Nowt as nice as pretty packaging

Last month with the postal changes here in the UK I decided it was a good chance to re-access and change my packaging. I have been using the same little brown craft boxes for all of my items for the last few years now and although they are lovely and simple they are quite bulky and aren't particularly very laurafallulah-ry really. I while ago a friend designed a lovely little spotty card for me to use to display things on for craft fairs and I really wanted to use this in my packaging. So this is now wrapped with some turquoise tissue paper (not photographed) and popped in a brown pillow box stamped with the laurafallulah cotton reel.

I am really happy with how it all looks, plus the backing card, tissue paper and box are all eco friendly and recycled. Pretty and not so bad for our lovely world, what more can you ask for. 

Floral clearout

 Part of my mass clear out the other week was going through my many many boxes of fabric and selecting nearly half of it to sell. It was hard and some of it moved from sell to keep piles more than a few times but I tried to be ruthless. So here are a few of my favourite floral prints that I have already managed to put up in my supplies shop. I have some gingham's, stripes and remnant packs still to go in but i'm slowly getting there. The above is probably my favourite fabric ever, I have kept some pieces for myself but though I would share it out too. It is of course Liberty of London tana lawn, I can't remember the name of the design, im sure you all have a better memory than I.

This 100% cotton daisy fabric is so bright and fun! I used to work as a fabric specialist in a department store and when this came in I had to treat myself to it but have just never got round to using it. I love those pop art style flowers. 

Finally a much more subtle and pretty ditsy rose print, I love these 50s colours, dusky blues and pinks. I have used so much of this fabric in my time that last time I went to restock I bought an extra bit for the shop. There are also a few bits of the same print in other colour ways.

Spring cleaning and flowers

Instead of spring cleaning my home I decided to make over my blog and give it a much cleaner look and I love it. I hope you do too.

We have had a tiny glimpse of spring last week (although it seems to have disappeared now) so I have been working on some new floral brooches inspired by all the blooms and blossoms that have appeared. First up is this triple rose bud brooch, I love this colour combo. I will hopefully show you a few more soon once I have perfected the designs.

Creative brain = messy brain

I'm sure I am not the only person who is naturally a little messy, I blame my creativity but its probably more likely that I just don't really like tidying up. Either way I decided this year that due to lack to space in our new flat I would try to be a bit more tidy with my work. This decision was taken after it took me roughly 3 hours to find my labels for my purses which were in one of the many boxes in my workspace. Surely tidyness and everything in its place means a more productive work environment right?

So I emptied the boxes and sorted through, got rid of lots, am slowly listing un-needed supplies in my other etsy shop, and did my filing in my new filing cabinet and I can now actually sit and sew at my desk. I am not going to pretend any of this was fun, infact it tooks me weeks and I have hated it but I am nearly there and it does feel good.

There was one fun bit though and this will appeal to those of you like me who have slight OCD type issues with craft stuff. That one bit was sorting my embroidery threads, ok doesnt sound like fun but lookie lookie at the result. Mmmmmm colourfulness in rainbow-like order.

So they went from this, yes I worked with my thread in this box for years.

 I purchased one of these boxes from Laura at Lupin Handmade, they handily come with plenty of the little card bobbins which you will need.

And voila!! so pretty, and so easy to put all the threads on, plus so easy to use when you need some thread. Plus my little bird scissors, also from Laura at Lupin, fit perfectly in the larger section. Ahhhhh my brain feels so much better for this little amount of neatness in my life. 

Colour therapy

One of the first things that draws me to something is the colour, be it fabric for my work or food for my stomach I am always attracted to bright colours. Like a magpie but with pink and red rather than sparkle, although I do like a bit of bling too.

When making new purses my favourite job is choosing which zips, buttons and linings to use, I am all about the clashing and co-coordinating. I just can't help but add a pink zipper onto a red purse or a grey onto yellow, it is like a impulse reaction to the fabric.

P.S. All of the above purses are now off in the lovely Hannah Zakari shop in Edinburgh so you can go see them there, and buy them of course.

Leap on over

Sale Trio Spring Trims, a photo by kirstyfish on Flickr.

So if you don't know that 2012 is a leap year where have you been hiding? I am so happy that we get an extra day this year, I feel like it is already flying by so the more extra time we can have the better in my eyes.

My friend Kirsty over at Paperfish is having a Sale day with free UK postage on top on the 29th February only. She has 4 etsy shops, yes 4! so you are sure to find something you like. Be it a handmade gift or some crafting supplies or even a Christmas decoration ready for December you will find it in one of her shops. I know I will be having a good flick through her pages to see what bargains are to be had. Just make sure you use the code above when you check out to get the free shipping.

http://PaperFish.etsy.comhttp://www.etsy.com/people/PaperFish
http://BigFish.etsy.com
http://SnowFish.etsy.com
http://FuzzyFish.etsy.com

Spring Flowers and New Places

 A new year bring new and exciting things to Laurafallulah. Firstly new items in the shop, I always love this part of my job. Its so nice to have fresh new designs in there along side the best sellers.

 

 These bright yellow daisy earrings are so pretty, a great pop of colour to brighten up this dreary time of year.

 

 When I saw these rose cameos I knew they would be perfect with the rest of my work. Such beautiful detail and a great modern take of the classic cameo. I have put one of these pink and mint ones aside for me, also in blue and white which looks very Wedgewood.

 And these new cameo rose brooches are my take on this style. I love the ripply outer which frames the 3D rose and little leaves. Comes in this classic red and grey colourway and a more modern pink and grey too.

Secondly the new year bring two exciting new stockist for Laurafallulah. Most excitingly is that they are both new ventures, I love that people are setting up their own businesses in this economy it is very encouraging.

 

Firstly a multifaceted venue called The Step. As soon as I read their email about their concept for The Step I knew it was somewhere I would love to sell my wares. A cafe/bar/shop based in Bowes Park, North London, promoting local food, drink and showing off the best of handmade design, perfect! Plus the stunning Art Deco branding is really up my street, I do love a bit of old fashioned Hollywood style glamour. The Step is due to open at the end of this month so keep an eye out on their facebook page and follow them on twitter, you can also see their process of gutting out their building to create The Step from scratch.  

 

 Secondly this cheeky little fella represents Craft Guerrilla, a retail and craft workshop space set up by the lovely ladies at the East London Craft Guerrilla collective. Based in the Wood Street indoor market in Walthamstow, East London so pop over for a bit of stitching and shopping. They have a great range of handmade items from UK designers and crafters. Check out their facebook page for more info as well as keeping up to date with events and the comings and goings. These ladies have been running markets and crafting events for a long time and the shop is an great addition to their repertoire, I am in no doubt that it will be fantastic.

We Make London Christmas Pop Up Shopping Experiance

Still have some Christmas shopping to do or just fancy a fun and festive day out? pop along and say Hi at We Make London's Christmas Pop Up Shopping Experiance this Saturday 10th December at Battersea Arts Centre. It is always a great event and this year looks like the best yet. Do some screen printing, buy presents and even get them wrapped for free!! There is something for everyone. Take a look at the WeMake blog for more info.

Let the celebration begin!

I know that a lot of you like me LOVE Christmas but im sure there are as many who get annoyed with the way people seem to start celebrating earlier and earlier each year. Well I have waited until a month before to do something seasonal so that is pretty late for me.

To celebrate my favourite holiday I have set up a discount code in both of my etsy shops laurafallulah and fallulahs. Just type the code YAYCHRISTMAS in when you check out and you will get 20% off all purchases.

Designers/Makers Handmade Christmas Shop

Started your Christmas shopping yet? if you haven't then pop along to the Designers/Makers Handmade Christmas Shop on Exmouth Street, London for a really great selection of Handmade goodies, including Laurafallulah of course. Even if you have started go along anyway and treat yourself to something for being so god damn organised. As you can tell I am not one of those organised people which is why there is some hostility in that last sentence.

Renegade Review Guest Post

Pop over the the fab Bugs and Fishes by Lupin craft blog to see my guest post review of this weekends Renegade Handmade Craft Fair in London.

 I am very touched that Laura, the owner of Lupin Handmade, liked my writing enough to feature it on her popular blog. Check out all of her tutorials posts too, my favourite are her Christmas Crafting ideas.

New things - rings and earrings

I've been busy applying for Christmas Craft fairs for the last few weeks as well as trying to retake all my product photos so that they are all the same. Today I finally got round to photographing some new products to put into my own shop as well as my Notonthehighstreet shop. These new earrings and rings have been selling really well with other stockists as well as at the Thames Festival last month so I decided it was time for them to go online.

I have only put a restricted range of colours online but if you come along to any of the events I am taking part in over the Christmas season then you will also be able to buy even more, or email me with a colour request and I can raid my stocks for you. Or check out HannahZakari for alternative colours. The earring photo above will give you a better idea of what sort of colours are available.

Sneek Peek

Just a little something I am working on at the moment, this is just a small section of what will eventually, hopefully, be a larger print. I have never done any screen printing before but it is something I have wanted to try since I was at university and us weavers shared our workspace with the heat presses of the print group. I am very excited to finally getting around to giving it a go. I'm sure anyone else who works with fabric or pattern can understand the yearning of wanting to have a go and making their own. Well we will see how it turns out soon.

pins and needles

I know how to live the high life. A new pair of shoes? or a manicure? Nah! when I want to treat myself I stick to haberdashery. I couldn't resist the grey pearly tops of these pins. I don't know what it is with pins, I lose them like they are socks so its just as well they don't come in pairs. Where as needles I seem to keep forever, I have only ever bought one pack, well now two, and I still have a couple of them.

Sneek Peek

Im currently working on a project for a friend who has recently set up his own company with a few other friends. I love working with other people and making their ideas come to life in fabric. As most of you can tell this is a cross stitched design, I haven't really done any cross stitch for a few years and I am soon becoming a little addicted to it, I like repetative things.

If you are looking for a company to help you with your branding, advertising, marketing or webdesign then I urge you to check out Hatched, they specialise in working with smaller companies and have a real understanding of how to bring out the best in an independant business or designer.

I will show you the finished article when it is finished and framed.

Kitty Sabotage

I am currently trying to get a little healthier, or fitter anyway. Although someone in my house is not really encouraging

Working out is not so easy with a huge black cat sleeping on your mat. He's not bothered by me jumping and flailing next to him, unlike my other cat who leaves the room straight away. I don't blame her, I would probably do the same if I wasn't the one flailing.

Going round in circles

 Busy week prepping for WeMakeLondon at The Craft Trail and making new stock for HannahZakari. It is become apparent that I have a slight addiction to making circular things in multiples. 

Also trying to find time recover a 60s dressing table stool which I bought in April at an antiques fair. My pride is making me do it as my OH says that I will never get round to it and I just love proving him wrong. I am photographing it as I go so that I can share it on here. I am one of those people who love to have their feet up, infact I find it hard to sit with my feet on the ground. My last purchase of a beautiful indian patchwork pouffe was quickly stoled by one of my cats, as you can just see from the photo above, so this stool is planned for use by me and just me.

Craft Trail

Only a week to go before the kick off of a weekend of fun and frolics at The Thames Festival along the river in London. I am having a stall in the We Make London area along with many talented designers as part of the Craft Trail which is a new addition to the festival.

The festival and the Craft Trail are on for the whole weekend of Sept 10 - 11 from midday until late. There are many crafty events and workshops which I am hoping I might be able to pop to some of if I can get someone to man my stall for a few minutes.

The Festival itself is a celebration of London. There is something for everyone from Jive to a night time carnival to barge races to a feast of food on Southwark bridge. All topped off with a firework display.

If you are in London or fancy a day trip then pop along and join in the party. Make sure you pop along and say hi.

Look!

It was so nice today so I decided to make the most of the last drop of summer sunshine and take a walk into Blackheath village to get some supplies from the health food shop (im on a health kick at the moment) and have a sit on the heath.

But look what my lovely postie had dropped through my letterbox when I arrived home!!


The long awaited Hannah Zakari lookbook along with an adorable Gemma Correll Edinburgh postcard. And wasn't it worth the wait! I love a catalogue or lookbook and have a collection of them from when I used to work in a small boutique and this is one of the more lovely and succesful. I know I am a little biased as HZ stock my work but really it is wonderful. It gives you a great feeling of what Hannah Zakari is really about, great design, well made products and fun!

The first page is probably my favourite, what a brilliant image. I love that Rachael, the owner of HZ, is not afraid to do something a bit different and humorous.


Followed in a close second by the mix of necklaces by Uncommonly Beautiful. Simple but effective, how can you not love that mix of colour, wood and metal.


And of course I cant miss out the image titled Other Things We Sell which along with one of the sweet Lou Lou and Oscar Cat People shows some of my rosette brooches and fabric stud earrings (just had to get that one in there). This shot makes me want to go and visit the shop and have a good rummage.


Well done Rachael, it looks amazing and make me very proud to be part of the Hannah Zakari family. I'm sure that this book will be coming out year after year for me to have a good flick through.

Named and shamed

Okay okay I know I am terrible at this blogging malarky but this week I was named and shamed on Twitter by the always lovely and never mean Sally Fort.

I was looking at my blog at the weekend and thinking that I should take everything off and start again but after reading some old posts and feeling fond of some of them I decided that I would carry on where I left off.

A lot has happened which I wont bore you all with but I have moved a fair few times and have now settled in a new flat in Blackheath which is my very own. It was terrifying purchasing a property and still is if I think about it for too long. For anyone who has been through the process of purchasing you will know what I mean. I have never felt so much like a child since I left home, being totally confused by lawyer speak and reading through the largest amount of paperwork I have ever had to read through. But anyway now we are in and at last I feel like I have a home, I am such a home bod.

Through my many moves I have been having a huge declutter. Many many bags of clothes went to my awesome cousin (biased as we have similar taste) and boxes of books/toys/cds went to the charity shop. But the biggest challenge was to clear through some of my massive fabric and craft supplies boxes. Some I can't bare to get rid of so I am going to hide it from my other half but the rest I am going to be gradually listing in my supplies shop on etsy. So if you are interested in picking up a bargin then pop over and have a look. I nearly didn't list the fabric below as it is just so cute but I was feeling ruthless.


There are also going to be many changes for Laurafallulah soon, I am currently working on a range of handprinted goods. I have been drawing like I have never drawn before. I have never really worked with just a pen and paper, being more likely to dive straight into fabric and 3D design, but I am loving it. Hopefully I will have something to show you soonish.