Happy Koninginnedag

Tomorrow is the Queen of the Netherlands Birthday, so to celebrate their national holiday of Koninginnedag I've decided to feature some of the talented Dutch artisans I love the work of. All of these people are happy to post their goods internationally so you can all check out their shops and help them celebrate their national holiday with a sale.

Holland is well know for being a country of bicycle riders and Picture Penelope had snapped this beautifully colourful picture of a bike leaned up against some very yummy looking wall art. Healthy transport and healthy food!

I guess the Queen of the Netherlands will live in a very grand home and will, in all probability, have a few mounted hunting trophies on her walls. Squirrellicious has created an animal loving friendly version of the hunting trophy. As a vegetarian this is the only way I would have a head on my wall.

If you are looking for beautiful lampwork beads and jewellery Oggi is the shop for you. I love lampwork beads. They have a depth to them that makes them very special. Being made of glass gives them a luminous quality that looks different in different lights.

Look me in the eye and tell me you don't think this is the cutest tissue holder you have ever seen. Swiedebie has lots of other cuties in her shop too. I picked this monster tissue case purely because I have a love of monsters and this monster if fantastic!

How could I pass this little kitty by without featuring her. She looks so like our cat, Weapon X, that it would have been a sin to ignore her beauty. Cat Tingles created this gorgeous needle felted cat and bead necklace.

So all you artisans in the Netherlands I hope you have a fabulous day filled with sunshine, birthday cake and dancing as if no one is watching.

Written by Lynne of PiratePixieCrew and Hyperloop Hoops

Snow business

As Christmas is approaching I’m really starting to feel wintry. It’s taken me a couple of months of cold and rain to finally embrace the season and get out my bobble hat. As there are limited posting days until Christmas I’ve chosen some wintry goodies to cheer you up in the new year.

This little gadget case looks so warm and cosy, if I was small enough I’d crawl inside and sleep. But then I’m having one of those days. The designer fabric is amazing – like little snow flakes. It’s lined with soft fleece, ready to keep your gadget all safe, and probably warmer than you. I think you’ll agree that thejunebride has achieved a winning combination of luxury and comfort.

I just adore this photo. It perfectly captures that sense of excitement that I always feel when it first starts to snow. This photo, taken by Jérémi Savoie in Quebec is definitely on my wish list for next year.

Am I allowed to have these fingerless gloves on my wish list too? Please. They look so soft and lovely. And ideal if I’m ever brave enough to sew outside on a cold day. Not very likely but a good enough excuse. They have been hand knitted, by Myfiberstudio from Devon, UK, then felted to make them even softer.

I found these four cute little badges on folksy, illustrated by Amy Blackwell. Perfect for brightening up a natty woollen jumper, however they are such a great set altogether it’d seem a shame to not wear them all together. I’m guessing that’s not fashionable, but what would I know.

Lastly here’s a gorgeous little necklace. I’m not much of a jewellery wearer, but occasionally I fall in love with a piece. Lisa Hopkins’ snowflake pendant is one of those pieces, simple yet amazingly pretty.

I don’t know about you but I’m really hoping that the rest of the winter is going to be cold and crisp. Preferably with snow – a fairly good helping of it. To finish here’s a snowman I made earlier… well, last winter in my garden. I think he’s rather smart, however I’ve already forgotten his name.

Article written by Rose P of FeltGiraffe