Tea For Joy

See you on the other side

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 08:34:00 +0000

Hi everyone, I've decided to stop blogging at Tea for Joy, and have set up a new blog at www.papermashblog.com. For branding purposes I thought it made more sense to start a Papermash-specific blog, and I need to focus all my online energies into promoting my shop - as I'm trying to also find more balance offline, and spend more time pursuing things which are important to me (which are mostly not design-related). I'm not sure exactly what form it will take yet - am not a fan of blogs which plug their businesses in every post - but will find out as I go along. It looks pretty basic for now (getting to grips with Wordpress, and I'm no designer) but I hope you'll take a look.

Charlotte Love styled a pretty travel-themed story for Papermash, which I've shared in the first post.

I haven't transferred over subscribers, and won't redirect this blog, so please subscribe if you decide to follow along.

I'll always be thankful for this little blog, which has given me so many opportunities (Sunday Times Style magazine being the highlight, thanks Sian), and introduced me to some amazing people. I've really found bloggers to be some of the most positive and encouraging people I've met. Some blogs of friends and people I've met, whose blogs you might want to visit, are: Decorator's Notebook, Chocolate Creative, Hey Homewrecker, Anamu, My Creative, Playdoh and Poo, Lobster and Swan, Patchwork Harmony, Something I made - more on my blogroll. Hope to see you on the other side!

Photo: Lenka Rayn H.

Something new....

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 22:05:00 +0000

coming soon.

Taking a break...

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:36:00 +0000

I'm taking a break from blogging to figure a few things out. I'll still be on Instagram (@teaforjoy) and hope to find more time to comment on your blogs. I'm not sure when I'll be back (from time to time I've wondered about setting up a new blog, more branded with Papermash - what do you think?) I update the Papermash Facebook page regularly, you can find me there too, and on Pinterest.

Can anyone see an angel in the light? The photo above is from the Royal Courts of Justice, from Open House Weekend. (For what it's worth, I can also see a dinosaur.)

Wednesday workspace

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 06:58:00 +0000

I've been busy, wrapping orders, visiting little friends, and working hard in my day job, but I wanted to pop in and share one of my favourite desk spaces. I love the simple string and pegs / washi tape collage - something I hope to perfect soon. I'm not sure I could confine my mess to such a small space, but I love this one!

Image: stylist Scout / photographer Julie Harmsen

Happy weekend + links

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:20:00 +0000

I never love Paris quite as much as I think I should; but it's so accessible and easy to get around when you're there that I think I should persevere. I had a great trip last Friday (if you follow me on Instagram @teaforjoy you'll have seen some photos) but I 'm still to discover a favourite cafe, a favourite shop or two and a quiet garden square so that it's feels more familiar with each visit. I like to discover new things but also to revisit the same special places.

No specific links to share this week, so I'll share some blogs I 've been particularly enjoying recently: A Merry Mishap // Reading my tea leaves // My Second Hand Life.

Have a lovely weekend! The English Philarmonic orchestra are visiting my workplace this lunchtime (as they do) so I'm off to enjoy some classical music in the sunshine. I'm helping a friend with an exciting business plan this weekend, which is just my idea of fun!

Supermarket Sarah + Jonnaxkangan

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 08:00:00 +0000

It's been a while since I checked out Supermarket Sarah, but I spotted that Jonnaxkangan had a wall so I took a look. Things which tempt me; bright dishcloths, the hot water bottle cover (with 'hot water' written in Hindi) and this bright geometric cushion. Some of the items are sold out already, so I'm hoping to make a (small) purchase soon!

Wednesday workspace

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:00:00 +0000

White, and bright, to showcase the wares of Danish brand Oyoy. I love storage, so I like the geometric sack (and have seen similarly great designs at Varpunen.)

Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 08:44:00 +0000

I've been off work sick for a few days, with nothing to do except trawl the internet, which I think makes you feel even more unwell. Still, I've spotted these items from new autumn collections, which I love. The boots! I've never bought anything from Boden {feel like that is a step too far towards middle age}, but these are nice, right? There's actually quite a lot in the current catalogue which I like. What does that mean?

1. Metal trolley £145 2. Retro Barber Board £55, 3. Suede boots £129*, 4. Pendant Light £69.

UPDATE: not available for 3 months! Splurge averted.

Day trip

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:53:00 +0000

Going on a day trip to Paris tomorrow for a friend's 40th birthday - exciting! Let me know if you've any tips for St. Germain or the 6th arrondissement. I'm packing a Paris notebook, Pia's book and preparing for a very early start...

New!

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:01:00 +0000

A few items from recent new stock at Papermash; 1. Birthday stamps £12.95, 2. Rifle Paper Co. thank you postcards £7.95 (love these!), 3. To Do list £7.95, and 4. Bookplates £4.95 (I decorated a plain brown notebook instead of putting them inside a book.)

Polly Rowan

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:39:00 +0000

Polly is a student studying textile design {she just interned at Orla Kiely - brilliant!} who I finally met at my craft evening {you can spot her here.} She's opened an Etsy shop selling just a few things, including this beautiful cushion cover {£24.} But, I particularly love her embroidered feathers which she is selling as framed versions {£42}. So pretty! I'm excited to watch her career develop.

Wednesday workspace

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:54:00 +0000

I see a piece of paper covered with blackboard paint, and I'm immediately thinking 'Brilliant idea!' Think I might have been reading blogs for too long. When I read this post on adding orange slices to water and thought 'genius'! I thought it might be time to get out more.

{I've got some blackboard paint and rolls of paper, so I might try this. And, I did slice some oranges into water almost straight away.}

Image: Jeroen can der Spek

Love these...

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 06:59:00 +0000

....Harris tweed bags. In a total turnaround from my anti-autumn sentiments yesterday, I just came across these little bags by Breagha on Etsy and I want one! Normally they are around £65 but I just noticed these have 25% off until tomorrow, so thought I'd share now instead of filing away for colder times. My favourite is the green, how about you?

Summer days

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:05:00 +0000

I've spent these last summer days (and a few days of holiday), cleaning, shredding, filing, and making! It's so satisfying! I love trips to the charity shop and late night wanders to the charity book bin at the supermarket. I'm also trying to rest, and enjoy the summer rays while they last. There's been too much talk of autumn around!

New storage from Ikea - very painful to put together, in fact I had to give up {it's just about holding together as it is.}

{Evening sun - and I made this cushion at a Clarissa Hulse / Dalani evening. Actually I just looked blank, and had quite a lot of assistance.}

{Making freezer jam and natural yoghurt lollies - yum! And this time Ikea did the trick - haven't had any problems with their 99p lolly maker.}

Anyone else have stacks full of Living Etc from 2007 in their cupboards? Once upon a time, I didn't throw out magazines until I'd ripped out all the features I wanted to keep - but I'm over it.

{Photos: @teaforjoy on Instagram.}

Ribbon Squirrel

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I never need to buy another notebook; but I love the combination of black and white photos and graphic design on these notebooks {£3.80 each} by RibbonSquirrel.

Wednesday workspace

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I have a desk I'm not too fond of, but before I offer it up to the scroungers of Freecycle {no, I don't believe you genuinely need a table, half a box of tiles and a helium tank, for example*}, I'm going to give it one last chance and move it to a sunnier spot by the window, where I'll be available for Neighbourhood Watch duties.

Photo: Fantastic Frank, via Kat Hannaford

*Genuine Freecyclers I like, the others not so much.

Summer styling

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Now that we're having an occasional appearance of summer weather {a few hours a week, it seems} I have a new appreciation for pretty scenes such as these from stylist Rebecca Newport. Show me any kind of food in glass jars and I'll love it almost every time.

Hendy Home Store

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I took a day trip to Hastings, where I'd already earmarked Hendy Home Store {which I'd spotted while driving through the Old Town on our way here.}

It didn't disappoint! Full of Labour and Wait-type utilitarian home goods, such as enamel kitchenware, antique desks and lamps, Mason jars {although pricey at £25 each!} and old linens.

But, a great source of excitement, which wasn't expected, was when we saw a menu in the window! Recently opened at the back of the shop is a tiny restaurant which sells simple, mainly fish-based recipes. I loved our starter of radishes with a celery leaf salad and bread, and my baked crab was delicious. We sat on a table right beside the kitchen, and I loved it. Only open at weekends, from 12-4, it was the highlight of the day! Next time I'm in Hastings I'll be heading straight there for lunch.

Treat time

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Recently, I've noticed that almost everything I've pinned to my wishlist has been jewellery. I need to rename it something more bejewelled. Which of these do you like? I haven't made any purchases yet, but it's feeling like treat time soon.

1. Kaleidoscope locket $65, 2. Blokkie $30, 3. Copper beaded necklace $30.99, 4. {current favourite} Dip dye necklace €24.90, 5. For kids, but isn't it pretty? Liv necklace $45.

Making: raspberry freezer jam

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Over the weekend I decided to make some raspberry freezer jam. I'd hoped this summer to visit a pick-your-own farm, {inspired by this post} but am not sure that will happen, so have ploughed on with the jam-making regardless. This is my first attempt at making jam!

I decided on freezer jam as it's easy, and so tasty! There's no cooking required.

Ingredients:

*550g raspberries {my recipe called for slightly more but I bought 2 punnets of raspberries at 225 each}
*900g sugar
*4 tablespoons lemon juice
*1/2 bottle Certo

Just add the raspberries, sugar and lemon juice and stir. When it looks like the sugar has dissolved, add the Certo {in my supermarket this was beside the golden syrup, it's liquid pectin} and stir for a few minutes. Leave for 24 hours, and then freeze in small containers. Keep in the fridge when opened.

Of course, I had to decorate it with my new jam decorating kit. I've already eaten some, in my porridge and on wheaten bread, but I'm not sure I'll make it again in a hurry because of the huge quantity of sugar! When there's more sugar than fruit, that can't be good, although it looks like normal jam uses less sugar - but still a lot. It's like the time I made my own buttercream icing, that put me off fancy cupcakes for life! Have you ever realised something is seriously unhealthy when you've made it from scratch? Or, if you've got any good recipes for reduced sugar jam, let me know!

Business school: on professional photographs

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:08:00 +0000

Last week I had a photo shoot for new items in my shop, and it got me thinking about the value of using a professional photographer. When I first started my business, I thought I would learn to take the photographs myself, bought an SLR camera with that intention, and took a photography course. I soon changed my mind!

It is a significant expense, one which hasn't varied that much between the photographers I've used. I currently use Polly, and pay for her assistant, who does the post-production for me on the day, which is an arrangement which works well for us. I love going home with my photographs ready to upload immediately!

{Photo: Polly Eltes}

{Photo: @teaforjoy on Instagram}

My thoughts on paying for a photographer:

*Outsource what you're not good at. I find taking photographs quite challenging, and it would take me all day to get a few decent photos... and, I'm already doing everything else; PR, bookkeeping, marketing etc etc... Yes, it is expensive, but I'm aiming to be a business which can afford that level of cost. We take a lot of photos in one day, so calculating the average cost per photograph helps ease the pain.

*Why take the risk? My photographs must be good enough for magazine use. We also take high-res cut out images {on white backgrounds}, which magazines use for their shopping pages. Sometimes I can get these images from my suppliers {and it is hugely appreciated if I can save time this way} and occasionally I have sent items to a cut out studio, such as this one. Even for this blog, if I find something I like on Etsy and the photos are not good, I won't use them, so why would I risk that with a magazine? I've found Pinterest useful for my business - the better the photos, the more likely they'll be pinned.

*The effect of professional lighting is very difficult to achieve by yourself, especially for the plain white product shots. It's the shadows.... My photographers have all spent ages moving bits of paper + lights around.

*You can benefit from an experienced opinion. I like to 'play stylist', but I'm no expert, so with all of the photographers I've used, they've given great advice on how to place the items, and moved them around to achieve the best photograph.

*I can use Photoshop - but the professionals can do things I could never dream of! The difference between the original photograph and the final version is really quite startling {mainly because I started with the blue background and now I'm stuck with it, and need to make it look consistent.}

This is just my experience, but if this kind of blog post is of interest, let me know! If you've got a small business, and you could outsource one thing, what would it be?

Tea of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 06:48:00 +0000

Pretty styling from Lo Bjurulf; and I have a similar little teapot from Suki Tea. Hope your week is off to a great start! I had such a great time at the gymnastics and basketball yesterday (especially gymnastics which I loved) which has put me in a great mood for my one day at work before I'm back at the Olympic Park tomorrow!

Photo: stylist Lo Bjurulf for Elle Decoration

Happy Olympics weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:14:00 +0000

Have a lovely weekend! My work is giving the whole company a half-day holiday tomorrow, because somehow they think it's going to take us from 12pm until 9pm to get home to see the Opening Ceremony! Woo hoo! Of course, it never occurred to me to try and watch it somewhere until today, so I'm gutted I'm not able to go to any of the free cinema screenings (sold out), which I think would have been fun. What are your plans? I'll be at gymnastics and basketball on Sunday - I spent more on those tickets than I have on clothes in the last year, and since I'm not in any way interested in sports, I hope it's fun!

{The tea towels above are an Olympics collaboration between Custhom and Anthropologie. I especially like the diving design.}

Washi tape iphone app

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:00:00 +0000

It was my brother who told me about the washi / Japanese masking tape iphone app, Maskingtape, and at £0.69 I couldn't resist trying it out! So far, I've bought the Camera + and VSCO cam app for my camera, both of which I think are great (Camera + for adding a realistic depth of field, instead of the blurring effect in Instagram, and the VSCO app for its range of editing functions, although I only use a few.)

On the plus side, the tape's translucency and ripped edges is pretty similar to the real thing! There are lots of colours and designs, and it's quite fun if you want to add some simple text to a photograph.

However, I found the interface of the washi app pretty basic compared to others I've used, and so I just stuck to adding a basic strip and some text. That was easy enough to figure out, although there didn't seem to be the function to move a strip once you'd added it - you had to delete and start over. There are additional functions I couldn't quite grasp or lost the will to try. Their choice of fonts are also not my favourite (you can see 4 of the 6 available in these photos), but you could have fun framing the photo instead.

Would you buy it? Or do you think it is too gimmicky?

PS New washi tape designs here.

Happy Friday + links

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:57:00 +0000

This week I've been photographing new stock, working on Christmas press, and flying home to see my American relatives who are over visiting {here's my mum's garden, with some crazy animals on display - she says they are for the grandchildren}. I saw my cousins, Christine and Linda, who always inspire me with their crafty ventures. I talked them into signing up to Instagram {where I waste most of my time these days @teaforjoy}. In the top photo is a vintage apron which Christine {@colourandcloth} turned into a curtain, and the bottom photo is a teeny dress which Linda {@hey_homewrecker} made out of an old curtain!

Some other links:

*For a while, I thought I'd been photographed with Tom Hanks
*Love these kids' bedroom ideas
*This made me laugh
*Inspired by these words worth repeating

Hope you have a lovely weekend! I'm planning a trip to Broadstairs tomorrow, rain or not. Let me know if you have any recommendations!