DIY | Crocheted snowflake appeal for HomeStart

 

 When I heard about Home Start's Snowflake appeal I couldn't wait to get involved and loved it so much I wanted to share it with you guys too. 

You can make a big difference to a vulnerable child's life this Christmas by simply crocheting your own unique snowflake to show your support to HomeStart and the disadvantaged families the charity helps. The snowflakes will hang on a tree at the Christmas Handmade Fair in Manchester on the 20th to 22nd November before being posted to families across the UK who are supported by the HomeStart charity, to comfort and remind them that they not alone this Christmas. 

Made by Me | Polka Dot Midi Skirt

DIY | Wall Art | Tips for Brightening up White Walls

 Recently I finished a little project for my mum, a cute canvas to brighten up her kitchen. She has newly redecorated and made some beautiful blinds in lilac floral material to go in the kitchen, I thought I would create a unique piece of wall art with similar colours to those in the blinds. 

After some wall art inspo pinning on Pinterest, I decided to go with a simple lettered canvas that reflects our family well.  

Here's how you do it...

Made By Me | Crochet Cover Up Beach Dress

My latest handmade project is a casual crochet cover up that can be worn on the beach or layered up for a laid back day look. It is a loose fitting tunic top/dress with a wide off the shoulder neckline which I love. 

It was a really quick make and I created the loose holey patterning using one easy stitch. Meaning I could create it almost in auto pilot whist watching telly at night or chilling in the garden. I'd say in total it only took me about 5-6 hours over a couple of weeks.

Carry on reading if you want to see how I made this easy crocheted beach cover...

The New Kimono Update | 3 Trends to Wear this Summer

I love kimonos! 

They are a summer style staple of mine as they are so easy to throw on over a bikini or jeans and a cami.

  

I just finished making a new kimono this week using this gorgeous oriental, floral fabric and it made me realise just how versatile the kimono really is! I have made a few now and different fabrics makes each one a little unique as well as suiting lots of trends and style. 

So here is a little guide on the top kimono trends and prints for this summer and three ways to wear.

  

Made by Me | Easy Summer Stripe Pleated Skirt - no pattern required!

Crochet Trend | Work in Progress

 So I haven't blogged in a while as its been a busy few weeks, but as I have a bit of time this bank holiday I thought I would show you what I have been working on in my spare time. 

I am loving the 70's hippie crochet trend at the moment. It's getting me very excited for the festival season even though I am not going to any this year. I was inspired by this Rat and Boa crochet kimono to make a casual summer cover up using brightly coloured crocheted granny squares, perfect for the festival season. 

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

Becoming an Etsy Store Owner!

Today I have some very exciting news to share! 

 I have opened my Etsy Store - MadeUpStyle! 

Recommended Reads for Craft Lovers and Sewing Novices

1- The Liberty Book of Simple Sewing 

2- Cath Kidston Sew!

Monthly Makes | Vintage style Floral Print Two Piece

Monthly Makes | Knitted pouf, Crocheted bralet & handmade Bridesmaids dresses

 

It has been a while since I have written a 'Monthly Makes' post, so I thought I would roll all the things I have been working on lately into one post! 
Its been a busy few months, but the main project I have been focusing on were three bridesmaids dresses for a friends wedding this month. 

Handmade Polka Dot Knickers | Craft Kit by The Makery

 This has got to be one of my favourite Christmas presents I received this year. 
My mum bought me this DIY polka dot knickers craft kit by The Makery and when I opened it on Christmas day I couldn't wait to get crafting. 

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.

Neon Knits & Winter Walks

So October has been mega busy and I haven't had much time to blog recently. I am currently in the process of making some bridesmaids dresses for my friend as well as being busy with work. But I have managed to squeeze in knitting a few more hats. I found these really cute faux fur pompoms on ebay and used some brightly coloured wool I found in the sale at my local wool shop. 

Its been gorgeous weather here lately so I thought I'd take some snaps of the hats whilst on a stroll around my village, with my (camera shy) mum and (not so camera shy) yorkie dog Bob.

DIY | October Makes ...

Oh how I do love autumn! Frosty evening walks, crunchy golden leaves on the ground and wrapping up in your favourite knitted item. What's not to love about this season? 

This month I am dusting off the knitting needles and buying some gorgeous new wool ready to make some winter warmers for friends and family. I have already started a few hats in this vibrant chartreuse green.

Bake | Homemade Scones

So it's no secret I love a good cup of tea. This week I thought I would try baking the perfect partner to the great British brew, the scone! This was my first attempt at the traditional pastry so I thought I'd follow an experts recipe. And who better to ask for advice than the Queen herself, Mary Berry.

DIY | 5 minute Ripped Jeans Tutorial

Hi Guys,

I have been having a clear out of my wardrobe recently and been replacing old clothes with new season updates. Jeans are a staple which I wear a lot and because of this I often buy a new pair each season to replace the old, well worn ones. 

Instead of throwing my old jeans out this season I thought I would recycle them and do a little DIYing on them. I love the ripped jean trend this season so thought it was the perfect excuse to grab the scissors and chop away.

 This is a really easy DIY that can be done in 5 minutes, so what are you waiting for?

You will need...

Lifestyle | An evening at... Coffee & Clay Skipton

A couple of weeks ago I visited Coffee and Clay in Skipton to celebrate my good friend Chloe’s 22^nd birthday. 

Coffee & Clay is a small café, on the main cobbled high street in Skipton, where you can sip tea and munch cake along side painting some cute pottery of your choice, which you can take away and keep. Amazing!

They also provide great party packages in the evenings… read on to find out more about my visit and see what I thought of Coffee and Clay!