Ladybird Likes...

the great escape (part 1)

2012-03-03T10:41:00.035Z

A couple of weeks ago (ha, how many of my posts start like that?!) I went to stay with my bestie Lucy for a few days to escape the city and have a break. I was burnt out, having been working non-stop since about October getting ready for my Etsy shop opening. You may remember me mentioning Lucy before on my wee blog - she owns and runs Creighton's Chocolaterie along with her parents out in Leighton Buzzard. So obviously I spent some of my weekend hanging out in the shop, sampling the good....

yeah, so this chocolate bar was inspired BY ME! I'm obsessed with peanuts and chocolate, so Lucy made this chocolate bar in my honour. It tastes like a chooclate and peanut butter whoopie pie which, in case you've never had one, is basically incredible. Ignore the fact it says 'nutter' in the title - I suggested simply naming it 'the zoe' (like 'the rachel' haircut) but apparently not...

Valentine's Day window...

...and Valentine's merchandise (wish I liked white chocolate!)

for some reason some of these photos have a greenish tinge - any ideas why? pretty sure it's not they type of film as I've used it before... maybe the lighting?

BEST HOT CHOCOLATE EVER - I couldn't even finish it, it was so rich and chocolatey (I had already consumed half the chocolate shop by this point and it kind of pushed me over the edge!)

I stayed at Lucy's new pad, which she has made look amazing! She has the BEST taste, particularly in art prints, and I had to take a few photos to show you my favourite bits of her house....

these prints - on their own they are ace, but together they are perfection

painted ceramic flying geese - her living room has a kind of peach and gold vibe, but with added bits of colour

you all know how much I love crochet blankets, and Lucy has her own little collection going on too - plus look at the plush birdie which she MADE herself (there is literally no end to her talents)

THIS = AMAZE

uhhhhhhhhhh need this need this need this - can't stop thinking about this light fitting and how I could incorporate it into a photoshoot (ps. look at the bits of peach and aqua walls in the background - ahhhhhh)

These are the 'indoor' photos from my time away, and tomorrow will be the 'outdoor' photos featuring, wait for it, SNOW. Yup, these are kind of old, so there was still snow when I took them! HA! xoxo

Friday Favourites

2012-03-02T10:44:00.004Z

1. Jaklamyra, 2. Untitled, 3. my sister in law is married!, 4. wool embroidery, 5. Untitled, 6. Tulipan, 7. Untitled, 8. Rock & Shop Market poster, 9. Green

Blog and Buy Sale: Stall 6

2012-03-01T23:48:00.000Z

Hey everyone! Just a quick blog post (I'm currently working on making a ton of stock for my four craft fairs coming up) to say that I am currently one of the stalls over at the awesome Blog and Buy Sale. Every month they showcase a range of new artists and designer/makers, and this month I am one of them :) Please do go and have a look at my stall and feel free to tweet about it too. And there are lots of other wonderful stalls up there too, including the uber talented Magasin who makes incredible cross stitched accessories and jewellery.

Last week I learnt how to do a screenshot for the first time, and have been taking screenshots of EVERYTHING. It's quite a nice way to keep a record of how things look, and where I've been featured, but I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon. Or at least I hope so...

Anywho, back to work I go. But fear not, next week I'm going to be doing a little giveaway! YAY! xoxo

I left my heart in Malvern...

2012-02-28T19:39:00.001Z

Waaaaay back in cold January I went to stay with my bestie Emma for a couple of days. Well I totally fell in love with Malvern, partly because of the beautiful scenery and partly because of the amazing charity shops! Here are a couple of shots from my trip - I hardly took any photos due to spending most of the time in charity shops or bookshops!

working on an embroidery on the train journey

I can't remember where this was but I do remember there were good charity shops there...
(EDIT - Emma has just informed me this was in Ledbury. Sorry Ledbury, I know it's no fun when people forget your name...)

bright pink shop fronts = my kind of place

the most beautiful handmade quilt you ever did see, and I got to sleep underneath it

love these old fashioned charity collection boxes they had outside the shops

the hills (so weird seeing big hills when all you're used to is the London streets)

cute signage by the bucketload

So I'm pretty much ready to move to the countryside now, and looking at these photos has only made me realise just how much I miss it (and how much I miss Emma!) Has anyone out there moved from city to countryside? Or from countryside to city? How did you find it, and which did you prefer? xoxo

Friday Favourites

2012-02-24T10:42:00.006Z

1. That's it - all shelves are now full!, 2. Lomo_Cool Dog, 3. carter, 4. Castle and Birds, 5. fields of flowers..., 6. Tulipan, 7. more shadows, 8. cotton candy & carousel ~ 12, 9. Graz

DIY gift wrapping

2012-02-22T19:56:00.054Z

It's no secret that I love wrapping presents. Possibly even more than I like buying and giving them. That's a whole lot of love. And people seem to like the way I wrap presents - that or they are too polite to tell me to stop sticking loads of crap on to their gifts! But I thought I'd share some of my gift wrapping ideas over here - and I might even turn this into a mini series, as I had so much fun wrapping up empty boxes for this post!

I went with a blue/green/white colour scheme and, as always, wrapped my presents (ahem, empty boxes) in plain brown kraft paper first. If you're not a fan of kraft paper you can buy rolls of cheap white paper from loads of craft/stationery places which will do the job. I also wanted the presents to have a romantic vintage vibe, but without being overly mushy...

all the gift wrapping bits and bobs were things I had already - I know not everyone will have the same things lying around, but this is where you can improvise. I have a whole tin of old stamps and just picked out some blue ones to cover the front of this present (pick a small gift for this one, it actually takes quite a while sticking all those stamps on!) if you don't have stamps you could use old ticket stubs, labels, cigarette cards.... just use your imagination

here I played around with layering lots of bits and pieces - the very back is a scrap from a french-english dictionary, then there is a heart shaped doily, and I secured them by tying some velvet ribbon around the present. Finally I added a bow fashioned from a scrap of fabric, plus a tag with a 'Z' cut from sheet music stuck on it. Try using different papers layered on top of each other, and add a personalised element with an initial tag.

I went for a bit of a sewing theme on this one - it's wrapped in an old sewing pattern (look out for them at car boot sales or charity shops - I picked up a stack for 20p each and they are great for wrapping small gifts in!) then I attached a silver heart doily. Finally I threaded a few neutral coloured buttons on to some paper twine and wrapped this round the present. The recipient can keep the buttons and maybe use them in a project.

this is so simple but looks really effective. I cut a piece of kraft paper to the right size then simply stuck strips of coloured washi tape on to it in a diagonal pattern to create striped paper! you can get washi tape in every colour and pattern imaginable, so you can create custom wrapping paper.

I made pom poms from three coordinating colours of wool, then wrapped wool around the present before attaching the pom poms - this is particularly good for kids presents, but who doesn't love a pom pom?! you can also skip the wool wrapping bit and just tie one piece of wool and attach the pom pom to that. I'm not really into the whole 'less is more' thing!

and finally I had to make some custom wrapping paper using this adorable stag head stamp - I used white ink to contrast against the kraft paper, but you could use any colour and any stamp to suit your needs. I tied some rough twine around the present and embellished with a lacy bow, a tiny glass bottle, and an old key. Raid your own craft supplies and see what you could attach to a present - any jewellery charms, buttons, fabric scraps, or small toys and trinkets which you could thread some ribbon through would look awesome.

Right, well I hope that has inspired you all! It's made me want to wrap up even more presents... maybe I will wrap some with a spring/Easter theme for the holidays? xoxo

snow fun in London

2012-02-21T13:22:00.034Z

(in my mind the title words 'fun' and 'London' rhyme.... isn't there such a thing as a half-rhyme? anyway, I'm digressing very early on!)

Everyone has posted their snow photos already - except me.... yeah life has been pretty crazy round here, just for a change, and I thought maybe I shouldn't bother posting these. But I like them, and so what if they're a bit late? I'm trying to worry less about what I think I 'should' be posting, and more about what I want to post!

I love how most of these photos look almost black and white - they're not, but I guess the grey sky and the snow everywhere gives it that feeling!

got kind of obsessed with taking close ups of the snow and ice on low hanging tree branches - it was so beautiful, I just wish I'd seen some proper icicles, that would have made my life!

even though I went out at 9am there were already lots of footprints in the park from people walking up the hill to go tobogganing

the snow had started to melt already, and all you could hear was the water drip dripping off of the needles on these massive trees

this is quite possibly my favourite ever instax photo - it eventually went a bit darker than it looks in this photo, but it has this really haunted feel to it that I love

this little pupster isn't too sure about snow - it's a bit too cold and a bit too wet and a bit too deep for him I think! he did go out and play for a few minutes though and I took the opportunity to snap a few photos (he is supposed to be white, but look how dirty his fur looks against the snow!)

and finally a little bit of snowy love to all my blog followers - especially those of you who didn't get any snow of your own!

List 25: things I have been doing in my sort of internet absence

2012-02-19T10:24:00.037Z

Although you may not have noticed (especially as I had a handful of posts scheduled) I haven't been around much on this here blog for a couple of weeks. This is mostly because I have been crazy busy, but also partly because I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with the internet. There is so much on here, and the pressure to get myself noticed and put myself out there can feel a bit too much at times. But I think a short break has done me the world of good, and now I'm back, ready for action! But I thought you might be interested in some of the things I've been up to over the last weeks...

1. I launched my first ever Etsy shop! The response has been amazing - so far I have sold 18 items, and had thousands of views on my shop page! Thank you to everyone who has tweeted/blogged/facebooked about it. You've made one of my dreams come true.

2. I spent some time hanging out with Lucy aka. Lucy Vanilla the domestic goddess. I'm not even going to start on how much I adore this girl, she is one of my best friends. She owns and runs Creighton's Chocolaterie, so I spent some time hanging out there, taking part in a truffle making class (dark chocolate and orange - YUM), trawling charity shops, eating takeout, and going on a 3 hour dog walk in the snow.

3. I worked a lot in the Lazy Oaf shop. Obvs.

4. I packaged up lots of orders for my Etsy shop - I think wrapping and packaging orders is my favourite part of the job so far.

5. I painted the ENTIRE Lazy Oaf shop, with the help of my Dad. It is now very, very white. Let's not talk about how long it took (11 hours)or what time we got home (8am the next morning.) Instead we will focus on how lovely it looks now!

6. I had a stall at a 'rock and roll jumble sale' in Angel. I've been wanting to do one for so long, and am so glad I did it! I made £80 profit selling vintage doodads, so hope to make this a monthly occurrence. Any excuse to go out thrifting more often!

7. We had Phoebe over to stay the night, and spent two days making biscuits, pizza, meringues, fairy cakes, paintings, Valentine's Day cards, bath potions, and a huge mess. It was so much fun, I love that kiddo a lot, but I have no idea how parents do it full time!

Well I think that's it.... I have lots of photos to blog (got a film developed the other day yay!) so will be back tomorrow with a proper post :) What has everyone else been up to? What have I missed? xoxo

Friday Favourites

2012-02-17T10:41:00.003Z

1. Jar of Cupcake Cases, 2. Struck by light..., 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled, 5. vintage European china plates, 6. field studies, 7. El miércoles decidí que llegó el momento de seguir solo hacia adelante, 8. Decor8-1, 9. be still

ladybird likes...

2012-02-13T10:52:00.019Z

these wonderful bicycle bookends

this beautiful collection of Waechtersbach illustrated mugs

this DIY tutorial for making glass jar photo frames

this wall of postcards (definitely going to attempt this in my own house)

this recipe for creme brulee fudge looks unbelievable

these rather awesome illustrated camera prints

my studio inspiration

2012-02-11T10:53:00.000Z

Just a little peek at one of the walls in my studio/craft room. I love having pretty images and objects around me at all times - it really does help when I feel uninspired. On this wall are magazine cuttings, a couple of photographs, an owl postcard, a Yoko Ono quote, and a piece of one of my favourite ever vintage fabrics in an embroidery hoop.

these incredible bird stamp illustrations are by Kate Sutton - I snagged them from her stall at Renegade last year (I absolutely love her work!)

I will share some peeks at my other inspiration walls next week too :) What do you have on your walls? Do you find you get more inspired having lots of stuff on your wall, or just a few select pieces? xoxo

Friday Favourites

2012-02-10T10:40:00.008Z

1. Pink Victorian house, 2. Untitled, 3. happy valentines!, 4. Untitled, 5. Fürs Fahrrad, 6. Maggie., 7. Double Exposure, 8. hyacinth in bloom, 9. wishing for...

a stitch in time

2012-02-07T10:39:00.001Z

Although I have been crazy busy making stock for my soon to be opening Etsy shop, I always like having a 'just for fun' project on the go, especially as I spend about 3 hours a day commuting to work, so it's nice to have something to keep me busy during that time. Recently I've been obsessed with embroidering quotes, and here are a few examples of what I've been doing....

'so it goes' is a quote from Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5 (I have this tattooed on my wrist too) - I stitched up a tiny version and popped it in this vintage slide binder. I'm thinking about making some of these mini embroideries for my shop too... what do you reckon?

yup, that's from Teenage Dream by Katy Perry, ha! But it's something I feel like I need reminding of on a regular basis, as I find it all too easy to get stuck reminiscing about the past and wondering about what could have been

lastly, a vintage map (glued on to card as paper is so hard to embroider on!) with lyrics from Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

I used the same font for all three pieces, just in different sizes. I'm going to try experimenting with some different fonts, and maybe some collage pieces incorporating embroidery. What is everyone else working on at the moment? Does any one else have 'on the go' crafts to work on whilst they're on the bus/train?xoxo

MY ETSY SHOP IS OPEN!

2012-02-06T20:02:00.000Z

After years of dreaming, and months of planning, the day is finally here..... my Etsy shop is now open for business! I would love it if you could go and check it out. To celebrate, I am offering a FREE goodie bag to the first ten people to spend over £10 (not including shipping) in my shop! So be quick, and get some extra goodies for free.

Also, I know a lot of people have already been asking what they can do to help me out with promoting my shop, which is absolutely amazing - I am so overwhelmed by the kindness of people. So here are a few things you can do, and it would mean the world to me if you could help spread the word :)

- visit my Etsy shop and (if you have an Etsy account) favourite my shop and/or favourite items in my shop

- add me to your circle on Etsy (this is good so I can check out your shops too!)

- tweet about my Etsy shop with a link to it (please include @ladybirdlikes in your tweet so I can thank you personally)

- mention my shop on your blog if you have one (you can use any of the photos from my shop for this person, or if you'd like additional photos/information/graphics please contact me and I will do my best to help)

- post a link to my shop on your facebook page

- tell all your friends and family about it in person, via email, or via carrier pigeon

- and of course you can, if you see something you like, make a purchase :)

I have loads more things to add to the shop over the next few weeks, and will be blogging lots about some exciting plans. PLUS I will be holding a mega giveaway next week to celebrate the launch of my first ever Etsy shop! Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my dream so far - and thank you to everyone who will support it in the future. xoxo

ladybird likes...

2012-02-05T11:01:00.022Z

this inspiring wall of pretty things

these lovely crocheted potholders

this amazing installation made from recycled cardboard (source unknown)

this pretty camera

this lovely owl illustration (source unknown)

this delicious looking sweet potato and chilli ravioli

Friday Favourites

2012-02-03T10:38:00.006Z

1. Blue and white dishes, 2. Untitled, 3. pueblo blanco, 4. Untitled, 5. a blueberry bonanza..., 6. , 7. beach scene #2, 8. Untitled, 9. Untitled

DIY: upcycled notecards

2012-02-01T23:14:00.000Z

I'm a self-confessed hoarder. I hate throwing away things and am always the one saying 'oh I'll keep that and use it to make such and such.' Case in point today - wrapping paper. If I find pretty wrapping paper I have to get some, but I can never bear to wrap presents with it, unless I know the recipient will keep the paper! And if someone gives me a gift with nice wrapping paper around it I will of course keep that paper. Basically I am at crisis point with my paper hoarding, so I decided to turn some of my favourite bits into some nifty notecards, thus also solving my eternal 'I can't afford pretty notecards' quandry. Although I'm sure you can all figure out how to make notecards, I thought I'd share a little step by step DIY just in case....

first up select some nice papers - doesn't even have to be wrapping paper, although that's what I'm using today (look at the one with sushi on, isn't it the cutest?!)

now you need to gather your equipment - blank record cards (I used two different sizes to mix it up), a paintbrush, glue (I used mod podge but any pva glue will do), and a pair of scissors. I'd also advise a heavy stack of books to weight down your finished notecards as they have a tendency to curl up!

spread a layer of glue on one side of your card - don't apply too much or it will go lumpy and make the paper wrinkle, and make sure you get all the way to the edges too.

press your card glue side down on to the reverse of your wrapping paper, and smooth down carefully with your hand to avoid getting air bubbles trapped underneath (if you do get an air bubble at this stage just carefully peel apart the wrapping paper and card and start again, adding a bit more glue if needed.)

carefully cut around the edge of the card so the wrapping paper and the record card are the same size, then leave to dry for a couple of hours (at this stage I'd advise sticking your notecard under that stack of heavy books - it helps stick the two pieces together, and keeps the whole thing nice and flat)

voila, you are done! make up a whole bunch in different patterns, keep them for yourself or give to family and friends! I used a corner rounding punch on these ones, because that's just how I roll. I think they would be super cute packaged up with some plain white envelopes as a gift to a friend.

(love this design - I got the paper at a studio sale and am going to frame a scrap of it in my craft room I think)

meet my helper

2012-01-31T10:52:00.000Z

Pretty much every spare minute I have at the moment is spent at my desk in my craft room. I don't see anyone (except family members now and again) for days on end, and the only thing keeping me sane is music and Gilmore Girls DVDs! Luckily I have my cutie pie pupster by my side most of the day - Jasper has decided he loves lying under my desk during the day as long as I put a blanket down for him to sleep on! He's the best little helper, and I couldn't resist snapping a few photos of him the other day.

my new best friend

2012-01-30T11:47:00.000Z

A couple of years ago at Christmas my parents surprised me with my very own sewing machine! I was so full of ideas of what I was going to do/make with it, but life was so busy my poor sewing machine got packed away and forgotten about. But last year I finally got my own craft room space, and my sewing machine got its own desk where it resides permanently. So far I (ahem, my mum) have mainly been mending the huge stack of clothes that needed hemming/altering/generally repairing, but I'm definitely going to start learning how to make things with it, especially as I have a mountain of vintage fabrics calling out to be used!

Sorry for the ton of photos of an inanimate object - I'm just very, very happy to have a sewing machine of my own that I can actually use, and I hope that by posting about it on here I will be spurred on even more to learn to use it properly and eventually make some nice things with it. Does anyone else have a sewing machine - what do you mainly use it for? xoxo

i'll bring you flowers, in the pouring rain

2012-01-28T10:25:00.020Z

Does everyone else remember the song that the title is taken from? It was a garage song from about 2000.... 'I'll bring you flowers in the pouring rain. Living without you is driving me insane.' I really love that song - it's on our garage playlist at work which is literally the best playlist ever, even if I do say so myself. It also features So Solid Crew and Oxide and Neutrino. Immense. But yes, getting back to the point, every time someone brings us flowers I immediately think of those lyrics.

Did you know my little sister works in a florist? It means we pretty much always have fresh flowers in my house. If I ever have a place of my own I will make sure I buy fresh flowers every week, because they always make me feel at home.

Friday Favourites

2012-01-27T10:37:00.005Z

1. Tree House, 2. Untitled, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled, 5. (sooc), 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. Untitled, 9. Untitled

WINNERS!

2012-01-26T15:34:00.001Z

I almost forgot to announce the winners of my mixtape giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered - I've made a list of all your recommendations which I'm going to make into a playlist. I love finding new music! Also, I miscounted my mixtapes (I have no idea how - I'm under a lot of pressure right now and apparently it's affected my ability to count!) so I actually have EIGHT CDs to giveaway! With that in mind, here are the eight lucky winners.....

1. Jo from The Striped Deckchair
2. Claire from Claireyes
3. Harriet from Harriet Gray Illustration
4. The Dotty One
5. Millie from Strawberries and Squiggles
6. Emma from Ink Fingers
7. Helen from Jolly Good
8. Vintage Veggie

Congratulations you guys! If you can email me your addresses to ladybirdlikes@hotmail.co.uk and I will pop your mixtapes in the post! xoxo

PS. I will be having another giveaway very soon (two in fact) to celebrate the launches of my Etsy shops. Be sure to check back in the next few weeks.

gel medium transfers

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000Z

Am I the only person who sees a new technique being used in a tutorial, and then has to try it for themselves, but instead of getting all the proper tools and equipment like any normal person would, they try and find an easier/quicker/cheaper way of doing it? That's me, I am that person. I first saw gel medium transfers done on a craft blog, transferring a printed photo on to a canvas. Basically you print the photo off on normal paper, cover the picture in gel medium, press it face down on to the canvas, leave overnight till it's dry, and then basically you wet the paper and rub till the paper comes off, leaving the photo transferred on to the canvas. (there are way more detailed instructions than these online - google it and you will find videos and everything.) Me being me I had to have a go, but I only had an inkjet printer. Okay, so these experts say it doesn't really work with inket printers.... but I had to try anyway....

This is my first attempt - ignore the fact that parts of the picture have rubbed off, and that it's really wrinkled. Oh, and that mysterious pink tinge (where did that even come from - it was a black and white image.) I'm actually quite proud of this as a first try - it has a nice vintage vibe to it.

For my second try I moved on to experimenting using watercolour paper (ahem, this is actually my fourth try - number two and three were on canvas too and did NOT turn out, and so had to be binned... hence the move to the cheaper option of watercolour paper!) Again this was a black and white image, so not sure about all the crazy colours, but I really like the effect going on here.

I had to try a colour image too, which turned out really well, even if the colours are a bit off. Apparently the problem with inkjet printed images is that the inks are absorbed into the paper making them harder to transfer.

This was my favourite printed image - most of the detail was lost due to ink bleed (using dark/vivid coloured images gets really messy!) but I love how the ink smudged and it almost looks like a watercolour painting.

So after running out of patience for these hit and miss printed images, and not having access to a laser printer, I did some more research. I stumbled upon a gel transfer tutorial using vintage magazine images, and so decided to experiment with some of my ephemera collection. They turned out even better than I expected!

This one is my absolute favourite - as I was rubbing the paper away from the middle I really liked how it looked as though the girl was coming out of the book page, so I just rubbed away the middle and left the rest of the original paper around it!

I'm definitely going to experiment further, once I can get some photocopied or laser printed images. I have some crafty plans up my sleeves using these transfers, and will share as soon as I've figured out the best way to get perfect results!

ladybird likes...

2012-01-25T11:03:00.021Z

these yummy apple cider caramels

this beautifully illustrated cover for Peter Pan

this incredible floral leather satchel

this ace bicycle illustration by James Gulliver Hancock

this brilliant idea for vinyl inspired mixtape favours at a wedding

this DIY project for brightening up wooden furniture

better late than never...

2012-01-23T10:23:00.013Z

So, I took these photos on Christmas Day, whilst on our family walk before dinner. I had every intention of posting them that very day but my card reader broke. And then I kind of forgot about them. I did consider saving them for next year but I went to a lot of effort to take these pictures (well, I say 'a lot', I just had to carry a blackboard and a deer round) and the sentiment is still the same - I WISH YOU ALL LOVE AND HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY.

my vintage book haul (part 2)

2012-01-22T13:21:00.039Z

As promised, here are a few peeks into my two current favourite books, both of which I picked up for a few pennies whilst staying with my lovely friend (thanks Emma for showing me around the BEST charity shops and outdoor bookshop ever!)

The first one is 'The House of Four Seasons' by Roger Duvoisin. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, I cannot stop looking through it. One ay I hope to live in a house like this one! (you can get a copy through amazon here though it doesn't show the cover so I'm not sure if all the copies will be the same.)

(ahhhhhh look at the pink owl!)

Secondly is 'A Child's Book of Dogs' by Luis M Henderson. Obviously I love anything to do with dogs, and that yellow cover with doggy illustrations totally won me over. (you can get a copy through Amazon here but again there is no photo so I'm not sure it's an identical copy)

(love all the dog heads on the first page!)

I love having stacks of pretty or interesting books around to look at - I find them so inspiring! What are your favourite books at the moment?xoxo

my vintage book haul (part 1)

2012-01-21T11:32:00.047Z

A few weeks ago I went to stay with my bestie Emma. She planned out two days full of charity shop rummaging, plus a few extra treats. The charity shops alone were enough to make me consider a move out of London - I got loads of awesome stuff for mere pennies! But it was the huge outdoor bookshop in Hay-on-Wye she took me too that really won me over. It's basically an outdoor area full of shelves of books. You really have t rummage to find the good stuff, but there are so many good books it was worth it! And the best bit? They were 30p or 50p each! Here are a few shots of the books I picked up...

I sort of collect stamps, so obviously this came home with me // that beautiful cover, plus the fact that I love pretending to be French made this one a winner

birdwatchers handbook - do I need to explain this one?! // I loved the cover of this book, even if it's totally unrelated to the subject (it's a book for teaching English!)

I love nature books, but it was the colours on the dust jacket that really caught my eye // the illustration on the cover of this copy of The Yearling is my favourite

this was inside one of the books I bought - definitely one for the pinboard (god I love old ephemera like this, especially if it's book related)

I got these books purely for the illustrations and fonts on their dust jackets! (am I the only person who collects nice book covers and gets rid of the books?)

how awesome are the 1970s illustrated covers on these editions of Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice?

the cover had come off this book, but I had to have it - I am going to frame it and put it on my wall :)

Sadly I'm not keeping all of these - I will be selling some of them on, but only because I have already filled a whole bookcase, plus several shelves with my books, and I'm pretty sure if I bring home any more my parents will disown me! Tomorrow I will share some peeks into my two favourite books that I purchased in Malvern... trust me, they are amazing! xoxo

Friday Favourites

2012-01-20T10:31:00.007Z

1. threadfrompcc, 2. carwash, 3. you do not belong here anymore, 4. ~, 5. Untitled, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. Untitled, 9. Untitled

a sneak peek....

2012-01-19T11:29:00.032Z

I've been spending every free minute I have making things for my soon to be open Etsy shop. I'm having the BEST time (apart from several occasions when I got overcome by glue fumes and ended up with an awful headache. Oh and when I accidentally glued the paintbrush to my bamboo pad.) Although my Etsy shop will (hopefully) be opening in two weeks, I wanted to share a few peeks at some things I've been making!

First up are these wooden brooches made using vintage decals - I'm obsessed with decals right now, the blue tit (or is it a great tit?) is probably my favourite. In real life they look like tiny paintings <3

Teeny tiny little bunting made from old books, wrapped up on oversized cotton reels. My love for miniature things. combined with my love of vintage ephemera. I've got some hung up around my computer and it never fails to make me smile (not sure how many of these I will be offering up though - they take FOREVER to make as they are really fiddly. A nice craft to do whilst watching TV though...)

And finally mini wooden heart pins covered in upcycled vintage fabrics. I love the way these look all together, and I was so glad to find a way to use some of my vintage fabric stash. Am I the only person who buys clothes/bedding/fabric scraps from car boot sales just because they love the pattern or colours?

Well there they are folks - I will also be sharing more peeks next week, so be sure to check back then. Oh, and as always I post random photos over on my twitter so follow me there to see little behind the scenes updates and photos! What has everyone else been doing/making lately? I'm SO behind on my blog reading, so apologies lovely friends xoxo

ladybird likes...

2012-01-18T10:40:00.023Z

these stones painted to look like owls are AMAZE (source unknown)

these envelopes lined with book pages are genius

these vintage air mail labels have my heart (source unknown)

these mint green recycled paper pencils

these beautiful pansy shortbread biscuits

this dreamy Diana Dreamer illustration

a mixtape giveaway!

2012-01-17T21:21:00.000Z

Normally I make a monthly mixtape playlist of my current favourite songs (or some old favourites I have rediscovered.) But last month, what with it being the season of giving and all, I thought I would burn some of my favourite songs from last year's monthly mixtapes on to CD to giveaway to my amazing blog readers. It's my little way of saying thank you for reading and commenting on this little blog of mine! Unfortunately life got crazy busy and I didn't get round to blogging the giveaway, so here it is, better late than never!

There are seven copies up for grabs, so to enter all you need to do is be a follower on my blog through Google Friend Connect, and then leave a comment on this post with your current favourite song. I will pick seven winners at random on the 25th January, so get entering!

List 24: presents I received for Christmas (and loved)

2012-01-16T11:03:00.038Z

I was originally going to post photos of all my Xmas goodies, but I feel like I've left it for too long now, so instead I'm just going to tell you about some of my favourite gifts I received this year (and why I love them)

1. a wooden Narwhal brooch (do I really need to explain - it's a NARWHAL)
2. a signed Rob Ryan print (just need to find the perfect frame, but it is the most beautiful thing you ever did see)
3. new pyjamas (it's kind of a tradition for my parents to buy me pyjamas, and it's one I love - there is nothing like falling asleep on Christmas evening in snuggly new pjs)
4. a huge wood letterpress Z which is now hanging on my wall
5. homemade Rocky Road bars (ummmmm YUM)
6. a vintage ET necklace (oh god I need to take a photo of this because it is the best thing ever)
7. a stack of gorgeous books from my amazon wishlist, including several craft ones, and one all about vintage caravans!
8. this Ghost World movie poster print that I had been eyeing up for several months
9. a mini crocheted blanket to add to my collection - it's about a quarter of the size of my giant one, but is the perfect size to sit on my lap while I'm crafting late at night
10. Lush snow fairy shower gel (again, I get a bottle of this every year, but it smells so good, like candyfloss)

I didn't get very many presents this Christmas, mainly because I owed my parents a heap of money. I still owe them money, but a slightly smaller heap as they wrote off some of my debt in lieu of gifts. You know you are a grown up when you have to decide between a smaller debt and Christmas presents! I'm lucky to have so many wonderful friends (and two amazing sisters) who gave me such lovely things, so I still had plenty of things to open on Christmas day. What did everyone else get? Leave a comment or link me to your blog posts xoxo

Friday Favourites

2012-01-13T10:30:00.006Z

1. I PUT A SPELL ON YOU, 2. Untitled, 3. Everything is illuminated, 4. Cup o' tea!, 5. fairy dust in the field, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. in my studio, 9. laundry

ladybird likes

2012-01-10T11:52:00.035Z

these adorable dog illustrations by the super talented Itsuko Suzuki

this inspiring wall of bits and bobs

this incredible bird patterned shirt collar (need to try a DIY version!)

these yummy looking gingerbread hearts

this cute as a button origami fox how to

this awesome bird feeder ornament made by the ever inspiring Abby of Aesthetic Outburst

i heart iphone photos

2012-01-08T11:30:00.029Z

Oh it has been too long dear blog readers - I had such a busy December, and then my card reader broke so I haven't been able to upload any photos. But fear not, I have a new card reader, plus lots of ideas for my little blog in 2012.... including a fun giveaway coming up next week! For now though I wanted to share some of my iphone photos from the last few months - I know it's not the most exciting post ever, but I love that phone pictures tend to give a really good glimpse into people's day to day lives.... (photos clockwise from top left)

writing blog posts//walks in the park as the sun goes down//autumn leaves are my favourite//my beloved sewing machine finally gets its own home in my new craft room

love the illustrated cover on this 1970s copy of HG Wells//gingerbread sock cookie lovingly made and decorated by Steph//beautiful clouds in London//Heather interviewing Tim Burgess at the Artrocker Awards

Jasper taking a nap under the newest addition to my crochet blanket family//my favourite christmas card (illustrated by my bestie Emma Carlisle)//too many chocolates//3D wooden reindeer puzzle = best christmas present ever

From now on my iphone pics won't be taken with the Shake It app - I've finally taken the plunge and got an instagram account (my username is ladybirdlikes if you would like to follow me) so I will be using that to take all my photos.

List 23: things I'd like to acheive in 2012

2012-01-07T11:02:00.062Z

these aren't resolutions as such, just things I'm going to try and do....

1. launch my online stores
2. visit new museums (specifically the Horniman and Hunterian museums)
3. pass my driving test
4. participate in as many craft/vintage fairs as possible
5. practice my Japanese every week
6. learn a new skill just for fun (I'd love to try bookbinding or sewing)
7. establish a good online routine so that I regularly blog/update flickr/tweet/email
8. climb Monument (yes I'm mainly doing it for the certificate, I like instant rewards)
9. organise all my photos
10. be a better penpal
11. finally ride on the London Eye (never been)
12. save a little bit of money each month
13. get more photos printed to put on my wall
15. take lots of photos of wildlife at London Wetland Centre
16. make more time for family
17. take a trip on the DLR (it will be my first time ever)
18. keep my 'today i' journals ever single day for a whole year
19. visit Little Venice and ride on a canal boat along Regent's Canal
20. blog more often about the little things in life
21. experiment more with my film cameras
22. cook proper meals
23. go to the Royal Observatory
24. make something new every week
25. go away on a mini break (I'd like to go to Bristol or Bath I think)
26. start ballet classes again
27. go to more gigs
28. take out magazine subscriptions to my favourite magazines
29. drink less caffeine
30. move a few steps closer to making my dreams come true

Friday Favourites

2012-01-06T10:30:00.008Z

1. Untitled, 2. Untitled, 3. Untitled , 4. Beaded Birds, 5. Viola, 6. a girlie dessert, 7. ., 8. Untitled, 9. saipua, outtake from brooklyn diary (blogged)

ladybird likes

2012-01-03T10:51:00.001Z

this bunting filled window display

this amazing chain peter pan collar necklace

this super cute DIY tutorial for fabric covered storage boxes

these too cute to eat elephant pancakes (source unknown)

these super cool camera temporary tattoos

this gorgeous illustrated lions fabric by Ed Emberley

List 22: things that have happened in my life during 2011

2011-12-31T11:32:00.080Z

1. my Nanny passed away - it was one of the saddest times in my life, because she was such an important person in my life. I still miss her every day.

2. I finished my photography diploma, and ended up being awarded a merit, which was a very pleasant surprise.

3. I put on my first ever photography show as part of our class end of year exhibit - it was one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done, and it was so nice seeing my work up on a wall for everyone to see.

4. I started buying and selling vintage knick-knacks through Ayoka Charity Shop Boutique in Bethnal Green - it's the most fun job I think I have ever had, and it's inspired me to go back and retake my driving test so I can try and grow my love of thrifting into a business.

5. I visited lots of seaside towns on the South East coast - Havant and Hayling Island, Whitstable, Eastbourne, Hastings, Brighton, and Brighton again!

6. I did a photoshoot for Lazy Oaf which also got featured on the Lomography website!

7. I became a regular at hip hop karaoke (but I am yet to make my rapping debut...)

8. I started shooting almost entirely on film using my Canon AV-1

9. I crocheted Valentines for my favourite people

10. I visited the Museum of Everything

11. I celebrated 10 years of Lazy Oaf by drinking too much and getting in a photobooth

12. I passed a diploma in Beginner's Japanese

13. I made a penpal who would quickly become one of my best friends

14. I thrifted one of my favourite ever (and most useful) car boot sale finds

15. I had the best night of my life at the Harry Potter Premiere

16. I participated in Rhianne's 2011 photoswap

17. I picked a whole load of blackberries and then made a lovely crumble from them

18. I celebrated turning 25 years old with a week long holiday

19. I spent a lot of time in the Natural History Museum

20. I made chocolate dipped pretzels (and posted my first ever step by step on my blog!)

21. I wrote a guest blog post over at For the Easily Distracted

22. I went to the 2011 Frightfest Horror Film Festival with my sister

23. I visited the chocolaterie opened up by one of my best friends

24. I bought almost entirely handmade Christmas presents at the Renegade Craft Fair

This year has been slightly surreal. So much has happened, yet it feels like nothing has changed. I loved reading back through my old blog posts to compile this list - I've done lots of things which I probably wouldn't have remembered had I not written about them on this blog. That is one of the reasons why I started blogging in the first place, as a kind of virtual diary, and I feel motivated now to blog even more next year!

Currently I am working hard to realise one of my biggest goals, which is to have my own little business, and to work for myself. 2011 has been a pretty fun year, but I'm hoping that 2012 will be even better! I'm working on a list of goals for the new year, which I will be posting next week xoxo

Friday Favourites

2011-12-30T11:03:00.007Z

1. Untitled, 2. Untitled, 3. Untitled, 4. Sunny sunday afternoon calligraphy practise, 5. Untitled, 6. nibbles, 7. Untitled, 8. just this morning, 9. old animal stamps

ladybird likes

2011-12-27T19:52:00.024Z

this idea for DIY tea towel covered stools

the gorgeous packaging on these vintage typewriter ribbons

this idea for stamping onto iced cookies

this amazing storefront (source unknown)

this how to for watching movies in your garden

this incredible owl illustration

Friday Favourites

2011-12-23T11:03:00.008Z

1. Betsy, 2. kerry's new shoes, 3. Im Sorry totoro..., 4. Untitled, 5. morning light, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. Untitled, 9. Another year later, still the same boy. <3

List 21: reasons why I love autumn and winter

2011-12-22T11:14:00.015Z

It's no secret that although summer is great (particularly love all the sun, because without sun pretty much everything would die, and that would be bad) I much prefer autumn and winter. Here are just some of the reasons why...

1. gingerbread lattes at Starbucks
2. waiting for snow
3. autumn leaves
4. wearing wellies without feeling silly
5. driving in the dark to look for Christmas lights
6. snuggling under knitted blankets
7. drawing on the condensation on bus windows
8. baking things with lots of cinnamon and nutmeg in
9. being able to see my breath as I walk home
10. fairy lights in trees
11. crocheting in the evenings
12. buying a new coat
13. log fires in old fashioned pubs
14. seeing the sun set from Northala Hills
15. spiced warm cider
16. wrapping Christmas presents for my loved ones
17. wearing big thick socks all the time
18. cups of tea at home
19. not needing to shave my legs every single day
20. making paper snowflakes and paper chains
21. lighting candles every evening
22. glittery pine cones
23. movie nights with my sister
24. ice skating outdoors
25. visiting the Christmas room in Libertys
26. knitted jumpers
27. cooking big pots of chilli for dinner
28. snow days
29. dressing Jasper in his doggy coat
30. spending Christmas with my family

Friday Favourites

2011-12-16T11:02:00.006Z

1. Untitled, 2. Cameras for Public Use at Levis Workshop, 3. svanjävlar, 4. birthday, 5. ath-fw5,audio-technica,headphone, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. betty in cloudland, 9. Untitled

Lazy Oaf x Lomography (part 2)

2011-12-14T10:31:00.025Z

Here are the second lot of photos from a recent photoshoot I did for Lazy Oaf, in collaboration with Lomography. They are all shot on the LC-wide, using cross-processed slide film, and none of the photos have been edited (except for some slight cropping.) You can see the first part right here, and you can also see the photos from this Lazy Oaf shoot that I took on my Canon AV-1 right here and here - I love how totally different the photos feel, even though the locations and outfits are identical!

love these ones of Jade - her outfit is perfection, and I am a bit obsessed with photos in doorways/on stairs right now! (Jade has also agreed to do another shoot with me in the new year, so you'll be seeing more of her lovely face on this blog soon!)

these photos were a kind of 'girls as boys' - we basically wanted to style up some of Lazy Oaf's men's t-shirts on girls, and I love how 1990's they turned out

and finally some photos that are so far from what I normally do that I can't believe I took them.... I NEVER use flash normally, but these flash-lit nighttime photos turned out amazingly well, and I love how the bright colours of the clothes look against the black

Lazy Oaf x Lomography (part 1)

2011-12-13T10:30:00.001Z

I'm super super proud of this shoot because it was blogged over on the Lomography site right here which, me being a massive Lomography fan, is a huge honour and very exciting (yup, I did a little dance when I read about it, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!) You can also read more about the shoot over on the Lazy Oaf blog here and here. These are from the same shoot I blogged about last week, but these were taken on a LC-Wide (kindly loaned to use by the lovely people at Lomography) rather than my trusty Canon AV-1. I'm always hesitant about shooting on two cameras at the same time, as I worry they will end up looking a bit samey, but these couldn't be more different!

these photos right here are probably my favourite photos EVER - such an unexpected result from using slide film on a backlit subject, but definitely something I want to try and recreate!

we ventured outside for some of the shoot too, these looks were shot down a little alleyway, and I love the distressed paint, and the exposed brick as backdrops (and that worn away vintage sign is perfection, I want it in my house!)

List 20: places I have been to

2011-12-12T11:01:00.001Z

It's no secret I love exploring new places. If I was given lots of money I would spend it on travelling. Although I don't consider myself well-traveled, I'm definitely working on it! This is a list of some of the places I have been in my lifetime....

1. France - first time was for a school trip aged 11. I remember almost nothing about it, other than being chased by a dog, having a baguette fight on the coach, and drinking those spray refresher bottles of Evian. My second visit was much more memorable - I spent a week in Paris with my sister. We did so much sightseeing, walked miles and miles, ate crepes every single day, and took hundreds of photographs. Although Paris is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to, it's also one of the most expensive!

2. Iceland - I studied A-Level Geography, and one of the benefits of this was being invited to go on a field trip to Iceland for a week. My Nanny, the absolute angel she was, offered to pay for me to go, and so I spent a week exploring glaciers, and waterfalls, and geysers, riding Icelandic ponies, and NOT seeing the Aurora Borealis (still a very sensitive subject, it was one of the things I was looking forward to the most about the trip, but hey ho!) Iceland is an incredible country, it's like being on another planet, it's so barren and empty. I'm a total geology nerd, so loved every second of the trip. The highlight was being in an outdoor swimming pool (heated by the thermal energy that's abundant in Iceland) and all I could see for miles on either side of me was mountains with snow capped peaks.

3. New York - there aren't enough words to describe how much I love New York City. I fell in love the first time I visited, it feels like my second home, and is the only place other than London I've ever felt sure I would enjoy living. I have only visited twice, but stayed for 2 weeks each time, before traveling to Washington DC to stay with friends for a further 2 weeks. It's such an amazing city -the second time I visited we arrived in the afternoon, went to bed for a few hours and woke up really disorientated, and I have weird jumbled memories of wandering up to Times Square at about one in the morning to get something to eat, and everything was open, and there were so many people milling about!

4. Thailand - this was in fact my last trip abroad (need to sort that out asap!) After breaking up with the boy I thought I would be with forever, having a complete breakdown, and somehow graduating university, I decided I needed a break. So when a uni friend told me he was going traveling and would be in Thailand later in the year I thought, what the hell, I'd like to lie in the sun for a bit! So I flew out to Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Thailand. We were supposed to spend three weeks there together, but sadly he had major visa issues and had to go home after two weeks. I decided that, rather than stay on Koh Samui alone I would head to Koh Tao and take a scuba diving course, something I have always wanted to do. I spent a week learning all about scuba diving, living in a little straw hut with other people from the diving school. The daytime was spent studying, diving, or messing about on a boat, and the evenings were spent watching bad TV, playing card games, and doing more studying. Although I had no idea at the time, it was during this holiday that I realised who I really was, and that I am a lot stronger than I thought.

5. Barcelona -again, I visited this city with my sister kind of on a whim. I've always wanted to go, mainly because I'm a big Gaudi fan, and it certainly didn't disappoint! We spent a week visiting as many Gaudi works as possible (although we missed Parc Guell due to having to catch an earlier flight!) and trying to fit in some beach time in between. It's so weird being in a city and going to the beach.... I'm not a huge fan of the beach but my sister is, and our arrangement was she would come with me to the art galleries and museums, and I would go with her to the beach and to Camp Nou (she's a big football fan.) Although I've to New York during summer, Barcelona in summer is completely different. The heat was unbearable for most of the day, hotter than NYC, and very few places are properly air conditioned. We took our cue from the locals and had siestas during the hottest part of the day whenever possible.

6. Morocco - this was basically a relax holiday for me. I went for two and a half weeks with my then boyfriend. It was after a really tough period of my life; I'd just had to move home from Northampton (where I had been studying Psychology) and had been looking for a job, and generally feeling really out of sorts. We spent the whole trip lounging by the pool or on the beach, wandering around little markets, and exploring the area.

7. Florida -when I was nine years old my parents surprised me and my sisters with a three week holiday to Florida. I say surprised because they didn't tell us until the morning that we were leaving! There is a video showing them telling us we are going to Disneyworld in Florida and it's the funniest thing EVER! My little sister goes and hides because she can't handle all the excitement! We spent two weeks staying in the Walt Disney resort, visiting the parks and everything, and then we had a week staying in a relative's beach house in Key West. It literally backed directly on to a private stretch of beach. As a nine year old it was the holiday of a lifetime, and it's one I will never forget.

a total renegade

2011-12-10T11:07:00.005Z

When I visited New York, a whopping four years ago now, I discovered Renegade Craft Fair after reading about their Brooklyn one on a blog. It coincided perfectly with my visit to New York, so me and my sister made the commute over the river to Brooklyn to check it out. I'm pretty sure that's the moment I really fell in love with the crafting community - seeing so many creative people making businesses and lives out of their talents really stuck with me. So I literally shrieked when I found out that this year they would be holding a Renegade in London for the first time ever! And I was even more excited to discover that two of my blogging friends Kim and Zoe (yes, another Zoe, I like to pretend we are twins!) would be selling their beautiful wares there.

I tried to resist spending every penny I own there, but I did buy a few Christmas presents (which I won't show on here in case their recipient spies them) plus a few treats for myself because I mean it's only fair to support other crafty businesses, right? (I can literally justify buying ANYTHING, it's a bad habit)
You can also read Kim's post about Renegade, and Zoe's too, they have much better photos than I do because, once again, I only took photos of signs and silly things. Seriously, I'm going cold turkey on sign photos from now on.

Friday Favourites

2011-12-09T11:16:00.005Z

1. Great White Lights, 2. I ♥ Cookies, 3. Creationism, 4. candy-truck, 5. ?, 6. ath-fw5,audio-technica,headphone, 7. The Magical Mystery Box and Co., 8. birthday, 9. svanjävlar

christmas crafts

2011-12-08T10:06:00.027Z

For me Christmas is a time for nostalgia, and what is more nostalgic than making salt dough ornaments? Under the guise of helping Phoebe, I got to relive my childhood by making salt dough ornaments using cookie cutters, although I do like to think my crafting skills have improved considerably in the last 20 years!

we got these awesome forest creature cookie cutters from Ikea

yeah I made a squirrel - I'm almost definitely going to pimp it up with loads of gold glitter...

the little lady made an ornament with her name stamped into it - I swear sometimes I can't believe she is a child, because I love her so much and you know how much I normally hate kids....

I made some super cute little salt dough button things which I stupidly forgot to make a hole in so instead of becoming ornaments I need to find another use for them...

If you've never made salt dough ornaments before then firstly, shame on you, and secondly, go make some! It was such a fun way to spend an afternoon, plus you get something you can keep and hang on your tree (unless, like most of ours, they are so big and heavy that they practically pull the tree over!) What Christmas crafts have you all been up to?

Hannelore Farrell

2011-12-06T10:12:00.003Z

About this time last year I started scanning in lots of my Nanny's old slides whilst in the computer lab at university. My plan was to scan in all her slides and have the images made into a book for her to look at since most of the slides had never been made into prints, and since we didn't have a slide projector for her to look at them with. Life got pretty busy around Christmas, and I didn't get a chance to finish the book, so instead I decided I would make it for her birthday instead. My beautiful, inspiring, amazing, and caring Nanny died a few days before her 81st birthday, and a few days before I could give her the book.

I've mentioned on her before that I hate the idea of having regrets, but if I only regret one thing in my life it's that I didn't make the time to finish that book to give it to her for Christmas. I know how much she would have loved it, and how much it would have meant to her. So instead I wanted to share some of my favourite images with you.

that's my Nanny and her two daughters (my Mum is the one on the right)

my Mum (the girl in the middle) is holding Panda, the stuffed toy panda I have sitting on my bed to this day! He is 50 years old next year.

when I was looking through the pictures to choose ones for this blog post I realised that the white sort of pouch thing my Nanny is holding is the same camera pouch I own (I bought mine from a boot sale, but it holds a Brownie Vecta camera) - it makes me so happy knowing I own something she used to own

I absolutely love my Nanny's dress in this picture - she was always so stylish and had such gorgeous clothes and accessories always

She was the most incredible person, and I can never write words that will do justice to her life and to everything she meant to me. But I am so proud and honoured to call her my Nanny.

List 19: bands/artists I have seen live

2011-12-05T23:12:00.000Z

I really like music. But then again I'm sure everyone could say that. I listen to music pretty much every waking moment of my life; on the bus and tube, in the shower, at work, in the car, working on my computer. But for some reason I've never really got into the whole live music thing. And I have a confession to make. I, Zoe Jade Bateman, have never been to a festival (unless you count the one time I went to Lovebox, but I don't because a) it was in London, and b) I slept in a bed.) However to show I'm not a total hermit, here are some of the bands and artists I have seen live during my 25 years on this planet...

1. Bloc Party - I saw them at Heaven many, many years ago just before Christmas, when their Silent Alarm album had only just been released. It is an album that perfectly defines that period of my life, and I still listen to it and love it. They were very good live, and their drummer wore angel wings.

2. McFly - oh yeah, I'm a huge fan of these boys. I've seen them in concert about five times, which I probably should be embarrassed about but, well, I'm not because I love them so.

3. Thomas Tantrum - annoyingly it was my ex who told me I would love TT, and love them I did (and in fact still do!) I saw them play at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes when they hadn't even released their first album, and me and my sister were pretty much the only ones dancing along to every track.

4. Peaches - I was given two guestlist tickets to see Peaches in return for doing some flyering/promo work for a club night. Peaches' first album is what I listen to when I'm going out dancing to get myself in the mood, I love her rather a lot. When I watched her perform it was just after the release of her second album, and although she played songs from her new release she also played lots of tracks from her first album too. All I remember about the night is dancing my socks off, and looking up at one point and releasing that everyone around me was dancing too!

5. Art Brut - all I really remember about this gig is getting absolutely drenched on the way home (torrential rain like you have never seen, and it was summer so we weren't prepared) and not being able to stop singing 'We Formed a Band' for several weeks after. I really adored their first album, for me it will always be connected with a basement flat in Ealing and catching a cold in the middle of summer.

6. Busted - oh you know I had to mention them in here somewhere.... my first ever live music thing was Busted. Yup, I am THAT cool people. I absolutely love them, and if they ever do a reunion tour I will be all over it like nobody's business. Those boys put on a good show. Plus they have nice faces.

7. Hot Chip - couple of thousand people going mental to the opening of 'Over and Over.' Most fun I've ever had at a gig. Ever. Even if someone did pour an entire pint down my back. Not mentioning any names....

8. Funeral for a Friend - when they were on the Kerrang 'Taste of Chaos' tour with The Used me and my sister went to see them at Brixton Academy. It was crazyyyyyyyy. I thought we might die at one point. I used to love FFAF, but not so much now. Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation is amaze though, when I listen to it I remember that gig and being crushed by lots of teenagers dressed in black and wishing I could stay that age forever.

9. Good Shoes - me and some of my fellow Oafettes went to see Good Shoes play at Dingwalls in Camden. I drank too much and danced too much but it was so fun,and I knew all the words to all their songs.

10. Brakes -me and my friend Jon saw a very odd show by Brakes at a record store in Camden. It wasn't really a gig, rather three men, one with a guitar, one with a single drum, and one singing without any microphone or anything. There were no electronics used at all, and there wasn't even a stage. They just rolled up and started doing their thing, and it was brilliant. I bought their album the same day.

Writing this post made me realise that I do kind of miss being 'into' music properly, and going and watching bands I like play live and supporting them in that way. I used to go out with a boy who was really into music and, for all his flaws, he got me really into it as well. Most of the music I listen to now is as a result of his influence (as much as I hate to admit it), and he was the reason I saw most of the artists in this list. Maybe one of my new year's resolutions should be to see more live music, or maybe to try to listen to a wider variety of music in general....

Lazy Oaf: a teenage dream (part 2)

2011-12-03T11:49:00.000Z

Here is the part two of my mini shoot for Lazy Oaf, featuring my gorgeous models Dee and Jade, and styled by the awesome Jerry. You can see the blog post Lazy Oaf wrote about the shoot right here. Oh, and stay tuned because next week I will be sharing some photos from the shoot we took on a LC-A Wide in collaboration with Lomography! They are so different from these, but I absolutely love them!

Friday Favourites

2011-12-02T11:12:00.005Z

1. Untitled, 2. Flower Crochet, 3. The Worlds Smallest Adventure, 4. mott.st, 5. Untitled, 6. The Apology, 7. Untitled, 8. the watering hole, 9. ..

Lazy Oaf: a teenage dream (part 1)

2011-12-01T19:47:00.001Z

Here is the first post of photos from a recent photoshoot I did for the uber awesome clothing brand Lazy Oaf. It was a really fun day, as I was working with my friends who were styling and modelling, and also because it was such a cool shoot. I loved the 'teenage bedroom' theme, with Japanese kawaii touches here and there. And I even managed to sneak in a few of my personal 'props' from my bedroom into the photos (the knitted poodle and the pink ukelele are mine, among other things!)

I love the floral headpiece Dee is wearing in these photos (we made it on the day out of various flowery hairclips) and the studded headband Jade is wearing (which is actually a studded choker clipped into place!) OH, and a shoutout to Heather for loaning us the Lynch painting!

Part two of these photos will be up on Saturday! Please do let me know what you think, I love getting feedback on my photography xoxo

ladybird likes

2011-11-28T10:50:00.024Z

this beautifully simple necklace

this pattern for adorable amigurumi balloons

these nature-inspired hand drawn silk scarves

these yummy cookie dough cheesecake bars

this illustrated ship tote bag

this quote which I need to remember (source unknown)

don't ever look back

2011-11-26T10:26:00.000Z

Last night I had one of those dreams that feels so real, and you want it to be real so much, that when you wake up it's like someone's slapped you round the face. I don't like regretting things, and I try not to dwell too much on things that are in the past, but today I'm feeling a bit sad and a bit deflated so this post is a reminder to myself to keep looking forward (unless there is a sunset behind you, in which case take a million pictures of it in the rearview mirror because well, why the hell not?)

Friday Favourites

2011-11-25T11:08:00.006Z

1. Untitled, 2. *, 3. unbelievable., 4. Untitled, 5. Dreamer., 6. Delicate, 7. Untitled, 8. I ♥ Cookies, 9. day two hundred and ninety five.

Bourton on the Water (part 2)

2011-11-24T10:40:00.022Z

As you may or may not already know a few weeks ago I went on an adventure to Bourton on the Water with my Ma, Pa, and the pupster. It was a much needed day out of London, away from work, and stress, and life in general. I took a few photos to help me remember this day, because it was a rather lovely one. Oh, and you can read part 1 of our adventure right here....

that's my Pa and Jasper by the river - I love them both so much, they're definitely my two favourite guys in the whole world <3

this 'historic' sign made me giggle a bit

Oh I hope we can go back soon - in particular I want to visit nearby Gloucester again, as when we were there it was a Sunday and all the charity shops were shut. I had a good peer through the windows though, and spied some lovely bits and pieces at what seemed to be god prices. (I'm such a thrifting addict!)

birds flying high

2011-11-23T21:37:00.000Z

Sorry it's been somewhat silent over on this here blog for a few days - so much is going on right now, so my posting might be a bit patchy until after Christmas. I do however have a few posts lined up about the shoot I did for Lazy Oaf last week, which I am super excited about! But for now I wanted to share some old photos, which I recently rediscovered and edited with some newly discovered photoshop action. They were taken on a walk with my pup (an example of why you should take your camera with you everywhere!) All of a sudden a flock of birds appeared overhead, and circled about in formation for a few minutes.

I really like the way they look when edited in this way, I think I might print a few off to hang by my desk and to remind me why I love doing what I do.

ladybird likes

2011-11-21T10:50:00.020Z

this recipe for pastel coloured peppermint patties

this quote that is very close to my literature loving heart

these beautiful wooden stamped bracelets

this handmade totoro phone case

these beautiful dresses inspired by Mad Men

this adorable DIY for turning handkerchiefs into pillows

Lazy Oaf Shoot: a sneak peek

2011-11-20T11:29:00.003Z

Last week I headed over to Homerton for a photoshoot with Lazy Oaf, the awesome clothing company I work for. It was particularly exciting as we had been loaned a Lomography LCA-Wide for the occasion, a camera I have always had my eye on but never actually tried. I will be posting the actual photos from the shoot next week when we get them back, but for now here are some instant photos I took on my Fujifilm Instax Wide (a few people asked me last time why I use instant photos in a proper shoot - I take a photo of each sort of look/set up to check what it looks like on camera. I could use digital but I find these instant photos give a better idea of what the final film photos will look like. Plus it's nice having these miniature versions of the final images.)

Dee (who you will probably recognise from pretty much every shoot I've ever done!) modelled for us

This is probably my favourite look from the whole day - I have this bones dress too, now I just need a long white dress to wear under it!

You won't have seen our other model, Jade, on here before - she looks awesome though and I really hope to do some more shoots with her soon

There will be more about the shoot, including a few peeks at our inspiration for the styling, next week so make sure you check back soon xoxo

all the leaves are brown

2011-11-19T10:21:00.010Z

Autumn is, without a doubt, my very favourite season purely because of the colours everywhere. Walking Jasper through the park on a beautiful Autumn day makes me so happy, and it's a nice break too what with working from home a lot. It's easy to get cabin fever, but when the weather is nice I try to have at least one bit of fresh air a day. I took these photos on one of my walks and I they are making me really happy right now.

I'm such a child - every single time I go out I end up collecting pretty leaves (I also collect shells and pebbles on the beach, I guess I just love collecting things)

Friday Favourites

2011-11-18T11:02:00.008Z

1. Untitled, 2. silent stampede, 3. *, 4. Untitled, 5. betty in cloudland, 6. Untitled, 7. Golden Cage, 8. Victoria sponge in the Tea Cosy, 9. Untitled

ladybird likes

2011-11-14T10:49:00.003Z

these yummy pumpkin drop doughnuts

this super cute display of vintage haberdashery things

these DIY indoor clouds

the words on this embroidered fabric hanging

this dachshund made from vintage book pages

this beautiful owl illustration (source unknown)

Bourton on the Water (part 1)

2011-11-12T10:30:00.000Z

Last weekend my sister were away for a few days, so I was home alone with my parents (and Jasper of course.) We decided to make the most of a sunny Sunday and headed out to Bourton on the Water, the cutest little village that my parents have visited several times before. It was so nice to get out of London for the day, and spend the day talking with my parents, stopping for lunch, wandering round the shops, taking photos, and generally relaxing. Bourton is a really beautiful place, and I'd definitely love to come back in the summer and maybe do a photoshoot, it's just so picturesque with the little stream running through the middle.

my love for old stone walls is still going strong, I wish we had them in London....

I nearly didn't include this one because of the sun flare, but I put it up here for Rhianne because I get really overexcited when I see a street with the same name as someone I know!

these are just two of the dozens of photos I took of the ducks on the little stream - for some reason I got a little bit obsessed with them and couldn't help myself elbowing Japanese tourists out of the way to get a good shot!

Friday Favourites

2011-11-11T10:51:00.005Z

1. read me 254/365, 2. Untitled, 3. Candy, 4. Odocoileus hemionus, 5. a little sunshine, 6. found myself today., 7. Untitled, 8. holding the sun, 9. Untitled

if i knew you were coming i'd have baked a cake

2011-11-10T11:05:00.000Z

My workload has been pretty horrific of late... all self-inflicted as per usual, but I'm slowly getting through some large projects that have been weighing me down. To celebrate I made myself a blackberry and apple crumble, using some of the leftover blackberries from my autumn foraging session.

It was pretty sublime, and it's been my daily treat, along with a nice cup of tea. I need little treats like this to motivate me when I'm working, so I think I might bake myself a cake tonight....

you and me in a photobooth

2011-11-09T12:38:00.032Z

As many of you already know, I work for a small creative company called Lazy Oaf. Recently the brand turned 10 years old, and as is customary when you reach such an important milestone, we threw a huge party. It was one of the best nights in recent memory, with free booze, party hats, temporary tattoos, amazing company, and lots of dancing to some proper good music. Unfortunately, due to being somewhat inebriated from fairly early on in the evening (I remember very little past about half past 8!) I didn't manage to take any photos. Fear not though, Lazy Oaf hired a Say Fromage photobooth for the occasion, and apparently I spent most of my time in there! So here are my photobooth pictures from the evening (I'm the one in the sequin polka dot top)

here are the first lot, taken while I was generally rather sober (sober being very relative in this situation folks) - my photobooth companions are (from top left) Steph and Dee (my fellow Oaf shopgirls), Ellie (my previous Oaf manager), Gemma (sister number one), and Jadie (sister number two.) please note the red party hat - it would appear I became really attached to this hat during the course of the evening, and it's currently residing on my chest of drawers.

these are the less sober photos... and by 'less sober' I mean pretty much destroyed. I even flipped the camera a V in one of the pictures, because I'm that rock and roll. I have pretty much no memory of any of these pictures being taken, but there you go.

and lastly, an apology to Steph.... it appears I may have invaded her solo photobooth experience whilst performing my raptor impression...

Next party I have, I'm hiring one of these photobooths, they are the most fun EVER. xoxo ps. I've realised looking back at these photos, my friends are waaaaayyyyy more photogenic than I am.

ladybird likes

2011-11-08T10:49:00.000Z

this genius idea for making a planter out of an old book

this DIY to make autumn leaves last

these custom miniature pet sculptures

these gorgeous decorative pie crusts

this awesome idea for using old record sleeves

this cute piece of guerilla art (original source unknown)

List 18: jobs I have had during my life

2011-11-06T19:05:00.000Z

I've had a fair few jobs in my life. Not a record breaking number, but I often surprise myself when I realise just how many very different jobs I've had! So here are most of them, in a roughly chronological order....

1. newspaper delivery girl - this was my first ever real job, and my god was it awful. I delivered a weekly local paper to several hundred houses, usually after school or on the weekend. In exchange for about 4 hours of hard work, in conditions ranging from torrential rain, to a heatwave, to snow and frost, I received about £11.

2. dogsbody in a hair salon - I got this job when I was 15, before I should have legally been working a job like this. But I desperately wanted extra money, and the owner was a friend of the family, so I worked there every Saturday, sweeping up other people's discarded hair, making cups of tea, folding towels, and learning the art of a good shampoo. It was pretty gross (you could never quite get all the bits of hair out of your clothes) but it was pretty well paid in comparison to my newspaper round.

3. pharmacy assistant - whilst studying at sixth form I worked a few evenings a week in a local pharmacy. Although it sounds like a pretty boring shop job it was actually really good fun. I helped sort prescriptions, learn tons about over the counter drugs, and even delivered medicine to patients that couldn't get out. I always remember going to a fancy apartment building to drop off some medication for an old Polish lady. She was the sweetest person, and spoke to me about what I wanted to do with my life. She told me I had the most beautiful smile and gave my ten pounds to buy myself some flowers because everyone deserves to have beautiful things around them. I did buy myself flowers, and now every time I do this I remember her.

4. bar girl - whilst studying at university in Northampton I got myself a job in a bar a few evenings a week. It was the craziest time; we would work until two or three in the morning, then go out to eat at one of the all night food places that are mandatory in any student town, and then often we'd go somewhere for a house party. I worked with an amazing group of people, and we would sing and dance behind the bar all night. For almost a year they were my surrogate family.

5. vintage/secondhand clothing seller - when I was really broke I decided to try and sell some of my clothes over on eBay. I didn't expect much from it as the majority of my clothes come from car boot sales and charity shops! As it turns out I made myself a fair bit of money just selling some old bits I never wore. Then whilst out car booting I came across a huge haul of vintage clothes for dirt cheap, but they weren't really my size and/or style. As they were so cheap I bought most of it, and then listed it slowly on eBay, and ended up making about £200 profit. For about two years I bought and sold secondhand clothes, shoes and accessories in this way to give myself a bit of extra pocket money. Sadly eBay has become pretty saturated with people doing the same thing (I started doing this about 7 years ago, before it really took off) and so I stopped. It was pretty good fun while it lasted though!

6. perfume seller - the only Xmas temp job I have ever had (and hopefully will ever have!) was working behind a perfume counter. It made me realise two things; firstly, I really dislike about 95% of perfumes on the market, and secondly, I really dislike schmoozing customers. Sadly these two things pretty much defined the job and, needless to say, I wasn't very good at it.

7. freelance audio typist - oh the stories I could tell you from this job... it was probably the most random job I've ever applied for, and in all honesty I wouldn't have even applied for it had I not been desperate to leave the job I was in at the time! It was advertised in a local free magazine, and I knew I had good enough English skills to do the job, but sadly I wasn't the speediest typist, and I couldn't technically touch type. Somehow I managed to blag it, and ended up getting the job. It was the steepest learning curve of any job I've ever had. Basically we would be sent cassette tapes of interviews (usually for television shows) and we had to listen to the tape and type up everything that was being said. Sounds easy right? Well, it's not. It was also a freelance position, and as I was also studying at the time I used to work all night, or do ridiculous split shifts (9am till 2pm, go to university for 4 hours, come back and work 7pm until midnight.) But all that said I absolutely loved it. The lady I worked for was so great, and I learnt so much about current affairs, as most of the interviews were about politics or world news. Plus, it is without a doubt the best paid job I've ever had.

8. Oafette - my current job (well, one of them!) is working for the uber cool clothing brand Lazy Oaf. I work with two of my best friends, get to sell clothes I genuinely think are awesome, and I absolutely love my job.

9. carer -for the best part of a year I cared for my Nanny while she lived with us. It was a really hard job, people who care full-time for relatives do not get enough credit in this country, but I wouldn't change it for the world. My Nanny was such an inspiration to me, and being able to spend all day with her during what would be the last year of her life was an absolute privilege.

10. vintage homeware buyer -as you may already know from reading this blog my newest business venture is buying and selling vintage homewares and knick knacks for the Ayoka Charity Shop Boutique in Bethnal Green. I scour car boot sales, jumble sales, and charity shops, looking for unusual items, clean them up, photograph them, and sell them on. I'm a self-confessed thrifting addict, so this is pretty much my dream job. Next year I hope to expand the business further and sell in more shops, and maybe even open my own little online store for some of my favourite finds.

Sandwiched in between these jobs I've also had numerous sales assistant jobs in very non-descript shops, handed out flyers at too many gigs to count and done all manner of odd jobs for extra cash. What have been your best and worst jobs? xoxo

museum of everything at selfridges

2011-11-05T10:55:00.000Z

IT's that time of year again when The Museum of Everything opens its doors to the public, only this time instead of being in its usual spot in Primrose Hill, they had collaborated with Selfridges and had taken over the Ultralounge area. Myself and Kate, being fans of the museum, decided to pay it a visit in what I hope will become something of an annual tradition!

Unfortunately, there are too many nice signs around The Museum of Everything, and you all know what a sucker I am for a nice sign. This, coupled with the fact that you can't take photos inside the exhibitions, means that the only photos there are of our day together are these following shots.... my new year's resolution is going to (once again) be to take more photos of people and not just objects!

that seat down there was in the cafe/shop part of the museum - there was a whole line of them with different coffee related slogans on, and I wish I'd taken a photo of every one, they are so cute!

Sadly the museum closes its doors tomorrow, but watch their website for the launch of exhibition number 5 sometime next year!

Friday Favourites

2011-11-04T10:46:00.006Z

1. Cuckoo clock, 2. Untitled, 3. nights 231/365, 4. Untitled, 5. Snails see the benefits, the beauty in every inch 263/365, 6. freedom, 7. Untitled, 8. Fairy Dust, 9. bookstore

here and there and everywhere

2011-11-03T23:41:00.000Z

Lately I've been feeling like I've lost some of the love I had for my blog - it has started to become a bit of a chore, and I think that's because of the pressure I put on myself to make my blog look a certain way, and to only make posts which I think other people will like and which I think people will comment on. This blog was started during a really tough time in my life, as a way to focus on good things, and as a way to hopefully meet some new people. It's time for me to go back to that, because that's why I fell in love with blogging and the blogging community in the first place.

Also, most of my time lately has been consumed with making products for my upcoming business venture, a lot of which I can't share here just yet.... but for now here are a few peeks at non-crafty things I've been up to over the last few weeks.

photographing London in the autumn (I've always wanted to get a photo of a pigeon sitting on one of these underground signs!)

taking time to walk around the city I love instead of always rushing everywhere on buses or trains

a trip to Richmond Park with the amazing Kate

a traditional Japanese lunch

spying the cutest bumper sticker ever

playing 'spot the moon' on an evening stroll

I have some really cute posts planned for this little blog, including a few DIY tutorials, something I've been wanting to do for so long. Oh, and what do you all think of my little blog makeover? It's not finished, but I'm feeling quite proud of it, considering I've never done anything like this, and I only used Photoshop for the first time a year ago! xoxo

ladybird likes

2011-10-30T11:22:00.002Z

this amazing idea for doily patterned biscuits

this beautiful dress

this too cute DIY fox lamp

this incredible crocheted owl rug

these ace Royal Tenenbaum prints

this quote

Friday Favourites

2011-10-28T11:41:00.006+01:00

1. Untitled, 2. IMG_0402bis, 3. Angels, 4. IMG_9427 bis, 5. Untitled, 6. IMG_0566 bis, 7. I've got my life in a suitcase 115/365, 8. Sicilian beach, 9. Les tuileries

2011-10-27T18:37:00.001+01:00

1. Laid - James
2. Play Your Part - Girl Talk
3. Letter from an Occupant - The New Pornographers
4. Diamond Day - Vashti Bunyan
5. Tick Tock - Thomas Tantrum
6. The Magic Position - Patrick Wolf
7. Master of None - Beach House
8. Nap on the Bow - New Look
9. Don't Be Shy - The Libertines
10. Finnerodja -Smoosh

List 17: famous men who I think are rather lovely

2011-10-26T11:40:00.033+01:00

1. Matthew Gray Gubler - although mainly as Dr Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds. Something about a guy with long hair and glasses, and an abnormally high IQ...
2. Joseph Gordon Levitt - if you haven't seen Mysterious Skin then I would suggest you go watch it now and thank me later. He wears a wifebeater vest. Oh lordy. And he's pretty hot all suited and booted in Inception too.
3. Seth Green - yeahhhh he is short, but he has ginger hair and pasty skin and the cutest little elf face. Sometimes I worry about my taste in men.
4. Josh Hartnett - I have two words for you people; 'Pearl Harbour.'
5. Michael Cera - oh I love a nerdy guy, and Michael Cera has probably done more for awkward geeky guys than any other actor in recent history. I don't think I have ever loved anyone as much as I loved him in Juno.
6. Jason Schwartzmann - not only is he in several of my FAVOURITE films (Fantastic Mr Fox, Rushmore, Scott Pilgrim, and The Darjeeling Limited), but the man is in a band. A good band. He can do no wrong in my eyes.
7. Harry Judd (from McFly) - oh my goodness he is probably my perfect guy, if only he knew I existed. (boo hoo!)

Looking at this list I realise a lot of these guys are very different in terms of looks. I think that in the 'real world' (ha, I don't know why I put that in inverted commas!) I like boys with silly hair (long/floppy/fringey/wavy), that are a bit too skinny and a bit too pale to be healthy, and that dress like an old man. Also extra brownie points are awarded for playing an instrument, wearing good glasses (no fake glasses please!), owning a film camera, liking bubble team, and being able to hold a conversation about Chuck Palaniuk novels and/or horror movies.

thrifted finds

2011-10-25T20:46:00.000+01:00

although car boot sale season has finished for me at the moment (unless I find a good one that runs through winter - anyone have any suggestions?) I still have lots of thrifted goodies stockpiled to keep me going until they restart in April next year. So expect to see more posts like this one....

I absolutely love that needlework book at the top - it has the best colour scheme, and such ace graphics. And you know I always love finding an interesting vintage camera like this kodak instamatic. Oh, and who doesn't need a 1970s perpetual calendar on their desk?! (I have a similar one because for some reason I find it nearly impossible to remember what day or date it is...) Has anyone else found any good bargains lately?

PS. I've been thinking about changing the format of this post - I feel like it gets a bit long and a bit photo-heavy, but what do you all think?

ladybird likes

2011-10-24T11:06:00.002+01:00

this inspiring post about artist Brooke Schmidt

this heart in a cake tutorial

this wreath made of vintage cotton reels

these pinwheels made from vintage atlas pages

this DIY for adorable mini polaroid magnets

this quote by one of my all time favourite writers

the one with lots of rocks

2011-10-22T11:25:00.001+01:00

When I visited the Natural History Museum recently I discovered the minerals room which was, quite simply, a room full of every kind of rock imaginable. I've always had a bit of a thing for geology, so I massively geeked out over finding this place, hence the blog post dedicated to it!

an index of all the minerals in their collection - love the reflections in the glass

one day I want cabinets like these in my house to store all my trinkets in

but of course the best part were the cabinets full of rock specimens - these photos don't do them justice at all, I'd highly recommend going and seeing them for yourself if you live in or are visiting London

It never fails to amaze me how beautiful (and weird) nature can be. There were rocks in every colour and shape imaginable, ones that were perfectly smooth, ones that were jagged, ones that looked like they had bubbles coming out of them, or glitter trapped inside them. I must have spent a god hour or so staring into the cabinets with a fascination and excitement about nature and our world that I haven't really felt since fishing in rockpools by the beach as a child, and finding a jellyfish that looked exactly like an eyeball, and thinking how something like this could exist without me having seen or heard about it.

(ps. you can read by other posts about the Natural History Museum here and here)

Friday Favourites

2011-10-21T11:36:00.006+01:00

1. myheartwanderedtoparis, 2. I want to ride my bicycle, 3. landofshoes, 4. Teppaz, 5. frompaulette, 6. London 23, 7. allyouneed, 8. Untitled, 9. crow girl

a walk in the park

2011-10-20T11:26:00.007+01:00

There is nothing I enjoy more than a walk in the park as the sun goes down. Hardly anyone is around, and there is a quiet and stillness at sunset that you just don't get at any other point in the day. These photos are from a wander we took over to Northala Hills (which I have blogged about so many times before, and is still one of my favourite places in the whole world.) We dropped stones in the lakes to watch the ripples they made, raced around the hills, watched in silence as the sun disappeared in front of our eyes, and I carried a very sleepy little girl back to the car.

Phoebe and Jasper are best friends, and it's the cutest things to see. They look out for each other and love having their photo taken together <3

List 16: how I am able to thrift as a job without keeping everything for myself

2011-10-19T11:40:00.003+01:00

People ask me all the time how it is that I go out thrifting and find so much good stuff, but am then able to sell it on. Don't I want to keep everything for myself? And the answer is simply this; yes, yes I do. It has gotten easier though, and here are some of my top tips for thrifting as a job...

1. I try to decide on the spot, before I even purchase an item, whether I am buying it to keep or to sell. If I start off thinking 'this is not for you, don't get too attached' then I generally don't have a problem letting go. It's kind of like if you're a surrogate mother I guess.... (ha, worst analogy ever!)

2. I set myself a small budget each time to spend on things for me. Used in conjunction with the above rule, it means I don't end up buying lots of stuff for myself and nothing to sell on! On average the split will be 80-90% to sell and 10-20% to keep.

3. I know my limits. I don't have a house of my own - in fact I share a house with four other family members, none of whom appreciate my 'tat' as they have affectionately termed it. This means that whilst I can get away with buying little knick knacks to go in my room, there is no point me keeping a set of vintage canisters, as they will inevitably end up in the loft gathering dust. When I have my own house though, this rule will go completely out the window, and I have no idea how I will restrain myself. There may have to be some sort of intervention staged.

4. I have a 'one in one out' policy on most items (although this does not include ephemera or any items I use for crafting.) If I really love something, and decide to keep it for myself, in turn I have to get rid of something else. This rule is pretty much the only thing preventing me from being buried alive by an avalanche of my own belongings.

chocolate dipped pretzels

2011-10-18T11:07:00.008+01:00

I became addicted to chocolate dipped pretzels after my wonderful friend Lucy gifted me some from her store, Creighton's Chocolaterie. To feed my craving until I can get to their shop and purchase some more, I decided to have a go at making my own. They aren't as good as their version (working with chocolate is a lot more complex than you'd ever think!) but they are definitely helping to ease my cravings!

I used giant pretzels (which you can get from Marks and Spencers and Waitrose, and probably from lots of other supermarkets too) because they are much easier and less fiddly than the little pretzels, but you could use those if you like. I'm going to try making some different variations, with dark and white chocolate, and also some Halloween ones, which I will dip in orange sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Happy baking everyone!

ladybird likes

2011-10-17T11:41:00.002+01:00

this instax mini book

these cake batter pancakes

this genius DIY camera planter

this fox tattoo, inspired by The Little Prince (source unknown)

this owl paper puppet

this pinhole camera made from a book

Friday Favourites

2011-10-14T11:31:00.006+01:00

1. Untitled, 2. I had something to tell you, 3. number 32, 4. detail, balloons, ocean beach, san francisco, 5. feel that way, 6. viewmaster, 7. ribbons1, 8. iheartpolaroids, 9. whiteballoonsandalightswitch

final days of summer (part 2)

2011-10-13T12:04:00.043+01:00

I posted part one of this a few weeks ago and then, in true Zoe fashion, forgot to post the second part. Here it is now, better late than never I always say! (also, sorry to anyone who saw a weird post pop up earlier today - it was a draft of a post I'm working on and somehow it published itself...)

Phoebe loved watching the monkeys (and I did too, probably more than she did if truth be told)

one day I hope someone puts up one of these plaques for me (I'd actually like a bench in Central Park...)

pretty sure I've made Phoebe as obsessed as I am with taking pictures of feet - such a bad influence

there was a really cute art studio but unfortunately it was shut for the day (BLP stands for Brent Lodge Park by the way...)

do people really try to feed animals in the zoo? I have never seen anyone do it, but perhaps that just means the signs are working...

MONKEY!

the cutie pie found herself a feather, which signalled the start of a nature treasure hunt that I apparently lost

right next to the park is the prettiest church ever, with a graveyard and everything - I took a few snaps but think I'm going to use it as a photoshoot location in the near future

the results of our nature scavenger hunt (this was all we could fit into our pockets!)

Although I'm sad the weather is getting colder, and the days are getting shorter, I'm also glad to see the arrival of Autumn and Winter. It means jumpers, and mittens, and hot chocolate, and pumpkins, and fallen leaves, and blanket parties.

List 15: reasons why I love Jasper

2011-10-12T11:36:00.002+01:00

Jasper is my dog. He is from a rescue centre. He is 11 years old. You can read more about him here.

1. when he is annoyed about something (which is a lot of the time - his nickname is Victor, after Victor Mildrew!) he makes a noise in his throat that sometimes sounds like he is trying to talk in a really grumbly voice. It never fails to crack me up!

2. when he walks around you can hear his claws clicking against the wood floor, and it's my favourite sound in the whole world.

3. if he feels he is not getting enough attention he puts on a fake kennel cough to try and attract sympathy from those not in the know. At first we thought he had somehow caught kennel cough, but when we took him to the vets they informed us there was nothing wrong with him and he was just faking it. Gotta love a dog that uses amateur dramatics to get cuddles.

4. he likes to wake me up in the morning with a big sloppy kiss. And by kiss I mean lick. Who needs an alarm clock when you have a dog with a bad case of halitosis?

5. every evening when I get home from work Jasper dutifully unpacks my bag for me, taking out every item and carrying them to the other end of the room where he lays them out in a row. I have no idea why he does this, it isn't exactly helpful (especially when he wanders off with something in his mouth, usually my oyster card, and then I have to try and guess where he's hidden it.) But it's so cute, and he does it with such a sense of duty that I don't have the heart to tell him to stop!

6. he loves wool as much as I do. Although in a very different way. While I love to look at, and crochet with, the wool I buy, Jasper likes to rip it into tiny pieces. We don't see eye to eye on this matter, which is the reason why he is officially banned from my craft room.

7. he's a dab hand at unwrapping presents. Just don't let him under your tree at Christmas. He is prone to such levels of excitement that he is unable to distinguish between wrapping paper and the present inside.

8. car journeys are always more fun when he's around. A car ride with the whole family is pretty much Jasper's idea of heaven on earth, and his excitement reaches levels I would never have believed possible. He leaps from person to person (bearing in mind he is 11 years old and suffers from bad joints), distributing licks and tail wags, trying desperately to sit on my Dad's lap which is very unhelpful as he is the one driving.

9. he owns a ladybird costume, and he is not ashamed to wear it (in the house.)

10. he is my best friend and a constant comfort to me. I know it's corny to say that about a dog, but it's true. In my saddest moments he has sat with me, head on my lap, for hours on end. When I've had a bad day he always makes me smile.

ladybird likes

2011-10-10T10:50:00.001+01:00

these incredible light up letters

these paper horses

this amazing owl cake

these adorable face cushions

these mini felt flags

this DIY for jersey fabric bracelets

the little things

2011-10-09T12:50:00.001+01:00

Lately I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed, making lots of big decisions about big things, thinking about the future more than I ever have before. When I get stressed and overwhelmed I feel this paranoia and sadness creeping in slowly, and to shake it off I've been trying to focus on the little things in my life that make me happy.

bright yellow flowers on the mantelpiece

fun thrifted teatowels drying on the washing line

having lots of books in my 'to read' pile

this calming soft photograph of one of my mum's many orchids

a daily reminder to love

getting rolls of film developed

blue skies and autumn leaves

drinking tea from this mug, a gift from a lovely friend

And just a little note to say, although I don't really talk about it on this blog, or generally in fact, I suffer from depression, and have done for almost 10 years. As part of it I have bouts of paranoia, where I become convinced people don't like me, and that my friendships are in fact elaborate hoaxes to trick me into thinking people like me, but really they are all talking about me and how much they hate me. It sounds silly writing it, and most of the time I don't feel like this, but it's a part of me and who I am. Sometimes I get sad and lonely and paranoid for no reason, and although I want my blog to be a positive place to talk about positive things, I also want it to be real and honest. xoxo

we heart dinosaurs (part 2)

2011-10-08T11:59:00.003+01:00

Some more snaps of my day out at the Natural History Museum. I didn't think I took that many photos, but it's just an amazing place I guess I got a bit carried away...(if you missed part 1 then go ahead and click here)

I'm a sucker for a pretty stained glass window, and this museum has some of the best I've ever seen

this is a photograph of a video installation in the museum, showing the water cycle on earth - it was so beautiful watching images of water, although I did find myself needing the toilet after a while

one day, when I have some money, I will go back to the gift shop and buy one of these mugs. Until that day, I will just stare at this photo and chuckle to myself.

these drawings by children visiting the museum made me smile. Some of them show definite promise as artists, but others were more than a little 'interpretive'!

in the Darwin Centre there were rows and rows of jars and bottles containing all manner of animal and plant specimens preserved in formaldehyde. Creepy, but so interesting.

and last, but by no means least, a narwhal, without a doubt my favourite member of the whale family

Friday Favourites

2011-10-07T11:25:00.006+01:00

1. kateyny, 2. Untitled, 3. Teatime, 4. photobooth friday, 5. squirrel, 6. two, 7. miu miu, 8. Untitled, 9. central hk ．pen ft

we heart dinosaurs (part 1)

2011-10-06T18:06:00.003+01:00

So, this post should have been posted a couple of months ago, after me and Emma went on a day out to the Natural History Museum. However something went wrong with my camera, and only four of the photos came out. So instead I waited until I had a chance to revisit, and take some more photos, although sadly sans Emma. As a child the Natural History Museum was my favourite place to go, and visiting now feels like coming home in a way. Although I'm a bit grown up for most of it, I still found myself endlessly fascinated by the amazing world we live in.

these intricate animal and plant based stone carvings were everywhere both inside and outside the museum - I love how many things I noticed as an adult that I never realised were there as a child.

being a bit of a star-gazer, this wall depicting all the main constellations of stars was probably my favourite part of the whole museum

List 14: songs that remind me of particular points in my life

2011-10-05T13:13:00.004+01:00

Everyone has them - those songs that will forever remind you of a time in your life, be that a good time or a bad time. Here are just a few of mine...

1. You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette. Me and my group of friends in high school would sing this (and most of the Jagged Little Pill album) whilst walking down Madeley Road from our school to Ealing at the end of the day. There would be about 8 of us walking en mass, taking up the pavement, shouting Alanis Morissette lyrics.

2. Little Thoughts by Bloc Party. I'd just started going out with my first real boyfriend, and had just moved to Northampton to go to university there. After going out to a club (I forget which one but there are only about four in Northampton) we were on the university bus back to halls. I had a bad case of the spins courtesy of too many shots, and asked the boyfriend to sing to me to distract me from my nausea. He sang Little Thoughts and stroked my hair and it was the first time he told me he loved me.

3. Help by The Beatles. Back in the day my Dad would borrow CDs from his brother (we couldn't afford our own!) and record them onto cassette tapes, which we would listen to in the car. I'm pretty sure we had every Beatles song on tape, but Help was always one of my favourites. When it came on, no matter how tired everyone was, or how many times we'd already heard the song, we would all sing along like we were auditioning for an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

4. Lean Back by Terror Squad. When I was studying at Northampton University I also worked in a bar. It was horrible hours (hello 14 hours split shifts!), and involved dealing with lots of drunk people, but it was probably one of the best jobs I've ever had. I worked with some pretty awesome people, and we had a lot of fun. Every shift I worked with my friend Lucy, we would make the DJ play Lean Back and we would stop serving and do the dance.

5. Morden by Good Shoes. Travelling from New York City to Washington DC on a train late at night, this came on when my iPod was on shuffle. It made me realise that as much as I love travelling, London will always be my home. (I may have shed a tear at this realisation, which drew a few strange glances, but I was very tired and still a bit jet-lagged so I'm going to blame it on that.)

I think I might make a playlist of all my 'life-defining' songs. But for now I plan on spending today running errands, cutting up my old magazines, and planning some exciting new blog posts xoxo