Feed the Birds

I was reminded at the weekend - by my Grandmother - that it is that time of year when the birds really need feeding. After all what else are Grandmothers for, if not to remind of things you would otherwise forget! Outside our front window is the ideal spot for feeding the birds, as they are then close enough for the girls to watch. However, I was not really inspired by the choice of bird feeders at the pet shop. I am sure that the birds don't care, but a bird feeder makes a great gift for a gardener or wildlife spotter, and it is nice to combine function and style.

One of my favourites is this stylish bird feeder made from semi-porcelain clay. Made by JML Pottery and avilable from Folksy it would look good in any garden, whether cottage style or modern.

 

 

Also from Folksy is this recycled bottle bird feeder, made by Mark and Helen at Green Bird Creations. You can also buy homes for beneficial insects, toad houses and bird boxes, to turn any garden into a wildlife haven.

These handblown glass bird feeders from the Eva Solo brand make a feature of any bird seed. Available from Snow Home they can be hung from a tree or stand.

 

If the person you are buying for is short of garden space then these recycled eco-friendly window mounted bird feeders from Hen and Hammock are ideal. They simply attach to the window using the four sucker pads and can be filled with seeds or scraps.

To hang these fantastic bird feeders from you don't have to resort to the standard metal stand, why not splash out and get one of these fab solid wood branch bird feeder stands. They look elegant and will hold a range of feeders. Available from Ecocentric, who also stock a range of bird feeders and boxes.

Teapots for the perfect cuppa

I was thinking about this months competition to win a fab Snapdragon tea cosie thanks to From The Wilde. This made me realise that the winner will need a great teapot to put underneath their fantastic tea cosie. So I have searched the web for stylish and unique teapots that will provide you with great cuppas day after day.

Imagine Pottery is based near Warminster and makes a great range of earthenware pottery items, including this lovely teapot. Each piece is handcrafted and then glazed in either blue, cream or green.

I love the clean lines and stylish design of this teapot by Helen Harrison of Kilnworks. You can purchase either a 2 or 4 cup pot and if you like the design there are other beautiful designed items of tableware to sit alongside it.

If you are looking for something more unusual then how about the Familia teapot? Designed by Ole Jensen for Normann Copenhagen and available in the UK from Bodie and Fou this teapot is sure to catch the eye and be a talking point for any afternoon tea.

The retro feel of this PomPom teapot by Hannah Turner is fantastic. It is perfect for using everyday, but without being just another teapot. Hannah also has a range of cats, owls, birds ceramics and as well as other beautiful tableware.

If you would like a teapot with a retro design then this vintage Art Deco teapot from Sable and Co would be ideal. A stylish addition to your tea table.

So treat yourself to a new teapot and enjoy your afternoon cuppa in style.

Cufflinks with style

I realised the other day that my blog was becoming very female orientated, and that I haven't yet given much thought to the presents that men would like to receive. Then on Twitter someone was asking for anywhere that they could buy some unique cufflinks, so what better place to start.

Of course there are many cufflink styles and designs available, but I have tried to select those that are handmade and therefore not something you will find on the high street, to add a little extra style to those business shirts.

Funky Fused Glass have a fantastic range of cufflinks that look a little like sweets in a shop, you can even order a tie clip to match. In a wide range of colours and designs there is something to suit every taste. I particularly like the ones shown as they remind me of Dolly Mixtures.

In her Deptford studio Allison Wiffen creates these stunning ceramic cufflinks ranging from iconic London landmarks to graffiti and retro patterns. Allison also makes earrings, clocks, pendants and brooches all from the purest earthernware clay.

Working on sheet silver and copper with gold for detailing Becky Crow creates beautiful contemporary jewellery. These Two Tree cufflinks from her Copper Forest range are just lovely and would enhance any shirt.

On Folksy I found Off The Cuff who have a range of cufflinks from humorous through to the ones shown that are made from upcycled watch movements. You can also commission your own design from any photo or design that you choose, making the present truly unique.

Made from old typewriter keys these cufflinks from Sarah Rhodes Jewellery are that little bit different from the scrabble letter cufflinks that seem to be appearing everywhere. As well as punctuation marks you can also get letters to form initials.

So instead of just opting for a pair of high street cufflinks search out something different.

Delicious Chocolate for Chocolate Week

So I started the week with wool, but I thought I would wait until Friday to do my Chocolate Week related blog. After all who doesn't need some chocolate by Friday afternoon. There are events all over the country to celebrate chocolate week, including chocolate spa treatments at the Elms Hotel in Worcestershire and a chocoholics afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel in London.

If someone you know loves chocolate why not treat them to their own chocolate making kit? Put together by Trish Deseine and available from Chocolate by Trish, the kit contains all you need to get started with creating your own delicious chocolates.

Alternatively, if you don't think that making their own chocolates would appeal why not treat them to a chocolate tasting evening. Run by Artisan du Chocolate the tutored tasting session lasts for two hours, where you are able to taste a wide range of products from brownies to chocolate cocktails.

I love this chocolate stilletto shoe by the Monk Bar Chocolatiers. The shoes come in a variety of designs, you can even buy a gift hamper that contains a pair of small and a pair of large stillettos. What a great gift for shoe and chocolate lover.

At Lick The Spoon they take chocolate to a whole new level and create many delicious sounding treats. I would love to try this Strawberries and Cream chocolate slab. Lick The Spoon also make wedding favours, bespoke chocolate gifts, cakes and easter eggs. Just looking at their website makes me hungry.

At the Chocolate Cafe in Manchester you could treat someone to a chocolate pizza, with a choice of toppings or a fantastic chocolate hamper. The hampers are made up to suit the gift recipients tastes and so different everytime.

So don't wait until Christmas and Easter, chocolate is a great gift at anytime of the year.

Eco-friendly shopping bags

How many times have you left the house to go shopping only to realise that you have left behind your bags for life? If you are anything like me you will have probably lost count. So I decided that the way to make me remember my eco-friendly shopping bags was to find ones that I wouldn't want to leave behind. Buying these bags as gifts is not only good for the planet, but they will be appreciated for their stunning designs.

This birdsong bag from Lush Designs is exactly the sort of bag I was searching for. Made of strong canvas it will hold all that shopping as well as standing out from the crowd with its fantastic design. Lush Designs are based in their studio in Deptford and create a range of fabulous designs on lampshades, aprons, cushions and many other household items.

The Vintage Fabric Market is a family owned business near Cambridge and they source vintage finds and sell them on or use the fabric to create beautiful new items such as this beige and burgandy shopping bag.

I have featured Kate Garey before in my blog on Cosmetic bags. However, I couldn't resist another mention for this fun Gingerbread Men bag.

Big Stitch are a new company set up by two mums in Weybridge. They embroider jute bags from your own design or your child's design to create your own unique shopping bag. The bags are available in two sizes are ideal for carrying bulky items - like new shoes.

 

If you want something more portable then these folding shoppers that I found on Folksy are perfect. Made by Love From Beth, they are ideal for keeping in your handbag until you need them, and would make an ideal gift.

Keyrings with charm

I have to admit that I am starting to think about Christmas shopping. I know it is only October, but I have a large family, and lots of gifts to find. One of the things that I always struggle to find are stocking fillers that aren't just going to be put in a drawer somewhere never to be seen again. The other day when looking on the internet I found some lovely keyrings, and realised these would be an ideal stocking filler as they are always useful.

I love these handmade keyrings from Honeypips on Folksy. Each one is made from beautiful cotton fabrics which are hand cut, and then embroidered onto a hardwearing wool felt. As they are made individually each one is slightly different and unique.

This beautiful bird keyring is made in Finland from birch wood and is available from Hygge. There is also a bird brooch made from birch wood available.

If you are looking for something with more colour on Misi I found PebbleRox Jewellery. Based in Bristol they create wonderful pieces from a range of beads and charms including this lovely bag charm/keyring.

Based at the Craft and Design Centre in Manchester Suzanne of Suzanne Devine Designs uses mixed media to create her purses, bags and accessories. I particularly like these lovely leaf keyrings, which are available in a range of colours to match any bag or outfit.

I thought about including fingerprint keyrings but I think that their availablity is now so well known I looked for something a little different. I found The Little Glass Kiln who stock fused glass keyrings made in Yorkshire and designed by Victoria Berry. Victoria also designs and makes a range of keyrings from sycamore.

Woolly Wonders

This week is National Wool Week so I thought I would get the week off to a great start by looking at the handmade woolly wonders that you can buy as gifts. Backed by John Lewis and Marks and Spencers Wool Week hopes to revive the love of wool as an eco-friendly and lasting alternative to other throw away fabrics. The week is being launched with an area of Savile Row being turfed so that a flock of sheep can graze.

This cushion available from Folksy and made by Tinyinc is a lovely example of how wool can be a warming and cosy addition to any lounge or sitting room. Who wouldn't want to snuggle up with a good book and glass of wine if they had cushions as comfy as this to sit on?

Whilst looking for hand-knitted cushions I also found this beautiful throw. It would look fantastic on a bed or sofa, and is ideal for the autumn nights that are rapidly creeping up on us. Made in Wales and named Carreg this blanket is in a pattern inspired by the Ceredigions` glorious mountain landscape and is available from Jane Beck Welsh Blankets.

These beautiful handknitted handbags are produced in Warwickshire by The Toft Alpaca Shop. With their oversize, handturned button they make a real statement. Alternatively if you are feeling up to the challenge, you can always knit one yourself with the knitting kits that are available.

 

As someone who spends alot of time sat in front of a computer the next crocheted gift would be most welcome. Available from Lemonade and Lamingtons on Folksy is this wonderful mug cosy. There are a range of colours available and the flowers on some are detachable to be used as a brooch, so two great gifts in one.

Finally, I love this stylish knitted wrap from Ruth Cross. Hand knitted and available in a range of colours it would be the perfect way to keep warm on a winter day.

So take another look at wool and buy someone a gift that will last, or if you are feeling adventurous pick up those knitting needles and get knitting.