Tracey Loves Pattern

Love Letters

2012-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Some of the orders that came in for Christmas. (The ones that I remembered to photograph anyway)

If you like what you see, you can order one of your very own right here. They can be painted in any colour combination that you desire.

Bahamas

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Love this guy.

BAHAMAS - Already Yours from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

Check out more of him on his website here.

Zim & Zou.

2011-09-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

How awesome are these?

A new follower on Instagram had some of these images on her profile, so intrigued to find out more I did a little Google search (good old Google), and this is what I found.They are the work of Lucie Thomas and Thibault Zimmerman from French graphic design studio Zim & Zou.They are from their Back To Basics project and are made entirely from coloured PEFC papers.

I love this walkman.

It even has a cassette.

That fits inside the Walkman!!

I also love this Leica style camera.

Which also has 36mm film!!

I absolutely love these pieces, the colours and attention to detail are amazing. If you want to see more of the project have a look at their Behance profile.

Jenson Button

2011-09-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Last Monday we had the pleasure of seeing Jenson Button drive an F1 car through the streets of Manchester. It sounded amazing!

Oaken Lee.

2011-09-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of Jake Flowers for a while now and am pleased to say that I can now call him my friend. So I was thrilled when he contacted me to ask if I would help to design the sleeve for his new project Oaken Lee. Jake wrote, recorded and mixed the whole EP in his 500 year old attic accompanied by Will Gauden on bass.

Jake sent me this illustration by Hetty Randle and said he wanted it for the cover.

I thought that the amazing skull illustration was lost in the text and Jake said that the EP had quite a stripped back sound so I removed the text and choose a nice script to use underneath. The quality of the skull really stands out now from the white space.
We decided to keep the sleeve black and white and choose red for the CD.

It really is a lovely EP but don't take my word for it, I love Jake so I'll tell you anything! Check it out for yourself here you won't be disappointed!

Alex Kopps

2011-06-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

I saw this artist's work featured on Design Sponge this week and was instantly smitten.
The artist is Alex Kopps

I love the use of colour, and the textural quality of the paint. I especially love the pattern details and that the pieces are made up from individual blocks giving them a patchwork feel. Absolutely stunning. I would love to have them on my wall.

Meet Sienna.

2011-05-13T10:01:00.001-07:00

Well I did introduce our new kitty yesterday, but I believe blogger had some problem so deleted everyone's posts. She was a little miffed to have her moment of fame taken away so here she is again. Our baby girl Sienna.

The Royal Wedding.

2011-05-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

A week ago today we sat and watched the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and I loved every minute of it. I cheered for the kiss and I adored the dress.

Kate looked beautiful in a gown designed by Sarah Burton from the house of Alexander McQueen. I was thrilled that she choose McQueen but couldn't help feel sad that he wasn't around to see it.

I was watching with a cup of tea which I drank from my new Fiona Howard mug. I bought the mug a while ago after seeing it featured on Print And Pattern but I couldn't post about it as I had also bought one for my friend for her birthday which was the same day as the wedding. I thought it would make a great gift for her as it has her birthday printed on it and she collects royal memorabilia plus it is a lovely design.

We also had a street party were we live, it was great fun. The tables and the bunting looked brilliant. Everyone had a great time so I think we will have another one next year for The Queens Diamond Jubilee.

This is the cake I made for the party, I also made cupcakes and scones which I forgot to get a close up of but I think you can see the cupcakes in one of the above pics, they are the ones with heart toppers.

Liberty.

2011-03-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

This is my new bag I bought the other day from TK Maxx. The bag is made from cotton canvas with a floral print designed by Angie Lewin.
The bag is a collaboration between Liberty and Comic Relief it retails at £12.99 with £4 going to Comic Relief.

Who's a clever girl!

2011-02-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

I first saw this card by etsy seller egg-a-go-go on oh hello friend and was instantly smitten with the sentiment, maybe this is why....

This is my bearded, glasses wearing guy, does that make me a clever girl?

Dunny Love.

2011-02-18T01:37:00.000-08:00

If I had $25,000 to spare I would so buy this! Supakitch and Koralie painted the 4ft Dunny live on the Kidrobot stand at S.L.A.T.E. Awesome!

Helen Musselwhite

2011-02-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

I have admired the work of Helen Musselwhite for sometime and the last time we were in Radiance I was admiring two Wol pieces, and as a birthday surprise by husband had ordered one as a gift for me.

Although on the day we went back to Hebden Bridge he didn't have time to go and collect it before they closed, so Hannah from Radiance dropped it round to Heart Gallery when I was there for the 'I do' exhibition on my birthday, And she had even wrapped it for him! She is one of the loveliest people I have ever met! So thank you Hannah. And thank you Al for getting it for me.

Some more examples of Helen's beautiful work, the glass domes are amazing close up.

Happy Valentines Day.

2011-02-14T05:18:00.001-08:00

Hope you are all having a lovely Valentines Day! This is my first Valentines as a Mrs. and it is also my birthday, But the thing I'm most excited about is the start of my new venture which has it's first outing today.

The lovely Alison from Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge contacted me after seeing the stationery on here that I did for my wedding last year and wanted to know if I would like to take part in a wedding exhibition that she was putting on in the gallery.
At the time when Alison contacted me I had been considering setting up a wedding stationery company for a while, so I took her interest as a sign that I should go for it. so I did.

'I do' launches today 12-8pm then runs till 3rd April. I will be there later today and then my cards will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.
There is just a small selection on display, more will be available to view on the website when it goes live. Hopefully in the next few weeks!

Twit Twoo

2010-12-12T02:57:00.000-08:00

I adore owls, so on a regular visit the other week to decor8 I was over the moon to read about a blog dedicated to my lovely feathered friends. My Owl Barn features everything owl related including art, ornaments and fashion. It also has links to lots of lovely designer makers who feature owls in their work.

Also you can download a free 2011 owl calender, you can even pick your own illustrations from a selection and decide which month you want them to be.

Download Free 2011 Owl Calender

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Our Wedding.

2010-11-26T09:09:00.000-08:00

Me and Al got married on 25th September at St Michaels Church in Whitewell, and had our reception at The Inn At Whitewell next door. It is the most beautiful place, The Inn itself is charming and surrounding area is outstanding, there is a river that runs across the back of the Inn and the view is fields and hills for miles. It really is special.
Our entertainment for the day came from Howard Wing who to be honest made the day, he got everyone involved which created a fantastic atmosphere which meant everyone had a great time.
My mum and the ladies from her local NAFAS group did all the flowers, they did an amazing job in creating exactly what I wanted.
My headdress was from Which Goose I had an idea of what I wanted but had been struggling to find it until I came across her shop and knew I had found the perfect one.
For our first dance we picked a song called Willow Tree by Thomas J Speight it is a beautiful song musically speaking but it was when we listened to the lyrics we knew we had to use it.
My mother in law made us the lovely ring pillow and we commisioned the rings from jewellery designer Eve Redmond based at Manchester Craft & Design Centre.

Wedding Stationery

2010-11-19T06:47:00.001-08:00

Some of the stationery I designed for our wedding in September.

25.09.10

2010-11-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

I am such a bad blogger!!! I'm really sorry it has been months since I was last here.
Got a lot to catch up on including my wedding!

Tracey & Alan's short film from True Story Films on Vimeo.

This is the mini film Will from True Story Wedding Films made from our day.

Good Luck Boys!!

2010-07-10T00:15:00.000-07:00

Good Luck to Jenson and Lewis this weekend at the British GP.

We Are Willow & Sunday at The Soup Kitchen

2010-07-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is the video for Bound By String by We Are Willow and is taken from their first Ep Part One. We Are Willow is the project of Chris Butler from Butler - Williams. The plan is to release 3 eps, each one a collaboration with a different artist. Part One features the amazing Kathryn Edwards. The ep is stunning and can be bought from Piccadilly Records But hurry as it's a limited release of 100 copies.

We Are Willow played on Sunday at Soup Kitchen on the second of a monthly night organized by Little Soul Events. It was a brilliant line up and I had a really lovely evening although I was feeling exhausted by the end of the night as I had stayed for the full 7 hours as I wanted to watch everyone, but it was worth it especially when there were delicious homemade cupcakes on the table.

I highly recommend you check out the following people as they are all fantastic.

Joe Galen
Joe also did some amazing filming which was projected onto the screen behind the stage throughout the event.

Sam Haine
Sam's voice blew me away and I think when his voice reaches the right ears then he is going to be stellar! Also one of his songs has one of the loveliest lines ever - "I used to see unicorns but now I only see horses"

T G Elias
One of the most unique voices I have ever heard. I was also lucky enough to receive a table serenade from him at the last event although I was incredibly embarrassed at the time. lovely fella.

Lucy And The Caterpillar
This girl is adorable, her songs are so cute you cant help but smile. Lucy also played at the opening of Hannah Nunn's shop Radiance in Hebden Bridge where Lucy has a shop of her own selling vintage clothing.

Christopher Eatough

J P Cooper
Amazingly soulful.

Josephine
Possibly my favourite of the night which really hurts me to say when Jake and Kathryn are on the same bill, but she really was spectacular.

Jo Rose

Jake Flowers
The amazing Jake Flowers! He is on the way to big things including playing the BBC introducing stage at this years T in The park. So if your going make sure you check him out. I truly believe he will be huge so get on him now before everyone else does!

For all the Pete Turner's in the room.

2010-02-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

Jesca Hoop - Money

Last night me, Al and some friend's went to the Jesca Hoop show at The Deaf Institute and I have to say it was one the best nights of my life! The lovely Jo Rose was the support and he had the wonderful Kathryn Edwards on stage for a couple of songs with him, a beautiful combination. Jesca Hoop was fantastic we all really enjoyed her performance. But I'm embarrassed to say that the highlight of my night wasn't happening on stage, Whilst Jo was playing we were standing next to Liam Frost, when Jo had come of stage I was saying to Al and my friends that I was feeling a little star struck standing so close to him, then Al said if your feeling star struck now don't turn round because Guy Garvey is standing right behind you!... I nearly passed out with excitement! (I might have mentioned once or twice on my blog my love for Elbow) so I turned round to see Guy and the other Elbow boys, I couldn't believe that they were so close! I am far to self conscious and shy to have spoken to them or to have asked for a photo, I even get embarrassed approaching musicians that I am on speaking terms with, but later on when I was going to the girls room, I had to touch Guy to get past and he said sorry chuck and moved out of my way... I know that's pathetic but it made my night.

Karima Francis

2010-02-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to see Karima Francis at the Green Room in Manchester, she was amazing. She has such a beautiful voice and was really endearing between songs, with such a sweet positive personality it's hard not to love her. On the way home I knew I wanted to share her with you on here.

Intro to Karima

Karima Francis | MySpace Music Videos

Moco

2010-02-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Moco - Baby When You Die

I can't believe that I haven't mentioned Moco on here before now! I love them and I will be going to see them play on Friday night at The British Legion in Wigan for the opening night of The Roaring Psychedelic Octopus, a new monthly music night. This video is a few years old but I think it's brilliant, although my favorite of their tracks is Twice Bitten Once Shy, check out their myspace to hear it.

Sweet Valentine

2010-02-02T02:35:00.000-08:00

Over on my Love Letters blog, I am running a Valentines message, it's free to take part, I've decided to run it as a promotion for Love letters also it's just a bit of seasonal fun. So please help me spread the word and take part. Your support will mean so much to me. x

Take part here

A Cheap Affair

2010-01-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

Well you might have noticed the new banner at the top right of my blog, if not look now!! Yes I've finally made a move in the right direction of setting up my own business.! Hoorah! Though as I'm not sitting on pots of cash I'm still working the part time job which takes time away from my new venture so the development is slow, but I have hope and things are coming together. So my first appearance will be next Sunday (7th) at A Cheap Affair held at Islington Mill, Salford

Monday Music #18

2010-01-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!
Sorry I know that is really late, just been crazy busy! But to make up for it I'm posting two videos today, granted they are both the same band, but I love love love them! The Avett Brothers.

'I And Love And You'

'Murder In The City'

nice while it lasted.

2009-12-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well it hasn't snowed since Christmas day and that was only for about 10 minutes. The snow is disappearing from the ground and that what remains has now turned into a horrible black slush so thought I would share with you these pics that my boy took round our place when it was pretty snow!

Merry Christmas.

2009-12-25T01:40:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, and hope Santa brought you all everything you were wishing for. Merry Christmas. x

Snow snow snow..

2009-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Well I had been waiting so long for the snow and when it arrived this week I was so giddy with excitement little did I know how much it would affect my plans, firstly we were supposed to be going to a gig on Friday night held at The Whitworth Gallery with performances by Kathryn Edwards, Samson and Delilah and Butler Williams I had been looking forward to it all day, but the afternoon turned into one of them days where you lose control of time and then the snow was causing huge problems on the roads so we ending up not going as we were running seriously late and would of missed most of it, I was so gutted as I really wanted to see them all play. Though I guess the silver lining was that I was then able to go and see Where The Wild Things Are! It is the most beautiful film, the story is so sweet, the cinematography is stunning and the characters are brilliant. A real treat.
The second snow disruption was on Sunday when we decided to go to the farmers market to get some Christmas treats, it took us 30 minutes to get to the end of our road which normally takes about 2 mins. We soon realized it was a bad idea and decided to turn back taking us a full hour from leaving the house to getting back home, a round trip that normally takes about 10 mins. Just as we got home it started thundering and lightning which in all my life I have never experienced with snow.

This is my backdoor with a non wreath shaped wreath that my mum made for me, there is one on the front door too but the battery ran out on the camera before I had chance to take a picture.

Monday Music #17

2009-12-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

Arcade Fire - Wake Up

I have picked this track by Arcade Fire this week as I can't hear it without thinking of Where The Wild Things Are. I have been looking forward to this film coming out for so long but still have not had the chance to go to see it yet, but am really hoping to go this week. (even though my mum is still waiting for me to take her to see New Moon.)

TK MAXX FTW!

2009-12-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

We have been really late this year with our Christmas shopping but finally made a start at the weekend, I've been on the look out for some nice gift wrap but have been really disappointed with everything in the shops... until I came across these in TK MAXX. I knew I had to get them. My favourite is the blue one as I think it has a really vintage look, the label said V&A for Penny Kennedy so the print could well of been pulled from the archives.

Monday Music #16

2009-12-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

The Watson Twins - Only You

I have been listening to The Watson Twins a lot lately, so was thrilled when I came across this track recorded for Sun Studio Sessions. I think it's so lovely.

I have been busy working on some stuff that I'm still unsure whether to reveal yet but I'm overdue a non music post so I may post something on it later this week. We also put the Christmas decorations up this week so might take some pics to show you too, (cos I know your really interested!)

For Miss Faye.

2009-11-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

I know! I am so rubbish! I've not got round to a Monday music post this week so to make up for it here is the new Chanel advert, which is beautiful and I know my friend Faye will love it (Might be because she is a little obsessed with the leading lady!)

Monday Music #15

2009-11-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

St. Vincent - Jesus Saves, I Spend

Last Wednesday me and my boy went to see Grizzly Bear play in Manchester Cathedral, I was really looking forward to the gig as I thought it would be a really special gig, sat on the pews listening to their beautiful music but the pews had been removed as the Cathedral is having work done and half of it was covered in scaffolding so the view was a bit restricted but they still sounded great. Another issue I had was the consumption of alcohol in the cathedral, it just didn't seem right, but thats just my opinion, but what really did get my goat was when people were chucking empty cans and bottles onto the floor it just seemed so disrespectful. OK grumble over with! St Vincent was the support act and she was great so I knew when I was listening to her play that I should share her here with you today.

Monday Music #14

2009-11-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

Kate Walsh - Gather My Strength

This is such a lovely song, she has a really sweet beautiful voice and the video is lush. Check out more of her music here.

Zombie Aid 2

2009-11-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we took part in the Zombie Aid helping to raise money for various charities mainly Christies Hospice. We had a brilliant time and the event had a great turnout. My boy has blogged about it in more detail with more pictures if you want to check it out.

Monday Music #13

2009-10-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons

Love it!

Great Northen Contemporary Craft Fair 2009

2009-10-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

On Friday me and the boy went along to Spinningfields in Manchester to visit the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. I was so impressed with the amount of talent and wanted to share some of my favourites with you.

Louise Gardiner

This was my absolute favorite piece from the whole show it was stunning, so much work had gone into it, the use of colour and stitch was amazing check out her website to view more of her beautiful work.

Hannah Nunn

I love Hannah Nunn's paper cut lighting with images inspired by nature, she also runs Radiance a beautiful lighting shop in Hebden Bridge which also sells lovely handmade gifts by a variety of talented designer/makers. You can also catch up with Hannah on her blog.

Linzi Ramsden

Linzi Ramsden makes beautiful ceramic vessels, each individually handcrafted and inspired by natural forms. Her pieces look stunning alone or used in groups, different vessels can sit together as they are shaped so that they fit together side by side. You can visit her Studio at Manchester Craft & Design Centre.

Elie Evans

Ellie Evans uses the traditional craft of hand embroidery in particular cross stitch mixing it with digital print to give a contemporary look, making gorgeous items such as pin cushions, badges and purses. She also takes commissions to make beautiful artifact keepsakes.

Ruth Green

Ruth Green produces lovely hand screen printed images, using flat colour and pattern detail to create stylized whimsical birds, foxes and fruit.

Elaine Hughes

Elaine Hughes uses fabric and vintage ephemera to make one off collages which she then stitches and draws into making quirky scenes playing with humor and language.

As I said there was a lot of talent there, these I have mentioned are just my personal favorites but you can visit the GNCCF website to view the full exhibitor list.

Monday Music #12

2009-10-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

March Of The Dawn - The Mummers

I was undecided on what I was going to pick today but then I thought of this track which I love. Whilst looking for the video I was saddened to see the news that band member Mark Horwood tragically died last month, so I want to post this for him, may he rest in peace and my thoughts go out to the rest of the band and his family.

Champion.

2009-10-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations JB And all at Brawn GP.

Jenson Button - F1 World Champion 2009

Honest Scraps

2009-10-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

I was tagged a while ago by Hannah Nunn to compile a list of 10 truths about myself, so with the internet now fixed (hopefully) I will be able to write the post without fear of losing connection mid post. So here goes, a few things that I will share with you. (only a few mind, cos a girl has to have some secrets.)

1. I live in Bolton, just on the edge of the West Pennine moors and on an energetic day you can walk to the top of Winter Hill from our house. Me and my boy have lived in our house almost five years now. Its a Victorian terrace that was built in 1847 and I love it.

2. I love going for walks. We used to drive out to a nearby reservoir which we would walk round always taking time to stop for a cuddle on the same bench halfway round, it became our bench, even more so when my boy picked the bench as the location to ask me to marry him. I said yes.
We now have a new walk though as we stumbled across a secret path which we could walk to from our home which is nice being able to take a walk without the use of the car. My favourite time of day for a walk is late afternoon when the sun is low and it breaks through the trees giving the woods an ethereal glow.

3. I love music and the line up for my dream gig would consist of the following lovely people.
Elbow
Kathryn Edwards
Jake Flowers
Liam Frost

4. I collect Kidrobot Dunnys.

5. I currently have a part time Mcjob, as in the Coupland (1991) reference not the fast food place. But it does begin with M and requires me to wear a lovely (read hideous) uniform. I have worked there throughout my education and as I graduated into a credit crisis, job vacancies have been very slim pickings indeed. It has been difficult trying to move forward into some kind of career path, whilst at University I was set on getting a job as a studio designer, even completing a few placements that confirmed my desire to follow that path, but on graduating the lack of vacancies and the catch 22 of employers wanting you to have experience but not giving you the opportunity to get that experience meant I had to rethink my future plans. I have now decided to take the designer/maker route and am focused on starting my own business. I am currently making stock and putting a brand together which I hope to launch very soon. As new businesses rarely make any money in the first year or so, I'm gonna have to stick it out in the Mcjob a while longer.

6. I dream of eventually having my own shop with an onsite workshop/studio. Hopefully if I can make my business work then one day this may come true.

7. I really really want a dog. I would love a French bull dog or a Boston terrier, but as my boy has asthma which can be brought on by animals I don't think this ones going to happen.

8. I dream of living in the country and keeping chickens and growing my own vegetables.

9. I have never had the fairy princess dream when thinking about my wedding day, not even as a little girl but I did have a vision of my perfect wedding day, it involved a little stone church in the country surrounded by trees and fields near a lake or stream with a marquee reception. When we found the Inn at Whitewell it was exactly what I was picturing in my head. It is the most beautiful place with a little stone church right next door with a river that runs across the back. I'm really looking forward to marrying my best-friend and love of my life there next year.
I will post wedding stuff on here closer to the time, there will be a lot to see as I will be doing the stationery and favors myself and also I will be making the bridesmaid dresses.... gulp.

10. So thats a few truths about me. I think the biggest truth/confession is that I am a bit of a dreamer and am always lusting after what I can't have, although I think it is so important to have dreams, they give you something to work towards. I just have to remember to take the time to sit on the bench now and again and appreciate what I have got in the present.

The rules of this game was to list my 10 truths tag back to the person who tagged me Hannah then I have to tag 10 other people to play. So this is my list of 10 people to play. No pressure though! only play if you want to. x
The Holly Blue Card Company
Faye Power
Sea Angels
Trashy Princess
Dubmissile
Dolly Cool Clare
Katie L Woods
You Can Call Me Al
Secrets of A Butterfly
Laura Baillie

A drop of golden sun.

2009-10-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

I found this video through the blog of wedding photographer Lisa Aldersley and had to share it with you. I challenge you to watch it to the end without smiling.

Monday Music #11

2009-10-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

Boyce Avenue - Sean Kingston/Beautiful Girl (Cover)

This post is a bit late on a number of levels firstly its Tuesday, second I have missed a few Monday music posts and lastly it has been a couple of weeks since I went to see this artist. One of the things I love when going to a gig is when the artist does a cover but plays the song in their own way making the song sound completely different. Over summer we took a trip to the beach and my friend was playing this CD in the car, I didn't know the artist but I knew I had heard the songs before, he told me it was Boyce Avenue. So later on I did what I always do when I come across new music I checked them out on myspace to find out a bit more. I noticed that they were doing a UK tour so I told my friends as I knew they loved them, and they went and treated us to tickets. erm.. I wasn't too sure about it as as much as I liked what I heard in the car, it wasn't necessarily music I would go out and buy, but I had a great night and really enjoyed their music. I also really enjoyed the support act Dan Smith.
If you visit the Boyce Avenue You Tube page you can see loads of their videos of covers and also some of their own stuff. I picked this track because I really hate the original but love this version.
Again apologies for being so rubbish on the post front, I have a few lined up, I've just not got round to writing them yet, also Hannah if you have stopped by then I promise to write my list of 10 things soon..... no really I will.... I'm so bad!

Monday Music #10

2009-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

John Smith - Watch Her Die

John Smith - 'Watch Her Die' (3 of 4) from Sam Meech on Vimeo.

Last Thursday me and miss Faye went to watch the amazing Jake Flowers who was supporting John Smith. I'd not seen or heard John Smith play before, but he truly blew me away. (I also hadn't noticed on the night how much he looks like Murray from Flight Of The Conchords!) This video is a track from his new album 'Map or Direction'

lovely new people for you to meet.

2009-09-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Me and the boy enjoyed our day at Islington Mill standing in for Tricia, there where some talented people selling their wares.

The fair was put on by Cheap Magazine run by Tommy Eugene Higson and Niki Marie Jackson. you can buy the zine here.

Clare Dutton runs Dolly Cool Jewellery she designs and makes all the jewellery herself. You can also catch up with Clare on her blog.

I love this stag jumper by Raeside

I also love this stag necklace by Sunday Girl Accessories

Elle Teague draws the most adorable characters and applies them to various products which you can buy here. Elle is also involved in brand new zine Feral which is a showcase for talented creatives including illustration and photography and can be bought here.

A Cheap Affair

2009-09-25T12:53:00.001-07:00

Apologies for my absence, but we have been having serious internet connection problems so I have not been able to get online for more than 5 minutes without it losing signal. But I just wanted to write a quick post about the craft fair I will be at tomorrow.
I'm standing in for the lovely Tricia on the Holly Blue stall at the Cheap Affair craft fair run by Cheap Zine and will be held at Islington Mill in Salford, Manchester. If your in the area please come and say hello.

Monday Music #9

2009-09-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Noah and the Whale - Blue Skies

The video for this track doubles as the trailer for the film 'First Days of Spring' that accompanies their album of the same name. I haven't seen the film yet so I can't comment on it, but what I have heard from the album, and from what you can see in this trailer I can imagine it is going to be something special. The cinematography looks beautiful and I really want to learn more about the characters seen in the trailer, especially the fella with the goggles.

Cant wait for this!

2009-09-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Monday Music #8 (Bank holiday double)

2009-08-31T04:38:00.000-07:00

Being bank holiday monday today in the UK, I thought I would treat you to two tracks, another reason being I couldn't decide between these two, this first one has been stuck in my head all week its Dominos by The Big Pink

My second pick is Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap I've been hearing this everywhere and didn't know what it was till yesterday.

Chrissie White

2009-08-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

I came across Chrissie White through Kat's blog who found her through daydream lily's blog. I love that about blogs your always being introduced to somebody or something new. I love love love Chrissie's work, her style captures different elements I love about about some of my favourite photographers, she has the movement of Elaine Constantine, the gorgeous lighting of Corrine Day and the prop styling of Tim Walker yet still retains her own personal style. Truly beautiful. Would love her to do the wedding photos.

I love this picture below. I have the same problem every morning when Im choosing what to wear.

Another thing I love about blogs is finding new blogs through either a post mention or from reading peoples blog lists. Another thank you to Kat for sharing Daydream lily, a really beautiful blog through which I discovered Bloglovin. It's amazing! If you haven't heard of it before check it out it really is fantastic, in a nutshell you sign up and then add all your favourite blogs and any new posts will be updated to your profile so you can read them all in one place in one window, without having to individually check all the blogs you read for new updates. brilliant. You can also add your own blog, I have so if you sign up please follow me, then let me know so I can follow you back.

Monday(ish) Music #7

2009-08-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

If you ever get famous - The Duke And The King

I first heard this on BBC 6 last month, and by the end of the song (actually pretty much after it started if I'm honest) I was completely hooked. Simone Felice has a really beautiful voice and you can hear more here.

Monday Music #6

2009-08-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Drumming song - Florence And The Machine

I know it has only been a couple of weeks since I picked Florence for a Monday Music post, but when I found out that she was releasing this track I got really excited and couldn't resist. We still have 'Lungs' playing on loop in the car and we are still loving it. Rabbit Heart was my favourite track probably as it had the most airplay so I knew it before I got the CD but from constantly listening to the album this track just seemed to stick out for me. I love it. The videos awesome too. She's a firecracker, and I do love a group dance routine.

Blooming lovely.

2009-08-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I bought my friend an orchid and when at her home a few months later she said she felt guilty because it had died and I had done so well keeping mine. I have always kept orchids but sadly mine died too after flowering but as I kept buying them, when my friend came round she had thought that it was the same one and that I was doing really well looking after it, I hadn't mislead her on purpose I did tell her the truth when she mentioned it. But the above picture is one of two orchids that I have managed to bring back to flower. The secret? Its all in the pot! When you buy orchids they are usually sold in a ceramic pot, but my mum had seen somewhere that they need to be kept in a clear pot as its the roots that need the sunlight, so when the two orchids I had lost their flowers I repotted them in clear pots and put them on the kitchen window ledge on saucers which I kept topped up with water, and now they are in full bloom! lovely. Im going to repot them in a larger pot every time they lose their flowers to see if I can make them into huge impressive plants! Not sure if thats how it works, any orchid experts out there feel free to leave a comment with your growing tips.

Music Mondays #5

2009-08-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Shift - Grizzly Bear

I was only introduced to Grizzly Bear a couple of months ago by my friends boyfriend, he knew I would like them, and he was right! They have a lovely dreamy sound. Im not sure if this was actually recorded as the video for the track but its so beautiful and the video for their last track Two Weeks really scares me so I decided against putting that one up. Me and the boy are going to their concert later this year and it's at Manchester Cathedral so I'm thinking it's going to be amazing.

I'm sorry that my blog seems to be so musically orientated of late, I am hoping to do a regular post on Wednesday. I was going to do one today but I've been feeling a bit poorly but had to do this one being music Monday and all.

Music Mondays #4

2009-08-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sparks - Liam Frost

On Friday night me and the boy were lucky enough to get into a special gig at Manchester museum (Thank you Kathryn)
The event was limited to 150 tickets and quickly sold out. Acoustic sets were performed by Kathryn Edwards, Liam Frost and Jamie Scott. Kathryn gave her usual stunning performance and I also enjoyed the accompaniment by her boyfriend Chris from Butler Williams, It was Kathryn we had gone to see but we also really enjoyed hearing Liam Frost, so I decided to pick Liam for my Monday music. I could only find one actual video for him; Mourners of St Pauls, which is a lovely video and one of my favourite of his songs but on hearing his acoustic of Sparks I went with that. Liam has an amazing voice, and I love how his accent comes through when he sings, this is also something I love about Kathryn's voice. Liam also has a new single and album out in September, so be sure to check him out!

Music Mondays #3

2009-07-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Heart by Florence And The Machine.
I have picked Florence this week as I wanted to congratulate her for being nominated for this years Mercury music prize, 'Lungs' is an amazing album, its so emotional and theatrical. Every track is a winner but this is my favourite and since I got the album its not been off the car stereo and Im still not ready to change it. Good Luck Florence. x

Blackburn Arts Market

2009-07-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I helped the lovely Tricia from The Holly Blue Card Company on her stall at Blackburn's first Arts Market held inside the regular market building amongst the regular traders. There was some lovely items for sale from various sellers, so I wanted to share my purchases with you,

Being a sucker for birds I could not resist this decoration from Trashy Princess

It was love at first sight when I saw this guy in his flowery waistcoat made by designer/maker Jane Dennerly

Buttons and Bobbins is a collective of four lovely girls who make adorable accessories, and would you know it, they had a bird!

Music Monday #2

2009-07-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

This weeks choice is 'People Got A Whole Lotta Nerve' by Neko Case.
How lovely is the video!

Hebden Bridge

2009-07-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Me and the boy took a drive out today to Hebden Bridge to catch the final day of the Kate Lycett exhibition at The Calder Gallery I fell in love with Kate's paintings a couple of years ago but had only ever seen them online, so to see them up close today was a real treat. They are so special I hadn't noticed when viewing them online that the gold colour is actually gold leaf and there is stitched lines of metallic thread running throughout each painting. They truly are beautiful which probably explains why every painting in the exhibition sold on the preview night, the gallery owner told us today there was a mass panic on the night with people wanting to buy them. At just under £700 each they are out of my budget but I have started saving the £140 for a print which are just as special as the prints have also been treated with the gold leaf and embroidery.

There was so many lovely shops today I could of spent a fortune but as we are supposed to be saving I had to be good but could not resist buying some soaps from the gorgeous The Yorkshire Soap Company.

The soaps on sale were wonderful and all handmade by the owner, really beautifully presented and the cake soap was such a fantastic idea, they really did look good enough to eat.

Other shops that I loved today were Heart Gallery which had a great selection of independent designers. Clothing boutique Sage and Onion had some beautiful clothes especially those by label Nümph in particular these two dresses.

One shop that I could of got carried away in was Radiance Lighting owned by Hannah Nunn who makes these beautiful paper cut lampshades

Hannah also keeps a blog and her work can also be seen at Platform Gallery in Clitheroe, in the exhibition 'Botanic Garden.' Ive not been to see it yet but will write a post as soon as I have, The exhibition runs till Aug 22nd.

Today I only bought some lovely cards by Lush Designs from Radiance but these bird fairy lights by designer Joanna Coupland are top of my Christmas wish list.

Another shop we visited was florist The Willow Garden, it had to be the most beautiful florists I have ever seen with the most stunning arrangements.
We really enjoyed our day in Hebden Bridge and highly recommend it for a day out but before you go a few of the gallerys are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and you really don't want to miss seeing them.

Laura Baillie Designs

2009-07-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

How beautiful is this jewellery? It may be my bird obsession creeping in but I adore these pieces. They are designed and made by Laura Baillie and you can view more of her gorgeous jewellery here
You can also catch up with Laura and get sneaky peeks of her new designs on her blog.

Music Mondays

2009-07-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

As I may have mentioned on many previous posts my love for a certain Manchester band, I didn't want you all to think I was a bit obsessed, So I have decided to share with you some other music that I like. I thought it might be nice to make this a regular feature of my blog called 'Music Mondays' (yeah I know, took ages to think that one up!) So every Monday I am going to post up a music video (courtesy of You Tube) of what I've been listening to. It would be great if anybody else fancies getting involved in Music Mondays by posting a video on their own blog of what they have been listening to. I love hearing what other people like and it is a great way of discovering new music.

This week's choice is 'French Navy' by Camera Obscura

(Don't worry Elbow I still love you)

One night like this.

2009-07-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last night me and the boy made our way to Castlefield to watch the live relay of the Elbow/Halle concert. I had been stressing out all day worrying in case we got there and couldn't get in, as it was on a first come basis and they were going to close the gates when it reached capacity, I wasn't sure what that was going to be for this event (turned out to be about 5000 in attendance) Gates opened at 6pm, I think we got there for about 6:10 but we were in! Walking down the steps it was already heaving with nowhere to sit so we took our blanket and made camp on the floor in front of the steps. only 1 and half hours to wait. I had my flask of gin and the sun was blazing so I was set.

As much as I wanted tickets for the Bridgewater I can honestly say I think I had the best experience being outside at castlefield, the atmosphere was amazing, everyone was getting along and there was no trouble. There were two moments of crowd unity that I think will become treasured memories for many, firstly was a train stopping on the viaduct for a signal change and the driver coming to his open window and looking out and the whole crowd instantly cheering and waving at him, I don't think he realised at first that it was for him but when he did he punched the air and started waving back, so funny. The camera filming the event zoomed in on him and he was on the big screen gaining himself another huge cheer from the crowd. There is a video that captured this on Manchester Confidential well worth a viewing. The second was the closing song 'One Day Like This' Everybody still on their feet after a standing ovation, arms in the air, singing back all the words. A really beautiful moment.

Guy Garvey also made his way from The Bridgewater Hall down to Castlefield during the interval to sing his collaborative song 'Murder of Birds' with Jesca Hoop'.

I think the fact that Elbow put on the free live relay, shows that they are about the music and not the money. And that Guy would come down to perform during his break shows that he really cares about the fans. Elbow truly are an amazing band, their music is so wonderful and they deserve all the acclaim they have received lately, I don't mean to gush but I really can't help it I love them and can't wait to see them in September for their homecoming gig. If you are reading this in the US they are doing some gigs over there throughout July and August so catch them if you can, you will become a fan for life, trust me you won't be able to help it their music is intoxicating. I really am going to have to stop now.

What a lovely Guy.

2009-07-07T10:56:00.001-07:00

Last night me and the boy went to Manchester for an 'Audience with Guy Garvey' (don't know if I've mentioned my love for elbow before.) It was part of the Manchester International festival and leads up to their concerts with the Halle at Bridgewater Hall this week. I wasn't lucky enough to get tickets so I will be heading to Castlefield on thursday for the live relay.

Another lovely day.

2009-06-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Today me and the boy went to view the MMU degree show, I'm always blown away with the quality and quantity of work that the students there produce, its immense. My favourite from the show was the work of Katie Money who had produced some interactive wallpapers which have been created by hand using plain white paper which has been paper cut and layered creating magical village scenes, on one of the panels she had placed fairy lights behind the houses to illuminate the windows. absolutely stunning!
We then had a lovely lunch at Trof along with a refreshing shandy, Really enjoyed that as it was sooo hot today! My boy then treated me to some new vinyl toys from Richard Goodall I was so happy when I opened the Heroes and Heartbreakers box and got 'The Cap n' I've wanted him for ages! (you buy them blind-boxed so you don't know what you've got until you open the box)

I was also really excited to see that Kidrobot have launched a Tara McPherson vinyl toy range. McPherson's work is currently on show at the gallery and you can also buy her new book 'lost constellations'.

We then went to the craft centre and found a jeweller to make our wedding bands so thats another task to knock of the to do list. There was also a couple of studios available, I would really love to apply for one but it is just not financially viable for me to do so at the moment, but the idea has really made me think about it seriously and has given me something to aim for.
I think this post must have the most links ever but Im going to have to stop there as I am going to go make a cup of tea before the new series of Ugly Betty starts! Can't wait! Also big thanks to the boy for another lovely day. xx

University of Bolton Degree Show.

2009-06-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

For the previous month I have been working at my old university as a technician, it has only been a temporary role, just helping out whilst its been busy in the run up to the degree show. I have really enjoyed my time there working with the students and staff and would love to have stayed in a more permanent position, but sadly the powers that be said no due to a lack of funding. Hopefully something may turn up in the future. Anyhoo I just wanted to share some pics of the students work taken at the degree show. They really are very talented and collectively produced an excellent show. They will also be showing at this years New Designers so if your going pop along to the stand and say hello.

Danielle

Charlotte

Beth

Amina

Afshin

Zahra

Sarah

Ronzz

Natalie

Laura

Zarqa

Kathryn Edwards

2009-06-20T02:31:00.001-07:00

Last night me and the lovely Tricia went to the launch of Kathryn Edwards new ep 'Play A Game' held at the fantastic vintage fashion boutique Rags To Bitches I think it was the perfect choice of venue for her launch. Kathryn has the most amazing voice and performed a beautiful set last night. Below is the video for 'Play A Game'. Wonderful.

Kathryn is also a talented illustrator/textile artist and you can see her work here.

A restful afternoon.

2009-06-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we joined the masses and made our way to Formby beach to enjoy the sunshine, it was soooo busy but we had a great time. Was so lovely to enjoy a rare bit of sun. On the way home we drove past Southport Botanic Gardens, the gates were locked but I was intrigued so me and the boy went for a drive yesterday to have a look. We set up camp under a tree next to the boat lake (serious lack of boats) It was lovely lying under the tree with the sun shining through the branches, I read my book and ate some strawberries while the boy had a sleep (I call him the boy but hes actually at the age where he easily nods off).

When we came home I was watering the plants, nothing in bloom yet only had one head on my magnolia this year and that's now gone. Ive just put up the hanging baskets my mum has made for me so waiting for them to flower and making sure that I water them daily especially in the heat we have enjoyed this week. When watering the bed on the back wall I noticed something purple behind the enormous mass that is the Budliea, which is slowly taking over the whole back space, on further inspection they were two clematis heads that had bloomed, I didn't even know it was there. They seemed to have thrived on neglect. I decided to cut them and put them in a jar in the house, I don't know how long they will last but as you couldn't really see them behind the Budliea I thought why not!

The horse was in a field we passed on a walk and I thought he looked so lovely with the buttercups.

More beautiful birds.

2009-06-03T03:45:00.000-07:00

Feels like Ive not been here for a while! I have been doing a few days a week at my old university helping out while they have been busy with the degree show coming up, I have mainly been printing of panels of wallpaper designs on the Epsom 7800. The quality of work from this year is amazing, a very talented bunch and if anyone reading this will be going to New Designers this year head on over to The University of Bolton stand and check them out, I'm sure you will be impressed. Also another congratulations to Zarqa Batool who won the Premiere Vision prize, that's two years running now for the University of Bolton with a previous win last year by Kay Haskins.
Because I was printing wallpaper panels I had to stay with the printer and keep rolling them up at the bottom as they were coming off, so to pass the time while I was waiting I caught up with some blog reading in particular Creature Comforts

I only came across this blog a few months ago, but since finding it I have visited it everyday and it quickly became one of my favourite blogs. The blog has a fantastic blog list and regularly features new designers, makers, illustrators and photographers.
When reading blogs at home, there is always a guilty feeling in the back of my mind that I should be doing something more productive so being able to spend some time reading through all the old posts knowing that I had to stay near the Mac and printer was a refreshing guilt free experience, and I filled my notebook with many lists of new blogs and inspiring sites. I have especially fallen in love with yet another bird artist Geninne Zlatkis

Her blog was featured on Creature Comforts and from that link I fell in love with her beautiful paintings, I have never been successful in using watercolour paints so I was so impressed with Geninne's use of the medium. As well as birds there are some beautiful fish paintings on her blog, the patterns and textures created in her work are truly amazing.

Come pay day I will be treating myself to this bird poster from her Etsy shop

Lucy Grossmith

2009-05-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lucy Grossmith is an artist/ illustrator who paints the most beautiful paintings featuring scenes of country life and nature. I discovered her work in the June issue of Country Living magazine and fell in love at first sight and will certainly be making a purchase very soon, unless my darling boy you are reading this and want to treat your favourite girl. xx

Ragz

2009-05-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

A bit behind with this post, Ragz was the other support act at the Priscilla Ahn gig last week. Her voice just blew me away so gentle but powerful at the same time.

Jake Flowers

2009-05-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is the video for the new release Small World by Jake Flowers. Jake was one of the support acts at the Priscilla Ahn gig this week and he performed a brilliant set. It was the first time I heard of him but I have not stopped listening to him since. I have found his music captivating and I can't wait to catch him play next. lovely.

Surprise Swap.

2009-05-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that my friend Kay is organizing a surprise swap, visit Trashy Princess for the details.

Priscilla Ahn

2009-05-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for tomorrow, me and the boy are going to see Priscilla Ahn at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester, she has such a beautiful voice I am really excited, we haven't been to a gig for a while so should be a good night.

On your doorstep.

2009-05-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

I made a little resolution with myself that I would try and fit at least one walk in every weekend in my regime to get fit but as it has rained everyday this weekend we haven't been out. Today I got to thinking that I was being a bit pathetic by not going out in the rain, and as today is a bank holiday I thought it is still kind of the weekend so I braved the rain and dragged the boy out for a stroll.

We decided to take a new route for our walk as a few days ago on our way home in the car we took an impromptu turn down a road we had never been down before and passed a little gate that we could see led to a path through trees and a bridge over a stream, so we said next walk we would explore it.... So today that is where we went, we were not sure exactly where it would take us but I am so glad we did as it was so beautiful. It was lush green everywhere and as you walked along the path kept opening up into these amazing clearings where the trees where in perfect circles around the edge, we followed the stream crossing various bridges.

The path eventually came out at the children's farm were we sometimes go for ice cream. On the path back we passed one of the farm fields and saw some deers so cute but a little camera shy.

I am so glad we decided to brave the rain and explore the new path, it was so refreshing walking in the rain as all the colours seemed brighter and the air fresher. I think we will be sticking to this new walk in future. It is amazing what is on your doorstep that you never knew was there, I guess sometimes you just have to step off your regular path and explore the unknown.

Naughty Oilily

2009-04-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

I have always loved Oilily, first falling in love with their use of colour and pattern and above all 'originality' so was soooooo disappointed to read on you thought we wouldn't notice that they have ripped of independent Portuguese designer Rosa Pomar with this doll.

image taken fom www.youthoughtwewouldntnotice.com

Rosa Pomar makes the most beautiful dolls which have a very distinctive style. Oilily have used the same detailing as Rosa for example the flower eyes, the same stitch line for the nose and mouth and they have put the label on the same leg and area as Rosa's dolls. It is so hard for an independent designer to stand up against the big companies so please support Rosa by spreading the word and join the fight to stop Oilily selling the doll. The pictures below are Rosa Pomar's dolls taken from her flickr site, you can definitely see she has a case.

The Crane Chandelier Project

2009-04-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

This guy came in the post this week. Being a bit wedding orientated at the moment I have been checking out a lot of the wedding sites and blogs (the majority of which seem to be American!) They are really inspiring full of lovely images. On reading about The Crane Chandelier Project on The Wedding Co website, I wanted to get involved, so I registered. I was unsure whether I would hear anything as the project is based in Canada, but the project really is worldwide.
It is an old Japanese tradition to have 1000 paper cranes at a wedding, traditionally made by the bride and groom together for the wedding it is believed that the time and effort it takes to make the paper cranes symbolizes the patience and trust that makes a successful and happy marriage.
The Wedding Co are hoping to collect 5000 cranes to make a chandelier which 'will be a visual and spiritual unification of many couples around the world, each crane symbolizing one couple about to take flight.' The completed chandelier will be on show at The Wedding Show in 2010 in Toronto, Canada. You can either register for them to send you a ready made crane or you can make your own and send it in. The couple have to sign the crane along with the wedding date and venue, then return it to The Wedding Co.
The Wedding Co will also donate 50 cents to Cancer Research for every crane received. So please sign up as it is a lovely way to raise some money for a worthy cause.

Coriandr

2009-04-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

If anyone from the UK was unsure about the dollar thing on etsy you can now buy my (and many other lovely sellers) items from Coriandr It is another market place for independent designer makers to sell their wares, but it is based in blighty and uses the good old English pound for currency. Any sellers who are looking to sign up to one of these market places I highly recommend Coriandr as it is easy to set up but I think the best thing about it is that once you have listed your item it stays up until it sells as there is no expiry on your listings. Awesome.
(p.s notice my items on the new sellers box.)

This week I have been.......

2009-04-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Spending a lot of my time crocheting. I have always wanted to learn crochet, even more so when I discovered posy's blog and read about the lovely things she makes. So I started to learn in the new year and have slowly been making these squares to make myself a blanket. I have just been making them and adding them to the pile so decided to start laying them out into some kind of pattern, I don't know how long it will take me to finish it but I will post a picture of the finished blanket when it is complete. I am being really strict with myself as I have seen a few things I want to make but really want to finish this first.

Yesterday we went for a walk up White Coppice which was beautiful and the weather was gorgeous. It was really funny as our friend Barry was just telling us about his sister who when last there was chased by a sheep, then out of nowhere this ram came running towards us down the hill then started to chase us! We finally got away from it, but about 20 minutes later it found us again, we had to cross the river to get away from it, sooooooooo funny.

This afternoon I did something really scary, My University lecturer asked me if I would go in to speak to the students. When I was a student there we had to write a research report on anything business related, I wrote mine on the use of the internet for self promotion and selling, in particular blogging and online markets such as Etsy. Im not much of a public speaker so was a bit nervous but they were all really nice and hopefully I didn't bore them too much. Hopefully some of them will set up their own blogs for us to read, and from what I remember of their work when I was there last year I look forward to reading them as they are a really talented bunch. I also want to say congratulations to four of the students; Zarqa Batool, Natalie Berry, Afshin Tamadon and Danielle Wood who all received awards in this years Bradford Textiles Society Competition.

Old Work.

2009-04-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

My University lecturer has been in touch this week and asked to borrow some work. I've not really been back to my Uni work since graduating last summer so it was a bit strange looking at it with fresh eyes. The majority of it I'm not happy with and wish I had done the work differently. The images below are from a range of Christmas designs I did whilst on placement with Hallmark cards during my second year. I was selected to do the 2 week placement following a live brief they set the class. I really enjoyed my time at Hallmark and am happy with the designs I produced for them, I also got good feedback from them too which was nice.

Etsy Shop

2009-04-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

Also just wanted to mention my Etsy shop is now open Strawberry Magpie There is just some paintings at the moment but will soon be adding the posie brooches I featured in a previous post and I am currently working on some bags. I will also be selling cushions, peg bags, notebooks, bookmarks, pin badges and bunting in the near future. Hope you enjoy and if you are signed up to Etsy please add me as a favourite. Thanks.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T03:40:00.000-07:00

Just Wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. It is a beautiful day today so we are going to go for a walk later with friends then have some lovely food, and lots of chocolate! I gave up for lent so am really looking forward to that first piece! The pictures are of the trees over our gate, and every year I mean to photograph them when they are in blossom but never do, so when the sun was shining yesterday and it was a bright blue sky I took these pictures. I just wish you could smell them, every time I walk under them coming through the gate, the scent is just heavenly.

Artists and Illustrators.

2009-04-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

I got this book for my birthday and have been meaning to blog about it ever since but never got round to it. I have only just started reading it so don't really feel able to comment about its literary content although I am thoroughly enjoying it. I did want to mention the illustrator Marta Munoz her drawings are so sweet and dreamy. Her illustrations can be seen through-out the book often creeping onto the edge of a page, but I think that they really make the book something special.

I also noticed this packet of oats whilst in the supermarket and just had to buy them. I don't know if it is the work of Angie Lewin but if not, the style is very similar.

Happy Birthday

2009-04-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my darling friend Tricia, I painted the picture above for her as part of her birthday present. We went for a Chinese Buffet in Manchester last night, I am so rubbish at buffets as I am always full after one plate so never really get all I can for my money. was nice though and it was lovely to catch up with some people I haven't seen for years. I am getting out a bit this week as I am also out tonight, we are going to an exhibition opening at the Waterside Art Centre in Sale. Its called Almost There and is the work of Joe Simpson, the work comprises of twelve paintings based on one mans road trip and each painting has a track to listen to whilst viewing the painting. Simpson collaborated with twelve different musical artists to each create a track for one of the paintings, one artist being Kathryn Edwards she is the most amazing singer/songwriter and I really can't understand how she is not being played on the radio to the masses yet. I do believe her day will come though, I have been fortunate to see Kathryn play live a few times and am always amazed how the softly spoken girl can silence the room as soon as she starts to sing. If ever there is an opportunity to see her play, please go you will not be disappointed. I am really looking forward to tonight and now need to go get ready.

Loving this.

2009-04-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

I get so excited when I come home to find a parcel on the doormat especially when I'm not expecting anything. So was overjoyed when I found a little package with my name on it. In it was elbows the seldom seen kid, recorded live at Abbey Road with the BBC orchestra. I first saw this on the BBC red button on sky and fell in love. I knew I had to have it when I found out they were releasing it on DVD/CD box set. It is the only thing that I have been listening to since it arrived. One Day Like This is mine and my boys song, it was already the most romantic, beautiful song I have ever heard, but with the added elements of the orchestra and the choir it just blows me away. So as happy as I am listening to the album I also feel rather gutted as I only found out yesterday about the elbow with Halle concert at Bridgewater Hall and it's now all sold out. I can not express how disappointed I am that I will not see what will be one of the most amazing gigs of all time. I did see them at Delamere forest last year which was amazing and remains to date my favourite gig ever but elbow and the Halle Orchestra! If your reading this and have tickets to go you are in for a treat! (and I hate you.... well not really but I am very jealous!)

Congratulations

2009-03-29T03:54:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to congratulate Brawn GP, especially the beautiful Jenson Button for a truly deserved win. This mornings race was an exciting start to the season and I can't wait for next week. I have previously supported McLaren and Hamilton, with them being a British team and driver but I feel my loyalty is edging slightly to new British team Brawn GP. It is hard not to, I suppose I just feel really inspired by the turn of events, Button and Barrichello faced a future without F1 after Honda pulled out at the end of last season, but then returned with a new team and car to take 1st and 2nd place at the opening race. Awesome! Just shows that everything happens for a reason!
I guess the viewing of future races are going to be fun in our house now with me and the boy potentially cheering for different teams. Although I am still behind McLaren I think my cheers may be a bit louder when the white cars with the flashes of bright green are in view, but then if either (any) team is in front of those two red cars all is good!

image taken from www.brawngp.com without permission (naughty)

My dream dog.

2009-03-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

I have wanted a dog forever, I was brought up in a cats only home so never owned a dog. Me and my boy have had our own house for nearly four years now and still no pets! Not even a goldfish! My dream dog is a Boston Terrier so when I saw these images on Etsy seller Beantown handmade my desire to have my own pooch increased ten fold! How cute is this guy! Im afraid these pictures will not help my case in convincing my boy that we need a dog as he has always said 'we are not getting a dog because you will just make it look ridiculous by dressing it in stupid hats!' But seriously how could he say no to this?

i can read

2009-03-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

I have always found quotes inspiring so was really excited to come across this site i can read, it's a gallery of images of various quotes, sayings and statements that people have uploaded, The images vary from digitally produced type to hand-drawn artwork or photography. There are some that really make you think and some that make you laugh, well worth a visit anyway.

Strawberry Magpie

2009-03-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ok I have made a start, I have signed up to etsy under the name of Strawberry Magpie. There is nothing to see there yet as I have not uploaded the products yet, going to get on to that this week, it just seems a lot to take in in one sitting but at least things are now heading in the right direction. I have also started a Strawberry Magpie blog to document works in progress and finished items that will be going on to etsy. I will be selling various items that I make so expect to see paintings, handbags, brooches, pin badges, cushions and lots more.

Personal Bird Art

2009-03-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

After posting these I remembered about this print I did last year at University for a wallpaper collection featuring birds.

Bird Art

2009-03-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

No I'm not talking Audobon or Tunnicliffe, although they are both great, the art I'm looking at is a bit more contemporary. The first are an etsy find, my boy actually bought them for my birthday but forgot about them till they arrived a week after. They are prints by artist Linda Solovic She makes lovely collages from different patterned papers creating beautiful birds and also flowers.

The second are some postcards by Bird Nerd These are also an etsy find and were my first purchase from the site. Etsy is brilliant for buying art as its affordable and you know that the money is going straight to the artist/maker.

My boy bought me the Linda Solovic prints as a surprise after showing him how great they were on etsy, so my darling boy if your reading this, just a little hint for you I'm in love with these gorgeous creatures from the next two makers.
Firstly Abigail Brown

Abigail Brown
Abigail Brown
Abigail Brown

And also Tamar Mogendorff Gorgeous birdhouses.

Tamar Mogendorff
Tamar Mogendorff

They were robbed!

2009-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Just seen The Brits tonight and can't believe that Duffy beat Elbow to the best album! No disrespect to Duffy, but her album doesn't even come close to The Seldom Seen Kid. This has become my favourite album ever.
So would like to say to Elbow that I think they were the true winners, and should have won all the awards they were nominated for. The best British group award was well deserved. Congratulations! Not sure if it comes across in this post, but I love Elbow!

It all came good in the end.

2009-02-18T13:54:00.001-08:00

Yep! I turned 30 on Saturday. The day didn't really start off too good as in the post was a letter telling me I had not been chosen for the job that I had applied for, guess it wasn't meant to be! There was also a delay in presents from the other half, as he now works for himself he has to rely on getting paid on time and what seems par for the course of working for yourself, was paid late, he still managed to bring me breakfast in bed consisting of strawberries, croissants and sparkling rose. lovely. We went ice skating on Sunday. This was the first time that I have been and I had a great time. I have never laughed so much and only fell once.

I received 3 new charms for my bracelet, the heart was from my Mum and Dad, the wishbone was from my future brother and sister in law. The other half gave me the angel wing last night before we went out for a meal with friends. We went to The Wilton Arms in Bolton, I highly recommend the place, it is under new management and the food is delicious. The food is made using local produce and the manager is really passionate about food and makes you feel really welcome as do all the staff. He also gave me a glass of champagne when he found out it was my birthday. If you are ever in the Bolton area please go you will not be disappointed.

How lovely are these wrapping papers! The other half finally got paid so as well as being able to pay the bills, I was given these presents this morning.

Present one was the mighty book of boosh, we went to see the live show before Christmas. hilarious! Vince Noir is super sexy too!

Have you seen these perfumes from Harajuku Lovers, Gwen Stefanis label. They are so cute. It is at the other end of the perfume spectrum from the Miller Harris perfume I was dropping hints for, but I love the packaging and it smells like sweeties.

I got my first pair of converse when I was about 16 and they were red hi tops which I wore to death. I now have so many pairs in different colours but I have wanted some red low tops for so long but never found any. Luckily my boy found them.

I love notebooks and bags so love these, especially the prints on both of them.
I was also treated to a shopping spree and got lots of lovely things including another pair of converse. I got three new books which I will post about another time. After a shaky start I have really enjoyed my extended birthday, ice skating was great fun and I really enjoyed celebrating my birthday with my wonderful friends.

Crochet progress.

2009-01-28T08:18:00.001-08:00

Well the granny square blanket is coming along slowly, so I would rather wait till there is a bit more to show before I post a picture, so I thought I would share a picture of these crochet flower brooches I have made, they have a cluster of swarovski crystals in the middle which give a lovely twinkle when they catch the light. I am going to make lots of these in various colours and different flower styles and then I am going to try them on etsy.

Putting me to shame!

2009-01-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

It was my future mother in laws birthday today so we went to wish her a happy birthday and whilst there she showed me this cushion which she had made for her textile class. isn't it gorgeous! I immediately put in a request for her to make me one. I can't believe this is one of the first things she has made, she is really finding herself through the things she makes, and its a joy to see how excited she gets when she is talking about her ideas. She also told me about a little craft shop up the road from her home which she said was full of bargins, so we popped in on the way home and and walked out with 10 balls of merino dk for £6! My mum taught me to knit when I was little but I never learnt to crochet and then a few months ago I came across posy blog and was inspired by her posts on crochet to learn, so using my new bargin wool I'm going to make some granny squares to make a cosy blanket. I've also got a bit more news on the dream job front, I've been selected for an interview so fingers crossed.

Its Finally here!

2009-01-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting for this since the beginning of December and was really starting to worry it was never going to arrive, but yesterday it finally arrived. The artist is Audrey Kawasaki and after Alphonse Mucha she is my favourite artist, her girls are so beautiful and enchanting. Her work is so in demand that the limited prints she sells via her website sell out in seconds of going on sale. So when I saw she was doing a timed edition I wasn't going to miss the opportunity of owning a piece of her work. It worked like this, Audrey posted a time and date on her website that the print would go on sale and whoever ordered within that hour was guaranteed a print. The run ended up being 1060 which might of put some collectors off but I'm just pleased that I now own by very own Kawasaki signed print! Hopefully the first of many.

A Fresh Page.

2009-01-07T07:39:00.001-08:00

I used to find a blank page a bit scary, The pressure you felt in making that first mark, The indecision of what you were going to create. Now I get excited by it, there is so much possibility to create anything. That's kind of how I feel in January, its the start of a new year and you can make it what you want, a clean page. I feel excited for my future and instead of making a resolution list of things that I am to stop doing, I have decided to make a list of things I am going to achieve this year.
- Get a job, (hopefully the one mentioned in my previous post).
- Open an Etsy/Folksy shop.
- Enter the Hand and Lock prize and Bradford Textiles competition
- Paint more
- Complete at least one page of a sketchbook on a daily basis.
These are just the ones that Im most focused on there are other more personal ones such as lose weight, etc but I won't bore you with those. Feel free to comment with anything that you are hoping to achieve this year I would love to read them. I do believe that your life is what you make it, you can't sit around waiting for things to happen you have to go out there and make your dreams a reality.
I wish you all a fantastic 2009. Happy New Year. x

Happy New Year.

2009-01-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! A bit belated in putting up these pictures I took whilst on our walk on new years day. It was so cold, but nice being wrapped up and walking in the frost and the cold made the hot chocolate when we got back home even more enjoyable. Last year was a good one for me as I graduated with a first class degree. I left a degree a few years ago due to ill health so for me the decision to go back to university as a mature student was not a light one to make, but then to graduate with a first was a proud moment for me. I am so glad that I went back as the course has given me so much confidence in myself and my work. 2009 is the year I hope to get a job, as many graduates will know its not that easy to leave university and walk straight into a job, especially in todays current climate. This is why I was surprised to see a position advertised for the company I have dreamed of working for since I started at university. so I applied, still waiting to hear, so fingers crossed!

Belated Happy Christmas.

2008-12-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

Well this month seemed to pass in a blur, A bit late with the Christmas post but better late than never! We have had a lovely Christmas with the family coming round for Christmas dinner, spent most of the evening playing on the wii. The cold that I could feel starting on Christmas eve kindly didn't kick in till yesterday but now Im paying for the delay. (Although I did spill some cough syrup into the sprouts, if anyone who dined with us is reading this and thought there was a strange taste to them. it was lemon and honey venos! We did our traditional Christmas eve and stayed in with a few liquors, wearing Christmas Pyjamas and watched The Polar Express, we watch it every Christmas eve, its such a lovely film. I took the photo of our fireplace on that night, I meant to take it earlier in the Christmas period but have been so busy I never got round to it. I also wanted to post a picture of the door wreaths my mum made for us, they are so lovely. Thanks Mum! x

I got lots of lovely presents but my favourite has to be This book 'Pictures' by Tim Walker he is one of my all time favourite photographers. His work is so beautiful, every picture is like a fairytale. The styling is amazing, I love the scenes he creates using props and fantastic locations.
All images below are taken from Tim Walkers book 'Pictures'

At least for one day.

2008-12-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

I awoke on Tuesday morning to a bright glow in the room and was excited to see it had snowed, heavily. I have taken a photo of the snow through my front window where you can see the snow on the church. The snow added to the festive feeling that I've been starting to feel so I decided to put up the Christmas decorations.

Every year we buy a new decoration, we love decorations by Gisela Graham we bought Santa's Workshop last year and Santa on his bike the year before so we went to get a new one this year.

Our search took us to The Last Drop Village in Bolton, Its a hotel with health spa, a pub and boutique shops two of my favourite shops there are firecatcher Books which sells lots of lovely design books, stationery and gifts. The other is Poppies a florist and gift shop. Poppies stock Gisela Graham Christmas decorations and have beautiful Christmas displays. We didn't find a new santa but bought some new decorations for the tree. The snow has all gone now but I'm still holding out for a White Christmas.

A Wintery Walk

2008-11-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hello.
Wrapped up warm yesterday and went for a wintery walk, we started on our usual walk but detoured to the farm to have a look at the Christmas trees. I say have a look, but then my boy got a bit over excited and we ended up buying one which is now standing wrapped in the hall. I am feeling festive but I think putting decorations up before December is a little eager.. so it is going up tomorrow! On our way back from the farm we came through the Smithills Hall estate, We always pass it on our walk but have never really been in which is pretty terrible as we have lived in this area for about four years now, so we decided to take a look. The hall was closed as its now on its winter hours of fridays and sundays only. We took a stroll around the gardens which in its winter state was hauntingly beautiful. The building is amazing. Im not going to embarass myself by giving any facts about its history because to be honest Im not to sure of it, but this is something I am going to rectify, I feel really drawn to the building and want to learn its history (so expect a history lesson soon!)

Lovely gift!

2008-11-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

My future mother in law is learning the various areas of art and design, she specializes in a different field each week and has made me this beautiful button brooch on her ceramics week. I love it! I would of totally bought it if I saw it in a shop. Her house is slowly turning into an art gallery. She is really enjoying herself and its always great to see someone get bitten by the creative bug! Well done Eil! x