The Hourglass

As the days grow warmer and the buzzing of the bumblebee's grows louder, my thoughts are turning to my road trip to Italia at the beginning of August and what I can wear on the beach! Now, I've always been a firm believer that woman are woman and should be woman-shaped with a slim waist and curvy hips. I'm not a fan of this boy-shape thing a lot of models have going on at the moment. I am, however, a BIG fan of 1950's vintage swimwear, designed not to reveal too much and therefore keep admirers guessing.

Here's are some of my favourites.

Queen Bee Luxuries

La Drama Queen

Fables By Barrie

MAYFAIR

Last Wednesday I took part in a wonderful little event called MAYFAIR. We had all the outside space at TOKYO's in Huddersfield and there were around 9 stalls selling a range of vintage wear, handmade jewellery and accessories, moustache cushions (made by the lovely Maria), cupcakes and aromatherapy. There was a great atmosphere to say it was the first time the event had ever taken place, which was certainly added to by the live music: the eerie tinny sounds of a hammer being tapped against a frying pan echoing through the outlooking crowd. The smell of the BBQ may have helped a bit too...mmm :)

Here's a few piccatures of my stall, including my grandma mo-moe's lovely beaded earrings of which I only sold one pair unfortunately. Sorry granny!

All in all, a great day to be apart of. Beautiful handmade wares created by beautiful crafting people. Thanks MAYFAIR, here's to next time!

My Owl Barn

Since I held a Barn Owl on my arm while it affectionately tried to peck my face off when I was little, I have had a respectful admiration (from a distance!) for these proud, wise creatures. My partner Martin and I recently paid a visit to the Chestnut Centre in Derbyshire where there are many different types of owls: severe stern owls, tiny ball of fluff owls and owls that look as if they've been stretched by Willy Wonka's taffy machine (now, they were odd!)

We even made a new discovery that there's a type of owl that lives underground in burrows. Not that owls can dig. This cheeky creature lets rabbits, badgers and moles do the work for him and then evicts them from there newly build homes. Sneaky...but genius.

I'd been thinking for a while now of how I can incorporate owls in my work: barn owl acrylic necklaces, owls on mugs ect. Meanwhile, I stumbled upon this little gem of inspiration where the possibilities with owls seem endless: My Owl Barn.

Better still, they're holding a competition....all with owly prizes! Follow the link to the blog for more details of how to enter.

Twit Twoo ;)

Florence Welch

I've never really been much of a fan of having a 'style' icon, or an icon of any sort really, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be Florence Welch, the spine-tingling voice of 'Florence and the Machine'. I know many people who absolutely cannot stand the woman, but that makes me like her more, she's like marmite and I LOVE marmite. You just have to accept she's a little bit tapped, but the best people are.

I love shots of her singing, howling to the moon. In my opinion, the best song on the album 'Lungs' is 'Howl', it's just what she does best. I imagine wolves are big fans, she's like they're wolfmother.

I'm going for my hair coloured next week before MAYFAIR and I'm thinking of going Florence auburn. Not her bright red, but closer to her natural hair colour. I've always loved ginger hair but I have a feeling my hairdresser will deeply disapprove. Meh.

Roll up, Roll up!

My New Year's costume, completed with pom-pom embellished heart.

It is official: I have fallen head over heels....with pom-poms. Since I discovered how easy they are to make, I want to put them on everything: shoes, headbands, necklaces, earrings, hats; you name it and I'll put a pom-pom on it.

I spent most of yesterday finishing designs for my new range of painted teacups. One is very circus inspired, with a harlequin diamond patterned saucer and a teacup covered in clown's teardrops.

This got me thinking what else I could cover in circus-themed madness. I woke up this morning after dreaming I'd made my mog Ziggy a clown's pleated ruff and a pom-pom covered sequin bolero....and wasn't too put off by the thought. He'll be hiding under the bed for the next few weeks I presume!

Pine, Pine Pine. Now will you be mine?

After noticing recently my shoe collection is definitely dwindling (let's face it, it was never that great to begin with) I've been scouting for mid-heels and wedges to plum it out a bit. I have been distantly admiring lovely clog style beauties like the beautiful Swedish Hasbeens (drool).

Unwittingly, I started to browse the OFFICE website, and stumbled upon these beauties...oh dear. My heart swells...only to deflate upon realizing these should set me back about 60-80 quid. Damn. Not the wage of a poor, penniless artistic mind.

Ah but I shouldn't complain. Poor but happy! I've just finishing writing my first short film which has been in discussion this week with Threadneedle Films. I've also become a self-proclaimed project manager for the theatre company and I'm very excited for what lies ahead for us in the future. Bring on the rest of this year!

P.S My friend Maria of Carambola Camarilla recently posted an amusing and oh so true article about the stigma of socks and sandals. Have a read. I know that's what I'll be wearing these with if I land myself a bit of cash!

Sincerest Apologies

I am a very bad person and have attended to my blog for a very long time! It's a good job I'm not charged with looking after anything living!

I've been a busy bee looking for work, signing up for charity work (mmm good karma) and creating, crafting and evolving! Truly Scrumpy is branching out to pottery, would you believe! I'm currently working on a range of Cath Kidston inspired patterned teacups and saucers and 'Where the Wild Things Are' mugs. Watch this space. I will be selling my wares (and hopefully some homebaked cupcakes) at MAYFAIR, 19th May. Come and bask in handmade scrumptiousness!

I've also been writing a short film for THREADNEEDLE's scratch night, a showcase of rough, unfinished work from new, inspiring talent. Finished the first draft today. Very strange to be printing out words that I myself have breathed life into.

That's you just about updated. Now for some beautiful artwork from the wonderful Catherine Campbell, whose beautiful prints inspire me again and again and again.