Twenty Question Tuesday

In your eyes, what’s Paradise?

Sitting at my craft desk working, my boyfriend David at the sofa on his laptop and we are spending a pleasant afternoon watching some movie (probably animation or Harry Potter LOL!) before we have something very yummy for dinner. It doesn't take much to keep me happy!

Prized Possession

Well I would say David but I don't own him, he is his own man, so I would go with either my sewing machine or my DSLR!

Favourite medium to work with and why?

Oh golly! Just so many to mention. I think I would have to say, at the moment, acrylic paints and mediums, fabric and corrugated card.

Flowers or chocolate?

Chocolate, Chocolate. Did I mention that it would be chocolate?

Who influenced you the most?

All the wonderful crafters out there, so talented and amazing, I'm in awe everyday at the amazing art being produced.

Who would you most like to go to Dinner with?

Anyone watching their weight so I can eat all their dinner!

Top Cat or Banana Splits?

Top Cat, now you have me singing the song in my head!

Today I wore:

A very warm jumper – it is freezing!

Do you have a favourite online {bead, craft or textile} place to shop and would recommend

Well I would have to say Quixotic Paperie  not just because I'm on the DT but also because I love what Elaine stocks. Same goes for the other shops I'm lucky enough to DT for, such as Make The Day Special, La-La Land Crafts  and The Altered Element

What inspired you to do what you do?

First it started as a release from a very stressful job but then I began to realise that it was actually an important part of who I was! I couldn't stop now even if I tried!

McDreamy or McSteamy?

I had to look this one up on Google as I don't watch Grey's Anatomy but now I've seen them I think I might have to watch the show! LOL!

If you could do anything else, what would it be?

I've done lots of other things and this is the one that has given me the most joy! It took me a while to realise that this was what I wanted to do....so my answer would be doing more of this!

Favourite item of clothing

My hat! I love hats!

Best childhood memory

Nope, the memories of my childhood are quite blank. Actually if I think about it I'm not sure I've grown up yet!

Most cringe-worthy moment

Ooo dear, had plenty of these and do my best to forget them! I'm very, very good at forgetting people's names, even if I see them every day that often leads to some cringe-worthy moments – eek!

Favourite holiday destination

I've always, always, always wanted to visit Japan – it is so top of my to do list.

Which celebrity would you have as your best friend and why

I think I am one of the only people in the world who doesn't know a celebrity from a non-celebrity. Honestly I'm useless, David has to tell me who people are.

Best “crafty” tip you can offer

I think the best tip I can offer, and the one I try to work on every day, is to turn off that inner critic that tells you that your stuff is rubbish and keep working and learning. Enjoying the journey is all part of the process, even the best artist in the world was a novice at some point!

What’s your Star sign?

Pisces

What would you most like to see happen next?

So many things I would like to see happen next! In the big scheme of things it would have to be world peace and people getting on with their neighbours! But if you are asking on the smaller scale, I would love to run some crafty workshops and demos, do more magazine articles and commissions and sell more items through my Etsy  and Folksy shops, LOL!

Thank you Kim!!  Fabulous answers to this week's questions, I think we would ALL like a bit of world peace! {and not just for Christmas!!} ;o)

Pop on over to Kim's blog Crafty Makes to see some fantastic creations....and don't forget to stop by her shops for some scrumptious purchases! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Movie Magic!

Leslie Neilson

Leslie Neilson was a comic genius!! FACT!

I remember, when I was younger, my Dad calling my brother and I to come and settle down to watch the film that was about to start, it was around Christmas time....the film was called Airplane and turned out to be the funniest film ever!  We laughed and laughed all the way through it.....as was {is} usual with me when I find something funny I cry with laughter...the memory of this film will stick with me forever.

Here's one of the more famous one-liners from Airplane ;o)

I was SO excited when the Naked Gun films were released and, true to form, was not disappointed by the fantastic deadpan comedy and timing Leslie possessed.  My other favourite was the Police Squad episodes, released in the 1980's and filmed to look like those cheesy 70's police dramas...never failed to make me giggle



The only other person to make me laugh like this was Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau.
Leslie's career spanned almost 60 years and he continued to work until recently...he has a film due for release in 2011.

Sadly Leslie died on 28th November 2010 aged 84.

Thanks for the laughs Leslie ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Something for the Weekend......next weekend that is, if you order now! ;o)

Sweet Elegance

A 6mm Sterling Silver smooth bead accented with two 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicone beads hung on a Sterling Silver loop and ball ear wire and Curb chain. These earrings are simple and sweet and full of elegance

Suitable for everyday wear

Overall length: 3.5"

To order, visit hello gorgeous

here

or

here

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Thank Folksy it's Friday!!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow Let It Snow!!!!

Last night saw the earliest snowfall in Britain for 17 years.

It's only November but by the end of the weekend most of the country will see at least some kind of covering, with it being worst in the north of the country.

TWICE in one year....surely THAT must be a record too??

Here's are my picks....an homage to

SNOW

RachelCreative

Quite Contrary

doris & vera

Finnspirations

Little Gadabouts

Contemporary Designer Jewellery

Keep safe and warm this weekend...

here's to sitting indoors all snuggly in front of a roaring fire!

Click on the name of each shop to be taken straight to the gorgeous-ness that awaits you ;o)

See ya next Friday!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx
P.S. my thanks to the people of Britain who have posted pictures on the internet...the YouTube video above is my first attempt at creating...with you I couldn't have done it! 
I am pleased with myself, even tho' it's just a simple creation! 
Hope you enjoyed it ;o)

Happy Thanksgiving

Where ever you are and however you are celebrating

I want to wish everyone a HappyThanksgiving!

Enjoy the celebrations!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Wish List :o)

Shine the Light

I truly wish for someone to create a lightbulb that NEVER pops....

and certainly ones that DON'T come out in sympathy when others pop in the house!

grrrr!

Mojo

Oh to be creative again....where has my mojo gone?

I think about it, but can't seem to make it evolve from brain to reality!

double grrr!

Hope you don't have any need for my wishes this week!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Twenty Question Tuesday

. . LITTLE GOYTRE . .

. . for the individual . .

In your eyes, what’s Paradise?

Anywhere where it’s just me and nature, and the sun is shining – on a deserted beach looking out to sea, on top of a mountain, by a river or in the woods. It’s probably better with two though.

Prized Possession

My photo albums. I love photos, and have a terrible memory so they’re very important!

Favourite medium to work with and why?

The magical medium of silver clay – I love how it changes from dull clay into beautiful silver. A close second are natural gemstones - I’m currently experimenting with incorporating these into my silver.

Flowers or chocolate?

Am I allowed both? Flowers because they are a completely natural beauty and always brighten up my day. And chocolate because I am a complete chocoholic. I actually couldn’t live without it!

Who influenced you the most?

My daddy, because he’s not here anymore. And my mum, because she is.

Who would you most like to go to Dinner with?

It would have to be a massive table – for every single one of my friends and family, all in one place.

Top Cat or Banana Splits?

Are these cartoons? I didn’t watch much telly as a child. I did like Rupert Bear though.

Today I wore:

Pyjamas until midday. And then jeans and a cosy jumper. I work at home and can’t afford to have the heating on all day!

Do you have a favourite online {bead, craft or textile} place to shop and would recommend

My current favourite for metal clay supplies is Metal Clay – amazingly fast service and a good range of products specific to the medium.  On the consumer side, I have recently discovered the amazing ‘From Britain With Love’ 

What inspired you to do what you do?

I’ve always been creative and needed something other than the day job to keep me sane, which is what led me to jewellery-making, and specifically silver jewellery. I draw inspiration from lots of other like-minded crafty people which is why I visit as many crafts fairs and exhibitions as possible. I know I keep harping on about it, but nature is a massive inspiration too – some of the most beautiful things in the world exist completely naturally.

McDreamy or McSteamy?

I didn’t know who these two were (for those who still don’t, it’s Grey’s Anatomy) but after a quick Google I’d say yes to McSteamy please! When does he arrive?

If you could do anything else, what would it be?

I have two dreams – one is to run a boutique B&B in an exotic location somewhere hot and sunny with my other half. The other is to work in wildlife conservation. I like to think both are still possible.

Favourite item of clothing

My winter boots. I live in them.

Best childhood memory

I don’t have one specific memory, but generally happy moments were always spent out in the open air – swimming in the river Monnow, family camping holidays (usually rainy ones), working our shire horses in the fields..etc etc etc. I’m a proper country bumpkin at heart.

Most cringe-worthy moment

I think I’ve wiped most of these from my memory. There was an incident with a bottle of red wine, a head out the window of a moving train….and a tree branch. Cringe-worthy not because of the embarrassment, but the stupidity of it!

Favourite holiday destination

I haven’t ever gone back to the same place twice – the world is such a big place to explore after all. But so far my favourite holidays have been in Central America, on the Caribbean side!

Which celebrity would you have as your best friend and why

Despite the age difference, David Attenborough. I bet he has some amazing stories.

Best “crafty” tip you can offer

Always sketch out or mock up your designs before you start creating – especially with metal clay when you really only have one shot at it. And whenever you have an idea, draw it or write it down!

What’s your Star sign?

Aquarius. I’m also a Valentine baby which surely makes me special?!

What would you most like to see happen next?

This is the million-dollar question! I would like to see Little Goytre grow and gain followers, to improve on my current jewellery-making skills and learn new crafts. On a personal level, I just want to keep busy, keep happy and get prosperous!

My thanks to the gorgeous Anna at Little Goytre.  Anna has only recently started up in the blogging world, here's what her blog is all about:

"I'll be showcasing other craftspeople and generally creative peeps, blogging about interesting events, and linking to websites, blogs, and articles that represent a like-minded resistance to all that is mass produced and mass market."

AND she has some amazing metal clay jewellery creations of her own that she will showing off along the way, go check out her blog and say hi!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Something for the Weekend......next weekend that is, if you order now! ;o)

Firefly Dangles

An array of reds and sandy heated Agate rondelles make up this delicate pair, accented with 2mm silver beads and hung on a loop and ball ear wire.

Match with the Firefly bracelet.

Overall length: 3"

To order, visit hello gorgeous here

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Thank Folksy it's Friday!!

Finally...
 a wedding announcement!

This week saw the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton...

and so begins the preparation for a special day

here are my wedding picks for this week

Extra Special Touch

Little Bird Too

Blue Agapanthus

Itsybitzy

Owl on the Sill

Talulah Blue

such an exciting time ahead for wedding planners, 

so, who ever and where ever you are I hope your expectations are all you dream them to be!

Click on the name of each shop to be taken straight to the gorgeous-ness that awaits you ;o)

See ya next Friday!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx 

There's something in the air......

Shhhhh! ;o)

Wish List :o)

William & Kate

my wish is for them to have a long and happy life together, to feel free enough to plan, enjoy and share their lives with each other, family and friends

Media 

my wish is for the media/paparazzi to reign in their obsession with "getting the shot".....to understand when enough is enough and ultimately for William & Kate be left to enjoy each others company, to carry out official {and non-official} duties without hindrance or upset and to....

learn from past experience! 

Congratulations to William & Kate...

happy planning!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Twenty Question Tuesday

In your eyes, what’s Paradise?

Being healthy and happy.

Prized Possession

It would have to be my car, it is the most expensive thing I have ever bought and I am thankful that I could buy the car I wanted when I passed my test two weeks ago.

Favourite medium to work with and why?

Copic markers. Ever since I first discovered them I have been in love with them. They are a colourer’s dream to work with.

Flowers or chocolate?

Can I eat the chocolate while admiring the flowers?!

Who influenced you the most?

There are so many talented people in this world and I get influenced and inspired by them all the time.

Who would you most like to go to Dinner with?

The man in my life because I know I would have a great time!

Top Cat or Banana Splits?

Top Cat

Today I wore:

Mainly PJ’s ... yes it is mid-day but I am on night shifts so will be going back to bed shortly!

Do you have a favourite online {bead, craft or textile} place to shop and would recommend

There are a lot of great craft shops out there but the places I go to first are Dies to Die For and The Glitter Pot – excellent service at both.

What inspired you to do what you do?

My mum, she has always believed in me. Whatever I want to achieve in life I can as long as I put the hard work in.  As for card making, I have always loved colouring as a child and I still love it now.

McDreamy or McSteamy?

Well I don’t watch the show but they both look quite yummy ... could I have Dr House instead though?!

If you could do anything else, what would it be?

I have wanted to be a nurse since I was two years old and thankfully I am able to do that now. I am really thankful that I get to meet so many people in my profession.

Favourite item of clothing

My trainers – for my feet comfort comes before fashion!

Best childhood memory

I had a lot of lovely times in my childhood ... probably just being with my family.

Most cringe-worthy moment

Oh my goodness, there are so many I can’t choose one! I am the clumsiest person I know and I am always bumping into things and dropping things.

Favourite holiday destination

I haven’t found it yet. I love living in the UK though.

Which celebrity would you have as your best friend and why

Stephen Fry ... I love his knowledge and comedy; I would never be bored talking to him I am sure.

Best “crafty” tip you can offer

Be organised. I haven’t quite got to the level I want to myself yet but the amount of things I have bought duplicate of just because I couldn’t find it is amazing. Oh and clean your rubber stamps!

What’s your Star sign?

Gemini

What would you most like to see happen next?

I would like to get my health back on track and be happy in life, love and work.

Thanks Michelle for contributing this week ;o)

Michelle's blog The Card Grotto showcases her fabulous designs....I love the clean, crisp lines, along with the downright cuteness, of her creations! Go take a look!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Something for the Weekend......next weekend that is, if you order now! ;o)

Moss Flower 

The focal on this gorgeous set of dropper earrings is a 12mm chinese green jade coin accented with a sterling silver flower and bead, hanging from a simple loop and bead ear wire.

Overall length: 2"

Can be worn as an individual piece or teamed with the matching Moss bracelet

To order, visit hello gorgeous here

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Thank Folksy it's Friday!!

The Christmas lights were turned on in Cardiff this week...

It's official.....Christmas is here!!!

For this week's picks I have gone with cards, Chrimbo cards to be precise!

Little Blue Bird

Little Bird Too

Lucy Player

Fresh 'n' Funky Cards

Molly Moo Designs

Love Maisy

Christmas is my favourite time of year, I {heart} everything about it....

from the smells, the colours, the sparkle, the films, the romance of it, the cosiness, choosing trees, cooking lunch, watching films, family time, early mornings, present opening.....

Oh! I could go on, and on, and on......

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

*sigh*

Click on the name of each shop to be taken straight to the gorgeous-ness that awaits you ;o)

See ya next Friday!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Show your Gratitude

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Stop what you are doing for two minutes and remember them at 11.00 am today

Twenty Question Tuesday

In your eyes, what’s Paradise?
At present sitting in front of a roaring fire in our wood burner and a glass of red.

Prized Possession
My DSLR!

Favourite medium to work with and why?
I love glass, from the beautiful colours found in vintage jewels to modern glass beads in a myriad of colours. I love to emphasise the beauty of colours by keeping to a limited palette in each piece- allowing the individual shades to steal the show!

Flowers or Chocolate?
Flowers always

Who influenced you the most?
My husband - he encourages me, is my best critic, totally honest and 100% behind our work on Chain of Daisies plus he’s absolutely amazing at web design and has created a brand new site for us. He’s ace.

Who would you most like to go to Dinner with?
My husband! Things with the business have been so busy have barely had time to draw breath!

Top Cat or Banana Splits?
Top Cat!

Today I wore:
Writing this at the weekend it’s a teal waterfall cardigan and a black top and trousers. And warm boots- cold feet!

Do you have a favourite online {bead, craft or textile} place to shop and would recommend
When I’m buying fabric I love fabric rehab! Fab fabric sourced from major designers around the world.

What inspired you to do what you do?
I can’t imagine not doing something artistic- I’ve made, created, painted, designed and loved anything and everything creative since, as my grandfather used to say, I was knee high to a grasshopper.

McDreamy or McSteamy?
McDreamy!

If you could do anything else, what would it be?
I truly love what I do, it’s absolutely fair to say that I have never worked so hard or so many hours but I love Chain of Daisies, I love what we make and I love the direction the company is going in.

Favourite item of clothing
Shooooes. I love my heels!

Best childhood memory
Making campsites in the garden with my brother- ah the fun from a pile of sticks and some twine! And creating/ making anything! Including jewellery.

Most cringe-worthy moment
Probably falling over, on multiple occasions, high heels and a lack of coordination do not mix!

Favourite holiday destination
Our honeymoon in Positano on the Amalfi Coast was amazing.

Which celebrity would you have as your best friend and why
Stephen Fry, because he’s wickedly erudite and a thoroughly good chap.

Best “crafty” tip you can offer
Keep a notebook to hand to record inspiration, “to do” lists and also names for pieces!

What’s your Star sign?
I’m a Taurean.

What would you most like to see happen next?
From a business perspective I’d love to obviously see the business continue to grow from strength to strength, we’re building a fabulous number of wonderful stockists across the UK and Europe and I’d love to continue to develop this. We’re launching an “opulence” range of sterling silver/ precious metal pieces this month which I’m utterly excited about too! Basically a bright future for Chain of Daisies.

Certainly seems like a bright future is ahead of you!! ;o)

My thanks to the gorgeous Chain of Daisies for her participation this week....go check out her blog where you'll find some beautiful vintage looking creations.

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Thank Folksy it's Friday!!

For me, this week can only be about one thing

Remembrance

Oscar & Rose Photography

Love Letters

Candyfloss Created

Just For You

forestpoppy

gooseberrymoon

My picks are dedicated to those who fought and gave their lives for us...

May they rest in peace!

Click on the name of each shop to be taken straight to the gorgeous-ness that awaits you ;o)

See ya next Friday!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

An Homage to Gabrielle

Part of my Wish List this week is to have Santa deposit a copy of the new publication on Coco Chanel by Justine Picardie neatly under the Christmas tree!

  

From her first millinery shop, opened in 1912, to the 1920s, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel rose to become one of the premier fashion designers in Paris, France. Replacing the corset with comfort and casual elegance, her fashion themes included simple suits and dresses, women's trousers, costume jewelry, perfume and textiles.

She adopted the name Coco during a brief career as a cafe and concert singer 1905-1908. First a mistress of a wealthy military officer then of an English industrialist, Coco Chanel drew on the resources of these patrons in setting up a millinery shop in Paris in 1910, expanding to Deauville and Biarritz. The two men also helped her find customers among women of society, and her simple hats became popular.

Soon Coco Chanel was expanding to couture, working in jersey, a first in the French fashion world. By the 1920s, her fashion house had expanded considerably, and her chemise set a fashion trend with its "little boy" look. Her relaxed fashions, short skirts, and casual look were in sharp contrast to the corset fashions popular in the previous decades. In 1922 Coco Chanel introduced a perfume, Chanel No. 5, which became and remained popular, and remains a profitable product of Chanel's company.  Chanel herself dressed in mannish clothes, and adapted these more comfortable fashions which other women also found liberating.  Coco Chanel introduced her signature cardigan jacket in 1925 and signature "little black dress" in 1926.

Nazi occupation meant the fashion business in Paris was cut off for some years. In 1954 her comeback restored her to the first ranks of haute couture. Her natural, casual clothing including the Chanel suit once again caught the eye -- and purses -- of women. She introduced pea jackets and bell bottom pants for women. She was still working in 1971 when she died. Karl Lagerfeld has been chief designer of Chanel's fashion house since 1983.

source: www.about.com

This is my homage to Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel:

The Woman

{August 19, 1883 - January 10, 1971} 

 

 

The Designs 

 

 

 

I LOVE how feminine her creations were...even the more "manly" designs.  It was definitely a unique style.....she certainly was in a class of her own and a very beautiful woman to boot!

hugs

hello gorgoeus xxx