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!

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!

Talking Beads

Summer is on it's way (apparently) which means an excuse to buy lots of lovely, feminine sundresses and wander barefoot along the beach.
And buying a new dress naturally means that you should also treat yourself to some new jewellery.

Wiltshire based friends Jean and Janice, aka Talking Beads create beautiful handcrafted jewellery, perfect for weddings, formal occasions or just a day at the beach.


This colourful Mixed Pebbles necklace caught my eye as it reminds me of the beach, which was the inspiration behind it. It consists of two strands of intertwined sweetie-like glass beads and is £55.



I am also very taken with this colourful glass leaves bracelet, which is also available in silvery black.
The multi-coloured version is £26 and the grey tone is £27



What is more reminiscent of the British summer that strawberries and cream (which reminds me, I forgot to get Wimbledon tickets again)
If you're not a big fan of the real thing-strawberries, not tennis- then how about these delicious looking lampwork strawberry earrings for just £8?
Very pretty and guaranteed to get you loads of compliments!



If you fancy having a go at making your own jewellery, Talking Beads have a couple of kits available to make to make the bracelet shown below, in a choice of either pink or purple.



The ladies also run jewellery making workshop with their friend Jackie, under the monkier Three Jays.
Annual membership is £20 and lessons are £5, but they offer 2 free 'try-out' sessions.
They are usually held once a month at the Scouts Hall in Devizes, Wiltshire.

Talking beads jewellery is available to buy through their website- www.talkingbeads.co.uk or via Folksy.

Lolo's

Today's featured shop is Lolo's, selling a beautiful mix of handmade purses, bags, jewellery and scarves.

Lolo uses a mix of sewing, knitting and beading to create her gorgeous, usually one-off creations, which range from clutch bags and neck warmers to fabric brooches and beaded necklaces.


I love this pretty blue flower clutch bag. It is a one off piece and on sale for just $22!



The picture below is an example of one of her hand sewn brooches, created using layers of fabrics with a button and seed bead centre. Purple fabric circle brooch, $10.00.





As well as sewing Lolo also makes knitted creations such as this skinny pink scarf which is perfect for this time of year!
Small enough to pop it in your bag so if the weather changes and it gets cold and blustery like it is today, you still have something cosy and stylish to keep you warm :)



My favourite piece of jewellery in the shop has to be 'The Black Sea' necklace made from black seed beads and striking turquoise Czech glass beads. It is elegant yet eye-catching and I think it would look fantastic with a simple black or ivory cocktail dress to really make it stand out and do it justice.



Lolo is currently offering free shipping on some of her items, though sadly within the USA only.

If you would like to see more of her work, visit her Flickr account (which has this really colourful and summery bag)


and check out her blog to see all of her latest creations, including some really pretty rings and pin cushions.

In memory of a gerbil

Today's post is not a very happy one as my little black and white gerbil, Jake, died today. I've had him about 3 1/2 years, which apparently is pretty good going for a gerb.
He had a very happy life and was a bit of a character so we will miss his noisy paper/card munching (as demonstrated!)


So I thought I would feature a handmade gerbil related find, and have just come across this black and white silhouette pendant from Noisy Bird Studio



The store is run by a husband and wife team and they have some really pretty pieces for sale.

Hedgehog in the flowers pendant



As well as a large range of pendants they also create pocket mirrors such as this 'Bird in swirly tree' design. They are a great price at just $5.50. Who said looking good (or at least checking you do) had to be expensive?





Robot pal pocket mirror


Each item from Noisy Bird comes in a gift bag, so is perfect to give as a present. They can also create custom pieces for you.


I also have to mention a website I came across last night called Tween Bots


Creator Kacie explains on the website...

'Tweenbots are human-dependent robots that navigate the city (of NY) with the help of pedestrians they encounter. Rolling at a constant speed, in a straight line, Tweenbots have a destination displayed on a flag, and rely on people they meet to read this flag and to aim them in the right direction to reach their goal.'

There is a brilliant video on the site of one of the little robots trying to get from one side of Washington Park to the other with the help of human intervention. It's amazing to see how many people want to stop and help this happy looking inanimate object on his mission.

Tea Party for Girls

I joined Folksy this week (click on the image on the right to visit my shop) and am really loving it so far. It's so nice to be able to talk to other UK crafters (who talk about things happening in the UK, and therefore things I understand!) and everyone is so friendly and helpful.
On top of that I have even had a few sales already. Yay!

I have spent more time on the forums that I have setting up my shop though :/


So, in support of Folksy and it's lovely people, I am featuring a Folksy seller today. Tea Party for Girls, run by student Sarah, sells the loveliest handmade accessories.

These pretty crocheted red flower hair grips are perfect for spring and at just £3.00 are a bargain!



This pretty Crochet flower brooch is on my favourites list


As well as crocheting, Sarah also sews and is currently selling this unusual asymmetric brown flower clutch bag. I love the contrast of the turquoise ribbon and flower buttons she has used.


These 'She sells sea shells' earrings are made using shells from Cornwall and are great if you are looking for something a little different. The packaging is perfect for giving them as presents as well :)


Sarah is also more than happy to make custom orders, so if you can't find something you like in her shop, drop her an email.
You can also follow Sarah on her blog

Meow Box

Today I have decided to feature a wonderful little online shop I came across a few months ago.
Meow Box Jewellery sells the most delicious looking hand crafted food jewellery alongside cute items from Japanese brands such as Decole, Cram Cream and Swimmer.

How amazing is this chocolate brownie necklace?!. It looks so realistic it's making me hungry!


In fact, everything on the site looks good enough to eat.

Mini donut earrings £7.00 (choice of 6 designs)


Waffle and ice-cream ring £10


And surely the best birthday gift ever, this amazing heart cake and faux pearl necklace


Designer Keynes states
'Making jewellery has been a hobby of mine for around 5 years. It all started with a few beads and charms and selling at Camden Market in London. Through time I have changed my designs and my latest products are miniature food charms including cakes and biscuits for Meow Box Jewellery.'

Alongside her line of miniature food jewellery, Meow Box also sells items from Japanese brands Swimmers, Cram Cream and Decole.

Swimmer bunny card holder


Cram Cream squirrel hand towel




Postage is £3.00 within the UK, £6.00 for International customers or free for orders over £20!

Meow Box jewellery can be bought online at Meow Box.co.uk in the US from Wizard Sleeve Toys or visit Keynes at London Bricklane’s Backyard market on Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm. Her stall is the third on the right hand side.

I'm off to make some brownies...

Wonderland Boutique

Today's find is another Etsy store- Wonderland Boutique, who are based in Wales.

Designer Amy handmakes tote bags, clutches, coin purses and pouches using beautiful colourful fabrics to create 'delicious and distinctive accessories in an amazing array of retro polka-dots, kitsch bows, quirky buttons and vintage florals. It’s sew-a-go-go for me as I look for inspiration from the sweetly kitsch to the effortlessly retro and make them into the perfect accessory just for you.'



This beautiful peony and polka dot print clutch bag is perfect for summer evenings in the pub and a nice size to fit all of your essentials, with a bargainous price of $22.50



If you are looking for something for day to day use, how about this 'Nautical But Nice' pouch and matching tote bag



Prices start from $5 for a purse and shipping is very reasonable, with free shipping for any additional items. Her feedback is impeccable as well, with customers stating how much they love their new purchase and how well made it is-always good!

You can also follow Amy on her blog Wonderland Boutique blog.