Etsy Picks: Time for Tea

This week is National Afternoon Tea Week! I don't know what that entails particularly, but I've made a treasury on Etsy to celebrate all things tea party. I've gone for a fresh, bright feel, lots of popping colour and strong shapes. Here's a few of my faves, I hope you like them!

I love this Scandi print tea cosy by AndShine.

These coffee pot wall decals by SirFaceGraphics are available in a range of colours and would instantly brighten up any wall.

This gorgeous macaroon photo by KeriBevan looks good enough to eat.

This pretty upcycled cake stand by AnnaJaneVintage is delicate but not fussy. Perfect for my tea party!

Etsy Picks: Twin Peaks

There's no series quite like Twin Peaks, and I don't think there's another TV show that's inspired so many Etsians. With all it's bizarre characters, quotable lines and retro styling David Lynch's creation is a goldmine for designers and artists. I'm nearing the very end of the two seasons (my second attempt) and I don't know what to expect, it just keeps getting weirder.
For now, here are some of my favourite Twin Peaks treasures.

Twin Peaks Brooch - 'Diane' by kateslittlestore (the sheriff badge is also pretty fantastic)

Twin Peaks poster by WilliamHenryDesign

Twin Peaks Patches by JennisPrints

 Coffee and Pie iPhone case by YakawonisQuilling

 The Owls Are Not What They Seem tote bag by BRANDED

Great Northern Key Chain by piediddy

Twin Peaks travel poster by (my absolute favourites) JazzberryBlue

A Damn Fine Cup of Coffee mug by SilverSpider

Knitting with Cables

Cable knitting is one of my favourite techniques, and it's also incredibly easy to learn. With just a few simple tricks you can make endless variations on basic cable designs and use them to add texture, warmth, and visual interest to almost anything. Here are a few of my top picks from Etsy that show just how versatile a technique it is.

 

Cable knits are still very popular for homewares, this cushion cover by jennilyons81 uses a very basic cable design to create a cosy looking piece.

This made-to-order throw by HanksAndNeedles combines cable patterns and lace knitting to achieve  a very sophisticated finish.

Cable knit headbands were everywhere this winter, and this pattern by CableCable is particularly fun, combining a five strand braid pattern (easier to do than it looks) and a simple two strand cable on the 'knot' band.

Cable knitting is probably best known in Aran sweaters, and this bag by KnuttinButYarn uses traditional Aran motifs, like travelling cables and moss stitch, to create a chunky, rustic looking piece.

Cable knits needn't be chunky; these button down legwarmers by gertiebaxter are knit in a lightweight yarn and are perfectly complemented by the delicate lace edging.

Even dogs love cables! This french bulldog is modelling a lovely basket weave sweater by bychancedesigns.

If you are in the Merseyside area and interested in learning how to knit cables you can book a place on my class with the Liverpool Happy Hookers on April 8th. We'll be at Hopscotch on Matthew Street from 7pm and I will teach you everything you need to know to create beautiful cable designs. Check out their Meetup page for more details!

Etsy Picks: Foxy

I've been thinking about foxes a lot recently, probably an Autumn thing, and because I quite often see them snuffling round empty crisp packets on my street. Mostly because I wish I had a lovely orange coat though. And a tail.

Smoke Signals, Open Edition Giclee Print - Sized 18 x 14 - by Bark Decor 

Silver Fox Necklace, Laser Cut Bamboo and Silver Paint by One Happy Leaf

 

Wooden Fox Brooch by Layla Amber

 Winter Fox Illustration, Framed Mini Print, 6"x8" by Lyndsey Green

 The Failynn Fox Cowl, Knitting Pattern by The Velvet Acorn

Etsy Picks: Christmas in July

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or are a regular visitor to my Etsy shop, you may know that I am currently taking part in a UK team promotion for 'Christmas in July'. Don't panic! It's not a campaign to change the date, or extend the festive season well beyond it's welcome. Christmas in July is a North American marketing event that promotes festive shopping in the summer months when there aren't any national holidays to boost trade. As an Etsy shop owner it makes sense to take advantage of international shopping trends, especially as the site is so popular in the US and Canada.
So, the Etsy UK Promo Team have coordinated a discount campaign, with those shops taking part, including mine, offering 10% off for the whole of July with the code CIJUK10, and it's not limited to Christmas items! Here's a few of my non-festive picks from the shops taking part.

Nadolig Llawen Welsh Christmas Stag Greeting Card, £1.50 from DyfalDonc

 I lied, this one is a bit Christmassy, but only if you're Welsh. I love the collage style and I can never resist a stag.

Cherry Blossom Ceramic Coaster, made to order by DamsonTreePottery. £12.

I only discovered the Damson Tree Pottery through this promotion but everything I've seen has been beautiful.

Vintage Glass Jewel Deco Wedding Necklace, AlteredEras. £45.

This vintage Art Deco necklace oozes Gatsby glamour.

Oat, Honey and Ginger Soap Bar, WitchWayBeauty. £4.50.

Good enough to eat!