Illustrating Life

Introducing … Pikaland

I  have added a few new blogs and websites to my blogroll recently, and just thought I would properly introduce you to one of them – Pikaland.

This blog is all about illustration and art, but it features so much more than just pen and pencil illustrations.  They find and champion examples of any and every type of illustration you can think of – and more.  Previously I have seen work large and small, from illustrators who use paper folding, watercolours, wood carving, computer programmes or textiles to create their work.

There will probably be styles that you love and styles that you don’t, but if you are ever struggling for visual inspiration, try a look here…

I’ve been featured …

… by the Inspired Celebration blog

I was very pleased to have one of my greetings cards featured on the Inspired Celebration blog recently, as they also believe in the ethos of handmade, and supporting independent UK designer makers.
Whether you are organising an event yourself and are looking for ‘that’ special touch to add to your celebration, or if you are attending a Wedding or party as a guest and are looking for a unique gift – Inspired Celebrations will often have beautiful suggestions for you.

So if you like the idea of including handmade designs within your celebration but don’t know where to start, try taking a look at their blog.

Cadbury visit

You cant beat a bit(e) of Cadburys chocolate, so I had great fun when I went to Cadbury World recently, in my old haunting ground of Bourville in Birmingham!

Original Minnie blog – visit to Cadbury building

Original Minnie blog – visit to Cadbury cricket ground

Original Minnie blog – visit to Cadbury factory

Original Minnie blog – visit to Cadbury World

Who doesn’t like chocolate?!?

New Year, New Buttons

Found these little beauties in a local charity shop – some really pretty colours in there…

Original Minnie - colour buttons

Ive given them a good wash, and just need to decide how to put them to best use now…

2 days to Christmas

If all this talk of Buying Handmade for Christmas has inspired you, there are lots of places on the web now where you can purchase direct from the maker all year round for birthdays, anniversarys, thank yous, or just to treat yourself.  If you have a creative hand, you can even set up your own shop!

Handmade Pledge Badge from buyhandmade.org

• You know about Folksy already (all UK makers, some selling worldwide, in £ GB pounds)
• there is also Etsy (worldwide makers, some selling worldwide, in $ US dollars)
• and Zibbet (in $ US dollars)
• and Misi (mostly UK sellers, some selling worldwide, in £ GB pounds)
• and MyEhive (mostly UK sellers, in £ GB pounds, $ US dollars, and Euros)
• and of course you can buy direct from the maker face to face at local Craft Markets and Fairs
• and more…

If you have any recommendations of where to find quality handmade, please let us know and leave a comment…

(Original Minnie is not responsible for the content of other websites).

3 days to Christmas

Alternative wrapping

Following on from yesterday’s Countdown to Christmas of 4 days to Christmas, I thought I would let you know about an alternative method of wrapping presents – furoshiki.  Furoshiki originates from Japan, and uses beautiful neck scarfs and knots to wrap a gift, instead of using paper, boxes, bags, and sticky tape.

I first came across the concept of furoshiki at a Lush shop (national chain of handmade cosmetics shops).

But after a browse on Folksy, I have found myfuroshiki‘s shop where they print and make some of their own fabrics for furoshiki wrapping and giving.

Photo from Myfuroshiki Folksy shop - Purple Reindeer Wrap

One of the best things about furoshiki is that you are giving two presents instead of just one, as the wrap can be used afterwards too as a little scarf, or used as a bag tie, or wall hanging… very eco friendly.

You can find out more about Myfuroshiki and ideas on how to use furoshiki by having a peek at their blog.

(Original Minnie is not responsible for the content of other websites)

Winter Wonderland

How cute are these illuminated animals?

Look carefully and you may just spot a rare pair of ‘glow in the dark’ penguins!

Penguin lights at a Winter Wonderland walk © Photo Original Minnie

Polar Bear lights at a Winter Wonderland walk © Photo Original Minnie

Sorry the pics aren’t great, but I thought the life-size Polar Bear was especially cute and had to be shared!  I snapped them recently at a local Winter Wonderland lights walk, and it was appropriately very cold too!  Brrrr.

 

4 days to Christmas

How cool is this?

You will perhaps have already wrapped all your presents for Christmas this year, but throughout 2011 when you are buying gifts, you may want to wrap it in something a bit different.

I think the wrapping paper from Rapping Paper definitely sticks in the mind.  The concept of UK independent designer Si Hill, this paper is especially great for music lovers!

(Original Minnie is not responsible for the content on other websites).

6 days to Christmas

As you know, I love Afternoon Tea and all the trimmings and pretty vintage crockery that comes with it.  (See what I did for my Afternoon Tea inspired degree show here.)

What I found handmade at Belton Xmas Market - Scented Vintage Teacup Candles by Home Sweet Home

That’s why when I saw these handmade scented candles made by Home Sweet Home, at the Belton House Christmas Market last month, I couldn’t resist them!  They were even ready wrapped up as you can see in the photo, so I will be spreading the love and giving most of them away as gifts, but I may have to keep onto one myself as they are too pretty.
You can find similar handmade candles in teacups by various UK makers on Folksy.com, just use the keyword search.

(Original Minnie is not responsible for the content of other websites).

8 days to Christmas

Yum yum!

What is better than Chocolate? Answer: handmade quality chocolate.

What I found handmade at Belton Xmas Market - Handmade Chocolates by Belgian Heaven Chocolate Co

I found these handmade chocs by Belgian Heaven Chocolate Co. at the Belton House Christmas Market I attended last month, and couldn’t resist when I was offered a sample taster.  It was a great weekend at Belton, feeling very festive with live music, plus I found loads of handmade Christmas pressies to tick off the list.

Talking of Chocolate…

I must say if you are a chocolate fan, a trip to Hansen’s Chocolate House in the little village of Folkingham, Lincolnshire is a great visit!  With years of experience, they have the most stunning handcrafted chocolates, as well as a chocolate cafe (!), and you can even peek through a window into the handmade factory and see the artisans at work!

(Original Minnie is not responsible for the content of other websites)