Nifty Thrifty + Competition!

And the winner is.....

Number 3- Here Pretty Kitty!

Well done! I have lots more competitions lined up for the next few weeks, so check back soon :)


A few days ago I got a little package through the post from the lovely Tracey, who owns online shop Nifty Thrifty.

Wrapped in some tissue paper....



... was this beautiful, corsage made from scraps of fabric left over from her other creations.



Isn't it pretty? And what's more, Tracey has kindly donated it for one of you lucky people to win!




So what does Nifty Thrifty do then?

As well as creating brooches, Tracey also makes doorstops, cushions, jewellery and much more while aiming (and succeeding) to show that recycled products can be cool, contemporary and innovative.

Tracey states 'I make use of everyday clothing and re-purpose them in surprising ways. I take surfy t-Shirts and turn them into travel backgammon sets and men's cotton work shirts are transformed into cushion covers adorned with flower corsages.'



These two cheery little birds are doorstops, made from shirt sleeves with contrasting wings and vintage button eyes. They are stuffed with polyester and have rice in their bottoms to weight them down.




Much prettier than a wooden wedge-and less likely to hurt if you stub your toe on them!

There is also a very sweet star gazing bunny available and all three are priced at £15 each.












Not letting the sleeve cuff go to waste, she has created these yummy cupcake pin cushions, which are £8.
















The main part of the shirt is turned into a cushion or a backgammon set-who know you could get so much of out one old shirt!



Thess pretty and very girly cushions (check out the little flower details!) are between £20 and £30 and Tracey will even do a custom cushion using one of your old shirts.











She has also just started making jewellery and has some very tasty gummy bear necklaces listed in her Folksy shop.




To find out more about Nifty Thrifty recycling ideas visit Tracey's blog and to join the mailing list go to the Nifty Thrifty website.











Now to the bit you've all been waiting for...how to win that lovely brooch. I've decided to keep it very simple this time (after over complicating mine!). All you have to do is go to the Nifty Thrifty website, pick your favourite item and then leave a comment telling me what it is!

I will give 1 extra entry each if you blog and/or Tweet about this competition! Just leave a comment with your links so I know about it.

The winner will be picked next Friday, 5th June using a random number generator. Don't forget to leave an email if you don't have a blog/website so I can contact you!

Good luck!

Hmm...More Cake!

As it's half term, and there seems to be hundreds of children around at the moment enjoying the sunshine, I thought I would feature a kiddie related shop today.

More Cake Designs is a collection of quirky and original limited edition clothing, jewellery, toys and homewares all lovingly designed and handmade by mum of 2, Hannah.

While the shop is child orientated, there are lots of pieces for adults would love as well.

I'm really taken with these adorable star gazing mice for £11 (each) and stray cats, made from vintage fabric, £12.

Perfect for both big and little people :)


















Hannah also makes gorgeous children's clothing, which makes me wish I was 5 again and off to a friend's birthday party!
This cute one-off sundress is made from vintage floral fabric. There is even matching hair slides.






Her applique t-shirts, such as this little mouse one, are gorgeous with really unique and eye-catching designs. They are all 100% cotton and available in lots of different designs, ranging from boats and robots to mushrooms and cupcakes. £12 each.

Hannah has lots more goodies in her shop, including jewellery, wish purses and vase covers.

Her items are available from her shops on Folksy and Misi and she is happy to do commissions/custom pieces.

Thrifty Trendsetter

Today's featured shop is The Thrifty Trendsetter, run by Kara and based in Oklahoma.
She has only been open since last month and already has a healthy feedback of 9-pretty good considering how competitive Etsy is.

Thrifty Trendsetter sells altered clipboards, mini notecards, magnetic memo boards, clothes pegs, coasters, picture frames '...basically anything that will make your home look fabulous!'

Her work has a very vintage feel to it, demonstrated beautifully in this wooden Songbird picture frame which has been created using a decoupage of floral scrapbook paper in shades of brown, green, yellow, and blue.

Perched on the bottom right of the frame, adding some colour, is a wooden bird covered with polka dot paper.




The bird theme continues in this altered notebook, entitled 'Eccentric'. I think it's a really lovely piece that would be a great present, particularly for that awkward person who has everything. Even better, it's only $6!




As quoted above, she does have things to make your home look fabulous.
These pretty double sided 'Blueberries and chocolate' clothes clips (for indoor use only!) are great for keeping boring paper work neat and tidy.

Kara is also able to add a magnet, free of charge, to one side so that you can use them on your fridge or magnet noticeboard.



Even though she is just starting out, here's lots more beautifully things in her shop, so head over to Etsy to check them all out!