christmas grotto

Best part of my job at xmas is decorating the xmas grotto. Every year we get a few props sent that we have to use (chair, fireplace, reindeer head, xmas tree) but the rest we get to make up! So much fun and kinda wish I could do more of this.

cold feet

Been looking at Terry De Havilland shoes again. Wish that a) I had the money for such pretties and b) I was able to walk round in a serene fashion in such a shoe.

Hobby Craft splurge!

Had an epic trip to Westwood Cross today to visit the mecca of craft shops: Hobby craft. Took about 40 mins to actually find the bloody shop but was kinda worth it. Did buy a few useful bits like felt,gems, glue etc but mostly managed to buy things I will probably didn't need like beatrix potter buttons (peter rabbit and miss tiggywinkle), pansy buttons and a framed miniature painting of horses for a dolls house. I will at some point be transforming these finds into brooches and earrings but will probably keep for myself coz I'm selfish like that.

Also saw someone's recreation of The Mystery Machine no sign of scooby and the gang though. Managed to get a blurred snap on my way past in the car.

pictures of work room and new brooches

New brooch alert! Recycled some xmas window flooring from work to create this beauty! Should be appearing on folksy soon...

New shop launch!!!

Spent today listing my new broochies on folksy. Check them out...

New Website!!!

Have found a British version of Etsy at last! Only costs 20p to list an item for 6mths- what a bargain. Not sure what to do about my etsy site. I suppose I'll keep 'em both going for now and see how I go. New website is Folksy: www.sweettrash.folksy.com

So got alot of making to do now. Just finished a fresh batch of clouds, lightning bolts, phones , swallows and Russian dolls. Aaaaah so much to do, so little time before xmas!

Bye bye birdy

Sold my swallow brooch! Will miss the little fella but I'm sure he's going to a good home in Glasgow. Wasn't sure if many peeps in the UK were interested in Etsy but it seems to be getting more popular.Think using Etsy showcase is working as I've had loads of hits and a sale. Must try to get one in time for xmas.

Apple trees

Just grabbed two miniature cardboard apple trees from work. They're DKNY Delicious props and are done in a pop art/ Roy Lichtenstein stylie. I love them! Gonna make some apple brooches and attach. Hmmm fruit brooches seem a good way to go. Already make cherries but apples, grapes, bananas and strawberries seem like a rather splendid addition to the collection me thinks. Gotta get a-makin'....

Skint

So I'm down to my last fiver after splurging on a shredded beef in chilli sauce and egg fried rice concoction for tonight. Only 5 days to go till pay day.

Need to do some more experimenting with my fish eye cam. Got a load of props and back drops from work so will have to think of something good to do with it all...

Trashy labels

So I've made some new labels for my stuff and here are the lovelies...

Photos I love

Tim Walker

Marina & the Diamonds

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

Sasha Nikitin

Band of Outsiders

Wall of trash

Took some photos of my best brooches...

New look Sweet Trash

Did alot of work on my etsy shop today. A bit of quality control was needed so deleted a few old ones that just weren't good enough. Re took most of the main pics aswell I think they were a bit busy before. Anyway I'm happy for now, don't know whether it helps to change your shop design etc but it can't hurt right?

Added some new brooches too...

Autumn spring cleaning.

Well tmw is all about photos. A mass brooch photog sesh is the order of the day me thinks. Some new brooches and re-taking a couple that I wasn't happy with. Doing a bit of a clean out of my etsy shop. It needs a bit more love and attention coz it looks a tad miserable at the mo.

Could have two potential local stalls near xmas (fingers crossed although one is more likely) so got to build up as much stock as possible.

New obsession? Typewriters. Just downloaded some old typewriter fonts from 'tinternet and love them. Actually used one for my new shop header/logo. Used to have one when I was young'un may asked the parental unit if they've got it stashed somewhere.

Have made a new Sweet Trash logo. Polka dot comes courtesy of Tesco. Lovely polka dot wrapping paper in pink and blue. Oooh can't wait for xmas- I loves my wrapping I do...

Where the wild things are

Recently reminded about this classic and then find out it's being made into a film!aannnd by Spike Jonze! Too exciting. The trailer looks amazing and the music is gonna be awesome. Karen O , Arcade Fire re-recording Wake Up? Can't wait to get my hands on that soundtrack.

http://tinyurl.com/nurszt

Hmm need to change my shop logo. It really is rather rubbish...

Making Frenzy

In the middle of a making frenzy. Got a week off work and so can make looooooads of splendid brooches. Making clouds, swallows, lightning bolts, bows, russian dolls and phones. Let the nimble fingers commence...

New Camera!

Oh bloomin' 'ell. I just bought a new camera! It's a fisheye lens compact in wood grain effect-mmmm. Can't wait to get it and start taking some Escher type pics of my brooches and other random lovely things.

New fabric!!!

Bought some new fabric a few days ago on ebay and it arrived today!!!! It's all about the Russian doll for moi at the mo so this is a treat for the eyes. Gonna get staight to work...

recycled brooches

Cleaning out my bedroom ready for an impromptu boot fair and found this old patchwork bag from Accessorize. Not to my taste anymore but the fabric is pretty cool so am planning a recycling session with the scissors this evening. Needs a clean up but should be perfect for cupcakes!

Wow just discovered the most beautiful website and handmade jewelry created by two French crafters from West Brittany.'Everything begins with the discovery of a photo, an abandoned memory...' They use old found objects like gloves or lockets as their starting point and embellish, twist and embroider until it resembles something truly unique.

http://www.lesbijouxdodette.com/

Me loves Purikura!!!

Oooh found the best website!!!! Puricute is a gem of a site where you can kitsch up your pics Japanese stylie. Unfortunately I'm not the most picturesque/ cute-ist of subjects so just warning... www.puricute.com/

Week off-yes!

It's the first day of my week off and it's already pissing it down- oh well quite enjoy a violent thunder storm.

Off to Faversham market tmw to check out what treasures that has to offer and to see some rocking horses. I shall explain: my dad is thinking of making some and asked me to go along and offer my most valuable opinion. I'm really hoping the markets gonna be full of old bricka brac type stuff- love a good rummage through tat.xx

Street Fighter II !

Just watching T4 on the beach (?) and Fightstar were just interviewed. One of the band was dressed as Ken from Street fighterII (not sure why). But it's brought it all back. Oh how I miss the fights! MAY TRY AND DIG My Super Nin out and exercise my fighting thumbs/fingers again.

'hadouken!'