girlwithbeads - Recycled Fashion

Special Bespoke Flat Cap Bag

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 13:03:00 +0000

Late last year I was commissioned to make a special Flat Cap Bag. A lovely customer asked me to create a bag using her late husband's caps as a special reminder of him.

She especially wanted to be able to take the bag when she walked her dogs, so she would feel he was with her all the time. So the bag needed to be practical enough to carry all the doggy paraphernalia but still look stylish.

One problem I had to overcome was the baseball style back of one of the caps which needed to be filled in order for the bag to work (and not have a large hole in the bottom!). So a thick piece of brown leather was cut to fit and then riveted into place, as it was too thick for me to sew. I also kept the original leather buckle as a nice detail.

Part of the brief was to have the handles in two colours, a brown handle on the navy blue cap and a black handle on the grey cap. The top straps also fasten on each side in matching colours and then a long strap half brown/half black to match. So that the customer could wear the bag either way round and coordinate with whatever she was wearing.

It was such a pleasure to create such a personal bag and I'm pleased to say the customer loves it.

If you are inspired by this and are interested in me creating a bespoke bag for you then please do get in touch. You can email me on: girl@girlwithbeads.co.uk

girlwithbeads chosen for Royal Academy's RAted range!

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:37:00 +0000

Well 2015 has started on high for girlwithbeads as my work is featured in the new Royal Academy RAted range!!

RAted is the Royal Academy’s showcase for emerging British design talent, with hand-picked items from up-and-coming designer-makers.

Emily Rubner, from the Royal Academy, explains "In 2014, we asked the brightest UK-based design talents to submit their most distinctive products to be selected for the inaugural RAted “Open Call” range. We were looking for the finest quality, and; originality in; form and function. The RA’s award-winning retail team whittled down nearly 300 applicants to a group of 34, who presented their products to us at an Open Call at the RA in September 2014. We were extremely impressed with the quality and variety of original designs and the high standard of the submissions. Our team had difficulty selecting the very best, but we’re delighted to reveal the first 2015 RAted range."

Source: http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/rated-new-designers-2015

Four of my designs will be available for sale from the Royal Academy Shop from 26th January. See for yourself here: http://shop.royalacademy.org.uk/girl-with-beads

How My Flat Cap Bags Became Famous!

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:58:00 +0000

You might have spotted me & my Flat Cap Bags on BBC1 show The Apprentice in November last year.

I was invited to present my Flat Cap Bags - pitched as city-meets-country fashion - to the teams for selection for a sales task at a country fair - The Royal Bath and West Show in Somerset. And to my delight they were selected!!

You can see for yourself how the teams got on here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04sybzd/the-apprentice-series-10-8-country-show

I had been sworn to secrecy about the show for months and its so exciting to finally be able to tell everyone now. The feedback so far has been great and its amazing to have so many people talking about my design!

Me & my husband also went to watch the filming of The Apprentice: You're Fired! which included Dara O'Briain putting a Flat Cap Bag on his head - brilliant!

Read more about my experience on The Apprentice in this piece I wrote for the Folksy Blog!

girlwithbeads on the Catwalk!!

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:00:00 +0000

More photos of girlwithbeads bags, jewellery, tie vests & t-shirts on the Catwalk during London Fashion Week last month!

Girl with Beads girlwithbeads - The Catwalk Edit LFW 2014

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 19:25:00 +0000

Short video of girlwithbeads designs on the catwalk at London Fashion Week September 2014.

The Catwalk Edit LFW 2014 Event was organised by Calico PR and features girlwithbeads recycled fashion bags, jewellery, vests & t-shirts.

girlwithbeads creates wonderfully unique handmade recycled bags, clothing and accessories from her studio in Walthamstow, East London. For more info visit: http://www.girlwithbeads.co.uk/

girlwithbeads at London Fashion Week 2014

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:20:00 +0000

girlwithbeads took part in Calico PR's The Catwalk Edit LFW 2014 Event last month at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

What a great venue, there were loads of cool brands and 8 catwalk shows throughout the day. It was great to see girlwithbeads bags & tie vests being modelled on the catwalk. Very exciting!!

Reader's Digest Book Covers

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Bit of a random one but this week I have been admiring Reader's Digest Condensed Books covers!!

I realise these are considered really uncool, but I rather like the geometric designs in gold. I collected loads for our wedding to use as table decorations and they looked great - it fitted the theme as I used lots of book paper for flowers and confetti and in the evening the gold catching the candle light was lovely.

So I decided to make a record of my favourite designs (before they go back to the charity shop!)

These were all designed by Jeffrey Matthews in the 1970's & 80's.

Fashion Revolution Day asks "Who Made Your Clothes?"

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:48:00 +0000

Do You Know Who Made Your Clothes? - Fashion Revolution Day

On 24th April last year, 1133 people were killed and over 2500 were injured when the Rana Plaza factory complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In memory of the Rana Plaza disaster victims, Fashion Revolution Day www.fashionrevolution.org has been created to promote transparency across the supply chain and to encourage everybody to stop and ask for a moment: WHO MADE YOUR CLOTHES?

Fashion Revolution Day aims to celebrate fashion as a positive influence. On Thursday 24 April 2014, the first Fashion Revolution Day, people were asked to turn an item of clothing inside-out for the day, to reveal the labels which show where their clothes were made.

Raising awareness and showing their support for the very first of many Fashion Revolution Days to come, Calico PR’s creative team created a shoot using a selection of ethical and sustainable brands. From clothing to shoes, accessories and even underwear, the UK based brands show how the entire wardrobe can now be gentle on the skin, the environment and still look bang on trend!

From left to right model wears: Grace, Augustine London, Bibico, Grace, Bibico.

Jewellery available from Oria Jewellery. www.oriajewellery.co.uk

Bags available from Girl with Beads. www.girlwithbeads.co.uk

Shoes available from Beyond Skin. www.beyondskin.co.uk

Photography by Ana Gely A.

Hair and Make Up by Valentina Syed.

Augustine London: With a compelling dream, British lingerie brand Augustine London, dreams of creating a community of women who, by wrapping themselves every day in beautiful, sustainable and comfortable lingerie pieces, will feel inspired and empowered to achieve their own dreams. Established since 2012, using an eclectic mix of primarily organic cotton and end-line laces and mesh, Augustine London’s collection is soft to the touch, gentle on the skin, and friendly to the environment. www.augustinelondon.com
Bibico: Bíbico make fresh and uncomplicated garments in natural fabrics woven in fair trade cooperatives. Bibico garments are made for every day. Bibico believe that less is more & keeping things simple is the best way. Simple clothes with unique details that make them special. www.bibico.co.uk
Grace: Focusing on the real women, with a vintage style, Grace caters in sizes ranging from 6 to 24. Each piece of clothing is considered very carefully throughout the manufacturing process for their impact on the people in the production cycle and the impact on the environment. Believing that one day design integrity will become mainstream, the brand uses only organicand fair trade products. The details include locally sourced Nottingham lace and water based eco friendly prints. www.realgrace.co.uk
Fashion Revolution Shoot “Who Made Your Clothes” was organized by Calico PR’s creative team. Calico PR is a division of Calico Ventures, which is focused on making a success of fashion brands. The dedicated team provides quality support and mentoring along with crucial tools such as sales, marketing and press to fit the budgets of emerging designers and established brands.

(info from: http://frumpytofunky.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/do-you-know-who-made-your-clothes.html)

This week's top 10 finds from Designers / Makers

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 18:51:00 +0000

Here is a selection of lovely designers I met at last month's Designers / Makers market in Spitalfields.

First up was colourful Indian inspired Piccadelhi who have a lovely range of cards, prints and notebooks, I bought a couple for presents, they are so cool!

I had a stall next to Cardiff based artist & printmaker Sophie Barras aka Pyklops, she has some gorgeous prints & jewellery.

Punto Belle has a beautiful range of bags & accessories using their own fabric designs! So bright & colourful.

Illustrator Hanna Melin has some gorgeous cards, brooches & sticky tape! I love this top banana tape.

Amazing recycled jewellery from Sally Ayling, this bird necklace is made from recycled tins.

Printmaker Jessie G has some nice designs on bags, cushions & cards.

Homewares & paper goods by Rosa and Clara Designs, include lampshades, coasters, cards & gift wrap with a retro feel.

Betty and Walter has a nice range of bags, accessories, tea towels and aprons in a variety of vintage style prints.

French artist Blandine Bardeau creates these amazing necklaces and bracelets from neon plastic.

Home design company Coconut Grass has a great range of comic book inspired prints and cushions.

Friends of the Earth - Eco Fashion Pop Up

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 11:07:00 +0000

Camden Friends of the Earth -

Eco Fashion Pop Up

On Sunday I took part in an eco fashion pop up organised by Camden Friends of the Earth group at the Red Hand Gallery (above Tufnell Park Tavern).

It was a small event but full of interesting and like minded artists, designers and vintage enthusiasts. I left feeling inspired!

These amazing dresses were designed & made by Kumiko Tani from Re-cycle-Style and they are truly works of art!

This is Caroline Jones creating a wonderful flower from shredded plastic bags. She fuses them together by placing them between greaseproof paper and applying heat with an iron, so simple but really effective.

She also sells bags & purses made in the same way and runs workshops.

For more info contact: carolinemejones@hotmail.com

This is the work of jewellery designer Annie Sherburne, beautiful, colourful & sparkly pieces re-worked from broken jewellery & found objects.

Annie also has a yoga studio on Columbia Road in East London - check out: gogoyoga.co.uk

This is a piece of artwork in the gallery that I couldn't stop looking at, its painted on the glass of a window with the original frame still intact, a great idea.

Its called 'Brittle Suit of Armour' by David Shillinglaw.

Underneath this picture was a stall by Lumoi which I totally failed to take a photo of, but they offer a great upcycling service for your old unwanted or broken jewellery - go to lumoi.com for more info.

Po-Zu Ecological Footwear had a popular sample sale, unfortunately there wasn't any in my size :(

For more info about their shoes visit: po-zu.com

There was some lovely vintage clothing from Garite French Vintage - I love this colourful cycling skirt! Oo la la

And Mia Loves Coco had this lovely blouse.

Save Lea Marshes Photo Competition

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 15:23:00 +0000

So earlier this year I entered the Save Lea Marshes 'What I Love About the Marshes' photo competition and won!!!

Well I am one of 12 winners and all our photos will feature in the Save Lea Marshes 2015 calendar and an exhibition. How exciting!

This is my winning entry - 'Snowy Walk' taken on 5th February 2012

I was taking a lovely winter walk across the marshes and on the way to Springfield park, near Springfield Mariner. I could hear the shouts of joy from hundreds of sledgers enjoying the snow.

The exhibition will be on at the Waterworks Centre, Lammas Road (off Lea Bridge Road), E10 7NU from 9th April.

For more info about the exhibition and campaign please visit: http://www.saveleamarshes.org.uk/

New Pegboards!

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 13:24:00 +0000

I have expanded my range of pegboards this year, to add to the plain white and unpainted versions, I now have a blackboard, stripy & chevron versions available in various colours.

For more info & to purchase vist:

https://beta.folksy.com/shops/girlwithbeads/collections/117371

New Years' Resolution - Get Organised!

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 15:12:00 +0000

Happy New Year

If like me your New Years' Resolution this year is to get organised then check out my new range of Pegboards - the essential craft room storage organiser!

Handmade peg board for organising, storing and displaying all your craft tools.

I have always wanted a peg board to display all my tools, I think it was seeing one in the CDT room at school. I searched long and hard to find one readymade in the UK but turns out peg board is not that readily available, although there seems to be plenty in the US. So I bought a whole sheet of perforated hardboard and had it cut up so I could make one for myself and a few to hopefully sell.

This image shows a peg board I made for myself and painted an off-white to match the wall of the room.

Check out my pinterest board for more peg board inspiration -

http://pinterest.com/girlwithbeads/peg-board-inspiration/

If you are inspired to get your own craft room, kitchen or house organised, you can purchase you very own pegboard from folksy.com/shops/girlwithbeads

girlwithbeads & [re]design at Design Junction 2013

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 10:18:00 +0000

[re]craft: designs to make at home from waste

[re]design are very pleased to have the UK, London Design Festival launch of their inspiring new Make-It-Yourself book and exhibition at the magnificent Design Junction:

at: The Sorting Office, 21-31 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1BA

open: Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd September 2013.

[re]craft features step-by-step instructions for two dozen fantastic designs made from domestic waste, including 2 designs from girlwithbeads.

Fun, colourful & easy to make party decorations from recycled plastic bags!

For more info and to buy the book visit: http://www.redesigndesign.org/

Here are some pics from the stand at Design Junction -

look at all the cool things you can make from the book!

This Weeks Top 10 Back to School Finds.

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 12:04:00 +0000

As the summer holidays draw to a close its time to prepare for going back to school - sorry kids! Here are a few lovely items to make going back not so bad!

Animal Alphabet Print by Ketchup on Everything.

Recycled Pencil Brooch Kilt Pin by Ruby Bijou.

Multi-coloured Leather Satchel by Bespoke Leather.

Upcycled Beano Notebook by Peony & Thistle.

Recycled Paintbrush Necklace by ZincWhite.

Recycled Retro Postman Pat Drawstring Bag by girlwithbeads.

Eco Friendly Reusable Sandwich Bag by Homemade by Little Me.

Handmade Set of Teacher Stamps by Serious Stamp.

Fairtrade Recycled Pencil Case, made from rice bags, by Recycle-Recycle.

Biodegrable Pen made from corn starch by Remarkable Stationery.

Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 12:56:00 +0000

girlwithbeads has just launched a range of recycled kids drawstring bags in various retro prints, made from vintage curtain fabric.

Perfect for school books, p.e. kit or toys.

More prints to be added soon, available from: www.girlwithbeads.co.uk

Currently available:

Spiderman Bag

Doctor Who Bag

Aeroplanes Bag

Postman Pat Bag

This Weeks Top 10 Finds - For Gardeners

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 13:13:00 +0000

My Mum is a big gardener and her birthday is coming up so I have been looking at gardening gifts, here are some of my finds.

100% Recycled Garden Notebook from illustrator Kate Broughton.

Recycled Cutlery Herb Markers by Fi's Made by Me.

Recycled Cocoa Sack Cushion by Her Indoors.

Wooden Garden Trug made from recycled materials by Wooden Tops.

Handmade Garden Kneeler by Flo and Dorothy.

Handmade Nesting Bird Box made from reclaimed and recycled materials by Skiprat Creations.

Super cute Silver Wellies Stud Earrings by Sarah Brooks Jewellery.

Gardeners Hand Care Set to moisturise and soften working hands by Hanna Lize.

Metal Bird Garden Ornament by Down to Earth.

Once you have finished working in the garden string up some Hand Crochet Bunting by Jacqueline Jones, sit back and enjoy all your hard work!

This Weeks Top 10 Holiday Essentials Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 11:58:00 +0000

Going away on holiday? Whether home or abroad, here are a few covetable holiday essentials you should pack!

Retro Wash Bag by Katherine Thompson Handmade.

Liberty Print Passport Cover by Annie Sparkles.

Kite Brooch by Lucie Ellen.

Pretty Coral Tribal Lily Dress by Ellie Hipkin.

Beach Bag with bunting design by Beledien.

Spotty Beach Changing Towel by Cover Up Surf.

Handmade Travel Journal by Handmade by Edwina.

Travel Sewing Kit by Katherine Thompson Handmade.

Leather Hand Stitched Sunglasses Case by Raw Leather Workshop.

Vintage Fabric Backpack by Delicut.

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This Weeks Top 10 New Baby Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 21:08:00 +0000

As the country has gone baby crazy with the arrival of the new prince, it seems fitting that this weeks post features a selection of colourful new baby gifts.

Beautiful handmade New Baby card by Krisztina's Things.

Rainbow Zebra Baby Grow by Rolfe & Wills.

Hand Crocheted Little Elephant and Frog baby toys by Teo.

Handmade cotton bandana dribble bib by Mini Monaxle.

Babba Mouse - Rainbow Cloud perfect nursery print by Heather Ellis.

Rainbow Stripes Crocheted Baby Blanket by Bedtime Blues.

Personalised Rainbow Bunting by Love From Beth.

Colourful Crocheted Flower Mobile by Emma Lamb.

Cute Elephant Baby Booties by Eden Loves Daisies.

Retro Summer Dress by Down With the Kids.

This Weeks Top 10 Handmade Wedding Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 12:52:00 +0000

Wedding season is here so I've selected some last minute handmade accessories and decorations for inspiration.

Vintage Rhinestone Headpiece handmade from old brooches by Comeuppance.

Bridal Hat with birdcage veil made from a white mens tie by Michelle Watson.

Beautiful Pearl Button Bouquet by Pumpkin & Pye.

Handmade Silk Bridal Garter & Knickers by Mistress Collection.

The Paper Florist creates beautiful hand-folded origami bouquets & table arrangements, for flowers that will last forever.

Book Paper Heart Garland - perfect wedding decorations by Bookity.

Single Number Folded Book Decoration - perfect for table numbers by The Folded Page.

Personalised Vintage Wedding Guest Book by Alys Marris Scrapbooks.

Biodegradable Wedding Confetti made from punched paper hearts and dried rose petals by Jacqueline Jones.

Porcelain ‘top table’ wedding stars with ribbon ties by Jo Heckett. (I bought a last minute personalised gift for a friends wedding and the service was brilliant)

This Weeks Top 10 Festival Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:56:00 +0000

Glastonbury weekend has been and gone and we are now well and truly into the summer festival season, so here are a few festival fashion finds to get you in the mood.

This Vibrant Festival Headdress by Hapuska really caught my eye.

These Arrow Earrings by Temporal Flux are totally gorgeous.

Fab Recycled Waterproof Jacket made from discarded festival tents by Within Tent.

This Geometric Hobo Bag by Punto Belle is perfect for keeping all your festival essentials safe.

This Red Ethnic Bracelet by Make It Pretty is a great festival accessory.

This Uzbek Embroidered Phone Case by Margosha is lush.

This Knitting Pattern for Wellington Boot Toppers by Buzybee will ensure you keep nice and cosy in the evening.

Huichol Inspired Mexican Bead Earrings by The Bumblebead.

Aztec Print Sleeveless Dress by Jennifer Lilly Designs.

Keep warm in your tent with this Vibrant Crocheted Blanket by Chicken Lips Handmade.

This Weeks Top 10 Tennis Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:39:00 +0000

I got so carried away with watching the tennis yesterday that I forgot to do my weekly blog post - oops! So what better theme to choose for this week's inspired crafty finds than tennis!

I love these ingenius recycled Vintage Tennis Racquet Mirrors by Home Works.

Handcut Tennis Player Card by Nikel Cards.

Lego Tennis Player USB Memory Stick by Green Elephant.

'A Spot of Tennis' Print by Violet May.

Wimbledon wouldn't be complete without strawberries and cream, so this Strawberry Garland by Tempo Designs is perfect for getting into the spirit at home.

Bright tennis grass green Vintage Kimono Cushion by Ribbonreal.

Gorgeous little Strawberry Applique Dress by Suzanne Porter Boutique - perfect for wearing to Wimbledon (or at least pretending to)!

Wimbledon Meerkat - Anyone for Tennis? card by Nifty Knits, proving that their is indeed a meerkat for every occasion!

Strawberry Print Corsage Brooch by Paulines Crafts.

OK so this isn't strictly the right sort of tennis but I couldn't resist these cute little Table Tennis Bat earrings by Polka Dot Sky.

This Weeks Top 10 Summer Ice Cream Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:39:00 +0000

Todays list has been inspired by the sudden appearance of the sun, inevitably followed by the local ice cream van!

Gorgeous Fab Lolly leather brooch by Love from Hetty & Dave.

Fun Ice Cream themed birthday cards by Lil Vintage Makes.

Bright Ice Cream Necklace by I Heart My Art.

Super cute Neopolitan Ice Lolly Soap by Gifts by Little Miss.

Happy Ices Mini Notebook by Lucy's Happy Place.

Set of 4 Seaside Postcards by Cassia Beck.

Pick 'n' Mix Bracelet handmade by Fiction Candy Jewellery.

Fab Lolly Giclee Print by Fizz Studio.

Ice Cream Appliqué Bunting by Oakapple and Rose.

Hand printed Fab Lolly Card by Mellybee.

This Weeks Top 10 Superhero Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:42:00 +0000

To celebrate the release of the new Superhero film - Man of Steel this Friday I've been looking for geeky superhero craft finds.

Big & Bold Superman Logo Necklace by Cherryloco Jewellery.

Nothing says superhero like a Knitted Superman Meerkat by Nifty Knits.

I absolutely love this Super Woman Leotard Costume by BangBangCrash - its so much fun!

No geek's house would be complete without this decoupaged Avengers Coffee Table by Balooga.

Is your dog a secret superhero? Love this Superpup Bandana/Neckerchief by ZukieStyle.

Superman Comic Buttonhole - perfect for a geeky wedding - by A Paper Rose.

More dressing up fun for the kids with these great costumes by Happy Handmade Heroes.

Love these Lego Spiderman Cufflinks by UrbanEye Cufflinks.

Send your boring old shoes to Battlecat's Boutique and she will transform them into these super cool superhero creations!

Don't keep it a secret with this colourful 'You Are My Superhero' print by The Designers Nursery.

This Weeks Top 10 Father's Day Finds

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithbeads) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:50:00 +0000

With only a week and a bit until Fathers Day, today I have chosen a selection of lovely gifts.

Letterpress Beer Mat Fathers Day Card by Little Red Press on Folksy.

Veja Elastico Wallet in Hawaii from Darkroom

Boris Johnson Embroidered Hanky by Maxemilia on Folksy.

Star Trek 'Captain's Log' hand pulled limited edition screen print by Barry D Bulsara on Folksy.

My Secret Plan to Conquer the World notebook by Alfamarama on Etsy.

Framed Papilio blumei butterfly from Darkroom

Leather iPad Case with 1900's chevron graphic by Tovicorrie on Folksy.

Sardine Hanky Box by Thornback & Peel.

Twin Peaks Wooden Cufflinks by Kate Rowland Illustration on Etsy.

Father & Son Matching Tie T-Shirt Set by girlwithbeads (sorry shameless plug!)