reinventing the plastic bag

(Image by Moriza)

There is something haunting about this picture, even though it may seem like just an artistic snapshot of a busy sidewalk on a regular weekday. Maybe it is because the colours of the plastic bags stand out in such sharp contrast, which only serves to emphasise the daily chore the environment is made to undergo by our needs for convenience. 

Hence it was to my delight that I found the following products that have creatively upcycled plastic bags that would otherwise be trashed.

Clockwise from top left: (1) Who would have guessed that the interesting texture to these bangles are the product of winding up used plastic bags? Available at BTC Elements; (2) Plastic bags cleverly folded into daisies for hair pins! From Strewth; (3) Using plastic bags in lieu of yarn makes this clutch by Cara Taylor interesting and waterproof (4) Weaving together plastic bags of various colours gives an unpredictable touch to this belt by Bill and Silvia.

geography nerds

I am no big fan of geography as a subject, but I sure like the idea of incorporating maps in home decor. Especially if you are an avid traveller, you can put to good use the volume of maps acquired from past trips, and let them serve as testament to memories past. One way is simply to frame up one such map as a centrepiece as Jawcey (top left) has done, to the more challenging use of national geographic maps as an eco-friendly and cheap alternative to wallpaper (Joyce/Pedal Power, top right). I also really liked how Chez Larrson used maps as part of an overarching theme, using it to personalise a lamp shade (bottom left), and having map-print pillows to complement the wall art (bottom right). 

And here are some great goods that have infused new life into old maps:

Clockwise from top left: (1) Kent map decoupage coffee table from Bombus; (2) Recycled Map Stationery from Dote; (3)  Metro Map Bowl // San Francisco from Pica Pica Designs; (4) Air Routes Map Journal from Bower Box.

here we go a-baking

(Image from Bakerella)

Apologies for the week long hiatus! Exams are finally over and I'm suddenly hit with spare time that I am not used to having. Surfing around for stuff and I stumbled upon a great idea for a post-exam project - cupcake baking and decorating! I'm such a newbie to this, but i think my job will be much easier with cupcake toppers like the ones below to prettify my cupcakes without having to go through the messy tasking of making icing decorations myself.

Clockwise from top left: (1) Cupcake Toppers from Cathy of California: (2) Cute Cake Toppers from Kitty Robot; (3) Matryoshka Cupcake Toppers from the Peach; (4) Handpunched Paper Flowers from Paper Spoon

Mother's Day Gift Guide

It's bordering on a little late, but better now than never! Mother's day is beckoning, come the second sunday of May i.e. the 11th. I'm not sure if you have already bought your mother's days gifts, but if you are in need of ideas, read on! 

Clockwise from top left:
(1) Perfect to store some precious photographs of you and your mum and small meaningful keepsakes in is this Accordion Album Altered Tin from Orange Theory.

(2) Now which mother doesn't love flowers, especially those that can last forever? These lovely fabric roses come in various colours and bouquet sizes vary: Vintage Bouquet by The Russian.

(3) If you just have too many photos and little messages you want to include, this thick Matroyshka Russian Doll Bookcloth Photo Album is great for the entire family to participate in. From Life Stories Books.

(4) Let your mum take a break from the kitchen by whipping up some pastries or cupcakes in secret, then displaying them proudly on this delectable pair of cake stands by Whitney Smith. Even after the food's gone, the cake stands will always be a fixture in the kitchen.

paper and string

I've always loved playing with felt and items made from felt, and so imagine my delight when I chanced upon this seller! Paper-and-string has a wide range of items all made from felt, from craft supplies to ornaments to book covers. Plus they are in such eye-popping colours and are all shades of cute!

Clockwise from top left:
(1) Owl felt embellishment 
(2) Cute cupcake felt covered notebook
(3) Robot cupcake maker
(4) Polka dot mushroom brooch

stressed.

Is a feeling I am experiencing now and I do not like it much! So here's some stuff to cheer myself up, and you too if you are having some sort of crisis yourself.

Clockwise from top left: 
(1) Simple Sachets in Paris Afternoon - Set of 3 Organic Lavender Sachets from Purple Flower Designs
(2) Pincushion Dollie by Black Lilys 
(3) Worried carrot magnet from My Zoe Trope 
(4) Stressed Equals Desserts Print by Alis Burda 

paper sculptures in a box

Molly Jey has art that is so special I just had to share. She has such talent in using only paper as a medium in her work, and each piece is given such a striking 3D effect by intricate cuts and layering.

Clockwise from top left:
(1) Cats in love
(2) Dutch geese
(3) Mystical Forest
(4) White Chrysanthemum 

drinks and letterpress

Using these letterpress coasters will somehow make drinks taste better (just because they look good), and they are sure to invite comment and praise from your guests. They also make great housewarming gifts, that is, if you can bear to give them away. There are plenty other designs from the sellers below, so do check out their shops individually for a full selection. 

Clockwise from top left:

(1) Drinking girls from Papered Together
(2) Lollipop from 12 Fifteen
(3) Chandelier from Letteria
(4) Watering Can from The Paper Peony

little vintage touches

The adorable buttons covered in vintage fabric are perfect for adding that extra detail to an outfit. Some possible ideas: using them as actual buttons for your clothes or as to simply sew them on like brooches to your clothes or bags. Or perhaps even as hair accessories by attaching them to a suitable rubber band or hair pin? Oh, and maybe you could sew them onto little homemade handmade cards, that is, if you can bear to give them away. 

Clockwise from top left: 
(1) Rainy Day Scatter Pins by McYarnpants
(2) Vintage Buttons by Flying Time Designs
(3) Button of a Cute Little Blonde Girl from the Faerie Cupboard
(4) Not even the rain buttons from The Ghost Factory

coffee junkies

Today is just one of those days when one feels a little tired and out of sorts - don't we all have those days? And here comes the power of coffee, and the appeal of coffee-related shopping finds! 

Clockwise from top left: 
(1) Anything is Possible with Enough Coffee Primitive Sign from Country Workshop
(2) Coffee Addict Ring from Tiny Cravings
(3) Woodburned Magnets- Coffee and Donuts- Set of 2 by LP Designs.

(4) I Like You a Latte Handmade Card by Cussin Crafter

shiny happy people

These miniature dolls are made from wood and have all been carefully hand painted over. Don't they just look so colourful and cute? Imagine how great it will look as a display item too when they are all lined up in a row. 

Clockwise from top left: 

(1) Birthday girl from Lollipop Workshop
(2) Grocer and his produce  from Whittle World
(3) Maroon Family by Dawn Alice Designs
(4) Three little girlfriends by Love Monkey