Heart Handmade UK

Bohemian Blankets Gold Thread Wrapped Cords and Patchwork Pillows from Les Petites Bohemes

2013-05-23T08:30:00.000+01:00

I was so happy to discover this gorgeous shop and it's gorgeous blankets. Really! So many! I am a sucker for bazaar and souk style blankets and throws. I would drown in all the blankets.

Look at all the pretty blankets!

and more blankets! Crochet blankets!!

I loooooooove bevelled mirrors and this photograph is a great way to shoot an alternative view of your living room :p

My mouth was agape when I saw these.. know what they are? Light cords. Thready/Yarn wrapped light cords and they look incredible. Both of my favourite colours!!

This image is to show the wider view of the goldy/thread wrapped cords I displayed just above. Isn't it rather glorious? I was also rather enamoured with the gold fixing.

And more wrapped cords! Am I going to start a fire if I start wrapping all the light cords in my house? (That's a genuine question.)

Look at these little chairs! They are vintage childrens chairs and I dont even know what to say about that little table!! It is killing me!! And look at that cake!! This looks like a very fun photo shoot ^_^

These velvet patchwork cushions look rather luxurious! I think it's the rich colours that got me. Not my usual style I will admit but I do love them. I really like the big flower prints on the fabric. Very beautiful.

and look at this!! stab stitched quilting on a cushion. Very very beautiful. Some of my favourite detailing ^_^

And omg! Shut up and take my money!!!

Les Petites Bohemes Shop

Lots of love Claire xo

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Patchwork Inspiration from Around the Web via Pinterest

2013-05-22T07:00:00.000+01:00

Feedsack quilts from Meadowbrook Farm Blog. This stack of feedsack quilts are just incredible. I am so jealous of this collection I don't even know how to relay my feelings to you! This hexagon pattern is so impressive.

This was created by 'Anyone Can Quilt' Blog. I love the mix of peaches and mints in this quilt ^_^

The wallpaper quilt is by Kelly McCaleb. I love that little fan!! This quilt is just beautiful and I think it's fabulous.

This lovely is from Posie Gets Cosie. I just think this photograph is incredible! Not to mention the beautiful patterns ^_^

This vintage quilt is from I Heart Linen Blog. It looks so cozy and gorgeous.

Does this lovely little quilt need an introduction to who made it?! It was the fabulous Amy of Nana Company of course!! I am in love with Amy and all of her marvellous creations. I've featured Amy on the blog before and you can view it HERE.

These gorgeous pillows were originally from 101 Woonideeen. I love these cushions but I also want that big giant rie elise larsen box that is being used as a bedside table! It's gorgeous. It also probably cost a small fortune ^_^

Originally pinned from The Plum Verbana. Isn't it beautiful? Hexagons again ^_^ I think I'm only a big fan if hexagon quilts are vintage, feedsack quilts or in gorgeous pastel colours.

This lovely quilt is by Messy Jesse. I dont know which I love more in this picture; the quilt or the chair?!

Hand stitched details from a blanket created by Citta Designs. The detail on this quilt is just fabulous and so striking.

Vintage sheet patchwork blanket by Smile and Wave blog. A great quick blanket perfect for picnics and the like I should think.

This gorgeous vintage quilt was created by Cozy Things. It really does look so very cozy! If I remember correctly the creator of this marvellous blanket over at Cozy things wasn't even that happy with the end result. Personally, I think it's great. A job well done ^_^

Triangle Quilt by Cluck cluck sew! Now these colours are just perfect for me! I love them all. I also love the style. Triangle quilts have become increasingly popular on pinterest so I guess I'm not the only fan ^_^ I like something quick.

You can see plenty more on my pinterest board!

Patchwork Inspiration Pinterest board

Lots of love Claire xo

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Vintage Crochet Patchwork Pillow From Living The Swell Life Blog

2013-05-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

I was so happy when I found this lovely vintage fabric scrappy/patchwork cushion! Such bright colours AND there's some crochet detail in there so how could I not love it?

I was also rather enamoured with the flower detail on this cushion. I think the yellow is my favourite ^_^

Isn't it gorgeous?

Created by Jessica of Living the Swell Life

Lots of love Claire xo

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Mixed Media Upcycled and Quilted Journals from Rebecca Sower

2013-05-20T08:30:00.000+01:00

I was recently going through my Flickr Favourites and I decided to go right to the very end and work my way forward and I was so pleased to find Rebecca Sower's journals in there! This one is my absolute favourite. Again, my favourite colours of peachy loveliness and shades of mint and neutrals. All in stitched layers AND it's a journal! All handmade and incredible looking. A real one of a kind.

I also love this one ^_^ all of the journals that Rebecca featured on her flickr were all for sale or sold at the time of posting (in 2010) I love the big flower and the sewing pattern. Actually I love everything on this cover, including the bird ^_^ It is indeed fabulous!

This one was a little different in style from what I had fallen in love with previously but all the journals that were made were ALL very different from eachother. I really like the use of free machine embroidery on this cover.

I enjoy the mixes of fabrics being used for collage instead of the bog standard papers. These are all full of such intricate stitching details.

ooooh I love this one too! The lace effect on the front has had some mint embroidery thread stitched onto it, upon layers of rather gloriously coloured fabric. The stitched flower is also very unique. Just fabulous!

Rebecca Sower on Flickr

Lots of love Claire xo

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Party Inspiration | A Beautiful Pastel Floral High Tea Themed Bridal Party

2013-05-19T07:00:00.000+01:00

How beeeeeaaaaa-utiful is this cake?! AND those cupcakes?! The flowers look like vintage brooches! Gorgeous. The sugar flowers on the cake are just incredible. The talent that is out there is amazing with cake decorating!

This is a little snippet of the tea cups that were on all of the tables. It is only now that I am writing this that I am noticing the tea spoons! I love them!! And the tea cups. Maybe not the striped cake plate but I would definitely love a little tea set like this floral patterned. Do you see the corner of those placemats? They look like they're special printed kraft papers.

This is one of my favourite set of photos from the entire shoot at this party. The tea is my favourite set up and those flowers are absolutely divine.

These cute little signs are beside all the little edible delights on specially designated tables of said treats. Pretty aren't they? And all in the same colour scheme.

Holy flip!! Look at these!! My two favourite colours in the whole wide world there! Coral and mint and the lovely pale pink at the bottom. Oh and probably the turquoise at the top, why not.

OH would you look at those cookies. Do you see the bowl of little tiny madeline style macaroon type little tiny bitesize things? I am not a normal person... I would not delicately eat those one at a time (three max) like a lady. I would grab a handful and smash them all in my mouth in one go. And I would definitely do that more than once.
I've been so distracted by thinking of cake treats that I almost missed those beautifully corsaged Ikea plant pots! What a fantastic little add on.

oooooh. I've featured balloons like this before on the blog and I hate balloons so much I wouldn't have them at any of my events (hahaha I laughed out loud there 'Claire, like you have events.' It's just me on my couch with some cake.) On another note; where can I get one of those lovely cake stands EXACTLY like that one? Is that Jadeite? Was it an american thing? It's quite difficult to get milk glass products but I have managed to find a few.

How's about this for a sugar rush? I love the flowers on this table and the lovely handmade floral decor on some of the jars! I see some candied apricot things down there. I would smash a load of those in my mouth too haha!

My word I do love flowers and this little arrangement is just gorgeous! I couldn't tell you what I am looking at apart from Ranunculus and those other ones ^_^

How is this for a fab idea?! First... LOADS of iced water and second of all... gorgeous corsages on the cooler. (I have no idea what these things are called so I'm going with cooler.)

I really am loving how these gorgeous treats are being displayed!

All of the fabulous coolers. Are these iced underneath to keep them cool? That's clever!

My word, this lady is popular! I don't think I know that many people to invite to a soiree! Is that sad or upsetting? It shouldn't be. Means I get all the cake.

These are the dessert tables! Linda is so lucky! All that cake!

A gorgeous table setting indeed! Can anyone tell em what the pink flowers are that look a little bit pointy in the centre?

Seen via Hostess with the mostess blog

Event Styling & Flowers, Cakes, Dessert Bar, Candy Bar, Menus & Catering: Confetti & Crumbs
Fabric Flowers and Jar Decorations: Bespoke by Renee for Confetti & Crumbs
Photography: Silk Truffle Photography
Props & Hire: Antique Events
Invites & Stationery: The Little Paper Pantry

Lots of love Claire xo

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Fabric and Vintage Linens Sewn Granny Chic Style from Salvage 18 Blog

2013-05-18T07:30:00.000+01:00

How beautiful is this lovely mix crochet and fabric garland from Salvage 18?

I LOVE this little number label but I don't really understand the significance of the 51 when the blogger is named Salvage 18. hmm! I know these were all in preparation for a wonderful craft fair so that could have something to do with it ^_^

The stitching on these little scraps of fabric is almost perfect and the layers are sublime. I adore this style and I did something similar a few years ago but mine were little ATC sized panels to fit into a clippy bag ^_^ you can view this here.

I really like this garland. It would look very effective with the garland shown in the first image of this post. Perfect decorations for a gorgeous craft fair!

Here we now have some very beautifully stitched 'Dottie Angel' inspired pillows. They are marvellous indeed!

Salvage 18 Blog

Lots of love Claire xo

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Perfectly Pretty Pastel Girls Bedroom and Home Style with Handmade Touches from Mrs Jones

2013-05-17T06:00:00.000+01:00

Would you look at all those beautiful colours! Mrs Hardy is one of my favourite blogs and with posts like this, I am sure you can see why. I want one of those painters trays for storing beautiful threads! Although, my threads are just the standard/boring threads for machines, with the black centre. Not very photogenic at all.

ooOoo all the lilacs and whites and retro patterns. Beautiful!! At the top of our house is sloped... so some rooms dont have the space for a wardrobe and just have hanging rails.. I want a white hanging rail!!! There are black hanging rails currently. I dont actually have to look at it lol but I know it's there! The little pom poms and hanging decorations are all gorgeous and compliment everything perfectly.

I love the chair being used as a bedside table and this RICE DK cushion on the bed. These Peonies are just so fluffy and gorgeous. It's easy to see why they are many peoples favourite flowers. They are also very difficult to get hold of here in Ireland I have found!

How adorable is this crib and nursery section?! The handmade pillow and quilt is beautiful ^_^

It is sooo pretty!

Look at those walls. Such a gorgeous colour. That crate is a fabulous touch of decoration. Look at the size of those flippin peonies and that jar!!! Holy smokes!
The fabric embroidery hoops are also a very beautiful and feminine touch.

And this is the craft space! I LOVE IT!

How could you not be creative in a space as bright and beautiful as this? I have been considering making an African Flower blanket or even attempting an African Flower but I haven't got that far yet.

and the boys room! Still in perfect keeping with the house and gorgeous light.

Mrs Hardy's blog

Lots of love Claire xo

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Being Creative and Staying Inspired | Gorgeous Photography from Her Library Adventures

2013-05-16T06:30:00.000+01:00

Today I would like you to meet a gorgeous blogger Sophie Appleby, all the way from down unda! First I have to say that Sophie has an incredible surname and secondly... an excellent blog! My favourite section is what I am sharing a little bit about today... Inspiration, being inspired and maintaining creativity. Which is something I'm sure all of us are interested in.

These beautiful shots are just little snapshots from Sophie's everyday life and her little creative pursuits.

I really enjoy Sophie's journalling style. The original smash booker and how I would have created my first few journals before I got inspired by scrapbookers and painted and went crazy. Then when I started a gardening journal I went back to basics and I love it ^_^

Cute or what?

This looks quite like my gardening journal!

and a little snippet of Sophie's creative space. I love those post its. I also am in love with that enamel flower necklace!! Sophie's posts on her blog about staying creative are absolutely fabulous and recommend them highly.

Her Library Adventures Blog

Lots of love Claire xo

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Party Inspiration | A Sweet Strawberry Summer Birthday Party

2013-05-15T07:00:00.000+01:00

As you may or may not know... it's almost birthday season in my family.. including my own! So... the party inspiration comes thick and fast this time of year! I also couldn't resist sharing this fabulous little party that I saw via Tomcat Studios. I was lured in by the Jammie Dodgers :p

And of course I do love a fresh strawberry. Absolutely delicious. Of course when I was a child I would only eat them with cream or sugar because that's obviously what my blood stream was made out of. Some form of syrup I think. Now a days.. I'm all about the fresh fruit and raw foods ^_^

and possibly cupcakes. Raw foods and cupcakes. Yeah..

and whatever these are. I'll stick in an order for these too. Aren't these adorable with the little bamboo spoons?! What a fantastic idea! I love it when I see a properly styled party. It gets me so excited! (When I say properly styled I mean... most I see on the internet! Not just ones where I threw together somethings that half work but not really.. I mean proper effort!)

ooOo look at that cake! And the Linzer biscuits!!! (The Jammie dodgers I alluded too earlier in the post). And those little pots with the mint on top! What are those?! Strawberry yogurts? Oooo

Seriously.. love it all. I especially covet those lovely milk glass cake stands.

This was the picture that caught my eye initially! You can see why. I think it is my favourite image from the whole shoot.

Are those pistachio nuts poking out of the creamy bit in those strawberries? Who on earth discovered that taste sensation worked well together?

These little toys have been handmade specifically for the party and I think they're a fabulous addition for the kids! Fill them up with sugar and let them run around the place until they go to sleep. That's how it works, right?

and look at this! I think it's a little memory game, or a snap game maybe but it is so beautiful, simple but elegant and I love how it has been created!

Oh that cake! om. Yes, I think a strawberry theme could be most agreeable!

photography :: jessica downey photography

cake stands/wood spoons/twine/strawberry cups/berry baskets :: the tomkat studio shop

cake/cupcakes :: cuteology cakes

shortbread heart cookies :: stephanie, life created

doily banner: pebbles in my pocket

handmade games :: shannon, hustlemama handmade

Lots of love Claire xo

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Flickr Group Favourite | Creatively Crafty Embroidery Hoops from Little A Designs

2013-05-14T08:30:00.000+01:00

I am so happy to be sharing this fabulous Artisan with you today!! Meet 'Little A Designs', creating layered, vintage embroidered and new embroidery, embroidery hoops!! I must ask Marna if she would describe her work any better than I just did lol.

Aren't these fabulous? This is a very picture heavy post. Purely because I couldn't narrow them down - everything is just gorgeous. If I were to get married I would definitely be having lots of these handmade lovelies.

One of my favourite little quotes!

Love it. I just love it.

How cute is this little bouquet rosette?! A fabulous little keepsake for the flower girl!

I love that velvet and lace ribbon!

That, boys and girls, is a true story. Tea DOES save lives. I don't know where I would be without tea! Uninspired I should imagine. A cup of tea and a sit down cures many ales!

See what I mean yet about all the fabulous photos and products?!

And... this pillow... has inspired me and I love it so much!

O_O I WANT THIS!

This little london pillow is just incredible!

Something like this would make an incredible keepsake/gift for a bride and groom. Very inspired and pretty. Are those sweet peas in that bouquet?

Just some close up detail.

The lace over the frame here is just fabulous. What a marvellous dose of colour, print and pattern!

Little A Designs

Lots of love Claire xo

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Crochet Super Quick Patchwork Blanket Pattern from Ideas Mag South Africa

2013-05-13T07:00:00.000+01:00

How fabulous is this pattern provided by Ideas Magazine from South Africa. Granny squares attached with slightly smaller squares.

I love all the colours! I also love the crochet bolster cushion.

And... folks... can I divert your attention to that ducky swan thing?! Floral AND aqua! I love them!

Not only is there a pattern from Ideas Mag, they also have step by step photographs as a tutorial. Tres Useful!

View the pattern here

Dont forget to enter the Mamachee Crochet Patterns giveaway! Win any ten crochet patterns from the Mamachee pattern shop.

Dont forget about the crochet pattern giveaway from Mamachee patterns! Enter HERE  

Lots of love Claire xo

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Vintage Furniture Decor and Home Ideas from Decorative Country Living Antiques and Interiors

2013-05-12T08:00:00.000+01:00

I couldn't believe my eyes when I found this little shop. The jam jars weren't what I had my eye on (that's later in the post) but man do I want these gorgeous old jam jars with lids! They're glorious!

I wonder... would owning some fabulously floral dish washing gloves encourage me to wear gloves more often?! Save my hands from all the water they're plunged in. Though I do wash my hands a lot so I think that's why they're all dry and suffering! I don't even do dishes. That's what the dishwasher is for! If it isn't dishwasher safe it's best to avoid using it. How happy am I that all the RICE DK products and Cath Kidston (for the most part) are all dishwasher safe?!

I LOVE this!!! These enamel storage jars are gorgeous too.

and look at this!! Now... I must warn you before you visit the shop in the hopes of buying these gorgeous delights, that they are not cheap. A hearty investment is what I would call them. Especially this gorgeous picnic suitcase thing!

I think this is just beautifully crafted! And of course french is so fancy! (I said that last statement in a ridiculous accent, just so you know!)

And look at these gorgeous cups! To match those pretty little washing up gloves that I would never wear haha. I actually thought these were cross stitch painted on but I wasn't wearing my glasses at the time.. so forgive me. Although there's an idea for the designer! Little crosses would be very popular.

and would you look at this! Oh. I want it! I also want the proximity to good weather and a beach, otherwise it would never get used. I also fear that if I ever got into this beautifully crafted chair, I would never get out of it.

THIS is what my eye was on! Unfortunately I cannot afford this beauty!

This set is so beautiful. I'd be too afraid to leave it outside! I also am beginning to wish my living room floor was painted white like this room.

and.. how adorable is this little sewing jar?! I love those labels!

Decorative Country Living Shop

Lots of love Claire xo

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Bright and Colourful Photography Styling and Inspiration from Meadowbrook Farm

2013-05-11T08:00:00.000+01:00

How can anyone not be inspired by all these lovely things and gorgeous photography?! The question I put to you is... do you buy the jars with aqua lids or do you spray paint them yourself?

a gorgeous collection of turquoise items! I'm actually eyeing up the measuring cup inside the white sugar o_o this might start me off on a new collection. (Like I need one. I definitely dont.)

Just a very pretty arrangement of buttons! I am rather enamoured with that big old turquoise one with its mad pattern up in the corner. It's very pretty.

Oh man... I looooooove it when it's summer and the cherries are in season because I eat them all. om nom nom. The ones we get are never that bright! Those look like glace cherry red to me. Is it the brighter the red the more bitter they are or the darker the red the more bitter? I think I might need to google that one.

and these beautiful bowls! my word! Yes I probably need to go shopping for measuring cups and bowls... absolutely. Eventhough Im running out of space for things to go.

There is a reason that this is such a picture heavy post.. and that is because the photos are all glorious! These three I think are my favourite.

How could you not be in love with forgetmenots?

Just stunning composition for all of these lovely photos! Don't you think? I love the lighting in these three especially ^_^

and the colours in this one ^_^

Such a fabulous collection of vintage lovelies! If you look at that tea towel hanging on the cooker and at all the feedsack style patterns from the 30s you can see a lot of where cath kidstons inspiration came from!

I want these little jugs

And i love this stack of ribbons a lot. Although, as a photograph I may have cropped it into a landscape as it's very dark at the bottom. Then again, you wouldn't get to see that lovely aqua ribbon!

These look delicious!

Meadow Brook Farm Blog

Lots of love Claire xo

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The Craft Room Update | Ikea Expedit Craft Storage and Vintage Wallpaper Patchwork Door

2013-05-10T07:30:00.000+01:00

Some updates on my new craft room! These are most definitely the after shots.

This picture was taken early march I think and a few things have changed.

This is now up on the wall for a start!

Prepping my wallpaper pieces to get at the door!

one of these things is not like the others!

The door in progress! Meet my site manager... overseeing the whole operation.

and my favourite vintage find to date! Including the cupboard redo behind it! I love this chair. My absolute favourite ^_^

The big curtain debate I was having with myself... I finally made them. Well one. so far I've made one lol. I will make the other. I promise.

The door is finished!

now... the dreaded before shots....

This is the wall where the ikea expedit now lives and the fabric cabinet. All fits in nicely along this wall.

Just mess... and gloomy looking! We have this carpet on the stairs and in my old craft room and I hate it. I mean I haaaaaaaate it so much. If you look at the photos above the white floor helps to reflect all the light around the room and it makes it so happy. Everyone loves being in that room. They just have nowhere to sit down, haha get out! Mine!

And the chimney breast wall is the desk wall.

why would anyone buy carpet that dark?! Needless to say it got a lick of paint and a new floor! Then my furniture and all my bits and pieces helped. I still haven't finished it but it's getting there!

Lots of love Claire xo

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DIY Project from The Linen Garden | Embroidered Fabric Floral Vase Decoration

2013-05-09T08:30:00.000+01:00

How beautiful is this close up detail of this fabric?! The Linen Garden blog has created a fabulous tutorial on how to make a pretty vintage piny for any vases that could do with a bit of a dressing up! ^_^

Mixing up lots of lengths of lace and adding a big old flower cut out from another piece of fabric has made this incredibly feminine little piny! Im sure your old plant pots could do with a little added femininity (easy for you to say) because I know mine definitely would!

And look! Gorgeous!

This is a second little piny created and Im not sure which one I like best because I love them all!

This one is definitely more like a skirt! Anyone know what the plant is? I would be very grateful as always ^_^

Just beautiful! For details you will need to visit The Linen Garden Blog and stay a while!

Lots of love Claire xo

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Small Space Craft Room | Shabby Chic Craft Space and DIY Build Makeover from Ushiilandia Blog

2013-05-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

This lady, is a big deal of a blogger in Poland and I can tell you that it is very easy to see why. Everything in this photo is an upcycled DIY paint and building job and you get to see the 'before' images on her blog. If you take a look at this picture, take a wee note of where the gorgeous little aqua drawers are.

For this is why.... there has been a little makeover in that space. My word... Ushii seriously knows how to make the best out of a small space! Those little aqua drawers are also a makeover, they were originally a little Ikea style chest of just four wee drawers (I mean size wise, these were like a vintage card catalogue storage unit of 4 drawers) and Ushii added legs and paint. Isn't it crazy what you can do with some paint and legs!?

This little shelf just had the towel rail where the ribbons normally live and the little broken panel, so Ushii added a shelf that the wee buttons now live one, a back bracket for support and also the two panels of hooks below. This lady is a DIY machine! Oh it also got a fresh lick of paint obviously.

These used to be some vintage mismatched loose tea tins... so of course... a lick of primer, paint and a waterside decal. I am in love with Ushii and her little homemade home.

This image is from the fabulous post about the chair transformation and what a transformation! It looks glorious. Something inside me is longing for the chair upholstery fabric to be a soft grey plush velvet. Just to be kinder to ones bottom! My mum and dad inherited some vintage chairs and I am telling you.. velvet or something equally luxurious is the way to go! I must show you my vintage chair that I picked up and I love to death. Seriously. It's so beautiful!

This was another DIY job! The enormous version of the card drawers. Ushii added some legs and a dark stain I would say.. it is definitely darker. It looks fabulous. Looks like it's been perfectly restored. Honestly, a fabulous home and a fabulous blog!

UshiiLandia Blog

Lots of love Claire xo

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Pretty Crockery and Kitchenware | Shopping with The Contemporary Home on Not on the Highstreet

2013-05-07T06:00:00.000+01:00

oh me oh my! I had almost forgotten how much I love the contemporary home. If I had more money you can bet your bottom dollar I would buying this entire cup and saucer collection! I think I've developed a slight obsession about pretty cups and saucers recently ^_^ You can take a look at the French Tea Collection here

When Gisela Graham launches a collection like this how can you not want to buy absolutely everything in stock?! Unfortunately I think it's just the Jugs available for sale over at noths. You can look at the Jug here.

Present Time (a uk company) released this cutlery set a few years back and Ive been lusting over it since it was released... the only thing that has stopped me on several occasions from buying them is the terrible reviews they've received! Heartbreaking... but of course they would make incredible props for taking photos... soooo.... give me all those spoons!! They have since released other mis match designs and I really have a soft spot for that bamboo handled one ^_^ Eclectic Cutlery Set Link

Can you imagne having a fabulous garden party and plonking your bum on some fabulous mis match seat cushions? AND there are matching placemats available! Chair Cushions

You could of course add your own ric rac and make your own placemats but if you're a lazy sod like me, these are perfect for you and your picnic table! Eclectic Placemat linked here

I love this Regency tea collection by dotcomgiftshop I think? Available through TCH of course! I have the first cup at the top of that pile and it's a lovely size for a wee cupa. Speaking of which... I think I might need one now. Regency Tea Collection

and obviously some sandwiches or cake.... jeez these tea cups look huge! The shape of them means that inside the cup they aren't holding as much as you think if that makes sense but they're still a good size. Regency Cake Stand Link, Regency Table Ware Link and Regency Cake Tins Link.

and how adorable are these wee tiny sewing baskets?! I'm tempted to buy one for my mums house because I raided her sewing basket years ago and it's still nothing but a husk! An empty bag really ^_^ well she doesn't do any sewing and that's my job so I feel the thefts were actually justified :p Postcard Sewing Kit in a basket.

Visit the contemporary home store here

Lots of love Claire xo

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Patchwork Inspiration | Moda Dream On Vintage Fabric Reprint Quilt from Blue Elephant Stitches

2013-05-06T07:30:00.000+01:00

If you're ever in need of some patchwork quilt inspiration the Blue Elephant Stitches blog is the place to go! That is where I ended up when I was searching for some inspiration to use up my Moda 'Dream On' charm packs that I have and boy... Was I inspired!

So inspired I had to share my findings with you! Not just your standard patchwork quilt... No.. This one looks incredible! Of course, I would never have the patience or the inclination but I was definitely inspired to use up my charm pack.

There is also the fact that the photographs of this blanket are absolutely gorgeous and styled perfectly!

It's always a pain in the butt trying to photograph a blanket but hasn't she done well?! (That was my Bruce Forsyth impression btw... Those over a certain age - late 20s and over I'd say that know what I am on about!)

The back is backed with more of the Dream on fabric and some others. I don't think there was chevron in there but holy flip it's fantastic!

Blue Elephant Stitches Blog

Lots of love Claire xo

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Gorgeous Interior Style and DIY Projects from Liebesbotschaft Blog

2013-05-05T07:00:00.000+01:00

As soon as I found this blog, my jaw dropped and I fell head over heels in love! A gorgeous lady in Germany has to be one of the best photographers around and she styles her photos beautifully.

I want this posy of flowers! Are those ranunculus? They don't look as fluffy as I've seen them usually.

This was a lovely DIY project creating cookie mix as a gift. If you view it on the blog as a tutorial you will need to translate from German.

Holy flippin flip you guys.... I want this pillow! I'm not sure if it's handmade or not but you could definitely recreated something similar if you felt inclined to do so! A better version is shown here...

The pillow underneath is also insanely adorable. I definitely want to make a cushion like this. I'm trying to figure out (by looking at the above images) if it's cross stitched and embroidered over? With a thicker floss perhaps. Hmm.. I shall get drawing and checking my linen collection and fabrics!

Look at this! See that big unit with small drawers... What are those called? I really want some as they're adorable. I've considers buying some ikea small drawers and getting painting!

See what I meant about the styling?

Hydrangeas! I love hydrangeas. I have a white hydrangea plant which I treat like a baby lol.. I'm nursing it back to health after the original flowers have died. There are new blooms and I am constantly pruning so I'm hoping they will become big fluffy flowers again soon!

Gorgeous colours in this shot. Very nautical for summer time!

Liebesbotschaft Blog

Lots of love Claire xo

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Pretty Pastel Party Inspiration | Papercraft Pinwheels and Decorations from Sweet Lulu

2013-05-04T07:00:00.000+01:00

How adorable are these little coffee filter and cupcake liner flowers?! The original post over at Sweet lulu is for a kids ice cream and bicycle party but who says it couldn't be for a big kid like me?!

See... The decoration on the kiddies bikes? I am quite certain that any lovely ladies who have a bicycle basket would be happy to adorn them with flowers like this! Although, if you're in Britain you might need to do it with some waterproof fabric hah. It's very wet here.

Look at the tray full of flowers! And pinwheels. Of course! How could I forget the pinwheels? I love those little cupcake liner flowers and I think a little girl would love to wear them as brooches too. A gorgeous little accessory for their wee party outfits.

One of my favourite aspects of this little party is the gorgeous colour palette used! Perfect for spring or summer and my own birthday is in the summer! How handy is that?! A coincidence.. It is not.. It's always about this time of year when the sun comes out that I am being inspired by gorgeous birthday parties I will never have because of the stupid rain!

Look at this dog! Vintage toys are gorgeous and this is a fabulous idea for styling for a photo shoot for these great little paper pinwheels. Tres unique non?

Uh.. Yes please. I also am slightly unloved with the fabric this is all sitting on. If it's a blanket or a quilt there's a chance I'd sell my granny to get my hands on one. (That's just an expression lol there's no chance I'd sell my granny.)

Those ice cream tubs look fabulous don't they? Turns out they're just regular ice cream tubs covered in scrapbook paper. I imagine by the end of the ice cream eating they'd be saturated with melting ice and drippy ice cream! Get the photos first :p

I'm quite tempted to get my crate paper pads out and start making some pinwheels and just attaching them to my walls or putting them in little bud vases. They're so adorable.

And of course.. No party is complete without some crepe paper streamers! Only these fabulous ladies made them fringe and I love that!

Ooh scrapbook paper and ribbon! I forgot the ribbon, still... Looks effective and it's probably one of my favourite patterns of scrapbook paper I've ever seen. The green too.. It's gorgeous.

All from Sweet Lulu Blog!

Lots of love Claire xo

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Crochet Love from Haken Bij Saar en Mien Blog

2013-05-03T07:00:00.000+01:00

Can you decide which you love more... the crochet blanket OR the painted bench this is sitting on?! I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this colour of paint... I've been trying to find wood or spray paint in this colour but I can't seem to match it. sigh. If that bench wasn't in the picture it would definitely be ALL about that fabulous sunburst granny square blanket. I want that too :p

How flipping cool is that mushroom?!

I have been searching for inspiration and trying to make decisions on what to make with a collection of lovely yarn I have and I've been considering making this ByPetra stool cover. I love it!

Look at these colours! So bright and summer and crazy! I love um ^_^

And also... how crazy cool are these door knobs? I had seen a picture of these close up (I've shared below) and I was wondering what the heck they were and my eyes almost popped out of my head!

The colours are fabulous. My favourite is the pink centred. I'm also wondering how these drawer knobs would look crocheted using a 3 ply or a tatting yarn. Delicate and feminine lovelies I should think ^_^

I'm so jealous of the amount of granny square blocks! Think of the insane blanket you could make out of all of these!

and look at this yarn collection!!! I would steal this whole collection in an instant. I'd just pack up that lovely picnic basket and run like bejesus! It has also made me do some crazy ebay searching for vintage picnic baskets to store some yarn in ^_^

I love Haken Bij Saar en Mien Blog (Linked here)

Dont forget about the crochet pattern giveaway from Mamachee patterns! Enter HERE

Lots of love Claire xo

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Floral Styling Food Photography and Little Gifts from Sweet Berry Me

2013-05-02T08:30:00.000+01:00

I have to say, I have been a huge fan of Sweet Berry Me Flickr member Teresa and her fabulous photographic stylings for years now and I am very happy to share some of her wonderful stream. (Incase you haven't seen her images before!) Trust me, you will enjoy!

How adorable is this little ditsy floral bunting?! I must make myself some! Or at least find some marvellous tiny floral fabric! Perhaps a quilt?!

I am a HUGE fan of floral styling so I'm alway's on the look out for new and interesting ways to shoot flowers. I wish I would buy and shoot more flowers! That should go on my 'to do' list huh? The arrangement of this shot and all the gorgeous petals and colour is just marvellous.

Hydrangeas are my favourite flowers and all of these colours are just perfect together!! Teresa used Cath Kidston labels (I have some post it type sticky notes that look about the right size but there's also a sticker book available that they could be from) on her lemonade bottles. Such great party inspiration.

and look at these flowers. The mixture of textures and soft colours is just perfection!

How delicious do these lollys look? Or popsicles if you're American! I have this Lisbeth Dahl lolly pop maker thingy but I use it for paint water and brushes, excellent for storing brushes in one part and different painted water in the other ^_^

Visit Sweet Berry Me Flickr -(the pictures of Teresas home are SO beautiful!)

Lots of love Claire xo

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Glamping in the Pipowagen | A Shabby Chic Shed for Camping in the Netherlands

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

I must warn you that this post is VERY picture heavy! That's because this fabulous little Dutch Shed has been decorated in two different ways (possibly for different patrons I'm not sure) but I adore them both so I'm sharing both!

The little shed is called the Pipowagen and this little chalk board heart welcome sign is adorable.

A bunkbed... perfect if you have kids and I think the bedroom spaces are either side of the little shed. I've no idea what else to call it to be honest. Wagon?!

Look at this! How chic does this look?!

This is so feminine and girly. I love the little steps to get you up to the bed! Talk about getting the most out of a small space!

And look! How gorgeous?! I love the roses and fairy lights around the bed. So dainty and beautiful. I'd love to know what length this bed is! I fear I would be doubled up in this bed. Is that a pip studio bed cover?! 0_0 want it!

Isn't it fabulous as a little holiday space?

This is the outside of the wagon/shed where you can sit and look at the lovely garden!

That heart dangling garland is the front door ^_^

Look! A full view of the little shed and the glorious garden. Your own picnic table and everything.

And a mini wagon for kids!! O_O

You want to go here as much as I do?!

Visit the Pipowagen Website for more information. You will need a translator to translate from dutch. Try google translate.

Lots of love Claire xo

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Gorgeous Photography Styling and Interior Details from Itchin Stitchin

2013-04-30T07:30:00.000+01:00

I just love the shots that people take of their home and little bits and pieces that make them happy! The fabulous Amanda from Itchin Stitchin takes photos every day as part of the 365 series that people tend to do; only I dont have the commitment for a project like this! I tend to get distracted :p and not by anything important of course.

I'm also a huge fan of fabrics and linens as lots of people can see from my Pinterest board here. I have great plans of making myself a patchwork blanket from my vintage linens but when I went to go and organize my collection I remembered that I donated some last year thinking Id never use um. DUH CLAIRE. So I might just check the charity shop because there's a change they're still there! Fingers crossed. I'm such a dope. That's what I get for reading minimalist blogs! Flip sake.

I can see a bit of a Dottie influence throughout these photos and Amanda's home styling ^_^

These little business cards look fabulous! Very scrapbook/journalling inspired, which I do like a lot.

0_0 I love it!!! I'm a sucker for a patchwork quilt and I LOVE the styling to show of this beauty. If I ever visited Amanda's house I would be out with that mirror in a rather large handbag ^_^

What the heck is that wooden dohickey? Something knitting needle related I'm guessing? Thank you in advance for letting me know, you lovelies never fail to inform! Everyday's a school day!

I noticed this painted chair in the first picture I posted above, then looking through Amanda's photos my face was like this - 0_0 because I am truly, head over heels in love with that painted chair.

and this Colander. I want this. I would definitely steal this. I doubt I will ever get an invite now that I've told the world everything I would steal from this house lol. *yoink*

and hexies!! I got a comment on my last Zakka Art Patchwork post telling me to get on the hexagon band wagon! Means lots of cutting so I need to get some patience :p but pictures like this; of fabric stacks in any form... make me SO happy I cannot even tell you.

This quilt would be coming too. I might just bring a couple of suitcases. You dont need things right?! A fabulous photo stream and blog from Itchin Stitchin. So go and visit and share the love. You know the drill already ^_^

Lots of love Claire xo

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Get Featured and Join Hearthandmade In May | Sponsor/Advertise Your Blog Or Shop

2013-04-29T15:45:00.001+01:00

Hello lovelies! Just a quick little note that I am accepting sponsorship for May as of now. This includes feature posts, giveaways, reviews or sidebar buttons.

If you wish to get yourself a large sidebar button for the month of may you will also get a free Feature Post along with your button instead of the usual £20 additional fee.

This is a limited offer using the keyword MAY13 (valid until 5th May) 

To view full information about sponsorship options please visit this page.

Lots of love Claire xo

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