Love Gemsy

Lovegemsy has moved....

2012-02-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

Lovegemsy has moved on to bigger and better things

Join us at

www.lovegemsy.co.uk

See you there

Love Gemsy

xxx

Currently Craving....

2012-02-07T02:32:00.000-08:00

a. Dorothy Perkins £39

b. Habitat £35.00

c. Rockett St George £12.50

d. Rockett St George £19.99

e. Anthropologie £14.00

f. Zara Home £29.99

Good weekend? We felt like cupcakes being iced, the dusting was lovely at first but it soon got out of hand and we were covered. Whilst snowed in I enjoyed a spot of window shopping online, I came across these gorgeous finds, all things that I don't need but desperately want. Although, I was always taught 'those who wan,t don't get' well there's no harm in trying.

A Quote a Day May Keep the Blues Away is a fantastic project being carried out by Gemma Goode.

I'm in love with her clever use of typography and inspirational quotes.

All her artwork is available from her etsy shop.

Or you can follow her on Facebook and get an inspirational quote on your news feed everyday.

I hope these inspire you as much as they inspire me.

Have a lovely day

Love Gemsy

xxx

Weaves

2012-02-02T02:16:00.000-08:00

Morning, how is your week going? Mine has been pretty productive so far, and it's almost Friday that's got to be a good thing? I thought I'd feature Love Gemsy's latest creations. A set of four chairs that up until a week ago were not only covered in bird droppings they also looked dated and sorry for themselves. I immediately could picture them painted in a pure white matt paint. I still was undecided on which fabric to upholster them with, until I came across a gorgeous vintage welsh blanket in an antique shop.

My mum has always had a 'thing' for welsh blankets and until I found this one I couldn't see her fascination. I do now, and I'm in love. This blanket has given these chairs their life back, soft and alluring waiting to be slumped into with a cup of coffee or even better, a glass of vino.

My addiction for anything with a weave can now begin, there is something quite comforting about these blankets to snuggling up with by the fire or in my case cutting it into pieces to adorn a chair.

What do you think, old fashioned or wonderful warmth being brought back to life?

Have a great weekend and thank you for reading

Love Gemsy

xxx

Inspiration

2012-01-31T09:25:00.000-08:00

Without my trusty sketchbook my chair design wouldn't happen. I have an obsession with design and interior magazines, this has become quite an expensive habit, but they fuel so many of my design ideas in my work and my home, I just couldn't give them up. A large sketchbook enables me to put all my ideas in one place.

A book full of magazine cutouts, textile samples, paint swatches and drawings all helping me to achieve original and varied designs.

Do you have a sketchbook? If the answer is no, but you love interiors and design or even if you want to redecorate a room in your home then this is for you.

It can be quite a process to build and edit a moodboard or sketchbook, but be patient and give yourself time.

You'll be amazed at the results it can achieve.

This is just a small taster of the inspiration behind the latest collection of chairs I'm working on.

Watch this space......

Have a lovely evening

LoveGemsy

xxx

2012-01-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

On Monday I took a day out to visit the Interiors Show in Birmingham.

Lots of exciting trends seemed to run throughout the show, many would work in our homes but perhaps dressed down slightly, I can't see the Chaise below working if you've got a house full of sticky fingered toddlers!

I desperately want this statement sparkly cow for the wall, quirky is not the word.

Weaves in the home seem pretty popular right now, I can't get enough.

Crush Cul de Sac

There's something warm and comforting about over-sized chunky knits. Perhaps it's because they usually do a great job at keeping us warm on those cold winter days. When in a room they make you want to snuggle down with a good book and sheepskin slippers, any room that makes me feel like this is a friend of mine.


DesignSponge

Even in a contemporary room they add a touch of warmth that no other texture would give.

Housetohome

Loving the mix of weaves and check in this room.

Winstons Roost

What a chair for reading in, I couldn't help but worry that I'm sat on someones cricket jumper, but I like it. What do you think, weave over-kill or a perfect place for a cuppa?

Thank you for reading, have a happy weekend

Love Gemsy

xxx

Excited!!

2012-01-24T01:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone, better late than never.

How has the New Year been for you?

Mine has been pretty exciting so far, things are looking up for Love Gemsy Vintage Chairs.

We've got a new logo and website to look forward to AND we won the Herefordshire Women in Business sponsorship for a year. This is all beyond exciting.

This chair was looking pretty sorry for itself when I first bought it, with a bit of tender loving care and a lot of fabric and paint I managed to save it. It now has pride of place in my dressing room, I simply couldn't part with this baby. Yes, I know, this is no way to run a business, but equally a chair designer must have a few pretty chairs about the place, right?

I wanted to share with you the tastiest thing I have found over Christmas.

Cupcakes from One Jolly Girl these are not your average cake. They look way to good to eat and they taste like no other cupcake. Believe me I've tried a few!

Sarah Taylor is the girl behind the jolliness and has recently moved to the area and started spreading the cupcake bug. She is ready and waiting to design and make your wedding or birthday cake check out her website for cake inspiration.

Well I know what I'm buying Mr.T for Valentines Day.

Have a great week

Love Gemsy

xxx

Fur Appeal

2011-12-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

It's only bloody Friday! Once again I'm pleased to see the weekend is on the horizon. What have you got planned, finishing the Christmas shopping, drinking mulled wine and eating mince pies or playing in the snow? What ever you may have planned this weekend a fur coat would be the ideal cover-up.

Fur seems to come and go, one minute it's on trend the next it's not but to me if you buy or inherit the right coat it can be a timeless piece that can last a lifetime of trends.

Wearing a fur coat might not always be particularly figure hugging, but teaming it with a pair of flattering leggings and some winter boots gives it the edge it deserves. I'm no Vivienne Westwood but I think the art of wearing fur is to wear it sparingly, just a hat or a coat NOT BOTH!

Have a happy weekend

Love Gemsy

xxx

2011-12-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, Okay, I hold my hands up in submission, I have well and truly deserted my wonderful readers for a whole two weeks, will you ever forgive me?? I hope so!

I survived my time in London town, once my friend had collected me from Paddington and wiped 'Mug Me' from my forehead I was ready to be shown the real London by someone who really knows.

We had a wonderful fews days and the break did me so much good, there's nothing quite like pure fun to clear your head.

Now, I don't know if any of you have noticed but Christmas is almost here. To try and redeem myself from the lack of blogging I thought I'd put together a few Christmas decoration ideas for your home using the decorations you already have.

If your anything like me I have lots of cocktail glasses, why not fill them with your favourite baubles and display a collection on a table with some ribbon around the stem of the glass you could use pretty wine glasses too.

How beautiful this table looks, all set for the big day. The centre piece is so simple yet looks stunning in the middle of this table. Fill a tin bucket full of sand and add some church candles cover the sand with a sprinkling of glitter to add the finishing touch.

What a great idea for Christmas cards, sometimes it can become a bind, trying to find an original way to display all the festive messages, grab a branch from the garden and punch wholes in the cards add ribbon to complete the look.

Jars full of holly leaves and berries filled with water topped with a pretty floating candle can be so pretty display a collection of different sized jars near each other, to create an impact.

Hanging baubles from the veranda could be troublesome mainly because I don't have a veranda, but a fireplace can be transformed by hanging your favourite baubles at different heights using ribbon. I do this every year and never really want to take it down!

I hope I have redeemed myself and I promise never to desert you like that again- Brownie promise and I don't give those out everyday, believe me.

Happy Decorating

Love Gemsy

xxx

Handmade Christmas

2011-11-29T03:34:00.000-08:00

Morning, how are you and how was your weekend? Mine was exactly what I wanted it to be pretty wild and full of fun, which is just what I need right now.

I have always been a fan of giving or receiving handmade gifts, there's something very special about the time and effort that is put into a gift that someone has made themselves. It's not about price or size it is simply the thought that counts, massive cliche I know, but we all know its true.

I'm making all of my Christmas gifts to my friends this year but can't let you in on that as most of them are readers!

Raiding junk shops full of old frames can be surprisingly fun. Simply take the glass from the frame and leave the back board on, spray the whole frame with a colour of your choice, this will them make the perfect tray for collectables in a bedroom.

Large jars are pretty inexpensive but when filled with all the ingredients of cookies or in this case quickbread it creates a unusual and tasty present. This may not please every friend you have but I'm sure friends that love baking would love this. Attach a parcel label around the top with the recipe details and a touch of Christmas ribbon.

I found this simply recipe for foot scrub at The Idea Room blogspot.

After a long day at work I should imagine there is nothing quite like a good scrub to put the life back into tired feet.

Just Take 1 cup granulated sugar and pour into a mixing bowl.

Gradually add your favorite Olive Oil and mix together until you have a slightly wet, but granually consistency (really, whatever looks good to you). Add a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil. Add a very small drop of red food colouring.

Transfer the scrub to a cute bottle and Viola! Peppermint Foot Scrub.

You really can't beat a hamper full of homemade food. Chutneys, flavoured nuts, truffles, fruit gin and why not throw in a few DVDs for watching while eating!

Why not use Pinterest to search for vintage photos and then add a quote and frame it to add character to a friends home.

There are so many funny or inspiring quotes that can be printed A4 on an everyday printer and then framed, it's a lovely personal gift that will last a lifetime.

I hope I've got your creative juices flowing, it doesn't have to take hours of your time but it will save the pennies for more mince pies and mulled wine and that can only be a good thing, right?!

I'm off to the 'big smoke' on Thursday I'll take lots of photos on my trusty iPhone and report back next week.

Happy Making

Love Gemsy

xxx

F+F

2011-11-25T07:03:00.001-08:00

1. Lulu's Snake Clutch

2. Fcuk Shoe Boots ( Husband if your reading.........)

3.Leather Handbag From Etsy

4. Leather Handmade Journal

5. Boden Sheepskin Slippers

6. Asos Lace Back Dress

I'm one of those most annoying people who when asked 'what do you want for Christmas?' I rarely have a clue, so I thought I'd put together a few ideas as the special day is getting ever closer. I was hoping this will help you and also my husband, killing two birds.....!

How has your week been? Pleased it's Friday or longing for an extra day in the week? I know which one I'd choose! I have struggled this week to keep motivated hence my lack of blogging. I feel like the events of the last few months have built into a explosion that had to happen sometime.

Our family and friends have been there for us all every step of the way and we couldn't have survived without them, that is a fact.

Flowers delivered, cards in my letter box, poems written, quotes framed, magazines wrapped with tea and most importantly a shoulder to cry on. My friends mean everything to me, your support has been incredible over the last few months and I want to thank you all for keeping me smiling and sane!

Thank you my friends.

Now I'm of to enjoy a weekend filled with too much food, drink and fun.

Have a lovely one.

Love Gemsy

xxx

Drawn Out of The Hat....

2011-11-21T07:29:00.001-08:00

Well I've managed to just about survive Monday, I can't say it's been an easy day so I thought today I would simply inspire you with a few interiors that have inspired me.

Just like a cricket jumper- warm, cosy and functional.

As promised last week, we have drawn the winner of the giveaway out of the hat and Sian Davies from Wales is the lucky winner of this vintage butterfly frame.

Drop me an email Sian with your address and it will be in the post ASAP!

Today's post might seem like a quick one (and that's because it is!) but the events of the past couple of months are starting to take there toll and I'm not feeling quite so sprightly

Thank you for sticking with me, I'm looking forward to a date with my sofa tonight, and the husband!

Love Gemsy

xxx

A Poncho Post

2011-11-18T03:31:00.000-08:00

deux

trois

quatre

cinq

Is it only me that is thankful to see Friday or are there others out there?

I thought I'd embrace the poncho trend today. I haven't been a massive fan of poncho's until I realised the elegance they create. Simply wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans and throwing on a poncho can transform a whole outfit. I picked out a few fav's for you to feast your eyes on.

How elegant?

Have a lovely weekend and don't forget there's still time to enter the giveaway, the winner will be published on Monday.

I'm off to buy a poncho,anybody with me?!

Love Gemsy

xxx

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

2011-11-14T02:56:00.000-08:00

Morning, Good weekend? Mine was pretty busy and very good fun.

It's giveaway time today. I spent a happy hour last week making this vintage typography butterfly frame. I bought a vintage film magazine from the fifties and thought it would make a wonderful butterfly frame. It's three dimensional and can be hung on the wall or left to stand alone.

The winner will be announced next Monday.

Here's How to Win:

1. "Like"and "Share" Love Gemsy on Facebook

2. Leave your name in the comments box at the bottom of the blog.

That's all I ask of you.

I can send this frame anywhere in the world so don't hold back where ever you may be.

Good Luck

Have a lovely Monday

Love Gemsy

xxx

Top Totes

2011-11-11T04:34:00.001-08:00

1. John Lewis £49

2. Horse Print Tote £28

3. Woo Woo Two Tone £40

4. Geo Tote £225

5. Wooten Leopard Print Tote £120

6. Mischa Barton £59

As promised, fashion on a Friday. I love handbags, can't get enough of them and would have one for everyday of the week if I was allowed. When I bought my last handbag I stupidly told the husband that it was real leather, he proceeded to tell me that real leather can last a lifetime so I won't need another one!

There is, and always will be room for another handbag in my wardrobe, ladies are you with me??!!

I thought I'd inspire you with a few of my favourite totes. I'm a 'tote' girl which enables me to keep my whole life in one place, I have no time to be swapping from small to large for different occasion, one handbag suits all for me, until I have a new one!

On Monday there will be a giveaway, I'm excited to show you, keep your eyes peeled my friends.

Have a lovely weekend

Thank you for being here.

Love Gemsy

xxx

Light from the Fairies

2011-11-10T00:52:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted to leave your Christmas fairy lights up just because of the beautiful light they cast?
I have.

I could quite happily have fairy lights in every room, I love the subtle light they radiate through out an entire room. If lights were animals fairy lights would be a cat, comforting and cuddly and great to cuddle up with. Low voltage ceiling lights would be an elephant, intelligent and long lasting but not quite so endearing!

Image from MadebyGirl

Just a small taster of two corners of my house where fairy lights do all the talking and I can't wait for it to get dark so they shine brightly. Lights from the Fairies can be inexpensive but totally transform a room to a cosy haven you want to spend time in.

On Monday there will be a chance to win the butterfly picture in the photo above, so keep your eyes peeled.

Enjoy this Friday Eve!!!

Love Gemsy

xxx

Guest Blog

2011-11-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

Hi all, its Zoe here blog-crashing again! Not with my GladragZ hat on today I hasten to add.

Just a quick one as I would like to share with you a recent order for a pet portrait. I was asked to paint a beloved dog for a 50th birthday present.

This is Bella, a beautiful 6 month old collie who loves playing in water and is adored by her owners.

And this is my painting of her...

Bella’s owners are very pleased with their doggy portrait.

If you would like me to get my brushes out for your pet or as a special gift for someone else, (prices range from £85 up to £200 depending on size and content) please email me at zoehooper1980@btinternet.com

Thanks for having me!!

Love Zoe x

Window Shopping

2011-11-08T02:55:00.000-08:00

A slightly shorter post today as things are pretty busy around here. I've been window shopping at Notonthehighstreet.com I'm a massive sucker for typography at the moment filling my house with quotes and things that make me laugh. I thought I'd share a few of my favourites with you.I love the stags head made from buttons, what a great idea. Which is your favourite?

Have a lovely day

Love Gemsy

xxx

Santa's To-Do List

2011-11-07T04:33:00.000-08:00

Well, there's no denying it Christmas is well and truly on it's way. Last year I was pretty organised and did all my Christmas shopping online in November. I was then smug for the whole of December and had plenty more time to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. You can't get better than that!

I've thrown together a few ideas for you to get the ball rolling, trying to make them all a little different.

Think how much fun December will be if you could really enjoy decorating the house and scoffing Christmas food without having to worry about presents.....

Happy Monday

Love Gemsy

xxx

Fabulous Friday

2011-11-04T04:24:00.000-07:00

As I have said plenty of times before, I LOVE FRIDAYS. The promise of a whole two days off excites me so much. I thought I'd try to make Fridays post about fashion, so from now on it will be 'Fashion Friday' As it's bonfire night this weekend I thought I'd inspire you with an outfit perfect for the occasion.

Cream Chunky Knit- Abercrombie & Fitch

Red Scarf- Abercrombie & Fitch

Trilby- Fcuk

Fur Lined Boots-Next

Skinnies- Coggles.com

Coat- Abercrombie & Fitch

The perfect balance of style and comfort whilst watching the Catherine wheel squeal and shout.

Who says you can't be comfortable and still look hot!

Have a safe but wonderful weekend.

Love Gemsy

xxx

Floating Fun

2011-11-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hello again how are you, pleased it's almost that wonderful day of the week?

These chairs were featured a few months ago, they date back to the thirties so I thought it was only kind to restore them with a hint of flapper. They wouldn't fit in every house but I'm sure there's a house just waiting to be filled with these vintage beauties.

Last night I got myself armed with a drill and some screws ( I know, sounds dangerous!) as I wanted to adorn my walls with some floating shelves.

As you can see I was successful, and as ever I didn't want them to be particularly functional, but instead have somewhere to put my favourite things. The shoes don't fit me but I love them, the small frames were wedding presents and painted by family so there very special to me and we read the books on our last holiday which brings back wonderful happy memories of our time in France.

Shelves don't have to be functional to look good, they can liven up such plain walls without too much effort.

I'm sure these are made from pallets which are easy enough to find and have a rustic charm, they look fab too.

Image from Madebygirl

In most cases shelves are in your home to be functional but look how great they can be when they are house to your favourite things. Put in a place you see everyday, they can evoke happy memories that may be closed up in a box under the bed otherwise and that is simply a waste.

I hope I've inspired you to dig out that drill and get shelving!

Thank you so much for reading, it means such a lot.

Love Gemsy

xxx

Monday!

2011-10-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Monday seems to show it's grumpy face so much sooner than Friday, don't you think?

I saw this on Pinterest and thought I'd share it with you to make this Monday not quite so painful. How was your weekend? Mine was pretty busy but fun too.

I thought I'd share with you my latest refurbished vintage chair, photographed in perfect approving surroundings. The horse simply got in the way of the shot but I like it. Each chair I design is very unique, photographing them on clinical white backdrops just doesn't seem to do them any justice at all so from now on each chair I complete will be centre stage outside, watch this space......

In my house chairs are centre stage throughout. Some I slouch on to watch a whole series of Gossip Girl, some are there simply to look at because they would be way to uncomfortable to actually sit on! Why own a chair that doesn't have a purpose? Because I love the presence of a statement chair in a room, and that is enough. I believe that each home should be house to a lifetimes collection of finds. That way each little corner of your home reminds you of somewhere or something special to you.

What a genius idea!

Fill your home with memories and things that make you happy and surely you can't go wrong!

I hope your Mondays been a happy one

Love Gemsy

xxxx

Autumn Affair

2011-10-28T03:54:00.000-07:00

Now Autumn is here and everything is golden I thought it's time to check out the latest in fashion.

Pairing leggings with riding boots and leg warmers seems to be pretty on trend right now and so comfy, who'd have thought it, a trend that looks good and doesn't make you want to dash home and put your Pj's on!

I love this look any excuse to wear shorts is a good one. Wear

with boots and a cosy knit for daytime or shoe boots, a blouse and a cute blazer for out on the tiles.

This trend could be considered brave, but to me it's all about being confident and showing those pins off. I love love love the pink skinnies with the blue blazer.

Try it you might just surprise yourself!

Talking of confidence I haven't yet been brave enough to buy a floppy hat but don't they look stylish?

A gorgeous must have accessory for this Autumn. I'm off to buy one!

It's finally here. THE WEEKEND!!!!

Have a fabulous time.

Whatever you get up to, make it fun........

Love Gemsy

xxx

Le Weekend

2011-10-24T02:55:00.000-07:00

It's Monday already. I've had the most relaxing weekend imaginable. The husband whisked me away to a spa retreat and I've come out the other side with a clearer mind and ready for the week ahead. I thought I'd start the week with a simple quote for all you creatives out there.

Lets get those creative juices flowing......

Have a lovely Monday

Love Gemsy

xxx

My Autumn Treats

2011-10-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Autumn has officially landed and I love it. I love to drive to work on those crisp mornings with the sunshine beaming through my windscreen, I love to make chutneys which fill my house full of warm scents. Most of all I love to stay inside with a mug of tea and shop online in front of the roaring open fire and buy clothes that are not suitable for Autumn/Winter but hey I've got my whole life to be sensible, right?

It's Halloween soon and I'm tempted to calve a pumpkin for my doorstep, although they all look so similar. Round, orange and well, orange ! So I have decided to bring something a bit different to my Halloween celebrations.

Love this zebra print idea.

I wish I had the time and staircase for this idea!

I never knew pumpkins could become quite so designer.

I think something similar to this will be on my doorstep, so romantic for a plan old pumpkin!

Let your imagination run wild this October, the possibilities are endless........

Have a wonderful weekend

Love Gemsy

xxx

Ladies In Gold

2011-10-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Zoe Hooper (GladragZ) here, crashing Gemsy’s fabulous blog again!

At the end of my last blog I showed you my most recent painting – a trio of prom designs. I am excited to say I soon sold this painting and it is now hanging in a grand study room at Broadfield Court in Bodenham, Herefordshire.

I am even more excited that Alex who lives at Broadfield Court, who is also a good family friend asked me to do two more paintings for her, her brief was....

‘I would like two ladies to go either side of the fire place in the drawing room. I think a white back ground will be too stark in here so maybe you could match the background to the antique rouge paint work, and a glamorous colour for the dresses – maybe gold? And I like the way you have them looking at each other.’

Here is the grand fire place in question...

Exciting or what??!!!

I got to work straight away sketching my designs in black acrylic onto two 40cm x 80cm handmade, stretched and triple primed canvases.

Then I returned to Broadfield Court to do some colour mixing and find the perfect background shade to match the antique paintwork in the drawing room and popped to my local art supplier for some rich, gold acrylic paint.

Now for the fun bit, paint paint paint!!!

Background first ..two coats for good coverage.

Then for splash of gold (3 coats to be precise!), check out the rich sheen on these glam dresses!

And finally my favourite stage when it all seems to come together.... finishing touches and some spontaneous design additions.

Ok work done! Now for the delivery to Alex. I was so nervous about this, wondering if she will be happy with my work and whether it would look right next to that beautiful old fire place.....

Phew a fabulous result.

I also took my mum with me to Broadfield Court for a walk around their stunning gardens and vineyard, then visited the Cafe for a taste of their delicious and indulgent cream tea. Well worth a visit! (www.broadfieldcourt.co.uk for more info.) Oh and had a return visit with Gemsy who did some of this photography for me- thanks Gemsy!! Was worth it for the cream tea though don’t you think!?

Finally a business plug for GladragZ – I have decided to reduce the prices of some of my work to help get people started on their Christmas shopping, £10 0ff everything plus free shipping! To take a look go to www.gladragzbyzoe.co.uk .

I am especially keen to take on commissions like the one featured in this blog in the ‘Gladragz’ style and am also open to requests of animal portraits for the Christmas period, here are some examples:

Contact me at zoehooper1980@btinternet.com

Thanks for having me!!

Love Zoe xxx