All you need is love!

As Valentines Day is coming I though I would share some photos from Tumblr that are all about love! This is the first time I have used Tumblr and I don't quite get it yet! But ah well... look at the pretty pictures! lol! We don't tend to celebrate Valentines Day because we got together on the 15th so celebrating both seems a little silly. But this year we have been together 5 years so kinda a big celebration.

Thats all for tonight! Don't forget this weeks amazing giveaway!! The link is up there in the side bar, you don't wanna miss this one ladies, the prize is stunning!

Hopefully an outfit post tomorrow as I am off in the day time!

Daisymay XOXO

Red Ruby Rose Giveaway!

Ok so the very lucky winner of the Niblejacks felt flower brooch is Miss Judy Bloom. Congrats hun, I have emailed you, so if you can send me your address I will get the item sent asap.

Onto this weeks giveaway and this is possibly the best I have had so far ladies so listen up. This weeks prize comes from Red Ruby Rose Etsy Store. The amazing woman behind this makes the most beautiful little purses and clutch bags. And she has kindly offered this stunner!

Isn't it beautiful! I seriously wish this little clutch was all mine, but sadly and happily it will be one of yours very soon. Worth $105 or £65. All her items are amazing so have a good nose at the store ladies. Maybe a good valentines present hint to you men!!

What's Your name and where do you come from?

Hi, I'm Rowena and I live in Bristol, England.

How long have you been making your designs?

I started Red Ruby Rose in January 2008 - as a direct result of discovering Etsy.

Why did you name your shop 'Red Ruby Rose'?

No grand plan here, I needed a user name for Etsy and wanted 'Ruby Rose' but it was taken so I popped the 'Red' in front. Spur of the moment!

What's your favourite materials to work with?

I love embroidered silks and always like using my own prints too. Currently I'm enjoying working with leathers too.

Of your items which is your favourite?

It changes from day to day but I'm currently really fond of this one:

Where so you get your inspiration for your designs?

My own fabric prints are inspired by collages I've made and photographs I've taken. I love rich colours and textures and natural forms like seedheads and plant silhouettes.

Do you have any formal training or did this start as a hobby?

I studied textile design at school and have always worked for myself as a self-employed artist/designer.

Do you have any favourite Etsy shops which you buy from?

Lots of favourites, some of which I've bought from, some of which I'm still coveting, including:
Lillyella, Earthworks Journals, Julie and Co, Oktak, Tinctory, Minicyn, Tortilla Girl and I really want to buy from Lemmikkipapina. Take a look at her amazing sold items!

What;s your dream for 2010? To happily continue Red Ruby Rose and strike the tricky balance between work and rest :)

What's your favourite flower?

This is a hard question to answer as I adore flowers. Probably a peony or an old fashioned highly-scented rose.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The same rules apply as before.

• You must be a follower (please tell me how you are following so I can check)
• You must visit Red Ruby Rose and comment on here as to what is your favourite item

Extra entries may be gained by

• Hearting your favourite item (1 entry)
• Adding Red Ruby Rose to your favourite etsy sellers (1 entry)
• Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)
• Become a follower of Red Ruby Rose blog (2 entries)
• Buying something from Nimblejacks (5 entries)

Please provide links to your blog/twitter/facebook. And supply your etsy username.

You must post a separate comment for each one you qualify for so I can assign numbers to each comment, or they will not be counted as separate entries.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 6th February!

Good luck

I have at least another 4 giveaways lined up for this month ladies so stay tuned!

Daisymay XOXO

p.s. blogging may be a bit sporadic again this week as I have lots of work shifts and am away Wednesday night seeing Rammestein (yes I know I do not look like someone who would listen to them, but I do... that seems to surprise everyone!)

Cosmo Crazy!

I'm very sorry I have been such a bad blogger this week! I've been working lots and just feeling a bit outta sorts, just in a bit of a funk I think. Last night we went out with another couple (Biz and Chris!) for some yummy food at an amazing restaurant called Cosmos down Cardiff Bay. It's an all you can eat chinese/thai buffet and so reasonably priced. So we had a nice night and I have had today off to catch up on sleep lost over the last week or so. Anyway I thought it was about time for another outfit post and seeing as I actually got dressed up last night I actually have an outfit to show you! So here it is.

Ok so remember my last post and the 'shopping ban' it lasted 2 days! lol! I was in TKMaxx after a final few last things for my swap with Valencia when I saw this top and a black vest (which I am after anyway) they were £6 each in the sale but I restrained and did not buy them. Now your wondering how I now have the top, yes? Well I went back in with the other half the next day for him to have a nose at the clearance stuff and they were in a new part saying final reductions, and were only £3 each, so I caved,. But am glad I held out to get an even bigger discount (practically 2 for 1! hehe).

Top: TKMaxx (Easel)

Skirt: TKMaxx (Earl Jean)

Sequin edged Leggings: Primark

Shoes: George at ASDA

Necklace: handmade by me

Belt: Newlook

Bracelet/Scarf: Primark (I use this for work most nights but thought it looked cute round my wrist)

Me and Jon

Miss Biz and Chris puling a jib as always.

Jon taking full advantage of the all-you-can-eat! Lol. And believe me he finished it all!

Some sushi for me!

And the amazingly yummy deserts!

I'm extending the current comp until midnight tomorrow instead of tonight because I was late posting it up anyway. So don't forget to go enter it here.

Night

Daisymay XOXO

Shopping Ban (kinda!)

Ok well I am putting myself on a kinda shopping ban! Now it's not a 'no shopping' kinda shopping ban, lol! I couldn't cope with that (although truthfully I buy very little as I am hugely lacking in funds). It's a 'no more impulsive buying' shopping ban. I am not allowing myself to buy anything just because it's pretty or cute, I have to need it or really have thought about it fitting into my current wardrobe. So a lot more thought before buying stuff. I have a list of things I would like to add to my current wardrobe and I am only going to look for them when ever I go shopping, and hopefully not get distracted by other things. I have actually been looking for a pair of Cowboy Boots for over 2 years because I am fussy and know exactly what kinda pair I am after. I want vintage (or vintage looking) ones that are oxblood red in colour but not with the typical pattern that all the high street ones have. Anyway, the ban! As I have mentioned I'm getting married in 15 weeks and we are currently saving to afford our dream honeymoon, a tour of china. We are hoping to go a few months after the wedding if we have saved enough money, hence the shopping ban.

So the list so far consists of

• Said Cowboy Boots
• White Lace Shift Dress
• Braces
• Tartan Dress
• Plaid Pleated Skirt
• Floral 50's Day Dress (with swing skirt)
• Waistcoat
• Long Cardigan (not black!)
• Denim Dress
• Button up lace or ruffle blouse
• A few cute vintage pendant necklaces (for everyday wear)
• Lace up boots
• Net petticoat (for adding volume to skirts)
• Polka-dot full circle skirt
• Quilted Black Clutch
• Pinafore Dress
• A pretty summer shirtdress

I think that is all for now, but I have probably left some stuff out. So along with only buying these things I also want to buy them all second hand, vintage or from charity shops. Right, easy?!?! Or not?!?! But if anybody fancies donating something to my wardrobe just email me for my address, lol, only joking! Although I am up for some swaps if anyone fancies it. Im currently waiting on 2 surprise clothing parcels, one from Valencia (roll up your sleeve) and one from Patty Ann (AlphaBetaChic)

Don't forget this weeks giveaway, here.

Ok so it's nearly 6am, I haven't slept yet due to insomnia, (although I have managed the whole first season of Glee!! In love!!) I have a fun packed day though today. Work at 11 (ok not so fun) but then Salsa Class!!! Yay!! I love dancing and I love salsa. Have managed to learn most of the basic steps simply from watching from behind the bar, so I can have a really good go tonight.

Good Night/Good Morning!

Daisymay XOXO

Happy 101 Tag

The lovely Ally from Fancykazoo gave me the Happy 101 award and I would like to thanks her very much as it is my first award, yay!

The rules:

Post 10 things that make you happy and do at least 1 of them today.

Link back to the person who sent you the award

Pass onto 10 bloggers who's blogs make you happy

1. My Honey! Yes I know that is a soppy thing to call him, but it started as a joke when we first got together and just kinda stuck! He makes me very happy and I can't imagine being without him now.

2. Wedding plans! Our wedding is only 15 weeks away (so my mother reminded me lots tonight!) and I'm getting ever so excited about it all. Hopefully all will go to plan and it will be the perfect day I have been dreaming of and planning for the last year.

(No that is not my dress, but it was one of the inspiration photos!!)

3. My baby! Miss Tipsy is my bunny. Jon bought her for me for my 21st birthday and she is lovely if a little mental (have you ever heard of a bunny who barks and growls? Well she does!)
4. Listening to the rain. Our flat is in the roof space so we can hear the rain pitterpattering on the roof and I love it. Also while walking under a brolly or sleeping in a tent!
5. Films. Any kind I'm totally obsessed, I love to watch a good film. Hense the reason I want to get a job in the film/TV world.
6. Sushi. A newish love that stared about 6 months ago, but I can't get enough of the stuff!
7.My besties. I have a few I shant name and shame but they make life all that more fun!
8. Canada/Scotland. I know those are 2 different places but I love both. I have my Godmother in Scotland and my Aunt in Canada and I adore both countries. There is just something about Canada that is so chilled and so differnet to life in the UK. But Edinburgh is my fav city ever I think, the people are so nice, it's so lively and fun and just great in everyway. The only 2 places I would ever live if I ever left Wales!
(Canada: Niagra Falls Revolving restaurant with my sis and Aunt)

9. Being creative. This is just speaking in general terms. I love to be creative and have been able to turn my hand to a number of different crafts and projects. I need creativity in my life or I get bored! I want a job where I can be creative and hate being stuck somewhere that requires no creativity at all, like the pub!

(2 of my art journal pages from last year)
10. Fancy Dress. Any reason is a good reason for fancy dress! Its fun! Lol! You can see pics on a few of my many costumes here.

So I would like to give this to Kristen, Valencia, Michelle, Patty Ann, Marissa, Daisychain, Charlotte Lucy, Nadine, Coco and Little Rascal

Don't forget to enter this weeks giveaway!

Daisymay XOXO

p.s found another vintage evening dress today so it will be up in the shop next week. Im hoping to have an etsy store soon, once it decides to accept my card!!

Nimblejacks giveaway!

Sorry that I didn't get to post this yesterday we had a computer malfunction, which then involved lots of transferring of files and wiping of hard drives (neither of which I understand, hence the reason I left it to the other half to sort out) Anyway to the good news! The winner of the "It's a Lovely Cake" Bracelet is Kim of Dottie K blog.

So on to a new giveaway!! Yay I have another. And again this is from a lovely Welsh lady! Go Wales!! This time its Claire from Nimblejacks. And this funky brooch is this weeks prize!

1. Whats your name and where do you come from? My name's Claire and way back I came from Lincolnshire, but I've been living in Wales for 18+ years. My husband and 2 children are welsh through and through. I came here originally as a student at Swansea University, and then I met my husband and we bought a derelict Gower barn to convert. It's been a labour of love, not something for the faint hearted or people hating living in a cold caravan in the welsh winters. It's finished now though and I finally have the time to spen on my Nimblejacks work.

2. How long have you been making your designs? I started making my designs about 5 years ago mainly as gifts for friends and family, then custom orders and then I came across Etsy whilst surfing the net one day and hey presto! I think Etsy is a brilliant way of getting your work out there, of meeting new contacts and finding materials and advice too. The forums are a great resource for that.

3. Why did you name your shop 'Nimblejacks'? Nimblejacks came about after fiddling with words and ideas on paper Nimble for nimble fingered and Jack, is the welsh nickname for someone from or in Swansea.

4. Whats your favourite materials to work with? Given a choice I love working with narural dyed wool for making felt or beads, upcycling jumpers is great fun too and can be a family activity! I recently learnt hopw to make beads from felting jumpers too.

5. Of your items which is your favourite? Currently I am favouring these http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36471895 I made the first one as a custom order for a friend's daughter and then she came back and asked me to make an adult sized one! They are very relaxing to make, I'm not sure why though!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36291127 or these I had the curly locks in my store cupboard and invented these just for them.

6. Where do you get your inspiration for your designs and also their names? The design ideas come from things around me like the flowers and textured in my garden ( gardening is my other passion it's a family thing), the textures and colours of the wool I use or the beads I may have. I like to take time where I can to experiment with the materials I have I'll often make several trail items before settling on the finished design. My names always come from the colours I used in each particular piece.

7. Do you have any formal training or did this start as a hobby? My only training was Textiles in school, never wasted the learning to use a sewing machine. I did A Level art also and have always painted and drawn the felty part was as a result of seeing someone make some once.

8. Do you have any favourite etsy shops which you buy from? I ordered my logo and banner design and my labels from Pixelbypixelhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/pixelbypixel I love this shop leatherprince they make cute keyrings and work as a team!http://www.etsy.com/shop/leatherprince My fabric comes from downshadowlane http://www.etsy.com/shop/downshadowlane she does very good postage rates and prices.

9. whats your dream for 2010? 2010- I'd love to get my own website up and running I blog when I can and I love Etsy and the galleries here in Swansea I sell through but it would be nice to have my own site too. Other than that, bake more bread ( the kids love that), learn more about felting, take time to teach my daughter some of the skills I use for making my things, never to be bored!

10 Whats you favourite flower? Papaver- poppies the big oriental ones, preferably Lauren's lilac or a good deep red one. They are such good value for th space they occupy the textural leaves, beautiful flowers and those gorgeous pepper pot seedheads in the winter.

If you want to know more check them out at Nimblejacks blog

Onto the giveaway bit!

The same rules apply as before.

• You must be a follower (please tell me how you are following so I can check)
• You must visit Nimblejacks and comment on here as to what is your favourite item

Extra entries may be gained by

• Hearting your favourite item (1 entry)
• Adding Nimblejacks to your favourite etsy sellers (1 entry)
• Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)
• Become a follower of Nimblejacks blog (2 entries)
• Buying something from Nimblejacks (5 entries)

Please provide links to your blog/twitter/facebook. And supply your etsy username.

You must post a separate comment for each one you qualify for so I can assign numbers to each comment, or they will not be counted as separate entries.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 28th January!

Good luck

Daisymay XOXO