DIY | Wicker Basket Bag Tutorial

Kick off the summer in style with this easy DIY wicker circle basket bag tutorial.

Lifestyle | Ways to Combat Stress and Improve Productivity

April welcomes Stress Awareness month, so I thought I would share some advice that has really helped me lower stress and improve my productivity whilst balancing life, work and writing a blog. 

DIY | New Years Eve Ombre Garland

Happy New Year guys!

With the festive season over, it's time to get your party frocks on, raise a glass with loved ones and see the New Year in in style. 2016 has been some year and I think we are all ready for a fresh start, so to celebrate a new beginning I thought I'd show you a little DIY party decoration that's perfect for any New Years Eve get together.

Spreading the Cheer & Tips for Staying Stress Free this Festive Season

With only a week until Christmas, I thought I'd surprise my mum with some early festive treats thanks to the lovely people at Cotton Traders. They challenged me to spread some festive cheer this year as part of their 'Making Christmas Warmer' campaign' and I thought it was the perfect chance to spoil her for all her hard work helping me settle in my new house this year. Christmas is such a busy time, it can be easy to forget the special moments and people that do so much for you. This year I want to spread the good vibes and treasure those little things, scroll down to see how Cotton Traders helped me spread the cheer and some tips for a stress free Christmas.

Crochyay Subscription Box Review

 My favourite craft has long been crochet so when I discovered Crochyay Boxes, a  subscription service full of crochet goodies I just had to order one for my own. By signing up to receive a Crochyay Box every month you will be in for some crochet treats from fellow makers and crafters such as patterns, tools and ideas. 

Here's a sneak peek inside November's Crochyay Box.

Crochet | Corner to Corner Blanket Part 1 | Casting on & Increasing

I love starting a new project in the winter time. 

There's something satisfying about snuggling up in front of the fire after a long day with a new ball of wool and crocheting your troubles away. I have wanted to make a blanket for a while so set myself the challenge of making my first corner to corner blanket using these amazing ombre yarns from Bella Coco Store. If you haven't already, check out Bella Coco for these bundle packs, they are perfect for blankets or throws and come in a range of colour and tones.

Small Business Saturday | Reasons to Shop Local this Christmas

We have all heard of Black Friday & Cyber Monday but there's one day I'll be marking on my calendar this year for many more reasons than just the chance to grab a bargain, Small Business Saturday. I have always been a big supporter of handmade products and independent sellers so when Fundera asked me to show my support for Small Business Saturday and buy locally this Christmas, I jumped at the chance to share my favourite local shops.

DIY | Embroidered Bomber Jacket Tutorial

 Anyone else loving the embroidered trend? 

Whether it's jackets, shoes or bodies, this oriental detailing is everywhere. Good news is it's so easy to make your own unique version of the popular high street ones for a fraction of the cost. 
Here's how I made my own embroidered bomber jacket.

DIY | Copper Plant Pot & Tips for Repotting Plants

I have recently become a little obsessed with plants and really want to fill my home with lots of greenery. I think house plants bring so much colour and life into a house making it feel more homely. Having not know much about plants and after telling my friend that I didn't think my plants were growing much she suggested they might need re-potting. So instead of just buying a new pot I thought I would DIY one to fit in with my spare room decor and give my plants some space to grow.

DIY | Arm Knitted Cosy Chunky Blanket

Hello November. 
I can finally start getting excited about winter now that November has arrived. Who doesn't love cosy nights by the fire, wrapping up warm and frosty walks in the park?! And with it comes the chance to create some seasonal DIY's.
 I've been dreaming of oversized blankets for a while now, having been inspired by Pinterest-worthy interiors filled with chunky knitted throws, so I decided to have a go at making my own.

Lifestyle | Breakfast at Billy Bob's Ice Cream Parlor

 If you can't have ice cream for breakfast on your birthday, when can you eh? 

So I turned 26 a few weeks ago and to celebrate never growing up I took the day off work to eat ice cream and open presents. I had wanted to check Billy Bob's out for a while but heard it was super busy at weekends so a mid week visit on my birthday was the perfect excuse. Billy Bob's Parlor is a 50's style diner on a large farm in the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire.

Lifestyle | Updating An Old Wardrobe Favourite for Winter

Although I love shopping and buying new items for the coming seasons, I also hate letting go of things I really love. Once in a while I find myself getting emotionally attached to items in my wardrobe that, although a little worn, are still my favourites. My Olivia Burton watch is one of those items. I have had it for a couple of years now, after treating myself to it with my very first wage. I noticed a few weeks ago that my watch had been lovingly worn so many times that the strap was becoming discoloured. Instead of going out to buy another watch altogether, I decided to reorder a new strap to bring a lease of life to this little chap. 

Lifestyle | Autumn Bucket List GOMO

So you have all heard of FOMO (fear of missing out) well this autumn say hey to GOMO (go out more often)! Eventbrite have challenged me to write an autumn bucket list to encourage everyone to GOMO this coming season! Check out their event planning tool here...

I am always up for experiencing something new and making memories, so here are my suggestions for making sure this autumn is one to remember!

Interiors | How to use flowers to brighten up a room this autumn

 Need a little autumn/winter interior inspiration? 

Look no further, as I have made a Pinterest worthy blog post full of ideas and images showing you clever and beautiful ways to incorporate flowers in your home this winter. 

Made By Me | 70's Inspired Denim Skirt & a Trip to Stockholm

A weekend in Bath | Travel

Last weekend I went on a short break down south to the beautiful city of Bath, with Tom.

We spent most of the time sipping tea & eating cake in various tea rooms or braving the chilly February air to do some sightseeing.

 It was such an inspiring and historic city, I wanted to share with you what I got up to and some recommendations of places to go (mainly for tea or cake..)

 

A Week in NYC | Statue of Liberty, Pancakes and the Best Places to go Shopping

As you may or may not know last month I headed on the trip of a lifetime to New York City with my family and Boyfriend. In my last post I took you along with me as I relived the first couple of days there, exploring Central Park, going up the Empire and the Rock and buying half of the beauty floor in Macy's. Read it here. I was in the city for a total of 4 days so here's what I got up to on the rest of my trip to NYC! 

 

Monthly Makes | Knitted Christmas Mittens

Christmas is well and truly on its way and this month I have been snowed under making lots of handmade festive goodies for friends and family! As not to ruin any surprises I thought I'd show you just one gift I have made so far... 

A weekend in London | Biking in Hyde Park & Dinner with a View

 My boyfriend and two best friends from home all live and work in London now so I am always popping down when I can to see them. This weekend was no exception, and seeing as it was such a fun and eventful few days I thought I would share with you exactly what I got up to.

Spreading the handmade love ...

 Being a textile designer I am always on the look out for things that inspire me to be creative whether it is fashion, art or things I see in everyday life. 

I really wanted to write a post about some British fashion brands I have recently been inspired by as they all make and sell beautiful handmade items whether it is jewellery or dresses. Each one is unique and innovative in their own way. My dream is to one day run my own company selling handmade items and these brands really do give me the drive to achieve that one day. So I thought I’d share them with you so you can see them amazing work they do.