Over the last week I’ve been making these little fellas. They’ll be in the shop soon! I think I’m in love with the colour scheme :)

Some new little accessories that will be making their way into the shop very very soon just in time for, dare I say it, Christmas 2011 (gulp!). I’ll also list some festive cards seeing as I’m getting into the Christmas spirit… during our mini heatwave…

Yesterday I spent a grand total of 99p while walking around the Mapperley shops. I don’t own that many Agatha Christie’s, believe it or not, but the ones I do own I’ve found in charity shops and have beautiful covers. This might be the start of a new collection. The lovely bit of framed lace I came across for the grand total of 49p! You can’t really say “no” when a treasure like that pops up…

It’s begun…

In my last post I mentioned my current wardrobe crisis and what I thought I should do about it. Your wonderful positive feedback and stories have encouraged me to commit to this project and this post marks the beginning. Not the most beautiful picture to begin an adventure with but the most meaningful (and believe it or not those bags are big and heavy – they look so tiny in this picture!). I’ve also removed 4 coats from my cupboards, one of them had bus tickets from the start of 2010, so you can tell how long it’s been since I last wore it – it’s time to go! I’ve gathered most* of the guilty of being unflattering and worn out clothes and sorted them into bin or charity bags. I’m ready.

*Throwing out stuff is hard… and I’ll be honest with you – there are still a couple of offending items remaining in my drawers. They will be replaced but I’m predicting this adventure as a slow and thoughtful one. I don’t expect one or 2 shopping trips to solve my little battle with fashion. I’m preparing myself for those difficult and annoying times ahead. So I decided it was probably a good idea to keep hold of a couple of tatty basics until I find their well fitting replacements – otherwise I’ll have nothing to wear – and that will be even more stressful!

I will try and do a couple of ‘make over’ related posts every week (at least one) but you never know, some weeks might be a lot slower than others. I am really looking forward to sharing all this with you and I hope you enjoy the ride and find little bits of it inspiring and/or entertaining.

Beginners luck: I found this beautiful skirt yesterday. It fits like a charm, it’s comfortable and easy to clean. That’s another important ‘must’ for my new wardrobe, I don’t want to get things that need to be dry cleaned. I can’t afford it and I don’t really have the time – plus I sometimes feel a little bit nervous wearing them out and about because I’m frightened I’ll drop or spill something on them. I’m clumsy so it’s inevitable. Anyway, I’m pleased as punch with my new purchase… bring on the rest!

On a more house related note we got the BEST housewarming gift from Tom’s sister (THANK YOU SO MUCH!) the other day. Check out this handmade beauty!!!! I LOVE IT! It even has a tiny illya on it!

I’ve been gathering knitting projects like they’re sweets. And now there is now a huge pile of wool in the corner of the living room… sigh. Fortunately they’re pretty colours – so it’s not all bad. This is a cushion cover I’ve been working on – it’s very loosely based on a pattern from Simple Knitting by Erika Knight. This is probably one of the most inspiring books I own at the moment. It’s full of beautiful colours and simple/stylish projects. I had high hopes I would use some of the projects for this years Christmas presents but in truth I can’t seem to stop making things for myself :) OH well… still got a couple of months to go, right?

2 new mini paintings are now in the shop – Priced at £25 each and both measuring roughly 4″ x 5.5″. Both pieces were featured in the “Looking for Trouble” exhibition I set up earlier this summer. I’m trying to find loving homes for these originals otherwise they’ll just end up living in boxes, which is sad because they’re so colourful and I’m sure they would much prefer to live on nice walls. I have some of the framed ones from the same show making their way into the shop really soon too so keep your eyes peeled!

Some new hand painted cotton spool baubles have entered the shop!

A little glimpse at what I’m making. These things have been so popular and I love painting on them. So far I have completed 9, so there will be a big shop update when these beauties are ready. I’ll keep you posted of course!

Tonight we’re off to the theatre to see THIS!!! I’ve not been to see a play in soooo long and I got so excited about the prospect of going to see some whodunnits on stage that I went and bought my tickets at the start of MAY. Early bird indeed – BUT it means we should have great seats. Tonight’s performance is “Sweet Revenge” – A Francis Durbridge classic. We’re going to start the evening off with Pizza too… Oh what a perfect line-up. Pizza and a splash of murder… so exciting!

Colourful etsy finds I’m in love with at the moment. 1. Blue Coffee pot from Luncheonettevintage. 2. Feather Garland by kayeblegvad. 3. Striped messenger bag by ikabags. 4. Wooden necklace by Snugstudio.

I got some beautiful slippers from my Ma while I was adventuring up in Orkney. The patterns and bright colours are beautiful and I can feel some projects brewing as a result. Also I’ve dug out some inspirational etsy finds as a result…

5. Folk Peacock from GinghamLife 6. Table cloth from VintageKeepsakes 7. Cross Stitch throw from Lunaparkfoundry. (All pictures credits go to the sellers)

2 new paintings making their way into the shop! Both these pieces were in the recent show at the Malt Cross and are priced at £55 each. Keep your eyes peeled for more paintings up for grabs very soon!