see what I made

I've been meaning to get some business cards printed for ages, so I have spent the afternoon sorting through pictures of my work, trying to decide which ones are the best to use. I've finally narrowed down the selection, actually it's really nice to look back at work that has now sold and remind myself of what I have made. It's easy to forget when you start working on the next piece.

I also found an amazing set of teacups, saucers and side plates in a charity shop earlier. Only £5 too!

I'll take some photos to show you.....tea anyone?

sketchbook

Thinking about what to make next.....looking at all my favourite things; handmade lace, vintage buttons, faded tea stained colours, bronze and cream, pleats and folds.

escape to the city

Last week my boyfriend and I went to the National Portrait Gallery in London.
I hadn't been there for years and there was something amazing about walking through room after room full of grand portraits, all these famous men and women throughout history looking down on you. Some of the paintings were enormous, the size of the room, with elaborate gilt frames. I came away with a few postcards, the lady in black 'Lady Colin Campbell' was one of my favourites, painted in 1897.

We thought we'd check out Mishkins for lunch, after reading about it on 'Miss Pickerings' lovely blog. It was exactly as she had described it. I recommend the Brick Lane salt beef with Colin's and pickles, with a Gin Rickey served in a jam jar.

I always make a quick stop at the Cloth House haberdashery on Berwick Street. I love their displays and they have a great selection of trims and buttons.

I also saw some beautiful furniture in Liberty's, but completely out of my price range, so now I'm on a mission to find something similar....

pinks and greens

 

Pretty pink presents, beautiful tulips and chocolates for Valentines.

matchbox challenge - the antique one

 Have you been enjoying the snow this week?....I was hoping for a 'snow day' off work, but only a light covering around here, probably a good thing really.

 I hope you have been joining in with The Lobster and Swan matchbox a day challenge set by Jeska. Today is the 'antique one' I have made mine decorated with gold paper, vintage lace, a piece of a hand written french letter and a beautiful stamp. Inside are hidden mother of pearl buttons and beads.

I'm not sure if I can make one for every day of February, but I love making them and seeing what other people have created.

Remember Jeskas'  is selling her lovely matchboxes for charity in her etsy shop.

lobster & swan matchbox challenge

When I heard about Jeska's February 'matchbox a day challenge' I couldn't resist joining in. Jeska of the blog 'lobster and swan' is creating a beautifully decorated matchbox a day for the month of February, there is a loose theme for each day, today being 'the pretty one'

Jeska's husband is running the London marathon and to help him raise money for his charity, Jeska will be selling her finished little boxes in her etsy shop.

We are all invited to take part in the challenge.... they are so much fun to make, even slightly addictive. Above is my matchbox for today, which I have decorated and filled with a selection of vintage flower and butterfly stamps . If you need more inspiration, below are some of Jeska's lovely matchboxes or check out the flickr group to see what other people have made....

change of plan

Well today has not gone to plan at all....quite a stressful morning spent clearing up a leak from a burst water pipe, but now calm has been restored and the new plan is to make the house cosy and warm and cheer myself up with these pretty primroses which were a lovely present. A hearty shepherds pie is in the oven, pure comfort food and then out to brave the snow.