Manilla Made

Supermarket Sarah - Brie Harrison.

2011-02-27T17:08:00.003Z

I have come out of blog hiding to show you this my friends Brie has a shop with Supermarket Sarah!

Upcycled Desk.

2010-09-28T09:00:00.001+01:00

I love a bit of a recycling project and this one is no exception. Beautiful col and I love the wall of vintage wallpapers!

Image via recycle chic.

Midwinter and Jessie Tate

2010-09-27T09:00:00.000+01:00

If you love Midwinter Pottery as much as I do then you better head down to Bulthaup this week as they have an exhibition of Jessie Tates iconic Pottery.

...."Midwinter Modernist: the iconic designs of Jessie Tait will look back at the career of an iconic figure from post-war British design history who sadly passed away earlier this year. Working for Midwinter Pottery for over twenty five years, Jessie Tait created an extensive body of work that captured perfectly the mood and spirit of the times, bringing contemporary abstract design to the kitchens and dinner tables of people across Britain.

Today her work is highly sought after by collectors and is now represented in the collections of many institutions, including the Victoria and Albert museum. Designs such as Festival, Domino and Zambesi, with its distinctive black and white stripes, remain as popular today as they were in the 1950s, with rare pieces exchanging hands for high prices at antiques fairs and at auction. The exhibition will include examples of some of her most famous designs alongside rare one-off pieces and prototypes as well as archive material and original artwork, some of which has been very kindly made available by Jessie's family."

Vintage Vacations!

2010-09-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

Autumn is officially here and I still haven’t had a summer holiday!! What with work being so hectic and James being unemployed we just haven’t been able to get away. I found this fabulous cosy Vintage weekend retreat though that looks right up my street!

Check it out at Vintage Vacations.

Knitting Classes!

2010-09-21T09:00:00.000+01:00

Ever thought about taking up knitting? Learn in style with a class by Claire Montgomerie.

Lucienne Day for Heals

2010-09-20T09:00:00.000+01:00

A big week for design in the UK this week! Not only is it London Fashion week but it is also the London Design Festival. Be sure to pop down to Heals on Tottenham court road to snap up there iconic Lucienne Day 1950s revival prints and fabrics. Have a look here.

New Portfolio Website!

2010-09-19T15:26:00.000+01:00

I have just started working on my new portfolio website! Here is a snapshot though it is work in progress! Still loads more to add to it yet.

2010-08-09T16:20:00.001+01:00

Love these vintage items from emma loves retro!

MANILLA MADE Give Away Competition Winner!

2010-04-18T13:56:00.003+01:00

Supermarket Sarah

2010-04-14T08:49:00.000+01:00

This has to be the funnest and most original shop idea I have come across! Supermarket Sarah is an online shop with a difference where the owner decorates the walls of her home with exciting finds and original pieces! She also has a stall at Portobello Market and has just opened a "pop up shop" in the Selfridges concept store!

Make, Do and Mend - Coasters.

2010-04-13T09:00:00.000+01:00

Came across this fabulous tutorial for making your very own pretty coasters. They look so brilliant and such a great idea for presents. Defintaely on myu list of things to try!

Via prudent baby.

2010-04-11T11:42:00.002+01:00

It's not too late to bid on this lovely item in
my eBay shop.

MANILLA MADE Give Away Competition!

2010-04-09T09:00:00.000+01:00

Today's give-away is your chance to win x8 greetings cards.
They are hand made by me from recycled card and decorated using vintage and found fabrics and papers. You will win exact cards shown in pictures below.

For your chance to win please comment on this post leaving your name and email address and answering the following question:

***Does a products "eco credentials" effect your decision when purchasing?***

Closing date is Saturday 17th April 2010 at 12:00pm GMT.
The winner will be picked at random and announched on Monday 19th April.

papernstitch

2010-04-07T09:00:00.001+01:00

Papernstitch is an online exhibition space that was created to promote talented artists, designers, and makers selling handmade goods with direct links to their shops.
Check out these great recycled, handmade items!

Recycled Birds.

Recycled notebooks.

Recycled Tissue Flowers.

Recycled Herb Garden.

2010-04-06T09:00:00.001+01:00

Display your herbs with style!!

What a novel way to recycle your old jumpers, or any old fabric for that matter!

Recycled Herb Garden Project from craft stylish.

My Vintage eBay!

2010-04-05T17:42:00.004+01:00

Be sure to check out my new Vintage items - just listed on eBay ....

And check back soon as I will be adding these lovely items over the next few days....

Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T09:00:00.002+01:00

I hope everyone has a lovely Easter! I am taking a few days off so will be back next Tuesday...Enjoy!

Recycled Bunny by Ellie Bond available from the io gallery in Brighton.

Modern Patchwork

2010-04-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

Patchwork doesn't always have to be about quilts and cushions! I love the way these designers have taken a modern look at patched fabrics.

Beautiful drawers from squint.
Fun chair from bokja design.
Patchwork dress from evie green pixie’s flickr photos.

Lovely Clusters.

2010-03-31T09:00:00.001+01:00

I was so excited when I found the lovely clusters website! So many beautiful things and all organised in neat little squares by colour....bliss!!!

Made, Do and Mend - Pretty Painted Eggs!

2010-03-30T09:00:00.001+01:00

Did you ever paint eggs around Easter time when you a child? I did but they never looked like these!! I was really inspired by this painted Ukrainian eggs tutorial from design*sponge.

Vintage Find - Wooden Donkey Vintage

2010-03-29T11:58:00.002+01:00

I LOVE these quirky, London themed vintage finds from vintage shop Wooden Donkey!

Vintage Find

2010-03-22T14:06:00.003Z

Love this from etsy shop hello victory!

Off to Suffolk for the Weekend.

2010-03-19T09:00:00.000Z

Off to Suffolk for the weekend to visit friends and family. Here's some photo's of my parents smallholding that I took last time I visited.

Looking forward to some country air :0)
Enjoy your weekends.
x

My Favourites from the A/W 2010 Catwalks.

2010-03-18T09:00:00.000Z

My favourite collection from the A/W 2010 catwalks. I love Kenzo's use of mix and match vintage inspired florals.

Also the amazing collection from the late Alexander McQueen, he truly was a genius....so sad :0(

Images via Style.com

Make, Do and Mend - Card Tutorial.

2010-03-16T09:00:00.000Z

Love this card tutorial from Whisical Wendy!

Check out more tutorials on her blog here
or on you tube ;0)

Vintage Find

2010-03-15T09:00:00.000Z

Love this Vintage Fabric Panel from vintage shop pineapple ice bucket.

It would look nice on my wall above my cocktail cabinet!!

It's the Weekend!

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000Z

This weekend I will mostly be…..
Buying this beautiful print for my bedroom art wall, fromBold and Noble.

What will you be up to?

Inspiration..Art Wall

2010-03-11T09:00:00.001Z

This weekend I finally had a chance to put up some pictures. This is the start of my Art Wall in the bedroom. Am going to add to it slowly :0)
I would love it to look like these one day....

Images via:
lushlee
ninainvorm
l.duranceau's flickr photostream

Shops and Shopping - Not on the High Street and Anja Jane

2010-03-10T09:00:00.002Z

This weeks Shops and Shopping post comes from a talented friend of a friend!! and her newly launched Anja Jane label available from Not on the Highstreet.

I love the printed scalf and cards!

Make, Do, Mend Blog!

2010-03-09T09:00:00.000Z

Came across this lovely blog Make, Do, Mend. Featuring fabulous knitting and crochet classes in London :0)

Vintage Find - Figgjo Ceramics.

2010-03-08T09:00:00.001Z

I Love these Figgjo Ceramics.
Images via bloesem and Flickr

Something for the Weekend - Alice in Wonderland!

2010-03-05T09:00:00.000Z

Would LOVE to go and see Tim Burton's new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. It's one of my favourite stories.

Have a look at these Alice in Wonderland inspired finds from star in the east. Fun!

Ethical Trend - Denim.

2010-03-04T09:00:00.000Z

Denim was a big trend on the Spring Summer 10 catwalks. Here's my pick of the best Ethical Denim out there!

Clockwise from left:
Ralph Lauren SS10 Collection. Image via Style.com
Recycled Denim Cushion from Laura Cifford
Organic denim Jeans from Howies
Recycled Denim Bag from Pouch

Give-away Winner!

2010-03-03T09:01:00.008Z

Thanks so much to everyone that entered our fabulous give-away.

The names were printed, cut up, folded and finally picked....

And Congratulations goes to....L'observateur. You are the winner!!! Please email me your details so we can post it out to you.

Thanks again to Kate from Only Fair for donating the beautiful prize.

Shops and Shopping - Sarah Smith

2010-03-03T09:00:00.000Z

There is no excuse not to buy fairtrade when it looks like this!

Towels and bag from sarah Smith.

Make, Do and Mend - Amazing Photo Real Quilt!

2010-03-02T09:00:00.003Z

Look what my VERY clever mother-in-law made!

And it won judges choice at the Dubai International Quilt Show!

And this was the inspiration....a photo I took whilst on holiday in Jordan. You can see more photo's I posted way back here.

Talking of quilts if you are in the UK be sure to check out the Quilts Exhibition at the V&A at the end of this month.

Quilts: 1700 - 2010
Supported by the Friends of the V&A
A MAJOR EXHIBITION
20 March - 4 July 2010

Vintage Find

2010-03-01T09:00:00.001Z

Love these vintage hair pins from etsy shop oh hello friend.

Something for the Weekend

2010-02-26T09:00:00.006Z

This weekend make sure you:

Enter my giveaway here.
Check out the Farnham Maltings Knitting Festival.
Find a BIG BREW fairtrade tea event near you.

Have a good one :0)

Image via the bunny and the bird.

Ethical Trend - Graphic T-Shirts

2010-02-25T09:00:00.000Z

I LOVE these Fairtrade Graphic T-shirts from Monsoon.

UPDATED! - Shops and Shopping - Only Fair Giveaway

2010-02-24T09:00:00.008Z

I am very excited today as I have teamed up with Kate from the fabulous online Fairtrade Shop Only Fair to offer you this great giveaway.

Kate has generously offered this fabulous necklace as a prize to one lucky reader.

This fairtrade necklace is handmade by artisans in India by TARA Projects -
(Trade Alternative Reform Action) Founded in 1973 to help poorly organised and struggling artisans in Delhi, find markets for their goods. By creating opportunities for these home-based craftsmen market and selling their goods, TARA projects helps to generate steady work and income. Based on the early success of this program, they have been able to expand to a 120-mile area surrounding Delhi.

TARA projects fund non-formal and vocational schools as well as literacy centres for adults and constantly campaigning and educating people about fair trade. Their goal is to end injustice and manipulation in the world mass trade system. They are actively involved in anti-child labour campaigns and host events to discuss their responsibilities with their staff and producers, to help improve their local communities. On World Environment Day they also host meetings to inform their staff and producers about the importance of developing strategies to use natural resources.

All you have to do to enter is post a comment about absolutely anything below on either of my "only fair" posts from today.

Wouldn't it make a great gift for Mothers Day?? If you comment now you may stand a very high chance of winning!!!!

You have until Tuesday 2nd March at 9:00pm GMT and I will be announcing the randomly selected winner the next day so good luck :0)

I am afraid that this giveaway is only open to those in the UK.
When you enter you will be agreeing to receive updates by email from Only fair.

2010-02-24T08:59:00.004Z

Inspired by "My Favourite Things" in Elle Decoration, I asked Kate from Only Fair what her favourite things were....

*Favourite Colour: Currently blues
*Favourite Possession: My laptop. I know - I should have picked something with sentimental value but I use it everyday for the business and as I’m an average of 3 ½ hours drive from family and friends, its great for helping me keep in touch with them.
*Favourite Candle: My homemade/handmade soya candles fragranced with fresh linen – yum!
*Favourite Perfume: Chance by Chanel
*Favourite Restaurant: Pizza Express
*Favourite City: Its a close call between Ely and Norwich, both have a great choice of charity shops to mooch in
*Favourite Book: I’m a bit of a bookworm so I couldn’t narrow it down but I recently read The Gargoyle, which I loved
*Favourite Film: I’m not a massive film fan I’m afraid. I would much rather be sat at my sewing machine making something!
*Favourite Thing to Collect: Since we started keeping chickens, I seem to be drawn to anything chicken or bird inspired – mugs, ornaments, prints ..... anything that catches my eye! Charity shops are great for this!

Thanks kate :0)

Make, Do and Mend - Fairtrade.

2010-02-23T09:00:00.000Z

Love these feltworks kits from John Lewis.

Fairtrade Fortnight.

2010-02-22T09:00:00.003Z

Today marks the first day of FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT so I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you all my favourite fair-trade things :0)

It’s so easy to buy Fairtrade these days and The Fairtrade Foundation are encorouging everyone to swap something they buy for a fair-trade item. Do you buy anything fair-trade? Coffee, bananas, tea, sugar…and those are just the basics. There is so much to try.
Check out the Fairtrade website here for info on all the fair-trade brands you can buy and how to register your swaps.

I do buy quite a lot of fairtrade groceries but I have yet to convince my BF to swap to fair-trade tea. (he is the primary tea drinker in the house and seems to get the final say) but I think I will have to persuade him otherwise as I am loving the look of these fair-trade tea’s from Clipper. Yes I know I am sold by the packaging but I bet the tea tastes good too!!

Something for the Weekend - Great Give-away!

2010-02-19T09:00:00.002Z

Today's Something for the weekend comes from Laura at the fabulous madness of mundanity blog and her great give away"

I don't know about you but I love the idea of winning that camera :0)

So here is my entry....

I always: find pleasure and inspiration in the simplist of things!
I sometimes: drink too much wine and get a little loud and opinionated!
I never: want to stop creating!

Also I just wanted to highlight this fabulous etsy shop craft hope raising money for Haiti, from donated craft goods!

Ethical Trend - Acorns!

2010-02-18T09:00:00.002Z

Wrapping paper from seed prints and Organic lavender sachets from jewelweeds.

Shops and Shopping - Just Manilla Etsy Shop

2010-02-17T09:00:00.000Z

First Shops and Shopping post of the series and I am sorry to say, its a totally shameless plug!!

Check out my etsy shop here.

Make, Do and Mend - Cute Cross Stitch!

2010-02-16T09:00:00.000Z

I have always been a fan of cross stitch and tapestry and was very keen on it when I was younger. I am pleased that it seems to have made a bit of a revival lately.

I especially LOVE these cute french cross-stitch books from etsy shop petits details.

Vintage Find - Vintage Postcard.

2010-02-15T09:00:00.001Z

Love this 1970's Postcard by Bulgarian Illustrator Mana Parpulova. From Vintage Postcard store Ruby Lane.

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No10.

2010-02-12T09:00:00.005Z

* No 10. * Find more time to devote to blogging, crafting and designing for my own projects!

I don't think I will go quite as far as writing a resignation letter quite like this, but it made me smile!

I hope you have enjoyed my 10 things series as much I have have ;0) Starting next week I have a new format - if you have any great craft projects/ shop finds or anything you think I should mention please email me using the link to the right.

Mondays – Vintage Find

Tuesdays – Make do and Mend

Wednesdays – Shops and Shopping

Thursdays – Ethical Trends

Fridays – Something for the Weekend

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for all your lovely comments ;0)

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No9.

2010-02-11T09:00:00.001Z

* No 9. * Help and support my wonderful BF while he searches for a new job!

It has been a real struggle this one but I am determined to remain positive even when the outlook is bleak! It is so hard in the UK at the moment and probably all over the world but for those that do want to work it is proving very difficult :0(
I am keeping everything crossed that something will come up soon.

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No8.

2010-02-10T09:00:00.002Z

* No 8. * Re-learn how to knit!

To help me along the way I might just head down to the knitting festival in Surrey this month. "Un-ravel" is on from 26th-27th February at Farnham Maltings

"unravel 2010 will be bigger than ever, with a wider variety of stands, giving everyone a chance to see, hear, share and wonder at all things woollen. Activities will include a marketplace, talks, demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions and a knitting surgery.

There will be opportunities for both experienced knitters and beginners to take part in the interaction room, with demonstrations and handy hints and tips by experts from the best of the South East’s societies, including the West Surrey Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, the Surrey Knitting & Crochet Group and the Guild of Machine knitters.

Knitwear designer and teacher Fiona Morris will host a knitting surgery, where she will provide help with patterns and stalled projects and techniques."

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No7.

2010-02-09T09:00:00.000Z

* No 7. * Go on Holiday somewhere exciting (and hot!)

For example....

Thailand for it's beach's.

India for it's Markets and Bazaars.

and Tokyo for it's shops especially this one. Ito-ya which has 8 floors of stationary!! Wow I can only dream, of such a place!!

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No6.

2010-02-08T09:00:00.001Z

* No 6. * Finish my Portfolio and Portfolio Website. I have been working on some designs have a look...

(All designs copyright of Helen Cuthbert)

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No5.

2010-02-05T09:00:00.001Z

* No 5. * Buy some art for my walls. I have been looking at these;

Slate Junco by Mati Rose.
Wandering by Danna Ray.
Love by Jennifer Ramos.
Lumi Print (wearing a dress made from one of my favourite vintage prints!) by Le Train Fantome.
Girl Hula.

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No4.

2010-02-04T09:00:00.000Z

* No 4. * Make some more cards and sell them in a local shop/ etsy etc

I would like to make some cards like these and more!

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No3.

2010-02-03T09:00:00.002Z

* No 3. * Paint my chest of drawers.

My chest of drawers is looking tired and needs a nice coat of paint but with so many colours to choose from where do I start!!

However...I love this turquoise colour from eco paint specialists ieko.

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No2.

2010-02-02T09:00:00.003Z

* No. 2 * Make some cushion covers for my chair!

I bought this chair on eBay not too long ago and would love to find some fabric so I can make so new cushions covers for it. I like these but which is your favourite?

1. Cath Kidston 2. Ink and Spindle 3. Sanderson 4. St Judes 5. Marimekko

10 Things I would like to do in 2010! No1.

2010-02-01T09:00:00.001Z

Instead of making New Years resolutions this year I thought I would think about all of the things I would like to do before this year if up!
I suppose I had better hurry up though as January seems to have passed me by without a second glance!!
Where does the time go?

10 Things I would like to do in 2010!
* No 1. * Take a trip to romantic Paris with my BF for pleasure and not for work.

Look at me dreaming of happy places and happy times! I have been to Paris on numerous occasions but can you believe I have yet to visit the Eiffel Tower! Tragic!
This iconic structure is a bit of a design trend at the moment. I didn't have any trouble in finding these gorgeous examples;

1. Charm Necklace from etsy shop Sietecamelias.
2. Vintage Charms from eBay shop The Crafty Little Bead Shop.
3. Image from the home of Lenneke Kooijman from lennebelle. Via
bloesem.
4. Paris print from etsy shop is photography.
5. Lamp from Urban Outfitters.

When I do go I will be sure to take a copy of this post about some fabulous shops well worth a visit!

Making Cupcakes!

2010-01-31T14:12:00.000Z

Yum!

Vintage Sewing Patterns on eBay

2010-01-30T19:32:00.003Z

Check out ebay as I have a few Vintage sewing patterns for sale here.

January Sales

2010-01-14T09:00:00.004Z

The January sales are in full swing. Here are my pick of the best buys from my favorite eco shops;

"Home" Tealight holders from Boutiko.

Clipper Organic White Tea from Natural Collection.

Recycled Felt Birds from Branch Home.

2010-01-13T13:36:00.003Z

More snow today! = more delays on the train
= 3.5hours to get to the office = cross Helen!

Love these ice lanterns via design*sponge.

New Year's Resolutions Revisted!

2010-01-13T09:00:00.004Z

January – I can’t believe how quickly it has come around again! Where did the year go?
Inspired by tea for joy’s "style resolutions revisited" posts. I thought I would revisit the new years resolutions I made for 2009.

My 2009 Resolutions were;

1.To make more time and keep in contact with friends and loved ones, near and far.

I think I managed to achieve this one at least! I was a dutiful daughter and sister and made an effort to travel to Suffolk to visit! We visited the inlaws in Kuwait! I organised a small high school reunion with girlfriends. I even set up The Do Something Different Club! So far we have watched a Brazilian dance show, swam in a Lido and painted ceramics! Next meeting is planned for the end of this month - Looking forward to that - It’s an adult only evening at the Science Museum in London.

2. To stop being so hard on myself for not getting things done.
3. To get things done!

This was true of the first half of the year as I seemed to be quite productive but the only thing I have managed to do for the whole of November and December is get stressed and upset about my day job – not so good. I think this years resolution should be to do something about that don’t you!

4. To make at least a small start on all the ideas for a small business buzzing around in my head!

There have been a few small starts this year. None of them actually amounting to a whole business – but I am getting there. Wish I could tell you all about it but I don’t want to speak to soon about things ;0)

5. To boycott the high street as much as possible and buy independent and second hand.

This was always going to be a hard one but I did manage to boycott the highstreet in a sense that I didn’t buy very much at all last year!! Our
biggest purchase was the wood for the office/craft room that BF built.
( I promise I will post some pics of this and the rest of the flat soon. I am waiting for a sunny Saturday so that the photos don’t look too dark.)

6. To not spend on my recently cleared credit cards!

Oops! Say no more!

Oh dear I didn't do brilliantly did I!

My only resolution this year is to make myself happy that way I have lot's to look forward to in 2010!

"My Stuff" Interview - A Diary of Lovely.

2010-01-12T09:00:00.000Z

Whoops! I am a bit late with this post - the lovely Helena over at a diary of lovely blog has featured an interview with little ole me!

Check out the first in a series of "my stuff" interviews that Helena has put together. The rest of her blog is lovely too. :0)

Happiness

2010-01-11T14:00:00.000Z

If like me you are suffering from a touch of the January Blues, then what better way to pick yourself up than to dream about all of the things in life that make you Happy!

Inspired by Outside Oslo’s post - “What make’s you Happy?” (read it here.) I have compiled a list of my own. Well you know how much I love a list!

These things make me oh so happy!

* Rummaging through other peoples junk at a carboot sale, charity shop or secondhand shop and finding a treasure!
* Snow! Because snow makes everything beautiful and clean. I love the colour of the sky when it snows in the dark – how it reflects all of the streetlights and makes everything orange. I love the sound snow makes when you walk on it. I love the way snow seems to make everything go quiet. I love putting on 6 layers just to leave the house. I love wearing wellington boots and I love making snowmen!
* Scouring the internet for beautiful, pretty, rainbow coloured things that other people have lovingly made.
* Peanut Butter! Yum!
* Organising and re-organising my growing collection of fabrics, trims, buttons and crafty supplies! I do find myself organising more than making! Oh well it makes me happy!
* Getting stuck into a good book. Next one on my list is Audrey Niffenegger's (author of "The Time Travllers Wife") new book - "Her Fearful Symmetry".

"This is Happiness" Giclée Print from etsy shop Love Sugar.

Would love to hear yours :0) Happy Monday x

Keeping warm in style!

2010-01-08T16:55:00.000Z

Warm yourself in the knowledge that there are always stylish solutions to keeping out the cold!

Love these gorgeous blankets from Danish company ladak.
(Handmade from recycled materials with 15% of profits going to a homeless charity)

It's feels like Winter out there!!

2010-01-07T21:09:00.004Z

Love these wintery scenes from London based ceramic artist Helen Beard.

Feeling the Cold?

2010-01-06T20:51:00.003Z

We have beautiful, sparkly white, deep snow here :0) Trains still running though so no chance of a day off work :0(

“Cold” by Jennifer Davis

And the winner is....

2009-11-27T13:55:00.002Z

According to Jane. Congratulations to you! A voucher will be winging it's way to you soon.

Eco Design Fair

2009-11-25T17:00:00.000Z

It's the Eco Design Christmas Fair this weekend! If you are in the area why not pop in?

• Sat 28th & Sun 29th November 2009
• Shop 14
Dray Walk
The Old Truman Brewery
London E1 6QL
Aldgate East/Liverpool Street Tube

And so Relax!

2009-11-24T19:26:00.006Z

I am so sorry for neglecting to post so far this week. I have been ultra busy at work and it is getting very stressful. I wish I could give it all up and concentrate on my own projects! But then there are bills to pay, and with my significant other out of work :0(

Anyway....

My head is full of dreams of relaxing and what better way then cosying up in some nice new bedsheets! I have just fell in love with these organic ones from plover organic. Found via bliss tree.com

P.S - Oh and don't forget to post a comment on my the giveaway below - you have until Thursday xxx

200th POST and Boutiko Giveaway!!!

2009-11-19T10:00:00.006Z

I am so excited! Today is my 200th post on Manilla Made and I am so happy ;0)
Thank you so much to everyone that visits and especially those who leave comments. It is always so nice to hear from you lovely people.

To celebrate I have teamed up with Tara at the beautifully ethical online shop boutiko. We are offering one lucky reader a £5 gift voucher to spend in her shop. (Perfect just before Christmas!) Just leave a comment on this post with your email address and a short note about you favourite item from the shop. Entrants will be drawn at random on Thursday 26th November and announced the following day so stay tuned!

I have picked out my favourites for a Christmas wish list below!

1. Hand-knitted hotwater bottle.
2. Recycled leather address books.
3. Handmade earrings.
4. Natural soy wax candles
5. Handmade bracelet
6. Recycled paper notebook
7. Handmade soap
8. Framed chair print

Not only that but Tara is also offering 10% discount to all Manillamade readers for a period of two weeks starting from today! Just enter discount code MM09 at the checkout and get shopping! Check out Boutiko here.

If that wasn't enough!!! Tara has also kindly answered a quick questionnaire for us so hope it inspires you!

1. Tell us about your website…
Boutiko has been up and running for two years now, although I recently had the website revamped so it's now a lot easier to use. It has always been about ethically produced gifts, but with the revamp I decided to focus solely on ethically produced gifts and accessories for woman and home. I look for items that are recycled, handmade, organic, sustainable, locally produced or fair trade, or as many of these as possible!

2. What inspired you to set up your own online eco boutique?
I did some travelling after leaving my previous job in teaching, and was inspired by the beautiful handcrafts in countries like Guatemala, and the incredible weaving and sewing skills of the people there. I felt that I would like to make those products accessible at home and therefore also helping to support these craftspeople, so when I got home I looked into starting up the website. I spent about nine months researching and writing a business plan, and found that there were more companies than I realised based in the UK but importing fair trade, handmade goods from countries all over the world so it was easier to buy wholesale than I'd thought. More recently I have also started supporting craftspeople closer to home; I aim to have a good mix of ethical products from here in the UK and abroad.

3. What is your favourite item in your shop?
Oh that's a tricky one! Of course because I choose all the stock myself I love it all! But I do have a particular soft spot for Sarah Hough's recycled stationery, because it ticks all the boxes and looks fantastic right down to the packaging, and I also love the Oneless bags, made from vintage and recycled saris by disadvantaged women both here and in India. I use mine every single day and it's pretty AND indispensable!

4. Tell us a few random facts about you...
I love art and paint at every available opportunity.
I am fascinated by all things esoteric and have trained to Level 2 in Reiki.
I love to travel; I actually set up Boutiko with a view to travelling to source products - so far it hasn't worked out quite as planned but the travel bug is still there!
I lived in London my whole life until last year, but now I live by the sea.
My favourite colour is aquamarine!

5. Name one thing that you own that you could not live without?
Very boring but my laptop! Without it I wouldn't be able to run my business, and I find the internet an incredible resource for all sorts of things, from new products and new music, to interesting blogs and new friends!

(Small print - upon entering this giveaway you will be added to the Boutiko mailing list if you do not wish to receive updates on then you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Printable Mibo Calender.

2009-11-18T11:00:00.003Z

It's that time of year again when all of the Calenders start to come onto the shelves. My favourite has to be this one from UK based company mibo studio. It's sold as a downloadable file for you to print at your leisure! For that extra twist why not print it onto recycled card. It would make the perfect Christmas gift.

Also available from mibo studios. are these adorable Christmas Creatures. Available as a downloadable make and do pack!! As seen in this month's Elle Decoration magazine.

P.S Just to let you know that tomorrow will mark my 200th post!! Not a huge milestone I know but one worth celebrating! I will be running a fabulous competition so please come back tomorrow to check it out ;0)

Shop Jill.

2009-11-17T11:38:00.001Z

Love these suede printed purses from shop jill. Handmade in the UK.

Uncommonly Beautiful.

2009-11-16T13:50:00.001Z

Funky recycled accessories from uncommonly beautiful. Check out their online shop here!

A little bazaar!

2009-11-13T10:00:00.000Z

I picked up a cute looking flyer on Sunday for a little bazaar. ( Love the name! ) A mini market with stalls of vintage, jumble, crafts, jewellery, records and cakes! What more could you want! It is on every Saturday in November at Keston Lodge in Islington. Click here for more details.

Sunday Upmarket and Rosie Wonders.

2009-11-12T10:00:00.001Z

Another stallholder at The Sunday Upmarket
was rosie wonders. All handmade in the UK - I love the greetings cards and jewellery. Such fun :0)

Spitalfields and Custom Made.

2009-11-11T10:00:00.000Z

On Sunday we took a trip to Spitalfields Market in East London. I hadn’t visited properly since the re-development and was a little disappointed! It didn’t seem as dynamic as before. Then we found the Sunday UpMarket located in The Old Truman Brewery. I had read all about it but had never been. It was great! Just like how Spitalfields used to be! It was packed full of independent designer makers and felt a bit more edgy and fashionable than it’s older neighbour! Not only that but there is also the backyard market to look round, all the stalls on Brick Lane AND all the gorgeous shops on Cheshire Street that I blogged about before here.
I also bumped in to Anna from Custom Made. Such a beautiful stall with such lovely things!

Dottie Angel!

2009-11-10T10:00:00.001Z

Beautiful things from Dottie Angel’s Esty shop. Have a look here.

House Envy!

2009-11-09T08:28:00.005Z

I am glad that there were things buzzing in my head and keeping me awake early yesterday morning!! I did what I always do in these situations....browse the infinite world of the wide web! And oh my! I am so glad I did! I found ...
a) the most beautiful blog in the world and
b) the most beautiful house in the world!

All belonging to one girl - dottie angel.
I might even think about taking up the challenge too!

Photo's from neet magazine
Found via jorjah-b

2009-11-08T10:00:00.001Z

Why is it that I always regret not buying something if it suddenly becomes unavailable to buy!! Take for example this gorgeous rug from IKEA - why didn't I buy it when I saw it? Now I can't find it anywhere!

I am also annoyed with myself for not buying this great sewing spool rack when I saw it on ebay.

I am just going to go with my heart in future and buy what I love...then I won't be dissapointed I missed out. I might not have any money ever but at least I will be happy!!! :0)

Folksy Favs!

2009-11-07T14:15:00.002Z

Apologies for the absence this week. I have not had much chance to get to a computer! So here's what I was supposed to have posted ...all my top finds from Folksy all in one go!

Cool beads from glitterysah.

2009-11-07T14:14:00.000Z

Chicken paperwright from junky chicken

2009-11-07T14:13:00.000Z

Cute peg-bags from wonky giraffe

2009-11-07T14:12:00.000Z

Cards from design rocks

Best of Folksy!

2009-11-03T15:38:00.002Z

I thought this week I would bring you some great finds from fab crafty website Folksy.

I like these cards from Caroline Saul. Made from recycled plastic, you can buy them here.

Folksy - Upcycle Christmas Competition.

2009-11-02T16:07:00.003Z

Folksy, the Uk's answer to Etsy is running a competition to Upcycle Christmas!
In conjunction with Sue Ryder Care they are asking people to take five items of second hand / charity stuff and make it into something ‘new’ and desirable to be sold at an online auction starting on the 7th December.
The entries are being judged by some big names including Wayne Hemmingway and Antoni and Alison. The winners get to to showcase their portfolio in the Sue Ryder Care Camden store in a specially constructed Folksy set!
Sounds like a great opportunity for all those budding upcyclers out there!!
Find out more here.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T17:10:00.001Z

Upcycled bag from etsy shop get ready set go.

Ethical Inspiration....Blue!

2009-10-30T10:00:00.001Z

1. Lucie Summers 2. Lisa Stickley 3. oh so good 4. mokimoe available from ecocentric 5. asking for trouble

Ethical Inspiration....Green!

2009-10-29T10:00:00.002Z

1. bird textile 2. present and correct 3. peony paperie 4. Donna Wilson 5. eastern sky

Ethical Inspiration....Yellow!

2009-10-28T10:00:00.001Z

1.Elizabeth Cook 2. Alison Campbell available at Blueberry Park 3. eBay 4. hazel and hunter upholstery 5. good on paper

Ethical Inspiration....Orange!

2009-10-27T10:00:00.001Z

1. Clare Nicolson 2. Bea's Beastlies 3. BTClements 4. Mod Green Pod 5. Ashley Watson

Ethical Inspiration....Red!

2009-10-26T10:00:00.002Z

1. Quite Contrary 2. Mr PS 3.Matt Pugh 4. Envirosax 5. Poppy Treffry

2009-10-25T10:00:00.001Z

Starting tomorrow I will be posting every colour in the Rainbow!!

Just like these yummy badges from Suzy Jack.

2009-10-23T10:00:00.001+01:00

If I was to ever get married!! hehe! Then I would like it to look like this. ;0)
via tea for joy.

Ethical Stationary...Lollipop.

2009-10-22T18:33:00.003+01:00

Oh my gosh! How beautiful are these home accessory and stationary items. Designed and made in the UK by Lollipop - an environmentally conscious stationery designer.
Via snowhome.

2009-10-21T10:00:00.001+01:00

Love these labels from fellow blogger Lynne's new fab shop papermash.

I Love....Jielde Desk Lamps!

2009-10-20T10:00:00.001+01:00

Now that i have got my new office and craft room (pictures to come!), I have got my eye on one of these Jielde Desk Lamps available from Caravan.

Ethical Designers...Maxine Sutton

2009-10-19T10:00:00.001+01:00

Printed teacosies and lavender hearts all lovingly handmade from mixture of natural fabrics and found/recycled/vintage materials from Maxine sutton.

Online Shop....Pale and Interesting.

2009-10-18T17:36:00.004+01:00

Love online shop Pale and Interesting. Great for a mix of old and new. They even have a lookbook with beautiful room sets too.