Getting my Craft On

I used to be a really crafty person. Every gift and card I gave was handmade and I’d never say no to trying anything. These days I lack the time and motivation to put as much in to arts and crafts but it’s something I will always enjoy and when Sykes Cottages got in touch to let me know about a new campaign they were working on I was eager to get involved.

“At Sykes Cottages we understand that everyone goes on holiday for different reasons. Some people like to go exploring, some like to relax and unwind whilst some like to take the chance to learn a skill or try their hand at something new. Bearing this in mind, we recently worked alongside six very talented craft bloggers to create Simple Crafts: A Guide for Beginners.
Simple Crafts: A Guide for Beginners is an illustrated graphic guide featuring six simple craft tutorials that are easy to make, inexpensive and use little specialist equipment.”

Sykes sent along a really generous package packed full of everything I’d need to try out some of the crafts from the guide as well as some lovely teas and snacks to fuel the creativity. I was especially interested in the jewellery making element so I decided to try out the Spiral Earrings tutorial and also made a charm bracelet from a button craft kit.
I’ve always found working with wire tricky when it comes to jewellery and after many frustrated attempts at getting the perfect spiral (my hand-eye coordination is terrible) I decided to freestyle it and made some very un-spiralled earrings that I still love. This isn’t a fault against the guide though, it’s just me! The instructions are clear and easy to follow and as someone who has done a lot of beadwork in the past I’d say it’s suitable for everyone from complete beginner to prolific beader.

The bracelet was really satisfying to make as this is what I used to do most of when I had the time and patience. I spent a happy couple of hours working on this over the bank holiday weekend and managed to really chill out and escape the stresses of life for a while.

With that, I’ve been reminded just how relaxing creating something new is so I really am going to make more time to do what I love and learn some new skills. Next on my list is candle making with the kit pictured above, I’ll let you know how that turns out!

What are your favourite ways to relax and unwind?

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Spring Monochrome

In a bid to cheer myself up, a few weeks ago I raided my piggy bank and took myself to Primark in search of some new Spring pieces for my wardobe. I had visions of flowing Seventies style dresses with a smattering of prints and colours, but what actually happened was I came away with a bag full of monochrome (and some pretty snazzy PJs).
Top, Culottes & Shoes all Primark
I mentioned before my current obsession with culottes and I was after a plain black pair to wear to work. These cost £8 and are so light and comfortable to wear. Add a smart top and some heeled sandals and you have my ideal Spring office look.

Tops were also a priority item having realised I own plenty of skirts but have very little to pair them with that isn’t either super long or super baggy. These high necked cream top was again £8 I think and a really lovely fit. It also comes in black which I’ll be heading in to get when I’ve been paid again.

The shoes were 100% not something I needed but at £6 I couldn’t leave them be. Actually, I did kind of need some flat shoes that aren’t trainers for out of work and these are super comfy and very out of my comfort zone. I’m always a bit wary of this style of shoe on me due to my feet being more flipper like than human but I think I’ll stick with these- I might even go wild and pick them up in another colour.

So as much as I love my new buys I’m still stuck with a lack of Spring type pieces in my wardobe, I’m going to have to stick more of my life on e-Bay (hello twenty pairs of shoes I’m yet to list) and have another traipse round the shops. I’ve also got a birthday coming up in two weeks and I’m going shopping then, this time I’ll divert myself from the black and white and head towards all things colour!

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Who Wore It?

Each year there are outfits from awards season, tours, movies and every day life that stick in our minds. Dresses seem to be one of the most memorable of these and over the years there have been some real highs, and lows in the world of celebrity fashion. The folks at New Look have come up with a brilliant (and challenging) quiz to test your frock knowledge- can you match these dresses with their Celebrity wearer?

New Look is always one of my go-to shops when I’m looking for an outfit for any occasion and right now they have some exceptionally lovely pieces that are perfect for Prom, a Summer Wedding or a day at the races. I have at least one special occasion on the horizon this coming Summer and *hopefully* I won’t be making it on to any “who wore it?” lists for the wrong reasons!
Leave your quiz scores below, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be, I can’t get past 14!

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The Sailor Dress

I’m trying really, really hard not to shop at the moment. I’m still paying out for driving lessons and trying to put money back for moving out and running a car in the near future. Sometimes though, despite the best of intentions a purchase happens. Especially when you see your perfect casual dress, with free delivery AND a discount code, damn you H&M.

Dress: H&M (here) | Tights: Primark | Boots: Ellos

I know this would have been better styled with bare legs and sandals, but it isn’t quite bare legs and sandals weather yet (for me at least) but I was too impatient to wait to wear this dress. I’ve had a soft spot for nautical style for as far back as I can remember but had never found the perfect sea-worthy dress until now. It was a purchase I could well have done without making, but at £14.99 I couldn’t not get this and it’s the perfect casual dress for weekends- and it’s insanely comfortable and will be perfect for Spring and Summer.

I’m feeling a bit rubbish about my photography again hence so few photos in posts right now. Nothing is quite up to standard when it comes to posing and location. At least now we have longer, lighter days and hopefully better weather I can start thinking outside the box a bit more. To be honest I’ve been feeling pretty rubbish about all aspects of life lately and that’s having a huge knock on effect on everything I enjoy…oh well, the only way is up!

How would you style this dress & what have you just *had* to buy lately?

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Getting Spiritual with lolaandgrace

I’ve always had an affinity with spiritual symbols, perhaps because my nickname was Buddha at school (my surname + being the somewhat rounded child that I was) or perhaps because I spent a great deal of my growing up years learning the art of Judo. Either way there doesn’t have to be a reason, I just love the meaningful images and inner peace they tend to evoke so I was super excited to hear that one of my favourite jewellery brands ever, lolaandgrace were launching a bright and beautiful collection featuring some of the most well known and most loved symbols.
The spiritual collection is due to launch around Mid-April and each piece will be priced at £19.90. I think all of the bracelets and necklaces will be perfect for festival season and long, lazy Summer days (should it ever arrive).

Which is your favourite symbol? It has to be the adorable little laughing buddha for me!

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