Curious Damsel

{March} Calling for free sponsors

2012-02-23T23:31:00.001+08:00

March already wow!! This will be such an exciting month for Curious Damsel, moving to Australia means lots of gorgeous new photographs, outfit posts (sunny outfit posts may I add!) tutorials and lots of new inspiration! So I am calling for sponsors for the month of March! The first 10 people to reply below will win a FREE spot on Curious Damsel throughout March, all you have to do is comment and dont forget to leave me a way of contacting you! And if you are feeling talkative tell me which would you prefer: To live under the sea or live in the sky? Happy Thursday!x

Send a little bit of love to everyone you love

2012-02-21T20:16:00.000+08:00

I hope that you had a wonderful Valentines! What did you all get up to and does anyone receive anonymous gifts of love anymore? I was really meant to post these before Valentines with the idea that you can send a little bit of love to everyone you love, but it doesn't need to be valentines to send someone a little love note so get loving! See below to download the printable version.

You can click here and download from Flickr
or click on the little image to enlarge and
save to your computer.

On another note #11 Codylou you won last weeks beautiful signed print! You have an email waiting for you, Congrats!!

Monday Musings: Jellyfish

2012-02-20T15:30:00.000+08:00

Photograph courtesy National Geographic Television

Happy Monday everyone! How are you all? I have been thinking about the deep dark ocean this weekend. Seeing this picture reminded me of the last time I was over here and my sister Chelsea decided to chase me around the sea with a jellyfish in her hand to scare me. I wouldn't like to get caught in a swarm this big! The pictures below are ones that I have taken, the bottom one is a Blue Ringed Octopus, one of the world's most venomous marine animals, this one was in a tank thankfully not underneath my feet.

I freak out not know what it underneath my feet in the ocean, oh and manta-rays...they scare me too! What animal /bug freaks you out?

Flowers and Lace

2012-02-19T19:44:00.001+08:00

A sunny hello to you all!! A very long and bumpy flight later, we have now arrived in Australia. The weather is beautiful at the moment, and I couldn't think of anything better than an outfit post for you with my new gorgeous surroundings.

This is one of my new favourite dresses, I brought it from Delightfully Tacky's Closet a while ago and haven't had the chance to wear it yet as it has been just too cold, so finally here it is! It has a lovely floral pattern accompanied by sort of antique stained lace, a perfect mix of what I love. This is the first time I have also worn my shoes, I am a bit in love with these and got them at a bargain price too! The soft faux leather, lattice-style design is what caught my eye and compliments the dress and my soon to be tanned feet.

Giveaway: Love letters from Sandi

2012-02-14T15:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Valentines! My gift to you is a heart warming Love Letters on Valentines print by

Sandi over at Adalou Blog! It is a gorgeous hand drawn illustration which has been digitally rendered. Printed on premium archival fine art paper with archival inks and each piece is lovingly signed by Sandi Devenny. Sandi is also kindly offering a 20% discount at either of her shops Adalou the Shop // Benandi Handmade just use code: CURIOUSDAMSEL20

Enter to win:

You must follow "Curious Damsel" via GFC
Visit Sandi's blog Adalou and leave a love note below
(make sure you leave your Twitter or email address so i can contact you if you win!)

Bonus entries:

'Heart' Sandi's Etsy shops, Adalou the Shop // Benandi Handmade
Follow her on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway using this tweet:
"Win a heart warming Love Letters on Valentines print by @adalouvintage over at @Curious_Damsel blog! http://bit.ly/A4yayW #Giveaway"

Please leave an extra comment for each bonus entry. Giveaway is open to UK and International readers and open for entries until February 21st. Good luck!

And the winner of last weeks Illustrated cards giveaway is...

#3 Devon Elizabeth! Well done, email me to receive your lovely cards!

War Horse

2012-02-12T19:24:00.000+08:00

Oh how I cried! This film is such an emotional roller coaster It's wonderful. You fall completely in love with Joey, the horse. It is set during World War 1 and Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France, Joey serves on both sides of the army and also makes a friend with another horse {which melts my heart} Joey is taken on an extraordinary journey while trying to find his way back home to his boy, Albert. You have to watch this film I highly recommend it.

Talking of horses, at a work event the other day there was a very cute Shetland pony in the field, so I went to say hello and took some pictures, a chicken also wanted to get in on the action! Aren't they adorable, I wish I owned a little barn and some land I would love to look after horses. I imagine living on a Texas ranch in a small sunny town with lots of horses! {excuse my stereotypes it is just how I picture it} Hope you enjoy the film!

Being Dyslexic is a gift

2012-02-08T16:00:00.000+08:00

Dyslexia, this is not a problem! But some people sure do like to make you feel like you are not very intelligent. I am not very academic, not the best at wording things, I say 'things' a lot and I couldn't tell you where all the countries in the world are, on the map, but that's what Google's for right? But I could paint you a picture, design and hand bind you a book, tell you how many grams a piece of paper is from a touch and capture a special moment all in a photograph. Personally, I think that this is 'intelligent' just a different kind.

{source}

Being Dyslexic has never stopped me from achieving anything I've wanted to do, {some of you might have seen my things I have achieved list} I have been through and passed university with flying colours, got a job straight out of uni and now I also enjoy blogging! I used to think that I wouldn't be able to blog, because I have never been very good at writing but I sure do love writing about things I feel passionate about, a another lovely blogger once said to me "I can see your personality when you write" and that is how I want to come across, I write just the way I would talk and it's working out pretty good for me so far, so what if I miss a new full stops out along the way. So if you are Dyslexic don't let anybody put you down! If you have been told you are not very bright ignore them {maybe tell them where to go} and then prove them wrong. I did.

Closed: Giveaway! Maaya Lad Designs

2012-02-07T15:00:00.000+08:00

Today I have a lovely giveaway for you! A set of five beautiful animal cards including exotic and woodland animals, all handmade and illustrated by Maaya Lad. They are perfect for any occasion and will bring a smile to anybody's faces.

Enter to win:

You must follow "Curious Damsel" via GFC
Visit Maaya Lad Designs and leave a comment below with your favourite item
(make sure you leave your Twitter or email address so i can contact you if you win!)

Bonus entries:

'Like' Maaya on Facebook
Follow her on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway using this tweet:
"Win @MaayaLad Design's charming cards on @Curious_Damsel blog! http://bit.ly/A2eHvG Have you entered yet? #Giveaway"

Please leave an extra comment for each bonus entry. Giveaway is open to UK and International readers and open for entries until February 13th 9pm GMT. Good luck!

And the winner of last weeks featured ad space giveaway is...

#2 Kate! Well done, you have an email awaiting!

Monday Musings: Yemeni bride

2012-02-06T15:30:00.000+08:00

{Photograph by Stephanie Sinclair, National Geographic

Happy Monday everyone! Today I have such an inspirational story for you. Nujood Ali, a Yemeni bride, aged 10 married of to a man in his 30's who abused her, a young girl who said no, went to court, got a lawyer and broke free! What she did was unspeakable in her country, but this girl's courageous act and the landmark legal battle turned her into an international heroine for women's rights. I am truly amazed by this brave little girl who was made to grow up too fast, stood up not only for herself but for women everywhere!

Salt dough craft

2012-02-04T00:36:00.000+08:00

I have always had fun making craft with salt dough and it is so easy even children can do it, so it makes for a great project! I thought I would share with you my recipe and instructions. You can make lots of lovely things like name plaques, door hangers, decorations or present tags, maybe a heart tag for Valentines? Enjoy!

Instructions:

Chester Walls

2012-02-02T16:00:00.000+08:00

I had a wonderful weekend with my friends, Alison and Alison. We went to Chester, my first time seeing the Chester Walls and its lovely views, but my my it was freezing, zero degrees!! So we warmed up in a lovely Tapas bar, oooh and we ate like little piggy's. I love tapas, it's perfect for those who can't make up their mind. Lots of yummy picky food and a cheeky glass of wine as I wasn't driving hehe :)

Happy February everyone! Apparently this is the month when everyone goes on a diet because they feel guilty for not sticking to their new years resolutions! I think I have been {pretty} good so far, I will have to go back and check my list! Have you stuck to yours?

Closed: Giveaway: Featured Ad Space!

2012-01-31T15:00:00.001+08:00

I have decided to start a sponsorship section for trading banners, and I thought the best way to kick it off is to have a giveaway of a featured ad space! Featured means that you will sit at the top of the right hand side of the sponsors sidebar for the entire month! You will also receive:

Curious About Sponsors Feature:

For Large Size Banners. This is a post justabout you! I will introduce you and your business to my readers. You alsohave the option to include an interview if you wish, which I can personalise and send over to you.

Featured giveaway:

I would love to work with you on agiveaway! Each giveaway receives its own post, and I will randomly select awinner to receive the prize. I will also promote the giveaway on Twitter andFacebook. Here is an example.

Exclusive discounts to Curious Damsel readers:

Included with sponsorship is theopportunity to offer my readers promos or discounts which will be placed in theright hand side bar of the blog and also promoted on Twitter and Facebook.

Tweets:

I will tweet any announcements, sales or promos you are having. Just email or tweet me @Curious_Damsel

Enter to win:

You must follow "Curious Damsel" via GFC
and leave a comment below describing your blog / shop style in three words.

(make sure you leave your Twitter or email address so i can contact you if you win!)

Bonus entries:

'Like' Curious Damsel on Facebook
Follow Curious damsel via Bloglovin
Follow @Curious_Damsel on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway using this tweet:
"Win a featured ad spot on @Curious_Damsel blog! http://bit.ly/xFZwCC Have you entered yet? #Giveaway"

Please leave an extra comment for each bonus entry.

Giveaway is open until February 6th 9pm GMT. Good luck!

Monday Musing: Scaredy spiders

2012-01-30T16:00:00.000+08:00

{source / photograph by Russell Watkins}

An unexpected side effect of the 2010 flooding in parts of Sindh, Pakistan, was that millions of spiders climbed up into the trees to escape the rising floodwaters; because of the scale of the flooding and the fact that the water took so long to recede, many trees became cocooned in spiderwebs. People in the area had never seen this phenomenon before, but they also reported that there were fewer mosquitoes than they would have expected, given the amount of standing water that was left. Not being bitten by mosquitoes was one small blessing for people that had lost everything in the floods. - National Geographic

How amazing is this! I never expected spiders to act like this, but then it's not something I would think about. But spiders are obviously too scared for their safety, I just think that it is astonishing being able to so clearly see how they do it and on such a large scale. I know I am rambling a little, but the first time I saw these pictures {The Guardian I think} I honestly couldn't believe it, click on the source and there are more fascinating pictures of the trees cocooned by spiderwebs. I would like to say that even though I am amazed by these images, I does not make me forget the tragedy that caused this to happen.

Check back tomorrow, I have an exciting giveaway you!

Book Club: The Poison Tree

2012-01-28T15:00:00.000+08:00

My step mom gave me this book to read, so i trusted it would be amazing as she is a bit of a book worm! She goes through like 5 books a week! and it takes me 7 months to read one!

I would say this book falls under the genre 'psychological thriller'. It begins when Karen and her nine-year- old daughter, Alice, pick up Rex from a ten-year sentence in prison for murder. The story flashes back and forth between the present and Karen's past, the summer of her college days in London.

Karen is a straight-A student until she meets the exotic, lively Biba and joins her louche life in a old mansion in Highgate. She begins dating Biba's over protective older brother, Rex, and falls into a lifestyle of sex, alcohol, and endless summer nights. Karen thinks her new found happiness will last forever. But Biba and Rex have a complicated family history, one of abandonment and suicide and Karen's summer of freedom soon ends in blood.

When old ghosts come back to destroy the life it has taken Karen years to build, she has everything to lose. She will do whatever it takes to protect her family and keep her secret.

Alternating between the fragile present and the lingering past with a shocker of an ending, I thought that this book was brilliant and I would definitely recommend it.

I couldn't put a spoiler in this review even if i wanted too - the story goes into too much depth... But don't worry it doesn't get confusing.

I have some exciting changes for you all on Tuesday, I love blogging so much I am taking it to the next level I am also offering a lovely giveaway, So check back on Tuesday!

Etsy wishlist: Pretty in pink

2012-01-28T00:09:00.002+08:00

In aid of breast cancer and the we want any bra campaign, I thought that I would do an Etsy wishlist of all things pink! If you are interested in supporting Breast Cancer Care you can donate your bra with £1 in each cup, there are lots of drop off points which you can find here.

1 ~ Love birds necklace
2 ~ Pink dress
3 ~ Shabby chic chair
4 ~ Secret garden pendant
5 ~ Sweet suede shoes

Baby Shower

2012-01-26T15:30:00.000+08:00

I went to my cousins baby shower this weekend, I have never been to one, so i didn't know what to expect but it was lovely! Lucie the Mommy, Scott the Daddy and not so little Bump anymore who will be a cute surprise as they are waiting to find out the sex. I think I would have to know what the sex was of my baby as I get too excitable about things such as names, oh and the decorating, I would have a field day designing their room! We have already kind of picked out our baby names, is that a bit eager?

It was a beautiful day, with funny games, apple bobbing {but bogging for dummies} pin the tale on Eeyore, some extremely cute babies and lots of yummy food, and it's not long to the due day now. I thought that a bit of baby inspiration would have to be posted, how cute is this nursery, photographs by Amy Ro Photography.... Oh I'm feeling broody!

{source of all dream nursery images}

Tutorial: Pretty codes to insert pretty images

2012-01-24T15:00:00.000+08:00

I have a tutorial for you all! I have been asked a few times to help other blogger with HTML code to make their blog look pretty, so I thought I would do some tutorials. This one is very basic... Inserting images. It looks lovely and neat when all of your blog images are the same width, using Blogger's image insert tool never guarantees all your images to be the same size, here is how you can insert images and always make sure they are the exact width of your blog post section.

Below are the codes for if you want to add an image either into your blog post directly or into your side bar. To add an image into your side bar, you to go LAYOUT in your blogger dashboard and add a GADGET than add a HTML WIDGET put in one of these codes and then just fill in the blanks which I have highlighted. I have just found out: Do not copy and paste these codes as they might not work, you will have to rewrite them out. If you cant see your picture but you can see your code when previewed or published then you are probably missing a one of these symbols: < > " =

The code to just insert an image:

The code to insert an image with a link:

<a href="URL OF DESTINATION HERE"><img src="YOUR IMAGE DIRECT LINK HERE"
width="170" /></a>

A bit of explanation:

Has this been helpful and easy to understand? Please comment and let me know and I can try to simplify it more I have just rambled on!

*Correction in 'width explanation' - You only ever have to enter the width never the height. It will always be in proportion if only the width is entered.

Monday Musings: Geisha

2012-01-23T15:30:00.000+08:00

{source // photograph by Clancy Lethbridge}

Happy Monday! I love looking at beautiful photographs, I could stare and 'muse' for ages which got me thinking this 'Monday Musing' series doesn't need to just been words to muse over as pictures tell a story too. This image is from National Geographic a fantastic corner of the online world and I think that the description describes how it makes me feel perfectly.

"Within an ultramodern society Japan still maintains traditions passed down from generation to generation, making it one of the most beautiful and intriguing places in the world"

I have always been fascinated by the Japanese culture and I particularly love reading about the life of a Geisha. Did you know that Geisha means Artist (gei meaning "art" and sha meaning "person") One of my favourite books is Memoirs of a Geisha and I recommend you read it! {don't watch the film personally I didn't think it was very good} but the book captures the life of one of Japan's most celebrated Geisha, Sayuri. It truly is a beautiful book. What is your favourite culture?

City or town?

2012-01-21T16:00:00.000+08:00

As some of you already know I am leaving for the other side of the world in 3 weeks! I have lived in a few different places from a town to a arty city to a really dodgy part of the city {in a tower block} and back to a town {not so arty}. I have been looking back at the place I last called home and that was in Cheshire, England. I was quite lucky, surrounding my town was a lot of lovely countryside and greenery, so if you looked hard enough it is actually quite pretty {not as pretty as sun and sand mind!} but I did live next to a quaint little town called Nantwich, which has all quirky shops and lovely tea rooms. Unfortunately I didn't take many photographs {I'm still a bit scared of getting mugged, that's living in an English city for you} so here is a selection of what i did take.

When I lived at home {in a town} I thought "No I'm a city girl, I want to go to uni in a city" so I moved to Manchester, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would {even though I made some of the best friends I could ever make there} so then I said "No I want to live back in a town" so I did and that is when I realised how much I missed the city. I would get off the train at about 11pm and I expected a taxi to be there waiting already, no I had to call one, I was hungry, but could I find a takeaway that was still open? no, the shops shut at 5pm and as for opening on a Sunday, that was out of the question! So what I decided I would like is to live in a city, that has large open parks and isn't packed with tourists, there isn't many places like that, except for my favourite place so far in the world... Fremantle in Australia, not far from where I will be staying with my family. I won't be living there but I will be close enough to enjoy it! What has been your most favourite place to live, city or town?

Awake my soul

2012-01-20T05:52:00.001+08:00

I have been a bit under the weather the last few days, so i have been sleeping a lot which has been making me 'groggy' is that even a word? Anyway i haven't felt up to doing much of anything but catching up on my terribly addicting TV series... and now i need something to 'awake my soul' to bring my spirit and creativity back to life, I haven't found out how to do that yet but i did find this gorgeous barn wood headboard picture and tutorial, by 508. Look at me I'm even researching bed pictures! I would love to design my own headboard, i think this one is wonderfully rustic and how cute are the hanging pictures above!

I was determined to do a bit more painting today, I fancy a cute mouse in a pretty teacup, but the motivation didn't linger. I have been thinking about things to blog about while I am in transit, but i am finding it a little difficult, the weather is horrible so no nice photographs, I don't have any of my things as they are all boxed up so no tutorials, so all of my images are sourced, not that i don't love all these pretty finds though! I promise that as soon as Australia adventures begin there will be loads of wonderful posts and sunny photographs. For now I will have to think of a nice new series for you all, how do you feel about some design / blog layout / Photoshop tutorials? And how would you prefer them, screen shots or video?

*Click image for the source and the tutorial

Artist appreciation: Jelle Martens

2012-01-17T18:39:00.000+08:00

Jelle Martens I don't know much about this artist as I think he is from Belgium and most info on his website is in a language that I cannot read. But I can clearly see his lovely artwork!

{source}

In the quivering forest beautiful designs by Jelle Martens, inspired by minimal graphic design and nature. I just love these triangle collages of the forest, I feel like I'm getting a peek into a different world.

{source}

Vormenklus Very minimal but still intriguing, I particularly like the worn, old look against the sharp modern angles. What do you think of Jelly Martens work?

All packed up & ready to go... almost

2012-01-13T19:43:00.001+08:00

{source}

Even though we are not going to Australia until February, our apartment lease is up tomorrow, so we have had to have everything all packed up now. Bradley and I are both going back to our families for a month before we go. So I thought it would be wise while i was sifting through all my stuff, to decide what i will be taking to Australia. 20kg...that is all i am allowed! {they wont even let me buy more} It has been so hard trying to pick what to take and what to leave behind. I had three piles of clothes, a 'definite taking pile', a 'if there's room in my case pile' and a 'okay i don't mind leaving these' pile and I can't even take all my clothes out of the definite pile! Then there's shoes, bags, art stuff... I will be at the airport waddling along because i will be wearing all of my clothes! Does anyone have any packing skills they can share? I don't have a problem with fitting stuff in my case, it's massive! But I will be having a problem with weight. How do you pack light?

{source}

I love travelling, the whole experience, even the airplane food! I like the waiting around in the airport, checking the boarding screens a hundred times even though its two hours away and the feel of the hot air as you get off the plane (it's usually hot air for me, I like the warm countries) I would love to be able to travel the world, see every corner and experience the different cultures, I think it would be wonderful! I admire the people who are brave enough to just pack up their car, drive and see where the road takes them. I have found some lovely travel pictures to keep me in the spirit and keep my mind of the piles of boxes i still need to sort out at home.

{source}

{source / source}

Wishlist: Summer Outfit

2012-01-12T22:29:00.000+08:00

Ooh now that i am jetty off to a sunny land, I can look for lovely summery clothes, still window shopping mind but its fun not having to think out how to keep warm, morning thoughts... Okay so i need two/three layers, a brolly, a scarf and extra socks because my shoes have holes and the rain will get in and then i'll get chilblains... and that's all before 8am! So here is a whole outfit and all it consists of is shorts, a top, shoes, a bag and NO socks!! hehe

Top ~Topshop exact

Shorts ~Topshop exact

Shoes ~ Topshop exact

Bag ~Topshop exact

Exciting news & giveaway winner!!

2012-01-10T16:00:00.000+08:00

I have some really wonderful news! The wind has changed direction and is taking me and Bradley to... Australia! Aaaah so excited, it's all happening very quickly we go in Feburary, but yes we have decided to see the other side of the world for a while. We are going over on a working visa, it will be so great, seeing my family again and having the opportunity to work in Australia is just so exciting! Being only down the road from Fremantle a lovely artsy town, I'm sure i will find something wonderful to do! We are very busy bee's at the moment, we have to move out of our apartment next week, Bradley and I will both be going back to our families for a month before we go, so i wont see him again until we fly! And also exciting for you lovely readers... As I will have so many fun adventure posts and maybe some more outfit posts as it will be sunny and bright!
Does anyone live in Western Australia?

And finally the winner of my Birds and Bows giveaway is #32 Amy!

Yay!! Please email to receive your goodies!

Monday Musings: Lovely Ladies

2012-01-09T17:35:00.000+08:00

Musing over some inspiring ladies today! I wanted to share with you my delightful daily reads. Some of these lovely ladies are the ones who inspired me to start blogging in the first place, so a thank you to them, I think that you should all go take a peak! I have added a new tab in my nav bar (here) called Blog Love and as i find new and wonderful blogs my list will grow.
Here are a few highlights:

Delightfully Tacky, a new bride who has travelled far in her beloved Winnebago,

shares DIY tips and lots of lovely outfit posts.

Oana Befort, a mother, a wife and the most wonderful illustrator around

inspired by nature and daily life.

Girl & Closet, a beautiful lady of a fashion & lifestyle blog who can restyle any outfit!

New items in my Curious Closet!

2012-01-06T19:09:00.000+08:00

All for sale in my Curious Closet here, take a peek!

Year of the water dragon

2012-01-05T15:00:00.001+08:00

Happy new year everyone! If you missed the celebrations you can always join in on the Chinese new year which falls on 23rd January. History fascinates me and I love the Chinese culture, their Chinese New Year or Spring Festival celebrations last 15 days, how wonderful is that. The tradition of preparing for Spring Festival means cleaning your house from top to bottom, to sweep away any traces of bad luck and doors and windowpanes are given a new coat of paint, usually red. The doors and windows are then decorated with paper cuts and couplets with theme such as happiness, wealth and longevity printed on them. This year we fall in the the year of the Dragon, the same animal that represents the year i was born. I thought a little illustration was in need, and also keeps me on good track of maintaining my resolution "To start drawing again and to design with more passion than i ever have before" The process:

Are there any traditions that you really love?

Closed: Curious Damsel Giveaway! Birds & bows

2012-01-03T15:00:00.000+08:00

To start off the new year i thought that it would be a lovely idea to host a giveaway of some Curious Damsel Accessories. One lucky reader will have the chance to win one of these cute bows, I am also throwing in this darling bird brooch! The bows come in smokey grey, burnt red, truly turquoise and sparkling red and can be worn as a hair clip or a brooch. Enter for your chance to win!

Enter to win:

You must follow "Curious Damsel" via GFC
and leave a comment below with your best moment of 2011
(make sure you leave your Twitter or email address so i can contact you if you win!)

Bonus entries:

'Like' Curious Damsel on Facebook
Follow Curious damsel via Bloglovin
Follow @Curious_Damsel on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway using this tweet
"Win @Curious_Damsel Accessories here: http://tinyurl.com/cy59y5n Have you entered yet? #Giveaway"
Blog about the giveaway and leave a comment with a link to your blog post
(please leave an extra comment for each)

That is up to five chances to win!
Make sure you leave a separate comment for each and check back to see if you won!
Giveaway is open now until January 10th 2012 and open to UK and International readers.
Good luck!

Sorry for the sort notice but i have some exciting news for you all (will tell very soon!) which means that I will have to end this giveaway on Tuesday 10th January now, so hurry and get your entries in!

Curious Closet: Kate Moss Sequin Tabard

2012-01-03T03:52:00.001+08:00

I am clearing out my lovely closet and first up for sale is this beautiful

Kate Moss for Topshop Sequin Tabard Party Top.

Mesh and floral black and turquoise sequin pattern.

Size 8 UK but will fit 6-10 as it has open sides and is fastened at the bottom with poppers.
Worn Once, but please note that this top is delicate and some

sequins may be loose without my knowledge.

£35 in my Curious Closet or buy through ebay here with a starting bid of only £29.99

Monday Musings

2012-01-03T01:46:00.000+08:00

How cute is this t-shirt designed by Jedidiah and all for a good cause too! Jedidiah teamed up with Invisible Children, an organisation that provides aid to children and young people in Uganda. It took me a while to track down the source of this image and I'm glad i found it because Jedidiah make a lot more gorgeous tees! take a look here.

Tomorrow i am hosting my very first giveaway for you all, so check back! :)

Batgirl & The Joker

2012-01-01T20:31:00.000+08:00

Happy new year! Bradley and I went to a fantastic new years eve party! Our friends Alison and Gareth hosted a Heroes and Villains party. I went as Batgirl and Bradley The Joker it was loads of fun dressing up and making the costumes. I made some sleeves with points on, for Batgirl's costume, Bradley came home and said "Ooh there good" and i replied "Yeah it's your jumper i cut up" hehe he never wore it anyway. Making the costumes:

Our hosts were brilliant! We played party games, won certificates and prizes and they even found the time to produce a mini murder mystery/ anti terrorist movement film, where we has to diffuse bombs by answering questions relevant to the year gone by, and search out hidden bomb remotes to save the world!

What did you all get up to?

New years resolutions

2011-12-31T16:00:00.000+08:00

New Year's Eve is a time to look back on the past and more importantly look forward to the coming year. I have compiled my list of resolutions,

Learn a new skill, any ideas readers?
Sort out my closet {boo} I should really just get a bigger closet hehe
Try and make someone happy everyday
Grow my hair to my toes {or as long as i can}
Start drawing again and to design with more passion than ever before
Always trust my instinct and keep listening to my heart
Learn how to say hello in 5 languages
Volunteer for a good cause
Touch my toes
Stay curious...

What is your biggest resolution?
Dont have one visit moninavelarde.com and get one! :)

A giveaway by Kaelah

2011-12-30T00:30:00.002+08:00

I want to share with you all this wonderful giveaway by Kaelah of Little Chief Honeybee. The best Christmas present EVER in my mind, oh how i have dreamt... I am the biggest Apple fan but only own my little mac, no iphone, ipod or ipad but Kaelah is giving everyone the opportunity to win one here. Good luck :)

And for some more giveaway fun, I will be hosting my own giveaway on Tuesday next week so check back to win some Curious Damsel accessories!

Festive fun

2011-12-29T23:20:00.001+08:00

I have had a lovely Christmas, this is some of my festive fun, I do hope you have all had a merry time!

Christmas time with my cutie
Fun with the girls
A crunchy cheesecake with popping candy...drool
Outings with Braddy
Candle light
Painting Christmas Presents
I also went to a wonderful Mince Pie Party, but silly me, i didn't take any pictures

The Versatile Blogger Award

2011-12-29T05:04:00.000+08:00

What a lovely Christmas present! I have been nominated for a blog award from the lovely

Sil of ilovekukee and Sophie of Sophie etc Thank you very much I am delighted!

The rules:

Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post
Share 7 things about yourself
Send on the award to 15 other boggers whose blog you love and appreciate and then let them know they won the award.

Seven things:

I used to be a goth, i still have my flame new rock boots
I could drink Baileys for breakfast
I am allergic to cats but hat doesn't stop me fussing them, they are such cuties
I could live off of parsnips and chocolate
I have a little obsession with Vampire stories
Handmade things are my favourite
I am a water baby, i wouldn't turn down the idea of living under the sea (if i was given gills obviously)

My 15 favourite bloggers:

Take a peek at these blogs they really are lovely :) Enjoy and thanks again!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T17:00:00.000+08:00

I hope that you all have a wonderful day, eat lots and be merry!

Love hearts

2011-12-23T02:06:00.000+08:00

I thought that it would be lovely to fit in an outfit post before Christmas. It was my friends birthday last night so we all got dolled up and went for some yummy food at pizza express loaded with our 241 vouchers hehe. Oh and have you noticed, how long my hair has got? I didn't, it's like it grew over night!

My top was a present from my boss in exchange for an owl decoration i made. My heels {I never wear heels, but i so should} Bradley got them for me on his discount at work because my Primark boots completely fell apart and i was getting soggy snow socks and chilblains were forming! It was way too chilly to be standing outside, we reached a whole 1 degree today! so I'm afraid that my living room wall had to do for the photographs! I wish we had our own garden, we live in an old convent that was converted into apartments so we have a communal garden which lots of windows over look, it so i always feel a bit silly standing out there having my picture taken, or even photographing myself hehe, but i should just not care and do it anyway.

How do you do your outfit posts, are you brave enough to just do it on the streets for the lovely backdrops?

Top ~ H&M

Trousers ~ H&M

Boots ~ Clarks

Earrings ~ Forever New (Australia)

Wedding planning: Signs

2011-12-20T22:29:00.000+08:00

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Some more inspiration for the wedding book. Signs, I adore handmade signs, and these are all wonderful, I would have them all if I could! hehe I particularly love the idea of having a type writer for guests to write down their words of wisdom on, instead of a guest book. And i am definitely having a wooden sign with the directions of which way is which and how adorable is the sign saying "You don't have to pick sides, sit wherever you'd like" Aww After doing these wedding planner posts i have realised really how much there is to do, no wonder it takes people a year to plan. Ours isn't going to be for a few years i don't think but taking into consideration that i want to handmake most of my wedding lovelies i better start making now!

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Want to see more of our wedding planning?

tru luv // dress // hair // stationary

Please do let me know if i have sourced something wrong, or if i have used your image and you would like it taken down, just contact me and i will happily change / credit correctly / take down.

Monday Musings

2011-12-19T23:07:00.000+08:00

It's the last Monday before Christmas everyone. Are you all ready? I know I'm not, this handmade Christmas has taken a lot longer than i expected and so i will be sewing every night this week! I thought as it is the last Monday Musing before Christmas, it should be kept on theme, and...
"Tis the time to be jolly" so here are some 'Free Positive Thoughts' for you made by Kind Over Matter click on the image to take you to the download-able version. Enjoy and think positive! x

Poor Bumble

2011-12-18T05:44:00.001+08:00

I wanted to share this picture with you because i personally think that it is fascinating. Did you know that Einstein stated:

"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, man would have
only four years to live"

The statement above, i believe the reason is that there wouldn't be enough pollination, therefore not enough oxygen {please correct me if i am wrong}. This bumble bee {above} is one of my Dad's pictures. The poor bumble is covered in harmless mites, they only become harmful if there are too many on the bumble so she cant take off. Bumble bee's are harmless and will only sting you if they feel like they or their colony are in danger because the bee will die if it stings you {It's wasps that are the nasty ones} So if you see a little poor bumble that cant take off because they have too many mites on their body, then be kind and save it. You can put the bumble in the freezer ONLY for a few minutes, this will slow down her metabolism, you can then gently get the mites off of her without stressing her out.

Be careful and remember save the bees!

TV dinner

2011-12-16T18:00:00.000+08:00

I don't watch much TV, I wont just put it on for the sake of it, but when i do find a TV series I love, I am hooked! Since my second year of uni i stumbled across Supernatural, this was my breaking point, i watched between 2-7 episodes a day! When i explain to you what it's all about, you will think it sounds a bit cheesy but it really isn't, it so believable, funny and the story lines are intense! Its about two brothers who go on demon, monster and angel hunts {yes angles too} in their Impala, they have a side kick angel buddy, Castiel who rebels against God for free will, God buggered off and demon Crowley runs hell, making people queue in lines for eternity {his idea of hell} and if you don't like the sound of that well there's three hot guys in it, that's got to be good enough!

True Blood has to be my next favourite, again hot guys, vampires, fairies, witches and werewolves and they're existence is all out in the open. This certainly is a new twist which i love!
Desperate housewives has affairs, murders, the everyday drama and gorgeous girls who make you wish you were a housewife! Oooh and Dexter a lovable serial killer {avenging angel} who only targets evil killers and he does this while working for the police and looking after his dead wife's two children and a baby of his own!

Seriously how can you not get addicted to these story lines! Are you addicted to any TV shows?

Monday musings on Thursday

2011-12-15T17:34:00.000+08:00

Happy {closer to the weekend} mid week everyone! I didn't get a chance to do a Monday Musings this week, so i am doing a Thursday Thoughts. I feel that this is an important 'wise words' and we should if we can all live by this one thought. You shouldn't be afraid to fail because if you don't try you will your life regretting and you only get one chance! {Unless your a Buddha}

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I met an older lady in Shropshire who set up her own little shop, making silk screen printed scarfs, and prints, i asked her how she was getting on and she said that this had always been her dream and even though it took her years and years she still made it, and it was the best thing she ever did, her wise words were "Never give up on your dreams, if you work hard enough one day you'll make, even if it is when your old like me" What are your dreams?

DIY Christmas Wrapping

2011-12-14T03:35:00.004+08:00

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I am having a handmade Christmas this year and that includes the wrapping paper! I found some lovely DIY wrapping ideas and thought that i would share them with you. I particularly love the sheet music wrapping, you could even use the sheet music of Christmas songs to be extra festive!

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Christmas is less than two weeks away! Gosh this year has gone quick.
Have you wrapped all your presents yet?

Snow White

2011-12-13T04:38:00.002+08:00

My friend Alison came up for some Christmasy weekend fun. We had a lovely meal, sold some crafty things at a fayre and... went to the pantomime! I saw Snow white "Oh yes we did" and it was great fun i think we were the only ones who were there without a child! hehe but we do love the theatre and it's sort of the same. Oh Dirty Dancing is playing in Manchester, I would love to see that!

Only two weeks till Christmas now people, have you got all your presents wrapped? I decided to have a 'Handmade Christmas' this year, i thought i would be nice and personal and also save some pennies, but i sure have more family and friends than i thought to be making stuff for and it piling up, I better go get sewing!

Strange foods

2011-12-09T19:37:00.000+08:00

Happy Friday everyone! I been thinking a lot about food this week, odd thoughts i know. As Brad has been working 9am-11pm every day, I've had to cook dinner for myself every night and to be honest i just cant be bothered when it's just for me and my taste buds are starting to crave different foods. This got me thinking... (bare with me my thoughts do tend to trail off to wild places) about what sort of foods i have tried and mostly what has been the strangest food i have eaten.

My dad has eaten sheep's brains on toast, my uncle snails, my sister shark. But what have i eaten? Honestly not much as i don't really eat much meat and I'm a wuss when it comes to spicy things, when i remembered that very sadly I have actually eaten kangaroo, WAIT there is a story. My family took me and Bradley to Little Creatures in Australia which i have to say is amazing they actually brew their own beer right there in front of you! So anyway they ordered the food, it was chicken skewers, well so i thought! I ate a whole skewer and loved it, my family bust out in laughter and tears.. It wasn't chicken, it was kangaroo and this was after we had just been to Whiteman park petting the kangaroos! oh but that's not the worst part, i am sad to say i enjoyed it and asked for another! Oh but just look how cute they are! I don't think I'll eat it again.

What is the strangest thing you have eaten? do tell.

Blog Design

2011-12-07T20:46:00.000+08:00

I have been busy helping my finance start up a blog The Outspoken Scribbler he is a writer, just graduated and wanted to get started on some personal and freelance writing. He loves to talk about all things factual, interesting and downright ridiculous. It is a work in progress (Only a few posts at the moment) but he writes at every chance he gets, please do take a look and comment he you like anything (It will make him happy) hehe.

Monday Musings

2011-12-05T18:38:00.000+08:00

A bit of Einstein this morning, wise words i think. So instead of going backwards and asking how your weekend was, i am going to stay on theme and ask... What have you all got planned this week? Happy Monday everyone!

Click for source

German {Manchester} Market

2011-12-05T04:17:00.000+08:00

The Manchester Christmas / German Market has arrived! It is always such a lovely outing, crafts, mulled wine and the gorgeous German sausages that are twice as big as the buns! Bradley and I went for a little visit last week we didn't get to eat any sausages though, because we stuffed our faces at Font, I always have the potato skins topped with bacon, cheese, spring onions, sour cream and guacamole all for £3 a delicious bargain! I also just love creative moddy atmosphere in there, they have different artists' work on every wall which is ever changing and these gorgeous birdcages filled with origami birds, so cute!

Walking around the Christmas Market really put me in to the Christmas spirit, especially seeing these giant reindeer's how fabulous are they! There were a few new stalls at the Market this year which was nice because it does tend to the the same stuff every year. I also love the 'MCR heart XMAS' below the Santa I think it gets the message across very well. To top off the night we went the the flicks to see 'Dream House' (for free... perks of Bradley working at Odeon) starring Daniel Craig, {yum} which i would say is not the best film out at the moment, but it is definitely worth a watch. Have you been to any Christmas Markets this year and were they any good?

Partridge in a pear tree

2011-12-02T20:29:00.000+08:00

On the first day of Christmas... I took these pictures, I'm finally building up the courage to take outfit posts, I had fun taking these but the wind was nippy and I'm a wimp when it comes to being cold, it was nice going back into my warm apartment and wrapping up. We are also thinking of putting up our Christmas decorations today, it is December so i guess it allowed, we have tinsel and a mini tree, but i think it will be nice this year to make most of our decorations, Snow flake chains, Christmas tree ornaments standing trees. I make sure i take pictures of what i make with a little 'how to' so if you want you can make them too :)

Knit: Thrift shop

Top: Warehouse

Socks: River Island

Boots: Primark

Ring: Australia

Bracelet: Far Fetched

My knit is a bit big for me, but i just feel in love with it when i saw it, i think it was like two pounds! It is knitted in shell like shapes with a gold thread entwined through it. The boots; a bargain at Primark they are the only shoes i own that cover the whole of my foot, so they will see a lot this winter. My ring was from a little shop in Fremantle, Australia, the lady who owned the shop was selling some beautiful rings but they were all too big for me. The lady shop owner heard me moaning about my child size fingers and brought out some rings from the back that she got from a Indian lady who also had small fingers, and i found this one! My bracelet was given to me by my Nan on it is inscribed is 'Live your dream' which i think is just lovely.

Lonely Christmas

2011-11-29T03:27:00.001+08:00

Christmas time is nearing and it will soon be snowing (not sure if i like this idea, i haven't decided yet) Bradley has been talking about putting up the decorations since October! The one song that always reminds me of Christmas is Lonely this Christmas by Mud, Bradley would always sing it to me and even though its a bit of a sad song it still gives me warm fuzzy feelings inside.
Whats your Christmas song?

We're dreaming of a green Christmas

2011-11-28T22:00:00.000+08:00

My day job is working as a Graphic designer for a housing association and it's Christmas time... This means designing their Christmas card which goes to customers and other businesses! I love this time of year it's so jolly :) My theme for this year was based about being Eco friendly and showing that we are doing what we can to be 'green'. I really quite like it so i thought i would share it with you!

I had a list of things that my work do which supports being 'green' and with the title 'We're dreaming of a green Christmas' I illustrated the rest, it's even being printed on recycled stock!

Fonts, glorious fonts

2011-11-24T20:55:00.000+08:00

Fonts, glorious fonts. I love finding sites that give you decent free fonts and i recently found this one, Lost Type. And aren't they just wonderful... The Lost Type Co-Op is a Pay-What-You-Want Type foundry, the first of its kind. Founded by Riley Cran and Tyler Galpin. You have the opportunity to pay whatever you like for a font, you can even type in '$0' for a free download {which is handy when you have to count your pennies like me, when I'm rich i will donate back into the system} 100% of funds from their sales go directly to the designers of the fonts, respectively. Lost Type takes no cut of sales, and holds no funds.

Click on the image to take you to the font :)

My favorite letter is a serif 'g' whats yours?

Wedding planner: Stationery

2011-11-23T23:04:00.000+08:00

Oooh I just love print! The feel of the stock, the smell of the ink, the layout of the beautiful letters... I could go on and this post could also include a million pictures! But I've contained myself and these are my favorites, especially the invitation that on the hanky which is for your 'happy tears' aww so cute!

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I would find it so difficult to design my own stationery, I love too many styles, colours, illustrations, I haven't even thought about it yet because i know what i would be like... I'm hoping it will one day just come to me. Do share your thoughts and other wedding style posts :)

Want to see more of my wedding planning?

tru luv // dress // hair

Monday morning thoughts

2011-11-21T20:24:00.000+08:00

A little thought to start off your week, made by Becky Murphy. What do you do that makes you proud? Tell me with your thoughts :) Happy Monday!

Etsy wishlist: Foxy

2011-11-19T18:39:00.000+08:00

This months Etsy wishlist theme is fancy foxes!

Wedding: A lock of hair

2011-11-17T23:53:00.001+08:00

More wedding planning... This week I have been looking at hairstyles. Now for me to have any of these styles i would need to grow my hair! It has always been a battle for me, when it comes to my hair I get bored quite easily (it has been every colour in the rainbow, even blue, orange and green!) I just want gorgeous long thick curly hair, but instead i have short thin hair! I have been trying for years to grow it and every time it hits my shoulders i cut it all off! but I have just got past the awkward length and now it's actually past my shoulders, i am determined to keep growing it! I adore all these styles:

Sources

Do you have any pictures from your wedding? I would love to see some more wedding posts/blogs

Free shipping!

2011-11-15T17:27:00.000+08:00

Etsy Handbook: Free business cards

2011-11-15T01:05:00.000+08:00

Promoting your business is a great way to get new viewers, and up your sales, but i understand if your just starting out the pennies can be tight and what you can afford to spend usually goes on materials. But fear not, there are ways around this!

50 free business cards by Etsy and Moo!
Moo are a great print company online based with a UK and a US site. They use Eco green stock which also helps show your customers that you are Eco friendly, its all a plus. Now these business cards are free because on the font of them they will have a stip at the bottom with their logo, Etsy's logo and a discount code for other potential Moo customers, but on the up side, you can choose up to 50 different designs/photographs on the front, you can personalise them yourself or use ready made templates, which are pretty fab too!

I have just recently ordered some and i think they look lovely, i choose the Eco green stock, and the strip at the bottom doesn't bother me too much, in time these cards will get me more sales and soon i will be able to buy unbranded ones (well hopefully hehe)

If your in the UK use this link for your free business cards

If your in the US use this link for your free business cards

First mini craft stall

2011-11-12T03:30:00.000+08:00

This was my first {sort of} mini craft stall, I had a free space at Manchester Metropolitan student's union, so i thought i would take down the little bits and bobs i have made so far and see how i go on. Myself and two friends are doing a REAL craft fair on 4th December, Christmas Extravaganza at Reebok Stadium Horwich near Bolton, which i am really excited about, so i have been a busy bee making lots of things and coming up with new ideas.

I have never done a craft stall before, so i'm not entirely sure how to set out our table show off out work in the best possible way, i think i will have to do some research. Have you done a craft stall, how did it go and do you have any tips?

Tea time

2011-11-10T15:30:00.000+08:00

Oh i do love a good cup of tea, especially now the winter chill is setting in! I was given this cute this tea set, and with it came a shabby chick wooden tray, blue toile tea towel and cups, a tea pot tea strainer and some English Breakfast tea leaves.

This was my first time making tea with real tea leaves and i made quite a bit of mess, but it sure did taste good :) What's your favorite tea?

Etsy Handbook: Photography

2011-11-09T18:57:00.002+08:00

After setting up my little Etsy Shop, I did loads of research on how to help your business blossom, and the best handbook i found was created by Katie, blogger of igobykatie, but she decided to end her blog and focus more on what matters to her, but when she ended her blog she also deleted all of her posts, so i cannot direct you to her once wonderful handbook.

So... I thought that i would share my findings with you. If your new to Etsy like myself then read on and make your business blossom! it's also a good way of documenting what i find so i can look back at it myself. Today... Photography!

Product photography for beginners

Learning how to take great photos is one of the most important things you can do to improve your Etsy shop. Since prospective customers can’t see or touch your item in person, photos communicate an item’s beauty and important qualities. Beautiful photos will also help your items to be featured both on and off of Etsy. Luckily, taking great photos is a skill that you can learn! More...

Time-saving photography tips

Your photos are one of the most important aspects of your shop. They represent who you are and what you’re selling; they set the tone for your shop and can single-handedly inspire a purchase. As a vintage seller, you often can’t simply renew a vintage item listing when it sells; you need new, unique photos for each unique item that you list. Therefore the time you invest to photograph each and every item in your shop can quickly add up! Here are six simple measures for cutting back on the time it takes to photograph your items this holiday season.

Studio setup. Dedicate a spot in your studio to photograph. Keeping your tripod set up, props out, dress form ready, or backdrop hung, will allow you to quickly access your equipment and drastically decrease your setup time. While having a dedicated space is ideal, it’s not necessary. If you’re not able to do this in your itty-bitty New York City studio apartment, make your efforts worthwhile by shooting a large group of items every time you need to set up your photography equipment.
Batches. There are several elements on vintage pieces that are worth documenting for your buyer: labels, marks, tags, stamps, zippers, hemlines, prints, patterns, etc. Different aspects of a piece often require different photo formats. Shooting on figure, from above, or at dynamic angles are all different ways to capture those special details. To save time, shoot items in batches and photograph all items in one format before switching to the next. Again, this will minimize any set-up and take-down time between each shot.
Camera settings. By carefully crafting how your images turn out when the shutter releases, you can minimize the amount of post-processing or editing you need to do to your photos. To perfect your images, read your camera manual and familiarize yourself with common settings and presets. If you find yourself spending time cropping or lightening/darkening your images, change the way you’re capturing the original image to eliminate this step.
Remote. The self-timer on your camera is an important feature that will minimize camera shake and image blurriness. That said, most camera self-timers count down for 10 seconds or more. A simple camera remote can allow you to capture even more images in the same amount of time. Win!
Coupling. Have two items that are sold separately, but can be photographed together? Not only does this reduce the total number of photographs you need to take, but it’s also a good way to cross-promote (link to the other piece in your item description!).
Photoshop Actions. For you Photoshop lovers out there, consider creating specific Photoshop Actions for your vintage images. Then apply the Action to the entire group at once. This will help you save time with repetitive edits, just be sure that you continue to monitor individual photos for quality. More...

Mastering depth of field
An easy way to add instant drama and interest to your shop's photos is to master your camera's depth of field capabilities by using the macro setting (or lens) and adjusting the aperture - also known as the f-stop.
Depth of field: The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image.

Here's how depth of field works: Your camera's focal length is a fixed distance between your camera's lens and your main subject. The aperture setting adjusts the width of the area that stays in sharp focus, both in front of and behind that focal point. F-stops are essentially fractions. They're based on a lens's focal length, divided by the size of the aperture opening. A large f-stop creates a small aperture, which in turn allows for a longer depth of field. A small f-stop creates a large aperture that shortens the depth of field. This image below really helps me to get my head around the idea:

To really see the difference between aperture settings and how they affect the depth of field, lets take three different f-stops - each 2 stops away from the last. Fro example: F2.8 / F5.6 / F11

Move your camera closer to your main subject. Do not use zoom.
Choose an area of small detail and center your view on that point.
Hold your shutter button halfway down or manually focus your lens. This will maintain and hold the focus, which is known as “focus lock.”
While continuing to hold your focus, re-frame your image and place your subject where want them to appear in the photograph. For help with a successful composition never forget the rule of thirds. Avoid moving closer or farther away – stay on the same plane to keep your focus point sharp.
When you’re satisfied with your composition, take the photo.
Change your f-stop up two stops and repeat steps 1 – 5.

A shallow depth of field (lowest f-stop) creates the illusion of depth by blurring the foreground and background around a specific point of focus. It is a very effective way to create a feeling of intimacy in your photos. Tip: Focus lock on your subject and recompose the photo to place the focal point just off-center for a more interesting image.

A deep depth of field (highest f-stop) allows for the maximum area to stay in focus. It’s great for collections of items or wide objects that have a lot of detail that needs to be shown. Tip: Place your focal point in the center of the frame to bring in the maximum amount of focus in the front and back of that area. More...

More photography tips here

I hope that this has been helpful, i like researching and learning so if there is anything in particular that you would like to know more about leave a comment and i'll do my best to help you or do a post on a particular topic for you! Enjoy.

Thrifting

2011-11-04T04:00:00.000+08:00

Thrifting... I love the excitement of finding little treasures, this is what i found today in the Christian Concern shop.

A little Tradecraft crochet turquoise owl phone pocket. Handmade in Vietnam by Mai Crafts.
I think he is adorable!

Wedding planner: the dress

2011-11-02T16:00:00.000+08:00

Elegant, flowing and whimsical, that's is how i picture the whole day and especially my dress! It was the first thing i started looking at, I love so many here is just a selection.

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I have been searching for some lovely wedding blogs and finds, if anybody else is planning their lovely day or just loves a good wedding theme and knows of any delightful reads do let me know and i will do the same :)

Trick or treat?

2011-11-01T18:41:00.001+08:00

Trick or treat? I think i have been dealt the trick this year! I love Halloween it is my favorite holiday and i always dress up and i always make my own outfit, last year i went as a slaughtered Unicorn! This year I wasn't even able to carve my pumpkin!

How wonderful are these pumpkins!

For the last week I have been living out of a suitcase and been moving in and out of hotels. Our rented apartment has a serious case of mould underneath the bathroom floorboards and in the walls, it never showed and we were unaware, but Bradley and myself have been quite ill... which my mom found out is all down to the mould! I thought it would be like a mini adventure staying in hotels and eating out every night {because the hotels don't have cooking facilities} and it was, for one night, then it got boring and i am also finding it difficult to find a different, slightly healthy place to eat each night.

We are in out third hotel and i am missing my home comforts, my cosy bed that doesn't have springs jabbing your back, my dressing table, my sewing machine and my fridge! I am looking forward to the weekend {that is when the repairs are meant to be finished} when i can go home.

How was everyone's Halloween? Did you dress up? Send me a link if you posted about it, i would love to take a look :)

TRU LUV

2011-10-23T17:00:00.000+08:00

I am starting a wedding blog series. I know it is going to be a long way away till the big day but that doesn't mean i cant plan! Eeek its so exciting. I have an image of a very handmade dainty vintage wedding, outside in a field with the sun kissing our skin, twinkling lights and a barn for the party!

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I will post each week about a different topic and share with you all my inspiration. Next week it will have to be of course... The Dress! Most of my image inspiration will come from pinterest, which i have to say is the best website ever, i can find myself on there for hours just browsing through all the lovely pictures. I will be setting up a board called Bride and Groom were i will collect all things white and wonderful if you want to look at the whole collection.

Hypochondriac

2011-10-20T02:49:00.001+08:00

Winter! I can feeling it coming. Usually it creeps up on us slowly but this year it has jumped out at us! Its been such a tease we had a whole week of glorious sunshine and now they are forecasting snow the coming week! I am not the biggest fan of winter, I do think that the snow is beautiful to look... at if your sitting inside being warmed by a open fire, but we dont even get proper snow its more like ice slush. My dad however likes the snow! he's got his snow chains {which have been used for towing me out of everywhere} and he takes some lovely pictures, these are his from last winter...

Another thing about winter is the germs that go around. For the last 3-4 weeks i have had a horrible chesty cough which has been taking away my beauty sleep! I have been putting off going to the doctors because i always feel as though they are looking at me and thinking "You big hypochondriac" and i didn't want to just go and in say "Oh i have a cough can you please help me?" But anyway work were getting quite fed up with my noise and germs so today i finally went to the doctors... and she was lovely! I don't think i have ever met such a nice doctor, her name seriously is Dr. Flower! So it turns out i have a sinus infection and i wasn't just being a wimp. One tablet three times a day and I will soon be back to my hunky dory self!

Book Club: Angelology

2011-10-18T04:00:00.000+08:00

Angelology by Danielle Trussoni.
Review: 5 / 10
Spoilers: Yes

The story takes place in a world where angels walk among us. We have no way of telling who they are as their wings are hidden beneath their clothing. These angles that live on earth have been breeding with humans and in the process creating dangerous hybrids called Nephilims, who unlike the immortal angels are dying, so they are going to any means necessary to to get hold of the angelogogist's, their enemies research believing it will cure them.

The main character is a young nun called Evangeline and the story is set in the present time, New York City. The story then takes a turn into 1940's where we learn about Angelology and this is where the plot thickens. And in the final section we are back in the present time with Evangeline, however the past is catching up with her.

Sounds intriguing doesn't it, well in my opinion, the beginning was, the middle was really exciting and the end totally ruined it! Trussoni's writing style is very descriptive, so much that it did get annoying, it would take her a whole page just to describe someone walking down the hall, but then on contrast two of the main characters die in two lines!! Some of the descriptive parts are however were very lovely, for example:

"The angelologists examined the body. It was intact, without decay, the skin as smooth and as white as parchment. The lifeless aquamarine eyes gazed heavenward. Pale curls fell against a high forehead and sculptural shoulders, forming a halo of golden hair. Even the robes-the cloth woven of a white shimmering metallic material that none of them could identify exactly-remained pristine, as if the creature had died in a hospital room in Paris and not a cavern deep below the earth."

I was slightly disappointed by the ending of this book, actually i was a little furious!

I am really interested in angels and the supernatural, and i love religious history, so thought this book would be perfect for me, but Trussoni doesn't go into enough depth for me and she leaves many loose ends.

I feel like the story had a lot of potential and started off well, but purely because of the ending i wouldn't recommend it.

Robo tee

2011-10-17T04:10:00.000+08:00

I have had such a lovely crafty weekend. I spent Saturday with Alison designing blogs and making flowers and today, my Dad came up to visit and we had fun playing with my fabulous cutting machine 'Craft Robo' which my nan gave to me. Its a great little machine, it looks like a printer but instead of printing it cuts out! We played around with Robo all day testing out shapes and at the bottom of the box we found some t-shirt vinyl! I got very excited and wanted to create a tee for myself to wear at a craft stall im doing soon, this is how we did it.

Robo tee how to:

Design your shape, making it a reversed silhouette of your design
Print it out and little Craft Robo will do the hard work
Peel of the excess vinyl, leaving the cut out shape stuck to the vinyl backing
Stick and iron on to your t-shirt with a very hot iron
Cool it down and peel away the vinyl backing
Voila! a personalised t-shirt

If you would like me to create your design, give me a shout and i'll send you the details :)

It was so much fun, I even made Bradley one, which he doesn't know he IS going to be wearing, i think we'll look fab :) I now have to face the horrible mess i've left the house in. I hate the tidying up bit.

Yay! My first sale!

2011-10-16T05:16:00.001+08:00

Yay! I have my first sale off Etsy today.
It was a custom order for a felt and fabric broach, made as a gift for her grandma, so sweet!

Red Wine Handmade Flower Brooch.

I am really loving putting my creative skills to use. I dream of one day owning my own little shop in a small arty town selling all things wonderful found and made me myself, oh and of course i would have to sell my favourite magazine 'Frankie'.

Make do & mend

2011-10-15T02:17:00.001+08:00

I have been a busy little bee making lots of goodies for my shop, fascinators, cute bows and Christmas decorations. I have enjoyed going on the hunt for pretty fabrics and I also found some gorgeous vintage style metal buttons that finish off the fascinators beautifully. MY favorite are the ones that look like pies with the pastry criss crossed over the top.

Craft at the moment is coming alive everywhere. Whether this is due to the recession and the tightening of purse strings is questionable, but there’s definitely something in the air, weaving its way through the UK. Cath kidston, the queen of craft even brought out a book on how to make lovely gifts, it came free with the telegraph, which Bradley bought for me, but devastatingly we must have picked up the only copy that didn't have a Cath Kidstons book in, I went back the next day to see if they had any back copies but unfortunately they didn't. I adore Cath Kidstons work, her nostalgic prints are right up my street. Emma bridge water too - her hearts collection is fabulous, I would just love to own the whole hearts kitchen set.

Engaged!

2011-10-11T23:25:00.000+08:00

Bradley and I are engaged! Golly gosh!

It all began on a summers day in Greece, (sounds so romantic doesn't it, but unknowingly it was on an 18-30's holiday!) We met for the first time at the poolside and Bradley asked me and the girls if we wanted to go for a meal with his friends. We had fun drinking cocktails and playing mini golf! We just clicked.... "It's just a summer romance" my friends kept saying, and as I was off to Australia for three months just after my girly Greece holiday, I never expected him to stay in touch. But every morning while i was in Australia he got up at 7am and Skype'd me just to say hello. He was such a sweetie.

Two and a half years later we went on holiday to Weymouth, and to the famous Lulworth Cove. We found a lovely spot, we had to slide down a steep rocky bank to get there but at the bottom we found some gorgeous caves. It was perfect the sun was shining and that is where he asked me to be his girl forever. I cant even remember what he said it was all such a blur, but i do remember smiling from ear to ear =]

While on holiday we also went to cheddar caves and i got my face painted like a warrior, ate scrummy breakfasts and lots of cake!

Im back!

2011-10-04T23:52:00.001+08:00

Hello friends, I have been gone for a little while but fear not I am back!

I havent totally fell off the creative wagon, I have been a busy little be, I have set up a little Etsy shop, been doing some painting, getting the most out of this English "summer" and I got engaged! Eeek it all been so exciting, but im glad to get back to my little blog. There are still a few bits on my blog that i need to tweak, my art and design page for example, but i'll get there.

Sooo... My little Etsy shop isn't very full yet but im aiming to make at least one item a day. I will be selling, all handmade little treasures, hair accessories, fascinators, bespoke cards for all occasions and decorations. If you would like to see my shop you can click here but just click on the shop tab at the top.

The Marry Poppins carpet style bow in my picture below is one of mine and is for sale as a hair bow and a brooch here. Please do have a look it will make all my glue gun finger burns and needle stabs worth it =] tehe! www.curiousdamsel.etsy.com

For those who are thinking of setting up their own Etsy shop - I took most of my advice and guidance from I go by katie's - Etsy handbook post. This was such a big help especially the section about the tags - it really is all about what tags you link to the item that brings it up in the searches.

Oooh and getting engaged that was exciting, Bradley was so sweet, he took me the the gorgeous caves in Weymouth, I will upload our adventure pictures very soon! & talking of other halves, Bradley has started a little Blog of his own, take a peek... The Out Spoken Scribbler blogging about film reviews, the latest news and all things wise and wonderful, he is also a bit of a sports freak so there will be some of that too.

Tuesday's Swatch

2011-07-05T18:47:00.000+08:00

This week I have been fascinated by milk! I just love using the bottles as vases and obviously the taste... ice cold in the morning or at night cuddling up in a duvet with some cookies! I have recently been experimenting further with water droplets shots, using milk and other interesting liquids... I will post some images soon! Dont forget you can download this colour palette for your own use, just follow the link at the end of the post.

Image source

Download this Milky Swatch Palette here via 'mediafire'

Instructions on how to install this Swatch Palette click here.

Enjoy x

Happily ever after

2011-07-04T16:22:00.001+08:00

Weddings, I love weddings and it makes me start to ponder over how i would like my wedding to be, I think it'll be great when the time does come because i would have already had everything planned in my head! It was a lovely summer night so i decided on my cream lace skater dress from Asos. My leather clutch bag is from a thrift shop where i got it for only a dollar! I couldn't believe that someone would want to give this away! My shoes from red or dead i thought went well with my Barry M 'Peach Melba' patent nail polish and also with my sequin bow, which for the life of me i cant remember where i got it from, it could possibly be Forever New in Australia.

I have fallen a little behind on my blogging lately and promise to post more this week. I have been on a fitness week, swimming three times, a five mile bike ride and Pilates, which i loved! It was my first time and wanted to know the difference between Pilates and Yoga and i found out: Pilates, although inspired by certain yoga poses, is a complicated system. It works towards conditioning the entire body. Yoga, however is explained as a lifestyle, instead of just an exercise. Overall I think that Yoga is more my thing.

Does anybody have any view on Pilates Vs Yoga?
I have a feeling it is a little like the Mac or PC subject!

Wedding stationary

2011-06-30T23:06:00.001+08:00

My boss has just got married! She had a beautiful wedding a Jenny Packham dress & a cupcake cake! & I had the honour of designing all of her wedding stationary, which i absolutely loved doing!

Baskerville font, in capitals & all aligned, bold but beautiful.

Especially the ampersand! Which you have to put into italic to see its beauty! Here are some of the designs I created for her wedding.

Their emblem, which i hand drew and then took into Illustrator to tweak

(above)

Invitations

Guest info

Favour cards

order of service (It was quite long so here is just a snippet)

Table names

& my present to them from me

I also designed the menu's, card box and save the date cards.
However the newly weds are on their honeymoon right now so there will be more
photo's to follow, along with an outfit post of what i wore!

Tuesday's Swatch

2011-06-28T15:00:00.021+08:00

I have been getting a lot of downloads from this series already so i am definitely going to to keep it running! yay, becuase i really enjoy doing this.

This week is a dedication to Katie Kukulka and her little Beatrix who is adorable.

Katie's blog... igobykatie.com has inspired me in so many different ways, so i wanted to tell everybody else of her wonderfulness. Don't forget you can download this colour palette for your own use, just follow the link at the end of the post.

Download this Sunday Morning Swatch Palette here via 'mediafire'

Instructions on how to install this Swatch Palette click here.

Enjoy x

Music. Amazing grace [Cherokee]

2011-06-24T15:00:00.003+08:00

I much prefer this version.

Walela. Amazing Grace.

u ne la nv i u we tsi
i ga go yv he i
hna quo tso sv wi yu lo se
i ga gu yv ho nv

a se no i u ne tse i
i yu no du le nv
ta li ne dv tsi lu tsi li
u dv ne u ne tsv

e lo ni gv ni li squa di
ga lu tsv he i yu
ni ga di da ye di go i
a ni e lo hi gv

u na da nv ti a ne hv
do da ya nv hi li
tsa sv hna quo ni go hi lv
do hi wa ne he sdi

Copper head

2011-06-23T04:56:00.000+08:00

I have finally managed to turn my hair copper! well almost, its not finished yet this is just the start of a build up. I have been trying for 6 years to go that gorgeous copper/ Amber / red colour, i almost gave up as it has always been a disaster. I even once decided to go to the hair dressers and get it done right but ended up with bright red roots and black ends! Im really happy that i gave this once last shot, I am satisfied with the colour, Im not keen on the blonde in it and it is a little streaky however the plan is to build it up gradually to make it more copper like these inspiration images:

All image sources here

Thinking back... My hair has been on a roller coaster. Long, short, long, bob, shaved. Black, blue, orange, red, yellow, white, green and sewage green after trying to dye my hair back brown from the 'yellow' (TIP: If you decide to go blonde and dislike it DONT dye it straight back dark it WILL go green) My natural colour is brown. I would love to be able to stay natural and have virgin hair,
but i get bored easily and my natural colour is very dull; and i'm a suck a sucker for red heads, it looks so exotic!

Lets see if red heads have more fun!

Tuesday's Swatch

2011-06-21T15:00:00.018+08:00

This week the sun has been shining, and my lovely pink flowers blooming, I thought these colours matched my mood perfectly this sunday morning. Dont forget you can download this colour palette for your own use, just follow the link at the end of the post.

Download this Sunday Morning Swatch Palette here via 'mediafire'

Instructions on how to install this Swatch Palette click here.

Please comment if you download the palette, i'd love to see who likes it. Enjoy x

Things i have done

2011-06-20T04:02:00.000+08:00

After doing my Twenty three at 23 goals list, I realised i have achieved a lot of things that i am proud of and wanted to share them with you. This is not a bragging list, more of a motivational list that i can share with others and look back on when i'm feeling lazy to kick my arse back into gear.

Learnt to horse ride
Sold a original piece of Artwork
Competed for Shropshire in Synchronised swimming
Sky dived from 12500 feet
Cooked a carrot cake from scratch
Fell in love
Kept a tree alive
Swam with Dolphins in their natural environment
(Dolphins in captivity loose ten years off their life)
Trained at Lilleshall in Gymnastics
Touched a manta-ray (A big thing for me!)
Graduated with a Design & Art Direction degree
Got a real job in the design field straight after Uni (I'm so grown up)
Jumped off a giant jetty in Australia after my mom bribed me with an ice cream if i did it
Never boken a bone in my body (but broke my sister nose accidentally...honest)

What are your proudest achievements? Post them here or make you own post and send me a link i would love to see what your all proud of!

Music. Come pick me up

2011-06-18T18:12:00.006+08:00

I love this song.

Ryan Adams. Come Pick Me Up.

When they call your name Will you walk right up With a smile on your face Or will you cower in fear In your favorite sweater With an old love letter

I wish you would I wish you would Come pick me up Take me out Fuck me up Steal my records

Screw all my friends They're all full of shit With a smile on your face And then do it again I wish

you would

When you're walking downtown Do you wish I was there Do you wish it was me With the windows clear and the mannequins eyes Do they all look like mine

You know you could I wish you would Come pick me up Take me out Fuck me up Steal my records Screw all my friends behind my back With a smile on your face And then do it again I wish you would

I wish you'd make up my bed So I could make up my mind Try it for sleeping instead Maybe you'll rest sometime I wish I could

Love Freo

2011-06-17T22:05:00.091+08:00

Some of my family moved over to Western Australia a few years ago, so i have been to visit a few times. Everything about the country i just adore, to the lifestyle, the weather, the art, the houses (OH MY the houses...SWOON), outdoor pools, the cities & the towns, my favourite being... Fremantle, Its so... creative!

We went down to Freo one day during easter & they had shows, comedians, trapeze artists and loads more on...all for free! i couldn't believe it! We sat in a pub outside (its so exciting to sit outside, as we only get a few weeks a year to sit out in the sunshine, in this rainy unpredictable country!) so sitting outside drinking wine watching artists do their thing (I even got to crack a whip) we walked around the markets, ate at Little Creatures - got tricked into eating Kangaroo! & i'm sad to say enjoyed it. The cities there are so different to those over here (i am only talking about Western Australia as i haven't been anywhere else yet) they have all the amazing shops and the busyness about them, which i love, but then they still have the beaches & the green area where you can just sit down & have a picnic.

Photographs by me

I was in Freo one year at the same time as the fotofreo exhibition which was just lovely! & since then i have been trying to absorb all the information i can about the city i love so much. When i came across Love Freo's blog & website, which i recommend to you all, it fantastic!
Here is some of my favourite artwork/postcards from the website!

Click images for source

Things i love

2011-06-16T04:50:00.074+08:00

Buddy Holly! Buddy Holly. The single most influential creative force in early rock and roll, born in Texas. 'Peggy Sue' is my favourite all time song. I even got some glasses a bit like his (until i had to take them back after they made me sick)

"I love you Peggy Sue, with a love so rare and true oha"

Amigurumi mixed with my favourite tv series, Supernatural. This is Castiel.

Tennessee, a place that i am adoring this week! I've never been but i imagine it to be beautiful country side, waterfalls, ranches, horse riding, barn dances and Stetson cowboy hats!

And talking of Barn dances... David Shrigley's art. Chuckle.

Click images for source.

Tuesday's Swatch

2011-06-14T17:17:00.008+08:00

I am starting a 'Tuesday's Swatch' post series, each Tuesday I'll post my favourite image of the week, with a lovely colour palette.

I'll also supply a download for those swatches, to be installed on to your computer. They will be .ase files and work with Adobe Creative Suite. (Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign).

Photography by Lara Jade, from her Papercut Magazine series.

Download this Blueberry Kisses Swatch Palette here via 'mediafire'

Instructions on how to install this Swatch Palette click here.

Please comment if you download the palette, i'd love to see who likes it. Enjoy x

How to... install your swatch

2011-06-14T15:00:00.001+08:00

I am starting a 'Tuesday's Swatch' post series, each Tuesday I'll post my favourite image of the week, with a lovely colour palette.

I'll also supply a download for those swatches, to be installed on to your computer. They will be .ase files and work with Adobe Creative Suite. (Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign).

Here are the instructions for those of you unsure of how to install them:

Open up your desired design program.
If you don't see your 'Swatches' panel on the right, then go to 'Window' and find 'Swatches'
In the panel, click on the drop down arrow (top right) and select either 'Load Swatches' (in Photoshop) or 'Open Swatch Library' and choose 'Other Library' (In Illustrator)
Find where you have saved the downloaded swatch palette and select.
Your Swatches should now have been imported!
Make sure you save your downloaded Swatches somewhere on your computer as it doesnt automatically save the into your workspace.

Enjoy! x

Circle of life

2011-06-11T15:00:00.004+08:00

For my birthday, we went to Knowsley Safari park, I love animals and find them so fascinating i could watch them for hours. I do enjoy the zoo but i get a little sad seeing them in such a small space, but the animals here at Knowsley did have a lot of space to roam around in.

These are the pictures i took on our outing, some of the lions ones will be fuzzy because they were taking through the window. There are quite a few lions ones, i just couldn't choose. We went around lion bit three times, it was amazing seeing a lion on the other side of your door, one of the mamma lions thought it would my car was a chew toy and started biting it, but i couldn't move because there was another lion standing right infront of our car, it was very exciting. The only concern i have with Safari parks is all the car fumes the animals have to endure, I think it is about time someone designed a better way of traveling around the park.

Birthday outings

2011-06-09T22:12:00.001+08:00

I have had a wonderful birthday, it has been filled with lots of laughs, sand, lions and food!
On Saturday I met up with some friends in manchester, where we went for a posh lunch in spinning fields at Carlucci, I had a bruchetta to start with, but it so was delicious by the time i remembered to take a picture of it, it was all gone! for my main i had homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli, which was also scrummy. We all sat outside to try and soak up some sun before it disappeared again for a month which was lovely, but i think that we were trapped inside a wind tunnel as it was extremely windy and i actually got hit in the face by a menu!

Spinning fields has these great outdoor film nights every thursday 8pm for £2 you get to enjoy great films such as Dirty Dancing and Forest Gump, on the big screen outside on a deck chair! I haven't been yet as it is a bit away for me to get to on a week night, but it is definitely a must!

We then went down to Manchester's imported beach! yes how amazing is that, I lived there for 4 years and i didn't ever know about it! It was peachy being able to dig my toes into the sand, it also had a cute beach bar! We then had birthday pudding! what else...Chocolate cake!

My birthday fun continued into Monday were me and Bradley went to Knowsley Safari Park! A few weeks ago, I entered a newspaper competition and won a pass to the safari park for two! I enter loads of competitions and was beginning to doubt my luck!

The day out to the Safari was truly amazing! We drove around the park three times, just so i could keep going back to see the lions, one mamma lion actually started biting my car, it was a bit over whelming seeing the lions only a few feet away. There was some cubs playing around too, which were adorable! I am a little addicted to 'Lion Man' anybody who hasn't watched it, you should, Craig Busch the 'Lion Man' owner of Zion wildlife Gardens is so inspiring, and i dream of visiting his conservation one day.

We also visited the Bug House which was a bit gross and the Sea lion Show which was wonderful. Bradley packed us a picnic which we sat outside to eat, the sun has been so kind to me this birthday.

The day still hadn't ended when we got home, we went for a bike ride down to the Peacock for a a cold coke and a combo for two. I have had a fabulous few days and it isn't even over yet, I haven't seen my lovely Alison as she has been on holiday, so i'll be spending this weekend with her and im sure it'll include Baylies and milk!

June wishlist

2011-06-08T22:14:00.000+08:00

This months wishlist comes entirely from notonthehighstreet.com. It is the perfect place, well for everything. You wont need to look anywhere else when buying a gift!

How truly, madly deeply and just adorable!

Cute little cross stitch heart earings.

I love this delicate piece.

How i wish i lived near a beach, then this sign would always be up!

How sweet is this! I collect all our cinema tickets.

I would love to pin all the places i have been onto my wall like this.

And these! oh my my, I have a 'little' obsession with angels and garden decor.

23 goals!

2011-06-04T15:00:00.006+08:00

I am 23 today and i am very excited! I'm off to spinningfields with the girlies for lunch and then to Manchester's imported beach!

I have a very good feeling about the number twenty three. I think this year will be definitely be a good one! I have lots of things that i want to achieve this year, and feeling more confident and organised i decided to set myself a few goals that i am DETERMINED to achieve while being 23! Some are a bit of fun and others are more serious that i think will really help me as a person and as a designer.

Click image for source

~~Never put my camera on that automatic setting again!~~

~~Open and start an Etsy account, selling print and crafts~~

~~Grow my hair!! Do not cut it!~~

Spend more time outdoors and try to enjoy the English summer

Learn to surf and scuba dive

~~Go to a safari park!~~

~~Cycle to work instead of drive~~ - I started this until my bike broke!

Design a tattoo for my foot

See another part of the world! (preferably the pacific)

~~Fix my sewing machine~~ and make a dress from scratch

~~Dig out my paints and do some more drawing~~

Go on a big camping trip with my friends

Organise an outdoor tea party

Do some volunteer work

Be more confident and shoot some outfit posts (or find a secret place nobody goes)

Have a massive junk clear out and make the little spare room a more creative space

~~Watch less TV, read more~~

Find something positive about everyday

Go to a ball

Kick off my freelance design

Eat spicier food

~~Go on a healthy detox and get my five a day~~

& finally keep my blog up to date!

Do you have a list? Please do share!

New design

2011-06-03T21:25:00.000+08:00

I have been wanting to take my blog to the next level, adding little things like a navbar would make it more website like, I do already have my own website (www.staciebeers.com) however it is so difficult to design update regularly, so i thought a blog would be the perfect thing for me, regular updates, more personal and as i know a little html i can design and arrange things a little nicer.

My blog name 'Curious Damsel' is how i like to see myself, a little bit vulnerable and dainty and very curious, I wanted a name that i could spread across everything i do and brand myself as. I designed my whole blog first in Illustrator CS5 so i could see what it would look over all and this way i could note down all my column sizes so everything is even. The colours i choose were quite similar to what i originally had (coral and turquoise), now just desaturated and made to have a little more of a vintage look. Deciding on a font was not as easy i love beautiful type and i just couldn't choose, i wanted something that i could stick to all the way through and in the end i decided to keep the one i had its just so lovely! Main font 'American Typewriter' second font 'Helvetica Neue ultra light'.

I am really going to focus on my blog and keep it updated. I would like to thank Katie, Elizabeth and Kaelah as these three girls have really inspired me in blogging, making and photographing, they all have amazing lifestyle and art and design blogs, do take a look!

PS; Feel free to tell me your thoughts in the comments below!

Messy Blog!

2011-05-24T20:19:00.000+08:00

Just to let you know that i am attempting a redesign for my blog so it will be a little all over the place for a little while.

Thanks for looking

Vintage eyewear

2011-05-20T20:09:00.002+08:00

After nine years and 8 hours a day staring at the computer screen, i finally need glasses. Looking at them in the opticians a lot of the glasses now all seem to have the same sytle, so i have been browsing styles that i like and here is what i have come across (hopefully they'll suit my face)

Third year Journal

2011-05-19T04:36:00.000+08:00

As i am slowing going through and publishing my work i designed in University, i would like to also show you the Journal i made to document all my work, inspiration, findings, lectures and exhibitions.

This is a digital document of how my Journal looked, I did however hand sew and bind this 148 page booklet (which took hours and made my hands bleed!)

Click on my publication below to open it at full screen or just click the little arrow on the right and flip through the pages.

I took so much away from my Uni experience, i loved every second. I thrived on having two or three projects on the go at once, and having the deadlines to work to, staying up up all night at a time to finish everything and then staying up longer just to perfect it. Uni has been the best time of my life. I wasn't the stereotypical student, i went out yes but i really worked hard and i loved it. I feel this was the time i flourished into a young designer.