Yes. This is us.....

I knew for a long time (even before we got married)...that I wanted one of our wedding pictures turned into an illustration so as you can imagine it didn't take me long to start looking for an illustrator once our wedding pictures arrived! 

It took me a couple of months to finally find the right one as there were so many different styles and a range of costs that it was actually quite overwhelming. Anyway thanks to the amazing Sumek Injai on Etsy I now have ours framed and sitting on top of our side dresser! I am completely in ♥ with it and just had to share it for all of you newly weds out there who might be searching for the same things! Here is the direct link to Sumek's shop....enjoy x

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandMek?ref=search_shop_redirect

Handmade with True Love.....

I have recently been on a mission to find an alternative 'guestbook' for my guests to leave their 'mark' at our wedding. I didn't want a traditional guest book that people would write their warm wishes in as I feel that these are too often looked at once after your big day and put in the back of a cupboard there after. I saw this fabulous idea on Pinterest of a 'balloon thumbprint guest book'...the idea is that guests would dab their thumb onto a colourful ink pad and then print it on to the picture above to make it look like the bride and groom are holding strings of balloons! The picture can then be framed and displayed in your home as a constant reminder of a wonderful day with family and friends. I completely fell in love with this as balloons are going to feature hugely at our wedding. I knew this was perfect but what I didn't like was the huge price tag that they were selling for....So....I made my own! It was VERY EASY to do and I would encourage all those with time on their hands to do the same. You can too often be ripped off with these things that can easily be made yourself. I simply bought a clip art from the internet of a bride and groom and then created a page on MS Word with added lines/writing. I then took the document in to Staples and had them print it on onto a large poster all for the small price of $10!!! Not only is it a bargain but it was handmade with true love! (Hoping to start selling these on Etsy in the very near future so watch this space). 

Roses are Red......

Violets are blue.....(ah, you  know the rest!)

Valentines day is fast approaching and this year I decided to make things a bit more personal by designing and painting my own cards. All you need to make this is some white card, a black pen, paint and your finger. Once you have written the word 'Love' at the bottom all you need to do is use your finger to create coloured finger prints in the shape of a heart. This is a cheap and thoughtful way to show your loved one just how much you really care and appreciate them...Happy Valentines Day!

Getting Foxy.....

C/O youaremyfav.com

Don't you just LOVE these cute little Valentines Day puppets? Perfect to make with your kids or as an alternative to giving a card! I know what I am going to be making next week......now lets get crafty! Learn how to make yours and get the free printable at www.youaremyfav.com. FOXY indeed!

Get Knitting!

I recently saw this hat for sale on www.etsy.com and fell in love with it! I Thought it would be the perfect accessory to complete any winter outfit. Unfortunately the hat was not for sale, the knitting pattern was. I remember as a kid that my mum used to sit for hours on the sofa knitting away.....then it occurred to me, if she can do it, surely I can? I don't need to buy the hat. I can knit it! Easier said than done, I have never even held a knitting needle in my life. The good news is there are plenty of books, websites, online videos and courses out there to help you get started with knitting at any level. There are some fabulous accessories out there that can be knitted for your home and to wear. I especially love knitted winter socks, mittens and mug jumpers! Check out some ideas here on pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=knitting%20ideas

So, I am officially challenging myself to embark on a knitting adventure and plan to teach myself the basics so that I can soon indulge myself in some knitted loveliness. My goal is to spend the beginning of 2014 learning the art of knitting and by next winter this hat WILL definitely be keeping my ears warm and cosy! :) Lesson of the day: IF YOU WANT IT, KNIT IT YOURSELF!

Always Be Creating.....

Today I created this scrumptious little picture to get me in the mood for Autumn...I love spending my time creating new things and bringing something into existence, it gives me joy! What will you be creating today?