Kitty Prints and Lovely Things......

Look what I found!

2012-08-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I know I haven't posted much all summer. This mainly down to he fact not much has been going on. I have spent most of the summer saving my one for my holiday to Budapest and Prague. I will stick some pictures up when i get them developed (my camera broke so I had to buy an old school disposable!). In the mean time I would like to introduce you to a shop called Pylones

This shop sells lots of pretty little things from kitchen goods to stationary and lots of retro type products. It was incredibly hard for me not to spend a small fortune there! I purchased some fridge magnets and pens and a few bits of stationary, all very cute.

Here's a selection of some of the cute things on offer there.

This is a super cute fold over hair brush and mirror. As with most thing love it has a cats face on it. I thought it was adorable but didn't buy it as i was terrified id loose something so cute! It and all of the other little brush type things in the form of anything from a geisha to an owl, came at the price of round 12 euro.

I also took a shine to this very funky cigarette case. In fairness somtimes you need to have something bright and happy to look at while you are taking a guilty puff! These cases come in all shapes and forms, mainly with pretty designs and flowery patterns, but not old lady style! they cost about 13 euro and hold at least 20 cigarettes.

I really liked this pen holder for about 12 euro, it would look deadly on my desk and while not very useful, it still fits in with my randomness!

I did get myself this little lady pen. its basically the same as every other per, but shes very cute and elegant. She will sit very proudly with all my others!

If your like me and every thing is always everywhere, or you always like to keep cards and tickets and bits and bobs, this peg rocks, its deadly and it holds lots. It costs 15 euro and comes in a few different colours, but is pretty cool on your desk.

And when a cup of tea would be heaven, here is the perfect cup which i got for 15 euro :)

Definitely if your in Prague, get yourself into

Pylones
28. října 376/11
110 00 Prague 1

Tel : + 420 224 211 100

Open 7 days a week
Summer :
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m - 9 p.m
Sunday 10 a.m - 7 p.m
Winter :
Monday-Saturday 10.a.m - 8 p.m
Sunday 10 a.m -7 p.m

Yum....

2012-05-23T08:21:00.002-07:00

I found this rescipie today and decided it might be nice as a quicky for lunch. It turned out unbeleivably yummy and healthy too!

Chargrilled Asparagus with Marinated Courgette and Halloumi

350g cherry tomatoes, halved

140ml olive oil

24 asparagus spears

2 courgettes

lemon juice

salt and pepper

200g haloumi cheese,

basil leaves

25g rocket (I used baby spinach)

2x200g bags of mixed salad leaves

vinaigrette

1tsp Dijon mustard

2 tblsp of sherry vinegar (or balsamic)

100ml olive oil

salt and pepper.

Heat oven to 170c. Mix the tomatoes with 3 tablespoons of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread out on a lined baking tray, skin side down and roast for 50 minutes until semi-dried. Remove from the oven and cool. Trim the woody base from the asparagus and blanch in boiling water for 4 minutes then drain and refresh under cold water. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, salt and pepper. Slice the courgette very thinly lengthwise and mix with 1 tablespoon of the oil, salt and pepper.

Blitz all the ingredients for the vinigrette in a blender until smooth.

Place a griddle (or just a frying pan) pan on high heat and leave to get really hot. Grill the courgette and asparagus, turning to get char marks on all sides then remove to a plate. Now chargrill the haloumi slices for about 2 minutes on each side. Arrange the rocket, vegetables and cheese in layers on a serving platter then drizzle with vinigerette.

so so yum!

where was yesterday...

2012-05-19T04:02:00.001-07:00

Beads and Bling
Dublin Woolen Mills
I've decided to make some jewelry as I have loads of old stuff hanging about that I want to recycle. I took a trip into Dublin and picked up a few bits in these very good shops.

I'm going to go with something like these..

Peter Pan Collars.

2012-05-14T07:40:00.001-07:00

I've become slightly obsessed with Peter Pan Collars. You know the ones that are really fashionable at the moment on dresses and tops. Theres loads in Pennys and New Look, but i'm looking for one that are detachable and can be worn with my lovely orange dress (a shift dress I got in Pennys ages ago, but I have renamed it as my lucky dress as good things always happen when I ware it!). I need to find somewhere that sells them.

God, I love these!

Most of the dresses that the collar works well on suit most figures and can be bought cheaply in Pennys. I dont consider myself to be very "on trend", but these dresses are so cute.

Detachable ones can be bought on ASOS or Topshop, but I think I'm going to try make my own from felt.
I'll let you know how I get on!

It's been a long time....

2012-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

...since I posted anything up here!
Seriously, I need to get back working on things and selling stuff.
I've finished a year studying graphic design and have applied for a second year of the course. It'll be still stressful, but I enjoy what im doing.
Here is some of my work

Album and Book Cover project.

Kitty's Mince Pie's

2011-11-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

Well, since I'm at home here with a broken leg (tripped over a drain last week and broke my foot) I decided it might be a good idea to make some yummy mince pies for the lads in my house when I get back on Wednesday.

Kitty's Mince Pies Recipe.

I made 24 lovely pies and still had a little pastry over, so this recipe is handy enough if you are doing a big amount.

Pastry:
1lb of plain flour.
8oz cool unsalted butter, diced.
4oz icing sugar,
3 egg yokes,
3 tblsp cold water
1 tspn lemon/ orange juice
1/2 the rind of a lemon or orange.

Filling:
1 jar of shop bought mince pie filling.
1 apple stewed
3 tblesps Jameson whiskey
1 tblesp soft brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinemon.

Method:

1.Sift the flour into a mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Sift in the sugar.

2.Lightly beat the egg yolk with 1 tbsp cold water, juice and rind in a seperate bowl . Add to the flour mixture bit by bit. Gather together to make a soft dough.

3. Roll into a ball, cover in cling and leave in the fridge for at least an hour.

4. Mix all the filling ingredients together in a bowl (add a little lemon or orange rind to this if you like) and allow it to stand for a few minutes.

5. Line 24 greased bun tins with round cookie cut peices of the pastry, fill with one teaspoon of the filling, cut a star shape and place on top.

6. Place in the oven for 30 minutes at 200°C (400°F) , until the pies are golden brown on top. Remove and shake a little fine sugar over them while they are still warm.

enjoy!

John Lewis Christmas Ads

2011-11-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

I always know its Christmas time when I see the John Lewis Advert on TV.
I don't know what it is about them, they just always seem to get the feeling perfectly. Last year I actually shed a tear to the one with Ellie Goolding sing "You Song". I don't know why, I don't even really like that song (mainly down to the fact I associate it with Moulin Rouge). The ad was just really sweet though.
See for yourselves:

I also found a bit on the making of last years video.

So you can imagine how I felt when I saw the new ad for Christmas 2011, with a Smiths song playing in the background. Grant it, Morrissey letting a large company like John Lewis use a cover of a song of his is a bit hypocritical, but in fairness, its quite tastefully done. There is something quite 1980's about the ad, the clothes, housing, the mum in the kitchen. Its actually kind of similar to the context of Morrissy and Marr. I love the way its not in your face Christmasy, like Coka Cola or Marks and Spencers. It seems to be more about giving a gift then the product itself. I like that.

Lovely. I feel lovely and Christmasy now!

It would help if we actually had John Lewis in Ireland though!

Owed to Benefit Cosmetics

2011-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

The prettiest packs, the dinkiest displays, original names and long lasting, comfortable make up. I'm in love with Benefit Cosmetics

My Top 5 Products.
1. Erase Paste

I think this stuff is genius. I've a birthmark on my face and I find it hard to cover or tone down with something that will last ages. I got this in a pack last year for my birthday and its been bril! It stays put, its not heavy or cakey and it doesn't separate. Great gift!

2. Some Kind-a Gorgeous Foundation.

It goes on paste and drys to light powder. Like Erase Paste its excellent for covering blotchy skin and uneven tone and its not heavy or greasy. It also matches to your skin tone, so there's no orangeness to worry about!

3. Poise Tint Cheek & Lip Stain.
It's shimmery, it smells nice, it works for your lips and cheeks. Thats all good in my book. The only little thing I would hold against it is its a bit runny and can separate as a lip stain. I'd like to try the darker one as I think it would suit me better as I have pale skin.

4. BADGal Lash Mascara

Maybe its just me, I don't seem to do well with mascara. Its thick and dark and it covers very well, but getting a mascara again it would not be my first choice. Its nice for a night out, as you don't come home with smudges under your eyes (unless some fella's just been a bastard to ya!). But id say all day it wouldn't work.

5. Smokin Eyes.

Again, a present. I love presents from benefit, but I have only used this twice. Unfortuatly I looked like a Panda after I tried to do the smokiness, so now I only really use the brow kit. I think with a little more practice I might get better.

I haven't posted in ages!

2011-11-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

So what have I been up to?

Started studying Graphic Design in Marino College. Its a lot of work, but its very interesting. I'll stick up some of my work soon.
i've broken my foot. its not fun. so there will be a lot more stuck up here.
I;ve made friends with the nice lady at the Benifit Counter in Clearys. I love Benifit Cosmetics. Their displays always give me lots of cool ideas.
Im starting work experience tomorrow in the Graphic Design department of the place my sister works. It should be interesting.

My Liz Taylor Hair.

2011-09-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

It never worked out in the end :(

Beaux Bows

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oh God! You have to see this shop!

www.facebook.com/BeauxBows

It's located in the Georges Street Arcade, Dublin. Located here.
I think the shop isn't open that long, but it sells a very wide range of 1940's and 1950's inspired clothes. It is extreemly femine, but in a classy elegant way. I love the attention to detail in the furnishing and display. The girl in the shop was lovely too and let me take a few snaps to sho you.

I can see myself going there next pay day!!
please check it out.

Liz Taylor Hair.

2011-09-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

I'm giving serious consideration to trying to styling my hair in an Elizabeth Taylor sort of fashion. My hair is currently shoulder length and fuzzy, so it need a bit of attention.
I know a girl who has amazing 1950's style and dose fab stuff with her hair, I really want to get a similar look. I'm going to try a bit of pin curling and I'll see how it goes.

found this on youtube, so it may help.

More Recent Work.

2011-09-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Baby Boy Card.

This card was made for my new little cousin Sean. I tried to do something a bit different from pictures of cribs and prams. I love working with buttons, so here is something with them.

I used light blue from the Core'dinations 6" x 6" (15.2cm) card stock, ink the edges using light blue ink and stick a smaller piece of yellow and blue floral pattered paper from Papermania Summer Bloom 12x12 .
Print on a small square of cream paper your sentiment. I used these. Back this with a slightly larger inked blue card and attach using Prit pads. Cut another rectangle in cream, back with the inked blue card and fix a strip of blue ribbon along the centre. Then use alternative blue and yellow buttons and attach.

Mammy's Birthday Card,

My mum celebrated her birthday quite recently and this is what I did for her. (she loves flowers!)

I used a cream square based card, covered it with script style paper from K&Co Conservatory 6x6 pk. I then sanded it with a file and inked it with dark brown ink. I then cut a smaller square from Websters pages Spring Market 6x6 pk. I inked this again and stuck it down. I cut a strip from the Prima Paper Madeline Pk , which I inked again and covered with a blue strip of the K & Co card, which I used a rub on sentiment on.

To make the flowers on the side I punched different sized flowers in the script style paper with small Xcut Flower punch . Each of these were inked with blueish ink and aranged on top of one another. I bent each of the petals on the top ones slightly to give a 3d effect, and used a bigger punch for one. I put a pearl sticker in the centre.

My recent work.

2011-09-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

There seems to be high demand recently in my family for card. I've a few birthdays and my cousin has just had a little boy, so I've had to spend a bit of time making cards. It took me a bit of time to get settled into my new house and it was hard to get inspiration, so I wasn't hugely happy with my work. But some of it is nice, so here it is.

1. Mam And Dad's Anniversary Card.

This card is made on Anita's Square base card. I covered this with a slightly smaller base card in a turquoise colour from Co-ordinations card stock. Using pattered paper from Prima Flowers Madeline 6x6 pad fit it on top of the turquoise card to create a frame and then glue thick strip of the turquoise card in the centre horizontally.
For the centre panel I used a square of the turquoise card, topped with maroon card which has been embossed using a polka-dot embossing press . I used Me To You Alphabet Silver Stickers on white card for the sentiment, these are handy because they are small and easy to manage. I then attached flowers from Papermania red hot capsule collection. and also small roses I bought in a haberdashery shop.

2. Green and Lace Thank You Card.

Very simple card to make, using cream base card, which I got in Tesco. Make a smaller square of Core'dinations 6" x 6" (15.2cm) cardstock in redish pink. On this put a smaller square of dark green paper, which has been embossed with a dry folder in a floral patteren. This paper can be bought anywhere, as I used an old scrap book.
Place a strip of antic lace across the green and pink square and secure using thin double sided tape. I got quite a good selection in Hickeys fabric and dress making store on Henry Street, Dublin.
Cut a smaller rectangle of cream card and, using small floweral stamps , lightly print a few flowers in green in. Allow to dry and rub on "Thank You" with Doodlebug’s rub ons. Stick this to a larger peice of pink card and attach this to larger square. Job Done!

I'll add more later...

Electric Picnic time!

2011-08-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

I havent posted up many of my cards lately as I have moved away from home and am now back in maynooth, sans un laptop! The card making is a bit slow too, as I dont have as much room to do it. But I'm heading off to electric picnic this weekend, so there will be pictures from it very soon!

here are some good tunes I'll be enjoying over the weekend!

Not to mention some of this stuff.....

should be a fun aul time!

This is were I have been hiding out for the last few days!

2011-08-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Some of my recent card creations....

2011-08-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

1: Golden Tickets Card.

This card I made quite simply, using Anita's 135mm square cards in cream. I used dye on the edges with gold and a coppery brown ink. The green pattered paper is from 7 Gypsies Conservatory Double-Sided Paper Pack 6 X6. I used the gold ribbon off a chocolate box for the side, this went over a piece of torn cream paper, inked again with the gold and coppery brown dye and pattered with a floral graphic clear stamp in a mossy green. One thing though, get a larger ink pad of gold, silver and black, these are the ones I use more then the others.

Following this, I stamped 2 pieces of scrap brown card with a ticket clear stamping the same brown. .

Now, here is the tricky bit, the flowers. I used 8 circles of Anita's Pearliest A4 card in Ivory, cut with X-Cut Punch Scallop Circ 5/8" . Scrunch them up. Then take 4 and one by one attach it to an ordinary gold brad (the ones you get in any office shop). Edge this with Gold ink.
The bigger flower is made with stencil made from chipboard pri-used stickers. The paper used is old green card from a scrapbook bought in a pound shop. I used a button, from my own random collection for the centre. The little brown flowers are brown card punched from EK Success small daisy.

2. Daintree Jade Card.

Daintree in Candem Street in Dublin is one of my favorite shops. It has so many pretty things! I recently purchased a "lucky bag" there in which I found this lovely Jade paper.

To make this card I used some Anita's 135mm square cards in white. Then made a smaller square of jade Core'dinations Card . On top of this I put a slightly smaller square of white card, which had the strip of cream and jade pattered paper (abouth and inch and a half wide) stuck to the fronto of it.

I used a small rectangle of the jade card, in the bottom right corner with white happy birthday stickers on it.

I then tied some jade organza ribbon over the card square. It's extreemly pretty!

Here is a simalar version in green, again paper from Daintree.

3. Big Blue Gem Flower Card.

For some reason flowers are very popular on cards, so heres another type of one.

Again, pretty easy to make. Use an 135mm square card.in cream.Use some of the Core-ordination card in a dark yellow or orangey colour for a smaller inside square. Edge this square with an orangy brown ink.I then put a smaller inked square of poka dot paper ( from Papermania Paper Pack - Happy Birthday To You 6x6 ) Follow this with a blue paper rectangle, again inked, on top and then an inked green strip across the middle.

The flower is made from light pink scrapbook paper. 2 flower shapes are cut out using the stencle of chipboard and then inked with some pastel pink ink. Then, using the Xcut 3D Daisy Sillouette punch, make one daisy out of pale cream card and another from the oranngy core-dinations card, as used before. Ink these with the orangy ink and stick one on top another and then on the 2 pink flowers. In the centtre I used a big blue gem I got in a pack I found in Lidl, but a button or large brad works well too. In the left corner I stuck 3 little matching blue gems.

I used leaves from a chip board sticker set I got, very pretty and 3d.
The letters are again stickesr. I find it always handy to have a good supply of letters, they are the things I run out of quickest!

I think thats enough instruction for the moment. I'll leave you with a selection of other cards I have made of late. hope they give inspiration to anyone wanting to make some cards.

Some random cards I've made recently

2011-08-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

All these were made for certain people or events, so I had somthing to base them on. But often I just make general cards for birthdays or weddings or as a thank you.

Snaps from Birr Craft Fair.

2011-08-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a mix of the lovely bits and bobs on sale at the Birr Vintage week craft fair, in Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland.

Any questions?
Everything was so pretty and cute.
Heres a few links which you might find handy if anything takes your fancy.
Birr Vintage Week, Co. Offaly, Ireland.
The Bag Ladies, Birr, Co Offaly
Birr Castle
I also visited a beautiful shop in the main street called Hedgerows, main street, Birr. Tel: 057 91 22478. (pics 3, 4, 8, 12 and 14) full of gifts, clothes, jewellery and household stuff. So worth a visit!

Dear Lord....

2011-08-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

I've spent ages trying to organize and get gadgets for my blog, its so confusing!

Arent cats great....

2011-08-03T09:28:00.001-07:00

Am I the only person that thinks this is a good thing?

2011-08-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

Some of my birthday cards.

2011-08-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

As I havent been too up to date with my blogging, here are a selection of the cards I have made that I am particularly proud of.

This one is one of the first cards I made. It was for a friend who loves her shoes!
To make it I printed off a selection of shoe sillouettes, such as the ones found here; http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-25288852/stock-vector-shoe-silhouettes-set-vector.html
I cut them out carfully and glued each of them to different papers, which I then cut out again.
I got a premaid blank card ( you can get them in tesco), lightly dabbed glue on it and scrunced some tissue paper over that. Then stuck down the shoes and some little gem stone stickers I got in a pound shop. Took me ages to do, but it was worth it.

This one is one I made for my brother. It's a pop up card, but its hard to tell from the picture.
I used Basic G Max Chip Shapes for the dog and little bones, hung up with some cheap garden twine. I always enjoy using bits and bobs that are hanginging around and from charity shops. I love garden twine. Its so easy to stick down!

The thank you card was made very spur of the moment. This picture dose it no justice. It turned out really well. I did the butterflies with black ink and a rubber stamp and then cut them out delicately. I stuck them down on a stamped and inked card blank, but left the wingd sticking up to give a 3d effect.

I will stick up more later.

Visual Art exibition (weekend of August 12th - 14th, Old School, Kinnegad, Co Westmeath) 12- 4 each day.

2011-08-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

These are the photos I will be showing at the exibition. Mine are based on my Granparents who both passed away recently. I felt pictures which repersented them and how different, and yet the same in many waysthey were. It would be really nice to do. Here they are.

My granfather was a very precise man, he liked everything in its place, on time and organized (somthing didnt inheret!), so as you can see from pictures 1, 3, 5 and 7, order and neetness were a big part of his life. Also, as a farmer in rural Ireland in the 1920's and 30's, nature and outdoors went and in hand with his daily life, as did his great faith in God. Both my grandparents were very religious, which is very normal I suppose for anyone who grew up in a hudgely catholic country before Vatican II. I tried to show that in all of the pictures.

My Grandad passed away in March, he was 102 and was still very aware of what was going on. He died in his sleep and in no pain, it was a bit sudden, but at such an age we were all so thankful for the extra time we had with him.

My Granny had passed away last year. However, she was 97 when she died, so she had lived a long eventful life too. Where my Granfather had been precice and particular, my granny had not. She worked hard on the farm and rared her children well, but she was a very outgoing, friendly woman. She loved her cup of tea and when neighbours or relatives would come to visit. When she was young she was always playing tricks on people and often had cards nights in her house. I tried to show this in pictures 2, 4, 6 and 8, the contrast in her personality to that of my granfather. Her kitchen was a bit more cluttered, it didnt matter if things werent folded and she would walk through the feild to my uncles house rather than the road.

But still both of them were in it together. They both spent their last days in the same nursing home under the care of lovely staff and right beside where their son and grandson had trained to be farmers and married their wives. I think this exibition will be a nice way of remebering them and their life as it was and still is in a way with us.

As I said, the exibition is on Aug 12-14th in the old school in Kinnegad. there is lots of other visual art apart from mine, some about music and others on recession buildings, so its pretty varied. please check it out :)

nothing like a bit of simon and garfunkle on a chill out day...

2011-08-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

pitty they hated each others guts when this was done.