Friday 29 September 2017

Put That Magic On Paper // Stationary Haul

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Do you know what makes me happy? STATIONARY! In all shapes and forms, colourful fresh notebooks yearning to be scribbled in, sharp, unused pencils that will never have that perfect point again, paperclips, folders, washi tape- you name it, I loves it!


Hence my little celebratory post I'm sharing with you today, a pencil case poppin' haul that would make the first years weep. Outta my way pimple face- pro stationary hoarder coming through! I blame the time of year for my indulgence, if the kids can splash out on a fully, butt kicking, term busting kit of goodies then why can't I? As mentioned in my reflective post at the beginning of the month, September is that all forgiving, resetting of motivation, fresh new seasonal moment, which by association requires a brand new pencil or two to get us off to a fabulously productive start. Right?


Lets jump in to the good stuff!


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Who says colouring in is just for children? Well, not many people these days, but this The Kew Gardens Beautiful Flowers Colouring Book 'adults' book grabbed my attention immediately thanks to the stunning botanical illustrations and full colour example pages, worthy of hanging on any nature enthusiasts wall.


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I found these delightfully quirky fountain pens on an ever addictive web shop and naturally had to purchase the corresponding ink cartridges, which are darling enough in their own right! The pens came in a pack of three with random designs, meaning you get to surprise yourself upon opening! I opted for a dark blue ink to keep things classic, which arrived as a pack of 10 cartridges in the cutest box ever.


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This inspirational notebook is something I picked up during my grand Canadian adventure earlier this year. It is a wee lined journal bursting with colour and motivational quotes that add a little zest to any list or diary page.


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From one of my most loved companies, Flying Tiger, I jumped on these blank, watercolour paper postcards. My mind is already over flowing with ideas and designs, I will keep you posted on the quality of the paper and my creative progress! Yet again succumbing to the lures of the internet I treated myself to Watercolour pattern post it notes and green hue page dividers! Heavenly, I know! The pink post it notes are hexagonal in shape and are almost too beautiful to actually use! I know these deliciously tonal mini bookmarks will come in handy, brightening up my schedule and keeping me organised.


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Another book I accidentally now own is this fun and creative Hand Lettering Handbook which has heaps of super trendy examples by a great variety of designers and also helps break down the process, the tools needed and the inspirations behind creating your very own type font or to perfecting the classics! I can't wait to have a play with this fabulously interactive book and hope to incorporate this, using my new fountain pens and postcards, into making something truly epic!


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My last little treat was the always popular Blogger Essentials Box from fabulous Dot Creates. This bundle of paper heaven arrived in a sweetly packaged parcel, lovingly packed in tissue paper, revealing one super chunky journal, a loose flip book for essential blogging notes, 4 awesome quote pencils, two sheets of stickers and a collection of mood boosting postcards and pinterest worthy designs. Quite literally filled to the brim this gorgeous collection of goodies will whip even the most idle blogger into ship shape in no time. There is enough bang for your buck to make the blogger in your life a very happy chappy and I sincerely can't wait to decorate my studio with all the extra bits and pieces.


Well, there we have my latest divulging and addition to an ever growing stash, but an ever cherished collection of goodies to keep me quiet, productive. Have the back to school sales made their way into your office or are you standing fast in protest until they re open Woolies? I'm with you in spirit!


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Monday 18 September 2017

Hashtag Invoke // Instagram Accounts Currently Loving

Good evening darling friends! I hope you've all been settling into Autumn. Here in the Netherlands we've had a seriously mixed bag of weather including tropical thunder storms and some lovely sunny days but the temperature has certainly taken a bit of a nose dive!


As the season has began to turn I've found myself decorating the house with chunky knitted textiles, preparing hearty soups from colourful root vegetables, baking fudgy cookies to enjoy with a glass of milk and have been getting my creative groove on with several new projects that have my mind a buzz!


To help stir the thinking pot of ideas and inspirations I introduce you dears to another round of my current favourite Instagram goodies, these beauts invoke all manner of visual splendour and I hope that you find a new account to follow and take pleasure from as much as I do!


@ithebird

Delicate // Soft light // Flora and fauna // Sunset vibes // Old book smell // Feminine

Instagram-favourites-currently-loving-Instagram stars- Instagram accounts- Inspiring- creative- create- art- fashion- beauty- lifestyle-top-Insta style-bloggers-fbloggers-bbloggers-lbloggers-bookstagram-creativeliving-newpost-faded windmills


@_annalouise._

Retro vibrations // Earthy interiors // Grounded yet contrasting // Nostalgic // Modern twist

Instagram-favourites-currently-loving-Instagram stars- Instagram accounts- Inspiring- creative- create- art- fashion- beauty- lifestyle-top-Insta style-bloggers-fbloggers-bbloggers-lbloggers-bookstagram-creativeliving-newpost-faded windmills


@alexandermcqueen

Luxury // Details // Sumptuous textures // Play on silhouette // Gothic // Whimsical // Couture

Instagram-favourites-currently-loving-Instagram stars- Instagram accounts- Inspiring- creative- create- art- fashion- beauty- lifestyle-top-Insta style-bloggers-fbloggers-bbloggers-lbloggers-bookstagram-creativeliving-newpost-faded windmills


@redreidinghood

Worldly // Influential // Vintage meets contempory // International sophistication // Uber stylish

Instagram-favourites-currently-loving-Instagram stars- Instagram accounts- Inspiring- creative- create- art- fashion- beauty- lifestyle-top-Insta style-bloggers-fbloggers-bbloggers-lbloggers-bookstagram-creativeliving-newpost-faded windmills


@livforcake

Big, bold, bright // Decadent // Original designs and ideas // Mouth watering // Show stopping

Instagram-favourites-currently-loving-Instagram stars- Instagram accounts- Inspiring- creative- create- art- fashion- beauty- lifestyle-top-Insta style-bloggers-fbloggers-bbloggers-lbloggers-bookstagram-creativeliving-newpost-faded windmills


@loopymango

Soft // Highly textural // Chunky // Voluminous // Modern // Colourful // Inspiring // XXL

Instagram-favourites-currently-loving-Instagram stars- Instagram accounts- Inspiring- creative- create- art- fashion- beauty- lifestyle-top-Insta style-bloggers-fbloggers-bbloggers-lbloggers-bookstagram-creativeliving-newpost-faded windmills


Please feel free to indulge yourself with another post or two of my #CurrentlyLoving series with #Allegory#Rapture#Embrace#Inspirit and #Adore!

Thursday 14 September 2017

Random Thoughts On A Fairly Sunny Thursday

random thoughts, sunny thursday, reflective post, pumpkins, decor, interior, autumn, winter, seasonal, new season, trends, thinking out loud, lifestyle post, September
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What is it that makes September so symbolic of new beginnings? Is it the influence of nature as we say goodbye to the warm and bountiful weather and welcome this next stage of reaping the treasures summer brought whilst preparing for the loss of its embrace? Or the starting of a new school term, older and wiser stepping into a brand new chapter of life?


It's finally socially acceptable to discuss my hot chocolate habit again. Hurrah for Autumn.


Perhaps it's about time to plan a little holiday? Noisy, over priced, crowded, peak season is over so let's grab the suitcases and hit the road! South of Spain anyone?


What should be my next cookie flavour combination to make? Chocolate chip and marshmallow? Vanilla fudge? Hazelnut and white chocolate? Oreo pieces? Decisions decisions.


I wonder if I'll ever work in theatre again? It's easy to look back and remember the absolute ball of a time I had and to wash over the not so great moments, but the reality is that all jobs offer ups and downs, fit into your desired lifestyle one moment and clash with other stages. Who the fudge knows where these twisty paths lead us? I sure don't, but it's kind of fun to follow them and find out, right?


If you send positive, powerful messages out into the universe you may be surprised with the resulting effect. So they say. PLEASE LET ME GET FLEETWOOD MAC TOUR TICKETS. PLEASE LET ME GET FLEETWOOD MAC TOUR TICKETS. FLEETWOOD. MAC. TICKETS.


Am I allowed to bust out the 100 deniers and my ever growing jumper collection yet?


How do people get their nail varnish to last? I really am stumped by this. Mine smudges within the first 15 minutes of being on my body, not to mention are completely chipped by day 3. *Looks up to the sky with arms raised* HOW?


One more episode of Riverdale and then I'll fold the laundry...


Do people buy handmade anymore? I know it's pretty trendy to wear or dress your home up with a one off item, but is there actually a market for it? Are people willing to pay for someones time/ craftsmanship? Time for a little market research.


I hope my hairdresser found my language mistake on the phone earlier funny and not insulting. We'll soon see, if I come out of my appointment with a just a trim or a full on buzz cut.


I miss girly nights in with my mum watching absolute trash on tv and filling our faces. Note to self, make this happen.


Why is that saying no to certain opportunities/ projects is so difficult? Is it the people pleaser in me or do I suffer from a grizzly case of the FOMOs? Time to put this back into practise and refine where I choose to spend my time and on what/ whom.


How crazy these freak weather storms are, I hope people remember/ have the chance to grab their pets before fleeing. Please let things straighten out quickly.


Thursday 7 September 2017

Soft Stripes // Sew Over It 'Alex Shirt' Pattern Review

A loose fitting, everyday shirt is a staple wardrobe piece that can be worked into many outfit scenarios- go rogue and leave it untucked for an easy breezy effect or dress that item up to rock it for an evening affair. I do love a great cotton shirt but it's a sewing project I had yet to put into practise for my own closet. That is, of course, until I found my dream pattern from the ever stylish Sew Over It after treating myself to the diverse collection My Capsule Wardrobe: City Break!


I'm a huge fan of the patterns from this company and loved making the Erin pencil skirt in a sumptuously dark denim; actually that skirt would be matched perfectly with the Alex shirt, the subject of today's post!


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Again, emphasising the flexibility of these simply fantastic patterns, this little fella can be drafted as a basic button up or into a free flowing dress version. With its folded sleeve detail and easy fit, this pattern can be constructed by confident sewers and beginners alike. I found it such a pleasure to create and enjoyed the finer details such as the collar band and button panel, to really push my skills and stretch a few dressmaking muscles.


The button band reaches no higher than the bust point giving a softer, less formal look, it's cute pocket offers a fun detail and the pleat in the back allows it to move and fit like a dream!


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


I worked mine up in a thin cotton, using the wrong side of the fabric to achieve a faded blue stripe as opposed to a bolder hit of colour, just another detail I feel lends itself to that 'throw it on' vibe. I applied simple blue buttons and added a nautical feel with a tiny hand appliquéd anchor to the pocket.


The pattern came together perfectly, I found the instructions (as always) a delight to use and was helped along the way by one or two Sew Over It videos, including how to fold and stitch the yoke... I mentioned I liked a good challenge, right?


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Over all I had a blast making this striped beauty and found the pattern and instructions fabulous, the fabric stitched and irons perfectly and I'm thrilled with the finished result! I've already worn it to death as it fits into my current seasonal and day to day wardrobe and given the nature of the shape it is super comfy!


This could be made up using many lightweight materials, although if you are a complete beginner I'd always suggest keeping a low budget for your first attempt- you can always make many more as you build confidence, experimenting with different variations and details as you develop. I look forward to whipping up the dress version and can't wait to see what looks I can achieve when switching up to a linen or even something softer and flowier!


For now though I can't praise this ebook of patterns enough and will continue to test them out and revel in my ever growing handmade closet!

Monday 4 September 2017

Pure Ardour // Mood Board Curations

Over at the Faded Windmills facebook page is where I share my daily curated mood boards, to add a little zing and colour to my afternoon, to boost productivity and get those creative vibes going and to share with you kind folk in hopes of bumping up your day a notch or two along the way.


This is my round up of collected images, captured moments and visual boards reflective of the emotions, atmosphere and mood that influenced and held my enthusiasm. Please feel free to follow along daily on the FB page to receive a dash of emotive imagery as it lands.


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


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Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers

Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


All original images and credit can be sourced back to the wondrous hub of creativity. If this didn't quench your thirst then head right this way for a drop or two more visual stimulus to boost your motivation. Have a splendid week guys.