Customer Appreciation - 'Nicole's Button Bouquet'

A little while ago a lovely girl named Nicole bought some buttons from my shop.


The other day, I received some sweet feedback, along with a photo of the bouquet which Nicole had made with said buttons - for her very own wedding.


The bouquet is gorgeous, I just had to share it with you!  ♥  ♥  ♥

Ohhhh and look at the lovely couple, I just love this fab wedding photo. Don't they look gorgeous, and like they are both so much fun!!? And happy and in love too? Yes, they absolutely do, don't they! :-)

♥   ~ Nicole & Nick ~  ♥

...who married at the US embassy in Seoul, Korea on December 13th 2010.

 
Sally xox

a HaNdMaDe ChRiStMaS

Hello you!
I hope by now you have had your mad rush and are pretty well prepared for Christmas, and thus quite relaxed.   Or even VERY relaxed, that would be even better!!


I think I am just about there. I just have presents to wrap for the kids (when they are sleeping or something!).


I don't usually receive anything handmade at Christmas, with the exception of one or two cards, from creative friends back in the UK.
However, this year I have received a few beautiful handmade gifts.

1. A painting by my 3 year old son and a decoration made by my 5 year old son. (neither shown)
2. Sleighs decorated by said little men!
3. A box full of Christmas themed crafty supplies, including these gorgeous hand-made tags. This gift is from a very creative and kind person, who began as a customer in my Etsy shop and is now one of my friends! : )
4. A hand decorated Italian 'Pandoro' Christmas cake. Made even more special, because it was lovingly decorated with sweets from the 'British Lolly Shop', for a little touch of home!! How thoughtful. It is truly one of the nicest presents I have ever received. It tastes yummy too! {nom nom nom!!!}


Finally here is a hand-made card I just made for someone pretty special!
I used mostly vintage supplies to make it, including an old sixties Christmas card.

Have you received anything handmade - or will you be making any Chrissy goodies to give as gifts yourself??
What will you bake for your families?




WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
& A HAPPY, HEALTHY & CREATIVE 2011 :-)

Gingerbread house with a difference!

Sally xox

And the winner is......

We have the golden envelope, handsome bloke in tux is just passing it to pretty lady in posh frock... and drumroll.... the envelope is open... and...
The winner of the Christmas Giveaway is:

♥ 'LAUREN' ♥

Congratulations Lauren!

Sorry to everyone else who didn't win, but thank you VERY much for entering.

Watch out for new giveaways coming in the new year!

Sally  xox

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!

...I have decided to do another store credit giveaway for the following reasons:

1.My last giveaway was a great success.
2. I want to thank my followers and customers
3. IT"S CHRISTMAS!!!!!

If you would like to win $25 credit for use in my humble little crafty shop,
if so - just leave me a comment.

The only rule is that you need to be a follower of this blog (new or old).

If you want extra entries then please feel free to prommote this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter,
your blog etc and leave me a link of your post.

Please make sure I have a way to contact you!

ENTRY IS OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT on 22nd December 2010.

A Winner will be drawn and announced on 23rd....

...please check back then :-)

Artist Love!

Hi,
happy Thursday my Lovlies!!
I have just discovered a new artist - well she is new TO ME!! I absolutely love her work, probably because it puts me in mind of my ultimate favourite artists Matisse and Dufy. I guess it's also a little similar to how I like to paint myself ~ I have a colourful, whimsical & slightly childlike style.

Her name is Bella Foster, and she lives in Brooklyn, New York....have you seen her work yet??

check out some of her lovely paintings.... which can all be found here , and view more here http://www.bellafoster.com also.

I think this Bookshelf painting mifght just be my favourite!

BUT, then again - it could be this one!! ~ The Horticulturalist

For more, head on over to the blog  HERE THERE AND THEM, which showcases Bella's paintings of "Other People's Stuff"!!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree...

Today the boys and I will be putting up and decorating our Christmas tree.
At not quite 4 years, and 51/2 years old, this is a very EXCITING prospect indeed, let me tell you!!
(I am hoping taking it down will be too, hmm?... yeah sure!!!).

I have my Christmas music CD to hand and a box of MR. Kipling Mince Pies.



I will post a pic or two once it's up, but in the meantime, here's a look at some different Christmas trees & decorating styles.

1). First a fabulously colourful tree at Black & Spiro

2) Modern Christmas Tree by Markus Linnenbrink

3) One for the Boys (big boys that is!)  Redneck Tree




4) why not make one of these recycled Christmas trees out of old mags?

 

5) how about a Shelf Tree?!

 
6)  I love this simple idea of displaying your cards in the shape of a Christmas tree - how fabulous is that?! 'Inside Out' is my favourite magazine, so I wasn't surprised to find something inspiring on their HOMELIFE website.

        

 Sally xox



Fab Finds #7

Just a quickie .... thought I'd 'give' you some flowers!!  ♥

The source for this flowery lovliness, is one of my utmost favourite Etsy shops 'Bomobob', by a talented photographer from Montreal, Canada. You really must check out Bob's work, it's awesome!!


Hope you've had a great weekend,

Sally xox

Fab Finds #6

Hello,
on this very wet Wednesday, I am feeling a bit worse for wear.
I haven't been sleeping well for a few days and now I have a stinky cold! : (

Nothing cheers me up like a burst of colour and some fab eye candy!! Window shopping from the comfort of home, mug of earl grey in hand! I even accompanied the tea with a mince pie today (sorry diet, I'll see you again soon!).

Anyhoo, I'd like to share these examples with you that made me smile today:



1.These fun bracelets are made by Liana Kabel,
she says: "Bracelets made because...
I love the graphic nature of numbers.

I'm interested in exploring simple yet effective ways to connect pieces.
they continue the theme.

I wanted to."

(a little sadly these are not available for purchase anywhere).

But DO check out Liana's awesome 'Plastic Girl' blog and her Etsy shop






2.This bright and wonderful Giclee print is by
Jenn Ski an artist and illustrator with a passion for modern and mid-20th century art and design.






3. I had this EXACT design wallpaper, (below)
on the inside of my bedroom cupboard, when I was a teenager! (Also a little bit of a great 1950's kitchen design),

coming across this today made me feel nostalgic :)

You can buy it here from Menzo Collection on Etsy.





 

and now, I shall bid you goodnight ... it's time for a little TV & Camomile tea before bed,

Sally xox