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

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