Handpicked Handmade Vol.3

An OOTD post is unlikely today since I am spending my day off in my pj's because I feel totally rubbish.
If you really want to picture what I look like - hair up, glasses on, tracksuit bottoms, an enormous hoodie and some crumbs from the toast I just ate - VOGUE.

Instead, I thought I'd do a new Handpicked Handmade. It's been a while since I did my last one as I've been lacking in inspiration for a theme, however, I felt a nod to my previous Strange Magic post was necessary, so decided on a white witch collection. Please bear in mind I really only have an aesthetic interest in this, so if I am including things that have nothing to do with white magic, I don't mean to offend, I just imagine they would look delicious together.

Here are my picks:

Rose Quartz Sphere from MagickallyMade

This natural rose quartz sphere from MagickallyMade is delicious - it is believed to 'dispell negativity and amplify the energy of this sphere making it extremely powerful in matters of the heart' - sounds good to me!

Belladonna Talisman Pendant from Witchcrafts Artisan Alchemy

No white witch is complete without a talisman - this beautiful pendant, from Witchcrafts Artisan Alchemy, contains Belladonna (or Deadly Nightshade) - When a necklace comes with warnings (its contents are poisonous) you know it is serious, so perhaps not a purchase for a part time witch, but delighful on the eye nonetheless!

Oracle Tarot Deck by Lisa Chow

These Tarot cards are the artists personal take on a traditional set. Illustrator Lisa Chow has put an awesome spin on this deck (and her other work is adorable too - definitely worth a look!) and as interpreting my own designs of a tarot deck is something I have been considering doing myself (though seeing these, they will put mine to shame) - I was drawn to these over many others I found on etsy.

Signature Candle from The Magickal Cupboard

Did someone say sparkly candle? This is The Magickal Cupboard's Signature candle and, despite lusting after every single one of the candles in their shop and finding it hard to choose just one, this is 'kissed With Enchanting Magickal Dust'! I love the effort that goes into hand-pouring and hand-dripping candles, and the result is just lovely!

Amethyst Crystal Pendulum Necklace from Mystarrrs

I am so in love with this Amethyst crystal pendulum necklace. There are plenty of crystal pendulums on etsy, but this has to be my favourite. I love the simplicity of the necklace, which can be found in Mystarrrs shop, and with amethyst being known to provide a calming and protective energy, I think I might just invest!

Bison Leather Book from Coco's Creations

If you're looking for somewhere to keep your spells, stop the search! This leather bound book from Coco's Creations has an adorable ceramic button sporting a dragonfly and is one of the smaller books in her shop, so is perfect for a witch on the go! Forget your moleskins, you need a bison leather journal.

There were about 50 more items that I 'favourited' on etsy for this Handpicked Handmade, but I had to cut them down so I didn't get carried away - it was mainly candles if I'm honest...

That's it for now, I'll be back with an OOTD when I don't feel/look so rough.

Hope you liked it!

xo

Handpicked Handmade Vol.2

I just found out I've been offered an unconditional place on a Masters course!
Worries of how I'm going to fund it aside, I decide to celebrate with a cup of tea, a bowl of peach slices and a search on Etsy. I know, rock and roll, I need to control myself, etc etc.

I thought this would be a great time to do a Handpicked Handmade post, focusing on must haves for the new girl on campus.

Bear in mind that even though I will be 24 and completing a masters degree, my taste (particularly my taste in stationary) is that of a young child, but I think cute and cheerful study tools keep learning fun, so here are my picks:

A is for Assface Pencils by The Big Harumph

These pencils are nothing short of amazing. They say assface. That's all I need. Look professional and studious in the library, all the while knowing that your pencils are hilarious. Check out The Big Harumph on Etsy for awesome prints and more pencils with 'I love the shit out of you' and other phrases!

Where Rainbows Come From Notepad by Nut and Bee

It's a unicorn, sicking up a rainbow. I told you my taste was not totally appropriate for my age, but who cares - it's a unicorn sicking up a rainbow. I am desperate to have this notepad to take to my lectures. It was hard to choose my favourite from Nut and Bee's Etsy store, they have such a huge collection of cute and quirky paper goods, I want to buy them all.

Upcycled Pencil Case by 366th Day

So I'll need somewhere to keep my awesome 'Assface' pencils and THIS IS AMAZING. An 'upcycled' VHS pencil case from 366th Day, and of all films, it's Mallrats. AMAZING. They have a great choice of different videos/pencil cases, but of all of them, Mallrats has to be my fave. It makes me all nostalgic (get stuffed blu-ray) and I think it's perfect.

Leather Satchel from The Leather Satchel Co.

Now for a more grown up item! This leather satchel is delicious, and the perfect accessory for any student (or just anyone...) The Leather Satchel Co have some really lovely bags on their Etsy store including some neon leather that I fell in love with.

Black Cat Tote Bag by Tshirt99

Right. I'm being totally serious when I say 'someone please buy me this, I will be eternally grateful'. Anyone who has been a student will know that one bag is never enough when you have to make a trip to the library and anyone who's studied art/art history will know that art book are always SO BIG (whyyy?! my poor back!) So in addition to a smart girl satchel, I will need a tote bag (or five) and THIS IS AMAZING. It looks like my cat Millie and it's a larger size, making room for those massive art books I'll be carrying. For real, someone please buy me this, I will be eternally grateful. The link's in the caption, you know what to do ;)

Ceramic Travel Mug by sewZinski

In preparation for those late nights of studying and early morning lectures (as well as my caffeine dependency) I'm on the hunt for a travel mug. Cuter than a thermos, but still capable of carrying my beloved coffee, I love these ceramic versions of take away cups. I've seen loads around recently, on the high street and online, but sewZinski's Etsy shop has a huge selection of adorable hand painted ceramics and they're up there with my favourites so far.

Hope you've enjoyed this, I'm off to have another celebratory cup of tea.

Bye for now!

xo

Handpicked Handmade

I'm an eternal cat woman, so thought I'd show you my favourite cat related items from etsy.
Having only recently become active on etsy, setting up my own shop, Ruby Valentine, with my custom made loveliness (shameless plug), I'm making up for lost time and have become etsy mad.

So - here are my kitty themed handpicked handmade items:

Kitty Pendant by I'm Your Present

I LOVE this ginger kitty pendant from I'm Your Present - it was hard to chose a favourite cat related item from their shop because there are so many and they are all AMAZING. I first heard of I'm Your Present when a friend got an incredible tshirt from them and have been lusting after their stuff ever since.

Cat Flask by Lady Rene

I'm not a big drinker but I'd definitely use this adorable cat flask from Lady Rene to smuggle Ribena into a bar. A flask this cute would  make a perfect gift, for a loved one, or just yourself - there is such a huge range of awesome designs, check out the store for more!

Cat Print Silk Scarf by Fever Few

Look at this scarf - just LOOK at it. It's one of the best scarves I've ever seen. Available from Fever Few, this printed silk scarf would look amazing tied up in your hair or on the wall - I'd probably frame it so everyone could see how awesome it was.

Sterling Silver Cat Necklace from Lunahoo

This super cute cat silhouette necklace is from Lunahoo and is handmade from sterling silver. It's so simple, you could wear it everyday and it's definitely on my 'to buy' list.

Cat Collar with Tie from Finger Story

There are no words to describe how brilliant this cat looks. LOOK HOW SMART HE IS. If you would like your kitty to look this handsome, check out Finger Story's shop - bowties, hats and, my personal favourite, the tuxedo collar, for all your cat's fashion needs.

Cat Eye Specs from Vintage Optical Shop

And finally, not strictly cat related, but cat eye specs. I'm on the hunt for a new pair of glasses and am definitely swaying towards some like these beauties from Vintage Optical Shop. I love the detailing and am a sucker for tortoise shell. Have a look at their online shop for their awesome range of vintage frames.

Hope my fellow cat lovers like my picks, get on etsy and start shopping!
xo