Blog Feature - "Couture du Jour"

I had a really nice suprise this morning to find that one of my bags had been included on lillyella's blog as part of a "Couture du Jour" feature. Thanks!

Be sure to check out lillyella's lovely blog for the full feature and Zepur of ZionShore's Etsy shop, who selected the ensemble below:

  

More Vintage Finds

Despite having little space left in our flat, I can't resist adding to my collection of vintage finds...

A glass fruit/desert stand and two pieces of lace:

After giving various pieces of china as Christmas presents, I decided to start my own collection.  I found these tea trios on eBay (one of which is identical to a Christmas present I wanted to keep for myself). I think the mismatched pieces work really well together:

I'm also on the lookout for vintage birdcages, the bigger the better.  I don't consider that they count towards the clutter quota because I plan to put them in the garden.  They look beautiful just as they are but I plan to fill them with plants or outdoor candles.

My Craft Stash

In common with many crafters out there, I have a stash of fabric, buttons, ribbons, trimmings and everything else sewing related you can think of.  My collection often outgrows its storage space!

I never spend a huge amount on any of these items; I think part of the fun is sourcing a bargain.  I find it helpful to lay out my supplies for inspiration and sometimes, I can actually bring myself to use them!  Anyway, I thought I'd share a few photos of my craft stash for those who are interested:

I currently have a bit of a thing for ribbon...

and for bias binding...

and trimmings...

I have collected lots of vintage buttons over the past few years and plan to use them to embellish kisslock frame clutch bags (watch this space).

I love vintage jewelry and have kindly been given various pieces by my Grandma (an antiques dealer!). Some were missing a few stones, but I fixed them using items which were beyond repair.  Some of the brooches don't have pins, but they will still look stunning stitched to the front of a bag.

 

I have a lovely collection of vintage buckles, which I am yet to use. My favourites are those made from wood or mother of pearl. I'm currently pondering whether to make some belts or incorporate them all into my bag designs.

I don't limit my shopping to vintage items.  The clear and pink butterflies were originally attached to hairbands and cost around 50p each (80 US cents).  Obviously I had to buy every single one on the shelf...

I often pick up keyrings in the sales, which make for unusual bag charms or zipper pulls:

I have so much fabric, I think it deserves an entire post to itself...

My pet free sewing environment...

I recently returned to my sewing maching to find my neighbours' cat sitting on top! (She'd crept in the back door and decided that was the best spot.)

In view of my Etsy promise that all items are constructed in a pet free environment, I quickly and kindly tried to 'help' her get down.  Her response was to nip the back of my hand, grip the machine with her back legs and refuse to budge. At least it gave me chance to take a photo - I was laughing so much, I'm suprised I managed to keep the camera still.

Potential customers please note that this is not a regular occurence...

 

Valentine's Cupcakes

I did a bit of baking last weekend and made these Vanilla Valentine cupcakes, entirely for his benefit -honest. We washed them down with hot chocolate (which he's cunningly taken to flavouring with rose syrup so it tastes like turkish delight!). Yes, we felt a little queasy by the time we'd finished...

Narcissus

This Narcissus was a Christmas gift (one of those indoor bulb kits which you plant and grow yourself) and was very special while it lasted; it's a shame the fragrance can't be shared online...

Embroidery

My Grandma kindly gave me this delicate piece of hand embroidery at Christmas (she made it herself a long time ago). I think it is an amazing piece of work; the colours are beautiful and the detail breathtaking...

If you click on the image you can see the detail more closely.