All that glitters...

My tiny christmas tree doesn't have one empty branch this year. Since it is an ugly black plastic thing I though it would be better to over-decorate it and hide the fact that it was one of those cheapy £5 trees. Being a jewellery designer, I have lots of glittery things lying around so this year some of my supplies ended up in the tree. Longs strings of rhinestone chain instead of garlands and cypress cones, which I use for making rings, rolled in glitter instead of balls. The rest is a mixture of vintage 80s ornaments given to me by my mum( from her first christmas tree) and kitschy deer and high heeled shoes.

And what's a glittery christmas without glittery jewellery for the party? These "Barbie lost her shoe" rings are just perfect for it!

Hello! Just wanted to share this exciting news: since yesterday my one of a kind restyled bags are for sale in London! I have created a mini collection for Things British, a lovely shop in the heart of London promoting handmade designs by British designers. I am so happy to be part of this and to have my handbags on display! Sofar I have sent in five bags, as I have rented just one shelf and more bags won't fit on there. I have taken a picture of them before sending them off as you can see below. If you are in London and you are looking for unique gifts by UK talent then please visit this lovely shop. The address: Kingly Court first floor, just off Carnaby Street (postcode:W1B 5PW)

PS: with this post I have revived this blog (once again).Please join to stay posted about my upcoming projects and giveaways. I have found an antique suitcase transformed into a 60s cocktail bar with electric light(sounds crazy, i know) that needs restoring. I will be posting about the project soon!

DIY : Making a stunning fabric cuff from scraps - Perfect last minute gift! This is my tutorial for the perfect last minute gift. A really fun project, very quick and easy with maximum result!
Here's what you need:
Fabric scraps (enough to cut about 13 circles of 4cm diameter) sewing machine or good sewing skills fancy or contrasting thread contrasting fabric for the flower embellishment a snap button, for the inside a decorative button or bead, for the outside Start with cutting circles out of fabric. You can use a glass or round lid as a template. Don't use delicate fabric because you don't want it to start fraying. I used vintage fine italian leather- leftovers from my dad's past as a Florentine salesman - and it's a gift for my mother so I want it to look luxurious. You can use different types of fabric and alternate them, all options are open! Dab a bit of paper glue ( pritt or uhu stick) at the right half of each circle and layer the next one on top of that to form a straight line: The reason for using glue is because it's easier to sew the pieces together for the next step. Get your sewing machine ready and choose a nice thread. I used metallic gold for my cuff. Start with a first line straight in the middle and then one on either side. You can do any type of stitch. I used a zig-zag line for this cuff.
Now it's time to decide where to place the snap button. Sew one on the back of the first full circle ( first circle from the left in the 3rd picture) Try it on and find the best spot to sew the other part of the snap button.

The finishing touch: gather a piece of fine fabric ( I used lace here) and sew it together with a decorative button on top of the full circle. Your cuff is ready!

DIY : Making a lip balm container from a vintage brooch.

Are you one of those people constanly looking for their lip balm in each and every pocket, handbag or drawer? I have to buy a new one nearly every other week as I keep misplacing mine. No more of that! I have a trick and I am going to share it with you.

A while ago I bought this beautiful vintage Avon owl brooch from the local car boot sale. It was in absolute mint condition, with the perfume glace still intact in the container behind the wing. Sadly, the pin broke after a couple of times and another thing...the perfume didn't smell very nice after all these years.

So, the brooch ended up in the drawer and that was it. Then winter came and with that, the annoying problem of dry lips. After yet another trip to the shops for new lip balm I came up with a solution: I took the broken pin off the brooch, glued a blank ring base to the back and cleaned out the perfume container(took a few washes as the perfume really stinks!) and replaced it with my favourite lipbalm et voila : A statement ring and much needed beauty product in one. I hope this will inspire you to make something new and useful out of the old and forgotten!

November Randomness

It's a dark november day and there isn't enough light to do any decent work in my studio, so why not post a few dark november photos I took in London last Sunday while being stuck in traffic. My favourite picture is the one with the black branches and a pristine white St Martins church in the background. Not bad for an iphone camera, is it?

Alice, I'm falling, I'm falling....

Help, I'm falling for it too! Ever since I saw the interesting trailer for the movie I wanted to do something with this theme. While I haven't seen the movie (yet) and I like to stay away from the next big trend I couln't help getting caught up in the whole Alice hysteria. While a few people told me they never liked the story as a child and found it creepy, I have always loved the illogical twists in this magical story. I do admit I was scared of the Queen of Hearts, though. So, one rainy afternoon I made my own Alice drawing: she's holding the magical potion and contemplating whether to drink it or not. I transferred it to fabric appliques and matched it with vintage embroidered and lace trims. The result : a new fun and quirky jewellery line for the Alice in Wonderland fan. And please excuse me now, time for tea!

What's on the work table today? - part two.

Nearly a month ago I showed you a picture my worktable and today I am happy to say that the bag I was working on, together with two other bags, are now for sale at Qetty Bang Bang Boutique in Tetbury. This is one first big step I've taken since I've moved to the UK, and it feels good!

I am feeling motivated and therefore I have something new on my work table today. This time I am working with another favourite theme of mine, the photo booth beauties. I rediscovered a few boxes in the back of my storage, full with beautiful trims and fabrics. A few of them handmade my grandma, others given to me by the daughter of a belgian seamstress who tried her luck as a designer in America in the early sixties. And more unique pieces picked up in thriftstores, bazaar shops and other unusual places. I am giving each photo booth picture a different trim... it's almost like a photoframe collection on handbag instead of on a wall!