Whimsical and Curious

Colour Inspiration by Bloomsbury

2012-02-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

Portrait of Virginia Woolf by Roger Fry

BLUE AND GREEN
GREEN
The ported fingers of glass hang downwards. The light slides down the
glass, and drops a pool of green. All day long the ten fingers of the
lustre drop green upon the marble. The feathers of parakeets--their harsh
cries--sharp blades of palm trees--green, too; green needles glittering
in the sun. But the hard glass drips on to the marble; the pools hover
above the dessert sand; the camels lurch through them; the pools settle
on the marble; rushes edge them; weeds clog them; here and there a white
blossom; the frog flops over; at night the stars are set there unbroken.
Evening comes, and the shadow sweeps the green over the mantelpiece; the
ruffled surface of ocean. No ships come; the aimless waves sway beneath
the empty sky. It's night; the needles drip blots of blue. The green's
out.
BLUE
The snub-nosed monster rises to the surface and spouts through his blunt
nostrils two columns of water, which, fiery-white in the centre, spray
off into a fringe of blue beads. Strokes of blue line the black tarpaulin
of his hide. Slushing the water through mouth and nostrils he sings,
heavy with water, and the blue closes over him dowsing the polished
pebbles of his eyes. Thrown upon the beach he lies, blunt, obtuse,
shedding dry blue scales. Their metallic blue stains the rusty iron on
the beach. Blue are the ribs of the wrecked rowing boat. A wave rolls
beneath the blue bells. But the cathedral's different, cold, incense
laden, faint blue with the veils of madonnas.

Woolf Short Stories

Miss Marple Scarf

2012-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

I love Miss Marple, I could do a weekly blog post on her.

My sister found this great pattern for a Miss Marple scarf

Skiff Vintage Knitting Patterns

Over my holidays I have been watching a lot of Miss Marple re runs (my favourite Joan Hickson) as well as the new Marple episodes with Julia McKensie. I love the originals that I used to watch on TV but have to admit the remakes have the best sets, props and outfits.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2012-01-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

I guess that mid-January is a little late for my Christmas round up/ first post of the year, but I needed a little extension of my Christmas break,

Christmas was a lovely break and since we had decided on fewer presents (and therefore shopping trips) every-thing became slower, more relaxing and generally more 'christmassy'.

I knitted chains to decorate the living room using cheap left overs of yarn (which were maybe not nice enough for wearables. Whilst I was knitting they reminded me of bright Crayola crayon colours, I can see me knitting more of these for next year.

I managed to pick up a few 'new' vintage decorations to mix in with the one's we have had for years.

My favourites when I was young where the one's with concave areas in them.

I love the idea of mixing every day items in with Christmas decorations to make mini Christmas displays.

I got these little glass bottles from a vintage shop and the handmade ceramic decoration from Yellowstone Boutique Art Gallery.

I handmade the paper decoration from an old book.

I got a set of six cute little french glass Santa glasses, I love that they have little handles.

As I write this the room is filled with the scent of flowers, these are the first hyacinths I have grown from bulb. I managed to pick up some old pretty hyacinth vases. I love these flowers; my Grans sideboard was covered in these vases when I was little.

The almost childlike method of growing of these bulbs appeals to me. Like a school project watching the roots grow in the water - they are also very easy to grow.

The New Year has already brought new things for me to be excited about.

The new series of Sherlock Holmes

The Great Gatsby

Watching the new adaptation of Great Expectations (more of that to come)

The new miniseries of Titanic.

January is always a bit of a haze where days merge into one another, and it seems (to me at least) hard to get into a routine of work.

Hopefully once that is out of the way I can get into regular posts.

So a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year x x x

Glittery Hands from

Sparkle Like You Mean It, Lady Jecca Wordpress

Tea in Bed

2011-11-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been collecting alot of lovely china and little breakfast set items.

I cannot wait to have a winter breakfast tucked up in bed with these, a pretty tiny teapot and toast rack, pale green milk jug and this lovely 30's egg timer.

This plate is part of a set I got, which is dandelion seed heads; but reminds me of fireworks.

This Atomic style shaker spoon will be perfect for adding sugar or cinnamon to pastries.

I just need some spicey latte, an Agatha Christie and a tiny handknitted tea cosy.

I also got this Vintage passport holder to organise my handbag, lots more antique photo's and a small pair of gold hands in the form of a clip.

Christmas Wish List

2011-11-27T04:20:00.000-08:00

Some little things I am loving at the moment.....

Bat inspired knitwear by eleykishimoto

http://www.eleykishimoto.com

A gorgeous vintage crochet doilie/ badger scarf by

lovefromhettyanddave

Amazing knitted creations at

kate-jenkins

Happy stationary at the beautifully titled Hello Sandwich

http://hellosandwich.blogspot.com

A gorgeous postcard scarf to snuggle up in

mahso

Paprerwhites Colour Palette

2011-11-09T03:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the colour palette of some-one's entire shop captures your imagination.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/weatheredsilo

Christmas Castles x

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a little bit in the festive spirit.....

not full wreaths, buying a turkey and it being in the shops already (!)

Just big scarves, snuggling in a fairy light lit den, and pretty lace art.

Ann Woods fabric boats -

I just love, I am sure I have posted these before - so apologies for that.

I can just imagine frost covered sea's and crispy fog.....

And yes please to a palace at the end of my bed.

I also love Su Blackwells beautiful paper works, I have seen her work many times before -

but these lit up works knocked me out.

This just reminds me of The Princess Bride.

Cosy Rooms and Writing Desks

2011-09-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy lately organising Handmade and Vintage Fairs in Staffordshire as well as exhibitiong here,there and every-where.

In the mean time I have found some moments for collecting and sorting out my cosy and work areas.

I love this wire letter I found in a sale, decorated with antique fabric wedding corsages as well as vintage art and penguin book cover cards.....

A vintage vanity case to house a (very few) of my antique letters and photographs.

Below-playing with my camera and new fair poster, based, of course, on a vintage Agatha Christie novel,

I love this 'Don't Forget' note holder I just bought.....

The extra large mug is a 'I Love You More Than Marlon Brando' one

packed full of bright knitting needles.

My little writing desk is getting fuller all the time, as my collections grow..... doll parts and faces,old rulers and scissors, tiny bottles of photo tints, clock parts and shells collected at the beach.

In pride of place my lovely handpainted 'Tea & Scandal' mug.

A Julie Askell card I picked up from the recent Smile exhibition alongside a large pin cushion I made from some 50s fabric.

Oh Buttons

2011-09-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

Some lovely pieces from Hannah at Oh Buttons, I got at one of our Handmade and Vintage Fairs now relaxing in my house!

You can more from Oh Buttons at,

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oh-Buttons/

A gorgeous felt cushion on my bed.....

and a canvas made with vintage fabric brightening up my bathroom x

Illustrations that make me smile.....

2011-08-31T05:31:00.000-07:00

http://ohmycavalier.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohmycavalier

Also loving.....

http://amandaatkins.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/amandaatkins

Lets Build a Den and get on in x

2011-08-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

All sorts of things I want to own, little nooks I want to live in.

Again one of those posts of bits that have been filling my computer - so no links (my bad)

Pretty Inspiration

2011-08-04T02:26:00.000-07:00

Very pretty paintings.....

http://www.kristinvestgard.co.uk/home.php

http://www.anthropologie.eu

'Inspired by The Grand Tour - a trip across Europe enjoyed by young ladies in the 19th century as a finishing course to their educations - this ethereal floral scent evokes rose gardens, high teas and happy accidents. Housed in an inkwell-inspired bottle and topped with a pincushion to enhance the air of Victorian-era romance.'

Some very cute things for today x

Random

2011-07-23T03:40:00.000-07:00

Some things that have been floating round my computer for too long.....

Sorry I don't know where they are all from although theres some Fashion Forestry.....

xxx

Books Etc.....

2011-06-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

My new favourite book - you know some-times you treat yourself to a new book and you just want to run home and snuggle up with it- this is my most recent such purchase.

etcetera etc. by Sibella Court

Seriously buy it.....

Sibella also owns the most amazing little shop

http://www.thesocietyinc.com.au/

I cannot emphasise enough how beautiful this book is, the styling, the photography, the collections, the hand stamped brown paper cover and the smell.....did I mention I loveeeeeeeee this book x

Big happy new book love x

Tea and Scandal

2011-06-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my new range of jewellery as part of my and my sisters new label Tea and Scandal.

Pieces of Tea and Scandals new ranges will be previewing at The Handmade and Vintage Fair we are holding in Newcastle under Lyme on the 19th June, whilst the full range will be showing at The Clothes Show at the NEC Birmingham in December.

The name Tea and Scandal is taken from Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and is a a mixture of vintage crystals, found vintage costume jewellery and handmade pieces.

Handmade felt face brooches, lilac and pink rinses and bee-hives.

Below- Vintage brooches I have redone with original 50s crystals.

Brooches made from antique rulers, pen nibs and vintage 50s crystals.

Works in progress.

Vintage and antique spoons, brooches, sweater clips, crystals and diamante, Lily of the Valley and vintage pin up ladies.

Inspiring Little Things x

2011-06-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Some of my favourite things today.....

Whimsical, cute little figures from Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cheswickcompany?ref=seller_info

Illustrations from

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarmeeCraft?ref=seller_info

Art on old book pages

http://www.etsy.com/people/BlackBaroque?ref=ls_profile

Beautiful tea time silhouettes

http://www.etsy.com/people/BarkingMadArts?ref=ls_profile#

I love the illustrations of the very talented Andrea Kett

http://www.andreakett.co.uk

I want to live here.....

Vintage and Handmade Fair

2011-05-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy lately working on the Handmade and Vintage Fair myself and my sister are organising, it is on the 19th June and you can find more details at

http://staffordshirehandmadeandvintage.blogspot.com/

So between organising the fair, advertising, contacting artists etc..... my blog posting has suffered a little x

Vintage dress shoots, Naughty Alice and Sofia x

2011-05-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

Another long day at my day job......leading to some much needed inspiration searching to kick start me again.

I recently re-bought one of my favourite film trio's The Godfather Triology (on DVD instead of battered VHS).

Which reminded me of the first time I thought Sofia Coppola was amazing.....

Before Marie Antionette, Lost In Translation et al

http://sofiacoppola.tumblr.com/

Straight messy great hair and red lips x

Pretty vintage clothes and disintegrating settings - always a winning combination here to great effect at

http://dakota-rodeo.blogspot.com/

and did I mention she has great hair and is 18.....

Lovely Vivienne Westwood Naughty Alice perfume advert.....

Vintage photoshoots and nice little things x

2011-05-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Some lovely things on a sunny day.....

I just want to live in these clothes.....

http://adore-vintage.blogspot.com/2010/11/vintage-fashion-styling-paisley.html

Amazingly pretty illustrations

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kayotamaishi?ref=pr_shop_more

Cath Kidston gets her magazine shots spot on again.....

I got a magazine with Dita Von Teese's house in.....and swooned a little

Little Bunny x

2011-04-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Lots of little bunny themed love, bunny illustrations and handmade jewellery x

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51214755/little-bunny-ring-oxidized-made-to-order?ref=fp_treasury_2

SarahBirtJewellery

Conquering the Mountain - ORIGINAL Watercolor Painting - 5x7

http://www.etsy.com/people/WaterInMyPaint?ref=ls_profile

I have a set of Belle&Boo postcards pinned onto my wardrobe - I got them from a stockist so never knew who they were by till I stumbled upon her Etsy shop. Every-one I know is being referred to this website for my birthday wish list.

http://www.belleandboo.blogspot.com/

http://www.belleandboo.com/product_info.php?products_id=440

Little Bunnies Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69276398/little-bunnies-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=bunny&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

White Rabbit - Where's Alice Art Print

http://www.etsy.com/shop/corelladesign?ref=seller_info

I Heart It and Tumblr

2011-04-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

New places to find me.....

Some of my favourite things at

http://weheartit.com/whimsicalcurious

A little peak at 5 of my favourite things from we heart it

My other little blog for small things that don't need a big post

http://whimsicalandcurious.tumblr.com/

Lace Mcqueen, Macabre cakestands and Flowering skulls

2011-04-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Lots of things which have been knocking around my computer for a long time.

Unfortunately I don't know where they all came from.....none are mine - so if you know where any of them came from let me know and I will add a link.

Beautiful lace, pretty beige's, art and illustrations, leggy cakestands and vintage style wall hanging.

www.theblackapple.net

vintage fabric crown, silk bow back dress..... gorgeous

Fashion Forestry

Amanda Blake painting

Thrifty Finds x

2011-04-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

Some of my latest thrifty finds.....

Vintage lace, embroidered fabric and another wooden ruler.....

A vintage china rose printed tray, swan pot , sweater clips, Betty's Tearoom teacup, lavender pouch, vintage childrens glasses, old tape measure. and Alice In Wonderland tile.

A pair of diamante sweater pins, a pair of vintage arrow brooches, seagull brooch.....

My old sewing desk - I have been trying to find new bits to put in some of my old glass bell jars and cloche's,

here some tiny shells and a perspex rabbit brooch.

Light up globe, poodle match holder, two swan crochet doilies and mini swan pot.

1950s French poodle ceramic figure.

Old toast rack used as a tidy/letter holder, Banksy coaster, anchor compact mirror, doll made by moi,

Catcher In The Rye one of a set of penguin book cover postcards.

Vintage necklace with face ceramic beads.....

Vintage scarf and russian doll bunting.

Cath Kidston basket, padded mushrooms and Rob Ryan wooden key.

One of my favourite pieces of art done by my old house mate Geoffrey Glee's.

Below - vintage teacups and saucers, pink glass sugar pot and 50s coffee pot.

Handmade padded heart and I Love You More Than Rock n Roll mug (by Emma Bridgewater).

Cake Plate painted by me in my favourite Bridgewater patterns including Sweet Pea, Poppies and Pumpkin.

...

Lacey summer outfit

2011-04-05T07:01:00.001-07:00

Summer Lounging by whimsicalandcurious featuring pleated shorts

Jewellery for The Clothes Show x

2011-04-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

A few little pieces of left over stock from The Clothes Show in a new photoshoot which will be avaliable from www.whimsicalandcurious.com soon.

I am already busy designing new range's for this December as we will be exhibitong at The Clothes Show Live again - this time in the blue zone.

Where The Wild Things Are

2011-04-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Wild Things by whimsicalandcurious featuring graphic tees

TopShop graphic tee
$40 - topshop.com

TopShop leather ankle boot
$145 - topshop.com

Faux fur hat
220 GBP - brownsfashion.com

Tim Walker in a Wonderland

2011-03-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

Just some lovely pastels,

I don't know where these all came from but there are some pastel rinsed kitties and grannies by Tim Walker.....

The above from

"Couture Magic" by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia Couture Supplement March 2005

http://hoickfashion.blogspot.com/2011/03/walker-vs-meisel.html

Above and below more Tim Walker fashion shoots, I am pretty sure the carousel dress is Alexander McQueen.

Tim Walker and Tim Burton

I never cease to be inspired and amazed by Tims fantastical, artistic fashion photography.

Let Them Eat Cake

2011-03-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

Just a ridiculous amount of frou frou artistic cake.....

All these amazing cake curiosities found at
http://www.cakeoperaco.com

Including my favourite The Piratess

'Inspired by Alexandria's long time fascination with 17th Century tall ships, this extraordinary cake evokes feelings of passion, whimsy and romance. Reading more like a story than a cake, this confection seems to welcome numerous interpretations of its meaning. But for Alexandria it is simply a visual anthology of her favorite things; a sensitive colour palette of sea foam green, cream, black & gold, cascading parrot tulips & anemones growing wild, luxurious treasures and a raven haired piratess with her magnificent glittering vessels.'

(Description from cake operaco)

Knitting with Wild Things

2011-03-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

The last week or so I have been really getting into my new range of art works, working on samples and sketchbook renderings of what (I hope) will be larger pieces.

They are very layered, with lots of hidden pieces of letters and photographs, I will be taking photographs later x

Today has also been Flea Market day I came away with hundreds of pen nibs, some hosiery darning thread, a old life drawing and two huge wooden printers drawers with lots of tiny compartments.

I have been doing lots of cleaning, reading, knitting (and wondering if I will ever complete a project), drawing and making samples and so Iam feeling in a girly, thoughtful and reflective mood.....

and also feeling a bit pink and Italic x

ok so bare with me - it's not pink or girlie,

but I loved the film Where the Wild Things Are

it just made me want to run around and get up to all sorts of childish den making childish mischief.....

It also lead me to discover the knitting pattern for this on Ravelry

http://owlinthedark.blogspot.com

who also just has lace and knit photo's that are so gorgeous

A lovely painting at

http://theblackapple.typepad.com/inside_a_black_apple/

and some floaty looks from lookbook

Rooms to wrap up, draw and read in

Love this little floral cabinet and cat cusion

Cosy nooks

not sure where all these are from but I think

http://thesnailandthecyclops.blogspot.com/

http://thecatspajamasblog.blogspot.com

just about covers it.....

Postcards at

http://blog.lobsterandswan.com/2011/02/postcards-from-san-francisco-2/#more-1102

Painted Characters

2011-03-07T05:44:00.000-08:00

Some happy illustrations by Julianna Bright, you can find more of her work at

http://www.juliannabright.com/

or visit her blog at http://www.juliannabright.blogspot.com/

Illustrations and William and Kate tea towel

2011-02-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

Maria Hatling

paintings

Maria Hatling ‘Powder Puff Girls’(top)

http://www.lapinandme.co.uk/special_weddingttowel.htm

Possibly my favourite Wedding merchandise.....

The lovely Zara Wood

http://www.zarawood.com/

Blog Inspiration x

2011-02-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have just spent days at my computer resizing photographs and playing on photoshop for new photographs for whimsicalandcurious.com which I am determined to finish next week.

This was followed by a stressful day at work and the feeling that my day job is seriously destracting me from making work and getting through my considerable to do lists.

So I need cheering up via beautiful blogs x

A great image

http://www.homewoodbound.com/news-blog

Above just a lovely picture and great oufit (again x )

from

http://fashionforestry.blogspot.com

A great bow I really want to knit

http://www.owlinthedark.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65643798/dot-and-me-print-4x6

http://www.paolazakimi.com

My latest polyvore set x

Some beautiful blogs,

http://www.frombetsywithlove.com/blog

http://www.clevernettle.com/blog/

http://hannahandlandon.blogspot.com/

http://rareredbird.blogspot.com/

http://ohmycavalier.bigcartel.com/

collection print

Noir Jewellery loves giant rings x

2011-02-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

I saw this huge Gotham city ring in this months Nylon magazine,

these are all from

http://www.noirjewelry.com/

I am a fool for huge costume jewellery rings x

...

x x x

Knit Bombing

2011-01-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

I have just discovered yarn bombing, I have seen pictures of knit covered phone boxes before but did'nt realise it was quite so wide spread and diverse.

http://considerthelillies09.blogspot.com/2011/01/yarn-bombing.html

Lots more yarn bombing at

http://yarnbombing.com/

as this below

would love to build a Knitted tee pee or den..... so cosy.....

However at the moment I fear a much tinier installation is in my future,

such as.....

Yarn wreaths to make use of left overs.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/katierunnels

Rob Ryan, Vintage knitting, thrifty finds and Baking x

2011-01-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

January is the month for baking, buying pottery, knitting and being addicted to ravelry.

I am generally trying to follow my New Year's resolution of relaxing more.

Rob Ryan exhibition - and can I just say his pieces look even more amazing in the flesh.

Some christmas presents including a Rob Ryan notebook and spinner necklace from my little sis x

A great new vintage crochet table mat and some marbled roses at the end of their lives ready for pressing.

More of my 50s glass collection, vintage dressing gown and a handprinted (by moi) vintage cushion.

A before and after of Mabel (because her face reminds me of Mabel Lucy Attwell). I made her a little dress and hair ties and my sis made her little felt shoes.

She is a 40s/50s doll still with her cryer x

Also my Marlon Brando giant mug housing my knitting needles, and giant pair of keys.

A couple of new charity shop finds in the form of this very battered but pretty old teapot I got for just £2.00 and a hand-made tea cosy.

Todays cake - a coffee and walnut giant cupcake.

One I made earlier chocolate fudge cake - and as I was reading Agatha Christie's 'A Murder Is Announced' at the time I am naming it my Death by Chocolate cake.

I also found on my travels a stack of 40s/50s knitting patterns.....love the covers.....

especially this perfect 'painted' on make-up.

At the moment I am part way through a snood, half done with my vintage style hood, have a little pile of corsages that need buttons and a bow that needs a headband.

But when all that is done there is a bed jacket I have my eye on in this lot x

Sweet Pea plate and some Homemaker x

And now I am off to make Sophie Dahl's chicken stew with olives and dumplings as I am also resolved to actually make use of my cook books.

Holiday Snaps and Vintage Button shop x

2010-12-22T04:08:00.000-08:00

Some holiday snaps of my trip to Whitby, on a day trip to York we found this amazing button shop.

This is the kind of shop I dream about finding I only wish it was closer to my house.

Fortunes kipper smoking house.

Cath Kidston shop in York - with amazing displays. I fell in love with the one off cowboy sofa.

Was so happy to discover this indoor flea market, came away with a green 1940s dress and 40s seagull brooch.

I could have bought an entire new wardrobe - but they only took cash - fortunately.

This Flea Market was in Pickering and was one of the nicest places I have been to.

Every year they have a 1940s style street party, starting at the amazing train station - so all the charity shops are geared towards little vintage finds even if it is a little expensive.

Art, textiles, stationary and a christmas wish list x

2010-12-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I sat with a Hazlenut coffee and went through a large pile of Country Living magazines.

Sifting through lots of great styling shots of peoples homes gave me lots of inspiration,

also a christmas wish list.

Above beautifully charming textile art - found at

http://www.tmogy.com

Salad bowl
Hand decorated with a Brown Hare and soft red star and bluebell pattern
20cms diameter x 9cms height

£39

http://www.scandinavianinteriors.co.uk/products.aspx?categoryid=7

This little button cup would be perfect for a Jasmine tea or next to my sewing machine full of well..... buttons.

http://www.claregage.com/cups.html

I have mentioned Lizzie Allens London themed range before, but focused on her wallpaper.

I love this English/vintage theme and would love this cushion.

http://www.lizzieallen.co.uk

http://www.stjudesprints.co.uk/

carries lots of interesting artists work

...

such as Emily Sutton

http://www.stjudesprints.co.uk/collections/emily-sutton/products/in-praise-of-popular-art

...

http://www.stjudesprints.co.uk/collections/julia-mckenzie

How about a little bit of Rob Ryan for just £28.00

in the form of this tile.

...

In my mind any time of year is a good time for stationary.

http://www.presentandcorrect.com

...

Vintage Knitting and Domesticity at Christmas

2010-12-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

While I was at the Clothes Show I met the lovely Susan Crawford of http://justcallmeruby.blogspot.com.

I bought her book Vintage Gifts to Knit and have already got my head around the knitted corsage brooches. For me knitting from a pattern is tough but she inspired me to have ago and so Iam pathetically proud of the first tiny pieces I have ever knitted from a pattern (pictures of my attempts to follow).

Here is one of the beautiful pieces you could make with her book

A Stitch In Time : Vintage knitting and crochet patterns 1920-1949, Vol. 1.

I got back from the show pretty exhausted - too much so to be able to write a post about how I was feeling but Susan wrote one you can find here

http://justcallmeruby.blogspot.com/2010/12/real-world.html

which pretty sums it all up.

A beautiful book I can dip in and out of all the time is The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brockett of

http://yarnstorm.blogs.com

Every time I read it this book makes me want to make quilts, bake cakes, read literature, go to an Art Gallery, make marshmallow's and generally immerse myself in making time.

Oh and collect a stack of persephone books just for the lovely covers.

I found this picture (above) at

http://domesticali.typepad.com/domesticali/reading-stuff/

Mrs Moon

sitting up in the sky

little old lady

rock-a-bye

with a ball of fading light

and silvery needles

knitting the night

Roger McGough

I can't remember the first time I saw the work of Peter Callesen - quite a few years ago now, I think at the Frieze Art Fair in London.

These paper cut outs are so intricate.

So in the lull after the show, and before christmas - I intend to have a relaxing time, go back to my work desk and back to the beggining of art and making and see where I end up.

The Clothes Show part 1

2010-12-16T03:01:00.000-08:00

Some of my photo's from The Clothes show at the NEC.

Still absolutely exhausted, trying to get back to normal ready for christmas.

Before and after in our space.

Some lovely customers.

Sewing at Oxfam, in a prom dress nache.

This week was very hard work but we met some lovely people.

Favourite Things

2010-11-27T04:01:00.000-08:00

Some of my favourite things this week.....

Some packaging idea's from Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/etsy-success-packaging-for-the-holidays-11171/

Etsy Success: Packaging for the Holidays

How-Tuesday: Doxie Necklace

How to make this very cute necklace below

http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesday-doxie-necklace-11118/

Featured Seller: dadaya

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/featured-seller-dadaya-10417/

Below some of her lovely felted gloves

I love these pez dispenser paintings

http://www.etsy.com/people/Sandymac?ref=ls_profile

And since I woke up to snow this morning some great wintery outfits.

All from lookbook

Styling and Textiles

2010-11-24T07:08:00.000-08:00

Some beautiful images of the work of Stylist and designer Faye Toogood.

Love the teacups and cakes and giant props, which are all a little lost in a Fairy Tale.

Find more of her work at

http://www.studiotoogood.com

Recently I saw some hand embroidered 50's seed pod style pictures at a second hand shop and did not buy them, know I know they will be in my head until I go back to discover they have gone x

I don't know why I do these things.

But in there spirit I stumbled across the work of Angie Lewin her website is

http://www.angielewin.co.uk

Lovely

Its been too long x

2010-11-17T05:14:00.000-08:00

It's been too long, neglected blog - about a month. I have in my defence been incrediably busy getting ready for The Clothes Show.

I have hardly had time for anything and am still panicking about props, furniture, stock, making signs, packaging amongst other things!

Here are a few quick lookbook halloween outfits that have been knocking about in a file for too long now x

Ok well I will try to be back sooner x

If I have not collapsed in a big heap by then.

Japanese Vogue and scarily good 50s style photoshoot.....

2010-10-17T04:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry some of these photo's are not very good quality and I don't know where they all came from.

Most are Japanese Vogue I think or found through a google search of Japanese Stylists/photoshoots.

Tim Walker shoot of Lily Donaldson for Vogue UK March 09

Found at

http://trendland.net/2009/07/04/1950s-fashion-trends/#

Little Trick and Treats

2010-10-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Just back from a weeks holiday and busy making and buying vintage laces and beads from the Flea Market today.

Today I bought 'The Best of Martha Stewart Halloween Handbook',

which has the most amazing American/Fall/Halloween inspired interior and costume designs.

I have always loves America and am wistful for a full month of Halloween activities and decorations and a porch full of hand-made creepies.

After having spent a week in Whitby in October with the start of macabre Halloween festivities in the air, the start of the new series of The Vampire Diaries and the definate feeling of October and Autumn around I am thinking of costume idea's.

Suprisingly I have never been on marthastewart.com, I just wish I could watch her shows.

And here are the new Stephen King brooches I was going to put on before I went away.

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Thinking of Oz x

2010-10-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

I have just picked up another two films from the photo shop, here are a couple of highlights.

A couple of pieces of my trinket jewellery range,

and some of Julia's new book pieces.

There would be some more peaks of new pieces including Stephen King and horror inspired brooches,

but my photo's are loading ridiculously slowly.

At the moment I am working on a range of Wizard of Oz/ Return to Oz Limited Edition jewellery that is hopefully going to different than the usual pieces you see - more on that soon.

I have just bought some beautiful emerald green cracked,twinkling beads to mix in with vintage silk ribbon I found a while ago.

Amelie, sugar mice and petticoats x

2010-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

As we come up to the end of the month - where did that go? - I was thinking about lovely little things.....

Reading Miss Marple, working in my sketchbook, watching 24, waiting for the new series of The Vampire Diaries, buying antique watch faces.....

Some Cameos I have been working on.

I also just finally watched Amelie.....

I don't know why it took so long to get round to, it is such a beautiful film.

I would love this photobooth collection,

but not really as much as this pastel tile floor,

Every shot of this film captures my attention.....

I love her little apartment, the window box full of almost cartoon like green cacti,

cute bikes with baskets, lots of little cakes.....

and pretty scenes of France.

It is odd as i was thinking of doing a mini photoshoot with props and masks in a photobooth,

especially if i could find an older booth.

My head is full of making idea's as I am sure it will be for the next few month's.

I have been making more vintage and trinket jewellery, Mourning Jewellery inspired Cameo and locket pieces, and new collars made from vintage hankie's i found at a fair this week.

I have also been sketching photoshoot idea's I am thinking of

sugar mice
pink fishing nets
glittery lips
petticoats
big silky vintage knickers
Mabel my 40s doll
layered tights and frilly socks with heels
huge eyelashes
touches of circus and dolls in make-up
fortune telling fish

Looking at These Pictures Makes me Happy

2010-09-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

I have found a few new gorgeous artists to fall in love with, be inspired by and generally want to cover my house in.

Sachiko Kanaizumi's amazing drawings and paintings, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and fairy tales and characters in general.

http://sachikokanaizumi.com

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I love Barnaby Barford's twisted ceramics, especially his Private Lives collection, 2008.

http://www.barnabybarford.co.uk

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Amanda Blake's paintings are just the right side of fantasy and imagination for my liking.

http://amandablakeart.blogspot.com/

also just check out her titles - just lovely.

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Today I have been flea market shopping and although it was slim pickings there were some gorgeous bits (although just out of my price range) to inspire my new works.

For the last couple of days i have been experimenting with some new handmade casts and resin jewellery.

So fingers crossed for some bizare cast objects made into jewellery.

The Clothes Show

2010-09-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

So - here it is very exciting news, I have commented a couple of times on an event I had coming up - I will be exhibiting at The Clothes Show Live at the NEC this December!

The combination of my website www.whimsicalandcurious.com and my little sis's www.sewkitsch.co.uk will be exhibiting as Sew Whimsical.

We will be combining handmade wearables with vintage elements for our collaboration range's.

Lots more information coming up as we work towards getting there, we hope you will come and see us in the Sknitch zone.

http://www.clothesshowlive.com/

ABOUT

This December Clothes Show Live launches Sknitch at Birmingham NEC and will be a fantastic and exciting new addition in the hub of Clothes Show Live. Everyone who purchases a ticket to Clothes Show Live will have access to the Sknitch Zone.

WHAT IS SKNITCH?

Sknitch is a new word developed by Clothes Show Live encompassing the activities of sewing, knitting, needlework and stitching.

Folk Foxes

2010-09-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Some Foxy inspiration mainly from Etsy and Topshop.

I have to love a fox in a mask.

Masquerade

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ashleyg?ref=seller_info

Delicious Mini Jane and Fox Share Apples Print

http://www.etsy.com/shop/deliciousink?ref=seller_info

vulpes volpes (fox), 8x10 archival print photograph of girl in animal mask and vintage 1960s beaded gold dress

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pamelaklaffke?ref=seller_info

white fox fixed finger ring 17mm N158
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGardenshop?ref=seller_info

Animal Girls set of 4 large prints 11x16

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IrenaSophia?ref=seller_info

Set of (3) Old West Animal Portraits

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuciusArt?ref=seller_info

Tiny Fox and Forest Studs

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Joannarutter?ref=seller_info

TWO Retro Animal Pillows

http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagejane?ref=seller_info

Topshop Unique.

Topshop.

I don't know where this is from unfortunately, but it's so great I had to include it.

Fashion Inspiration

2010-09-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of random things that have been clogging up my photo files.

Lookbook street fashions.

Folk dress at Topshop

Miu Miu

Lots of random magazine shoots.

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Roll Up

2010-09-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Inspiration for this month - the circus.

Circus performer's, vintage fabric and antique circus performers.

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A circus Polyvore set.

Musty Books

2010-09-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Some antique and vintage books of my own and some 1940s/50s magazine pages found on the internet.

My collection of vintage books includes children's, fairy tales, dressmaking, craft, sewing, cake decorating and illustrated stories.

Also this miniature antique photo album.

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Tim Burton Fashion Shoot

2010-09-05T03:34:00.000-07:00

Some Sunday inspiration in the form of Tim Burton's fashion shoot for Harper's Bazaar.

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/tim-burton-halloween-fashion-1009

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My Life Needs Anthropologie Lounger's

2010-09-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

I have never been to Anthropologie - even though there is now one in London.

When I thought of doing a post about my pieces found at

http://www.anthropologie.eu

I thought I knew what my favourite items would be ... great dresses...like...

...this 50s style shift

gorgeous black number

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amazing bird prints

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only to discover I am in love with there nightwear section especially these rose crops and horse tights.

Yes please x

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Vintage Collections

2010-09-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

I love vintage collections, I imagine rooms stuffed with Royal Memorabilia or snow shakers.

Or these beautiful fluttering vintage bird's found at

apartmenttherapy.com

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Ceramics at sfgirlbybay.blogspot.com

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Framed vintage camera's

apartmenttherapy.com

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Enviable collection of vintage/ retro flasks and lunch boxes

honeydoseattle.com

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Vintage hairslides

velvetstrawberries.typepad.com

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A collection of collections.

http://designismine.blogspot.com/2008_04_06_archive.html

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marthastewart.com

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Kitsch Jewellery

2010-09-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

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I love animal themed and shaped jewellery, I usually go for vintage.

Especially the bunny and carrot rings, how cute would it be to wear these together?

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September Inspiration

2010-09-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

A new month, this year is really flying by especially as I have so much work to do for the up and coming show - more to come on that one.

Been layed up this week so have been hibernating in amongst crochet blankets and stacks of books.

I have managed to make a few cute shift dresses - lots of vintage fabrics and bows,

and also spent some time painting and collaging idea's in my sketchbook.

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Some inspiration from lookbook.nu to start the month...

Lipstick print combined with tutu style skirt.

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Love this shirt and September is the month for tights

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Tea Party

2010-08-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

Lets have a tea party, teacup jewellery, Alice in Wonderland jewellery by Tom Binns, teacup buttons, Tea Time purses, vintage, edible and sexy teacups.

Buttons from Cloth Kits

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teacup wall found at http://wolfeyebrows.wordpress.com

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http://shoppingkiwi.blogspot.com

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http://www.folksy.com/items/388621-Tea-Purse?shop=yes
This Tea Purse is just £5.00

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	Tina Tsang at http://www.undergrowthdesign.com ...

www.myfolklover.typepad.com

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http://www.etsy.com/people/StayGoldMaryRose

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http://tabithaemma.com/

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Edible teacups at family.go.com

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http://sbeulah.onsugar.com/date/2009/12/09
Tom Binns for Disney Couture.

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Jean Shrimpton

2010-08-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Today's quickie inspiration Jean Shrimpton.

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Jewellery/Mini photo shoot

2010-08-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

I picked up another five films from the shop today, another little photo shoot of new hand-made jewellery pieces.

I made a backdrop from a antique wooden box covered in antique black and white photographs,

also some antique doll parts I have collected.

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Here the doll's head is wearing a pair of wolf and pearl earrings.

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My mum's old camera from the 70s, antique cotton spool.

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New range of handmade hats/headpieces layered very thick sturdy felt.

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Doll's head wears teapot brooch as hat x

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Some snaps of my room, my desk with typewriter from my dad and old library lamp from my sister.

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My wall with a 50s hand painted guitar mirror - a present from my sister again.

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I got some lovely close-up's on my light up globe.

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Doll wears earrings and brooch.

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Wolf and button brooch.

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Inspiration x

2010-08-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

Some inspiration from Vogue and Elle magazine's.

Some old collages I found in one of my files.

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Love this photo, especially the ruffle bag and hint of fluro knickers.

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Quirky children's magazine

2010-08-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some reasons why I love http://papier-mache.com.au

It is an on-line children's magazine, but great for adults too!

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Quirky little trends and beautiful photo shoots.
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Lovely illustrations.
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Love this little trend - below.
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Whimsical and Curious . com

2010-08-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days I have been playing around with collages and a new header for my new website

www.whimsicalandcurious.com

I love this new font i found used below

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And today a mini photoshoot of handmade jewellery from the new collection.

Lots more vintage jewellery pieces, vintage and antique trinkets, buttons and watch pieces.

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Above ring and cuff.

Below two larger trinket necklaces, antique spoon brooch, cuff and rings all handmade with love in the UK by moi.

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Below the vintage diamanté bug brooch on this necklace is detachable.

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Vintage polka dot dress and vintage cowboy boots.

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Blowing some bubbles.

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