D.I.Y Russian Stacking Dolls

Back in February I got my bedroom decorated kindly by my Dad and recently I finally I got round to thinking about what finishing touches I wanted adding; photographs/prints, ornaments and bit's of storage. The other day I glimpsed at my Russian stacking dolls which got me thinking that that they looked a little worse for wear due to sun fading their colour.

This is what my dolls looked like before I painted them up:

I started off by searching Google images for a photo of Russian stacking dolls, I was lucky enough to find an image that was pretty much identical to the design on mine. I then used paints (I used some ceramic paints that I had, I am aware that my dolls are not ceramic aha) to decorate them. I did have to put a few coats on them as the paints didn't go on perfect because the Russian Dolls were glossy.

And this is what they looked like after:

I don't think I did too bad a job to say I don't have the steadiest of hands.

What do you think? Do you have Russian Stacking Dolls?

thanks for reading

love from

Katie

x

For the Love of Zara

As you may have gathered by now I love a good browse through the online shops but, I've never had a good look through Zara. After, browsing I think 'Why have I never bought anything from here before?' (yes, you heard that right), I want EVERYTHING! Home to dreamy patterned clothes the like you would see on Twiggy and Patti Boyd.

Even more surprising than how beautiful the clothes are is the price for most of the items, with some dresses being between £25 - £35 which I think is such a good price for patterned clothing which normally costs more. 

I don't own anything yellow but, this would soon change if I could afford this lovely flared sleeve number! Can we please appreciate the dreaminess of the patterns on 3, 6 and 9? This stripey dress (7) reminds me a lot of a Chanel dress that I've seen before (I can't find the example anywhere though). The grey jumper looks so comfy so that qualified it to be a part of my Zara wishlist.

I really like how (10) reminds of mosaics and modern day versions of Roman baths.  (11) This lovely lace number would be perfect worn with a patterned skirt. I think the cut out piece on the back of this little black dress (12). I'm a big fan of this co-ord set (13) it looks so comfy and I love the colour too. I don't own a play suit (I'm not sure why, really) but, this (14) one is very tempting with it's ditsy floral print and puff-ball sleeves.  I love the colour palette of (15) giving off 60's/70's vibes. The cute pin tuck top (16) would look lovely tucked into denim A-line skirt or even a jazzy patterned skirt. Yes, that is another flare sleeved dress (17) you see but, I like the colour and the Sixties pattern of this one too. What got (18) into my favourites list was the ruffle collar with lace panel down the front & it is also a very flattering shape. This t-shirt (19) is a definite need with the slogan 'Be Nice or go away'. There is just something about this Jacquard dress (20) that I really like, it could be the contrast of the yellow on the black & the neck bow detail.

As you can see Zara has got me hook, line and sinker!

I hope you like my wishlist, is there any pieces you would like from it?

Thank you for reading

Love From

Katie

x

My Stationary Internet Finds

The first day back to school after the summer holidays felt like every Sunday but, times by a thousand however, the one thing that did cheer me up was knowing I had some new stationary fresh in my bag. Not much has changed nearly six years on, I still love stationary and it is one thing that makes me look forward going back to University.

I popped to the Trafford Centre the other day and did a bit of stationary shop for uni. Hopefully in the next few days I will post a 'New Stationary Buys' post for you all. But, until then I will leave you with this post on my favourite stationary bits and bobs that I've found on the internet.

{Note pad set -£9.87- Modcloth // Plant Pen Pot -£9.87- Modcloth // Ceramic Memo Elephant -£14- Urban Outfitters // Retro Pattern Notebook -£8.55- Modcloth // 'Things in my head' Notebook -£4.95- Old English Company // 3 Pen Cups -£2- Ikea // Woodland A4 folder -£2.50- Paperchase}

                             (talking about items starting from top to bottom right)
 I think the set of four note pads are super handy for people who are like me that find remember things very tricky or just busy bees who have a lot to jot down. It also helps that it's easy on the eye! 
This plot plot aka pen pot is fab, it's such a cool idea. I really must buy this one day!
How cute is this little ceramic elephant named Eric for you to write your memos on, because elephants don't forget. My next favourite is the vintage McCalls pattern bound notebooks because I'm a big fan of anything retro fashion.
I love the typography/handwriting on this notebook that would be really handy to put in your bag in case you need to ever quickly write anything down, this happens to me all the time.
Now this is a bit of a cheat because I actually have this item, these jazzy look geometric patterned pen pots which I love as they really brighten up my desk at uni.
My last but not least favourite is this lovely winter woodland patterned elasticated folder, perfect to keep important pieces of paper/lecture notes safe.

I hope you liked this post and enjoy buying your stationary as much as I do.

Thank you for reading!

love from 

Katie

x

General Insecurities and Blogging

Note: By writing this I'm not saying I'm the only one who has every had insecurities or anything like that. I just wanted to get stuff off my chest.

Don't insecurities and anxieties suck? I'd love to be one of those people where; I'm not super awkward when meeting people due to worrying whether the person will find me annoying or hate me, doing a presentation in front of more than one person isn't a big no no and  even a small thing that turns into a huge thing for me, like having my photograph taken was easy peasy.

I do have 'selfies' (as the hip kids call them) but, that doesn't bother me as much as having my photograph taken by somebody else, I guess because I have control of deleting 100's of photos until I'm remotely near being comfortable with a photo. Also, I can play about with the angle of the camera till I'm happy that my double chin is tucked away and not saying hi.

My insecurities about the way I look especially I believe are down to constantly being called Ugly by a boy in my high school. No matter how many times someone calls me pretty it still doesn't cancel out the negativity. I think that's why I love complimenting people because I like knowing I've made somebody feel good about themselves. 

When it comes to Uni I'm forever second guessing the illustrations I create which means it takes forever for me too finish pieces of work and even when I do I doubt whether it's good enough. Since being off for Summer I feel that I have gained more confidence in my work whilst experimenting with collage. Hopefully with more confidence I will create stronger and stronger illustrations.

Blogging wise I'd love to do outfit posts to show my personal style but, I always care too much about the way I look in the photos. Over thinking whether my faces look okay to be unleashed on the public eye and trying not to include it in photos if I'm having a bad day etc. Another thing that holds my blog back is me questioning whether

I want to have more faith in my self to succeed instead of forever thinking that my efforts will be good enough. Also, to stop comparing myself to others I see as being pretty or successful because let's face that's not going to my insecurities one bit!

Do you have any advice for me when it comes to confidence, insecurities and anxieties? 

I'd love to hear any advice you have

Thanks for reading, 

Love from

Katie

x

I Love Making Lists

With my third and final year of Uni is fastly approaching (scary times) I thought I would do a list of things I want to start doing/improving on in hope of feeling better health wise and happiness wise. Some may take longer and be more difficult to do than others.

1. Start a mini note book filled with illustrators that inspire me and inspirational quotes
I think it would be nice idea to just keep in my bag to flick through when I'm having illustrators block.
2. Be more positive
I promise I will cut down on complaining, promise.
3. Go for a walk at least once a day 
I'm the worst for sitting inside all day
4. Find a way to de-stress or become less anxious 
maybe try getting properly into yoga and reading regularly 
5. Have more confidence in myself and stop over thinking
I'm the biggest self doubter and now I'm getting to the stage where I think that well used phrase 'Life's To Short'.
6. Start going to the gym
I would like to try going at least once a week to start out but, do daily exercises using YouTube videos and such 
7. Stop comparing myself to others 
I'm the worst at this, which definitely has an impact on what I think about my work!  
8. Draw every day
Even if it's just a super quick drawing
9. Drink more water!
Drinking 8 glasses of water a day can't be that difficult, right?
10. Work hard on developing my illustration style
Experiment with different materials and use a sketch book better & daily.
11. Look after my skin
Washing my face with water and using cleanser probably isn't enough & could be the reason why I have the skin of a 13 year old.
12. Blog more!
This means blogging on here more regularly instead of once a month (if that) and also using my illustration to document the progress of my work (at least once a week).
                                          

                   The illustrations featured in this post are by illustrator Marc Johns, so feel free to check more of his work out.

Thank you for reading 

Love from

Katie

x