iheartcrafts

New House: Pegboard

2012-02-03T11:24:00.001Z

I would love a pegboard wall in my dream craft room and these decorating ideas from Country Living really fit the bill. This would also look great in the kitchen or even in our garden shed!

Visiting: Stockhom Part 2

2012-02-01T10:55:00.001Z

I could not choose between all the lovely photographs from our Stockholm stay so have divided this post into three parts! Part two shows more of the unusual hostel we stayed at on Långholmen island: a former prison - the bedrooms are very nicely kitted out cells! We also had a swimming area two minutes away which was great for an evening dip!

The next day brought rain so we indulged in some shopping, cakes and coffee at Åhléns and later took refuge at the Nationalmuseum. I'm not usually one for taking photographs in galleries but I find my iPhone very handy for taking snaps without a flash - here I could not resit Design 19002000, The Four Seasons exhibition (Autumn, Helmer Osslund) and Turn of the Century Gems (A Fox Family, Bruno Liljefors).

iheartcharms Five Dollar Etsy Sale

2012-01-25T20:40:00.002Z

Snap up some bargains over at my iheartcharms shop - all just $5 plus p&p!

Covet Tuesday: Room&Board Sofas

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000Z

I recently came across a sofa I really covet here in Cork and had a look around online to find some similar over at Room&Board. I had my eye on a light grey sofa but really like the blue Anson Sofa - top right here.

Visiting: Stockholm Part 1

2012-01-23T10:15:00.002Z

It was a total culture shock to arrive in Stockholm following on from our stay in Visby. Trying to negotiate the Centralstation at rush hour was not the nicest introduction to the city! However, once we found the hostel on Långholmen island (with the help of a kindly lady who took pity on us) we relaxed instantly!

We spent the next day wandering around the old town Gamla Stan. I found this lovely cafe and had a wonderful hot chocolate before browsing the many touristy shops around this area! On to the Royal Palace and we arrived just in time for the changing of the guard (and a rendition of The Winner Takes it All!

Next on the agenda was a ferry across to Djurgården (bypassing the scary looking Gröna Lund) and the Vasa Museet to see this amazing 1698 Vasa Warship which sank on its maiden voyage. Part 2 of our Stockholm visit later in the week!

New House: Kitchen Blackboard Wall

2012-01-19T12:58:00.002Z

Our new (old) house is nearing completion and so I'm going to share some of my decorating ideas in some new 'New House' blogposts.

I've wanted a blackboard wall in my kitchen for ages but out now house have very little available kitchen wall. The blackboard door here looks great but I'll have to do some persuading to get our brand new door and paint 'customised' like this one! All images from countryliving.com.

Covet Tuesday: Farrow & Ball 2012

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000Z

Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers have long been on my covet list but these colour combinations deserve a special mention. As we are currently renovating our new house - and are using greys to decorate - I am inspired by the use of Babouche and Railings with the Pigeon and Brassica colours. I think carpeting in the darker colour would look great with our grey walls and my Ikea Hemnes Linen Cabinet!

Visiting: Visby, Gotland

2012-01-16T11:15:00.000Z

The penultimate stop on our Scandinavian tour is Visby, Gotland. We flew in from Göteborg and were instantly immersed in this amazing World Heritage Site! As you can see it has wonderfully preserved buildings inside an intact medieval town wall - a real draw for my vacationing partner. I squeezed in lots of window shopping and we crashed a lovely choir rehearsal at the Cathedral.

Being on an island - the weather swung from windy and overcast to beach weather overnight - we really needed more time here as we did not get to explore outside of Visby. All too soon we were on the ferry back to Sweden and on to Stockholm!

Covet Thursday: j-me

2012-01-12T20:00:00.000Z

I like just about everything in the j-me range. I first saw their products in Debenhams and had to buy the pen lid pen holder in blue! Also love the ceramic post card memo pad and par avion letter holder!

New Year Sales

2012-01-11T11:18:00.000Z

Pocket watches and a necklace on their way to iheartcharms customers!

Covet Tuesday: Ikea Greys

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000Z

I'm in a grey phase at the moment and Ikea have very nicely decided to stock some lovely grey items right now!

ALVINE KVIST Quilt/Pillowcases, ROSMARIE Fabric Grey/White, EIVOR Curtains, ROSMARIE Fabric White/Grey, ALINA Bedspread/Cushion Covers, HENNY Bedspread/Blanket, LUDDE Rug, LILLHOLMEN Waste Bin, LILLHOLMEN Tissue Paper Box, ISALA Sideboard.

Christmas Farewells

2012-01-09T10:24:00.002Z

I think Christmas is well and truly over now - but had some great fun in the sales snapping up these great Lisa Stickley goodies at Debenhams, a Celia Birtwell Cat Collar and Hello Kitty Liberty Bathroom Set in Boots. I also had some good fun with instagram and our family decorations - and even managed a trip to Miss Courtney's Tearooms for scones and tea!

Covet Tuesday: Yardley

2012-01-03T19:44:00.000Z

I could not resist this Yardley English Rose Perfumed Talk when in my local Pharmacists recently - great packaging and a smell that reminds me of my beloved childhood toy Flowerific.

Gifted!

2011-12-31T15:59:00.003Z

I gave and received lots of presents this festive season - one gift to myself was these Cath Kidston Christmas Tags which I love! I made Mr Skull & Crossbones from felt and sent him to London where I hope he is keeping an iPhone very cosy!

2011-12-26T16:38:00.000Z

Christmas Crafting: Sew Your Own Felt Baubles

2011-12-21T11:46:00.001Z

I ordered this Felt Baubles kit a while back and was not disappointed with the results! I stayed pretty close to the designs on the box as I really love Sarah's work over at paper-and-string - lots more kits of this kind are available in her online shops and in John Lewis (if only we had one here!).

Merry Treasury Lists!

2011-12-19T12:17:00.002Z

Thanks to my fellow Etsians for including iheartcrafts in a Be Merry and Deck Everything and Raspberry Treasury!

Festive iheartcrafts Orders!

2011-12-15T13:11:00.002Z

I was delighted to make some sales over at my iheartcrafts shop on Etsy this week - and to take a custom order for this Sheri Berry Holiday Reindeer and Sheri Berry Holiday Bells Stockings. I've just finished this Elephant Mobile Phone Pouch for a friend too - I just hope it fits!

Covet Tuesday: Urbanears Platten Plus Indigo

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000Z

I came across Urbanears in Urban Outfitters a while back and loved them instantly! Urbanears have some new colours for Fall/Winter and my favourite is the Indigo Platten Plus which is also Apple certified.

Merry Christmas Decorations

2011-12-12T11:31:00.002Z

I decided on red, white and green for my Christmas decorations and I love the effect on this tree - which needed something special owing to its not being real this year! Still we have a lovely real one at my Mum's house which I get to decorate too!

Covet Tuesday: Cath Kidston Christmas Bird

2011-12-06T10:33:00.001Z

I fall in love with Cath Kidston's wares every Christmas - this year I covet her Christmas Bird print - any or all of these items would be welcome under the Christmas Tree!

Seasonal Sales

2011-12-05T17:33:00.001Z

I've been lucky enough to have some sales in my Etsy shops - this Romantic Weekend necklace and these Felt Buttons are winging their way to their new owners!

Lindt Advent Calendar

2011-12-01T13:15:00.000Z

Yay for December 1st (and Lindt Reindeer!).

Covet Tuesday: Sanderson 50's Wallpaper

2011-11-29T11:57:00.000Z

We will be moving to our new home in the new year so it has been busy around here - although not too busy to have a look at the Sanderson website and to fall in love with this 50's Wallpaper range!

Visiting: Farran Forest Park

2011-11-22T10:55:00.000Z

I think we caught the last Autumnal weekend in Farran Woods recently - there is a tiny amount of frost outside today - the first of more to come I'm sure! We spent our time catching glimpses of deer and skimming stones in the still reservoir water!

Christmas Project - Red and White Themed Tree

2011-11-16T15:59:00.000Z

I shy away from 'themes' at Christmas time and usually prefer to load up my tree with a hodgepodge of old and new decorations. However, this year I'm going to have a small Red&White themed tree in the kitchen - and have been collecting some decorations over the past few weeks. Above from M&S and B&Q and below from Joyce's Toy Shop here in Cork.

Covet Tuesday: Stephen Mackey Greeting Cards

2011-11-08T13:37:00.001Z

I just came across these Stephen Mackey Greetings Cards - I really love these cards and think I might invest for the coming season! Check out more Stephen Mackey on Lip International.

Old Country Store Fabrics

2011-11-07T14:04:00.001Z

My friend recently visited Philadelphia and brought me back this great fat quarter set from The Old Country Store in Amish Country! So exciting - I think it might be the perfect holiday gift! Check out the websiteOld Country Store Fabrics for more great quilting fabrics!

iheartcharms Etsy Sales!

2011-11-02T09:25:00.000Z

Yay for iheartcharms sales on Etsy with this Whimsical Filigree - Antiqued Bronze Pocket Watch Pendant Necklace and Love Letters - Antiqued Bronze Charm Necklace winging their way to their new owners!

Covet Tuesday: Ikea Chrismas YRSNÖ STRÅLA IDGRAN

2011-10-25T09:50:00.000+01:00

Ikea Christmas is in full swing and these are my three favourite collections - YRSNÖ, STRÅLA and IDGRAN. I most especially covet these hanging hearts, this angel light and this cushion!

Visiting: Göteborg

2011-10-24T10:29:00.000+01:00

I'm back from my blog break and next stop on our Scandinavian Odyssey is Göteborg! We hit a bit of a wall here as it was middle of our holiday but even so Göteborg did not disappoint. We took a stroll down by the water to see the famous GöteborgsOperan and we were even brave enough to take a trip on the Wheel! The Göteborgs Konstmuseum is one of the best art museums we visited and we spent a long rainy afternoon looking around the Design and Swedish/Nordic painting exhibits (and the museum shop). This Hammershøi book is on my Amazon wishlist as a result!

Liseberg Amusement Park is one of the main attractions in the city and we stayed at Hotell Liseberg Heden (most of Göteborg was booked out due to our visit coinciding with the World Transplant Games). We also got free entry into the Park so spent the evening wondering at all the scary rides!

Our next destination involved getting a flight from Göteborg City Airport using this airline. We had a bit of a wait at Nils Ericson Terminal for our Airport Bus - if only every bus station could be like this one!

2011-10-12T11:25:00.001+01:00

Covet Thursday: Velorbis Bicycles

2011-10-06T10:45:00.000+01:00

Anyone visiting Copenhagen comes away with some serious bicycle lust! I recently came across the Velorbis website and am in love with their Ladies Bicycles - most especially the Victoria Classic and the Dannebrog styles. Have a wander over to see more of their amazing Cargo, Trike & Custom bikes and Accessories!

Blog News

2011-10-03T10:00:00.001+01:00

I recently blogged about how excited I was to have my Costume Club Critters Spooky Halloween Brooch Set featured on Cuteable. Well you can imagine how happy I was to have Sheri Berry herself comment on this post - check out her blog for more information on her wonderful designs and some great freebies! I'm also quite chuffed to now being followed by Cath Kidston Ltd on Twitter - I know I am one of many but its still lovely!

Covet Thursday: Topshop Red Duffel Coat

2011-09-29T16:56:00.000+01:00

I first saw this coat in black but once I turned the corner and saw it in red I knew I had found my winter Duffel Coat! As a long time fan of everything duffel this definitely ticks all the boxes - and I wanted something bright this year. I ordered this online and got free shipping from the UK - Yay!

Visiting: Helsingborg

2011-09-28T09:50:00.001+01:00

Part three of our recent Scandinavian Odyssey sees us at Helsingborg, Sweden! We went straight from our bus from Malmö up to the Kärnan medieval tower and fortress that offers this great view of Helsingborg and Helsingør beyond on the coast of Denmark. We really enjoyed our stay here (despite the 2.5 km walk to our hostel!) and the town centre is packed with these amazing buildings.

We also made our way to Fredriksdal open air museum and spent the day wandering around the buildings and gardens getting a good potted history of the architecture of Skåne. A trip to the 'Tropical Beach' of Helsingborg is also a must - we were lucky to get a few hours of lovely sun down here watching the ferry Hamlet sailing back and forth! I had to take some photographs before we left our hostel - here of the lovely breakfast room and this dala horse fabric wall hangings!

Covet Thursday: Hello Kitty Liberty Art Fabrics

2011-09-22T10:22:00.000+01:00

My good friend just alerted me to the impending arrival of these Hello Kitty Liberty Art Fabrics! I love the Orange Kitty Town Print and Blue Apple Tree Prints!

Etsy Treasury: Leaves Me Breathless

2011-09-21T09:40:00.002+01:00

Thanks to byAMOR from the Craft Ireland Team for including my Owl's House Necklace in this lovely Leaves Me Breathless Treasury on Etsy! Love these colours :)

Covet Thursday: Miroslav Sasek 'This is' Series

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

I came across This is London in Waterstones recently and immediately searched for the author Miroslav Sasek online when I got home. I was not disappointed with this great site and this wonderful series of books - these are definitely going on my Amazon Wishlist!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-09-15T10:09:00.001+01:00

The winner of the iheartcharms giveaway is comment #119 Nikki Field said...I rated your blog! :) September 13, 2011 10:00 AM

Just send your address to iheartcrafts@yahoo.ie and I'll pop your winnings in the post!

Covet Tuesday: Lego Architecture

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ever since seeing Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater in my Childcraft books as a child I was entranced - and now I own my very own Lego version - bought on a recent trip to Berlin. Lego Architecture is definitely Lego for adults and I would love to add the Guggenheim Museum and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House to my collection.

Costume Club Critters Badges Featured on Cuteable

2011-09-09T12:42:00.001+01:00

My Costume Club Critters Brooch Set has been featured on Cuteable today! Yay!

Costume Club Critters Halloween Brooch Sets

2011-09-08T09:45:00.002+01:00

I've just added these three Costume Club Critters Halloween Badge Sets to my iheartcrafts shop over at Etsy! Click for: Super-Stitches, Trick or Treat, Spooky.

Covet Thursday: Joules Jumpers

2011-09-01T08:00:00.001+01:00

I've been a long-time admirer of Joules but this Autumn's Jumpers are especially exciting. I'm in love with each of these Patch, Hare, and Mallard versions!

iheartcharms Giveaway

2011-08-27T08:00:00.002+01:00

Giveaway Now Ended! Thanks!
A blog giveaway is long overdue around here so to be in with a chance to win this sweet owl necklace and earring set simply leave a comment on this post - for a second chance to win please visit my blog listing over at Delightful Blogs and rate my blog - any rating is great - just comment again to let me know! Giveaway ends Wednesday 14th September.

Visiting Ikea Dublin: Four Finds

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000+01:00

On a recent visit to Ikea Dublin I was excited to see some new display rooms including the kitchen above. I fell in love with this Stenstorp Plate Rack which is a very affordable €45.00. I was also impressed with the Ikea PS Maskros Pendant Lamp, Birgit Ljuv Curtains and Domsjö Sink.

Covet Thursday: Cath Kidston Patch!

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000+01:00

I just came across some lovely new items on the Cath Kidston website. Her new book Patch! is available on the website at the end of September and on Amazon in November and is already on my Wishlist alongside this Ceramic Clock and nifty Floral Turnlock Leather Bag!

iheartcrafts on Delightful Blogs!

2011-08-24T19:26:00.001+01:00

iheartcrafts has just been accepted over at Delightful Blogs! I would be very grateful if you could take a look and give me a rating and/or a vote! Thanks :)

Visiting: Malmö

2011-08-19T15:38:00.000+01:00

Having bused across the Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen we arrived in the much quieter and sunny Malmö! We visited the wonderfully eclectic Malmö Museer housed primarily in Malmöhus Castle (from Art Deco to the Aquarium!) Was very excited to see this shop on the way into town from our Hostel - imagine kitchen blinds in this fabric (Herb Garden by Astrid Sampe - Almedahls). Just as well it was closed the next day we passed!We also dropped into this Poul Gernes – Retrospektiv exhibition at Malmö Konsthall not really knowing what to expect but ended up staying for ages. Next stop on our Scandinavian Odyssey - Helsingborg!

New iheartcharms Listings

2011-08-11T13:04:00.001+01:00

Freshly listed in my iheartcharms shop over at Etsy: Grey Gardens - Antiqued Bronze Cameo Necklace with Four Flowers, Fire Island - Antiqued Bronze Cameo Necklace with Four Flowers, Rain on the Horizon - Antiqued Bronze Round Cameo with Grey Daisy, Autumn Orchard - Antiqued Bronze Round Cameo with Burgandy Daisy.

Scandinavian Shopping

2011-08-10T10:36:00.000+01:00

I could have filled another bag with goodies on returning from our Scandinavian trip. However, as we were backpacking I was restricted to shopping at our final city Stockholm and to only buying what I could fit in my rucksack! We were very lucky to happen across Åhléns where I bought most of these items and had one of the nicest cake & coffee breaks ever!

From the top: Dala Horse - these are a tourist must-buy and vary in price and quality - I'm very happy with my little red guy! 2. Almedahls Astrid Sempe Herb Garden Storage Jar - I've coveted this for ages now and was so happy to find it for sale at Dunkers kulturhus in Helsingborg. 3. Picked up these badges from each place we visited!. 4. Rosti Mepal Margrethe Bowl - Had to restrain myself here and bought the smallest bowl I could find! 5. Sagaform Lotta Odelius Retro Förvaringsburk Loved all the Sagaform designs but this one won my heart!

Visiting: Avoca Rathcoole

2011-08-08T09:35:00.000+01:00

Following a recent trip to Ikea we dropped into Avoca Rathcoole for some food and a nose around. I was quite impressed with their displays this time - a very large PiP Studio range and a huge amount of vintage teacups. I'm in love with these Ilse Jacobsen raincoats but will have to wait for a very special occasion to warrant buying one - although the amount of rain we get in Ireland could be a good excuse!

Visiting: Swiss Cottage

2011-08-04T10:32:00.001+01:00

I've wanted to visit Swiss Cottage for years and I finally got my wish this summer! Swiss Cottage is a Cottage Orné and comprises only four rooms - unfortunately no photographs are allowed inside so I bought some postcards instead! We also swung by Clonmel to visit The Main Guard and had some strong tea at Hickey's Bakery.

Covet Thursday: Swedish Hasbeens

2011-07-28T10:43:00.001+01:00

Clogs are everywhere in Sweden and I had forgotten how much I love them. My Mum had a red pair when I was growing up and I had a navy pair going to school for a while - but they were always a bit too high for me. So when I saw these 70's inspired Hasbeens Low by Swedish Hasbeens I got excited. They also carry the heel heights: High, Super High and Sky High for those of you who can manage high heels! I have my eye on these

Potty for Pots

2011-07-25T10:56:00.000+01:00

You may remember I started a Pottery night course last year and here are some of the results - back now from our class exhibition! As you can see I've been inspired by Angie Lewin, Midwinter Pottery and Stig Lindberg for my patterns!

Covet Tuesday: Stelton Termokande

2011-07-07T10:25:00.001+01:00

I was familiar with the Stelton Vaccuum Jug designed by Erik Magnussen before our trip to Copenhagen but having seen the range in a department store in these Spring 2011 pastel colours I'm convinced I need one for my kitchen!

Flower Corsage Custom Order!

2011-07-06T10:41:00.000+01:00

I've just completed and posted off this custom order for a valued customer on Etsy! I enjoyed making these flower corsages and hope to list some more in my shop soon!

Visiting: Copenhagen

2011-07-01T16:46:00.003+01:00

We started our recent Nordic trip in København - I've included some photographs of our hostel's reception area at the end of the post.

We were trying not to do to much at the beginning of our holiday but we still managed to squeeze in visits to the amazing National Museet, Dansk Design Center, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the beautiful National Gallery as well as walking out to see The Little Mermaid/Den lille havfrue (braving the crazy bus tours to get a photograph) and visiting Tivoli which we really enjoyed even though we were too chicken to go on any of the rides!

We also came across the Marionette Theatre (Marionet Teatret) in the Kings Garden. We saw 'The Bike Ride' which was highly enjoyable even in Danish!

I had to reign in any shopping temptation I had as I knew I had two weeks of trekking with my rucksack but I did manage to get in some research - more of which later!

Covet Tuesday: Tretorn Skerry Rubber Boots

2011-06-28T12:28:00.000+01:00

We're just back from our Scandinavian Holidays and I've fallen in love with these Tretorn Skerry boots. Perfect for summer rain and they look great with anything (well on Stockholm inhabitants at any rate!). Not sure where I'll source these online as the Tretorn site seems to only ship to the US but I'll persevere!

On Holiday (Again) Back in Two Weeks!

2011-06-11T18:55:00.001+01:00

London Loveliness

2011-06-08T11:10:00.001+01:00

Yes the main reason for our recent trip to London was to visit the Flower Show and yes we also managed to squeeze in some shopping trips! Most notably Anthropologie (you might recognise this plate from a recent 'Covet' post), Heal's - where I found these 'Stiff Upper Lip' paper plates and the huge Westfield shopping centre where we comforted ourselves with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and I spent lots of time at the UNIQLO shop. I was surprised to find a Ladurée cart in the Departures area of the new Dublin Airport terminal so bought myself some to keep me going en route! I also ducked into Hamley's to see their Steiff display, bought myself a Pip Studio Wallet at John Lewis, and bought this nifty rubber gadget for holding together a bamboo trellis on which to grow my sweet pea at the Show!

At the very last minute of flowering I decided to make some Elderflower Cordial again this year - looks and smells wonderful - see this Tutorial for details.

I've also been busy making these felt flowers for an Etsy order - very pleased with the results so far!

Visiting: RHS Chelsea Flower Show (Part II)

2011-06-05T21:06:00.003+01:00

Best of the rest from the Chelsea Flower Show 2011!

Visiting: RHS Chelsea Flower Show (Part I)

2011-06-05T21:02:00.002+01:00

Having bought our tickets last October - this was a much anticipated trip to Chelsea and we were not disappointed. Highlights here of the show gardens - I think I missed out on one or two but the main contenders are here! My favourites were A Monaco Garden, Laurent-Perrier Garden, The Homebase Cornish Memories Garden and The SKYShades Garden. Special mention must be made of the Irish Sky Garden by Diarmuid Gavin - highly controversial and I'm still not sure about that crane but it was pretty impressive overall.

From top to bottom: A Monaco Garden, The M&G Garden, Laurent-Perrier Garden, The Australian Garden, The Daily Telegraph Garden, The Cancer Research UK Garden, The Times Eureka Garden, Tourism Malaysia Garden, The B&Q Garden, Irish Sky Garden, A Beautiful Paradise, Trailfinders Australian Garden, The Homebase Cornish Memories Garden, RBC New Wild Garden, SKYShades Garden.

Cherry Blossom Pocket Watches and a Treasury!

2011-06-02T16:08:00.000+01:00

I've just listed these new Twilight and Midnight Pocket Watch Necklaces in my iheartcharms shop on Etsy! I'm also lucky enough to have been included in this lovely Treasury. Thanks byAMOR.

Visiting: DDR Museum Berlin

2011-06-01T10:50:00.000+01:00

On a flying visit to Berlin a few weeks ago (my brother is interning there for the Summer) we managed to get in a visit to the DDR Museum. As you can see I was most taken with the displays of crockery, packaging and toys. Its a small museum but worth a visit - if only to sit in the Trabant display car!

Purse Pendant and Pocket Watches!

2011-05-22T16:14:00.000+01:00

I'm back in Cork and between travels - these are available right now in my Etsy shop!

Holidays!

2011-05-15T20:56:00.000+01:00

I'll be off for most of the next fortnight - not at the actual beach but you get the idea! Will be checking in regularly and keeping up with all your blogs! G

Covet Thursday: Anthropologie New Arrivals

2011-05-11T20:32:00.000+01:00

I'm visiting London soon with two like-minded friends so we're planning a trip to Anthropologie. On browsing through their New Arrivals for home, I found some lovely items (not hard in this store), some probably more realistically attainable than others! I'm sure my covet list will fill up pretty quickly during our visit!

Teacups

2011-05-11T20:20:00.000+01:00

I received two gifts of teacup sets for my birthday last month. The first set - on the left - was from my Aunt - a handpainted Japanese treasure from her stash - and are lovely to drink from. The second set from my Mother-in-Law - beautiful and dishwasher friendly - so these are in regular use!

Covet Thursday: Stand Up Napkins by ThemeNaps

2011-05-05T11:31:00.001+01:00

I came across these Stand Up Napkins by ThemeNaps in our local framing shop Marcus Framing in Cork and was instantly drawn to the great colours and patterns. Yes, I realise a fabric napkin is probably preferable but I love these - and no silly napkin folding required!

Visiting: Funderland

2011-05-03T17:41:00.000+01:00

Funderland comes to Cork every year for the Easter holidays - we have a pretty good view of the park from our house but this year we decided to actually go and see all the different rides - and the people whose screams we can hear! We paid the basic entrance fee of 1.50 and had a great stomach churning time - not actually partaking of the various crazy machines flinging people about the place - just watching! And eating candy floss of course!

Easter Loveliness

2011-04-25T17:42:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to get this lovely Lindt Gold Bunny for Easter from my good friend - and I'm trying to parcel out the rest of the chocolate as the week progresses. I'm very proud of this Lemon Lime Curd I made last week using this recipe - lovely on toast and a great way to use up leftover egg yolks from meringue making. I also received some lovely birthday goodies recently - this great All The Kings Horses Slouch Sweater and Big Cats Scarf from Bonbi Forest and a pair of Teapots Towels from Paperchase along with some Avoca Soap! I finally got some of my pottery back from the kiln and strung up this Lighthouse and Anchor combo with my beloved Henhouse lavender and wheat sack!

Covet Thursday: Gudrun Sjödén Design

2011-04-14T14:48:00.000+01:00

I came across an advertisement for the Swedish design company Gudrun Sjödén recently and was intrigued. I decided to check out their website and was not disappointed! Lovely clothes and lovely photography - I especially covet the red ankle boots! And they deliver to Ireland!

La Tour Eiffel - Owl's House - Chinoiserie

2011-04-13T13:59:00.000+01:00

Introducing some new additions to my iheartcharms store: La Tour Eiffel, Owl's House, Chinoiserie.

Covet Tuesday: Ikea Summer Blues

2011-04-05T09:58:00.000+01:00

I was taking a peak in the New section on the Ikea website yesterday and discovered all this new blue-themed stock! Love the blue flower motifs on the flask and Jug. Also love this fabric. I'm trying and failing to wrangle a trip to Ikea for my birthday so these will have to stay on my wish list for now!
LANTSTÄLLE Plant Pot, SOLBRÄND 3-Piece Salad Servers Set, SOCKERÄRT Vase/Jug, MOLNFRI Tea-Towel 2 Pack, SOLBRÄND Serving Bowl, SOLBRÄND Serving Bowl Set of 3, GRÖNSKA RUTA Rug, SOLBRÄND Disposable Mug, LANTSTÄLLE Vase, HÄLSA Vacuum Flask, SOLBRÄND Paper Plate.

GULLAN BLOM Fabric, GULLAN FRUKT Fabric.

Spring Treasury Love

2011-04-04T12:16:00.001+01:00

I've been very lucky to have been included in some lovely Treasuries of late! Thanks to SimplybyBethany for Wanderlust, to RainshineDesign for lemonade and wildflowers, to karoart for Mums Like it Pink, Shop Local, Ireland, to wildexpression for Flowers in Crafty Bloom! and to FrostedCrossbones for Lilac Lovelies.

New to iheartcharms Etsy Shop!

2011-03-29T11:35:00.000+01:00

I've added some new items to my iheartcharms Etsy Shop! Take a peek for more details: Rainy Day Locket, Romance and Roses Cameo, Envelope Love Locket, Rainy Day Filigree Ring, Pink Fizz Earrings, Summer Rockpooling Charm Necklace, Romantic Weekend Charm Necklace, Paris, Je T'Aime Charm Necklace.

Visiting: Terminal Convention

2011-03-27T12:54:00.000+01:00

Last week we heard about the Terminal Convention exhibition taking place at Cork Airport and decided to have a look. To most people the following photographs will just look like an aged airport. Surprising myself I was quite nostalgic as we walked around the deserted terminal - everything is so familiar yet changed by the art installations - and yes folks those fish tanks in baggage claim were full with fish at one time! Now we have a bright shiny new Terminal complete with Starbucks but I was glad of the chance to see our old airport with its single departure lounge and nifty glass elevators!

Cath Kidston: Royal Wedding

2011-03-25T11:29:00.000Z

Is it wrong of me to like this Cath Kidston range of Royal Wedding Memorabilia? After all I think a Royal Wedding is fun regardless of nationality. These items are quite different to the Official range which is very tasteful and blue! We're heading to London in May so I thought I could pick up some fun items then but I really like this CK range - especially the Tea Towel!

Covet Tuesday: Jessie Steele

2011-03-22T10:51:00.003Z

I recently saw some Jessie Steele products in Brown Thomas - although as all these lovelies were packaged up in their boxes I decided to have a peek online and found this great collection of aprons and patterns! I particularly like the Anchors Away Apron Set!

Visiting: Sound Bites Cafe, Tower Records, Wicklow Street

2011-03-20T11:26:00.001Z

A few weekends back we visited Dublin - even though Cork is great I really miss the opening of new cafes and shops in Dublin! One of which is definitely Sound Bites Cafe in Tower Records on Wicklow Street. As you can see - its very vintage cool - I was particularly taken with this blue table and chairs combo! It not only looks good - the food is lovely too - so nice in fact that we went for two visits over the weekend! We indulged in the Afternoon Special - and for breakfast - the Eggs & Soldiers! Also there is a very good view of the Hermès window at Brown Thomas - one can but dream!

St. Patrick's Day Treasury Love

2011-03-16T12:08:00.000Z

Since I've been missing for about a month I've been included is some great Etsy Treasuries! Thanks to eitherside for From Ireland with Love, to cozynoggin for Pretty Picks for St Patricks, and to StormyPeterson for Pinch me ... is it really Spring?

Covet Tuesday: Orla Kiely Kitchen

2011-03-15T12:37:00.000Z

I came across this line in a magazine a while back but only just recently saw it in for real in the Kilkenny Shop in Dublin and I was not disappointed! I'm sure all the Kilkenny shops have some in stock but the Nassau Street shop had a really fantastic display! (More on which later in the week) I think I'll be asking for some of these pieces for my birthday - just to keep the Linear Stem Sugar Bowl I bought some company!

2011-03-04T10:28:00.002Z

Roses and Teacups Treasury Love!

2011-02-18T19:38:00.000Z

I recently became a member of Etsy Ireland and have just been included in this Roses and Teacups Team Treasury! So pretty - thanks TheLetterboxPress! I've also sold my Sweetly Blushing - Felt Flower Corsage Necklace and Loveheart - Antiqued Bronze Locket Charm Necklace!

Visiting: The Gap of Dunloe, Lord Brandon's Cottage, Torc Waterfall

2011-02-11T17:38:00.000Z

Part two of our recent Killarney trip - following tea and scones at Miss Courtney's Tearooms we managed to drive through The Gap of Dunloe in our tiny car! It was great to visit at this time of the year - so quiet and beautifully clear weather! We stopped off at Lord Brandon's Cottage in the Black Valley on the way back to the hotel - the actual cottage is a ruin but the view of the Lakes is well worth the trip. On our last day we walked up to the top of Torc Waterfall - well worth the very steep climb! I tried out some different settings on my camera up there and am very happy with the results - very Twin Peaks!

Covet Tuesday: Ikea Yngaren

2011-02-10T09:00:00.002Z

I took a while to warm to these decorative glass pieces from Ikea - however now I'm pretty sure I love them - especially the perfume bottles!

Wool Wrapped Driftwood and My First Pottery Plate!

2011-02-07T10:51:00.000Z

Having seen similar projects over at Poppytalk, I decided to have a go at my own driftwood door hanging! I had collected this last Summer and was looking for a nice project for this lovely Rowan yarn so this was the perfect marriage! This was super quick and easy - I just used some jewellery wire to connect up all the pieces! Also I've been waiting since September to debut my new Pottery skills. I've been taking a night class at the Crawford College of Art and am really enjoying it - I'm happy with this plate - though I did send it to be fired without quite finishing the design on one of the little branches! Hope to have more to show you soon!

Visiting: Miss Courtney's Tearooms

2011-01-31T14:53:00.000Z

We recently visited Miss Courtney's Tearooms in Killarney! The Tearooms had been recommended to me by a few people who had visited and fallen in love so I was determined to go and see for myself! As you can see from these great interiors I was not disappointed. This place is not just sweet and lovely from a decorative point of view but serves delicious teas, breakfasts and light lunches! We got there super early so it was really quiet and I had coffee and a scone - with clotted cream and jam - lets just say I'll be making this establishment a regular on my trips to Killarney!

Cork Butter Museum - Packaging Postcards

2011-01-29T14:20:00.000Z

We visited the Cork Butter Museum exhibition last Summer and I bought these butter packaging postcards which I've been meaning to scan and post about since! I think my favourite is this Irish Wolfhound!

Covet Tuesday: Liberty Print Suitcases

2011-01-25T10:56:00.000Z

I recently came across these Liberty Print Suitcases & am in love. Available in four prints - I think my favourite is the Floral Mabelle Print Mini Suitcase.

Helping Out: Wedding Fair Photography

2011-01-24T15:04:00.000Z

Last weekend I helped out my good friend Niamh with her Wedding Photography stand at the Silver Springs Wedding Fair! Admittedly I was distracted by the the cake stands & the chocolate fountain but Niamh and her sister-in-law Lorraine drummed up a storm in business prospects! Take a look over at her website for more info!

Covet Tuesday: Marimekko - Räsymatto

2011-01-11T15:24:00.000Z

I'm not usually drawn to black patterns but these Räsymatto porcelain pieces from Finnish design company Marimekko are the exception! I fell in love with this Teapot when I saw it in a magazine and lo and behold the rest of the collection is also fantastic. Not sure where I'll find this range in Ireland - might have to wait for my next visit to London to visit the range at John Lewis.

Mahon Walk

2011-01-10T16:29:00.000Z

Even though we leave very close to this walk we checked it out for the first time over the weekend - January has brought new enthusiasm for getting out and about and this was a particulary nice way to start off the New Year!

Gifted!

2011-01-08T09:41:00.000Z

I was very spoiled this Christmas - just look at all the lovely goodies I received! Now its time to get some new projects started - and a major clean out of my crafts supplies is required!

Etsy Treasury!

2011-01-02T20:09:00.000Z

I've just been included in this Truly French Lilac Treasury on Etsy! Thanks LillyBlossom!

Covet Tuesday: Tala Retro Dry Cooks Measure

2010-12-28T13:42:00.001Z

I grew up with this Dry Cooks Measure in our kitchen and have been looking for my own ever since. Lo and behold Tala have reissued it with this great Flour Sifter and lots of other retro kitchen goodies. I'm cheating a little here because I actually received these as a Christmas present so my coveting finally paid off! I believe they were bought at Argos but I've seen these in other kitchen shops around the city.

Christmas Eve Eve

2010-12-23T11:39:00.000Z

Just joining in the snowy photograph bonanza that has hit the blogs recently! We went for a lovely walk over the weekend when the snow was melting and evaporating in the sun. Unfortunately its all turned to scary ice now making most of our footpaths lethal! Made some new tree decorations while watching Sleepless in Seattle (again!) a few weeks ago and they are hanging out on our lovely tree for the holidays!

Wising Everyone a Very Merry Christmas, G

Vintage Whitman Playing Cards

2010-12-16T16:37:00.001Z

I noticed the trend for greetings cards featuring vintage playing cards in London over the Summer (in shops such as Selfridges and Anthropologie). When I returned home I really regretted not buying some so set about searching online. I was lucky to find sets of Animal Rummy and Crazy Eights Playing Cards by Whitman. I especially love the little critters so made this card today (using Paperchase card blanks and photo corners) for my nephew's 2nd birthday this weekend!

Covet Tuesday: Bodum Christmas

2010-12-07T14:55:00.000Z

I came across this Bodum Nissen Christmas Tree Holder in town the other day and was intrigued - its so stylish and compact - though suitable for a tree under 2m so no Griswold-esque monsters allowed! I had a look on the Bodum site and was surprised to find that they have a Christmas range - love those little toadstools!