beedesigns

A love-ly weekend

2012-01-29T18:42:00.001Z

A busy weekend photographing work, updating the shop and eating out. New valentines cards and notecards are now listed here.

A little love today

2012-01-25T22:45:00.002Z

Do you like Valentines Day? I have very mixed feelings about it and the card at the bottom right of this collection says it all for me. One thing I do love is all the pretty goodies that are available to buy for that special someone. These are a few of my Valentine inspired Etsy favourites, although i'm not sure my special someone would want these; they're a bit girlie for him :)

Images via Etsy - From top
Coramantic
Michelle Hans
Grimme
The Lonely Heart
Little Brown Pen
sabahnur
Cotton Bird Design
Charlene Precious
Row House 14

A quick look

2012-01-22T16:59:00.004Z

Here's a sneak preview of some new valentines cards I've been screenprinting today. As always, they're currently spread all over the floor, so what do I do with them now until they're dry?

In the mix

2012-01-21T15:00:00.001Z

Sorting sequins out has inspired me to make this treasury from some of my recent favourites over at Etsy, a combination of colour and tones.

Fruit love notes

2012-01-10T23:12:00.002Z

How sweet are these little fruit stickers found over at the twig and thistle store on Etsy. With Valentines day not too far away, I have started to think of designs and ideas for new goodies with romance in mind. With everywhere covered in red and pink hearts I'm trying to think of something that little bit different.
What do you like to see at valentines day?

Midnight Dreams

2012-01-08T20:29:00.000Z

I always seem to have so many ideas going round in my head that often nothing becomes of them because I'm overwhelmed. Earlier this week I spent a night trying to sleep but instead had thoughts and ideas running wild in my brain. When I'm feeling like this I find myself browsing the internet and reading my favourite blogs or just creating a treasury to try and put these ideas into some sort of order. This evening, after completing a commission I was working on, I made this new treasury. Not only does it help with my creative overload but it's also named in honour of my sleepless night and it features some beautiful items found over at Etsy.

Lesley Bee Photography

2012-01-07T15:05:00.003Z

Towards the end of 2011 I attended the Glitterarti craft fair at the Atkins Buildings in Hinckley. Here I met photographer, and possibly somewhere along the lines distant relative, Lesley Bee.

Lesley photographed each of the stalls and created collages with the beautiful pictures she took. I'm so pleased with how fantastic she has made my work look. Thank you Lesley!

If you want to see more of Lesley's work, go and have wander round her website here.

Images via Lesley Bee Photography - www.lesleybee.co.uk

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:47:00.002Z

As it's the start of a new year I thought it would be the perfect time to run a competition. Forget sales shopping and grabbing a bargain how about wining something for absolutely nothing. Like the idea? Well, all you need to do is head over to Bee Designs facebook page and click on the 'like' button. Once we reach 100 likes a winner will be chosen at random and will win some Bee Designs goodies. Good luck and don't forget to tell your friends.

Grey Days Inspiration

2011-12-30T16:53:00.004Z

A dull, grey day has left me feeling very miserable indeed. Do you ever have one of those days where you want to be creative but aren't able to motivate yourself to actually do anything? Well that's me today. So after spending several hours sitting looking grumpy I decided to make a couple of treasuries over at Etsy, I feel better about having not achieved anything practical and look at it as inspiration, in the same way you make mood boards. Take a closer look here and here.

A slightly late....

2011-12-26T09:51:00.001Z

Merry Christmas!

I hope you had a wonderful day. I did and was spoilt rotten. A new digital SLR so hopefully I'll be able to take some half decent pictures, that's if I can work out how to use it.

What are your plans for the rest of the festive period?

Christmas Decor

2011-11-26T14:47:00.002Z

With the weather starting to really turn now I'm finally feeling like Christmas is approaching. Cold evenings sat wrapped up in front of the fire making cards and paper decorations, sadly my little tree wont have room to hang them so hopefully they'll be popular at the upcoming Christmas fairs.

November Nights

2011-11-12T15:37:00.005Z

I haven't made a treasury for a while, I think mainly because my computer was being a pain and not working properly. So now I've had it fixed I thought i'd have a play around with some of my Etsy favourites.

I think now I should go and finish off any final bits ready for tomorrows fair at Rawlins College, Quorn and stop this playing about.

Christmas is coming

2011-11-06T18:19:00.004Z

Just a few of the new Christmas goodies have been added to the Wow Thank You shop, hopefully more to come soon.
Lots of craft fairs are coming up over the next month and a half so off we go again to build up the stock.

At last.....

2011-11-05T18:24:00.001Z

....there was enough light to take a few photos of some Christmas goodies. Now to list them on Wow Thank You!

Grey day

2011-11-05T13:31:00.001Z

I was hoping that today I could finish off some painting commissions and finally get round to photographing some goodies. The autumn weather however, has other ideas. A grey mist is looming just above the trees and doesn't look like its going anywhere. A perfect 5th November but not good for me!

What have you got planned a for a grey bonfire weekend?

Sorry....

2011-10-26T18:37:00.001+01:00

.....again!
Yes I know, I've been absolutely rubbish at this blogging lark recently. It hasn't helped that my ongoing computer problems have been, well ongoing and I finally gave in and took it along to see the computer doctor last week. Hopefully he'll be able to sort it out and I'll be a happy little bee.

So in the meantime I've been playing around with camera apps on my phone.

What have you been doing recently?

New shop

2011-09-11T20:22:00.003+01:00

Have you heard of Wow Thank You? It's a UK based online 'department store' selling non-mass produced UK designed and made items and I have been accepted to start selling with them. I'll keep you posted of how things are going and when I begin listing items.

The Reason Why

2011-09-03T12:08:00.002+01:00

One the reasons why i've not been blogging recently is that i've had quite a few commisions of varying sorts. One of these commisions was to design a CD cover for the new single 'The Reason Why' by a local band Refuge.
Refuge have been working alongside SISO and other mental health organisations, developing competions and charity events to raise awareness of mental health and as part of this are giving away free downloads of their new single. Click here to go to the website and to download the single. Tickets for the event on the 10th October are also available here.

Hello.....anyone there?

2011-08-27T14:51:00.005+01:00

Hello, remember me?

Yet again i've left this poor little blog rather lonely so I thought i'd stop by and update you with what i've been up to.

Well as always i've been busy making for craft fairs and trying to come up with some new ideas; the images above are a few examples of some of these. I'm loving postage stamps at the minute and I started making some cards out of vintage stamps and they have developed into these picutres. What do you think to them?

I've also been completing a few commisions I had, these have been fun. One in particular had me painting, the kind of painting i've hardly done since graduating 11 (11! where has the time gone?) years ago.

So now it's that time of year when I, unfortunately, have to start thinking about the dreaded 'C' word. Shuttlewood Clarke Foundations craft fair in September is the one where I bring out the Christmas cards, it always seems far too early but people buy them so who am I to judge?

I'll try and keep you updated on what i'm up to but if i'm a bit rubbish, bear with me please and if you want to have a look at my 'new' image gallery then click here. Why not also follow me on facebook.

Busy little bee

2011-06-12T15:59:00.003+01:00

Next weekend Bee Designs will be at 'Crafted' Summer fair, which is being held at the fabulous Atkins Building in Hinckley, Leicestershire. So this week i've been busy preparing and updating my online shops.
Yesterday I found time to visit Patchings art, craft and design festival. Have you been? It's such a good day out with three huge marquees full of artists, designers and suppliers selling their goods, not to mention all the smaller tents with demonstrations and exhibitions. I managed to come away having not spent an unreasonable amount of money on things I don't really need; so well done me!

At last we're open

2011-06-04T15:37:00.007+01:00

Finally I have got round to updating my Etsy shop and my NEW Folksy shop. I will try and update it as often as possible. I hope you like what you see!

image via mmdesignoffice

Sunshine dreaming

2011-05-31T17:52:00.003+01:00

A weekend of music, fun and camping has left me dreaming of pretty things and sunshine. Here are some of the things inspiring me today.

Peace and serenity

2011-05-15T19:37:00.002+01:00

This weekend i've been drawn towards these gentle images over at Etsy, they have such a peaceful and romantic feel to them don't you think?

What's been inspiring you lately?

MPS awareness day

2011-05-15T18:19:00.005+01:00

Today is MPS awareness day. If you have a few minutes to spare, please take a look at the MPS Society website and find out a bit more about Mucopolysaccharide diseases.

My thoughts goes out to all those individuals and their families who are affected by MPS and related diseases and hope that one day there will be a cure for all.

leather and wood

2011-05-01T21:14:00.002+01:00

What a week it's been. No work, just lots of time spent with friends and family, eating, drinking and enjoying the sunshine. It was also nice to be able to spend time making without a deadline hanging over my head.
I've just spent the last half an hour looking at lovely leather and wooden goodies on Etsy and making a treasury from my finds.

Sunshine and darkness

2011-04-24T00:41:00.002+01:00

What a lovely week. Beautiful weather and to top it all off, no work for eleven days.
Yesterday we went cycling along Brampton Valley Way, an old railway track running from Market Harborough to Northampton. Great ride except for the two very long and very dark tunnels, it made me realise just how claustrophobic i still am, but i made it there and back.
Today i've spent the day with my wonderful family, eating, laughing and enjoying the the sunshine.
Tomorrow i need to focus on poor, neglected Bee Designs.

A touch of love

2011-04-17T21:47:00.003+01:00

Another beautiful weekend has come to an end. Have you been doing lots and enjoying the sunshine?
I've spent most of my time indoors being creative, or at least trying to be. I'm in the process of helping my friend with wedding invitations, trying to get the shops organised and myself ready for upcoming fairs. A week off work next week will hopefully give me the chance to get everything sorted along with spending time with friends and family and generally enjoying myself.
I have managed, eventually, to create a pretty treasury and thought i'd share a few of the items with you here. Click on the image to go and see it in full. I seem to be having loads of problems with Etsy lately, either the page wont load or I can't see any of the images. I've checked all my computer settings and everything seems fine. Does anyone else have the same problems?

Grey with a splash of pink

2011-04-11T15:55:00.005+01:00

Still feeling very sorry for myself so I thought i'd try and cheer myself up by making a treasury, the colours seems to represent my mood quite well.

Click on the image to go and see the treasury and look at all the beautiful items more closely.

Weekend blues

2011-04-10T18:53:00.001+01:00

What a beautiful weekend it's been. Unfortunately mine's been spent mostly in bed feeling very sorry for myself. Yet again i've got an ear infection, swimmers ear apparently. Not only is it incredibly painful it also makes me feel pretty awful with all my glands swelling up. Not nice.
I had lots of plans for the weekend. Spending time enjoying the sunshine and making lots. Instead i've done nothing but search Etsy on via my phone, Etsy addict is such a geat app. This picture by Belafontesbunsa is one of my finds thats made me smile on such a blue weekend.

Pretty pinks

2011-04-06T19:52:00.002+01:00

I was rummaging around in the fridge the other day when I came across these, somewhat mouldy little beetroots...oops. I couldn't resist taking a shot as the colours were just beautiful. Little pink bits that look as if they are stuck onto the purple beets. Isn't it great to find something pretty in nature that should really be, well, ugly.

Lovely Saturday

2011-04-02T19:24:00.002+01:00

Today has been a lovely Saturday spent with friends and family. Hockey match followed by lunch at the 'Cow and Plough' and then off to the botanical gardens with my wonderful sister and nephew.

Plan of action

2011-03-25T17:40:00.003Z

I've been a bit neglectful of Bee Designs recently and haven't spent enough time making. So I have put together a plan of action, well more of a to-do list actually, and over the next few months will be getting things up and trunning once again.
For the time being I thought i'd share with you a couple of collages of some of my work.

Pretty in pink

2011-03-23T22:09:00.002Z

I love this time of year.

The sun has finally started to peep out, filling the day with a warm glow, this instantly makes me feel so much happier. The other thing about this time of year that I love is everything is starting to come to life. The first flowers of the year, the leaves on the trees beginning to bud but my favourite of all, the blossom. It has such a romantic feel to it, don't you think? Apparently the Japanese Cherry blossom or Sakura, symbolises love and affection amongst other things.

I've put together this collection of spring inspired Etsy goodies from a recent treasury, click here to see the entire treasury and all the items.

Last few.....I promise

2011-03-16T18:33:00.004Z

I couldn't resist showing you just a few more gorgeous images from the House Doctor catalogue. How pretty are those kitchen shelves and i'm loving the storage idea for the vintage ribbon spools.

A little bit more

2011-03-13T11:03:00.002Z

I promised a little bit more from House Doctor and here it is.

I hope you've had a good weekend so far, done anything exciting?

Doctor who?

2011-03-12T14:25:00.002Z

I've been drooling over the 2011 House Doctor catalogue this morning. Have you seen it? They have some gorgeous things for the home and the images of their items are just beautiful. I'll share some of those with you another day but for now, these are few of the things that I would be very hapy to own.

The witching hour

2011-03-11T14:23:00.002Z

I've just spent the last few hours searching the internet for inspiration. Having been dissapointed and not found what I was looking for I decided to make a treasury, this is always inspiring and fun.

Mexican sunshine

2011-03-10T13:57:00.003Z

How beautiful is this luxury hotel in Mexico?
It's The Tides Zihuatanejo and each of the rooms is individually designed and comes with it's own balcony or terrace. If you have a little bit extra cash to splash and you choose one of their suites, then you will also have your very own infinity pool.

Itch Gallery

2011-03-10T12:51:00.005Z

A week off work and a chance to spend time with friends and family and visit some some very exciting new places.
On Tuesday I took a trip over to Itch Gallery in Oakham and saw some of the beautiful pieces of work they have on display.

Itch decribes itself as a dynamic and zesty new Gallery in the heart of the East Midlands.

They've teamed up with some of the most talented independent creators and makers from all over the UK and offer a refreshing change from the mass production of the high street to bring you a spine-tingling range of affordable contemporary art, innovative craft and fresh design.

It's a truelly inspirational gallery and well worth a visit if you're in the area. They're also on Facebook if you want to keep up to date on their goings on.

Time to relax

2011-02-27T16:51:00.002Z

Sorry i've been gone so long but i've had nothing exciting to share with you over the last week or so, but i'm back and have some lovely Etsy goodies to show off to you. I love the greys, blues and natural colours, they have such a relaxing feel to them don't you think?

Cute house shoes - Leninka
Beautiful handstiched leather journal - Odelae
Pretty bike print - Skippy Designs
Flower beanbag bookends - Dede Etsy shop
Sea Urchine - TCapone Photo
Snug felted slippers - ing00te
When I think of winter mornings print - Sick Feet
Message in a bottle - Perriwinkle Prints
Pretty little vintage gold hairpin - Sumikoshop

I've been finding some fantastic shops via the 'suggested shops' in my etsy favorites section; i'm loving it!

Valentine cupcakes

2011-02-13T14:21:00.002Z

This morning I awoke to a wet Sunday morning so I stayed home in the dry baking these little valentine cupcakes. Pretty pink sparkles scattered over lemon butter icing and in the middle of each cake is a gooey lemon surprise.

Fresh ideas

2011-02-12T18:00:00.005Z

I thought i'd share with you the gorgeous interiors designed by Gardener and Marks

Hunter Jones

2011-02-12T13:49:00.004Z

If you have a few minutes to spare this weekend then head on over to Hunter Jones at Not on the High Street.

They are made up of the lovely Michael and Michael and their collection is based around the vintage furniture they lovingly bring back to life with carefully chosen paints and finishes, and accessories and prints to compliment these items.

A glimpse of sunshine

2011-02-11T18:18:00.005Z

It's the weekend again and that means it's time for me to share with you some more of my finds from the week. With the grey weather gradually dissapearing and the sun creaping out more frequently I thought i'd use those colours as inspiration.

Popping lemon earrings by Tara Lea Smith
Pretty little beach huts by Helena Carrington
Circle scarf by Sweet Nature Designs
Burlap pillow by brand new etsy shop Casa Bean Design
A bit of Paris by Artquirk
Starburst notecards by LandMdesignworks
Titanium ring by Titanium Knights
Birdhouse silhouette purse by MsPIGGii
Into the mystic by Honey Tree

I'm off to enjoy my Friday evening but will try and get back over the weekend with more pretty things to share.

A little bit late

2011-02-05T15:15:00.002Z

I know I promised you a little mid week loveliness but i'm sorry, it's a bit late.

Once again i've been spotting loads of gorgeous things on Etsy and thought i'd share them with you.

My Girl wears Chanel - Danny Roberts
Love in the rain - Kristy Bee
Postcup - Bailey doesn't bark
Industrial bud vase - Old crow farm
Grey rose necklace - Tamar
Stardust petal earrings - Jaros Designs
Love pears - Lapomme
Little lamb - Sweet pea toad tots
Chinatown Los Angeles - Sixth and main

Enjoy the weekend. x

Too good to be true

2011-01-30T21:35:00.002Z

I knew it was too good to be true, three posts in one day last weekend and nothing since. Well i'm back now and have brought you more goodies from the land of Etsy and Folksy to share with you.

Hats never seem to suit me but I do love this slouchy grey hat from love and knit.
Pretty Hydrangeas by the Gingham Owl.
You have to check out all the cut cuddlies at Timor, I love this bunny.
Still desperate for some warmth and sunshine but a trip to the seaside would be enough. Normandy beach huts by Magalerie.
Beautiful enameled bracelets by Vintage Chick Designs.
Lino print cards by Mange Print over at Folksy.
This sketchbook from msquaredesign would be just the inspiration I need at the minute to draw.
This is such a sweet little illustration by Pretty Little Thieves, cool shop name too don't you think.
And finally cute flower heart magnets by the incredibly talented Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics.

Another bit of window shopping done for a week but I will try and be back with other exciting things in a few days.

Enjoy the final few hours of the weekend and i'll see you back here soon.

.....and the dream goes on

2011-01-22T21:51:00.001Z

This is the deckchair i'm dreaming of sitting in outside the caravan. It's by gallantandjones on Etsy, they have them in the most gorgeous colours but I love the simplicity of the cream and black.

wishing away the grey

2011-01-22T17:47:00.002Z

On a dull, grey Saturday I should of spent the day making. Instead i've been dreaming, yet again, of a cute little caravan with bunting and flowery curtains and two stripey deckchairs outside to sit and enjoy the sunshine in.

happy weekend

2011-01-22T13:25:00.003Z

At last the weekend has arrived and today I thought i'd share with you some of my recent Etsy finds.

I so want these rustic leather journals by KarleighJae to write the novel i've always dreamed of writing.
I love how striking the colours on this Rooster print are by amberalexander. It would brighten up any plain wall.
Lacasadecoto's crochet floor cushions are stunning and everyone needs a pouffe in their house don't they?
Kellyemeraldhart's vintage blanket is perfect to snuggle up under on these chilly evenings.
Cute little matchbook style notepads by PipingHotPapers.
3GIRLSandagoat create beautiful papergoods and these Merry Mistletoe gift tags are no exception.
More paper goodies by RueRenee, i'm loving these dotty notecards.
Gorgeous quilt, what more can I say, by southerncharmquilts.
And finally this wooden cabinet by FrenchByDesign would sit perfectly in my living room.

I hope you have a very happy weekend, mine is going to be spent making in front of the fire, that's my plan at least.

New Year. New image.

2011-01-12T21:24:00.003Z

Happy New Year!

I've been slacking off for a while now with this poor little blog and my online shop but this year I am determined to try and keep them up to date. 'Determined to try', that doesn't sound too convincing does it?

I've been stuck on the sofa for the last two days with a poorly knee so after spending yesterday enduring daytime TV I decided i'd try and be a bit more productive today, so the new banner at the top of this post was made. What do you think? Do you prefer it to the normal one (at the top of the blog)?

The reason I started to change it was because i'm opening a shop on folksy and there's already a 'Bee Designs' on there, so after alot of thought I decided to go for 'Sue at Bee Designs' as my shop name; I didn't want to change it completely.

I'd really appreciate some feedback, positive or negative if you have any to give on the banner design.

Time to go now but not for as long I promise.

Night, night.

Magic moments

2010-12-08T20:37:00.001Z

Cold, crisp early mornings, shivering as i get ready for work and evenings wrapped up in front of a roaring fire, that's how i can best descibe the last few weeks.

One of the best things about this kind of weather is how magical everywhere looks. I need a to get out with my camera and capture some of this beauty.

Sugar and spice

2010-10-23T12:06:00.001+01:00

A gloomy Saturday morning, full of cold. Cinnamon oat cookies, freshly baked should make the day feel a little brighter.

Under the weather

2010-10-03T23:00:00.001+01:00

Another weekend over, where do they go?
Lovely night out on Friday to a dinner and dance, relaxing at home yesterday. Today has been spent in bed and on the sofa feeling a little poorly and sorry for myself.
Before i take myself back to bed i just want to say i hope you like campervans as much as i do, i seem to have loads of pics!
Night night. X

September sunshine

2010-09-30T12:02:00.001+01:00

A crisp and sunny morning with a layer of mist hanging over the fields.
The perfect way to say goodbye to September.

- Posted by Bee Designs

Too long

2010-09-28T21:30:00.001+01:00

Yet again I need to apologise for not posting. My computer is still playing up and if i'm honest i've been very lazy.

Now however, I have no excuse. I have sorted it out so I can post straight from my iphone, just need to get into some sort of routine of actually doing it and not just talking about it!

- Posted by Bee Designs

By the seaside

2010-07-03T21:37:00.007+01:00

A wonderful day by the seaside. Pretty beach huts, lots of paddling and of course, ice cream.

Sorry about the lack of posts, my computer is still playing up.

Bubbles

2010-05-31T18:46:00.003+01:00

Back from a great weekend at Glastonbudget. This picture was taken by complete chance.....amazing isn't it, even if I do say so myself.

Now it's time to relax and recover ready to go back to work tomorrow.

Here's hoping

2010-05-25T20:16:00.002+01:00

After the heatwave at the weekend the temperature has now dropped, I did however, manage to take a few snaps in the sunshine.

I hope the fine weather continues this weekend as it's outdoor living for me and that's never fun in the rain!

A week off and painting

2010-05-24T11:55:00.003+01:00

I've been busy lately finishing off a wedding invitation order. Now that's complete i'm trying to spend some of my week off work painting.

These are the ones i've done so far. The elephant is based on one my greetings card designs called 'elephlumps' and it's really popular, so I thought i'd give a picture ago and see if people like that as much.

I hope you had a fabulous weekend and enjoyed the sunshine. I saw so many people who had been enjoying it and obviously forgotten to put any suncream on, it makes me shiver when I see them, having had such a bad experience when I was at Uni, I always try and be extra careful now, hence the pale skin!

A thing for.......beauty

2010-05-22T10:57:00.002+01:00

Have you seen the amazingly beautiful blog, A thing for?

It's full of beautiful inspiration boards like the ones above. I spent ages choosing which ones to share with you as they're all as stunning as these. You must go and have a look here for yourselves.

All images via A thing for.

Any suggestions?

2010-05-18T19:43:00.002+01:00

I've just bought an iphone. Whoop whoop! I'm so excited and can't wait till it arrives.......next Monday! Until then I have the task of finding the perfect case. A friend of mine has an amazing hot pink rubber case which I think may be one option, possibly in aqua for me, but this doesn't protect the screen, so I think I also need a sock kind of case as well. here's a few that I like but they're all a bit.....grey.

What do you think?

above Siren Studios

YanaK

RainyDaye

Lavender Harvest

Joli Originals

ccommeca

Has anyone got any suggestions? What sort have you got?

It's that time of year again

2010-05-15T11:07:00.003+01:00

Today is MPS awareness day.
Someone I love dearly has MPS III, Hunters Syndrome, i'm not going to even try and explain to you what this is but if you're interested in finding out, have a look at the MPS society's website here, you can also find out about the other MPS conditions and what you can do to raise awareness.

I hope you have a great weekend whatever it is you are doing.

Spring Clean

2010-05-03T20:02:00.004+01:00

Image via Princess Tat of Tinkle Shed

The blossom is out and a after few days of sunshine last week, it really feels like spring is here.
I just wish I could be sitting on the porch of this cute little studio, drawing and drinking long cold sangrias.

Fun day in the sun......

2010-04-23T22:03:00.005+01:00

.............I hope!

Sunday will be the first artisan festival to be held in Leicester, so if you're looking for something to do, why not come along. I'll be there along with loads of other talented artists, there's also workshops, entertainment and much more.

It will be at Leicester market between 10.30 and 4pm this Sunday. Make sure you say hi if you do stop by, it would be great to see you.

Back again

2010-04-19T18:33:00.004+01:00

Yet again i'm sorry for deserting you, life just takes over sometimes doesn't it?

Anyway onto pretty things. Look at these fabulous images I found via Decor8. They are by the amazing photographer Barb Fritz, take a look at her website for more beautiful pictures.

Images via Barb Fritz

A place to remember

2010-03-22T18:45:00.004Z

Last summer at a craft fair, I met a lovely gentleman who started chatting to me about bookbinding. He had done some binding himself but he had spent most of his time creating prints, I think he said he had worked in the printing trade. He came to see me again at another fair later in the year and we exchanged a couple of books each.
Shortly after Christmas I received an email from him telling me had been given some paper and that he was happy to go halves with me, having been so busy it wasn't until yesterday that I was able to go and collect it.
When we (Anna and I) arrived, he took us through the house out to a room attached to the garage that was full of books, as he showed me the paper Anna noticed that all these books were in some way art books.
After we carried the huge pile of paper out to the car, he then took us into the garage to get more. It was at this point that I noticed at least three plan chests, four (that I could see) old and beautiful printing presses, drawers full of letterpress equipment and yet more books. I nearly fell on the floor in amazement.
Not only was there all these wonderful things but when he took us back into the house to chat with him and his lovely wife, he showed us some of the beautiful pictures, and more books, he owns.
If you've managed to stay with me through this post, you'll probably have guessed I was quite amazed by this wonderful man and the collections that he has created over the years, I felt like a kid in sweet shop, everywhere I looked I was utterly amazed.
Thank you B for all the paper, sharing your collections and most of all inspiring me to be more creative.

Image noriko.stardust via flickr

Love is in the air

2010-03-20T16:33:00.003Z

I'm not planning or even thinking about getting married but I love to trawl through wedding sites and blogs. The colours, styling and photography involved is just so inspiring.
Two of my favourite sites are Project Wedding and 100 layer cake and IF I ever get married, i'll be straight on over to them both for ideas. If you haven't been to either of them, you really should take a look.

Top to images via Project wedding
Bottom image via 100 layer cake

Butterfly jam

2010-03-13T14:11:00.002Z

Spring may be on it's way, or at least I hope it is.
This morning the sun had managed to sneak out from behind the clouds and I spotted a butterfly fluttering across the sky. Surely that's a sign.

I'm sorry for being so neglectful of my little blog recently. I've just been extremely busy with everything, work, crafty things and i'm afraid it's taken a bit of a back seat. I hope you are still here and I will try and post a bit more regularly.

Image by Buttonheart via flickr

It's back!

2010-02-18T20:31:00.002Z

After a sunny Tuesday morning I thought spring was on it's way but I left work today and there was a layer of snow everywhere. Two hours later, having driven at an average speed of about 20 mph (that may be a little optimistic) I finally made it home. It's stopped snowing now but apparently there's more on the way tonight.
The photo isn't from this evening as it was too dark when I got back, this one's from earlier in the year. It's my day off tomorrow so I might be able to take a couple more pictures to bore you even more. You thought you'd seen the last of my snow posts for the year didn't you?

Valentine goodies

2010-02-13T18:25:00.003Z

I've spent today catching up with the boring necessities known as cleaning but I did also have fun making little valentines goodies ready for tomorrow. Heart shaped butter cookies, covered in white Belgium chocolate....yum. The problem is the recipe I used made about fifty, yes fifty, cookies, what am I going to do with all those?

Happy Valentines to everyone, I hope you have a lovely, lovey day. XOXO

All wrapped up

2010-02-09T17:07:00.003Z

The sunset was incredible this evening so obviously I had to take some pictures, however they really don't do it justice.

A lovely relaxing day off today making gift wrap ready for all my upcoming fairs, the only problem now is where to store it.

Dream a little dream

2010-02-06T15:46:00.002Z

How dreamy are these images?

I so want to be sitting on that beach wearing those cute little shorts, if only I had the legs to pull them off, but instead i'm preparing for a night of partying!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend whatever you've got planned.

Images by David Mushegain via Paranaiv

Pretty brollies

2010-02-01T22:25:00.003Z

I came across this image over at Decor8 and immediately fell in love.

So simple yet so incredibly beautiful by the most talented, Max Wanger.

Image by Max Wanger via Utterly Engaged

Spring has not quite sprung

2010-01-30T14:49:00.004Z

The sun is out today and despite it being bitterly cold outside, from inside my warm living room it looks like spring is slowly creeping out from wherever it's been for the last twelve months.

This pretty image is where i'd like to be right now, enjoying the outdoors.

Image via the style-files.com

At the end of the day

2010-01-26T17:09:00.002Z

I've felt very demotivated since Christmas and until today haven't made a thing. But after a very long sleep last night and some inspiration from some of my favourite blogs, i've spent some of my day making valentines goodies. I maybe wont be selling them this year as I think I may have left it a little too late but I know a certain young man who'll be receiving one on the 14th!

Pretty pictures

2010-01-26T12:24:00.003Z

Now the snow is all gone i'm wishing spring would hurry up and arrive. Some sunshine and warmth, new leaves on the trees and blossom making everywhere appear young and fresh once again, that's what I need now. Until then i'll have to make do with pretty pictures.

Image via the style-files.com

From this......

2010-01-17T19:57:00.002Z

......to this. How thirty years can change a person (and a bit of make up and some hair dye).

I've been playing around with my camera trying to get a decent photo of myself, rather unsuccessfully.
I don't know about you but quite often I can't decide if a picture is ok or not until I upload it onto my computer, so I did this and although I didn't like any of them much I did decide to share one of them with you because I like to be able to put a face to a name, don't you? I also didn't want to put the very dodgy photo I took the other day that I said I might put on, that was just a step too far.

Don't I look a happy child?

Sorry....

2010-01-06T14:44:00.002Z

I didn't mean to bore you. I've just noticed the very snowy theme that I seem to have been following recently. I promise to start posting about other, less cold things from now on, or at least try anyway!

Yellow Sheep?

2010-01-06T14:17:00.002Z

At last a decent amount of snow has arrived. Well I say decent but there isn't actually that much, it's just extremely slippery, so much so that I couldn't get my car up the drive today and after watching (and pushing) several cars getting stuck on the lane I was glad I didn't manage to get any further.

I couldn't resist another walk with my camera and this time took some pictures of the horses in the field I look out across. There's five of them altogether, one 'normal' size and four little miniature ponies. The top photo shows my favourite of the four, who I don't think is very old and stands at about two feet tall, sooo cute!

Have you ever noticed that when it snows the sheep are very yellow? I didn't until today.

On a cold and frosty morning........

2010-01-03T21:57:00.002Z

A light dusting of snow covered the ground this morning when I woke up, so off we went for a walk, cameras in hand to capture the early sun on the snow. It was beautiful and crisp but despite this the sun soon melted most of the snow leaving a eveywhere just a little damp.

As usual i took loads photos so had to decide carefully which ones i'd share with you, I chose not to show the self portrait of me looking tired and pulling a slightly false smile, it was more flatering believe it or not than the first attempt of me being 'normal' (or not), maybe i'll post that another day!

We returned home cold and fresh and ate breakfast in front of the fire, it was the perfect way to relax on a Sunday morning after all the chaos of the festive period.

What have you been doing this weekend?

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T17:00:00.002Z

So here we are, a new year is upon us once again. My goodness, didn't 2009 fly by?

This is usually a time for reflecting on what we've achieved over the last 12 months but i'm not going to do that, instead I decided to share with you some pictures of what I hope is to come.

Anyone who knows me or has been following this blog knows I L.O.V.E. snow and when I saw pictures of winter in Quebec I had to show you a couple. The top one shows how deep the snow is, 17, yes 17 foot deep, can you imagine that it sounds wonderful! I can only dream about that amount but my hope is that we can have as much as last winter so I can get snowed in again. The other pictures are of some amazing snow sculptures, if we had 17 foot of snow I can assure you I would be out there attempting some sculptures myself, or at least a snowman.

Have you been reflecting or making any resolutions? I'd love to hear about them but for now I will wish you all a happy and healthy 2010.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

2009-12-17T14:18:00.002Z

Yay.....it's just started snowing. Here's hoping for a white Christmas.

Relax and decorate

2009-12-15T11:59:00.003Z

Craft fairs are over for another year. At last I can sit back and relax a little.

At some point this week i'll get round to putting the Christmas tree up. This is one thing I really dislike doing, I love it once it's up but it just seems like such a hassle and it's only two foot tall. I wish I could pick up this pretty pink tree and pop it in the corner of my room to save the trouble.

What's your tree like this year? I think I need some inspiration to make me feel more excited about decorating mine.

Image via karen m andersen on flickr

Sleepy tired

2009-12-02T22:23:00.002Z

I have been soooo busy just lately i've had no time to post on here so I wanted to pop by and say hi.
This picture tells you exactly how i'm feeling at the minute, although i'm not so cute. A week and a half left of madness and then hopefully I can take it easy for a few days.

What have you been up to?

Image via catherine.caf on flickr

Spoooooky!

2009-11-25T19:17:00.002Z

I have been so busy these last few weeks.

Work is crazy and alongside that I am also doing craft fairs every weekend, so not alot of time to get on here.

So this is just a quick post to let you know I haven't forgotten about you but also to tell you that this weekend coming i'll be at The Guildhall in Leicester.

These pictures give you an idea of how beautiful this incredible building is. Apparently it is the most haunted building in Leicester with 5, yes 5 ghosts! Spooky hah!

Anyway it's time to get back to the work. See you soon.

Not long

2009-11-11T19:12:00.001Z

As the days get colder we're getting ever closer to that day!!!

Little me

2009-11-08T12:51:00.003Z

My Dad has a new toy. It's a lense that you attach to your digital camera making it possible to take a picture of a slide, if that makes sense.

I had an email from him this morning with loads of old photos of me when I was little that were on slides, I don't even remember seeing some of them before. This is one of the 'better' ones!

Hope you are having a good weekend, I am.

Yum, yum!

2009-11-07T16:55:00.002Z

Some delicious looking interiors.

I think i'm really liking that pink and green combination at the minute.

Images via Homes and Garden and Decorology

Forever Autumn

2009-11-02T19:02:00.003Z

This is just one of the gorgeous pictures from Snapshot Flash on Flickr, don't you just love the Autumn colours.

Home sweet home

2009-10-30T15:29:00.005Z

My little princess is home!

I went to the RSPCA today with just a glimmer of hope that she might be there and she was.
She heard my voice when I was talking to my sister and came out of the pen meowing at me. I haven't stopped crying and smiling since.
She is absolutely fine and came home, went straight to her food bowl and after troughing for ages came for a cuddle as if nothing had happened. She's now desperate to go out and play in the woods but the RSPCA have recommended she stays in for a couple, yes a couple of weeks. She will hate that.

Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages, said kind words and supported me over this last week. I want to send the biggest thank you to my wonderful sister who has had the phone glued to her ear, phoning vets, the local radio and for coming to the RSPCA with me today and crying with me. Thank you Lou. X

Now it's time for more cuddles. Have a great weekend, I know I will.

Image via Barca

I need your help.....please

2009-10-27T18:36:00.002Z

I've had the worst few days. On Sunday my cat Sasha wnet out to play and hasn't been home since.

I know cats can wander off for a few days before strolling in as if they haven't been away but not Sash, she always comes home for her tea.

If you know anyone in Leicestershire please let them know about her, I just need to know she's ok. She was last seen around the Newton Harcourt/Wistow area where a lot of people walk their dogs and may have seen her.

Here's a description. Sasha is a small tabby cat with brown and black stripes, a white bib, white tips of her front paws and white back legs. She hasn't been very well lately and so is quite thin. She is very vocal and will meow at you and roll over onto her back for a fuss.

I really hope someone can set my mind at rest as not knowing where she is is breaking my heart.

Thank you.

Courtney Pine

2009-10-24T17:21:00.003+01:00

I've had a really busy but enjoyable (most of the time) week.
The highlight has to be going to see the incredibly talented Courtney Pine play at Demontfort Hall, wow that man must have an extra pair of lungs! He blew that sax without breathing it seemed.
I also had a couple of commissions to complete which were great fun and I was quite pleased with one of the photos albums I made, it looked stunning when finished.
And now a quiet weekend ahead, maybe a bit of making but first i'm off to enjoy a bowl of pasta....yum yum!

Have a great weekend!

Wine and Olives

2009-10-20T20:21:00.003+01:00

I've been thinking about decorating my living room for awhile now but have been abit unsure of what to do.

I have an olive (ish) green carpet which I really can't afford to replace (i'm sure my landlord wouldn't be too impressed about that either), so whatever colour scheme I choose, it has to be based around this carpet.

At the minute the room is a beige colour witht the main wall a shade darker but i'm craving some colour and light (it's a very dark room) so I was thinking of painting the walls white or at least very light and the main wall a shade of green that works with the carpet, this way I hope it will draw your eye away from it rather than walking into the room and going "wow, big green carpet", that's what happens at the minute, or at least I do.

So, still not much colour. Well my idea was to add some hot pinks, deep purples and other sumptuous colours.

I was a bit unsure as to whether this would work but then I came across these pitures from the UK House Doctor catalogue and just fell in love. This is exactly the colour scheme I had in mind and isn't stunning?
If you haven't seen the House Doctor catalogue you must have a look here, it's beautiful.

This colour board from 100 layer cake is also perfect.

I want to start decorating now! Unfortunately I have to be patient and start organising properly rather than jumping into it with both feet and getting it very wrong.

Have a great week, i'm off to look at colour charts.

Images via House Doctor and 100 Layer cake

Cold or cats?

2009-10-17T19:35:00.002+01:00

I have a bit of a dilema. I've spent the afternoon printing christmas cards and notcards for the shop and now i'm giving them time to dry properly (i'm so impatient sometimes).
So what's the dilema I hear you ask. Well i've printed so many they are spread out over nearly every surface in the room including, the floor and now I need to get more wood for the fire knowing that as I do the cats will run back into the house.

Do I risk getting the wood and end up with little paws over my prints or do I allow the fire to go out making me cold and grumpy?
I've just read this and realised how silly this sounds, so i'm off to get some wood closing the door behind me.....life's so simple sometimes!

Let them eat cake

2009-10-16T20:08:00.002+01:00

A week off work and i've spent it decorating my hall and stairs. It's almost finished so today I went for a walk down the lane with my friend Becky, to drink some coffee and eat delicious cake at the rural centre.

It may be autumn and the leaves have turned but there are still some pretty flowers at the garden centre to capture on camera.

Have a lovely relaxing weekend. Back soon with some exciting posts.....I hope.

Autumn sunshine

2009-10-10T16:10:00.003+01:00

Finally feeling better and after a really busy few days at work i've now got a whole week off!!!

So today has been spent so far finishing some bits and pieces off ready for a fair tomorrow and enjoying the autumn sun shining in through the window. The picture above was taken a couple of years ago but it must have been around this time of year, beautiful isn't it?

What plans have you got for the weekend?

At the end of the day

2009-10-04T18:28:00.003+01:00

Well the weekend's almost over and as the sun sets i'm sitting here feeling the autumn chill. It's time to light some logs on the fire and snuggle up for the evening.

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend. Done anything exciting?

Japanese love

2009-10-02T10:42:00.004+01:00

For ages now I have been drooling over Japanese masking tape, however today i've just found something even more beautiful (in my eyes anyway). It's these gorgeous Japanese tapes from Miss Macau on Etsy, they come in so many designs and you cut off as much as you want so you can use them for anything. My favourite is the top image with the pretty pink and aqua flower design. I must get some but what would I use it for? Any ideas?

All images via Miss Macau

A welcome surprise

2009-09-29T03:51:00.003+01:00

It's 3am on a Tuesday morning and I can't sleep. I am in agony with what I asume is an ear infection. I can't put my head on the pillow because it hurts, so instead I turn on the laptop and start reading my favourite blogs. When I get to Sycamore Street Press I scroll down reading the last few posts i've missed and then I see a picture of my gift tags. What could this be? I read on to find out i've only won this incredible print. Whoop whoop!!! I can't believe it as I never win anything, except a blue fluffy elephant when I was about seven of course. The artist behind this Sycamore Street Press print is David Ngarupe and if you fancy reading a few Q&A's with him click here. If you haven't heard of Sycamore street press before, you have to have a look at some of their other work as it really is wonderful, I blogged about them once before here and there's a link to their website here.

Thank you so much Eva and I can't wait to see the print in the flesh.

Freshly baked

2009-09-26T17:01:00.003+01:00

A quiet Saturday started with a walk to the local farm shop followed by a spot of baking, several hours later, some fresh rolls. I'm still not feeling very well so i'm just going to relax this evening and enjoy the bread and hope for a good film on TV.