DIY Christmas Wrap

It's nearly upon us!

This year I've been very good and all presents are wrapped and under the tree. So I thought I'd share my finished products.

Now I'm not going to insult you by giving a step by step on how to draw a circle but 

I thought I'd do this as a source of inspiration if your looking for a simple way to jazz up your presents. 

Its a great way to make a gift look that little bit more individual.

Things you'll need:

Twine

Coloured felt tip pen of choice; 

I used gold and black

wrapping paper

Tips:

Draw the circles on the wrapping paper before you wrap your presents, the ink may bleed through and stain the gift. Not ideal. 

Hope your all enjoying the festive season!  

DIY Pompom Garland

Last week I discovered the joys of yarn pompom making (as you do) and I've been making them non-stop since.

With the festive season upon us I've been searching for alternative christmas decorations and have found the answer in pompom garlands. They're cheap, easy to make and look amazing. You can hang it on your tree, around your room or along your mirror.

You will need:

Yarn
Needle

Embroidery thread 

A fork

Follow the video below to get you started!

(video was not made by me)

Directions

Once you've made the pompoms, thread a needle with the embroidery thread and slide it through each pompom making sure to space them out and you're done! 

You can experiment with colour and size to tailor it to the season (I may use a deep red to make it more christmasy). 

Have a go and let me know how it goes! 

Orders Up!

It's happening!

Pancake Stax has launched and is up and running. 

I feel strangely calm but quietly scared about the whole thing. 

On Sunday, we had our first market appearance. The footfall was low and thus earnings minimal. That being said, I loved it. I loved the look of interest on peoples face and the opportunity to stand behind an idea I had, developed, designed and packaged up. 

Hard work pays off or so I've been told. 

www.pancakestax.com

Big things on the horizon!

I'm currently sat at my computer with a runny nose, achy body and bags of excitement! 

A friend and I decided around 4 months ago that we would go into business together and today we sent out or first order to be made. 

No going back now!  

The company is called PANCAKE STAX. We will be selling cards, postcards, badges and other things of an awesome nature. These are early days yet but cogs are moving and we're working! (hard)

I, as always, will keep you posted on the progression. Just keep an eye out for us.

Lazy days.

Weekend's here...

and nearly done again but we can still keep those feel good vibes going. 

The sun has been shining here in London even though it's late September. 

I've created a playlist of some feel good tunes to keep you going through the week.
Stay strong!

1.Washed Out- Feel It All (Toro Y Moi Remix) 

2. alt-J- Every Other Freckle 

3. Amy Winehouse- He Can hold Her


4. Tame Impala- Mind Mischief (Ducktails Remix)


5.Disclosure- F For You ft. Mary J. Blige


6. Toro Y Moi- You Hid

Teapot.

Hello All,

I'm a green tea junkie. I've been shopping around found this at Whittard, I wanted something with an asian influence. I've used it once but I want small teacups to go with it. 

Heres where I need your help. If anyone knows of anywhere I can get it, let me know. A trip to China town in Central London may be necessary. 

Also, let me know where you get your tea, coffee or hot chocolates from. Autumn is upon us and its the season of jumpers and hot drinks. 

So whats your favourite comfort drink? 

New addition to the bookcase

I've been revamping my room recently and interior blogs have been giving me so much inspiration. I went shopping yesterday and found this little gem. It's great, the guidance in collaboration with heavy visuals works well. 

Want one? 

Click me

Clothes Alterations: The Basics

Hidden deep in your cupboard is that item of clothing you fell in love with. The one you tried on and didn't quite fit, so you promised yourself that you would take on the role of domestic goddess and fix it yourself, well it's time to resurrect them!


Most of the time small alterations can easily be made with some basic stitching and creativity.
 Firstly look at the item and figure out why it doesn't fit you; is it too big, where exactly could you take it in to fix that. It's important to know initially what flatters you and what doesn't so your adjusting it to best suit you. These things can be done with items you'll have lying around at home.

The basics are SCISSORS, PEN AND A NEEDLE and THREAD

If you've never stitched before here's some help.

The usual problems are that it's...

Too Long

Try the item on and fold it to find a length that suits you. Mark with a pen, remove and cut. Depending on the material you won't need to stitch once cut. I usually use this on t-shirts.

Too Revealing

Find a piece of fabric (lace is usually nice) to slot under your top.

Your local fabric shop will always have left over cuts of fabric you can get for free if you ask nicely. Once your happy with that pin it in place and stitch.

Too High Cut

I often use this on tshirts that I want for casual wear (primark mens sections is the best)

Lay out the top and cut along the collar, never cut straight across as it usually takes off too much. It's better to take off too little rather than too much.

Give it a go and let me know how it went!

A Work In Progress...

Never pass up a deal. 

(...like a genuine one) 

That's one of my mottos don't be put off if they don't have your size or you buy it and it's not the right fit. Most of the time it just needs adjusting to your body with a pin here or there. I'll be doing a post on basic clothes alterations soon!

Whilst shopping I happened across this Kimchi blue Victoriana Maxi Sundress at Urban Outfitters. 

Like most of you out there, my size varies from shop to shop and so I was a little weary about getting the right one. 

When it arrived I realised that due to my 'travel size' stature, the dress was too long. 

So, I'll be taking it up (I love this dress, so I'll be praying for a steady hand). 

I won't be showing the adjustment in this post (sorry).

I got the dress in the post today and was too excited about it not to share

but I promise you'll see it soon!

 But until then here is a song to keep you going...

I'm In Love...

I'm a sucker for all things art. I've been trying to exercise those drawing muscles (they're a bit rusty) and  watched a review by Will Terrell on drawing supplies and decided to get the Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen and it's the best thing I've ever (not really ever ever) done!  

The ink, control and flow of the pen is instant. It makes anything look amazing. 

Before I found this Sharpe could do no wrong for me personally but I have seen the light and it lets me draw pretty, pretty things. Mmmmmm

I'd say it's worth EVERY penny. 

DIY Envelopes Tutorial

Customised envelopes are perfect for birthdays, letters or any special occasion.  

Use will need a:

pen

ruler

decorative piece of paper

pair of scissors

glue stick

Cheat Envelopes 

If you have a card that came with an envelope you can use it as a template, draw around it, cut and stick. Easy as that. 

Its important to think about placement before you outline.  

From Scratch 

You don't have an envelope? No problem! 

This time use the card itself as the template and build to fit. 

1.Place the card on chosen paper, outline and draw construction lines going up from each corner.

2. Use these lines to form the flaps, make sure the length is a little more than half the size of the card.      This ensures they will over lap.   

3. Its always good to cut larger than intended, this allows you to adapt to the cards shape if the fits not quit right.
4. Cut, fold, stick and your done!

I got the paper I used from Paperchase but you can use what ever you like. If you try it, let me know if you liked the results.

Knitting 101- Beginner's Guide

Recently I've started knitting and I'm in love. 

There's a chill in the air, winters coming. Scarfs are the perfect beginner project. The pattern is straight forward and you can experiment with aspects such as colour, length, width. Now I was going to do a step by step guide HOWEVER I don't have a video camera or tripod and have not yet mastered the art of one handed knitting.  

So I thought I'd pass you on to someone who has a little more knowledge. 

I've started making my scarf (as pictured above). Let me know if you've picked up any craft projects lately.  

WE'RE BACK IN BUSINESS!

Well hello there!

It's been a while... Ok longer than that. It's been 3 years!

My absence is unforgivable.

But unlike the many other times I have promised to stay active (and not) this time I will!


I'm also on tumblr  Tumblr fun (have a peek!)

A song for your troubles...