Recent purchases

I am always drawn to pretty, cute, fun things, like my amazing Barry M mermaid nail varnish! I couldn't take it off! So gorgeous. My purchases are normally things I don't actually need, I just want. These are a few of my recent purchases.

I always nip in Wilkos for my stationary bits and pieces, and I was picking up glue and boring pens and I spotted these amazing animal paperclips. How cool are these?! I have seen the same style of these before but they were a lot more in price. These were only £1 a pack. There are 4 packs, and I will be going back for the Dog pack soon! Perfect for letters and keeping my work in order while  looking super cute.

I love Toys R Us. I haven't been to a store in the UK for ages. I went when I was in the US last year, and it was so fun. So myself and my best friend took a trip recently. I finally managed to find some of the Inside Out pops! So I have added Sadness and Disgust to my pop collection. These two ladies are just the sweetest.

I ended up in Tiger on Sunday, and of course I always end up with a bag full of goodies. Currently at the moment there is a gorgeous pastel themed going on. I brought a couple of pieces. A perfect tiny plate, which will be used for treats and a wonderful drinking glass. Oh plus I picked up some gold paper straws. I'm looking forward to using them for my upcoming birthday.  

So many treasures! Plus my giant haul from Primark at the weekend. Forever spending money in that store. I'm always looking forward to visiting my favourite shops again!

Artist Series: Lucy Alice Designs

The next artist/designer in my series is Lucy of Lucy Alice Designs. Lucy creates gorgeous pieces all inspired by a love of the Great British outdoors and all of the animals that live there. I love her beautiful pastel colour palette which she uses to create wonderful wooden jewellery and bold greeting cards. She prides herself on using reclaimed wood and laminate sourced from local companies off cuts.

Her range of cards are every card collectors dream. There are so many style to choose from, it can often take a while. What ever the occasion, Lucy will have a card!

Her jewellery range is quite beautiful too! Perfect laser cut wooden brooches, necklaces and earrings. Lots of different animals and colours, which are perfect for any outfit. There are so many to choose from.

You can find out more about Lucy's work on her website: www.lucyalicedesigns.co.uk or find her on Instagram/Twitter: LucyAliceDesigns

Time to think

I am the kind of person that is happy. I know I am. I think the older I get, the more I have to be happy about. I'm happy for my family and friends. How they have always looked after me, cared for me, and loved me. I'm lucky for all the amazing friends I have. Growing up I didn't really have many. All through a large part of my life I tried so hard to be someone I wasn't. Then I realised as I got older and went to collage I could just be me, and people loved me for me.

While I was away I had time to think, and I mean really think. We should treasure every moment, because life is fleeting. People come and go, they are important parts of our lives. Let's all just be kind, and enjoy every tiny moment we have.

Relax, it's good for you

So it was time to pack my bag, grab my camera, and hop on a train. I couldn't wait to have a week away with my family in the woods.

We spent our days doing lots of different things, but my favourite was when myself and David would take time out and relax in Starbucks. We would read, play our DS, draw, write and just relax. Just those perfect moments.

It's so important to take time for yourself. It's not until you go away and have some time to yourself you then realise that. We all work so hard, and are always on the go. It's a wonderful thing to relax and get back to feeling like your normal self. This time away did that for me.

Let's get creative

Sometimes it's quite hard to keep the creative buzz going. Other times it just flows. Recently being part of the Made in Ashford shop share has made me feel really motivated.

Meeting lots of people and regularly talking about my work/process/materials/inspiration helps you keep going and keep making. Enjoying my days working in the shop, meeting customers and also being surrounded by such creative people and their work makes me smile.

Other creative outlets I enjoy is of course my number one favourite, Instagram. I'm not ashamed to say that I am addicted to it. Mostly because I follow such creative and awesome accounts. Everyone trying to and succeeding to make squares that inspire me daily. I love Instagram, it's just so fun!