Running on Empty

Sorry to have been MIA again, things continue to be hectic.

However if you were waiting with baited breath, two lovely ladies have been chosen as winners for the Blog Birthday Giveaway. Lisa of Mathilde ♥ Manech won first prize and Amy of Amy Valentine won the runner's up gift - they've both already written posts about the giveaway, so do go and have a look. If you didn't win, never fear, Wallpaper Rose is turning two in a few weeks and they'll be another giveaway to celebrate. Again, I would like to say a massive thank you to the ladies who contributed to such a special prize - Sophie, Lavinia, Isobel, Katie, Jess, Lyzi, Emily and Sophie.

In other news, I started a new internship a few weeks ago doing jewellery production for Tatty Devine. It's pretty inspiring, if not incredibly tiring! Sadly I can't actually tell you about anything I've made, as it's all part of the new Autumn/Winter collection, but I'll probably do a post on my favourite classic Tatty pieces in the not too distant future. Though it does now mean Thursday is my only day off and alas I spent most of today tidying the flat - joy. It also means I start most sentences with "I'm really tired" - I've become such an old person/ bore, I'm pretty lucky anyone talks to me at all.

This week also marks the second birthday of Smug. We had a press event yesterday evening as a means of launching the host of exclusives that have been created with Smug to celebrate being two. It went really well and was all terribly exciting, mainly because there were canapes, a lady from Vogue and I got to meet Donna Wilson! (Little things and little minds spring to well, mind) Lizzie who owns Smug worked so damn hard and really made the whole evening happen. (I never know what to wear to things like this, at heart I'm awfully inelegant, but I opted for a black shift dress, with my Nancy lace bib necklace. I had heels, but they quietly remained behind the counter for the entire evening) As everyone loves a party, we're continuing the celebrations on Saturday, when we'll properly unveil the new exclusives (keep your eyes peeled on our window display!) with Thornback and Peel tea towel deals and cake in the yard. So if you're in the Angel/Islington area you should definitely come and see us!

And finally, I have a photograph in the Islington Arts Factory Summer Salon! Unfortunately I don't think I'm going to be able to make the private view tomorrow evening, but if you fancy taking a look, here are the details:

An if you want to see the photo, look for umbrellas, lots of umbrellas....

x

Oh you pretty things

I know I've somewhat neglected my blog as of late, so I thought I had better do a quick round up! Firstly, new pieces. Though perhaps not so new.... a clear reminder of how long I've actually been working on this post! Also the new Jen Tees - I hope the new lace collars are liked as much as the old ones were - I actually think I prefer these, but we'll see how it goes. My t-shirt supplier also seems to be phasing out the t-shirts I use, which is a massive shame, I don't seem to be able to get either of the burgundy shades now.

In other news, today was the last day of my three month internship, so I'm now back trawling through websites looking for new opportunities. I've also started working in the loveliest of shops, SMUG! (Expect regular Smug updates - as I already have a ridiculous internal shopping list.) Smug is a wonderfully quirky lifestyle shop in Camden Passage, Islington that sells an array of new and vintage homeware, furniture, accessories and apparel. The shop is also beautifully designed if you needed any further incentive to visit. 

You can also follow SMUG of facebook and twitter.

Images courtesy of Smug.

At the end of February I was lucky enough to win the Deer Brains Birthday competition and I've finally (nearly) received all of the prizes! A ridiculous bounty I know. I'm particularly taken with my new friend, Vincent. He currently resides on my bed, but has been known to hang out on the sofa.

Again, another massive thank you to the Deer Brains team.

I'm not usually someone lucky enough to win anything, so was quite confused to also be chosen at random (huzzah for coincidence) to win Dixi's facebook competition. I received this rather lovely Dorothy Perkins satchel. Dixi sells a range of modern and vintage women's apparel - I'm particularly enamoured with their Freya Peter Pan Collar dress.

To celebrate the opening of their new building and photography at the University of wales, Newport, they selected a variety of work, predominantly by ex-students, to adorn the glass walls. I was lucky enough to have one of my images selected. Sadly I haven't had the chance to get back to Newport to see it, but I'm pleased none the less! The image used is the one below:

'Fable' copyright of Louise Nowelle Gibbs.

Please do not use without my permission.

For one of my best friend's birthday, I made him an infamous sock monkey.

I have made three sock monkeys in my life time and I have learnt the following:

1. Never use mens socks. You will be stuffing for eternity. 

2. They make a rather lovely present, particularly for boys, as you cannot give them jewellery.

3. Ears and mouths are not my strong point.

4. No matter how many mistakes you make, or how bad they look, you can dismiss it all with the word 'handmade'.

This is Sam's monkey, who I still believe is nameless (!!!) with Alan. Alan is the rather dashing monkey on the left, the first I made and the only one that will ever be made out of men's socks. He belongs to my beloved and is naturally named after Alan Rickman. The best Alan Man there will ever be. (If you don't agree, you clearly haven't watched Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves or Truly madly Deeply.)

I've rather foolishly got emotionally attached to the Neal by Neal Sperling cable cardigan at Urban Outfitters, again. This time in rust. It's taking the majority of my will power not to buy it and truthfully I cannot promise I won't cave. My mum is still in the process of knitting my bottle green version - apparently every time she sits down to knit she ends up with a cat on her lap. 

Given the choice of knitting or Rufus and Indie, I'd choose Rufus and Indie every time.

I've also realised from this photograph that with my badly DIY'd fringe and my eyebrows, I look like Spock. 

There is no way this can be interpreted positively.

Sadly I didn't get to see my Mum on Mother's Day as I was working and not really in the right part of the country. So I just wanted to share a little appreciation here for being fortunate enough to have her. To bastardise Tina Turner's lyrics, she's simply the best.

And while I was showing embarrassing photos, I thought I would share the precursor to Reservoir Dogs.

Over and Out x