I adore all things lace, crochet and doilies too, although my friends and family always say doilies are old fashioned and dated! They obviously have no taste, just feast your eyes on these images below-

All images above are from Marcel Wanders

A new application for traditional crochet. The open structure and lightness of the works provides a beautiful contrast against solid blocks of colour.

Since Christmas I have done very little crafting. I am busy at work and my brain is on over drive making decisions for the new house. So what have I started doing again- reading! You would think I could pick something more relaxing to wind down from a long day at work, but no I love a good read. I stopped reading girly books (you know the ones- troubles in love, affairs, etc) as I preferred books based on true stories. I am back to reading the girly books again as they are easier to read. What books are you reading? Can you recommend any nice ones to me. I am currently reading The Tea House on Mulberry Street which I am enjoying.

I'm really excited, today I was the lucky winner of a giveaway over at Dots and Spots. I have won 12 wonderful card designs. Becky over at Dots and Spots has a beautiful range of bright, contemporary, stylish collage prints. Each design is created from a collage of different papers, the paper is carefully cut or torn and then layers of different paper built up to create a unique, original and vibrant image.  Dots and Spots showcased their beautiful designs at Top Drawer London a few weeks ago, the exhibiton stand was so pretty. You must all take a look at her website and visit her over at her blog Dots and Spots Design.

This weekend while out shopping I spotted some of these amazing chandeliers from Irish company Waterford Crystal, however the price ranges are totally out of my budget and most peoples budget but they are beautiful to just look at.

{All images from Waterford Crystal}

Cath Kidston's new looks for a new year and Spring range including her bag collection. Perhaps this year I might splash out and buy one of her tote bags. Have you got a CK bag? If so what one is it and do you like it?

 {All from Cath Kidston}

At the weekend we went looking for bathroom suites and we picked one out that we liked. I  then looked at furniture and came across this IKEA range. I wanted the taller unit as shown in the image above but not sure if it will fit now :( I will have to get the space measured as it is near where the door opens. Things are never simple are they??

The Country Living Magazine are holding their 20th Spring Fair this March in the Business Design Centre,  London where over 400 specialised creative crafters, designers, makers, retailers and small producers will showcase and sell their work. If only I lived nearer :( I am jealous of those who will get to go along.

{Images above from Country Living}

Jan Constantine designs and produces a wonderufl collection of hand-embroidered textiles inspired by vintage embroidery and favourite things, destined to be heirlooms of the future. Have at look at just some of her beautiful collection below, it will be on everyone's wish list this year...

{All images from Jan Constantine}

Came across this really cool website, what a lovely place to escape to- Lovelane Caravans and Campsite.
Lovelane Caravans and Campsite is a unique boutique classic caravan campsite in Cornwall. They have lovingly restored a small selection of classic caravans. Have a look at the images below for some eye candy!

 

{All images from Lovelane Caravans}

I stumbled upon this lovely website and indeed an inspirational business for you all to check out online or if you are in Ireland, you can go visit it :)

It's called Galerie Lisette owned by a mother and daughter team. Lucina produces a unique collection of original artwork, handmade prints, etchings, screenprints and greeting cards and Aida sources vintage prints, furniture and unusual home accessories.

 

Penguins

I watched March of the Penguins at Christmas and cried my way through it. It is such a lovely film and it is so sad the way the family all go off on their own at the end. They are lovely animals. I have great respect for them after watching the film. Did you like it? If you haven't seen it yet, put it on your to do list!

Knock knock, open wide,

see what's on the other side,

Knock knock, any more,

come with me through the Magic Door.

Our number 1 childhood TV programme was Bosco the little red haired puppet, cute ain't he! Everyone in Ireland will remember him. We didn't watch much television as children but I did like Bosco. He was on television during the week. Every programme featured him going to visit somewhere behind the magic door. At the end of each programme he went back down into his box and my brother cried. It's amazing how the years go by so quick.

These fabulous stools are designed in Italy and manufactured in Germany using recycled mdf. Each stool arrives flat in sheet form. Just pop the pieces out and follow the very simple instructions. In true German fashion the pieces just click together and are held securely using little rubber rings, no glue or tools are required.

Available from Hus & Hem

I spotted a bargain in Lidl this week. I generally don't buy in Lidl, I like to keep my shopping local but I must say I really like this country style desk in white. The shelves on the top can be sepertated from the desk as well. I might just have to pull at the purse strings this week and buy one of these for my new home :) Hope you are all enjoying the weekend.

Looking pretty by Allthingsnice featuring tarina tarantino jewelry

Bluebellgray... for wonderful hand-painted designs for the home to be treasured, loved and collected!