Letter Love : Handwritten, a call for pen pals

While sitting drinking my cup of tea at a horrible hour this freezing February morning (Happy 1st of February by the way, what on earth happened to January?!) I thought I'd have a blurry eyed catch up on some tweets and blogs. 

While flicking through, I stumbled across the sparkly blog Glitter & Ganache (thanks to @Uncle Beefy) and was intrigued by the first post I read 'A call for pen pals'. I've always loved writing letters and as you know have an overwhelming love for tactile and beautiful stationery so I delved further and before I knew it, I was signing up to join in with Handwritten: A pen pal project for 2012. I think this is a fab idea from Tabitha and will be a really fun little creative project for me to be involved in. I can't wait to start getting my new pen pals (one every 3 months) and receiving their handwritten (and embellished) letters. Also a great way to meet fellow bloggers all over the world and share their inspirations. 

I will keep you up to date on how it goes and will definitely be sharing some of the creativity with you here. Even better, if you fancy taking part yourself just sign up here, pick up your pen and get ready to have some fun.

Image from Glitter & Ganache. Postcard  by Lucy Snow Photography

Creative Mischief: Personalised Canvases

I have been to a total of 8 weddings this year which does get rather expensive after the first one or two so I tried to make home made presents (I like to be different to the John Lewis gift list anyway!).

Here are some canvases I did over the summer. The first is one I designed for my friend Emma's wedding. She and her husband Iain are also a graphic designers and they have an unhealthy obsession with Grey! The second, for my friends Jo and Simon who had a London themed wedding. I also designed their stationery which was designed around a silhouette of the London skyline.

I have since been commissioned to do lots of these for New Babies, Christenings and Birthday's. I can personalise them in any way you like. For more details please leave your email address in a comment below and I will get back to you.

Book Love: Signed by Pia

One of my first posts on here was a review of the beautiful book 'My Heart Wanders' by Pia Jane Bijkerk. Well Pia has just announced that for November only she will be sending signed copies of her book to anywhere in the world. So for those of you who fell in love with the book via my post, visit Pia's online book boutique and get your copy. She is also signing her other books, Amsterdam: Made by Hand and Paris: Made by Hand as well. Thank you Pia, just in time for Christmas!!

Falling in love with a book

I recently came across the world of Pia Jane Bijkerk and what a wonderful world that is. I just had to order her gorgeous book My Heart Wanders. There was only one left in stock on Amazon so I took that as my sign that it was meant for me. When I returned from my weekend away it was waiting for me on the doorstep. I knew what was inside the parcel and couldn't open it quick enough. Well, it had me at hello! I wasn't expecting such a big hardback book but I am so glad that it is. Each page is absolutely beautiful and so captivating. As a memoir of Pia's travels through Paris, Amsterdam and Sydney, it is filled with details, inspiration, love and plenty of emotion.  It has touched my wandering heart and one day soon I will certainly be following it..........