Etsy Finds Friday #19

 

Happy Friday evening everyone!

I remember the days when I would be planning a big Friday night out. Not any more! My idea of a perfect night these days is tucking Zoe up in (her own) bed then snuggling up on the sofa with Martin to watch a film. Perfect!

Talking about Martin, it's his birthday soon, and I am struggling a bit for ideas. Now, Martin is a bit of a map addict, he has quite the collection of Ordnance Survey maps, we even have a 'map wall' in the house where (mostly) old maps are framed and displayed. I was having a bit of a map-related browse on Etsy this week and I found so many items that loved, so I thought I would share them with you! Aren't you lucky?!

I love this Game of Thrones chest from Urd Handicrafts, it comes with these little vials (including wildfire!!) and is covered in the map of Westeros. Awesome!

OK, this one is for me! I'm not sure how good Martin would look in this summer dress from Cruel Candy. I would look fabulous of course!!

Martin has a couple of maps in a similar style to this; Tubular Fells and Munroverground (you can get these here- ooh they have a wales one now too...!!). I think this world map in the style of a train system would look awesome next to them. You can get one from Art Pause. 

Haha another one for me (and any #PostCircle people or snail mailers)! I love these envelopes made from old atlases (atli??) from The Pulparazzi, you could even match the envelope to the country you are sending the letter to!! 

How completely wonderful is this repurposed suitcase-turned-into-a-seat?! I have no idea where I would put it but I'm sure I would find somewhere! It's made by Bon Voyage World Travel. 

OK this is not strictly maps but this set of porcelain tableware from Kina Ceramic Design is inspired by the topography lines on is maps. How unique! 

P.S. if you are doing some online shopping this weekend, remember that you can get 25% off in May at my Etsy shop with code '30YEARS'

What's Been Occurring Wednesday #18

Greetings to you and a very happy Friday-eve-eve. How are you?

Well this last weekend was all wonky. Martin worked Saturday so that felt like Friday, then we had chilli on Sunday, so that day felt like Saturday (making me miss the #lbloggers chat - booo!) and then we had a roast yesterday, so it felt like Sunday! So I am a little bit confused at the moment - please forgive me!! We have a really busy week this week as well, with something on every day. But it will calm down for a couple weeks after that.

Zoe has been busy as well (err, well, sort of). She has 4 teeth now - she looks like a little hamster! Not only that, she can now crawl! (wow that does NOT look right - is that how you spell crawl???) So I am now spending all of my time chasing around after her stopping her from getting into mischief! We have our last ever Baby Sensory tomorrow, which will be really sad - I enjoy it as much as Zoe does!! Zoe also had her first 'settling-in' session at nursery on Monday - she was there for an hour, and Martin and I were downstairs, so not too traumatic. Apparently the only time she made any noise was when she saw me again - she had been good as gold (but not eaten any of her fruit!!). She goes back on Friday morning for two hours, so I'll have a couple of hours free for a coffee, all by myself! Bliss!!

I'm trying to enjoy every minute we have together at the moment as there are only 2 full weeks left until I'm back at work (and Zoe's at nursery). Martin and I were saying last night that we wish it was possible for her to be looked after at home by one of us, and not have to go to nursery, but unfortunately it's just not possible! At least she will be with her Gran one day a week, and me and/or Martin for 3 days. So only 3 days in nursery - that's not too bad...

So what else have I been up to this week?

Baking: If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen the marble cake that I made on Monday. It is scrummy!! Even Martin likes it and he only likes victoria sponge (apparently!). It is one of Paul Hollywood's recipes from this book . I tweeted him a photo, what a saddo I am! I had a slice yesterday with a cup of lavender earl grey tea. Yummy!

Buying: On a bit of an impulse I bought the 'A Beautiful Mess' app for my phone, the picture with the cup of tea up there is from the app. It is good for adding text to photos, and I like the borders, but there are only a few filters. Of course, you can buy more filters (and other bits and pieces), but I'll just stick to Instagram for my filters thanks!! I've also just bought a mini heart punch and some postcards for #PostCircle and other snail mail adventures!!

(Photo Source)

Watching: Not much lately as a lot of the stuff we watch has finished now. We watched Prometheus on Monday night and then Game of Thrones last night. Have you seen Prometheus? I was a bit disappointed in it - there were some WAY too obvious bits in it.

(Photo Source)

Bloggin': here are some of my favorite posts on Bloglovin' this week (follow me!): Elizabeth's recipe for Chorizo, Chilli and Garlic pasta; Fran's post about getting your creative mojo back; Caroline's post showing us just how much work goes into creating her little owls; Lauren's guest post on Make, Do and Push about the benefits of living by the sea.

P.S. Don't forget that you can get 25% off in my shop during May using code '30YEARS'

Tutorial DIY - Washi Tape Bunting Card

Hello and I hope that your Monday is going well!

Today I would like to share with you a tutorial to make a washi tape bunting card. You could make the bunting for other things, for example, I have seen some really cute bunting for birthday cakes. I would LOVE to have some washi tape bunting on my birthday cake (hint hint)!!

I got the colourful twine and some of the washi tape for this DIY from Wilko's - they have some really cute stationery items in at the moment. You could also try Etsy, eBay or Amazon who all sell cute washi tape.

This is what you will need:

You need: Twine, string or yarn; scissors; A selection of washi tape; a ruler; some card.

I used A4 textured card, and just folded it in half to make an A5 card, but you could use pre-made cards, in any size, just change the length of the twine to suit.

I cut my twine so that it hung across the card landscape, with a bit extra to stick inside. I selected these two red polka-dot tapes, I love pink and red, and who doesn't love a polka dot!!

Tear (or cut) your washi tape into strips and tape across the washi tape. You can measure the tape and the gaps, or you can just do it by eye. Can you guess which way I did it? Add or remove bits of tape to suit the length of your twine and also how you want it to sit on the card.

Fold the washi tape in half with the twine in the middle, so you get a sort of 'flag' effect. You could attempt to match up the pattern on the tape - I didn't think of this until just now so my spots don't match!! If the bits of tape aren't evenly spaced you can slide them along a bit, until you give the tape a really good stick down.

Trim the rough edge of the tape. You can leave it all rustic looking if you want to :)

You can leave the little flags as rectangles if you want, or you can do what I did and trim little triangles out of the middle. Just fold in half length ways and snip the corner off.

Make two little holes in the card (I used a thick needle) at equal points from the edges and the top. Thread the twine through the holes from the front to the back and secure with a little bit of washi tape. This makes the inside of the card look pretty too. If you want to you could cover the tape with a piece of paper though, or tie a knot in the twine and snip the end off.

There you go, you have made a Washi Tape Bunting Card! Yay for you!

You could print some text onto the card before you stick the bunting on, or you could add some lettering by hand. Or leave it blank, it's your card :)

Zoe liked the card so much she decided to eat it! Thanks Zoe!

I made this other bunting so that you can see an alternative method of trimming the tape. Snip the tape into triangles instead of the 'flags' for a different look - I think this bunting looks quite 'village fete'

What did you think of my first DIY? If you have a go, send me a photo on Twitter or Instagram, or leave me a link in the comments!

Thanks for reading
Ax

Etsy Finds Friday #18 - Geek Alert #4

Happy Friday everyone!

For poor Martin it's Thursday today. As he had bank holiday Monday off (and bins still need emptied), the council move the collections by one day, so on Tuesday he did Monday's round etc. So he thinks it's Thursday. I think that this is a common theme this week - not knowing what day it is!! In addition, he is having to work on Saturday - boo!!! But he is off on leave on Monday - yay!!!

So, this week's geeky Etsy Finds - what is it this week? Well as you may know already, Martin and I love the Walking Dead (but how disappointing was the season finale?!). So this week it's all about the zombies. Zombies need love too! Well, they need brains. Hug a zombie!! Haha, maybe not o_O

Do you like Zombies? What's your fave zombie movie/tv show/book/game? Let me know in the comments!

This is Etsy Finds Friday number eighteen - all of the previous Etsy Finds Friday posts can be found here. Please come back next week or follow me on Bloglovin' so you don't miss out on next week's list!

Crochet: I actually laughed out loud when I saw these Zombie Narwhals from Dragons Don't Knit - go and have a look at the listing - the photos show them attacking a nice little narwhal family...

Stationery: You all know that I have a stationery addiction, and this zombie card from Crafting Tiger would be perfect to give to Martin on the morning of the wedding!

Art: I love Shaun of the Dead - do you? This bit in the film always makes me smile. You've Got Red On You print from Noodle Hug.

Fashion: Have you seen Love, Actually? If not, this Walking Dead/Love, Actually mash-up t-shirt from Nude and Loitering Tees is probably just a bit confusing- but I love it!!

Jewelery: I love Hungry Designs stuff - I won a voucher a while ago, and chose some lovely bits and pieces - I have a post ready to publish - but I still want more. Like this My Little Pony brooch!

Home: We have a bit of a pint glass collection already, but these Walking Dead glasses need to be in our cupboards. Get them from Cyber Glassware.

Thanks for reading
Ax

P.S. - while you are on Etsy, why not go and buy yourself something pretty from My Shop - you can get 25% off this month if you use code 30YEARS

Things What Have Happened Thursday (a late WOW #17)

Hello there - it appears to be Thursday today. Hmm how did that happen? This week has been all over the place - I don't know who I am, let alone what day of the week it is!! With the bank holiday it seems everything has just sort of gone to pot!!

I received my first custom order this week, which was so much fun to work on. Nina asked me to create a tattoo-style brooch for her friend who is getting married soon. Nina has received it, and sent me a message on twitter saying that she loved it! Yay!! So very soon I will be listing the brooch and a similar style in my Etsy Shop for you to customise and purchase for yourself! Wehey!

So what's been occurring this week? We went for a little walk along the river Petterill on Monday, where we found some little white flowers (no idea what they were) and some pretty cool graffiti.

Martin taking a flower sample

Is this a Monty Python reference??

Is this a toad/frog??

Love this little caterpillar dude!

On Tuesday my Mum took the day off work, and we went to Newcastle to look for wedding dresses (eeeeek)! After a quick lunch stop we headed straight for Monsoon and commenced the trying on! And guess what? I think I found THE dress! It is so beautiful, and really unusual. I think I'll order it this week - how exciting! And it's well under my £400 budget too - so does that mean I can get a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes? No? Ah well!!

Then on Wednesday my dear godmother came to Carlisle for a girl's day. She comes up a couple of times a year and spoils me rotten!! We went for lunch at The Shabby Scholar, a cafe-bar-bistro type of place in Carlisle. I'd heard that the tapas was good, but we settled on a burger (for Penny) and the nachos (for me) - they food was lovely, but we had to giggle when the bill was presented to us in a glass-topped wooden box! Quite pretentious! Apart from that, it was enjoyable and I would go back.

We then went off for a bit of shopping, and I was well and truly spoilt. I got a cute dress and cardigan from Red Herring at Debenhams, and a couple of tops in New Look, as well as a beautiful set of notecards for #PostCircle (Penny shares my stationery obsession!!)!

The dress is a really pale pink with white stitching over the bodice and round the hem. And I've been eyeing up that blue jumper for weeks!

I also received my third Liebster award from the lovely Sara at Color.Paint.Create! Thanks Sara! I think everyone is sick of me waffling on about myself, but here are the links to my last nominations: Liebster Award No 1, Liebster Award No 2 and Versatile Blogger Award.

So it's been quite busy here. Normal service should be resumed next week!

Thanks for reading
A x

P.S. Remember that there is 25% off in My Etsy Shop for the whole of May with code '30YEARS'

Book Review - Stitch by Stitch

Good Monday to you!

I have decided to have a bit more structure to my blogging, and so, on the first Monday of each month, I will be reviewing some of my craft books for you. I have quite a few already, and seem to get new ones for every present-giving occasion. In fact, I just bought another one today! I have a birthday coming up soon, so I may get some more then as well! Haha! Please let me know if you like this feature or not in the comments!

Remember that it's 25% off in the shop this month - use code 30YEARS

The first book I've reviewed is Stitch-by-Stitch by Jane Bull. I was given this by my Mum for Christmas - apparently it is a book for children, but I don't mind at all! The colours and styling are very me!

This book covers several different crafts: Embroidery, needlepoint, patchwork, applique, knitting and crochet. Each chapter starts with a basic how-to for that craft; as this is a book aimed at children, the instructions are clear and straight forward, with colour photos at each stage. In particular the knitting section I found easy to follow, and I am a beginner.

One of my favorite sections that makes me itch to start making, is the patchwork section. Patchwork is on my list of crafts to try, and this book makes it look very easy and straight forward. The lovely colours help as well!

I wouldn't recommend this book for experienced crafters as the instructions and projects are very basic, but for a child or a beginner I think this book would be perfect.

Knitted Roses

I can't wait to make these birds!

Yes that says Crowls - crochet owls - crowls - get it?!!!

Thanks for reading
Ax

p.s. I have not been paid to write this review, I just love craft books, and hope that I can help you find some that you love too!  The link to the book on Amazon at the top of the page is an affiliate link, and if you do end up making a purchase, I will get a little % of the amount, but it won't cost you anything, so it is a win-win!

Etsy Finds Friday #17 - Geek Alert #3

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm trying to type really quietly (which is right hard!) because Zoe is having a nap in the other room and I don't want to wake her up. She got her third tooth through today! She's having steak for tea tonight ;)

This week's geeky theme is 'Studio Ghibli' - a Japanese animation film studio based in Tokyo and founded in 1985. The studio is responsible for some of the highest grossing Japanese anime (animated) films, including Spirited Away (2001), which is the highest grossing Japanese anime film.

I have seen (and own) a few of the films: Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Ponyo and Arrietty, and the rest are on my 'to watch' list (and my Amazon wish list hint hint). I have a few other anime films, including The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Origin - Spirits of the Past

I love Japan and everything about it, and hope to visit one day, until then I will watch my anime, in Japanese (with the subtitles on) and dream of floating castles and furry neighbours!

This is Etsy Finds Friday number seventeen - all of the previous Etsy Finds Friday posts can be found here. Please come back next week or subscribe so you don't miss out on next week's list!

Crochet: This little cat is from Kiki's Delivery Service - he's so cute! You can get an amigurumi version from Lotties Creations.

Stationery: I would love this Ponyo notebook from ldamarysl! Ponyo is probably my favorite Studio Ghibli film so far!

Art: Another papercut artwork! This Totoro picture is from willpigg - I really need to watch My Neighbour Totoro.

Fashion: These hand painted shoes from Annatar Customizer are simply awesome!

Jewelery: How cute are these little tree spirit (Kodama from Princess Mononoke) earnings? They are from The Art Of K0haku.

Home: This is perfect - an Art Nouveau - Studio Ghibli mash-up mouse mat from Jdesigns79NL - what more could anyone want??

Thanks for reading
Ax

P.S. Don't forget that you can get 25% off in my shop with code '30YEARS' for the whole of May!