DIY's I Want to Try: The Craft Studio Books

I have a whole weekend to myself this week so I am going to lock myself up in my craft room with a long list of projects to get stuck into. The giveaway we are running with 'The Craft Studio' ends tonight so I thought I would highlight some of the projects in the books that I want to have a go at myself. 

My 'We Make Collective' dying kit arrived a couple of weeks ago, so I want to have a go at the dip dye tassels from the pompom and tassels book. I have a ton of little canvas bags that need a bit of cheering up so I want to have a go at printing some up with cute designs. I love these little speech bubble brooches, I think I will have a go at some small ones to add to my growing collection of pin badges and last but not least another dye project. I don't know about you but with the 5p bag charge my totes are getting more use than ever so I am planning on giving some of them a makeover.

There is still time to enter the competition, but hurry it closes tonight (18th March at midnight), head over to our original post to find out how to enter to win all four of these cute books.

I hope you have a fun weekend planned, enjoy!
Sammy xxx

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Monogram Gifts

Letter tags  /  Letter stamp  /  Letter stocking  /  Floral letter  /  Marquee letter  /  Letter pouch     Letter print  /  Letter tag  /  Letter make-up bag  /  letter notes  /  Letter Stocking (DIY)  /  Letter Card

Nothing says 'I bought this just for you' like a gift embellished with the recipients initial. Monograms are a great way to make a gift really personal. These are my pick of the best options around this Christmas. Of course I had to slip in cheeky DIY in there, but adding an initial to an existing gift is also easy to do with a tag or a motif.

How are you getting on with your Christmas gift buying? Are you all done and wrapped or are you just beginning? I'm looking forward to finishing mine off this week, then the wrapping will commence!

Have a great weekend
Sammy xxx


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Christmas Wishlists 2015

It is that time again when people start asking what we have on our wishlists this year, It is a very mixed bag this year for both of us. We are at that age and lucky enough to be able to buy most of the things we need throughout the year so Christmas for us is about those little indulgences that we wouldn't normally buy for ourselves.

H's list
Nesting dolls  /  CYMK badge  /  Casserole dish  /  Blue coast jacket  /  Ceramic Bowl   /  Necklace

I am in love with ceramics right now and especially anything from the Hackney Potter. On a similar theme this concrete necklace from the lovely Rhiannon Palmer, if not the necklace itself then a chance to go on one of her workshops to learn how to make my own! This CYMK pin from our faves Hand Over Your Fairy Cakes has been on my list for ages and these amazing nesting dolls may have to be purchased with any monitory gifts I receive. I think the jacket and the casserole dish speak for themselves, not going to lie, mostly love them because they are blue!

Sammy's List
Scarf  /  Janome Overlocker  /  Kitchenaid  /  Bracelet  /   Sleep Spray  /   Socks  /  Keyring

I have a couple of heavy hitters on my list this year, the first is an overlocker, I have made do with my sewing machines overlocking stitch for so long and now that I am sewing more and more, I think its about time to branch out. And the second is a Kitchenaid mixer in pistachio... a girl can dream! On a more realistic note these cosy cashmere socks and gold tassel key ring from The White Company are just so yummy. H bought me a treat size of the This Works sleep spray last year and I am hoping someone will treat me to the full size this year as I love it. A new star scarf to add to the collection and this cute 'all you need is love' bracelet from Renegade discovery 'Oh Someday' are also being hinted at to my friends and family.

What is on your wishlist this year? Are you wishing for something really special or are you just hoping to spend some time with friends and family?  Are there any crafting goodies we should be adding to our lists??

H and Sammy xxx


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Our Favourite Fabric Shops

This post has been a long time coming! This month was the month that I finally sat down and compiled our list of places we buy the thing we love more than anything else...fabric. You know that H and I both have a love for fabric, print and colour so it is only fair that we share our favourite places to go, to top up our stashes. We would love to know your favourites too, leave them in the comments below...

Makers Month: Designer/Maker Favourites

Monthly favourites time again and this time I am sharing some goodies from my designer/maker treasures that I love the most.

August Favourites

The weird weather month that was August is almost over and that means two things. One that our annual Makers Month is nearly here again and two that is is officially Autumn, my favourite time of year. Lets dive in to some more things I have been loving over the past month

I have been loving this home made granola that I saw on Lily Pebbles blog/vlog. I have never been keen on shop bought cereal, and although I like porridge and granola, it is expensive and usually has dried fruit in, which is not my fave. I have been making myself a batch once a week and having it for breakfast and an occasional snack too.

I have been spending a lot of time on everyone's favourite Pinterest recently, trying to streamline our blog account and build up my shop account too. Head over an follow our blog account or Sew Crafty  too keep up with all the best crafty pins.

In between pinning sessions I have mostly been chained to my sewing machine and I have been loving it. I have been working on a super secret project which has kept me pretty busy, but I hadn't realised how much I missed sitting and sewing.

To anyone who has followed this blog for a while will be aware of addiction to stationery, in particular stick notes, well this month is no different and some of my fave places ( Paperchase and W H Smiths ) are doing a great job of keeping me in supply of really cool note taking equipment.

Hope you are all looking forward to a epic bank holiday weekend, Have a good one what ever you have planned.

Sammy xxx


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June Favourites

Now I know I say this every month but seriously, time flying when your having fun doesn't even cover it! So here are the things that have been floating my boat this month.

May Favourites

May has been a long month, I have had a lot going on and it has been the little things that have made such a difference. If months have colours, for me the colour of May has by far been mint, literally can't get enough of it, as you will see in my selection of favourites.

You all know by now that I am an Essie fan-girl but I may have a new favourite.  I found this range called 'Lottie London' in my local Superdrug recently and I am in love with their collection of nail polish.  My favourite by far is the shade Stay Cool, a beautiful grey lilac, closely followed by Retweet and Spring break. I feel a few more purchases coming on...

This pen holder thingy from Tiger just makes me so happy, it seems a little silly and pointless, but I think that's why I like it so much. And it's minty green/blue colour pop on my desk doesn't hurt either. On a more serious note, my YouTube subscriptions list has become crammed full of vids about planners recently, particularly the lovely Strange and Charmed's Alexis. She makes great planning videos and has some amazing tips and advice for business and productivity too.  She Also has a kick ass Blog, head over and show her some love, tell her I sent you <3

I am still enjoying my Messy box subscription that I reviewed at the beginning of the month and this time I added some extra bits to my delivery in the way of some ink pads and these Messy Pens. I love them and can't stop writing everything with them. My favourite is the 'fine' one, which is about 0.8 if you buy regular fine liners, but it is so much better, the nib is slightly soft and the ink flows so nicely. Well worth having them shipped.

My Stationery obsession continues, I seem to be building quite a collection of cute sellotape dispensers all of a sudden. I love them! These are all by Scotch who make my all time favourite double sided tape too so it must be a sign. Check out my favourite glues and tapes in my post from last year. I even bought a blue version of the pink one for H because I just couldn't resist.

Do you have a stationery obsession? Link me up to your favourite items in the comments. Do you follow any planner addicts online? Tell me your favourites, I can't get enough.

Sammy xxx


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April Monthly Favourites

April is coming to an end, with a distinct lack of April Showers to show for it, which has been lovely, has it been the same where you are? Grab a cuppa or a cheeky ice cream and lets get on with some of my favourites this month.

I have been lusting over the Custard Cream Cushion from Nikki McWillams for the longest time, with no excuse to fit yellow into my colour schemes anywhere in my home! Then my prayers were answered when Nikki announced her classic biscuit cushions in pastel tones and opened a pre order option via her Instagram . I am in love, I ordered Mint and Parma Violet and they are just so gorgeous, I may have to get the pink and blue to complete the set!

East Wick were a company I discovered via our trip to Renegade craft fair this month, I had been searching for a minty scented candle and when I smelt the Peppermint and Eucalyptus at the fair I fell in love. They are natural soy, vegan friendly and come in this super simple classy jar. I have been burning it loads, the fresh smell is so great for spring, I feel a re-purchase coming on very soon.

In a departure from my usual 'Mint Candy Apple' staple spring shade for nail polish I have been loving Essie Stones n' Roses, A gorgeous pastel coral, with this Sech Vite top coat it makes it last for ages and dries super fast, even on my bendy flaky nails.

Say hello to Caboodle Magazine, in my opinion the UK's answer to Frankie! Filled with Yummy fashion layouts, inspirational photography, Pinterest worthy finds and interviews with the young and talented.  I may be a little biased as Sew Crafty has a little advert in these pretty pages but seriously if you like Frankie but yearn for something a little less muted, Caboodle is for you! Order your copy now from the website.

Last but not least, another couple of Renegade purchases in the form of this constellation bracelet from Fleur Caroline and 'We are all mad here' ring from the Silver Shed. I have been wearing both non stop since the fair.

I hope you have had a great April and have some exciting plans for May! What are your faves this month?  If you have blogged about them, link up your posts in the comments below so we can all take a look.  Oh and some of you have asked where my calendar is from, I downloaded it from Lemon Thistle blog.

Have a lovely weekend

Sammy xxx



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March Monthly Favourites

Bye March, Hello April, when did you creep up on us? 

Skincare is not normally something we share here but I just had to mention some beauty products I have been loving this month. Liz Earle Hot Polish Cleanser and Origins Original Skin Serum have been my go-to skin products. I have been using Liz Earle for a while, but the serum is a new addition and I am so happy I picked it up. I have middle aged problem skin and I have found these two are the best combination for keeping my skin as clear as can be.

Another thing that has been helping my skin in this spring weather is drinking lots of water, Something I have not always been very good at. But since investing in a Bobble Jug and Water Bottle it has been so much easier. The bottle filters tap water as you drink it and isn't that the cutest water filter jug you have ever seen. They come in loads of colours too, I have a blue set for home and working out and a pink bottle at work.

My fave Etsy shop this month is Strangely Yours. I am obsessed with this Camera Locket and I love the unique Wedding guest books. I love how detailed and cute her items are.

I am starting a collection of these yummy Accessorize Wallets I can never find them online, but they always have lots when I go in store and they come in loads of awesome colours.

We got sent some Hope and Greenwood treats recently and oh my! They are yummy, the packaging is super cute, vintage style so makes for awesome gifts. I have already put an order in for Easter treats for all our family. My fave was the Butter Almond Crunch, just like eating giant chunks of Daim bar.

What have you been loving this March? Link to your monthly favourites in the comments below

Have a lovely weekend
Sammy xxx


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February Favourites

Monthly favourites time again and this month is an odd bunch I will admit, but worthy all the same.

My strawberry slicer, I know a lot of people will say its a silly gimmick and that I am perfectly capable of chopping my own strawberries, but anything that gets me excited about eating fruit for breakfast is a winner with me.

The powerhouse of blogging that is Dana aka The Wonder Forest has a second blog all about blogging (I can Build a Blog), which I have been a fan of for a while now. When Dana started a YouTube channel last year I was an instant fan. I have been catching up this month and loving her no nonsense advice. I'm just not sure if I am brave enough to put our blog up for review but I love the advice she shares about being a better blogger. 

I picked up this shade of nail polish when I was at Bicester Village last month, not because it was Michael Kors, but because I LOVED the colour. Envy is the perfect Pink/Purple shade with a great formula and a stubby flat brush, Yum!

Accessorize always hit it out of the park with pretty stuff for your tech and this season is no exception.  I was torn between the golden pineapples and this Flamingo... as you can see the flamingo won.

Finding these little beauties in my fave stationary place Fox and Star was a game changer, MT Nano is a handy gadget you use to make neat cuts in your washi tape. It's the little things.

How was your February? What have been your favourites? Are you loving a TV show? Anyone else loving the new season of Suits? Let me know in the comments below.

Have a great weekend, but pop by on Sunday for a little competition....

Sammy xxx


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Our Favourite Posts 2014

2014 is almost over and what a year we have had here on Live it. Love it. Make it. We have more of you reading our blog than ever before and it makes us feel truly humbled that so many of you are enjoying what we share here. We would not get the opportunities that we have had this year if it wasn't for all your support.  Before 2015 gets into full swing we wanted to go back and remember some of our personal favourite posts from the year.

Jan - Understanding a Dress Pattern 
The Series of posts I (Sammy) wrote about how to navigate your way through a paper pattern has been one of our most viewed series this year and one of my favourite to write. Are there any other things like this that you struggle with? Let us know and we might be able to turn it into a post for you.

Feb - Make it: Ginger Biscuits
These biscuits are AMAZING and so simple to make, they had to make it into a top list somewhere. They would make a great Christmas Party something to take too, although be warned, they are rock hard after a day due to the golden syrup in them.  Bake them in the morning and they will be great for that evening.

March - Our Liberty Adventure
In March we got to visit Liberty thanks to the lovely girls of the New Craft Society to hear about Liberty fabrics and have afternoon tea. It was a lovely experience and one we will never forget.

April - Our Tea and Crafting Adventure
We loved going to see the Tea and Crafting workshop space for the first time and have been again since.  In April it was to learn machine embroidery though and it was great fun, we instantly became hooked!

May - Blogtacular
We headed to London for our first blog convention.  We had such an amazing time, got to meet some of our blogging idols and made some lovely new friends.  Despite H and I both being rather poorly all weekend.

June - Our 500th post and OMG we are in Mollie Makes
Well, we couldn't do this without mentioning one of our biggest moments this year.  We got a project featured in Mollie Makes! And an interview too, it's still exciting and we loved being part of it, fingers crossed we can do it again soon.

July - Brush Up Those Blogging Skills
For Me (Sammy) July was all about learning, I shared my favourite Blogging e-courses that I have taken in the past and learnt some new crafts on my road trip to Austria.

August - How we Wear New Look Special
We loved working with New Look and this is one of my (H) favourite How we Wear posts of the year, we look so glam!  Plus we got to work with one of our favourite brands - what's not to like!

September - Make it: Cable Cosy
By far our most popular tutorial of this year and my (Sammy) favourite has to be the cable cosy we made in Makers month. With the help of Dashwood Studio's gorgeous fabric and a need to store all my cables in one place this cosy is my favourite post of the year.

October - Make it: Spooky Spiders and Vampire Bats
Who doesn't love some spiders and bats for Halloween! Such a simple make to decorate the place or just be a fun make with the kids for the time of year.

November - Sew Crafty Online is Now Open
On a personal note (Sammy) opening my shop to a whole new customer base made my November, heck it made my year!  After working on it for so long it was such a relief to have the site go live. We have had such a lovely response and lots of lovely sales.

December - Gift Wrapped
The best part of Christmas for us is the giving of presents and what better way for us to enjoy it, than some amazing gift wrapping.  The gift is just part of it!

Wow! what a year it has been! What have been your highlights from 2014? and what are you looking forward to next year?

H and Sammy xxx


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November Monthly Favourites

I can't believe that it is almost December! This year has just flown by, the last month in particular don't you think? Although it has gone by really fast I do seem to have a ton of favourites to talk about.

At the beginning of the month H and I took a trip to a place we had been dying to visit for the longest time, Sketch. This London restaurant is special, weird and kooky in may ways. We ate in the Gallery restaurant, which is a mesh of several artists and designers collaborative process. Everything from the servers uniforms to the plates and menus have been designed to create a very unique dining experience. I'm sure this place is not for everyone, but we just loved it there. If you are looking to try something a little out of the ordinary I would totally recommend it. We are heading back for afternoon tea very soon.

I am a tea and hot chocolate lover but I also love to mix it up. One of my favourite alternatives is Peanut Hottie, it is like drinking liquid peanut butter! Yummy! And if you like Reeses Peanut butter cups try mixing this with hot chocolate for a special treat in a mug.

My new squirrel pen is just soooo cute, she sits on my desk in pride of place. A purchase from Paperchase on our recent visit, more of a novelty, but actually is really nice to write with too.

Orly bonder rubberised base coat is something I have been trying to get my hands on for a while, I couldn’t find it anywhere near me so I resorted to ordering it online. I wish I hadn’t waited so long. For me with my thin flaky nails, chipped nail polish was just standard.  However since using this even my chippiest of nail vanishes have stayed put. Game changer!

I love scented candles but I can really only burn them in my room where the cats don’t go. Our Bailey is fascinated and has burnt his whiskers and almost his tail on a few occasions, it is just not worth the risk of burning them all over the house as I would like too. We have LED candles for ‘effect’ in the lounge and things but you don’t get the fragrance. Recently I have been loving Glade air and fabric freshener spray and when I saw they had Christmas scents I just had to try. My fave is the Cosy Apple and Cinnamon, so now we can have the look and scent of candles without the risk.

We took our annual trip to Renegade craft fair in London last weekend and as you will have seen if you follow me on Instagram, we did some serious shopping. Some of my fave items (there are so many) was this cute little unicorn necklace from Eclectic Eccentricity and this Seasons eating calendar from Dear Colleen. The Unicorn is obvious but this calendar is awesome in lots of ways. It has been illustrated with gorgeous doodles of fruit and veg, each month has a recipe and when you have finished using the calendar part you can cut it away and use it as a shopping list for the following month’s recipe, Genius!

So December in 2 days, are you ready for Christmas yet? I am putting up my tree today, But I still have a bit of shopping to do, are you all done yet? Let us know in the comments who you have left to buy for, or what your favourites have been this month. 

Sammy xxx

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