Makers Month: Adventures & Tea Parties

Hey there, well we are nearly at the end of our Makers Month and today we are chatting to the lovely Joanna from Adventures & Tea Parties about her instagram #ColourMyEveryday project she did for the first time this year.  We thought you lovely lot would like to find out more too and so we had a nosey around for you.

Planners to try for 2017

Hello!!!

We are back!  A nice long break for us, which included lots of family time and both of us getting ill!  So that's always nice, hence the slightly longer absence from you guys!

How are you?  Did you have lots of fun and enjoy eating your way through the fridge?

Merry Christmas

 

So its Christmas, a time for feasting, families, friends and fun.  So we thought we would sign off for Christmas with a little picture from us to wish you all a happy time.

 

Also, if you haven't already, go take a look at our Pin Advent Calendar over on Instagram which showcases some amazing Pins from 2016.  If you don't get any of these for Christmas, then you can always cheer January up with some great Pin buying!

 

Looking forward to seeing what 2017 will bring, we have lots coming up in the pipeline and can't wait to share it all with you.

 

We hope you have an amazing Christmas doing whatever it is you want to do and have a very Happy new Year!

 

We will be around on social media over the holidays, but for the blog, see you on the other-side!

H & Sammy, xxx

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Makers Month: Make it: Embroidery Jewellery by Messy Brunette

We are in full Makers Month swing now and so we thought we would bring you a Guest Tutorial from the very lovely Maura from The Messy Brunette who we came across on one of our many Instagram trawls.  We just love her crafty projects and she has a mean crochet hook to get through all those crochet projects.  For us, Maura decided to share how to make your own Embroidery Jewellery, which is a lovely simple and easy to do in front of the TV or sat in the garden project.  So over to her ...

Make it: Phrase Banner

It's July and so that must mean there are lots of summer parties and fun times ahead right!  The weather here in the UK seems to not be in the party spirit though and so we thought we would make it happen with paper, even if we do have to duck inside when the rain starts!

Lets meet: The Things She Makes

Hi again, its Lets meet time and this month we are having a chat with a fellow blogger, so lets see who it is.

Hello! I'm Sophie from the blog The Things She Makes, where I share the things I make, or at least attempt to!

What was the first thing you remember making?
I was really encouraged to make things when I was younger and had a real range of materials to work with.  I remember making friendship bracelets and pressing flowers a lot and I've always been a card maker - grandparents birthdays in particular meant that I would be making something, whether painting a picture or creating a trinket gift.  I also liked to sew - I had some brilliantly bad attempts at fixing my leggings.  But the first real make I can remember is a little air dry clay flower wrap with dried lavender inside that I made for my Mum.  She still has it!

How did you find your creative side?
I think it's something I realised early on - that I wanted to and enjoyed making 'things, rather than felt I had to do.  If you were to ask my family, I'm sure they'd say I've always been creative.  I get very itchy fingers if I haven't made something in a while and I have many post-it notes and lists of ideas - it's something that I've always done.

What has been your favourite ever make? Whether that be for your business or pleasure – tell us about it.
Usually it's trying out those projects that start as an idea and completely work - often for me, its the process of making rather than the final DIY!  I have been honoured to make the Wedding stationery for a few friends, but my Brother's Wedding stationery has to be my favourite make - I loved every minute of it and seeing it all come together on one of the most important days of his life was pretty amazing.
Otherwise, anything that involves glitter and using my glue gun is always a winner for me.

What are your favourite ways to stay inspired?
The blogging community is hugely inspiring - and so supportive.  I'm also a huge YouTube watcher, Instagram stalker and Pinterest browser.  Anything, a colour, technique, pattern or medium can spark an idea or help me find the solution to something that might not have worked out first time.  If I'm stuck in a rut, looking over the lists of ideas I've previously made or left over materials can usually set me off on a project but I think it's also important to recognise when inspiration isn't there and not force it - a little break can be all that's needed to recharge.

Who are your favourite Designer/Makers right now?
Etsy and Instagram are my favourite place to find new makers. I'm a huge fan of typography at the moment (stationery in general, always!) and it's something that I can practice easily whilst my craft stash is in storage.  My current faves are Old English Company, Violet & Alfie, Elsie & Nell, Sir Albert Co. and Skandi Design.

What crafty item is top of your wishlist?
I'm late to the party, but I've wanted, ummmed and aaahhhhed about an electric cutter machine.  I really need one for all the sweet slogan jumpers, t-shirts and bags I have designed in my head!  I'm still window-shopping on that one though.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Making something - whether small or a large project - is usually my favourite way to relax and if I'm not doing that, I'll be researching or planning for it.  I'm a big coffee drinker, so I love a coffee shop trip and I can spend many an hour walking around HobbyCraft.  Otherwise, I'm visiting friends and family - particularly hanging out my little nephew!

Tell us a bit about what you have coming up?  any little projects you want to tell us about.
At the moment, I am in the middle of my biggest DIY yet - renovating my new home! Expect lots of house-related DIYs on the blog.  The room I'm most excited to start is the office/studio space!

Lovely to hear from Sophie about what she is getting up to and hear more about how she stays creative.  You can also find The Things She makes on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, You tube and Pinterest.  So plenty of places to stalk her!

See you next month!
H & Sammy, xxx

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Let's meet: DaphneRosa

This month we have finally featured the lovely Kate from DaphneRosa.  Her bouquets are just plain beautiful and the perfect alternative to the usual flowers for your special day, especially if like H you have hayfever!  We caught up with Kate after another successful wedding fair and had a chat about what she is up to and what's next!

Highlights of 2015

It's 2016!  How did that happen hey! We thought we would reflect on our 2015 using our #2015bestnine as a starting point.  You may have seen many of these posts on instagram and so we were no different in wanting to find out what you guys thought were our best nine instagram posts of 2015.

What better time then to share some of our highlights of the year!

First up would have to be working with Mollie Makes on some great projects this year including Hot air balloons and fabric houses and Sammy got to do some great stuff with Simply Sewing for her shop Sew Crafty, did you see her Quick gifts to sew booklet? and look out for something else great soon - no spoilers!

Getting to go to Renegade twice this year was pretty cool too, all the craft fairs we go to are pretty ace, but I think I can speak for both of us when I say that Renegade has a special place in both of our hearts.  Just seeing all the very cool designer/makers work out there is brilliant and a great excuse for a few presents for us!  You seem to really enjoy our haul posts on instagram and so this just gives us the best excuse to keep shopping!

Our tutorials are also a highlight for the year, we have made some amazing things, even if we do say so ourselves, Unicorn hobby horse and Yoga Mat seem to be a couple of favourites.  We love to come up with new ideas and help you to make things of your own.  We have got some great ideas coming up too, so again, watch this space!

Our holiday to Barcelona was pretty epic too.  We had been as students way back in the 90's and so it was great to go back and explore.  Next up would definitely have to be a bit more of a relax holiday though I think.  We love cities, but sometimes you need a bit of time with a good book or 5!

We worked with some great brands this year too, from Paperchase and Zazzle through to B&Q and Turtle Mat to name but a few.  Some great bloggers worked with us too and these are all things that we want to do more of in 2016.

So, it looks like some of your favourite instagram posts match our highlights for the year, lets roll on 2016 and see what is in store for us.  Do let us know if you would like us to feature something in particular as we are always happy to find out what you want to learn more about.

H, xxx


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Why We Will be Shopping Independent this Christmas

I feel that we might be hammering in the point at the moment about shopping independent, buying handmade and making this Christmas, but we are not going to stop any time soon!  You might have seen via our Instagram that we have been enjoying all the craft fairs in London these past few weeks, first up was Renegade at the beginning of the month and Sunday, just gone, was Bust Craftacular.

We do love a craft fair as I am sure you will know by now.  But what we really love about them is discovering the people behind the brands who are always so lovely and the individual nature of the work. The best part is that you know all of the money you spend goes towards that designer/maker making more and learning more and experimenting more.  Basically your paying for them to grow, it's not all about factories, profits and margins.

You may have seen the 'Just a Card' campaign, which aims to improve the fortunes of independent businesses and makers, as, if everyone bought just a card, then it could make a real difference to those people who make them.  Cards are so easy to buy and the easy option at a craft fair, so why not aim to start buying handmade rather than production line cards, it could be your 2016 resolution if you don't want to start this Christmas of course!

We thought we should take this time to mention a few new (to us) designer/makers we found at this years fairs.  First up was at Renegade and we loved Monti by Monti with these ace terrariums, Verdantica who 'create bespoke miniature worlds' and Sparrow + Wolf whose cushions Sammy just had to have!

Bust Craftacular was an altogether more colourful set of new (to us) finds, as you can see.  These badge rosettes from dAKOTArAEdUST were super fun and so bright,  then the cute face mitts (do you remember them from being a child!) from Terri Leahy and lastly were these cool patterned trays from Jonna Saarinen. We picked up some awesome gift ideas from both fairs for Christmas and beyond.

 

Another thing we are really enjoying about modern craft fairs at the moment is that they are introducing more workshops as well as stalls into the experience. We took part in a workshop by the lovely Helen Robinson at Bust Craftacular to make Macramé plant holders!  I feel a new craft addiction coming on for both of us, watch out for more of this.  Going back to the 70's is a big trend at the moment and so Macramé was always going to make a comeback!

Another reason we love independent makers, is that they inspire us to try new things, learn more ourselves and have even more beautiful things in our lives!  We just want all the pretty around us all the time!

Are you going to shop independent this Christmas?  Or make your own, have you been inspired to try your hand at something yourself?  Do check out our tutorials in the 'Make it' tab above to give you some inspiration.  Also check out Sammy's post last week and this Friday for a few more handmade gift ideas.

H, xxx

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Makers Month: Instagram Favourites

It is no secret that we LOVE Instagram, and we know we are not alone in trying to find the best accounts to follow on the photo sharing platform. Especially for makers month we have rounded up our favourite designer makers that you should all be following too. Don't forget to follow us @liveit.loveit.makeit We will be Instagraming from the Handmade Fair on Sunday, so you won't want to miss that!

@fallfordiy  /  @luckydipclub /  @puptartlondon

,

 @sketchinc  /  @katerowland  /  @_halloharriet

@flossandmischief   /  @auberginefox  /  @hellopeebles

@rebeccastoner   /  @geo_fleur  /  @emmamargaretillustration 

@jimbobart  /  @themakearcade  /  @alicetams

So they are our faves, who are your fave Instagramers?  Link them up with your account in the comments so we can check them out. Are you off to the Handmade Fair this weekend? If you there on Sunday look out for us and come over and say Hi.

Have a lovely weekend whatever crafty delights you are planning.
Sammy xxx


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H's Sew Photo Hop on Instagram

This month I have been taking part in House of Pinheiro's Sew Photo Hop which has been a month of Instagramming everyday.  It's been a challenge to find a picture for each day's word, but a fun challenge.  It's been great to see what everyone else was getting up to too.  Getting inventive with translating the days tasks into pictures shows all the sides of how I am creative as some of mine were not strictly sewing related.

So from the top left picture it all starts with the list for the month and then each days goes from left to right.

Day 1 - Hello (Introduce yourself) - Just me, this picture was from when I was working in London on the canal side in Kings Cross.

Day 2 - Can't/ won't live without - My sewing box from Sammy.

Day 3 - Colourful - This theatre was made by children at a local primary school for a project I run at work.

Day 4 - Work/play - The blog - always work and play!

Day 5 - Silhouette - My giraffe looks like a cat in the silhouette!

Day 6 - Pattern that changed my life - this purse I bought at a vintage fair which is pretty much the same as one I found in my late grandma's belongings!  We were clearly more alike than I thought.

Day 7 - Sew up close - Putting some darts in a dress to alter it.

Day 8 - Sewing playlist - My eclectic taste in music is always interesting.

Day 9 - Stash - Just a few of the fat quarters I have.

Day 10 - Would exchange closet with - Drew Barrymore, I want to be her!

Day 11 - Bucket list - I don't have one so found this quote instead.

Day 12 - Motivation - Writing notes and this quote!

Day 13 - Sewing space - My sewing space is also my dining room table and workspace in general.

Day 14 - Style - I love the Hoxton Hotel's style - totally me.

Day 15 - Secret corner of shame - underneath my dining room table/workspace is a world of non sorted shame!

Day 16 - Tiny vs Big - Loved this shot at Waterloo station - everyone looks so small.
Day 17 - Proudest Achievement - My friends, my own place, my work and my nieces.
Day 18 - Sewing resolution - To actually make up the patterns I have.
Day 19 - Boldest Fabric - This used to be my Mum's dress, now a skirt.  Love the print.
Day 20 - Learning & Practicing - I love to learn new skills, this was Espadrilles attempt at The Makery in John Lewis, London.
Day 21 - Shades of summer - Bubble friday always happens at work in the summer, makes the summer.
Day 22 - Last thing I made - I made this papercut for work as I am doing a workshop on it.
Day 23 - Favourite sewing technique - I love a straight stitch.
Day 24 - Worst part of sewing - Realising your bobbin thread is no longer there after doing a whole set of stitching!
Day 25 - Behind the seams - The first dress I ever made! Simplicity Pattern 3833.
Day 26 - Labour of love - My sari from my brother's wedding 8 years ago to be made into the Anna Dress.
Day 27 - It's been a while - since I had seen my nieces - now rectified!
Day 28 - Trims & Haberdashery - Bias binding and zips from Sew Crafty.
Day 29 - Eye Level - Making some frozen inspired cupcakes for my niece's first birthday.
Day 30 - Favourite Era - I love the 1960's and 1970's so please don't make me choose!
Day 31 - Last thing I bought - This massive crochet hook for using with my Wool and the Gang t-shirt yarn.

There is a bonus play for tomorrow too of Buttons or Zippers!  Let's see what I get up to then.  Which one to choose!?!

Did you do the Sew Photo Hop?  How did you find it?  I loved checking out what everyone else was doing
and there are so many great new sewers out there to follow on my Instragram.

Hope your having a great Bank Holiday Monday - even if it is a little soggy!
H

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June's Instagram round-up

The end of the month is nearly here and so I thought it was about time for a little Instagram round-up.  If you have been watching our Instagram recently you will know that we took a little break to Barcelona and so that features quite a bit, but who doesn't love holiday pictures!  Also as usual food is a big feature, its a big feature in my life and so it would only be right to show it off.

Make it: Father's Day Gift

It has come around to that time of year in the UK, when it's time for the Dad's in your life to get a bit of a treat.  I thought we could have a bit of a drinking theme for this year, we are all adults afterall.  You can always take a look at our Father's Day coasters from last year if you prefer, but this one is for the lazy/ oh no I forgot amongst you, as it's so quick to do.

You will need: Jars, bottles, mugs any kind of drinking receptacle really (orange bottle - Cargo, clear bottle - Tiger, blue mason jar - Poundworld) and sweets,chocolate, favourite alcohol or any drink Dad likes really.

I went with a colourful theme this year and divided up some skittles so that it made it look like a rainbow in the bottle. If you saw our instagram a few weeks ago you will know that dividing them up seemed to please me! ha, ha, what a life hey!

Once that was done, it was down to choosing some alcohol for the bottle and then buying this great blue coloured Mason Jar from Poundworld, yes really!

I thought the combination would make a great gift.  You can adapt it for the Dad in your life, with chocolates or tea, anything you like really.

What are you going to give Dad this year?  I know that those of you around the world celebrate different times of year, so maybe an idea for your Father's day.

H

This post was in collaboration with Tiger

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Live it: H's Berlin Adventure

Back to reality with a bump today! This time last week I was checking out what Berlin has to offer! So, what better way to combat the back to reality blues than a round-up of what we got up to. Now this will be a whistle stop tour as we did so so much in our 5 days.

June in Instagrams

Hey there all and I hope you are well.  Where does the time go, for it will be July tomorrow and that's half of 2014 done already, crikey!

I thought I would do a June round-up of Instagrams for you today.  I have not done one before, so let us know whether you like them and perhaps we can do more.

From L to R and top to bottom we have:

Our Visit to Biscuiteers for their Icing Lates

Us in Mollie Makes magazine, just a little bit exciting!

The cool moon one night

New trousers and shoes combo

Checking out the Wallace and Gromit Exhibition at MShed in Bristol

Drinks in Bristol for a work trip

Sun and smoothies on a Saturday

Taking photos in the park

Feet in the Flowers

A pretty good mix of images this month and the sunshine definitely helped.  You can follow both me and Sammy on Instagram if you want, just come find us and say hello so we can see what you have been up to.

H

P.S.  Don't forget that today is the last day to enter our giveaway to win a Biscuiteers Book and Apron.  Just check out our post and let us know your favourite biscuit for a chance to win.

Who's Who: Mister Peebles

Our first Who's Who of 2014 is someone that has caught our eye and our hearts, many a time.  Their quirky prints and cards have just that right amount of humour and you may well just recognise Owl Capone further down the page from H's instagram feed!  They have just been stocked in Liberty's too, exciting!!!