black pen)

The next step is easy. Place the even weave over your design. You should be able to see the outline of the bike. Using a fabric pen if you have one, (or a pencil if you don't) carefully trace the design onto the even weave, making sure you don't move the design.

Now it's time to get stitching! Stitch over the lines of the design beginning with the bicycle frame. I used 2 strands of black thread and 3 strands of metallic blue thread (because it was quite thin, 2 strands of normal embroidery cotton will be fine).

Handles: Satin Stitch

Seat: Padded Satin Stitch

Frame: Satin Stitch

Wheels: Chain Stitch

To give the card a nice finish, I then trimmed down some spare card to 5.5" x3.5" to give a border around the frame, and then cut out an aperture size of 5"x3".

Now you're ready to assemble your card.

First, trim down your bike design to 5.5" x 3.5", being careful to ensure that the bike is central, so it will fit in the card border without any overhanging. (You may need to trim it slightly smaller due to the fabric stretching) Ensure there is an overlap of even weave and card. Carefully glue the bicycle design to the green card using either a clear drying glue or double sided sticky tape, and leave to dry.

Once dry, carefully glue the bike and border to the card, ensuring it is centrally positioned. It should look something like this once completed!

Alternatives: Use a smaller design/ larger card and place the design at an angle.

Add embellishments in the form of ribbons, bows, buttons, sequins, e.t.c.

Happy Stitching!

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Friday Finds: Wales

This post theme was requested of me before Easter by my lovely half Welsh friend (who I think sometimes forgets that's she's half English too). I've written an Union Jack Friday Finds previously, so why not a Welsh one too, after all, there is plenty of Welsh blood around (I'm pretty sure everyone I know has a Welsh grandma or something. We're all mongrels in the UK really, especially if you keep going back through our history).

Besides, Wales is a beautiful country. I have spent several holidays and weekends away there in my 26years, staying in Pembrokeshire, Bangor, Aberystwyth and Snowdonia to include but a few. So, it seems right to feature items from/ for such a beautiful country.

The Welsh flag seems to be the right place to start the search, and it wasn't long before I discovered these fabulous cuff links by Urban Eye. These will make the perfect gift for the Welsh Man in your life, and if he isn't Welsh they can customise these to the country of your choice!

 

There is a certain appeal about real slate place mats, coasters and cheeseboards. I would love to have some of my own, (and will one day). If you're like me and the understand elegance and class makes you excited, then head over to Identilase for a wide choice of Welsh slate. This cheeseboard is engraved with CAWS, which is Welsh for... you've guessed it, Cheese! They also have a website  www.valleymill.co.uk
 



 

 

Cathryn Weatherhead is the lady who created this bold and beautiful traveller's map of Wales. Whether you're an adventurer, a camper, or an explorer this funky Welsh map will not only remind you of your Welsh experiences, it'll have you going back for more!

 

 

Another one for the boys (although I don't know why tankards are just for boys, I am a Real Ale drinker and would love one of my own) is this fabulous stainless steel tankard. Makers Celtic Studio have covered plenty of bases here with the Welsh dragon design. Check out their other Welsh and Celtic items too! 

If, like me, you go  on holiday and then later on realise that you didn't buy that lovely 'insert souvenir here' that you saw because the shop wasn't open/you were heading out/e.t.c then worry no more. This beautiful original watercolour by Pamela Jones Art Studio  is one of several designs that will bring back fond memories of a lovely sunny walk in Wales (it doesn't rain all the time).

Happy browsing!

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