Staycation in a Beach Hut please...

Summers nearly over (when did it start?! I hear you say) and yet i'm still day dreaming about getting away for a holiday. Vacations are out apparently, everyone in my office is talking about the 'Staycation'. Which got me thinking, if I was to holiday somewhere in the UK what would I do? Well, hiring one of these lovely beach huts would be one fabulous idea. I just love their kitch charm. If I had my own it would be full of Kath Kitson style florals, bunting and seashells. Lovely!

Hmmm but I just learnt that Huts can cost as much as £160,000! now as much as I love the idea of owning one, even I think that's excessive for what is actually little more than a shed with a view.

Oh but what a view it would be!

Chair lust...

Oh how I'd love a retro velvet lounge chair in my flat. There's just something so 'boudoiresque' about them. They remind me of all the 1960s films I love, I can just imagine Holly Golightly having one in her appartment. One day I'll get one, but in the meantime I'm lusting over these gorgeous little gems...

Diana Camera... I miss real photos!

I've just bought a Diana camera from Amazon and can not wait for it to arrive!!

I've always loved the soft hazy images that this cheap little camera produces, an effect that can not be replicated with a digital camera however hard I try.

People never print photos anymore and I miss that. Remember the excitement that came with getting your holiday photos back? All the little memories that came wooshing back after a week of being back at home. I loved that feeling! It's just not the same when you have already seen a picture the moment you take it. Why do we have to have everything instantly? I love the wait, and the suprise of seeing images in a different way to how you saw them in reality. Am I alone in this?

Anyway, It's my intention to take it with me to Paris next month and take lots of dreamy photos of the city in the autumn.

Pay it Forward

I am entering into a contract with the first 5 people who comment on this post and then commit to do the same on their blog. Just read below and if you feel up to the task, leave me a comment. Anyone can enter, as long as you make stuff and have a blog.

1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make - whatcha get is whatcha get
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009)
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not cyber
5. I reserve the right to do something strange or weird
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.

Win a year's worth of stationery!

We all love pretty stationary right?!

yes, I thought so!

Papermash sell the the most beautiful little items, and to celebrate the launch of their website, the creator is giving away a years supply of their lovely products to one lucky lucky winner.

I know I'd certainly love to win! but even if not, check out the website anyway or the lovely blog!

The world in a bowl...

OK my lovelies, today I’m going to let you in on my secret to making magazine bowls.

You will need:
· Your chosen paper
· A Craft knife and protective mat
· Ruler
· PVA glue
· A clean flat surface
· A rainy day (optional, but you do need plenty of time and patience for this one)

Step 1

Choose what sort of material you are going to make your bowl out of. I’m using old Ordinance Survey maps in this example (10p each from a charity shop!) but you can experiment with all kinds of materials, glossy magazines are my favourite choice. Try not to use card or paper that is difficult to fold.

Step 2

Using your craft knife, cut the paper into strips of equal width. I find it easiest to use the width of the ruler, this saves you measuring each strip which would take forever. Cut as many of these as you can (around a 100–120 strips make a nice size bowl).

Step 3

Fold each strip in half twice vertically; making sure the printed side is facing outwards.

Step 4
Take one of your folded strips and apply a thin line of PVA glue all the way along one side. Now wind it round on itself forming a spiral. Keep winding more and more glued strips around to form the base of your bowl. It’s up to you how large you make the base, but bear in mind the diameter of your base will ultimately determine the size and shape of your finished bowl. Once you are happy with the size of the base, turn it upside down and paint a coat of glue on the bottom side and leave for a few hours (or overnight) to dry. This will add strength to the bowl.

Step 5

Once your base had dried, continue to wind glued strips around the outside. However, now you need to start building height gradually. The more gradual you make the increase the wider your bowl will be. Build up the height to whatever suits you.

And there you have it, you will finish up with a beautiful bowl to take pride of place!

Have a go and send me pictures of your creations!

Leah
x

What a wonderful wallpaper wardrobe...

Isn't this a great idea! It's like creating a whole little room for our clothes, which they rightly deserve!
I have a built in closet that I could try this with.

Photo via Style files

Shake your pom poms!

I think these tissue paper pom poms are beautiful! I first saw them in the window of Mango on oxford street and have since noticed them apear here and there. They just look like giant peonies! I'm dying to try and make some, but what to do with them??? party decorations perhaps? Have to have a party then won't I!

Best wedding entrance ever!

This is so funny and so sweet at the same time. I hope when i get married it's this much fun!

Pillow talk, pillow talk

I forgot how much I love this film! I adore Doris Day's style.