What I want to wear!

I've just been paid, after a January that seemed to last forever, yay! Now that my account is at last, not in the red, I'm beginning to eye up lots of clothes I want to buy. Here, sadly are just a few of them!

I love this cardi from Topshop. Apparently this season is all about 1970s style, and this garishly coloured Laura Ashley-esq top makes me smile.


These are unashamedly girly! These would have been my absolute dream shoes at the age of six. Red, patent, and complete with a bow, what more could a girl ask? They'd have blown my Clarks Magic Steps shoes outta the water. I know I'm not six but i still want them. They're from Office btw..
This cardi from Warehouse reminds me of a top my nan once had. It also makes me think of the roaring forties. I want to wear it with a pencil shirt and those tights with the black line up the seam, and do 'the twist' whilst living off rations.

I love these gloves by Donna Wilson. I'm sure they've not been cleared by Clarence House as official merchandise but they do make me laugh!

Valentine's Day slogans

Some people find it hard to express their emotions and some of us just can't quite find the right words to say. If that's you this Valentine's then take a peek at these wonderful ways to basically say...'I bloody love you!'

Chubby lovers

Honest lovers

Lovers of font

Four-eyed lovers

Shy lovers

Either use these as inspiration to make your cards or just click on the links to see where you can buy them. Happy Valentine's to all xxx

Guinea pig wedding

When my friend Dawn announced she was getting married I knew exactly what I wanted to make her. Dawn and her partner Matt had two pet guinea pigs who they loved. Dawn loved her long haired guinea so much that she named it 'dream pig' because it was her dream pet. So I decided if they were getting married, so should the pigs. Don't worry these aren't they're real pigs, I found some extremely life-like toy guinea pigs in a card shop in Barnes, West London. Then I got some netting, and mini silk roses from Hobbycraft to decorate the bride. For the male pig I made his top hat out of black felt and then stuffed it. His tie was just a burgundy ribbon. I even managed to find a scrap of blue lace to make my female pig a little garter! Dawn loved the pigs so much they took pride of place on the cake table at the reception.

Bicycle cupcakes

I'm so impressed with my friend Lauren, she wanted to make her bike-mad boyfriend some two-wheel themed cakes and cleverly created these! After asking my advice (for some reason) I suggested she get some ready rolled white icing to place on the top of her cupcakes and then use icing pens to draw on the bicycles . When she text me this picture I was so proud of her and think these are ace. Well done Miss Kelly xx

Cute clothes

These lovely garments are all new from River Island and despite not having any money after the Christmas blow out I want them all! I'm currently trying to convince myself that this glasses hoodie, Peter Pan dress and lace skirt will be investment buys...Well they will won't they?!

Say I love you with X stitch

To celebrate the birthday of my best friend Anna Duke, (aka The Duke) I gave her this little declaration of my love. The key with any stitch slogan that you wish to put into a frame is to get the frame first! This is essential, trust me, otherwise it's highly unlikely you'll find a suitable sized frame to fit, plus cross stitch always looks better when it's all centred and even. This ornate gold frame was purchased from Laura Ashley for £12 and the only other equipment I needed was 14 count aida in cream, black and red thread, a needle and some scissors.


Cross stitching is so easy, and with the help of these online alphabets you can write any message you like. I'm always on the lookout for new and amusing cross stitch slogans so feel free to post any ideas. Claire x

I am now selling personalised 'I love you' cross stitch slogans on Etsy. Click here for link

I love POP

If you haven't already heard of POP bakery, I'm sure you soon will. The independent bakery set up by 22 year-old Clare O'Connell and her mum is rapidly becoming the new Hummingbird. This is just an example of the many beautiful cakes they offer. This 'Darling' cake is only £35, which is a real bargain, for such a pretty personalised cake. Clare's bakery has been receiving a lot of press lately mainly because of her totally unique cake toppers. These Russian Dolls and bride and groom toppers are an example of some of the quirky designs she produces. The toppers are made out of sponge dipped in icing, and then hand painted with edible paint.


Not only can these be purchased for a mere £2 but the best news is that Clare has just published a book showing you exactly how to make them yourself. I can't wait to my hands on a copy!

I will of course keep you posted as to when the book is out but in the meantime check out the bakery yourself here x

Homemade Christmas decs

When it comes to making my own Christmas decorations I bloody love felt! It's the easiest material to use because it doesn't fray. I like to make to make loads of little decorations at Christmas, but I don't have the time to spend days doing it. So with my trusty sheets of felt I just cut out two sides of whatever shapes I want to make, maybe stuff them, maybe not, (depends how you feel) sew them  together and voila! I made this Father Christmas tache with a bit of ribbon, some cream felt, red thread and a bit fluff for stuffing.

This Christmas poo was a favorite addition to my tree. He was created in the same way as the tache except I sewed on his eyes, glued on his hat, and stitched on smiley face before completely sewing him together.

This tasty little fella was just as easy to make. His beady eyes and buttons, and gingerbread grin were put on first then his two sides were sewn together using two strands of white thread. All of these decorations took no longer than 30 minutes to make. Bring on next Christmas when I can make even more!

Book review: Sew la Tea Do

After very much enjoying Pip Lincolne's last book Meet me at Mike's I was rather excited to get my craft loving hands on her latest offering. Just like her previous book, Sew La Tea Do is filled with tons of quirky ideas for anyone who loves making. From dresses, to quit covers, baby booties and cookies there are plenty of quirky ideas to please any budding contemporary crafter!
The first thing that caught my eye about this book is the cute and quirky vintage styling. The heavyweight matt finish pages reveal pretty home decor montages. This breaks up the flow of the book so it's not just full of patterns, but also offers inspiration on how to display your own homemade treasures. Each project is clearly explained and easy to follow and comes with a full sized pattern. You get a huge pouch at the front filled with patterns meaning you don't have to faff about enlarging them on a photocopier and it's also great value for money.
My favorite idea has to be the fox quilt cover and I can't wait to get started on it. This book is not only beautiful to touch, it's beautiful to look at, with each page you turn you'll be truly inspired to get making.

//Sew La Tea Do is published by Hardie Grant and priced £17.99