Exploring Etsy: April Showers

So April is upon us. How quickly is 2014 going?? It only seemed like last week that we were seeing in the new year... Maybe I'm just getting old! What better way to see in this new month than with an "April Showers" themed EE?

1) Cloud and Raindrops Cushion Cover - byMetz

I think that this little cushion cover will look perfect in a nursery or a child's room! Made from cotton with cloud and raindrops appliqué, this bright and fun cushion will make you look on the bright side of rain! This cushion is only £18.67 and ships from The Netherlands.

2) Umbrella Necklace - alapopjewelry

This gorgeous brass necklace is sure to attract a lot of attention! I love the contrast of the turquoise raindrop to the chain and brolly! This necklace is about 18'' long and costs only £13.69. There are even matching earrings available! The designer is based in the US.

3) Raindrop Latte Mug Set - sproutstudio

These handpainted mugs are the perfect thing to have a hot chocolate in after a day of walking around in the rain! To be fair, these would even be great for soup. There are also other items available so you can collect a matching set. The two cups are £27.38 and they are shipped from the US.

4) Rainbow in a Bottle - ChikoCraft

I'd love to keep so many different types of weather in a tiny bottle! The weather inside the bottle is made from polymer clay! The weather in this bottle looks like the average English day, where all seasons get a look in! There is a cork to this bottle and you can buy it on a necklace for an additional fee.The necklace is £18.67 and is made in the US.

5) Happy Little Raincloud Necklace - TheSimarillion

Lara makes all sorts of amazing lazer cut necklaces! I have no idea how it's done, so I just admire and look on in envy! This gorgeous necklace is perfect for spring. Hung on a delicately small chain, this little rain cloud doesn't look like he'd intentionally upset anyone! This necklace is only £8.71 and is shipped from the US.

6) Cloud Felt Coasters - pygmycloud

These coasters are just adorable, even if they do represent a rainier type of day! Each of these coasters is meticulously cut and punched by hand - it must take ages! This UK based designer is charging only £12 for a set of 4 coasters :)

7) Find Beauty In Rain Print - thewheatfield

I love this print. It's so bright and colourful. The font is gorgeous too and really does make you find the beauty that comes with rain. I feel like it's an expression that all could live by :) The creator is based in the US and charges £11.09 for this print.

8) "Of Rain and Rainbows" Cloud Earrings - DIVINEsweetness

These cloud earrings are so adorable, with their oversized rain drops. They're made from polymer clay and the designer describes them as "charmingly imperfect". These earrings are shipped from the Philippines and will cost you £16.63.

9) Rain Cloud Rubber Stamp - creatiate

This rubber stamp is amazing. I'm always fascinated by how skilled people are to make a rubber stamp. My friend did it for my logo (which will be making an appearance shortly!) It is true what the US-based designer says: "not all little rain clouds need to be gloomy". This stamp is only £4.93.

10) I Don't Care If It Rains Print - stardixa

I thought it was appropriate to finish this EE with this print! I don't just love the print because both the girl in it and I have purple hair... It does help though! I love how carefree she is, especially as the clouds are so angry! The Spanish designer is only charging £9.24 for this print. Be quick, there's only one available!

And that wraps up this week's EE! Sorry I've not been too present with my blog. I've really not been well recently, so hopefully when I'm back on my feet, I'll post more regularly :)

Exploring Etsy: Mother's Day

So Mothering Sunday, or Mother's Day, is next week! I've been very organised this year and have already sent my present home to my madre, although I do still have to make her a card this weekend! I thought it would be a perfect time for a Mother's Day EE!

1) Flower Heart Keyring - ElliesTreasureUK

This lovely keyring is hand-embroidered into felt, using charms and beads to add unusual accents. I love the bold turquoise colour of the heart! This keyring ships from the UK and costs only £7.00! Check out Ellie's shop for more fun keyrings!

2) Amethyst Copper Wire Ring - CopperingJewelry

I love how unusual this ring looks! I learnt from EmmaRuthJones' blog that it was thought that amethyst would help prevent drunkenness! I just think it's a very pretty stone and it contrasts beautifully with the copper colour of the wire. CopperingJewellery is based in the UK and the ring will only cost you £17.44.

3) Spring Bouquet Necklace - PlasticDarling

Look at how bright and Springtime this necklace is! Perfect for the mum who loves gardening, or just likes flowers. This necklace will last longer than a bouquet! This necklace is a bargain at £7.50 and the designer is based in the UK.

4) Mother's Day Cake Topper - EbonyFawn

All mums love cake. It's just fact... You and your mum could bake a cake together on Mother's day and top it with this gorgeous cake topper. This banner also comes with coordinating cupcake toppers! This set is£12 and the designer is based in the UK.

5) Funky Felt Flower Brooch - TheOldButton

Oh these buttons are so fun! I love the brooch. They have a lovely, bright and fun look to them because of the contrasting felt and thread colours. This is perfect for a fun mum with a unique sense of style. One of these brooches costs £4.50 and the creator is based in the UK.

6) Tiny Fox in a Bottle Necklace - PeachesandPebbles

This fox necklace is adorable! The little guy is so tiny, I can't even begin to think how the UK-based designer managed to make this necklace! The fox is made from clay and would require a lot of patience. It's only £18.00 too!

7) Quilled Snowdrop Greetings Card - RamkinsTump

This will make a very unusual Mother's Day card! My mum loves snowdrops so I know she'd love this! It's blank inside too so you can add your own message. This card only costs £2.75 and the creator is based in the UK.

8) Guess How Much I Love You Embroidery Hoop - LolasLittlePalace

This was mine and my mum's book when I was younger :) This embroidery hoop brings back a lot of memories! The "mummy" can be changed to fit whatever you call your mum. The designer is based in the UK (very close to where I grew up!!) and this hoop will cost you £17.

9) Sweet Mother's Day Card - BeckaGriffin

I love Becka Griffin's style! I bought her Valentine's cheese card for the boyfriend this year, and he loved it. He does like a good pun. This biscuit card will go very well along with a cup of tea! Becka is a UK based designer and the card is only £3.25.

10) Heart Bunting Necklace - TheCornerOfCraft

Well I had to include myself in this EE! This heart bunting necklace would be perfect for a mum. In fun Springtime colours, it's guaranteed to make any mum happy. I am based in the UK and this necklace costs £20.

Hope you enjoyed this EE and that you all have a lovely Mother's Day!

Exploring Etsy: Pancake Day!

It's pancake day! Finally an excuse to have more pancakes than makes sense. Luckily it's also my boyfriend's birthday so I'm going to cook a lovely (easy!!) birthday dinner of pancakes for him. Wonderful :)

For those of you who don't know, pancake day (or Shrove Tuesday) occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday, or the start of Lent for Christians. Traditionally, Lent is a time of giving things up and, in some cases, fasting, so Shrove Tuesday was seen as the last day to treat yourself and use up any "luxury" food items that you had, such as butter, eggs and fat, which were forbidden during Lent.

Pancake Day is so late this year because Easter is extremely late! Silly Easter, depriving us of pancakes! Anyway, onto the pancake-themed items I've found on Etsy!

1) Pancake Necklace by CuteTreats

I think most of the items I have found are more based on American pancakes, than on the traditional English ones, which are more like French crêpe. This cute necklace includes a miniature of a stack of pancakes, topped by heart-shaped butter. So cute! This necklace is on a 16'' ball chain and costs £7.37.

2) Felt Pancake Breakfast by MilkFly

Perfect for any little one with a play kitchen, MilkFly has made this delicious-looking breakfast from felt. There's something for everyone there, including bacon, sausages and egg!! The set is made to order, so be sure to allow making time when buying! This set is £24.51 in total :)

3) Pancake Blanket and Butter Pillow Set by Higginstuff

I often wonder how lovely it would be to snuggle underneath a warm pancake :P Look how happy this duo looks; they're truly made for each other. This is another product which is made to order, so, once again, allow enough time when buying! This set is £46.07.

4) PDF Crochet Pattern of a Pancake Security Blanket and Butter Pillow by Twinkie Chan

You all know how much of a fan I am of Twinkie Chan! If you decided that you didn't want to buy the redy-made blanket by Higginstuff, Miss Chan has designed this adorable crochet pattern, so you can make your own! This is a security blanket, so it is technically for a baby, but who's to say you can't have one too?? This pattern is £1.84 and is available for instant download.

5) "Pancakes Make People Happy" Poster by AmandaCatherineDes

It's a simple truth that you could all display in your kitchen with this gorgeous print! I love the font that the designer has chosen and just looking at the print makes me happy! This print is only £9.81.

6) Crochet Pancake Beret by TeaLoveCrochet

Not only do I love the name of this Etsy shop, I adore the originality of the products listed in it! This crocheted pancake beret is just the tip of the iceberg! This is another product that is made to order, so please allow enough time to arrive when buying. This beret is £24.57.

7) Sweet Strawberry Pancakes Barrette by SheenasBellaBows

We're starting to fall into a bit of a pattern - pancakes as headwear - but when they're this cute, I can hardly resist! I love the ribbon whipped cream underneath the strawberry! The pancakes just look delicious :D There are even other flavours you can choose from in her shop! This barrette is, yet again, made to order and costs £18.43.

8) Pancake-Flavoured Lip Balm by BlissKissBNB

I think I'd just spend all day licking my lips if I were to wear maple pancake-flavoured lip balm! This lip treatment is made using all natural ingredients, all of which have a significant benefit when it comes to your lips' smoothness! These little guys are £2.30.

9) Wooden Pancake Brooch by AskingForTrouble

Just looking at this brooch fills me with happiness! I think it's the little arms and legs that the pancake has, along with its smiling face! The brooch has been laser cut into wood, and then details have been added, also using a laser. Very clever! He's even complete with a pat of butter on his tummy :D He costs only £4.00!!

10) Pancake Landscape Poster by Jakealope

Ok, I was scrolling through Etsy and decided that it would be a crime if I didn't share this art work with you all! The designer created it as a homage to his home state, Kansas. The more you look at this picture, the more you notice! I've only just noticed the egg and I've been looking at it for 10 minutes! This poster is made to order, so please remember to allow time when buying. The poster is £15.36.

And that concludes my Pancake Day themed EE!! I hope that you all enjoyed it.

Have you decided if you're giving anything up for lent, if so, what are you going for?

Exploring Etsy: Space!!

Ah I love space! I think it's fascinating and my little brain can never quite believe how big space actually is! I felt a little scared while watching Gravity; the sheer expanse of blackness!!

So yes, I felt inspired to do a space themed EE :D

1) Star and Rocket Necklace

This gorgeous piece is by the very-talented "whatanovelidea" on Etsy! This piece is made from acrylic and silver plated chain. It's so unusual and gorgeous! This piece is £19.72 and can be found here.

2) Galaxy Space Dress

I love this dress. It's so unusual, but cute too. It's by FashionableGeeky247, who makes a range of nerdy dresses. Definitely geek chic! It's a halterneck dress too so the straps can be adjusted to suit you. This dress is a steal at only £36.98 and can be found here.

3) Hubble Lollipops

Time for something a little unconventional now. Here at The C of C, we like different! These lollies are by "designerlollipop" and are completely edible! They may taste like candyfloss, but they look like they have their own little galaxy within each lolly! These lollies are £9.24 for 6 and can be found here.

4) Space Mobile Crochet Pattern

I think that this would look right at home in any nursery and is guaranteed to brighten up the room! This pattern is by oneandtwocompany. It only costs £3.39 to buy this pattern and it can be found here.


5) Astronaut Brooch

This brooch is amazing! Made by using shrink plastic, the image was designed by createdbyHannah, who also makes amazing tote bags and greetings cards! She has just released a space range; perfect timing for this EE! This gorgeous brooch is only £7.00 and can be found here.

6) Space Sloth Embroidered Patch/Brooch

HOW CUTE??? Look at this little guy's happy face :) He's adorable and looks so ready to go to space! This gorgeous brooch is free machine embroidered by LeighLaLovesYou. This lovely lady has mad skills! This brooch is only £12.00 and can be found here.

7) Galaxy Space Earrings

These earrings are amazing. I love the look of these! Made using sterling silver findings and chain, these high-quality earrings are going to spice up any outfit! These earrings are by JerseyMaid, cost £52.45 and can be found here.

8) Outer Space Sweatshirt

I love this jumper, I think it may be because of the planets' happy little faces :D This jumper is by emandsprout and is a lightweight sweatshirt. This shop stocks a lot of cute sweatshirts :) It costs £16.04 and can be found here.

9) Galaxy Space Wine Bottle Topper

I very rarely do this, but this is another product from JerseyMaids! I love how unusual it is :) You can even choose the cosmic setting of your choice to be in the stopper :) This costs £19.75 and can be found here.

10) Star Wars Hand Painted Shoes

I can't have a space-themed EE without a bit of Star Wars! These amazing hand-painted shoes are by FanX and are made to order, so you can get your size! You can even get different characters painted on if you like. These shoes are only £24.68 and can be found here.

Exploring Etsy: Tea Party!

For those of you who know me, you will know about my obsession with tea! I love the whole idea of a tea party, from the tea cups, to the little cakes. It just makes me happy thinking about it!

I know it's still January so an outdoor tea party isn't likely to happen for a few months, but that doesn't mean I can't indulge in a little indoor tea party! This EE will be looking at all the tea-related items that can be found on Etsy!

I suppose there's no point having a tea party if the tea isn't going to taste nice! Letteredandlined have made an amazing print to stop that problem! The teabags explain what temperature the water should be and how long the tea should be steeped for! This print is £14.67 and can be found here.

Oh if only I knew how to embroider! It would be amazing to make these! If you're fortunate enough to have this skill, Bumpkin has uploaded the PDF of  these three embroidery patterns! I love the stack of teacups :) £7.62 for the patterns for these three prints and they can be found here.

Can't bear to be too far from your favourite teas? Well eljahb has got that problem sorted for you! She has designed these cute teabag holders so you can take up to 4 teabags with you wherever you go! They're made to order therefore you can choose your fabric :) These delights are only £4.99 and can be found here.

Teaspoonsf has put together this amazing kit to make delicious teabag-shaped biscuits! I love this idea :) It would be great to make Earl Grey flavoured biscuits with this biscuit cutter! Definitely something I'm going to have to invest in... This kit is £8.43 and can be purchased here.

You know that I like my hair accessories, and what better than a teabag hair clip! PopandMoo have truly thought of everything here. Look at its cute, smily face :) This hair clip is on a barrette clip, which will be very secure in your hair. This little guy costs only £5.12 and can be found here.
 

Every tea party needs decoration! To be honest, this would be right at home in my kitchen. NerdThatDraws has crafted this amazing garland using card and vintage fabrics to give it a lovely, homely feel. This garland is £10 and can be bought here.

Do you have little ones who want to join in the fun? Dearmykids has kindly put up a PDF pattern to make this adorable teaset from felt, which even includes little sugar cubes! Because you have the pattern, you could make the teaset in your child's favourite colours! The pattern is £3.75 and can be downloaded from here.

This teapot isn't as cutesy as the other things I have posted! Bycandlelight27 has handpainted this amazing skull design onto a teapot. Perfect for the skull-lovers who also love a cuppa! There are also teacups available in the skull design, so you can have a matching set. The teapot is £16.00 and can be found here.

What's the point in having a teapot if the tea in it is just going to get cold? SimplyWestCoast has knitted this amazing tea cosy with gorgeous felt sheep appliquéd to the front! The tea cosy is made to order and will fit a one or two cup teapot. The tea cosy is £18.73 and can be found here.

FlyingSquirrelNest has created this gorgeous 3-tier cake (or biscuit!) stand using plates and saucers. A very creative way of recycling unused crockery! I love the colours and design of this stand, although there are plenty more to choose from in the shop! This cake stand is £31.85 and can be bought here.

So that's it for this EE! I hope that you enjoyed looking at all the tea-related goodies I found! No doubt I'll have another tea-themed Exploring Etsy in the future! There are so many amazing items on Etsy!