Style Tips

I'm truly inspired by these styling tips I found in this article written by SusyJack on Etsy's  The Storque today. I've just started following her lovely blog Heysusy. She is a surface designer who lives in Manhattan and makes and sells a line of paper goods.

 I found lots of helpful things to think about in her article when photographing your unique items to sell online and give them a really professional look.  

Helpful Things to Think About

• What is the product?
• What are it’s obvious qualities? Color, size, texture, function, shape...
• What are the hidden attributes or uses that you find interesting? These are attributes which may not be obvious to buyers. But, these are the attributes which really sell an item.
• Is it portable?
• Does it make a great gift or party favor?
• Was it made with a special process?
• Is it all-natural?
• What inspired you? List anything you think is interesting about your product.

       The colour palette and textures in this collage are great. 
       I like the vintage, nostalgic feel to the photographs too. 
  I'm going to play with some props now and show you how I get on in my next post! 

Flaming Autumn Colours

Clyne Gardens, Swansea

"Laden Autumn here I stand
Worn of heart, and weak of hand:
Nought but rest seems good to me,
Speak the word that sets me free"

Autumn by William Morris

I had a stall at the Canolfan Gorseinon food and craft fayre, last weekend, its held on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9:30am-1pm at the Gorseinon centre.  Launched on the 10th of July this year it is run by the hard-working and dedicated Shirley Price and Sian Day. There are always a wide variety of stalls selling seasonal local food produce and art &craft made by local designers.The next fayre is on Saturday November 13th, see you there!

My contemporary handmade cards, cushions and corsages
were for sale with some new designs added.

Heulwen Designs- Stall at Gorseinon food and craft fayre

Shirley Price also runs a successful craft business selling lovely things for the home, inspired by Cath Kidston. Visit her website to see more.

Shirley Price memo/notice board in gorgeous dotty fabric

I also especially liked the jewellery made by local designer 

Amanda Williams, she sells beautiful, unique and colourful accessories. 

Visit her lovely shop on folksy the bead life.

Amanda Williams- the bead life green necklace

Shabby Chic

 

 

A pretty Shabby chic heart I made one rainy Saturday afternoon at a Make&Mend workshop at the National Waterfront museum recently as part of the Swansea Bay Craft fair weekend.

My idea of heaven....mounds of lovely vintage fabric, jars filled to the brim with all sorts of  buttons, bows, ribbons and zips and lots of bits and bobs to get crafty with! 

The next Swansea bay Craft fair workshop will be on November the 6th from 1:30pm,

£3 per person. The theme will be Fleece and Fibres. Places are limited, so advance booking recommended (01792) 638950

I was inspired to make some of these lovely  shabby chic hearts 

and birds which are on sale at my Folksy Shop Now!  
I hand stitched  an old piece of Laura Ashley dress material  and up-cycled
my mums old fabric from the 70's to make these hearts and Birds below.

Vintage Fashion Fair

Well it's been a long time since I have been on here!
Today I went to the Vintage Fashion Fair in Swansea, at the Brangwyn Hall. Organised by Edwin at Blind lemon Vintage  it was filled with Vintage treasures from the 1900's to the 80s! I found some wonderful clothes and accessories. Fashion is always inspired by vintage and this Autumn is all about knitwear and jackets and I tried on a some fab faux-fur coats, an aviator jacket and tweed jacket. I found a rail filled with original wool cardigans and chunky jumpers perfect to wrap up in when the nights get colder! Velvet is back in fashion, influenced by the 80's, so there was a lot of that there too. The gentlemen weren't left out, there were some great authentic shirts, waistcoats and jackets and bow-ties and hats to be found. I didn't leave empty handed, I bought a vintage scarf and some buttons. My friend bought a pretty 50's dress and opulent brooches. There are more Vintage fashion fairs coming up, the next one is next weekend, the 10th of October in Gloucester.