Showing posts with label brooches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brooches. Show all posts

Friday, 29 May 2009

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!

Sunday, 3 May 2009

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.