Let's Decorate

In January I started to decorating my bedroom at home for the first time in about ten years. It's not quite finished but here are some of the bits that are.

The paper - I looked everywhere for deep red that I liked but none tickled my fancy so I went with this gorgeous purple and silver number. I can't for the life of me find the name of the designer. Anyway, it was a joy to put up - not like the cream colour that covers the three other walls, grr.


The photo collage. The tree silhouette is a wall sticker from Tiger, as are two of the frames . The rest of the frames are from charity shops and car boot sales. None cost over £2. The contents are photographs, postcards and prints. Below are my shelves. They look cluttered but you should've seen them before!

So that's the complete corner. As the rest is finished I'll post more photos.

Edit: Now seen on one of my favourite blogs, Home Sweet Home! 767 notes, I'm so pleased! Lots of love for Totoro too.

It's For You

I've always loved pretty wrapping paper, especially the designs from Paperchase but at £1 - £2 a pop for one sheet it was an expensive habit. That's why I was very happy to find these beauties at a local store called Tiger for 50p a roll!


Tiger also do a small selection of colourful tapes, perfect for presents and letters.


Speaking of letters, I ordered some kawaii writing paper from Japan and it arrived yesterday very prettily presented!

Car Booty

One of the best things about summer is the car boot sales. I've been to more than I can count in my years and have discovered many a bargain. The one closest to me holds between one and two hundred stalls on a good sunny morning. Until then it's a more humble affair but while I whet my appetite I thought I'd show off some of my favourite finds from past boot sales.

♥Above: Limoges apple pot 20p ♥ White rabbit 50p ♥ Musical jewellery box 50p ♥

I have a thing for oriental jewellery boxes. This is one of many!

Ceramic hands lamp - 50p. I've had this for over ten years. It obviously still works and I still love it!

Vintage lace dress £3

There's plenty more where those came from. I'll share some whenever I find the time to snap more photos. This Sunday I'm going to another car boot sale so who knows what I'll find! It's also Chinese New Year so expect some photos from the London celebrations unless I get snowed in...

Ikea, you've gotta see her

I had no idea Ikea had a fabric section! When I found it downstairs in the caves of rugs and lamps it was a nice surprise. There was quite an impressive range of patterns, though I was disappointed to find some of the ones I wanted weren't in stock (and hadn't been for months, I was told). At around £4 per metre on each I limited myself to two designs since I'm low on cash. This funky heart design from the 'Fialena' range:



And this quirky bird motif from the 'Gunilla' range:



The intended uses are probably upholstery and such, but the black, white and red heart fabric is dieing to be used in a Queen of Hearts dress or bodice, and it would be easy as pie to make tote bags from them!

They were out of stock of these black and white designs (just as well or I'd have made lightened my wallet a whole lot more). You can view most of their selection on Ikea's website (though they are not available to buy online).

Philately Lately

At a car boot sale a lady was selling packs of around 500 stamps from all around the world for £1.50. How could I say no? The tiny canvases are perfect for incorporating into jewellery and other art projects. I had more fun than I thought I would going through them all.



These are seven of my favourite designs.

London Love

I traveled up to London recently, and made a point of checking out a couple of craft markets. First up was the Sunday Up Market in Brick Lane. I was completely taken with the area, immediately feeling a great atmosphere. The market itself was full of handmade items, predominantly clothing, cards and jewelery. A few small retailers I'd been following online had stalls, including Buddug, who have to sell the most beautiful jewelery and trinkets. Also came across a lovely lady who sold crocheted fascinators and interesting brooches. Her website is underway at Twinkle Bug so keep an eye out!

I bought a brooch from Rosie Wonders. I have a thing about robots, and this little fellow was a must have, since I was informed it had only been made the previous day! Meant to be.



I can't wait to save some money and go again (without the burden of my luggage!). I highly recommend a visit. If you decide to go, make sure you get your money out before you get to the area as the cash machines often run out before lunch!

Material Girl

On a recent trip to London I was taken to a magical place: the largest Paperchase store I'd ever seen. It was a delight to explore the shop's three storeys of art supplies, trinkets, wrapping paper and gobsmacking array of greetings cards. With mixed media canvases in mind, I bought a few sheets of handmade textured paper, among other things.



Recently I also found some Japanese postcards my Granddad had sent my mother during his time in the Royal Navy. They're quite beautiful. I may end up using some of these in the canvases too.