A Pretty Picnic

 

On Easter Sunday we went for a fun and delicious picnic to Rineen Wood in West Cork, where we enjoyed our lunch in the sparkling sunshine, Bliss! I decided to myself it would be the first picnic of many this year, so I'm going to make sure we get out for lovely day trips as much as we can. So, who wants to come along? :)

Featured items:

1. 1970s Summer Splash Pitcher and Glasses, from BootsNGus

2. Good Day Sunshine, Hat, from littlemissdaffodil

3. Hill Country Lavender 4oz WesternCowboy Mason Jar Candle, from truetexassscents

4. Cloth Picnic Napkins, GreenGingham, set of 6, from PeppermintPinwheels

5. Charming Renaissance Woodland Fairy Garland Wreath, from avintagebride

6. Set of Vintage Japanese Pedestal Mugs, from DawnJessica

7. Harvest Bunting Banner in Green, Orange, Purple, from Pamelaquilts

8. Vintage 70s Hobbit Floral Saddle Bag, from OmniaWears

Treasury Love

My Dauphine Button Ring was featured this week in this pretty Spring treasury, curated by MadeWithLoveAndArt .
It was also in the spotlight in two Etsy Finds emails yesterday!
Lucky me :)

Although Dauphine is now sold, along with lots of other rings that have been snapped up the past few days, I'm happy to make something very similar. Drop me a line or visit my shop if you'd like some special button jewellery made just for you ♥

Buttons!

I love buttons! ... but I'm guessing you already knew that ;)

Here are some other Etsy sellers who love them too, and are making some very cute items using either new or repurposed buttons.

Chocolate Brown Letter S Pillow by letterperfectdesigns
Candy Floss at the Circus, Large Button Felt Brooch by nicedaydesigns 

Hand Embroidered Simple White Flowers Wall Hoop Art by AnnaHailey
Pastel Garden iPhone iPod Cozy by SewSweetStitches

Thanks Very Much Card by LuckyRainbowDesigns
The Diamonds and Pearls Button Bouquet by letters4lilly

Do you collect buttons or use them for crafting? Leave me a comment to let me know! I'd love to feature you or your work in a future blog post about buttony fun :)

Beth

Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile

Well, I've decided I'm definitely going to be Cleopatra for Halloween this year. I've started to put together some bits and pieces for my costume, and I've already bought two parts of it :) A lot of it will be homemade, as usual. I'm going to have a white dress and gold jewellery, with a twist or two to the accessories, yet to be confirmed! So, while I've been deciding on the finer details and browsing for treasures, I found these beautiful Egyptian themed items on Etsy, all of which have me dreaming of a boat trip down the Nile in the hot sun...

Featured items:
1. Handmade Bracelet by wwwjewelrybyandrea
2. Philae Temple 02 Print by Artitorium
3. Pharaoh Perfume by solsticescents
4. Egyptian Gold Safety Pin Bracelet by MysticLily
5. Egyptian Scarab Earrings by GardenOfSecrets
6. Cleopatra Egyptian Revival Style Cigarette Holder by sweetheartsinner
7. Tribal Tattoo Armlet by catchalljewelry

An Autumn wedding

Featured items:
Satin Flat Shoes by cheerfulrosette
Rich Poppy Wrap by bonzie
Upcycled Steampunk Shoes by EvitaAFD
Forest Mushrooms Clutch Bag by BagNoir
Poison Apple Button Bracelet by magpieandbutton
Autumn Berries Flower Fascinator by SewSweetStitches

If you go down to the woods today...

... you probably won't find me! Not this week at least. You're more likely to find me shopping! Being a  teacher I tend to think of Autumn as the beginning of the year, and so it often feels like the time to start fresh. When I was younger that meant shiny school shoes and a snazzy new pencil case, (it still means both of those things actually!) but this year I'm thinking of re-vamping bits of the house as well, for a new start! I want to do up my bedroom, but of course there are a few things in there I'll always keep...

These are all parts of my room that I love. I probably have too many treasures really, and I realise this every time I move house, though it never stops me gathering pretty bits and bobs!

I really like this forest fairytale part of my room, though I know if it grows and takes up any more of the place it'll look way to cartoony and girly! Since dressing up as Snow White last year I've daydreamed about living in a cottage in the woods. I probably won't add any more woodland touches to my current house, but if I move to the forest here are a few things I'd definitely take with me!

(Incidentally, the Snow White and Rose Red print by meluseena was actually commissioned especially for lucky me! My sister Ruth knew I loved Lisa Falzon/meluseena's work and had it designed for me for my 30th birthday. How sweet! x)

Featured items:
Snow White and Rose Red Print by meluseena
Tiny Gnome Village by MoontsyandFloontsy
Poison Apple Button Bracelet by magpieandbutton
Tiny Ivy Leaf Necklace by SilkstoneDesigns
Little Red Riding Hood Print by elsita
Forest Mushrooms Silk Lined Clutch Bag by Bagnoir
White Tree Silhouette Pillow Cover by Modernality
Woodland Acorn Necklace by designbirdie

So... who wants to move in with me? ;)

Tea time!

Earlier this week I went with my Dad to help him clear out some things from my late Granduncle's house in East Cork. We found some really interesting bits and pieces, from Uncle Steve's RAF memorabilia to his old binoculars, and hand knitted dolls made by his wife May, along with some mutant spiders and alot of dust!

One thing we came across was a very pretty china teaset, which Dad later said I could have if I liked. I was delighted as it really reminded me of going for Sunday tea at May and Steve's when we were small :)
So, I wrapped it in plastic, took it home and carefully cleaned up the cups, saucers, plates, jug and sugarbowl, and now I think it's the prettiest teaset I've ever seen!

Apart from a small crack in the sugarbowl, it's all perfect, and the bright turquoise and pink pattern is really vibrant. Even the gold edges on each piece are all intact. I want to display it on the shelves in our little sitting room, but I can't wait to actually serve use it first. Tea, my dear? And sugar? One lump or two?

How cute would these plates look filled with French fancies, cucumber sandwiches or macaroons?!  I'll have to have some friends over for some girlie afternoon tea really soon.

Below are some gorgeous items I found on Etsy while day dreaming about the perfect Summery tea party...

Featured items:
1. Bunting by giggleberry
2. Box of Macarons by Bokolette
3. Eat Me Party Picks by vintagetwee
4. Custom Patchwork Dress by mariansmale
5. Pink n Orange Sparkly Napkin Ring by Vividhome
6. French Pink Vanilla Cupcakes by SugarPlumsCupcakery
7. Custom Handpainted Maryjanes by Puremystyc
8. Aqua Star Burst Tealight Votive by yevgenia
9. Pink Lilies Earrings by blueserendipity

Purple...

 

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been using alot of purple in new jewellery pieces recently. I've also been seeking out purple pretties in other shops! Here is a selection of gorgeous purple items from some wonderful Irish Etsy sellers. From delicate mauve like the flower in this necklace from ABoxForMyTreasure, to the soft heather colours in hedgehogfibres' yarn and the really vibrant violet of AlejandraJacoby's earrings, purple can so versatile and pretty. I just love it!

Featured items:

Taryn amethyst and brass necklace by Balanced

The Peckish Moon handmade notebook by meluseena

Teardrop silk/merino yarn by hedgehogfibres

Stained glass suncatcher byRainbowStainedGlass

Purple crocheted doily earrings by AlejandraJacoby

Romantic purple rose and pearl necklace by ABoxForMyTreasure

Hydrangea leather cuff bracelet by SilkstoneDesigns

Lovely lace

During my week in Paris I went to an amazing flea market in Montmartre, where among 1950s telephones, 1900s opera glasses and gorgeous Art Deco furniture I also saw some beautiful examples of vintage French lace. It was being sold in the form of collars, lengths of lace ribbon and of course as an embellishment on gorgeous dresses from the 1900s. I didn't buy any, a decision I now regret as I'm already thinking of ideas to use it to spice up some items in my wardrobe and around the house, or to make something completely new.

Here are some absolutely beautiful items from Etsy sellers who've used lovely lace, both old and new, in their handmade homewares, jewellery and accessories. Don't they all look so romantic?

Featured items:

Pretty Cream Heart Corsage by rubensribbons
Pearls and Lace Earrings by LaCamelot
To Wake the Soul Necklace by sparrowsalvage
French Grain Sack Clutch Bag by BagNoir
Film Noir Crazy Quilt Pincushion by homespunireland
The Big Lavender Bag Herbal Cushion by lapomme
Black and White Wrist Cuffs by LadyLamb

Yesterday's news

This week I've really been thinking alot about recycling and repurposing things. I always try to keep and reuse what I can, especially paper and card, so I have drawers and boxes full of all sorts of scraps and wrapping paper. I'd love to say I'll use them all eventually but in reality I probably won't!

However, here are some wonderful Etsy sellers who have used old newspapers and books in lots of different ways to create some amazing things. Isn't JustLiv's headband so cute? And I love love LOVE the idea of the paper wreath, like this romantic one from SimpleJoysPaperie. It's so great to see such imaginative repurposing of paper to make beautiful craft items.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how we can make use of the papers many of us have been hoarding... any ideas?

Featured items:
Origami Newspaper Crane Garland by arawlins
Custom Initial Necklace by EsmeDodsworthDesign
Recycled Bow Headband by JustLiv
Big News Notebook by cucumbersoup
Present Topper Kit by InklingPaper
Romantic Vintage French Book Paper Wreath by SimpleJoysPaperie
Recycled Paper Bead Earrings by hippiekingdom
Vintage Dictionary Bird Cutouts by mommyholly

Cinco de Mayo

Oh I just love the idea of a Mexican barbecue party. Thinking about margaritas, burritos and bunting make me want to put a flower (or even better, TanyaMac's happy hairband!) in my hair and dance around! Anyone know a good Mariachi band?

These are some of my favourite Etsy picks on the Mexican fiesta theme. Aren't those crochet cacti by acrudele the cutest things ever?! I'd love these for my sun room. We put up some bunting like aymujer's in there last week, and it feels so bright and festive. I think propeller's cheery little gift tags would be gorgeous on party favours, or even strung together as a garland.

Now all we need is a sunny day!

Featured items:
1. Remington Rae's Fiesta Earrings by octaviabloom
2. Papel Picado Banners by aymujer
3. Green Lampwork Bracelet by lightkeeping
4. Green, Turquoise and Red Crochet Applique Circles by AnnieDesign
5. Handbuilt Porcelain Trays by clayswan
6. Day Glo Flo Happy Hairband by TanyaMac
7. Puffball Ocean Blue Gift Tags by propeller
8. Ah Fiesta Necklace by VOimpressions
9. Cacti Trio by acrudele

Ooh la la!

I'm off to Paris next month and am very excited! I can't wait to stroll along by the Seine, visit Montmartre and nibble macaroons in the Latin Quarter... mmm! I've probably read my city guidebook forty times by now, and have also been obsessing about French style, fashion and Parisian romance since we booked the trip. I know the French themselves are known for their chic sense of style, but I think the idea of Paris brings out the creative and romantic streak in anyone! So I've found some gorgeous Paris inspired pieces offered by Etsians from around the globe.

Featured items:
1. Oui to Paris Necklace by poeticdesigns
2. Pocket Mirror by OneClickGallery
3. Burlesque Corset Costume Dress by olgaitaly
4. Love in Paris Earrings by jewelryvixen
5. Ooh La La Button Earrings by aimeeb2
6. Trinket Box by 5DollarFrenchMarket

Ahoy!

I've been admiring lots of great nautical fashion in the shops lately - Blue, white and red stripes, polka dots, pretty bows, anchors and sailboats seem to be everywhere. I love the 1950s feel alot of the items I've seen have. This theme is definitely going to feature in my wardrobe alot this summer! I'm wondering if I can pull off red lipstick to go with a navy striped neck scarf ;)

Above are some of my favourite nautical accessories on Etsy this week. I do love the Skipper swimsuit from FablesbyBarrie, but as a starting point for the less brave, it might be easier to inject some sailor style into your wardrobe with the cute clutch bag from BagNoir or a some jewellery, like the Americana earrings by Summon or a charm bracelet like the Somewhere Beyond the Sea one from my own shop. A quick and easy way to update a white, blue or even red cardi with a nautical twist could be to change the buttons to these gorgeous little vintage bows from NicedaySupplies! I've already bought some of these for myself :)

Featured items:
Americana Earrings by summon
Pirata Anchor locket by trystbykerry
Ahoy There Letterpress Print by letterpress
Skipper Bikini by FablesbyBarrie
Somewhere Beyond the Sea charm bracelet by magpieandbutton
French Grain Sack Clutch Bag by BagNoir
Vintage Plastic Ribbon Buttons by NicedaySupplies

Wonderland

 

After I went to see Alice in Wonderland I couldn't wait to get started on some new jewellery. I have a slight obsession with keys already, so the mysterious tiny key and door in the story have always fascinated me. 

Alice follows the White Rabbit and  falls down a rabbit hole to a curious room with many locked doors of all sizes. She finds a small key to a door too small for her to fit, but through which she sees an attractive garden. She then discovers a bottle labelled "Drink Me", the contents of which cause her to shrink too small to reach the key. A cake with "Eat Me" on it causes her to grow to such a tremendous size her head hits the ceiling. She then eats and drinks the right amount to shrink both herself and the magical key to the right size for the door to Wonderland...

So, this is where my Down the Rabbit Hole bracelet came from. I've included it here with this lovely collection of pretty Alice themed jewellery from other designers on Etsy.

I particularly love the Afternoon Tea teacup necklace by Judith from ABoxForMyTreasure and the Drink Me bottle pendant by TrashAndTrinkets. Curiouser and curiouser...

Featured items:
Afternoon Tea Necklace by ABoxForMyTreasure
Down the Rabbit Hole Button Bracelet by magpieandbutton
Tiny Key Earrings by lunashineshine
Alice Charm Bracelet by JezebelCharms
Alice's key Necklace by ForevermoreCreations
Alice Drink Me Bottle Pendant by TrashandTrinkets
Alice in Wonderland necklace by CuteAbility
Teapot of Green Tea Earrings by TheApple