If I'm going to buy something, I like to know that it's versatile. Whether it's clothes, jewellery or, as it most often is, whether it's arts and crafts materials, my feeling remains the same. So when I saw this booklet of 200 vintage style labels and stickers, it was versatility victory. Using a mostly muted colour scheme of reds, blues, greens and golds, the selection of labels and stickers are perfect for gifts, scrapbooks or just labelling the life of out any room. I love a lot of French things, so the inspiration from French Textiles is an added bonus. Ooh-la-la.
I read this post over on e-elise etc the other day, in which Erin demonstrated how to make a nifty DIY book page ornament. I love anything literary (as you can see from this post where I decorated my old uni bedroom all the way back in 2013!) so this little DIY was right up my street. I'm sure not one person will be surprised to hear that I used Mockingjay as my inspiration. This was my first attempt; it's definitely a bit rough around the edges! But I like really the concept a lot and it's something I'd definitely try again. I didn't have all the recommended materials to hand, so improvised with some cardboard and sticky tape. I did however follow the advice of scanning and printing a copy of the page - there was no way in hell I was slicing and dicing my copy of Mockingjay. My attempt here is not a patch on Erin's (seriously go and check out her blog!) but the whole idea has given me some great inspiration, which is super handy as I want to make some little crafty bits for some upcoming birthdays. If I succeed in making neater versions to give away as presents, I think I'd like to try and incorporate some mixed media if I try another one, perhaps some typewriter typography or something as simple as a few dabs of glitter!
Jade x
I've always been a bit of a crafty kid. I've never been particularly good at it, mind (that'll be the man hands again. Bane of my life.) I also have a tendency to keep everything - receipts, tickets, birthday cards, even clothes tags. And since I have found myself with no revision to do or essays to write (life can be fun!) I decided, with a little help from The Works, to sort some of it out.
I spotted a scrapbooking kit in The Works on Saturday and yes, it's probably for primary school children but since I'm repeatedly told I don't look like I could possibly be 21, I'm allowed.. right? It was only £1.99 which I thought was a bargain considering all it came with (artsy backgrounds, peelable stickers and extra embellishments to name a few).
So naturally I got out my stickers, my stars and rolls of sellotape and set to work.
The main reason was so I had a nice way to display all my little Paris mementos but of course I didn't stop there.. I'm super exited to be moving into a little student house next year and the prospect of decorating my bedroom there already has me browsing pinterest weekly. I'm a keen bean, I know.
Of course dance had to make a little bit of an appearance - I love the little bunting mini banner that came with the scrapbook set, but I actually really like my literary silhouettes too. I've got an old dictionary that I've been using to make tiny origami animals and I thought they would be perfect for this too. I copied the outlines off of my laptop and then traced them onto the dictionary pages. Easy peasy!
I also made this one to keep me motivated to keep blogging. I love writing all my posts but I do sometimes struggle to create ideas so I'm hoping these perfectly organised ideas from Company Magazine a few months back (love a list) will keep me going.
The stars were all me though, I love something shiny as much as a good list. I've found that inward motivation doesn't really work for me, I need glaring signs and assertive notes dotted around everywhere and with it beng final year, I figured I'd start making them early. They're definitely going to be needed!
Anyone else a fan of scrapbooking? Or is this just another reason why people never believe I'm 21..?!
