New to the Shop: Upcycled Bows

So, I've been busy in the studio these past few days, determined to catch up on lost time from creating and listing on etsy! I had started at my collection of scrap fabric and unwanted clothing, and was thinking... "I could make something cute out of these!" and decided that since I don't have enough menswear/women's accessories, that I could make some bows, which will be turned into bow ties for the guys, or hair bows, and added to the shop tonight!

Honesty to Blog: My month away from home

 

Hi guys, I just thought I would update you on my strive for independence since I left home last month, since a lot of people that read my blog about how anxious I was were really supportive!

The first few weeks were a complete whirlwind of emotions- I was moving in with a bunch of strangers that I didn't know, and a lot of the time that I was in the flat, I would just retreat to my bedroom, which just made me anti-social to my flatmates, but they have really made me feel at home and I feel really comfortable with them; my flatmates are really awesome people, and I don't think I would get any better ones than these right now :).

I was also missing home a bit, because of the comforts of not having to pay rent (even though I was doing so at my parents) and being more spontaneous with my money. 

Overall, I think I was just a mix of anxious, sad, and homesick, which made me so moody with my friends and work colleagues, because I just felt so unsettled, especially because I had no control over what was going on in my life in terms of work shifts, which meant no time to focus on the shop, which meant no income from my business and that made me more anxious... I was just an emotional mess!

On the flip side though, I have actually grown a lot in self confidence, and I have developed a lot more of a no-nonsense attitude which I used to rarely have before, and I've become a lot happier in myself, which is what I've longed for too. Even though I was in a dark place for a while, I'm glad I pushed myself through (with the help of a few loved ones) through to the other side, and smiling :).

I also love the new independence and responsibility I now have, so even though I feel guilty for treating myself occasionally, I know that I'm doing something very positive because I'm more conscious of my spending, whilst having a lot of emotional freedom... it has made me have a "f**k it" attitude to any self-doubting or when I feel I shouldn't do something!

I'm now on a mission to create an even work/business/life balance, which would be hard work, and time to get it right, but I'm more determined and focused and happier than ever.

Tour around my Flat: The Bedroom/ Workspace

Finally, I have a reason to blog again! I have been so involved in re-organising my room the way I want it; it may not be "mine", but if I'm paying rent, I may as well have it more homely and make me feel more comfortable! I'm also a big believer in Feng Shui, so if it's too awkward, then I can't settle myself.

Anyway, Here is the bedroom! :)

 My aim for this room was to make it as cute as possible, and there's no better way than a cute floral duvet cover from Primark.

I also got the type writer on sale for £2, and it's pretty comfy! I also hand-made all the other cushions- the patchwork one on the right was made through recycling scrap fabric, whilst the vibrant coloured cushions were made from a length of fabric that I made in my first year of Uni that I really wasn't going to use!

I love to have inspiration around me. :)

Around 80% of my jewellery are handmade, so here is my collection! A lot of them are my own designs, but I wear a lot of other independent designers, like Violet Bella, Lucky Kunst, and Red Mutha. A great tip- if you have a lot of necklaces but haven't got a good display for them, use these Ikea racks that you can just hang over your door- very minimal effort.

Since this photo was taken, I did change this table for a slightly larger one; I want to be able to sew on it as well so I need as much room as possible, without taking so much space in the room!

 

I fixed up this shelf from Ikea! It took my 6 hours of pain, and I broke my screwdriver, which meant a lot of it was done with a nail clipper... yikes!  But anyway, here is where I keep all the jewellery I make, and it's really great that everything is now an arm's reach away from my desk. 

Overall; my room is small, but I could fit everything I need to in here, cos of the in-built wardrobe, and just the fact that everything is organised properly. I also love the way I've arranged the place looks super cute and cosy.

Will have more pictures of the rest of the place soon!