STYLISH STOCKING FILLERS WITH HOMESENSE

The countdown is on with only a few days left to go until Christmas! Eek! If you're like me then you're probably squeezing your budget to find some last minute Christmas stocking fillers and make them look good. I love giving presents, but if there's one thing I love more, it's all the loving little touches that go into the wrapping to give them the wow factor. I headed to my local HomeSense store to pick up last minute affordable gifts, after all it's the thought that counts not the cost, and thought I'd share some of my wrapping style tips with you to get you ready for the big day.

*Family look away now as you might be in for a few spoilers ;)*

MAKE YOUR OWN TERRARIUM WITH FISKARS

I’ve long been a huge fan of plants in the home, they make you feel calm, are great for your health and create a stylish interior. The trend to style up your space with a wide variety of Instagram friendly greens is not going anywhere, and thanks to Pinterest our love for terrariums and plants is at an all time high, even if we’re making them all wrong!

So when I was invited to SkyGarden by Finnish Gardening gurus, Fiskers to shake off my gardening fears and get some advice from TV Celebrity Botanist, James Wong, to make my very own terrarium, I couldn’t wait to learn some new skills and pass them onto you lovely lot.

CREATE YOUR OWN MICRO GARDEN

This week I've been lusting over the garden that we just don't have *sigh* and after our Parisian city break filled with slow mornings by our balcony lined with flower boxes, I'm certainly missing a space to sit and chill. So what do you do if you live in the city with no space? You create your own micro garden!

As we are in transition between renting and owning our own place and I wanted to make something that was flexible and easy to relocate, so when Farrow & Ball provided me with paint from their key colours for 2017 as part of the #CrateOutdoors campaign, I knew exactly what to do.

The joy of a micro garden is you can make it practically anywhere, against a wall, in a driveway or even the side access to your house or flat. All you need is somewhere to sit and place your magazine, books or drink onto. The key is to bring the inside outdoors using items that comfortably fit in both, I used this cute apple crate and painted in their signature colour – Hay, to make my seat.


Loading the crate with cute outdoor cushions, it can easily be kept in the hallway or bedroom and when you fancy sitting out just turn it upside down and use the cushions to get cosy. This teamed alongside a clean lined simple step stool that I painted All White, and you have the perfect spot.

I chose a few potted plants, mainly grasses or unusual mini ferns to get that easy to maintain garden vibe with a mix of cement planters, patterned ceramic planters and even used Farrow & Ball colours, Studio Green and Raddicho, to create small DIY pots that compliment the All White stool.

RADDICHO

Radicchio feels exuberant, romantic and sensual, rather than clean or graphic, due to its complex underlying blue tone. Perfect for adding pops of pink colour to your home.

HAY

Hay's quiet quality creates rooms that have a hushed atmosphere as well as an unmatched depth and gentleness. It is not a hot or sunny yellow - although it becomes more raw in bright light - but rather an aged, whimsical tone with an underlying green.

ALL WHITE

A pure white like this is devoid of both colour and association. All White has no pigment and creates an uncomplicated feel which is naturally fresh, but not stark or ‘brilliant’. The key to this look is to create a mood of stillness and calm by layering different whites, and only whites, together.

STUDIO GREEN

There is something almost defiant about the use of botanic Studio Green on walls instead of the ubiquitous charcoal darks. It is apologetically clubby and has a fantastically timeless old world quality, but can be used in the most modern of rooms. 

There you have it, a super easy micro garden that can be used as part of any flexible space.


*Thanks to Farrow & Ball for supplying me with materials to create my micro garden. All words and opinions are my own. Thanks to brands who continue to support Wild & Grizzly. 

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPARE ROOM WITH THIS DIY WALL HANGING

I love entertaining at home, having friends and family come over to stay and enjoying the space I’ve created. Currently we rent a two bedroom flat and I always dream of having a spare bedroom for guests to stay over in comfort, but until then we tend to room swap, letting guests stay in our bedroom or using an air mattress in the lounge (not so ideal). However I wanted create a cosy corner that is beautiful, functional and welcomes our guests.

DIY GOLD GLITTER WASHI TAPE GARLAND

When it comes to Christmas I'm all for a bit of sparkle and making a little magic at home, and I have to admit I was pretty quick in getting the tree up in the flat. As well as unwrapping all the treasured decorations I always like to make a few of my own, so I though it would be fun to share this super easy DIY gold glitter washi tape garland, that literally takes minutes to make once you have the materials at hand. 

It so super easy to make and you only need a few items:

• 1 spool of gold string or twine

• 1 washi tape with your choice of pattern

• White feathers

• Gold glitter

• Craft glue

First cut 2.5 inches of tape and then fold it over your string/twine and then repeat every 3cm along the string until your create a long line of tape. I then went back along and decorated the edges by cutting small triangles into the end but you could leave it with a straight edge for a more contemporary style. 

The finishing touch is made by dipping the end of the feathers into the craft glue and leaving to dry. This will be used to make the end of the garland and add a touch of sparkle to the finished piece.

Once dry, secure the feathers on by trying with a simple knot to the end of the twine and find somewhere to hang your garland. I've used it to decorate this Stag head and bring a bit of colour to the wall.  

There we have it! A super simple DIY gold glitter washi tape garland that is so easy you could even get the kiddos to make it and use it to jazz up plain walls or even wrap around the tree. If you fancy making this yourself why not pin the image below or save it for a rainy day. 

* Stag Head c/o French Bedroom Company.

DIY IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS DECOR

GUEST POST

With a few weeks left until the holiday season really kicks into full gear, a lot of us will be focused on making our houses comfortable and pretty for Christmas. There are always a few staples to put up like a beautiful tree, a few traditional decorations, and perhaps some lights outside. But for those who really get into the holiday spirit, it can be nice to add some special new pieces year in and year out. This is where some DIY crafting effort can make a big difference!

So we wanted to outline a few fun crafting and decoration ideas you might want to keep in mind for this Christmas season.

HOW TO PUT UP A SHELF WITH STYLE

I always love looking through Pinterest to get ideas and inspiration when it comes to interiors, although I must admit to shying away a little when it comes to making holes in walls for anything larger that a print, although I do remember picking up a masonry drill to fix curtain poles once but *ahem* we won't talk about that... Yep I'm much more into painting, decorating, creating accessories and styling than walking round with a tool belt, but I always love a challenge and rarely say no.

So when British Gypsum invited myself and two other interior bloggers, Sarah Akwisombe and Jen from Love Chic Living, to check out there new Gyproc Habito plasterboard and style up a shelfie for a shoot they were doing I knew it was going to be fun.

BEAUTIFUL DIY CURTAIN TIES BACKS ON A BUDGET // INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Ever since I revealed my room makeover I've had some lovely emails and messages from you lovely lot *blushes and huge thanks!* and quite a few of you have been asking how I made my DIY curtain tie backs! Well as they only cost me the grand total of £10 for two, I thought I would share it on the blog with a little Make It tutorial. I really love the pale natural wood, especially against the grey, as I think it definitely adds a touch of Scandi style to the room. 

They are so super simple to make all you need is:

• 6ft of grey suede cord or string.

• 2 x 2ich diameter wood beads

• 8 x 1.5inch diameter wood beads

• 4 x 1 inch diameter wood beads

• 16 x 1/3 inch (or 1 cm roughly) diameter wood beads

• Scissors

Cut your cord in half and start to thread the beads on using the following pattern:

1 small bead (SB) / 1inch / 1 SB / 1.5inch bead / 1SB / 1.5inch bead / 1SB / 2inch bead / 1SB / 1.5inch bead / 1SB / 1.5inch bead / 1SB / 1inch / 1SB. 

Once you have created your repeated pattern then tie off the ends, making sure you leave a loop for your curtain tie backs to fit onto the hook on the wall. Cut of any excess cord or string and then admire your handy work! 

It really is that easy! It took me about five minute to make both and you can pick up the wooden beads in most craft shops – or Hobbycraft in the UK – and it gives a lovely finish to your curtains, creating beautiful wooden curtain tie backs on a budget!

 Have you got any DIY home hacks planned for your home?

HOW TO PRINT YOUR OWN CUSHION COVERS

I love creating things for the home and adding my own stamp where possible and for a while now I've been looking for some large cushion covers with a bit of personality. After endless hours of searching and drawing blank I decided to take get my DIY on and take matters into my own hand. I posted a pic  over on Instagram and had a few people get in touch asking 'How did I print my own cushion covers?' so I thought I'd share it over here as it's super easy, cost effective and all you need is a potato.

Yep potato printing is one of my favourite go-to crafts when wanting to get creative quickly. I do like lino cutting and screen printing, but I find potato printing just as easy plus it's affordable too! I bought a few large neutral cushion covers from Ikea as a canvas for my design and started doodling down some ideas. I love eye designs and even have a new eye tattoo eye on my thumb, taking inspiration from one of my favourite Fine Little Day prints I thought this would make a great addition to the sofa.

All you need to print your own cushion cover is:
• Fabric or cushion cover
• One large potato
• A sponge
• Fabric ink
• Pen & paper for your design
• Scissors
• Sharp knife or scalpel

To make you print:
1. Draw your design onto paper, make sure it's the exact scale of your desired print and cut it out carefully with scissors.
2. Cut the potato in half and place the paper cut out onto the middle. The potato should naturally make the paper stick to it keeping it in place.
3. Using the paper cut out as a template, with a knife or scalpel carefully cut into the potato and carve away a little at a time so that the paper area is left raised. This can be fiddly so take your time.
4. Once you have carved your design, lie your fabric/cushion cover on a flat surface.
5. Dab the fabric ink onto the potato stamp evenly with the sponge to ensure full coverage.
6. Arrange your design and press the potato stamp onto the fabric. Once completed allow to dry.
7. Once dry apply heat with an iron to seal the ink.
8. Sit back and admire your handy work.

I love the finished look and the how easy it was to make. It would make a great personal Christmas gift and can be applied to any fabrics, you can even let your kiddo create their own design on a t-shirts with this simple method.

If you fancy some more craft and DIY inspiration check out my Pinterest board for ideas. What do you think? I love how it looks with the rest of the cushions and I can't wait to try a blush dye on some other covers to give them the personal touch.

MAKE YOUR OWN ESPADRILLES // GET YOUR CRAFT ON

Sorry it's been a little quiet here, I had all intentions of posting last week while in France but at 37 degrees neither me or my mac seemed to cope with the heat, but I'm back and have some fab posts to share with you. A few weeks ago I spent a few day in London to attend the wonderful Blogtacular Blogging Conference – post coming on this soon – and a travel trade show. Sandwiched between the two was a fun craft morning making my own Espadrilles with The Makery in the Regent Street John Lewis store.

Slightly fuzzy from the Blogtacular/Pinterest after party at the West Elm Store, I arrived with Lottie and Sarah-Lou, with a coffee in hand ready to take on the table of sewing machines. The super lovely Kate was there to meet us and a few other ladies were already in full swing. Our first job was to purchase a piece of fabric from the huge range available in the haberdashery department and cut out our templates, I chose this fab retro material.

Once I’d cut the two shapes needed from my patterned fabric and a lining material the next job was to tackle the sewing machine. It’s been quite a while since I’ve used a machine, in fact the last time may have been at university, so with an unsteady hand I set about sewing together the two pieces with a 10mm margin. Pleasantly surprised by the results I then set about pinning the pieces to the soles which come with the kit before attempting the hand stitch.

After Kate got me started, I sat engrossed with the task at hand, stitching back and forth, enjoying the process and when I’d finished one shoe I slipped it on to admire my handy work. It fit! I made a shoe! I felt such a sense of accomplishment and surprise, it’s not often you can say ‘well today I made some shoes’ is it?

The kit instructions were super easy to follow and are available to buy from The Makery, I’m going to buy F’s size so I can make matching shoes for summer *insert geek face* plus they’re sooo comfy! Like wearing slippers outside.

You can check out the DIY YouTube video below and also buy your own kit here. This should definitely be on your things to do list this summer.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

We've all heard the saying 'home is where the heart is' but what is about home that gets us all choked up? I remember watching 80's Christmas classics as a kid, especially Trains, Planes and Automobiles, where Steve Martin battles against the odds to get back home for Christmas and maybe that's what makes home so special, a place you share with your loved ones? Or maybe it's all the memories those four walls hold dear, the love, the tears, the pitter-patter of growing feet?  Is it the precious things you can call your own or just having a sanctuary away from the world?

Whatever it is, the word home is planted like a seed at an early age and left to grow with us, and we invest a lot of time and energy in making it our own. I've always dreamt about building my own home, I envisage mid-century designs, perhaps a combination of Cameron's house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off and the Hoke House with a touch of Palm Springs *swoon*  or a Parisian bolthole...the possibilities are endless. Until then our next step will most likely be a small two bed flat in the city or maybe abroad where I can flex my renovations skills with one small room at a time.

Wren recently published their Wrenovation survey looking at peoples approach to home decoration and improvement showing some interesting results. I was surprised to find that 85% of us are getting our DIY on and sprucing up our home every year while only 20.47% of us are very content with the way our homes look.

For me the kitchen is the heart of the home and as a student we would always hang out at the table, drinking coffee and sharing stories, there was always a buzz with people coming and going. As I've gotten older I must admit I love the comforts of the living room and crashing out at the end of a busy day, but it's the kitchen I hold dear. The smell of fresh coffee or baked goods, cradling cups of coffee while pouring over magazines, entertaining friends and not to mention kitchen disco's! There's always time to turn up the music and dance bare foot, it's one of F's favourite thing to do.

At the moment our kitchen is quite tiny and our dining table is in our living room, so I can't wait to take on a new place and make the space my own. I found the survey really interesting and you can hear more about their Wrenovation Survey on youtube, including a peek into Linda Barker's lovely home.

 *In collaboration with Wren
** First image via Unsplash

DIY TWO TONE TOY STORAGE BASKETS

I'm not sure what your house is like since the avalanche of presents at Christmas but ours is starting to look a little crowded, what with having to share my floor space with Optimus Prime and Starscream  – yes we have reached the Transformers stage of childhood – so in a vague attempt to carry on project declutter, I've been getting my DIY on.

Our flat has beautiful Georgian features with sash windows, marble fireplaces and ornate ceiling roses but when it comes to storage space it seems to be lacking some what. On the hunt for something to contain F's plastic tat delightful toys, I found these lovely water Hyacinth baskets which would look great in our bedroom. I've been eager to try out the dip dye/two tone basket look for a while now, so when I was given some Laura Ashley Furniture Paint to try out, I quickly got to work.

First I masked off the area I wanted to paint, got my brushes at the ready,  cracked open my tin of Pale Sabel Furniture paint and got started.

It didn't take long at all to paint the bottom half of the small basket and F even joined in for a little bit before he got distracted by toys and wandered off. I then painted the lid of the large basket, making sure on both to paint in-between the weaves. I chose white to try and keep the baskets looking light and I didn't even need to use two coats, one was enough.

Once dried, I filled the baskets with some of F's more bulky toys and put them in our bedroom as it's the largest space in the flat, plus the baskets look great beside the grey marble and blue tiles. I really love how simple this DIY project is and now I have my very own two tone baskets so another ticked off my wish list. 

I've now caught the DIY bug and my next project is to up-cycle a chest of drawers in F's room after sourcing some beautiful gold geometric handles. What's the one thing in your home you'd love to up-cycle?


*I was provided paint c/o Laura Ashley for this project. All words and opinions are 100% my own.

GET OUR CRAFT ON // PINECONE HOOPLA GAME

As nature is supplying such a bounty of conkers, sticks, pinecones and acorns this autumn, I thought it only right to share a quick DIY game you can play with your little ones. F is always asking to make toys, whether it's bows and arrows, stick men, Go fish game, swords, catapults, sensory boxes, the list goes on. So after a lot of talk about the Moscow State Circus before his birthday, I decided to reinvent the old fairground classic, Coconut Shy game, with things that can be found outside.

To make your Pincone Hoopla game you'll need:

1. A few pinecones
2. Glitter glue / OR loose glitter and PVA glue.
3. A hoop of some sort.
4. Paper.
5. Washi tape.

To make your game is super simple, place some paper down to protect your surface from any mess and let your kiddo get creative with the glitter glue. Try and encourage them to use different colours and place blobs on different parts of the pinecones to make them sparkly. 

Once the glitter has dried, decorate your hoop with washi tape. I used an embroidery hoop but any circular ring will work well, or you can even make your own hoop with bendy twigs tied together. Once everything is ready, find an open area and place the pinecones spaced out on the floor.The aim is to throw the hoop over the pinecones, the person who captures the most pinecones wins! Simple. F really loved playing this game and got quite competitive with me, and was thrilled when he managed to catch one. This is a great game for concentration, spatial awareness and gross motor skills, as well as the creativity involved making it. After you've finished playing the pinecones can also make a pretty nature display in the home.