a mixed bag.

feeling creepy...

I've been a little bit busy, just moving to the other side of the world in two weeks. That's all. Everyone loves a bit of change and busying from time to time... It's refreshing!

But I one thing I am trying to make time for is Halloween! I love to dress-up, to embody another character or to morph into an alter ego perhaps, is all very wild and free... A motto I definitely choose to live by whenever poss!

This stunning work was done by expert make-up artist Mademoiselle Mu. I am in love with it! So along with some glow in the dark fabric paint, some jet-black leather clothing I myself hope to become someone deadly (sexy).

Very much looking forward to whipping up a saucepan full of spicy-to-the-max Bloody Mary cocktails - cruising around the party with plastic cups and saucepan full of blood-like stuff seems to really attract the geezers!

What is everyone else going to get creepy crazy? Shani x

DIY interior dreaming....

Those who know me will know that I haven't quite been the one to 'settle'. I have preferred the life of a meandering gypsy, frolicking untouched fields. Boredom of familiar surroundings and routine generally kicks in within the 18 month mark and I set off in search of new horizons. And it's been a pretty fun 10 years of having minimal responsibility, just me and nothing much more than a backpack!

But there has been this gradual creeping feeling of wanting something more than this in recent days. Almost an unsettling notion that living from day to day isn't quite enough. Almost tiresome. I think I really began noticing this change when I came home with an arm chair! I suddenly had a desire to spend my pennies and time on things like crochet blankets, lamps, mirrors and growing herbs. (I've decided the garden growing procress begins at herbs).

So with the eminent move across the world on the horizon I have gone interior decor dreaming mad! Mostly I have found myself dreaming up DIY ideas using natural fibers and materials. I. Can't. Wait.









1. wooden crate shelving unit
2. jumbo paper tassel garland
3. clothes peg wall display
4. fairy lights
5. paper lanterns and pom poms
6. antler necklace holder
7. ladder shelving unit
8. wooden bed headboard 

A nice wee collection of visual ideas for me to refer back to in a few months time. Bring on DIY decor. Shani x

A rainy Saturday in brought the paintbrush out...

I'm pretty creative. I love to pull out all my sewing and craft stuff and throw it all over the living room with the hopes of make something new! I've also got bags of vintage material just screaming to be reinvented (but the current lack of a sewing machine is a slight hinderance). On top of my exploding craft supplies is a rather leaning tower of canvasses, I've mainly been using them for these photo transfers. Today though I finally got that old itch to pull out the paintbrushes and acrylics! Which for me is sweet news. I tend to go through phases of been uber creative - to nudda. I guess it's like most things in life for me; I start to exercise lots then I 'find other things to do'. I make sure I drink 8 glasses of water/day for about a week, then I get really slack again. Ugh, this whole 'balancing out the equilibrium' is tough going... Today though I painted a picture, went to the gym, forgot to drink water and am currently swigging back that fine, fine red wine! 

Here's what I did, it felt good to create again! A self portrait obviously. Nah, just kidding about that bit. Shani x

PHOTO MAGIC!

All it takes is a laser copy print from a photo, a canvas and some gel medium! When I found this DIY job on A Beautiful Mess and I just had to give it a go myself. I've done a couple attempts; the first time I added too much gel medium and the print came out a bit lumpy. But this time I love it finishing product! The print doesn't transfer perfectly, but I kind of like the scratchings and imperfections, it gives it a nice rustic feel. Oh and I'm not really sure what the difference between a 'laser copy' and a regular photocopy is, nor do I really know what a gel medium is - but lo and behold after a visit to the art shop I came out with the correct materials! I definitely think I'll be making some as gifts (it totally shits on the 50 pounds I spent on getting a photo-to-canvas print a few years back).

Now I can wake up everyday and remember that blissful holiday with my bestie Anna in the Perhentians Islands. Shani x

 

DIY POMPOM SHORTS!

Those who know me will be very aware of my thrifting and op-shopping desires. I'm pretty much a charity fiend - preloved stuff just screams 'buy me'! There's just something nostalgic about searching through peoples unwanted bric-a-brac, old treasures to be found and given a new life! Rummaging through a thrift store or wandering vintage markets is a bit like a getting mixed bag of lollies - it's the thrill of not knowing what I'm going to get which fuels my hankering!

It's a habit that has definitely been passed on from my Mum, who all too often would resurface from an op-shop with bags full of 'stuff' for mere 50cents. Most of this 'stuff' generally needs a do-up, a clean, a re-paint or in this case a DIY clothing alteration!

A little while ago I picked up this pair of high-waisted shorts from a charity shop for only a few quid. After spying this awesome DIY pompom anklet I got thinking... Here's what I did (oh, and it's super easy). All you need is 2 metre (approx.) length of pompom trim!

 

1. Pin the pompom trim around the bottom hem of your clothing.

2. Hand stitch the pompom trim on. Stitch on the inside of the shorts, removing the pins one by one as you go along. Ensure you double sitch at the finish to secure in place.



 

Ta-da! Super easy. Now I just need to work on that tan and put an order in for some warm weather! Shani x

DIP-DYED DOILIES

My love for crochet is bordering on out of control. But when I can snap-up crochet doilies, cushion covers, table runners and tablecloths for only a few pennies from op-shops and vintage markets, it's an affordable obsession! Another love I have is dip-dying - from dip dying denim and my hair, I have now started to dabble in making my nana-esque crochet more retro! You simply just dip the very edges of the (pre wet) doily into the dye, leave to dry and voila!


So a wee confession - instead of using trusty Dylon clothing dye, I reached for the nearest dye-like product I had - food colouring! It's a little messy (the colour runs out a bit) but seems to have done the trick all the same. I love the unexpected finishes dip-dying produces! So what do you think? Do you see yourself with a newly found dip-dying obsession?

I had been waiting for the masses of peonies to bloom in our back garden, now I've got pink dip-dyed doilies to go with my pink peonies! Funny thing is, I'm not really a pink kinda girl. Shani x

Collecting inspiration for a DIY floral headpiece

The festival season was kicked off in style last weekend with Field Day! I will be glamping in a tipi at Isle of Wight in two weeks, followed by some frolicking at The Secret Garden Party in July. Time is ticking so I thought I'd start to create some accessories to complete my already purchased vintage and op-shop steals! My current obessions are these gorgeously wild floral garlands and headpieces. I have got artificial flowers, vines, crafting wire and hot glue guns gradually coming though the post. I cant wait to make my own Frida Kahlo creation...

Watch this space, Shani x 

MAKE YOUR OWN BUNTING!

I absolutely adore bunting! It's very popular in England, whenever there is a celebration they tie up bunting pronto and let the festivities roll on - especially with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this weekend, the Brits have gone bunting mad!





Unfortunately at this point in time I do not have the pleasure of a sewing machine, so all my crafty outlets will be stuff that can be completed without! I had some felt lying around and decided to create some as a gift to my gorgeous little sister, Isabella. I also have a personal one for me in the works, using some floral cotton for a vintage feel!

What you will need...

- triangles of your preferred material (at least 10)
- 3 metre length of ribbon or lace
- iron on motifs, buttons etc for extra bling
- needle and thread

Instructions...

- Lay out you pre-cut triangles in the desired order, with (or without) the motifs/buttons layed on top)
- Using your needle and thread hand stitch your buttons and iron on your motifs
- Now attach each triangle together by stitching (only a few stitches needed) in the top corners, repeat until all your triangles are connected
- Lay your ribbon or lace evenly over stictched triangle - ensuring there is enough length either side to hang your bunting. Pin in place
- Now stitch the ribbon on, with a few small stiches over the original stitches (use the same colour thread as your ribbon and the stitches should go unnoticed!)

And voila! Super easy and super cool bunting... Either tie them over windows or if the weather permits brighten up your garden A-SAP, we don't really need a special ocassion for bunting!

I hope you like your bunting little sis. The postman is on his way!

Shani x

FROM SHABBY TO CHIC!

A few weeks ago I scored a lonely (and worse for wear) rafia basket from the side of the road - one can never have too much storage! Given that is was a little lop-sided and rustic looking I was well chuffed when I stumbled across Elsie's DIY idea for a cane basket! It's easy peezy.... 

Now time for a game of Scrabble and a glass of red. Shani x