Delicate Eccentric

Pick-Me-Up Monday!

2010-08-16T23:15:00.002+01:00

The past couple of weeks I have been cross stitching! I have been a knitter and crocheter for years but never have I picked up cross stitch until now. I saw a magazine with a free kit, it was of a vintage tattoo swallow design, and I fell in love! I had to have it until I realised there was a second design which looked almost like a Cath Kidston style saying "Home Sweet Home" across it. Eventually I decided - I would just have to have both!

I cannot recommend cross stitching enough, not only is it calming and entertaining but you end up with some lovely little items when you're done!

I'm also really crushing on this Cat Bow plate from Urban Outfitters! It is beyond adorable!!

This week I've been listening to [repeatedly!] Lady Antebellum, such beautiful music which definitely appeals to my taste.

Hope you all feel "Picked Up" on this lovely Monday!!

Delicate Eccentric

How About Orange...

2010-08-13T23:31:00.000+01:00

In case you hadn't already realised, my favourite colour is orange. I really love burnt orange, it just makes you think of autumn and leaves, warmth and happiness. So what better blog to feature than How About Orange... which is written by a blogger, Jessica Jones, who also loves orange!!

It's primarily a crafty blog but features a little of everything, and anything orange! There are tutorials, from decorating to sewing, and fabulous little things to buy too!! She also manages to include a number of free downloads like jam labels!!

Her blog is a real all-rounder and, whether you like orange or not, I'm sure you'll love both her writing style and the amazing things she finds!

Delicate Eccentric

Lost At Sea

2010-08-12T21:14:00.001+01:00

I first noticed Lost At Sea on another blog [please don't ask me where because I'm stumped, it was a few weeks ago!] and was in awe of the amazing work they do. Their Etsy shop features so many little jewellery pieces including the Swallow Necklace featured above.

They hail from England [it's always nice to feature a British company!] and hand make all their items with a magnifying glass and tweezers so it's obvious the amount of work that goes in to some of the pieces. They carry both necklaces and pins/brooches but also at times sell cards and homewares. I am in love with the Mini Stag Silhouette Pin as I'm sure most of you are, I mean how could you resist!

They work with solid walnut and dyed wood veneers to create these little gems and are inspired by many things from vintage tattoos to the British countryside. Considering the obvious amount of work that goes into each of the items, especially the Anchor And Heart Patterned Brooch above, they are very reasonably priced!! I would suggest you all pop by and grab one while you can!!

Delicate Eccentric

2010-08-09T15:42:00.002+01:00

Can you believe how fast the week rolls round? Here we are again at another Pick-Me-Up Monday!! I'm just sitting down to enjoy a cup of tea, one of my favourite things in the world. You just can't beat a cup of tea, if your feeling ill, if you're sad, if you're relaxing... it doesn't matter a cup of tea always fits! I drink tea all day, it's even better when it's in a teacup or loose tea made with an infuser, oh there are just too many options!!

Quilted Tea Set by Patchwork Pottery

I have talked about Patchwork Pottery's work on my Tumblr before because their items are delectable! They sell the cutest little teacup pouches with a zipper which says "Tea" on it!

Lantern Fest by Kevin Coffey

How can you not love candles and lanterns?! They are so girlie and pretty and romantic!

I love Megan Washington and this video is so incredible you can't help but be happy watching the intricacy of it!!

Delicate Eccentric

Daily Booth

2010-08-07T14:15:00.000+01:00

Well this morning during a major bout of procrastinating I stumbled [literally stumbled from one website to the next accidentally!] upon DailyBooth. It's a newer site which seems to be taking the internet by storm! It challenges you to just take random pictures of yourself, anytime, anywhere. You can view others pictures on your "dashboard" from which you can watch a live feed as photos from all round the world flow in. My favourite feature [baring in mind I only discovered the site an hour ago!] is the map feature. It too is live and you find yourself flying across the world while you see each new uploaded photo from Florida, Germany, England, Japan.... Amazing!!

You can comment on other people's photos [even if you aren't "friends" with them] and there doesn't appear to be an age limit so you could see anything.

I definitely feel this craze might be the next big thing so it might be worth familiarising yourself with it!!

If you join - you can follow me too if you wish - Just Click Here!

Delicate Eccentric

Happiness Is...

2010-08-06T23:42:00.000+01:00

Welcome to another Feature Friday and this week I'm featuring Happiness Is... which is written by the beautiful Shannon Eileen. I have been following her blog for a while and am always amazed at how much she blogs - if you want a regular blogger you have one in her! It's not just that she blogs a lot but that her blog is quality. It's not just posts and posts of drivel, but every one has me captivated.

Happiness Is... blogger Shannon Eileen wearing the Bugle Boy Dress by Shabby Apple

Even with all the posts telling of wonderful things, with stunning pictures and magical music she still finds times to respond to nearly every comment [and she has a lot there!] and be personal. Each response is like that of a friend, even if you're new - it makes you feel welcomed, drawn into her little nest of happiness.

One thing you can be sure of is that if you're having a bad day and need an injection of happiness, her blog is the place to be. The name says it all!!

Delicate Eccentric

Ruche

2010-08-03T13:07:00.001+01:00

This morning I discovered Ruche who say they are "a modern boutique with a vintage touch" and they're not half wrong!! Their clothes are not only stunning but could be worn every day. Don't get me wrong I love looking through those stores with rails upon rails of cocktail dresses which are dripping with sparkles and gems but how often do we get to wear such things? That's what I love about Ruche, it's beautiful AND wearable! They also have sections for Eco-Friendly clothes and plus size too but my favourite section is the Shop Outfits section.

Each outfit is titled and it's easy to skim through the different styles, like the Gondola Getaway [shown at the top] or the 1920's Remix [shown above], and click to see every item worn - right down to the shoes and earrings!! How much easier could they make it? Their Summer Getaways section gives you a weekend getaway's worth of outfits to suit your style. Shown below is the Romantic Rendezvous collection, so feminine, girlie, light and airy it would almost make you want to book a trip just for the excuse to order it all!!

I couldn't even tell you my favourite item from this shop because there are far, far, too many to choose from. No doubt there is something for everyone, no matter what your style, their prices are reasonable and they ship worldwide!!

Delicate Eccentric

Pick-Me-Up Monday!

2010-08-02T15:53:00.002+01:00

I know for most people Monday is the worst day of the week, the weekend is gone and there is work to be done. It signals the end of another week, another one beginning. I decided Pick-Me-Up Monday is a nice way to start the week, pretty pictures, songs, ideas, thoughts and positive energy... well hopefully!!

I had a HARD weekend, I'm not going to rant and rave and go on about it, the short version is that I was hoping to announce to you all today that I was pregnant, until I started bleeding yesterday. So that was my rotten weekend, but today is another day and another week. If you want to talk to me more about it you can ask anything on formspring.

So onto thing that are happier and cheerier!!

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of travelling by Claudio.Ar

The title of the above photo caught my eye, plus it's such an unusual photo! A song which has helped calm me this weekend, whether you have faith/beliefs or not, has been Hymn by Brooke Fraser. I heard it at the end of a TV show [don't ask me which one because I can't remember!!] and looked up the lyrics. The tune is so soulful I found it extremely uplifting.

And just to finish off, this is a picture I took of the stunning pink peonies I have sitting in my living room at present. I love how full the flowers are and the light pink, plus they are adorning my recycled bottles which makes it all the better!!

I hope you all feel better, or that you had such an amazing weekend that you're still buzzing!!

Delicate Eccentric

The Life Pursuit: San Smith

2010-07-30T13:23:00.000+01:00

It's that time again!! Today I'm featuring San Smith of The Life Pursuit. I only discovered her blog recently and already I'm hooked! Not only is she an incredibly talented artist but she also has an wonderfully cute and addictive personality. Not to mention her gorgeous pink hair and she's beautiful - some people just get it all!!

The first day I came across her blog I sat and watched her live demo [which airs on a Friday] as she drew an illustrative Kiki's Delivery Service picture. To be able to see her creating this amazing picture with such poise and elegance was unreal!!

She also features a number of craft tutorials from cookies to painting and still finds time to sell her goods via her shop!

You will be missing out if you don't check out her blog!

Delicate Eccentric

Darrielles Clay Art

2010-07-27T22:07:00.000+01:00

I stumbled across a picture of a bowl with yarn in it and strangely a space for the yarn to thread through to allow you to knit or crochet while keeping the ball in one place. What a great invention!! I love this innovative idea, I always have balls of wool flying around the floor and I know I should just wind them into a centre ball pull but sometimes I'm just too lazy!!! Darrielles Clay Art doesn't just sell yarn bowls but also ring holders, cups, bowls and so much more!

I'm also scarily in love with this little plant pot, the attention to detail with the little white birds atop a blue pot is just stunning!! There is also a heart-shaped bowl which has the same little birds, they look like they're in love!

I couldn't finish this post without showing you these sweet little trays which feature a lace design and are coloured in a misty minty green! They are so darling although I don't know if I would want to melt candles on them because the pattern is so pretty!!! According to Darrielle's Etsy shop she has been working with clay for over 20 years, there's no wonder her work is so delicate, interesting and divine!!

Delicate Eccentric

Who Do You Think You Are?

2010-07-25T22:58:00.000+01:00

Myself and my daughter when she was about 11 months!

A few days ago Susannah Bean had posted a great little personality quiz which she found on another blog. She had said the results were really accurate and asked if others took the test to link her to their results to see what they thought. I thought it was scarily accurate too!!

Your view on yourself:

Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
The seriousness of your love:

Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.
Your views on education

Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.
The right job for you:

You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
How do you view success:

You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you.
Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

There was also a further part if you click "Give Me More"

You are a very serious person. You tend to be quiet and well behaved, and you don't have a great deal of self-confidence. You prefer to be alone rather than with friends and that could make you a little less interesting to certain types of guys. You are very attractive in an individual kind of way, and this means it can take people a little while to get to like you.

You really care about other people's feelings and are quite serious about the issues that affect your life. You are sincere, and your concern for the well-being of others makes many people want to be your friend.

You strictly follow rules, and you expect other people to be the same as well. People can get tired of you easily, as you can make them feel a little guilty about themselves. You always make decisions on your own, and can be dismissive of other people's advice. You like to be the leader in groups, but can forget to be concerned about the people you are with.

Guys see you as being a thinker and a careful person. They will be really attracted to this quality in you, but you need to learn to speak your mind, otherwise people will find you too shy and quiet. Learn to relax and lighten up--it's okay to have fun sometimes. When you learn to develop your fun-loving side, guys are going to flock to your side.

Your boyfriend believes that you are a strong and independent person. Your confidence and cheerfulness make you an attractive person to be around, but sometimes you need to pay more attention to what other people, including your boyfriend, are thinking.

I think it's one of those quizzes that you need to go with your first instinct, your gut reaction to the question, to get accurate results. There are further parts to the quiz as well if you have the time and inclination to continue!

If you do take the quiz either paste your results or a link to your results as a comment and tell me if you thought it was accurate!!

Delicate Eccentric

Blog Swap on Swap-Bot

2010-07-24T22:18:00.001+01:00

I love swap-bot and this week I found this wonderful little swap created by ~TrainMama~ to swap blogs and give us a glimpse at others we may not have otherwise found!

The first blog I read was Olivia Arrow who is an extraordinary artist, so much so that I was looking at a gorgeous ATC of a Native American "Kickapoo" woman which I thought she had bought but had made herself! She also has some tasty looking vegetables that I would quite like a bite of!

Next up we have Jessica's blog called My Scrappy Corner which features so many stunning scrap book pages. My scrap book looks horrendous in comparison!! She has a real eye for colour and patterns and the photos she uses and beautiful as well!!

Alfie's blog - The Craft Pad - is more of a showcase for her amazingly professional products, I'm particularly interested in the Cookie Cutter Gift sets she was selling at the Bang! craft show.

Vintage Terrace "2" is run by Coleen and she seems to be a girl after my own heart. In between her lovely crafts are flowers. Like most women, I love flowers especially lilys which there are plenty of!

Tallys Treasury does exactly what it says on the tin, not only is Tally fiercely articulate she is also scarily innovative with all the craft tutorials she posts. I could not stop reading and can't wait to finish this post so I can go back and add some more to my list!! Her girlie tshirt is just what I need, as were the cassette tape notebooks!! Want Want Want!

Yvonne's blog "A day in the life" gives you a glimpse into her world. It's a personal blog containing lots of different thoughts on her favourite books, movies and the fact her school has it's own Wiki page!!

Lucky XIII Creations has a talented hand in every jar. Every post seems to feature a different craft which she's turned her hand to and successfully mastered!! Plus her little Totoro is so cute [Love Totoro!!].

Shelby blogs about her life as a mother... their Simply Crazy Life! It's very personal and very touching, plus her kids are totally adorable!!!

Any girl on the search for a perfect shoe gets my vote and right now my vote goes to Dissolved girl [who also has the same name, slightly different spelling, as my daughter!!]. I also love the gorgeous bag she made for a different swap!!

Another personal blog, this time by Sarah, as she makes her way towards every girls dream - her wedding day!! She shares her thoughts and ideas on her blog and I'm still drooling thinking about the cakes she posted!!!

I hope you all enjoy these lovely blogs!!

Delicate Eccentric

Feature Friday!

2010-07-23T15:00:00.000+01:00

I read a lot of blogs, sometimes I have 50-100 new blogs posts to read every day! I feel so inspired by all the different backgrounds and places these people come from I thought I would pay my respects to them by featuring a different blog each Friday. Hence - Feature Friday!

This week I'm featuring Susannah Bean. This girl has a beautiful face, an eye for beautiful dresses, an articulate mind and a hand for making the most stunning hand-made items for sale in her Etsy store.

Susannah is so down to earth and grounded, she talks about her personal life in a way that makes you wish you could be part of it, to be on that fishing trip or at the Civil War day!! She's very open about her insecurities which, while all of us girls/women have them, we don't normally feel comfortable with but she does it in such a way that I feel empowered and stronger as a woman, that I'm not alone in how I feel.

I honestly think that Susannah is a beautiful person, inside and out, and I love reading her blog every day.

Delicate Eccentric

blah to TADA!

2010-07-23T01:21:00.001+01:00

I spent about an hour going through Claire's amazing blog - Blah to TADA! - don't even take my word for it, just get over there. Claire has such an eye for detail it's unreal, she recycles [or upcycles] so many things into beautiful creations. Her creativity is evident over every page. The picture above shows crayons which had all been broken, so she melted them down, then poured them into an Ikea ice-cube tray and allowed them to harden as heart-shaped crayons!!! I know my little girl would just love them!

How about this? Using old eye-shadow with glue as paint to make exotic looking stationary! If you are anything like me you have a tonne of old eye-shadow you never wear sitting in a drawer which is more stale than Tutankhamen!! There is no way I could list all the things she makes/recycles/upcycles, it really is on another level. If you have anything left over - even toilet roll tubes - she could show you how to make headband or bracelet stands to display your jewellery!!

Delicate Eccentric

Trudi Canavan

2010-07-21T23:06:00.004+01:00

My favourite books in the whole world are The Age Of The Five Trilogy. I read the first two at great speed, picked up the third [The Voice Of The Gods] and refused to read more than half because I can't bear the fact that the story will be over. There are so many twists and turns, just when you think you know what's happening, everything turns on it's head and leaves you reeling. I cannot say enough about these books. Trudi Canavan's first trilogy was the Black Magician's Trilogy.

The prequel to the initial trilogy came out in 2009, The Magician's Apprentice, although I haven't read it yet as I recently bought the 1st book in her newest trilogy which is the sequel to the Black Magician's Trilogy!! The Traitor Spy Trilogy [as it is known] takes place a generation later than the previous trilogy and the second and third books in this trilogy will be released in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Trudi Canavan is definitely one to watch!!

Delicate Eccentric

Brat & Suzie

2010-07-15T13:23:00.004+01:00

I saw this kitty [with a bow-tie!] shirt a couple of days ago online and fell in love. How could you resist it?! It's by a company called Brat & Suzie and they have such a funky range of clothes. The kitty also comes on a vest style top as well as a pink tshirt. Perhaps you'd prefer a Pirate Cat crop tshirt instead?

Brat & Suzie are a British company and are a collaboration between Designer Polly Vickery and Illustrator Louise Boulter. They create such unique original designs that you're bound to find something you fall in love with instantly! If you're into the crop style but not into kitties they also have countless other animal illustrations including the Owl Doll which features 4 owl matryoshka [or nesting] dolls. I think, personally, this is my favourite design.

Delicate Eccentric

Cath Kidston

2010-07-13T18:50:00.000+01:00

Cath Kidston is world renowned for her gorgeous floral fabrics, stunning home-wares and beautiful bags. What I didn't know [and maybe you won't either!] is she also has a lovely range of knitting and sewing accessories. The picture above shows the Small House Sewing Basket which is perfect for a child's storage or for some smaller pieces you might own. The interior is a pink polka dot and there is a compartmentalised tray inside to help keep things organised and it's a steal at just £35.

If this isn't to your taste maybe you'd prefer the Mini Dot Floral Sewing Tin which comes complete with 6 spools of thread and a paper needle case containing 8 needles! Not only that, it's also in the sale at the moment for just £10!! My mind is going crazy thinking of the million and one uses for that gorgeous tin!!!

Delicate Eccentric

Cross Stitcher Magazine

2010-07-11T21:59:00.002+01:00

I'm sure many people are glued to their sofa at this current moment in time while the Netherlands play Spain in the World Cup Final. I have spent the match getting to grips with cross stitch. Although I taught myself to knit about 5 years ago and then how to crochet last year [how wonderful the tutorials are on the internet!!] I've never attempted cross stitch before. Browsing the craft magazines in one of my local shops the other day I saw this free kit with the Crossstitcher magazine [actually if I'm honest they were 2 kits and I had to have them both!]. The retro tattoo-style swallow was so cute and not too big I thought "I can do this!" and really I couldn't believe how easy it was - maybe my knitting/crochet brain helped! I'm enjoying it so much I can't put it down, I just want it finished so I can frame it. I have always been fond of quick projects - I think the instant gratification side of me craves it. The other kit is called "Home Sweet Home" by Angela Poole which is too adorable for words!!

As I type, Spain have just scored!! Yay.. okay so the only reason I have been supporting Spain [since England were knocked out] is because Fernando Torres [drools!!] plays for them!! He's as adorable as the cross stitch, well back to it I must go!

Delicate Eccentric

The Dainty Squid

2010-07-10T22:08:00.001+01:00

You definitely have to get over to The Dainty Squid for her latest giveaway!! These amazing tshirts from Deadworry are up for grabs!! All you have to do is leave a comment with your favourite item from deadworry.... easier said than done... trust me!!

Enjoy!

Delicate Eccentric

Marzipan Cinnamon Cookies

2010-07-05T17:33:00.000+01:00

This morning I decide to make some Marzipan Cookies from my "Baking" book which had been on sale in Ikea. It doesn't sound like a very exciting book but there are so many tasty muffins, cookies and cupcakes in it, it's hard to read through it without wanting to make everything! Last week I had bought some "ready-rolled Marzipan", again just because it was on sale, even though I had nothing to use it for. When I saw this recipe I knew I had to make them, last week I made chocolate chip doughnuts from the same book and they were lovely. So I got all my ingredients out this morning and away I went!

Here are the cookies, pre-baking, looking quite dark because of the brown sugar in them. I was also supposed to grate chocolate over the marzipan [which I'm sure shouldn't have been as much as I used but I didn't measure it I just cut smaller circles out!] inside but as I had none I just put the marzipan in alone!! The end cookies are also supposed to have white chocolate drizzled over them but again, my cupboards were devoid of chocolate to I settled for cinnamon which actually worked really well!!
Just in case you fancy your hand at these yummy cookies I thought I would throw in the recipe for you!

Marzipan Cookies

Makes 12

150g butter

150g brown sugar

1 egg

250g flour

100g marzipan

100g grated chocolate

80g white cooking chocolate

Prep. time: about 45 minutes

930 kcal/3906 kj

P 15g, F 49g, C 108g

1. Preheat the oven to 190c/375f/gas mark 5. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the egg and then mix in the flour.

3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough about 5mm thick. Cut out circles of approx. 8cm/3in. [I just used my hands to flatten it and a glass to cut circles and guessed the size!]

4. Place half of the dough circles on the baking tray; place a piece of marzipan on top of each and sprinkle with grated chocolate. Cover each with a second circle of dough.

5. Firmly press the edges of the filled cookies together and bake for about 10-12 minutes in the centre of the oven. Cool and garnish with melted white cooking chocolate. [Like I said, I just used a sprinkle of cinnamon here!]

Hope you all enjoy!

Delicate Eccentric

The Old Post Office, Lisbane

2010-07-03T00:07:00.002+01:00

I thought for a change I would blog about somewhere local, The Old Post Office in Lisbane. This gorgeous little place is only about 5 minutes drive from my little country cottage. It's an old post office but has been converted into a tea room and gift shop. It has so many original features like the thatched roof you can see in the picture above and the old-style fire places and low ceilings inside. They serve the most delicious home-made food, their jacket potatoes were the size of my head and I had a sampled a drool-worthy cinnamon scone!!

The gift shop was so stunning with a selection of to-die-for cards, journals, jewellery and cups. They had all those little "I just can't live without" items that you just have to have. I got a stunning journal with lined pages with a quote on the front:

Dance as though no one is watching you,

Love as though you have never been hurt before,

Sing as though no on can hear you

live as though heaven is on earth.

~ Souza

I also snagged some notecards which was a set of 10 Roger La Borde note cards, five of which featured hedgehogs and the other 5 had owls so of course I had to have them!!

The seating area outside is just as lovely with as many flowers as you can imagine. All in all, it's a little gem in the middle of the countryside and if you're ever in Northern Ireland you have to visit!!

Delicate Eccentric

Fred Flare

2010-07-01T00:50:00.001+01:00

It would be very easy to spend all day [and night!] on Fred Flare as there are so many items to browse. The set of three Babushkup Nesting Glasses will only set you back a mere $20 and they fit inside each other the same way any nesting doll would! Not only are they adorably cute, they also save space and add a little colour to your life!

As if the glasses weren't cute enough you can also get this cutesy Nesting Doll tape [it also comes in a coloured grid design but how can you resist those little doll faces!]. At only $10 for over 75ft of tape imagine all the boxes you could tape up or if you're feeling really risqué you could give your bedroom a makeover with it!! So many uses, from making cards to using in a scrapbook, I'm sure the 75ft wouldn't last long in my hands!

I couldn't sign off without sharing this gorgeous beaded Zanzibar bib necklace which wouldn't fail to complete any outfit. With its stunning orange and turquoise beads, and ribbon tie, it's so feminine and yet definitely makes a statement. I can't imagine anyone wearing this out and not getting a head-swelling amount of compliments!

Delicate Eccentric

Catkin Collection

2010-06-29T16:37:00.000+01:00

It took me at least an hour to browse the intimate collection on the Catkin Collection website because everything was so beautiful I wasn't sure what pieces to share. I couldn't resist this gorgeous Owls Print by Hannah Waldron which is a limited edition piece of just 20! The colours are so unusual [my two favourite colours would be orange and yellow!] and it would make a beautiful centrepiece on a wall!

Sticking with the owl theme [oh how much I love owls!!!] are the Petit Collage notecards which are eco-friendly and come in the stunning keepsake box you seem them in above. There are 4 different cards; an owl, a rabbit, a squirrel and 2 blue birds. The set is a box of 20 cards and envelopes so you could even keep a couple to frame for a kiddies bedroom or to brighten a dark study!!

Last, but definitely not least, is this interesting and colourful porcelain wallpaper. While very pricey [at £120!] it saves a lot of work searching through antique stores for those vintage plates to create the effect. It's also a good replacement if you like the porcelain plate decor but have little hands [or feet!] in the area! It's made by a Dutch company called Studio Ditte who also make other interesting wallpapers which would be well suited to a feature wall.

Delicate Eccentric

Moulin Roty

2010-06-28T14:24:00.000+01:00

Being a regular Tumblr addict I come across some really pretty pictures of items that I would love but have no idea where they came from. This happened this morning when I came across this picture. I had to know... where was it from? Who had created this beautiful little set? A couple of Google searches later and I found Moulin Roty. They seem to strive to recreate our childhood memories, those vintage style toys you would love your children to have but can only find the same electronic [supposedly educational], beeping, noisy and mostly annoying piece of plastic. So I was very excited to look through their range and see none of those. Above you can see their Sewing Suitcase, although I felt it was more knitting and sewing, which has everything from a French knitting dolly right down to the thread and yarn. All the items come contained in the beautiful, sturdy, vintage-style suitcase and can be purchased for £35 from a range of suppliers including a beautiful store called Cottontails.

For the little man [or tomboy!] in your life they also have this Wooden Toolbox for £19. I saw this and the memories came flooding back from my own childhood as my younger sister had this exact set!! I remember her cutting branches with the saw [which is sharp enough so keep your eyes on any young ones using this!] and they do recommend that this set is not given to anyone younger than six. I think any child could have fun with either of these sets or with the others which include a Grand Family Tea Set [£42], a Patisserie Baking Set [£53], a Gardener's Gift Box [£51] and the Crockery Supper Set [£66]. Even if none of these are to your taste there are so many other little gems including kiddie's vintage-style writing desks and cuddly toys - there really is something for everyone!

Delicate Eccentric

Nord

2010-06-26T01:34:00.001+01:00

If money is no object then you'll definitely want to check out Nord. It's very clear that their inspiration comes from nature, whether it's animal prints or trees. The owl cushion [shown above] can be bought from Nordic Elements for a mere £87!! If only money were that free and easy in current times. I'm also rather endeered [oh the puns are flying now!] with this lovely stag bedding set

The pillow with the bedding set shows a short history of the animal in Danish, and English on the reverse. It will set you back £89 and is also available from Nordic Elements. Your conscience can also rest in peace as Nord, being as in love with the environment as they are, want to protect nature and choose organic and sustainable materials while not losing out on beauty or functionality.

Delicate Eccentric

Jurgen Lehl

2010-06-25T01:42:00.001+01:00

These gorgeous hanging vases are made by Jurgen Lehl [via Happiness is...]. They make an unusual decoration for the wall as well as being highly practical.
According to Remodelista Daily

Tokyo-based Jurgen Lehl—a German who has lived in Japan for several decades—is a textile and fashion designer; he also offers a range of housewares under the Babaghuri line, including these Handblown Glass Vases suspended from rope that is handmade from the bark of the Japanese lime tree. The vases cost around $90 each, depending on design, and are available from Analogue Life.

Delicate Eccentric

Kitchen Gardeners

2010-06-22T20:12:00.001+01:00

Since having my daughter I've been even more eco-friendly than I was before. I like to think that any little bit I can do is protecting the planet for her lifetime, not just my own. I had a great week this week, in that, both my pepper [capsicum] plant and strawberry plant grew their first fruit/vegetable!! I imagined that these two plants sitting on my kitchen windowsill would be brown and dried by now but I've been very good in keeping them watered, particularly recently when there has been a bit of a heatwave, and cleared of dead leaves.

The Kitchen Gardeners have a great website to help turn your kitchen [balcony, small garden... whatever area you're working with!] into an Eco-Friendly Goddess' dream! Their challenge is to "Feed more people healthier food while preserving and enhancing the health of the planet". They're non-profit and have loads of information to help you on your way as well as forums, groups and blogs to tell you everything you needed to know! They don't stop there, when you have grown your own produce they also have a myriad of recipes so you know what to do with them!

I also want to draw your attention to the fact that it's Recycle Week [21st - 27th June] and it's the perfect opportunity to clear out your cupboard, the shed or attic and give any old, broken or unwanted small electricals the chance to be useful again.

Three out of every four of us have at least one old or unused electrical item in our home which could be recycled to help save precious resources. Many of these items contain important plastics and metals that can be recycled to make new products. For example, just one toaster can provide enough steel to make 25 new cans.

Delicate Eccentric

Pretty Ditty

2010-06-17T22:06:00.002+01:00

Jamie Christina, of Pretty Ditty, is obscenely talented and not only sells dresses [like the one shown above] but also aprons in a similar style - think 1950's housewife. She also has a number of tutorials and sewing patterns for you to make your own but why bother when you can get someone as talented as Jamie to custom make you one! Jamie also sells capelets, hooded scarves and cute, retro peg dolls!

Delicate Eccentric

QFD Creative

2010-06-17T18:15:00.007+01:00

One thing I have a massive problem with in my beautiful little country cottage is storage. I don't think it helps that I have a 15 month old daughter! There always seems to be a lone sock or ball of yarn lying out of place or being trailed behind a pair of toddler's legs. Although I have come to accept that this is part of my life now I would so love to have one of those homes that is perfectly organised no matter what, that if someone turned up unexpectedly, I wouldn't be blushing and casually trying to kick the pile of papers under the sofa.

Coming across this stunning little stationary storage pattern may well help! It won't solve all my earthly problems, but then... what will? This is definitely one to sit down and make. Aside from the beautiful choice of fabrics it's approximately 47cm X 24.5cm [when open] which means it's big enough that you could find multiple uses for it!

To check out this pattern, and many others, along with other tutorials, shopping and inspiration visit QFD Creative.

Delicate Eccentric

Blog Lovin'

2010-06-16T23:37:00.008+01:00

This is a great little site that allows you to find other blogs that could interest you as well as helping you gain more traffic for your own blog!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Delicate Eccentric

The Haby Goddess

2010-06-16T23:32:00.006+01:00

Among the gorgeous items in this online haberdashery shop, The Haby Goddess, are the Sweetie Petite Sew Kits. There are 4 different dolls, each with their own little friend, and they come with everything needed to make them. I'm also totally in love with the Be Be Bold Lunch Box Bag Kits [shown below].

Although they're advertised as "For Your Little One" I'm sure there are many mamas [myself included!!] who would fight their offspring for these beautiful lunch bags!

As well as the "kits" there are also many of the items you would expect to find in a haberdashery like buttons, yarn, fabric, transfers and some lovely hand-made bias binding.

Delicate Eccentric

Origami Jewellery

2010-05-20T21:54:00.008+01:00

I know what you're thinking.... it looks like real origami, doesn't it? I think anyone would be bowled over by this innovative idea. Origami Jewellery have, for your viewing and/or buying pleasure, a number of different designs showing a wolf/dog necklace [as shown above] the ever popular "crane" design, a pegasus, a rabbit and a stag amongst others. Their newest line even includes colour, as shown below on the stag.

Delicate Eccentric

Me Me Me

2010-05-14T18:37:00.010+01:00

I haven't seen such simple, effective, beautiful jewellery in a long time. Fortunately, today, I stumbled across Me Me Me who make jewellery using porcelain on a sterling silver chain. The range covers bunnies, birds, wings, bows as well as the odd skull and dolls arm for those looking for something a little edgier. They carry brooches, earrings and necklaces but it's the necklaces that I have really fallen for. I am 100% in love with the bird necklace which comes in brown, blue pink or white and also has a star or heart dangling delicately below it.

Delicate Eccentric

Little Pink House

2010-05-14T14:33:00.003+01:00

Little Pink House is a beautiful little shop on Etsy where Melissa Crowe creates these darling hand-made embroidered pictures. Each one is customised and made to the specifications of the buyer. Featured above is "Tavi's Forest" made for a little boy's room in Switzerland. Melissa calls her pictures "feltscapes" because they are all created from felt. The amount of time and effort she goes to, to create these beauties doesn't even bear thinking about. The talent and detail, obvious in the feltscapes, of Melissa is one to only be dreamt of. I suggest you get over to her Etsy shop and grab one for your wall, pronto!!

Delicate Eccentric

Urban Outfitters

2010-05-11T15:53:00.005+01:00

There is no doubt that no matter who you are or where you've been there is something you like in Urban Outfitters. Although this quilt [like a lot of their items] is so expensive it would look so glorious on my bed... I can imagine walking into my room smiling seeing all those colours and patterns staring back at me. But, alas, it is not so. The fact that this is reversible makes it great because no matter what your mood you can flip it to how you feel, technically you could half the price and say that you got 2 quilts in 1! One side shows this beautiful leaf pattern and the other is a girly floral pattern.

I'm also totally in love with this vintage-style Victorian sewing box. The little compartments inside scream for you to fill them with trinkets and jewellery! If it were bigger I'd probably fill it with my plugs and tunnels... although in saying that they already live in a beautiful dark ebony box which I acquired in the sale in Pier!

And as if I could pass up the chance to show you some beautiful owls. They also have this stunning green [although it comes in pink too!] stuffed owl cushion. How anyone could resist a little patchwork 'Sofa Companion' is beyond me. The other owls are actually little trinket boxes... they are, however, not 'box' shape! They are little matryoshka owls, they appear to be crocheted or hand-crafted in some way but when you're not using them to store things, they just fit inside one another to store!

Delicate Eccentric

Girl Of All Work

2010-05-10T23:13:00.005+01:00

I came across these gorgeous journals on Girl Of All Work and was instantly reaching for my bank card until I realised I could never afford everything on the website! And there was no way to choose one thing. There are so many different designs, colours and stationary available I was totally overwhelmed just trying to narrow down the number of pictures to post! The gorgeous fabric covered thumbtacks or the folktale animal page flags... you will be left, mouth ajar and, with no money to eat anything other than beans on toast for a week... a month... possibly even a year!! I cannot tell you how beautiful everything on this website it. Definitely a must-see!!

Delicate Eccentric

Kiddliwink Kreations

2010-05-10T22:56:00.004+01:00

I wonder if the birds would love teacups as much as I do? Well here's a chance to give it a go! These gorgeous teacup bird feeders are the creation of Kiddliwink Kreations. You can put bird seed or nuts around the saucer and water in the teacup for them to drink or bathe in! Not only that but what better way to brighten up your garden than with a pretty floral or vintage teacup. I don't know how anyone could not want one of these!!

Delicate Eccentric

Anthropologie

2010-05-10T12:42:00.008+01:00

Anthropologie have this gorgeous "From The Deep side" octopus side plate for sale. There is a full range of this set and as you can see when the dinner plate is underneath the side plate it gives the illusion of a full octopus as the pattern has been reversed!

I have to say, my favourite piece from the set is the tea cup. The handle is the tentacle of an octopus with the continuation of the pattern both on the teacup itself and the saucer! Major [drooling] want! It's an octopus and teacup rolled into one.... eternal happiness!

Delicate Eccentric

The Balcony Gardener

2010-05-09T17:24:00.009+01:00

We now live in a day and age where regardless of where you live you can grow your own vegetables. I live in the country and yet, before you begin conjuring thoughts of rolling hills and fields, only have a tiny garden. I do, however, have a little strip which I'm growing a few potatoes, leeks, carrots and sweetcorn... that's if they grow!! Even if you live in an apartment you can still have a window box for tomatoes or strawberries.

I found this delightful little website, The Balcony Gardener, which can help you do just that. With eco-friendly bottle-adapter [shown above] to convert your old bottles into a watering can or with these gorgeous Sky Planters it doesn't matter how small your space, there's always a little room for greenery!

How could you not go eco after seeing those?!

Delicate Eccentric

Delicate Eccentric

2010-05-09T16:47:00.005+01:00

Pastels, delicates, florals and kitsch... do they work... Of course! Here you will see the beautiful little gems that you didn't realise you couldn't live without until you saw them!

Delicate Eccentric