DIY Copper Napkin Holders

I've been sucked in to thinking that the silly season is just around the corner and a quick glimpse at my diary tells me that is in fact the case. I love planning different table scape scenarios; textures, colours and all the little details, including napkin holders! I grabbed a stack of copper plant labels from a near-by hardware store, thinking they could make fun gift tags. I might end up using them for that purpose as well, but for now they will serve as super-stylish napkin holders. 

What you need

Copper plant labels (mine are from Bunnings, pack of 10 for $3.23!)

A hole punch (just a regular will do, these labels are thin and soft)

Simply punch a hole on the other end of the label (they already have one hole), loop the label around the napkin and tie up using the copper strings. And you're done! 

DIY Faux Leather Wall Hanging

I am always looking for new things to hang on our walls, but rarely feel like spending too much money on a piece of art I might end up getting bored with in a few months. I've wanted to make something for the longest time, something like this seemingly simple piece, but deep down I knew I could not pull it off. I know I'm not a painter, but perhaps I am a bit of a crafter, so I thought of creating a wall hanging using some of the metallic faux leather I picked up on a recent trip to Japan. I love working with faux leather fabric; it doesn't fray so you don't need to hem it, especially if used in something like this that doesn't get fiddled with too often. This fabric is quite readily available in all major craft stores, but I've even ordered some on Etsy. There is a great array of colours available so it is easy to get carried away! 

As a background I used a canvas I had picked up from a discount store ages ago. I thought of using a scallop pattern to create a bit more interest and the material I used added an extra layer of texture. You could use a variety of colours and/or different materials to create a more interesting look, but I wanted something quite subtle to hang atop a dresser in our guest room. 

I cut the pieces using a stencil and drafted a rough sketch on the canvas as a guide. Double-sided tape was great for attaching the pieces and way less messy than hot glue! Adding fabric around the edges of the canvas gave the piece a more finished look. 

I'm quite happy with the result and I can't wait to try making another piece with different shapes and colours! 

Polka Dot Love

A girl can never have too much polka dot in her life, am I right?

Happy weekend everyone! x

DIY Make Up Bag

I've been looking for a new make up bag for quite a while, but never seem to find one that ticks all the boxes. I came across this pattern and decided to give it a go. The size is just perfect (I made mine a bit smaller than the original pattern) and I love the pastel colours. These are so quick and easy to make I might just have to make a couple more! 

Christmas Mood Board: Pink & White

Here's some more pink goodness on your way for Christmas! I just couldn't help myself putting together another mood board with just pink and white; it must be the summer that makes me turn to the pretty pastels. 

I love how those dip-dyed candles turned out, they have almost a caramelly swirl to them. The Japanese porcelain bambis are one of my favourite things; they were a lucky found from a second hand shop a couple of years ago.

With these thoughts and pictures, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 

PS. Don't forget to check out my Pinterest boards for more pastel love!

Christmas Mood Board: Mint & Pink

Instead of the more traditional Christmas colours (see my palettes from last year here and here), I decided to go for something a bit different this year. I was inspired by the white horse I bought as a Christmas ornament, but it reminded me of children's carnivals and along came these colours: mint, pink, grey and white. 

I used white paper as a base for the parcels and added little strips of colourful wrapping paper with string, washi tape and labels. Of course I had to add a few silver bells there too as a reminder of Christmas.

Geisha and Fazermint chocolates are by a well known Finnish manufacturer called Fazer. Although I'm not a huge candy fan (let alone milk chocolate fan), these were a must for Christmas! 

What colours are you using this Christmas? Are you going for the more traditional ones like white and red or experimenting with something different? 

PS. For more inspiration, check out my updated Pinterest boards. 

Christmas Gift Idea - Baby Girls' Dress

I found a pattern for this adorable open back dress for baby girls on Etsy. The dress was really easy to make and there are endless options for patterns and decorations. I think they make a lovely Christmas present for little girls! I also customised some wooden hangers to go with the dresses. Cuteness overload :-)

Hot Air Balloons

 

It often happens that I find a fun little project somewhere (blogs, Pinterest, you name it) and archive it for later. Some projects (time allowing) I try immediately, others I linger for longer and some never get done (or don't work out at all - there are quite a few of those as well). This cute mobile caught my attention and I wanted to give it a go. I didn't even know I like hot air balloons so much! I used thin felt to sew the balloons and added decorations (ribbon, stars and some felt bunting). The original model uses wine and champagne bottle corks for the baskets, but since I didn't have any at hand I decided to weave the baskets myself. It was a little time consuming, but easy. I just used pieces of cardboards and normal twine and attached the baskets in to the balloons. This is a great project for a child's room or just as a colourful decoration for summer. 

  

 

Recently

Gardening, knitting, crocheting and some general house maintenance of recent.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

 

 

Busy Bee

I've been busy as a bee lately, experimenting with new materials like beeswax, as well sewing, knitting and crocheting. I started crocheting a blanket using soft bamboo yarn. This project will take a while to finish, but I love creating something with such simple tools as a hook and yarn. 

I finished a soft case with two large pockets for all the little things I bring with me while travelling. I used soft flannelette for the case and attached a decorative ribbon along the edges. The case also has a simple snap for closing.  I can't wait to bring this along for my next trip!

The little white purse in the last photo is made out of faux leather. I made it to use as a kind of gift wrap, but it could just as well hold business cards or even a small mirror.

I hope you are all feeling creative and inspired! I would love to know what your favourite materials are to work with!

 

 

Recent Snapshots

A few recent snapshots from home. Thank you for all your well wishes, I am feeling much better!

Kitchen corner with something modern, something old.

The other corner of our kitchen

Morning coffee

Neutral colours

Our bathroom

Rain drop mobile I made with clay and driftwood

Linen basket with a tiny snowflake button I made for mum.

I made this linen bag for pegs

Looking Back at 2012

The final days of 2012 are a good opportunity to take a look back and sum up a few favourite recipes and other highlights of the year. It has certainly been a whirlwind year with many happy events, but also one particularly sad memory, with a passing of my dear grandmother at the end of the year. 

I started the year off with a 21-day vegan challenge that somehow prolonged itself to 9 months. I really enjoyed the challenge of creating new recipes with no animal products and looking back I absolutely love the colours and vibrancy of the foods I created.  

 

 

Our wedding in my home town back in June and the honeymoon in France was of course the highlight of the year. We had the loveliest time celebrating our special day with our closest friends and relatives, and France in its all summery glory was everything (and more!) we expected. I would love to go back one day, as there is so much more left to experience and see.

The end of the year saw me going back to my roots (literally, as well!) with more traditional Finnish recipes and more and more interior and craft inspired posts that I've enjoyed so much. I am looking forward to all the new ideas and challenges that the new year will bring.

I thank you all for following my blog in 2012 and I wish you all the best for the new year!