Wednesday, 19 March 2014

MY MICRODERMALS






So, I've had quite a few questions about my piercings since I got these done in November, so I'd thought I'd make a little summary on here, for those who are considering getting one done or are just curious.

I decided to get mine done on a whim one day, as I had seen a few people have surface piercings, and initially wanted to get that done, so that if I didn't like it, I could just take it out myself and that would be the end of it. So I dragged a friend and headed down there to get it done. The piercer told me it was better to get a microdermal so that it would be a much lesser chance of rejection- so I jumped at the chance.

It did kinda hurt for like 10 seconds, but not much more than a normal piercing. I was just so numb and tired for the rest of the day- I made the mistake of going to work right after I had this done so it's not advisable to do anything like that afterwards. 

I wore plasters on it when I went to sleep as apparently it keeps the piercings in place and I only took them off after showering to clean it with the solution they gave me. Afterwards I changed to hot water compresses for 2 months. I am allergic to certain plasters so I didn't wear it to bed for that long of a period because of the reaction, so I had to wear surgical tape for a while.

These piercings take a lot of maintenance as you have to not be so fussy over it but then you have to take care as to what you wear as well to avoid snagging it. Also these are more of a permanent thing, as it is pierced in an anchor sort of way so it's not possible to take it out yourself, which is why I say make sure you are aware of all these things before getting it done.

I've had these for 4 months now and they have healed pretty nicely. I'm contemplating changing the balls of the piercing but we shall see how that goes!

Ify Katherine xo



Friday, 14 March 2014

NEW TO THE SHOP!

Large Pink Leopard Print Button Ear Studs

Large White African Print Button Ear Studs

Large Blue Button Ear Studs

Large Brown Dogtooth Weave Button Ear Studs

I have gotten back into making button jewellery from scrap fabrics again! I still have so much fabric to get rid of, especially some of my textiles samples that I no longer like as a whole- so there will be a lot added to the shop gradually, as well as yarn wrapped jewellery.

More pieces will be added at some point next week, so keep a look out! :)

Ify Katherine xo

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

NEW IN THE SHOP!





It's been a while since I have been making stuff and since I have had some time off work, I've been on a mission to make a bunch of stuff, especially since I am going towards more of a bohemian/afrocentric direction with my shop. :)

They are all statement making pieces and is a great addition to the wardrobe this Spring.

Lots of Love,

Ify Katherine xo

Monday, 3 February 2014

MY SMALL, BUT COOL SPACE.

Hey guys,

It's been about 2 1/2 months since I moved in this cosy little bedsit, and I thought I'd finally share some pictures since I have settled and everything.







I was happy to take this place because as well as it being convienient and cheap enough to get to work, it was close enough to see my family more often, it was my own place. The problems that I had with living with flatmates was that whilst I enjoyed their company, I was a bit of an anti social person, and I hated having to wait for a housemate to finish cooking so that I can make my own food, and the number one issue was the state that they had left it in afterwards, which was a mega stress factor in my life. I also preferred to be myself, so this was the ideal solution.

Ideally, I would prefer to be living in a one bedroom flat, but with my wages at the moment, it would mean that I would have to work 6 days a week or get a part time job on top of my full time job and keep eating into my income of my business, neither of which I'd like to do, so realistically, living in a bedsit/studio flat is close enough, and it will do for now :).

I was a bit apprehensive about moving into this kind of living situation, because I didn't know how I'd cope with almost all the facilities in one room, and it does have it's pros and cons, but I do love it.

There are a bit of divided opinions on bedsits in general, but I think it's because of the wrong perception that is given on them... this is what I think- it totally depends on your preferences. If you like your own company, want to be totally independent, and have a place that is close enough to having a one bedroom property, then this is an ideal solution.

Pros- You have your own space. No worrying about bringing people over in case you have to awkwardly introduce your friends/family to your housemate. You make your own mess and it's only you that has to worry about it. Rent is more reasonable. No getting annoyed with food going missing in your shared fridge. No cleaning after anyone. Your kitchen is in your room- you don't even have to go far if you can't be bothered to cook. If you are lucky like I was- you get to live in a cool area that is close enough to amenities. If you are organised with your furniture, it can be an awesomely presented one bedroom paradise!

Cons- Unless you were lucky to have your own bathroom, you will have to share with the other residents of the building. There is no washing facilities- so you will have to bring your dirty clothes to the launderettes, which can be a bit expensive. I also have to be paying for my own TV License, Internet and Electricity (I pay with a meter key). You do have to change your bin every day because sometimes smelly food that's been thrown away can leave a lingering smell.

I love my cute little place though. It's big enough to have a living space, as well as having a cool corner to run my business from. :)

Thanks for reading guys! xoxo

Friday, 31 January 2014

UPON REFLECTION // NEW NECKLACES!



Hey guys,

I had taken a break from blogging for a few weeks, as I was frustrated that I was stuck in a creative rut and everyday stresses had gotten on top of me, so I needed some time away from work, the business and the blog just to calm myself and rethink how I address things in my life. And I never thought I would be blogging again, but I don't think I could express myself fully on any other platform :).

So, in case you have missed some of the updates on Facebook, I had mentioned that I was going through a rebrand of the shop, as I felt that everything there wasn't as coherent anymore, and I was just stocking up for the sake of having a certain number of things in the shop, so it was taking the joy out of making things I loved. So I had reflected on the things I used to make when I first launched my designs, which were hippie chic and afrocentric with an edge, which is what I'd like to go back to, because it was my happiest time and I knew more of myself and my niche.

 


 

 



A lot of aspects of this will be making a comeback, especially with the jewellery and accessory aspects of it. This will be my 5th year in business and I intend to make it the best year so far :).




I have made a couple of new pieces, which are available now, in the shop!

I love statement piece necklaces, they really make an outfit THAT much better than it already is.  I imagine this being worn with cute dresses in particular, or even a nicely tailored shirt and jeans, but I think this would be good with any casual outfits too.

Have a wonderful day guys! x

Saturday, 14 December 2013

DIY FRIDAYS: HANDMADE CUSHION


Stuck on what to buy on the cheap side for someone this Christmas? Give this a try! I made this cushion out of a pillow from Primark and some scrap fabric I found lying around in the house.

Here's what you will need:

Cheap pillow (preferably one you can fold in half)
Any scrap fabric or unwanted material you might have
Scissors
Tailoring Pins
Needle & Thread (If you have an overlocker, this will be a lot quicker!)

Fold your pillow in half, and with your tailoring pins, secure the edges of it. Then with your needle and thread, sew around the outside of it to hold it in place. (if you have your overlocker, then this will be handy for you and more secure)

2. Get your fabric and pin it around your cushion.  If it helps then pin the edge of the fabric onto the cushion and pin the sides first, as at this point it can be quite tricky to hold together.



3. Then sew around the edges of your fabric, and you have your very own one of a kind pillow! If you want to go the extra mile like me, I had some extra yarn lying around and decided to finger-knit a trim around the outside of it.

If you need to know how to finger knit, then here is a good example of how to do so.

Good luck guys!

Katherine xo

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

NEW JEWELLERY!





Silver Zipper Stud Earrings

Gold Zipper Stud Earrings

Bronze Gold Zipper Stud Earrings



Black Cat Animal Ear Studs

Orange Ice Lolly Pendant Necklace

Green Ice Lolly Pendant Necklace

Orange Slice Pendant Necklace

Bohemian Bronze Gold Leaf and Tooth Necklace

I have made some new pieces of jewellery for the shop! It's been quieter with sales recently so it's given me the extra time to stock up on bits and pieces that you might fancy :).

There will be lots of cute kawaii themed things as well as simple, statement pieces.

Don't forget, there is a discount going in the shop, get 30% off when you enter code 30DAYSTOSHOP in the checkout!

Have a good day guys!

Katherine xo