Katy-Boo

Wow... I just opened an Etsy Shop!!

2010-11-11T22:38:00.000Z

Simple ViP

2010-02-16T11:10:00.000Z

Simple ViP: "
Are you a member of the Simple VIP club?"

Valentines

2010-01-29T09:20:00.002Z

I woke up this morning to a blanket of snow outside, much to the delight of the kids. So instead of the traditional valentines items I may have posted today I decided to make it a white theme. As you will see from my previous post in February 2008 (Hearts galore...) I am a bit of a sucker for a heart. Cardboard Safari from Etsy have made this super wreath for valentines which can be left white or decorated easily with glitter or paints. I also adore these tea lights from Cox and Cox which are currently reduced in their sale! The pebbles are gorgeous, I bought one as an engagement gift for some friends who plan to marry on the west coast of Scotland on the beach! They are from LetterFest. I put the one I bought inside this cute little bag from Palomasnest and had congratulations written on it instead. The ceramic buttons are from Palomasnest too.

KT BOO

2010-01-20T00:12:00.002Z

My daughter has found the perfect registration for her car... she's only 11! Her name is Katy and since she was born we've called her Boo. I can't remember why we came to call her it, but it stuck. KT is the "cool" way of writing Katy, so I'm told. KT BOO.... Obviously her 1st car won't be a vanquish!!!!

Yoyo Ceramics

2010-01-19T12:54:00.003Z

While browsing through some sites today I came across this adorable ceramic notebook from Yoyo Ceramics. The ceramic notepad has been sculpted initially from plaster, moulded and then made entirely out of clay. This smart jotter can be used to make those lists or leave little notes for your loved ones. They also make these butter dishes. This great little Butter Dish beats any other by far. The ceramics will keep it cool (in this country anyway!) And of course - you don't have to just put butter in it. How about sweets? Obviously inspired by plastic storage boxes but perfect for the table and in such cute colours too!

Onebutton

2010-01-18T22:51:00.004Z

I was looking for something funky for my friend in Australia for her 40th birthday and I found this fabulous necklace today in our local John lewis store. Its by a company called onebutton . I was assured that they are the latest "must have" make of jewellery and that the editor of Vogue has been seen wearing one!? Hmmm all said and done I liked it and it would be inexpensive to post. Hope Carol likes it too!

Stitched Textile Art

2010-01-15T14:14:00.006Z

I have been looking for pictures lately that have been stitched using freehand machine embroidery. I am doing an evening class on fashion/interior textiles and would like to incorporate "art" in to my work. I found Gillian Bates. She has done some fabulous work of beach scenes and buildings in the UK. I also like the work of Lauraamiss . Her work is textile art on canvas. She uses photos and drawings as her inspiration and then also sells prints of her work, as does Gillian above.

Tamar Mogendorff

2009-12-10T23:43:00.004Z

I love these birdhouses made from patterned fabrics by Tamar Mogendorff. See post below.

Selvedge magazine: The Fabric of your life: textiles in Fashion, Fine Art, Interiors, Travel and Shopping

2009-12-10T23:29:00.000Z

Selvedge magazine: The Fabric of your life: textiles in Fashion, Fine Art, Interiors, Travel and Shopping: "Selvedge is an independent, 100-page full colour magazine published six times a year. The magazine is image led and has an uncompromising design.
Directed towards an international audience, Selvedge covers fine textiles in every context with illustrated features on fine art, fashion, interiors, ethnographic textiles, important collections, travel and shopping. The latest book reviews, exhibitions and comprehensive listings feature in every issue. The magazine provides a wide-ranging, unbiased and critical overview of the textile world."

www.eleanorpritchard.com

2009-12-10T23:14:00.007Z

I found this designer from Cockpitarts as seen in the previous link. I love her use of textiles such as tweeds and knits. I was inspired by this mood board, and in particular her textured fabrics.

Shopping and Events : Cockpit Arts

2009-12-10T22:57:00.002Z

Shopping and Events : Cockpit Arts
I have found this super site which supports designer - makers. They support and promote talented designer- makers from all backgrounds in all stages of their career.

Laser Cut Felt

2009-10-04T20:03:00.005+01:00

Laser cut decals in my home.

I have a liking for laser cut felt at the moment, in fact laser cut anything! I like the clean lines and the exactness of the designs. The cuff at the top doubles up as a coffee cup sleeve for those Starbucks take aways! I suppose this liking has been with me for a while if you check back some of my very first posts and see the images of the laser cut wood veneer decals I have in my family room.

Emma Bridgewater - Finest Quality Kitchenware, Tableware

2009-10-01T10:26:00.001+01:00

Emma Bridgewater - Finest Quality Kitchenware, Tableware
I think I'm in love....

Order Small Scrolls - Handmade Wilderness Project by rubyslounge on Etsy

2009-08-23T22:30:00.003+01:00

Order Small Scrolls - Handmade Wilderness Project by rubyslounge on Etsy
I just love this! Relatives of mine used to hunt and have many deer heads on their wall, but I'm just not so sure about the real McCoy, so to speak. This is the perfect alternative don't you think? A fantastic piece of modern art. The variations available are made using beautiful coloured papers, very funky.

Emma Bridgewater Pottery Cafe

2009-07-24T18:52:00.004+01:00

I died and went to heaven earlier this week. On our way North through the country we stopped by the Emma Bridgewater Factory Store. I was greeted by a sign " Spot your own mugs"... Yes it meant I could really paint my own Emma Bridgewater China. Well, needless to say I was beside myself with excitement!! Three mugs later and a scrummy cup of coffee and cake, I left gloriously happy. They will now fire my work and post them on to us withing 10 days. I was like a kid in a sweetie shop. I hope to go back soon, this time prepared to paint and with design ideas in my head!

Etsy :: LJink :: Brothers and Sisters 3

2009-03-17T20:45:00.004Z

I have just found these adorable personalised pictures on Etsy. They would make a lovely Mothers day gift or birthday present. I am working out who all I can buy them for. Aren't they shoes so cute? There are many variations that the artist will do for you, go on have a look...

Etsy :: LJink :: Brothers and Sisters 3

Heal's -Living Room -Orla Kiely Living - Orla Kiely Multi Stem Fabric Drum 48x25cm

2009-02-19T13:38:00.002Z

I have just come across this pouffe in Heals. It's by the fab Orla Kiely. Still no sign of her range of homewares that are available in the US here in the Uk yet unfortunately, especially at the great prices they get them for too! Affordable design... that's what we need!!
Heal's -Living Room -Orla Kiely Living - Orla Kiely Multi Stem Fabric Drum 48x25cm

loyal loot collective

2009-02-01T22:19:00.004Z

loyal loot collective
I just love the log bowls from loyalloot. They are so simple, yet so stylish. The colours are fantastic too. Wish they were available in the UK!

Orla Kiely new Range 2009

2009-01-14T19:40:00.006Z

I have just found this fabby new range of Orla Kiely homewares on fellow bloggers site orange you lucky. I love them! They are due to be launched in the US store, Target, in February. Oh how I wish they were available in the UK! I seem to only be able to find Orlas range of mugs on sites here. On a recent trip to London I didn't quite make it to her Covent Garden store, but it's on my list of "Thing I'd love to do..." If you haven't seen her work it's well worth a visit to her site. Heals in the Uk also sell a range of her designs... their Orla Kiely "Stem" door mat is on my wants list...
orange you lucky!

Fun Height Chart- I'm as big as... by Angus McArthur available at snow-home.co.uk

2009-01-02T20:18:00.001Z

general store - Im as big as - height chart

etsy favourites

2008-07-15T22:00:00.000+01:00

Verso Design Kivi Place Mat : Gifts and Accessories from Scandinavia

2008-06-06T16:26:00.000+01:00

Verso Design Kivi Place Mat : Gifts and Accessories from Scandinavia

FREE UK POSTAGE! Designer Wallpaper - The Perfect Pad

2008-06-06T16:14:00.000+01:00

FREE UK POSTAGE! Designer Wallpaper - The Perfect Pad

More wall decals.

2008-02-08T21:59:00.000Z

I've just put up these wall stickers today and they look fab. Sorry the picture isn't very clear. They are in my favourite colours and go perfectly with my duck egg blue and cream kitchen! My archived entry back in Jan shows the Beearo decals that we hung in our family room, but I wanted something more colourful for the kitchen. I think they work well. Available from Decoccinelle.

Gaudi paving tile...

2008-02-08T21:36:00.000Z

I meant to mention the tile on the table beside the orchid. It was my favourite gift last year. Our daughter Katy, hence the name Katyboo, bought it for us when we were in Spain in the summer and kept it until Christmas. It is a replica, in my favourite colour, of the Gaudi paving on the Passeig de Gracia. It's beautiful and very special to me.

Gaudí designed a paving stone for the Batlló house (1904-1906), which was finally installed in the Milà house (1906-1910). In the 1970's the Gaudí design was adapted for use on the Passeig de Gràcia avenue.

Orchids

2008-02-08T21:24:00.001Z

If you've read my profile you'll see that one of my favourite flowers is an orchid. They may be expensive to buy but the flowers last for months, really, and if you're lucky like me they flower again and again. This is my latest triumph! I have to admit they don't look too pretty once the flowers have dropped off and the stem is cut back, but have faith, keep them draught free, water now and again, and they seem to thrive. I have found that they take about six months to re flower but worth the wait don't you think?

Hearts Galore...

2008-02-06T12:49:00.000Z

I do have a soft spot for a heart and seeing as valentines is coming up I thought I'd share some of my hearts that are around my home. I like ones that look simple and are made from natural materials, though I do have a few wired hearts on the door handles that have pearlised buttons threaded through them.

The bottom two are my favourites. The one made of cut branches was bought in Dublin last Autumn and the willow twig wreath was from Annie Mos (My favourite shop in Aberdeen)

Full steam ahead...

2008-02-06T10:52:00.000Z

The postie has just been and it's arrived..... my Simple Sewing book. It is beautiful if you can call a book that. I could sit for hours pouring over the designs, fabric, patterns etc. It really is wondeful, and has the perfect pattern for my apron. However it is given a difficulty rating of four so i may have to work up to it! In the mean-time I'll be searching out fabrics to use and trying some of the simpler projects to start with.

Bellabee Designs Shop

2008-02-06T09:02:00.000Z

I have just come across this lovely apron on Etsy. It's made using Amy Butler fabric and is gorgeous. A little matching pot holder can be bought to go with it too!

I'm waiting on my Amazon order coming through. I've ordered Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. Hopefully there will be an apron pattern in it which I can use to help me get started...

My likes...

2008-01-29T22:51:00.000Z

Hello, I 've just updated my personal profile on swap-bot after looking at other peoples lists. I felt a little strange writing all my likes, but I suppose that's how people know what to send you! It'a fun looking through all the swaps on offer, I'm looking forward to having a rating so I can take part in more!

Swap-bot

2008-01-27T21:24:00.000Z

Hello,

I have just discovered swap-bot.com It looks great. I've read about people doing swaps on-line for a while and fancied giving it a go. I've signed up for Whimsy Jar and Easter goodybags and a surprise swap. I'll let you know how I get on, but I'm looking forward to finding intersting bit n bobs to put in my parcels. I could have gone mad and signed up for loads, but keeping in mind my focus on family at the moment I decided to stop at three for the time being. I did fancy some of the international post card swaps to brighten up our fridge. I think I'll wait tho' until I've found some in the shops that I like first. My swap partners may end up with one highland cow card too many if I buy under pressure!

Belle and Boo

2008-01-23T21:05:00.001Z

I thought I'd share with you these beautiful prints from Belle and Boo at Etsy. The artist, Mandy Sutcliff, is a British illustrator who's drawings are truly adorable. I've bought a number of her prints which look lovely framed in natural oak frames. They are simple yet stunning. My friends love it when I send them a card from her range. They come with matching envelopes, address label and a pretty little sticker to seal it with. Belle and Boo have their own blogspot too...http://www.blogger.com/www.belleandboo.blogspot.com

2008-01-20T21:53:00.000Z

These are the other two decals that I nearly chose. I love the Fleur Murmansk from Pure Deco http://www.pure-deco.com/ on the left. The bamboo is also from Beearo but I think I may have struggled to text wrap it around the TV! I think I visited every site on the web that sells decals before selecting my top 3 designs. That's an idea, I may set up a link to all the sites I bookmarked during my search.

Just perfect...

2008-01-20T01:21:00.000Z

Having spent months searching for a feature for our family-room wall I came upon http://www.beearo.com Discovering they shipped to the UK was great, and adding to that excitement, they told me I was their first international order.

The decals are a walnut finish vinyl with strong adhesive already applied. Application is easy. My poor children were sat on the sofa while I experimented with the design using blu-tac. When we were happy we peeled off the backing and stuck them in place. This did take a while and a lot of patience. However the kids feel like they designed it, and now hopefully won't try and pick it of the wall!

We love it. Most definitely my best Internet buy to date.