Normal Service Will Resume Shortly.....

Hello hello!

SOOOOOOO sorry I have been rubbish and not updated in a while  - I have a few things to share with you but its been a busy week and I have not been great at making time to work on the blog, or my shop, which is bad bad bad. This week I had my Sister and her husband and my gorgeous niece and nephew to stay - it was a tight squeeze with six of us in our little flat, but so much fun. I'm sure all the parents out there might beg to differ, but there is something very cute about being visited by excited children in pyjamas first thing in the morning!

To keep the kids entertained, we went to the park, the market and best of all, the zoo! I'm not sure how to feel about zoos really, the animals always seem a bit sad, but, if they are being protected and money is going into conservation work, then that can only be a good thing- and I did really enjoy seeing the kids' reactions to the animals. My favourite sights were the incredible butterfly paradise where beautiful huge butterflies flutter around and even land on you, and the otters - oh wow - I LOVE them so much - such cute, funny creatures with incredible personality - I could watch them for hours.

Inspired by my zoo visit I am fantasising about this lovely blouse from Anthropologie.....

Sadly, its rather out of my price range, but, a girl can dream......

Anyhoo, its sunday night and I have that 'back to school' feeling, so i'm going to watch a film and pretend the weekend isn't over. I will try to get back into my routine and promise to resume normal blogging service soon!

L. x

Almost there...

So sorry for my lack of posts since last week - I am finishing a big project (more on that later) and my head is full of clutter with a generous helping of stress thrown in for good measure!

Here's a quote from that oh-so-quotable lady, Eleanor Roosevelt which I need to keep in mind, and maybe it will help you if you have any difficult challenges ahead this week....

You must do the thing you think you cannot do

Eleanor Roosevelt

Did she actually really say all these things? If so - what an amazing lady! 

So, heads high, chins up, keep going, almost there....

I will post more later I promise.

L. x

Lucky Me......

Morning!

Very quick post today before I go to work.

Today I feel very lucky to have brilliant friends - last night I went to a yoga class (only the second I've ever been to in by life) run by my brilliant best friend who has recently qualified as a yoga teacher. How lovely to spend an hour with good friends (albeit with bodies contorted into unusual poses) that felt like a luxurious chance to relax rather than a hardcore exercise session, and yet I still came away feeling virtuous. I may be converted!

Not only did my friend treat us to a great class, she also gave me this lovely gift;

Its full of cool designs from some the best Letterpress companies in SF and New York  - a lovely bit of inspiration. How sweet! Thanks so much J - Lucky Me!

Today I'm dreaming about having a studio space of my own as my flat is a bombsite.... but more on that later!
Have a great Wednesday
L. x

Good Things & Good People

Hellooooo

Apologies in advance for what will probably seem like a very random post, but I just sat on the bus and tube this morning and these things connected in my brain somehow! Something to do with doing good things and being a good person.....all this musing over being 'good' is probably brought on by the fact that I spent most of the weekend on the sofa watching TV (not good?)!

During the TV marathon, me and D watched a few episodes of Human Planet - its a BBC series all about how people live and survive in some of the most extreme environments on earth, and it is AMAAAAAAAAZING!  The skills some of these people have are just incredible - 10 year old children who can navigate across shifting sands and find a well in a desert with barely any landmarks, men who climb impossibly high trees and get stung by hundreds of bees to get some honey for their families, tribes who dig down to collect water that has been stored inside rocks for thousands of years.... makes us city dwellers look like a bunch of wusses really.

It really made me think about how out of touch we are with our natural environment - and the fact that I was in a nice toasty living room watching these people live their real lives through a TV screen made me feel a bit daft. It also made me think about what people do to survive and the incredible skills and crafts that get passed down through generations....... do try and watch it if you can - you will definitely come away with a big respect for the people featured, and for nature itself - and possibly a burning desire to jump off the couch, get out more and do something amazing with your time.

So, back to my London life, which seems a bit insignificant after all of that, but I have to tell you about a little purchase I made this morning - its naughty because I don't have any spare money  - or any children for that matter (you'll see why that's relevant in a minute) - but, its also charitable, so I don't feel too bad.....

Check this out;

Vivienne Westwood T-shirt for Comic Relief

How cute is that? Ok, ok, so its a child's T-shirt and I don't have any children, but the proceeds will probably go towards helping some children and if / when I do have kids, they can wear this and look cool - ok?

Ha ha - seriously though, the t-shirts only cost £5.99 and at least £2.50 goes to Comic Relief's work in the UK and Africa, so I think this is  a great way to support the charity and get a cool T-shirt into the bargain. They don't do the elephant design in an adult size (as far as I can tell) but there are loads of other designs if you can't justify buying kids clothes for non-existent kids (heh heh). Buy yours here at TK Maxx.

When I started this blog, I said that its not all about shopping (the blog, and life too!) and I mean that - so I really want to look at how I can make my happymarket shop do more than just sell stuff... it would be great if it could ultimately help people too.... not sure how that will all work out but I will definitely be looking to see if there's a way that I can make that happen....

All of this got me thinking about being a good person and what that even means, and just as I was thinking these thoughts, sitting on the bus at the traffic lights, I looked out of the window and saw this plaque on a hospital building;

Photo: Steve Hunnisett

I pass this plaque on the bus every day and often look at it absent mindedly, but today it just caught my attention. I found out more about Edith Cavell here - what an incredible and interesting life...... and i've been passing her by every day!

Ps. - Steve Hunnisett who kindly let me use the pic on my blog has his own blog  blitzwalkers.blogspot.com if you want to find out more about London war history....

So, I'll leave you with that for today - I MUST do some work!

I will be on the lookout for other interesting bits of my neighbourhood that I haven't noticed much, and I'll be thinking about how to be good.........

Have a good Tuesday
L. x

More Etsy loveliness and....... exciting news!

Well well, 2 posts in one day - what's going on? Firstly, I think I am just getting to grips with this blog thing, and really enjoying it, and secondly - I have had such a lazy day its untrue, so I am compensating with extra blogging!

I did take a little walk to my favourite Sunday market, Columbia Road Flower Market (i'll feature it properly soon so you can see why its my fave), but after that, I have literally been online or watching the The Killing on BBC iplayer all day! It sounds gruesome - and it is a bit, but also very moving and gripping too - highly recommended - its a Danish crime thriller, very well written and acted - I can't get enough... if you like Wallander you will love this! (sorry, but I am a Scandinavian crime thriller geek!)

So, in between episodes, i'm back again with a few more Etsy finds - inspired by the grey skies I saw outside my window this morning and this new Farrow & Ball paint colour called Mizzle; (its the one below the picture rail)

Image: Farrow & Ball

I'm not sure if I love it next to the blue (Dix Blue, which, incidentally, is colour I painted the door to our flat), but I do love the name and some of the other suggested colour schemes - check them out on the Farrow & Ball website and dream about re-painting your house...

So now for the Etsy Treasures...

While compiling this list I was imagining rainy weekends and a cool girl off somewhere with a suitcase and a red umbrella...

Suitcase, Comet Wreckage
(I can see myself hopping on a train with this beauty!)

Cool Card, Letterpress

Dress, The Vintage Sideshow
(check the shop - everything is super cool)

Cloud Cushion, Moln
(looks soooooo fluffy and soft)

Cute happy raindrop necklace, munchkinmama

Gorgeous Crochet Bowl, Weavekiller

A-mazing umbrella salt and pepper shakers, Curious Crow Vintage 

Rain, rain go away...or if you look this good... please stay! Check out the full list for more loveliness. 

As an extra bonus, I made a True Grit inspired list... well, just because, its such a cool film - one of the best i've seen in a good while - and I wish that I was that brave and that sassy when I was 14! If you haven't seen the film - go see it - seriously!

Hope you enjoy these lists as much as I enjoy making them.

NOW FOR THE REALLY EXCITING NEWS..... 

The Gocco Machine has been christened.... and my first batch of cards for the happymarket has been printed  - YAY and double YAY!!! 

In case you don't know what a Gocco is, its a small home screen printing machine. Its now discontinued I think, but you can easily buy them second hand (mine came all the way from Japan via e-bay) and you can still get the screens and inks so its all good (for now at least).

So here's a few more pics of my work in progress (sorry they're not such great quality), and a MASSIVE thanks to D for the amazing artwork and help with the printing.....

The wondrous machine in its box....

And out of its box......

A lovely selection of inks....

Brilliant artwork by my lovely D!

Screen burnt and inked up........

First card off the press.... not bad for a first attempt

And after a few more attempts.....

A whole batch of happymarket cards drying on the clothes rack - yay!

It was great fun printing with the Gocco and I'm sooooooo pleased with the results.... I'm aiming to launch the shop in March, so watch this space for more of our creations and I'd love to know what you think of these... they will be part of a set.... do you like???

Phew.... well, after that mega post, I think its time to step away from the computer, so, I hope you have had a lovely weekend and i'll be back in the week with a few more bits and bobs.

Good night

L. x

Bumper Etsy Finds!

Hello Hello

I've been going a bit crazy on Etsy this week (not buying, but window shopping) and I have 4 Treasury lists to share - eeek!

The first two I did midweek and are based on two of my personal obsessions - notebooks... and enamelware!

For some reason, my family has a bit of a notebook issue - my Dad, is seriously addicted to them, my sister is pretty bad too, and me.... well, I have a whole pile just waiting to be used! In fact, I think I have an addiction to all kinds of stationary - I was literally obsessed with WH Smiths when I was younger...(when it had the old brown and orange logo....anyone remember that or am I officially old?)

I made a bit of a resolution to use all my notebooks up this year rather than keep buying new ones, so maybe this treasury list was a way of getting my fix - anyway, here are a few favourite picks;

Notebook by  Larara

Chalkboard label by poofycheeks

Traingle Memo Stickers from minakim

Mmmmmm - stationary..... make a note of the whole list here!

And now onto list number 2... Enamelware Heaven  - well, what can I say, another thing I have a bit of a problem with.... 

Its something about the colour and the finish of these items that does it for me - they're a bit utilitarian, but also really really cute! Again, i'm blaming this one on my family - this time my mum - she had a fair few enamelware bins in her kitchen, and now I have the same for storing bread and flour. I love using enamel pots and mugs as plant pots for herbs and flowers, and for bringing a bit of a colour splash to the kitchen. 

What would you use these for?

Metalware Cannister, Retrovertigo

Enamelware bowl from Sweetcindylouwho

Polka Dot Enamel Jug, Redstripevintage

Lovely stuff eh? Hope it provides a little inspiration........I'm off for a little stroll to blow the cobwebs away, and later on I'll try and post the next two treasuries and some other bits for the week ahead. 

Happy Sunday

L. x

Inspiring Places: India

How generous of this cow to have a rest in front of these beautiful fabrics
making for a great photo opportunity! (Photo by Me)

Morning!


I was just browsing through all my photos this morning, looking for inspiration, and decided I had to just share a few pics with you from a trip to India in 2008. It is without a doubt one of the most inspiring places I have ever visited  - on every level - the colour - everywhere, the sheer size and diversity of the place, the rich history and heritage, the chaos and craziness that rule, but somehow just work and belie a country completely built on systems and codes, and the resilience and grace of the population in even the most trying circumstances and environments.


India is kind of an endurance test, it's not necessarily for the fainthearted and it can get exhausting at times, but if you can live with all of that, you will come away with memories that will stay with you for life. I just LOVE the place and can't wait to go back.


Me and the lovely D flew into Mumbai less than a week after the terrorist attacks in the train station and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (not to be confused with the utterly stunning Taj Mahal itself in Agra). I was pretty nervous but after a few days, realised that it was absolutely business as usual and so we set out on journeys that took us as far north as Agra, west into Rajashtan and south to Goa. We travelled mainly by train - which I would highly recommend - and which gave us a real insight into how this amazing country works. Here are just a few of the things that inspired me along the way.....(all photos by me & lovely D)


Beautiful Trucks: Every single lorry, truck and tractor is painted and decorated with tinsel garlands and streamers - they are so beautiful and colourful, I could have spent the whole trip just photographing these!

Cute painted truck with tinsel streamers

Truck painted with Hanuman the monkey god

Colour Everywhere: India is all about colour, from the pink palace of Jaipur to the goods on display in the markets and even on the quietest rural street...

Jaipur's pink palace

Bangle-Tastic!

Taking a snooze in a colourful spot

Amazing Markets: Well, I love markets and we found some brilliant ones in India, from food markets and the Vintage haven of the Chor Bazaar flea market in Mumbai, (Chor means thief, but this is pretty safe, and tons of fun) to the narrow alleyways of the Jaipur Bazaar where different kinds of supplies were sold in different streets........

Beautiful fresh produce, Jaipur

Wedding supplies stall, Jaipur

A whole alleyway dedicated to party supplies and tinsel - yum!

I'll take that one please...and that one....and that one! Ribbon & Trim stall, Jaipur

And yes, I did have to buy extra bags to bring all my purchases home!

I will follow up with a more detailed guide soon in case you are planning a visit, but in the meantime, hope the colour and energy in these pics provides a little eye candy for your Friday - have a great day.

L. x

Wise Words & Dandelion Clocks

Stargazing print by Irene Suchocki

Hello people! 

Hope you are all having a great week? How on earth did it get to Thursday already? Where does the time go? Its pouring down outside (again) and i'm longing for summer days when the only clock I have to watch is a dandelion clock. (Did you used to blow the seeds off the dandelion to see what time it was - or was that just me? I was easily amused as a child!)

This has been a week of early starts for me and i'm still trying to cram in all the things I should have done last weekend! Sometimes, when it all gets hectic and despite all the running around, its not reflected in the bank balance, I have to remind myself that I chose to work this way and that i'm really fortunate to make a living doing creative things and meeting great people. I couldn't put it better than Mr Bob Dylan, so i'll let him say it for me;

What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.

Bob Dylan

Well, I share those sentiments entirely, and while i'm not quite sure i'm entirely a success if I judge myself by those terms, i'm certainly working on it!

Does this quote ring true for you? Can you be happy despite the bank balance or is that just idealistic nonsense? Is it possible to create the life you want and do the work you want to do? Answers on a postcard please! 

Whatever your days are filled with, I hope today is a good one for you and if you are in need of some inspiration and a good dose of beauty in your day, check out the gorgeous work of the very talented Irene Suchocki - a freelance photographer based in Montreal - her work is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous and can be purchased to grace your own walls right here.

L. x

Just My Type

Scrabble Pillows from Chunkymonkeyluv on Etsy

Here's a little bonus post to celebrate a bit of progress on making the goods for my Etsy Shop. Me and the lovely D have been designing some cards - mainly using different hand drawn fonts - and hopefully we'll be christening my Gocco machine later this week to print the first tests- exciting!


I'm a big fan of typographic art work  - in fact, I generally have to restrain myself from buying too many prints and posters bearing cool slogans - but i'm also a lover of letters as decoration and ornamentation, especially when they are combined to say something nice, so here's a couple of Etsy picks from my Love Letters list.

Metal Letter from MLevin on Etsy

Bag from PiccoloNegozio on Etsy

Vintage Letters from Salvage Nation on Etsy

Enjoy.

L. x

Library Love

Image: Phil Bradley

Hey hey! 


Hope you had a lovely weekend. I never made it to the Chinese New Year celebrations i'm afraid so no pics on that front, however, I do have a few other treats to kick of the week ahead - first things first - more on the pic above.


Saturday was 'Save Our Libraries' day in the UK and by happy coincidence, I created a Librarian themed Treasury on Etsy yesterday, (more on that in a moment) so I thought why not link it all together in a post that sings the praises of our lovely libraries. 


The image above is one of a series of brilliantly doctored war posters created by Phil Bradley - you can catch the whole series here on his Flickr page. The original artwork for this image was apparently created by someone with the very cool name of Steele Savage (!)  - love it!


So - Libraries - are they worth saving? Errrrr - YES!  As a child, weekend visits to the village library with my dad were a highlight and I can remember that I found the whole library ticket business very exciting (back then each book had a card ticket - none of this fancy swipe card, self service business!) I LOVE libraries - not just for the books, but the very concept of them and all the cool library paraphernalia.


It was soooooo much fun to put together my Librarian Girl  treasury which was more that a little bit inspired by this pic showcasing the amazing new wallpaper collection from Sanderson.....

Image: Sanderson

Can't you just imagine a rather serious and mysterious Librarian sitting at this desk? And here's a little more from the Treasury - Shhhhhhhhhhhhh;

Stamps from Present & Correct on Etsy

Blouse from Willamena Vintage on Etsy

Glasses from Lemon Shack Vintage on Etsy

Library Card File Drawers from concept furnishings on Etsy

See the whole Treasury here - and go check out some library books today!
Happy reading!
L. xxx

Wise Words, Friday Daydreams, Weekend Recommends and Delicious Distractions

Hold fast to your dreams, for without them 

life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

Langston Hughes

Hello hello  - hope your week has been a good one?  Mine has been.... well, oh dear! I suppose by that, I mean that I feel I haven't achieved much, got distracted a lot and didn't post anything to my blog - boo! Well, at least i'm about to resolve that last problem.

I lay the blame for much of this firmly at the door of the interweb that brings so many brilliant things into our lives and connects us, and fills us with knowledge but also distracts me when I should be working, overwhelms me when I start researching and tempts me with too many wonderful things to mention. Do you ever feel this way? I remember feeling like this when I used to read magazines as a teenager - I had to make notes in my diary about cool stuff I needed to check out and things I just had to have - kind of old school bookmarking I suppose......

Well, now it is just out of control - sometimes I start looking at the work of artists or craftspeople or designers or stylists online and I just get totally overwhelmed by how clever and creative some people are - there is just so much good stuff out there, so this post is really a note to self to stop simply ogling the work of others and get on with some work myself! 

But.... before I do............

I meant to post this on Thursday as a slightly late midweek daydream, but I'll admit I was feeling a little bit delicate after a gorgeous evening celebrating my best friend's birthday at the really super duper lush Shoreditch House. Now, I have never considered myself the Private Members Club kind of girl, i'm just as happy in a typical old man pub as a stylish bar, but seriously - I am converted! One look at the amazing views over London from the rooftop bar and I was sold, and later in the evening, drinks in the super stylish and cosy Snug had me trying to rationalise the price tag for membership on the bus home!

I don't know that I'll ever be a member but it was brilliant to check the place out (thank you glam friends!) and anywhere that's got a pool on the rooftop and a snug with roaring log fires is worth a daydream or two in my book...mmmmmmmmmm.

Finally,  here's what I'm thinking of distracting/inspiring myself with this weekend - hoping to check out some amazing dances, costumes and decorations at the Chinese New Year celebrations in London...

Image via londonchinatown.org

I'll try to remember my camera if I make it and I promise to improve my blogging efforts next week! 

Happy weekend!

L. x