Saturday Link Love

This week my feet have hardly touched the ground! But I like that feeling at the end of the day, knowing that you've worked hard. I've been working on lots of promotion for the Illustration and Design Forum and finalising details, including fun things like goodie bags for the attendees. I've also written a couple of blog posts over on the Shipshape Studio blog about upcoming events and new stock in the Studio. Good times! 

Have you had a crafty week? I got an email from Barri-Jayne this morning to say that the journal she won had arrived, and she's looking forward to doodling and making. Nice! She's got lots of craftiness over on her blog, so head on over and check it out.

Here's what I've been loving this week

This print by Lucinda Ireland really caught my eye. The font and colours work so well together, and it's true; girls like type too. Lucinda's a recent graduate from the Graphic Design degree at Nottingham Trent University and her work really something. Each piece is really well thought out, with the use of colours, fonts and graphic elements all sitting together nicely on the page. 

Photographs from Lucinda Ireland

I was instantly drawn to Laura Spring's surface pattern designs. The bright colours and clean lines work so well on her collection of bags and accessories, and the backpacks are winners too! I think this might be her first collection, but it's so well-honed that you would think she'd been in the biz for years. She's definitely going on my one-to-watch list. And look at that dog!

Photograph from Laura Springs

The moment I saw this jewellery collection by AtelierGilet I was smitten. I haven't worn brooches for a couple of years but these would certainly find their way on to my lapels. The brooches are made from hand-smoothed porcelain with a copy of one of Nadia's drawings on top. I love that they are handmade, and you can tell how much Nadia enjoys making them from the warmth in her writing.

Photographs from AtelierGilet

Serena Olivieri's stopmotion pattern is great to watch, and all created freehand too. Wow! 

Stop-motion Pattern Studies #1 from Serena Olivieri on Vimeo.

What have you been loving this week?

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Saturday Link Love

I've had a crafty day teaching a fun party at my Studio and am looking forward to heading out and catching the last of the sunshine this evening. Later lighter evenings from tomorrow - hooray! I'm looking forward to finishing work and it still being light outside.

Here's what I've been loving this week

These cushions from London-based Lindsey Lang. The prints and colour pallettes are lovely and she does a great range of kitchenware too. There's something quite soft yet a bit mid-century about them, which I like a lot.

Photographs from Lindsey Lang - Wildflower Cushion, Raindrop Cushion, and Welsummer Cushion. 

Lizzie's post about with her doodled upon black and white photos made me laugh. I can't decide which is my favourite! I wonder what the people in the photographs would have thought about their new head gear.

Black and white photo from The Pea Pod

These Bookhou prints caught my eye a while ago. I really like to mix of geometric and nature-inspired prints printed on to neutral linens. Their prints work equally well on their range of homeware and fashion accessories, which you can see in their Etsy shop. They also designed the DIY paper tutorial I featured a couple of weeks ago.

Photograph from Bookhou

This video from Craft Victoria featuring Philip Stokes' Studio is mesmerising. Look at all of that intricate work that goes in to making the glassware! It's got a magical quality.

craft tv: Amorphous from Craft Victoria on Vimeo.

What have you been loving this week?

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Down by the River

It's a lovely sunny day in London but it was only a few days ago that it was still a bit wintery. I was down by the river with my family on Sunday and it was feeling less than Spring-like with the cold, windy air and sky threatening to rain at any moment.

There was lots going on with people walking their dogs, families out for a walk and day-to-day river life. Look at that barge! Have you ever been on a barge? I'm quite curious about life on the river.

Are you managing to spend any time in the sunshine today? I'm working in my Studio planning for a Illustration and Design careers event that we're putting on in Hammersmith next month but I think I might sit out in our little courtyard with my coffee this afternoon.

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Winner :: Meet Me at Mikes Crafty Journal Giveaway

I used the trusty names out of a hat method and the first name was Barri-Jayne. Congratulations! The crafty journal will be winging its way to you very soon.

It was great to hear about all of the things you like to make. I'm going to be making more granny squares at Craft Club tomorrow. Leave a link if you've blogged about your makes so that I can check them out!

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Saturday Link Love

It's been quite an eventful week this week with sprained muscles, sickness bugs and a tussle with a lino cutter, but it has been a good week! I've been spending lots of time away from the computer, sketching and designing for new parties and products, and planning photoshoots. I've come across some inspiring products and places on the net this week, so here's what I've been loving this week.

I came across Vintage Vacations via an advert on Facebook. I don't normally notice the ads but I'm glad I noticed this one! Vintage Vacations was established in 2004 by Helen and Frazer Cunningham when they brought over a vintage Airstream caravan from the States. Since then their business has grown and they now have a smart little fleet of vintage caravans and retro bricks-and-mortar homes to hire. I was just going to put a few pictures together but the photos were so beautiful that I got a bit carried away and made a few layouts. Here are a couple of my favourites, the Shack and the Mission.

I've been loving Nancy Straughan's work this week. I'm already a big fan of her geometric style and have been really interested to see her new floral designs for her soon to be launched craft kits. You can find Nancy's Etsy store here, which is full of her handprinted linens, notebooks and more! Nancy is teaching a tote printing class in my Studio today and I can hear her chatting away about craft and design as I type! Send me an email to events@shipshapestudio.co.uk if you're interested in textiles and printing classes and I can send you some info.

Lou of the Little Green Shed blog launched her range of prints this week and aren't they great? I love the colours and line-drawings in these prints. You can see the rest of the range, including cards, in the Little Green Shed Etsy shop.

Dan Bowden is one of the hardest workers I know. He recently completed an MA whilst having a full-time job, he illustrates posters, t-shirts, CD covers and private commissions like wedding invitations, shouts in a band and puts on gigs. That is quite the list! I really like the things he creates and how cool is that wedding invitation on the top right? Eagle-eyed Alan Partridge fans will spot the Partridge-homage screen print at the bottom left, and we have an original for sale instore at Shipshape Studio. Dan takes on private commissions such as logos and wedding invites so get in touch with him if you'd like something illustrated. He's just joined Twitter so follow him for illustrating updates, life lists and associated confusion.

It's getting to be that sleepy time of the afternoon and if you're feeling sleepy too this video should jolt you right awake. Check out those moves!

What have you been loving this week?

P.S. Don't forget to enter my crafty giveaway here!

http://www.handmadebyemily.com/search/label/saturday%20link%20love

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Event :: Wrap Magazine Issue 4 Launch Party

A little while ago I came across Wrap, and was drawn to it straight away. Interviews, illustration, beautiful big pages and pages that can be reused as wrapping paper or posters. Doesn't that sound good? The folks at Wrap magazine are having a party to celebrate the launch of their 4th Issue so

if you're about in London town this evening head on down to Rivington Street. Click here for more info and to RSVP.

If you can't make it then take a peek at these videos of the new issue. I can't wait to see a copy!

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Review and a Giveaway :: Meet Me at Mike's Crafty Journal

When Helena at Hardie Grant asked if I'd like a review copy of Pip Lincolne's new Crafty Journal and a copy to giveaway too I said a big 'Yes, please!' I really like Pip's sunny crafty style and it spills over in to this journal. If you're looking for a craft book then this isn't the book for you, especially as some of the project's from Pip's first book are also in this book. But if you're looking for a journal to scribble down designs, patterns and inspiration then this has your name all over it!

The pages are divided up, with some lined, some in a grid, and some with dots so that you can draw scale patterns, doodle or write down the thoughts that swim through your mind. The journal pages are interspersed with creative prompts, inspirational imagery and some crafty projects to keep your fingers busy. It also includes Pip's 'Granny Squares for the very beginner' project and a stitching guide in the back which I used, along with these youtube videos 1, 2, and 3, to learn to crochet. I started off with the videos and the book picked up where they left off, and I now have a growing stack of granny squares. Good stuff!

The journal is a little big to lug around every day with all the other life essentials that find their way in to handbags, but it has a handy elastic band keeping it all together if you do want to take it with you. There are other thoughtful touches, like the ringbound pages so you can easily leave the journal open on your page and the wonderful 'Organise your life' chart in the back pocket. The design of it is cute and it's a very original inclusion in the wide world of journals.

If you'd like the chance to win your very own copy of Meet Me at Mike's Crafty Journal, worth £10.99, then all you have to do is leave a comment below letting me know what is you favourite thing to make. Be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner and, sorry, but this giveaway is only open to the UK. I'll have to think up another giveaway that all you international folks can enter too!

The giveaway will close at 5pm GMT on 21st March 2012 so make sure you get your entries in before then!

Good luck!

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Saturday Link Love

Here's what I've been loving this week

I like this duck print skirt from Ally Hoot Vintage, and this dress caught my eye too. Ally Hoot vintage is a new shop from blogger Marissa Noelle and full of vintage treats in her signature style of brights and prints.

Photo from Ally Hoot Vintage

The work of Cassandra Ellis really caught my eye and made me go 'wow'. I think it's sometimes easy to dismiss quilting as a bit old fashioned but Cassandra's use of patterns and colours means that these quilts would look right at home amongst the very best of contemporary design. Her blog post about home struck a chord with me - the idea of the transitory and that inescapable feeling deep down behind your mind.

If you're interested in quilting and the history it holds you might like this video with Tracy Chevalier. She was commissioned to write a short story about quilts by the V&A at the same time as she was writing a novel who's protagonist was a quilter. I'm not sure if the book's been published yet but I'm looking forward to reading it. The way she spun Griet's story in Girl with a Pearl Earring was fascinating and delicate, and I'm sure this story will be too.

Photos from Cassandra Ellis

This DIY Paper Garland from Bookhou and featured on Poppytalk looks great! I really like the simple design and the use of natural materials to hang it, and you could use different colours and textures. I've been using sticks and branches to hang work in my studio recently and like the way it looks.

This video sneak peek inside Private Eye was really interesting. I imagine that all work for publications is done on some superduper fancy software, so it was nice to see them getting the scissors and glue stick out. And look at Ian Hislop's desk! It looks a little hazardous and manic but it obviously works for him. There are some great videos on the V&A's vimeo page.

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Make :: Crochet

I've started to crochet and I think it's going to be a bit addictive. It's only been a week and I've already got a little collection of granny squares building up. Do you crochet? What do you make? I want to know all things crochet!

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Review :: Heels on Wheels

I wasn't quite sure to expect when Hardie Grant got in touch and asked if I'd like to review Heels on Wheels. It sounded intriguing; a cycling book with pretty illustrations. You don't come across books like that every day! I used to be a keen cyclist and know that some of you are too. Cycling is fun and a great way to get from A to B, but it can seem a bit scary, right?

If you answered 'yes' then this is the book for you! Katie Dailey, a journalist and copywriter who is currently an Editor for Time Out, knows her cycling stuff and she's fulled this book with tips and tricks and all the little bits that you might want to know. She's even travelled to and from London Fashion Week on her bike, proving that cycling can be chic! Katie's tips and bicycling knowledge are accompanied by Clare Owen charming illustrations and together they're inspiring and will have you wanting to spring on to your saddle in no time at all.

There are lots of practical tips in the book, and the kind of thing that easily escape your mind, such as what to put in a puncture kit and the benefits of different types of rucksacks, which makes the book a good read for boys and girls. It also covers important points like how to choose the right bike for your needs and cycling on the road. I showed the book to my brother, who has ridden lots of different bikes over the years including a BMX, mountain bike, hybrid and custom bikes, and he was very impressed with it. But there are extra bits for girls as Katie covers girl cycling dilemmas in her witty, light-hearted style. Some of those tips I learnt the hard way, such as don't wear lipstick when cycling unless you want to end up with a splattering of bugs on your mouth. Wear gloves as your wrists get real cold. Whilst you can try your hardest to cycle in a pencil skirt but, ultimately, it's no good!

If you're looking to get in to cycling now spring is coming, whether you're a complete beginner or haven't ridden for a while, I'd recommend reading 'Heels on Wheels'. It's great to have a book that you can keep on your shelf for reference, and especially one as pretty as this. The RRP is £9.99 but you can currently buy the book from the Guardian bookshop for £7.99

Thanks for sending me a copy, Hardie Grant! I'll be giving away a copy of Pip Lincolne's new Crafty Journal this week so watch out for that!

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Saturday Link Love

Most of my time this week has been spent in meetings and developing a new range of creative parties at Shipshape Studio. Do you find that things become a bit of a blur when you're working hard? Days merge in to one another! I'm really excited about all the things coming up at my studio and we're both working super hard to make sure it all comes together. I love that feeling at the end of the day, when you know you've worked your hardest. Although, I am struggling to get to sleep before the early hours of the morning these days. Do any of you have any top tips for getting some kip?

Sometimes it's easy to get all wrapped up in what you're doing, and you can forget that there's a big old world out there. Last night I met up with some good friends and it was brilliant. They are all following their dreams and working hard, and it was heartwarming stuff. Good friends make the tough days sweeter.

And, on the theme of the big wide world, here's what I've been loving on the web this week.

These flowers made on a vintage loom look fun! I might make some to decorate the studio.

Photo from Made with Love by Hannah, using Cathy Callahan's tutorial for craftstylish

This bespoke furniture by Christian O'Reilly is stunning. Imagine all the work that must go in to each piece, from the design through the making to the finish. It must be really nice to have handcrafted furniture in your home and use it every day.

Photos from Christian O'Reilly

I'm sure some of you will have already heard of Pom Pom Parlour, but if you haven't be sure to check it out. There are lots of fresh pictures, vintage styling and delicious recipes to be found. Doesn't that 'Good Cheer' tablecloth look cute? It'd make every dinner time feel like a tea party!

Pom Pom Parlour blog

I love these handmade butterfly necklaces by Zoe of Ladybird Likes. I mentioned them earlier this week but thought I'd share them here again. A lot of work goes in to each piece and they're beautifully executed. I snapped up a green one for myself last week and have worn it quite a few times already. Plus, Zoe is really sweet too!

Photos from Ladybird Likes

How cool is this Rooftop Cinema in Melbourne? I definitely want to catch a movie there!

Photo from Rooftop Cinema

This video has been making me chuckle. Watch out for the guy in the brown shirt. He busts in like he's been waiting his whole life for this moment. If you like his style, you can check out a high-fiving solo performance here.

What have you been loving this week?

P.S. Today's the last day to enter Celebratory Giveaway #4. You can enter over on the Shipshape Studio blog

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Adventures :: Paris

When the sun starts shining my mind drifts to thoughts of adventures in new places. I put my wanderlust down to my healthy appetite for Enid Blyton adventure books when I was little. However, I'm superduper busy with work at the moment so I won't be taking a trip any time soon, so I thought I'd have a look through some pictures of past adventures. I found these phone pictures from a quick pit-stop in Paris a couple of years ago, and played about with them in Photoshop. Adam and I had been working in Amsterdam and took a little detour to Paris on the train home. We were only there for a few hours but it was quite a big time in our lives, around when we started thinking about starting a business together. There was something about the city that made everything seem like it might be possible. 

I'd visited Paris a few years before for a weekend with my family. My brother and I wanted to take my mum somewhere special for her birthday but we didn't have very much money. We managed to find some cheap Eurostar tickets and booked a tiny room for the three of us at a really cheap budget hotel. My mum thought she was going to stay with my brother in Portsmouth and was so excited when we got through the gates at St Pancras. Aren't surprises fun?

The hotel definitely lived up to it's budget status. I think the shower flooded a few times and the mattresses were about 5cm thick. We ate homemade cheese sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and ate a birthday cake that I'd brought with me in my suitcase. The weekend was filled with walking around different Parisian neighbourhoods, daydreaming and a trip to the Louvre and Pompidou, which were the only things we paid to do. It was a bit of a DIY holiday, but I loved it, and the happy memories are worth more than a hot meal and the best room in a swish hotel. 

It's nice to remember the good times, isn't it?

P.S. Tomorrow is the last day to enter Shipshape Studio's Celebratory Giveaway #4. You could win a Sandra Dieckmann White Bison print! Head on over to the Shipshape Studio blog and enter.

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Make :: Yarn Garland

I love books and wanted to make a decoration for the bookshop section of my studio. I thought I'd create a little DIY tutorial so that you could make some too. It can take a little while depending on the size and number of your letters but it's something that you can do infront of a film. On a side note, I watched Melancholia the other day. Have you seen it? What did you think? Isn't the cinematography beautiful?

You can wrap the letters so that the wool is neat or a bit higgledy-piggledy. You can use one colour or a mixture. I printed my letters out onto paper, cut them out and used these templates to make them out of the cardboard bit of an A4 envelope that came through my letterbox. You can handwrite your letters straight on to card if you like.

Feel free to pin this to your crafty pinterest board!

What would your garland say?

P.S. Zoe has opened an online shop. It's full of handmade jewellery, photography and vintage ephemera - go and take a look!

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