Instadiaries // Week 4

Dressed up like her fave big sis! // Butterfly Cameo Necklace - Ladybug Creations - 18.11.13 // Pinkest of Pink Lily's // Classic Cameo Necklace (though this ones not quite finished... oops!) - Ladybug Creations - 18.11.13 // Fireworks at Heaton Park // We got drunk and found twin toilets. Ah-mazing. // Ladybug Creations - Are you tired of hearing about it yet? // The most beautiful little miss in this world! // Shell Necklace - (Once more...) Ladybug Creations - 18.11.13

Sunday Summary // Week 4

What I'm watching

This week I watched Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Two Towers for the first time ever! And I'm pleased to announce I loved it! I really don't know why it's taken me so long... I've watched the Hobbit a while back but was going to wait for the second one to come out before  saw the Lord of the Rings films. Anyway, I saw the trailer in the cinema and got way too excited. 

Return of the King - I'm coming for you.

What I'm listening to 

I'm back to Uni this week which means train rides and trecks. The soundtrack for my journeys have been courtesy of We Are The Ocean. My boyfriend doesn't much enjoy them, they aren't really his cup of tea, so the only times I really get to listen and enjoy my post-hardcore is when I'm alone. It's okay though, means I can go ahead and get lost in it - although singing my little heart out on the train is just disturbing for everyone...

What I'm reading

 It's not my usual choice, but I've just began reading Will Self - Walking Through Hollywood. It was one of my set books for uni last year but I never got round to starting it. It probably won't help me much work wise, but most of the books I was set last year were awesome! I've been really lucky with my reading lists so I thought I may as well give it a go. I'm only a couple of chapters in but I'll let you know how it is.

What I'm craving

A lemon and poppy seed muffin from Starbucks.

You know, I heard a story once about a woman who'd ate a poppy seed bagel for breakfast and later on in the day failed a drugs test, testing positive for heroin. Not sure if it's true but that's pretty deep if it is! Poor lady.

What I'm lusting after 

Oh god... There's one hell of a list coming! I've been doing my Christmas list this week so there's many, many goodies I have my eye on. Here's just a few...

Vagabond Leather Lace-up Boots - Urban Outfitters // The Penny Bag - Marc B - Topshop // Polo Shirt Dress - Fred Perry - ARK // Lilah Jumpsuit & Maude Floral Playsuit - Motel - ARK

What I'm buying 

NOTHING :'(

Ish... I've bought some more bits for the jewellery business, I have some cameo cabochons' on their way and some cute little bow shaped connectors as well as a load of beads. I'm super giddy to get designing!

I've also picked up a few small bits for Christmas, but nothing super exciting.

What I'm wishing 

That December would get here already, I want to put up our tree! // For the 18th - I'm super excited to get my website online! // That I had more winter clothes - A shopping trip is definitely due next week // And I'm still waiting for the snow to fall... sigh! 

Ladybug Creations // 18.11.2013

"The prettiest links to have graced this earth! You've stumbled upon Ladybug Creations. A fantastical emporium of fairytale esque, vintage inspired, distinct designs."

Just a quickie to tantalise your minds...

This week I've been holed up in the flat fiddling with findings, clasps and chains, using every ounce of creative instinct to put together some lovely little necklaces. You might remember me mentioning a while back the idea I'd had about making them, and me sharing a little inspiration? Well, the idea is no more and the reality is steam rolling in to life. I've cut myself, glued my fingers together multiple times, (seriously... I am not safe with that stuff!), and totally trashed the flat, but I'm getting there.

So far I'm loving the creative process. I keep getting little ideas and having to scribble sketches on take out napkins, my bags full of them. Being the organisational goon I am, each finished sketch gets transferred into my design book and marked up with measurements; ideas sprinkled round the outside like fairy dust! I'm having so much fun.

The websites near finished - I'm just working on adding all the products - and currently features four small collections. Most of the pieces are on a limited basis and the site also features a few one of a kind pieces. At the moment the only products available are necklaces but after a little market research and showing off the goodies to my pals', I've decided to add earrings and bracelets to the collection too. 

You can keep an eye on my progress through my twitter and instagram accounts. 

The site goes live on the 18th, tell your friends and check it out!

Ria xo

Instadiaries // Week 3

We bought a Bonsai! // Vox Manchester - best salon in town // My first creation - creepy crawlie! // Sparkly socks & a hat // Glittery Nikes' - I'm willing to bet they're the prettiest ever. // Nick made me a Halloween concoction - Pumpkin Zombie pop // Jenga - Working on beating the world record! // Jewellery making goodies - watch this space! // My new chop - Au natural, what do you think?

Cameo frames, Cats & Chains

eBay is the devil I tell you! 

There I was, all cosied up on the sofa scrolling through my instagram last night, just checking out all the cute handmade jewellery available when I found myself wondering; could I make jewellery? Very recently I bought this gorgeous necklace from Cat Called Esteban Vintage.

I adore the design - the multi layers and how each hanging chain adds extra volume and shape to the piece. The emphasis isn't on the pendant like most modern necklaces, the whole thing is crafted so that each part is as beautiful as the last. I began searching for something similar but with such a vivid picture of what I wanted in my mind I was hard pressed to find it. After a few beverages, naturally I was utterly convinced I could make my dreams a reality. Two hours later my shopping basket is full, my bank balance lighter, and on their way to me are a gorgeous range of cameo frames, chains and cats. Apparently I like cats now... 

Today I figured, since I had the materials on their way, I better begin some form of design process. Here's a little of my inspiration - feast your eyes and let me know what you think!

You might be able to tell I have a slight obsession with Cameo's....

My Great Grandma has the most beautiful collection of brooches, mostly antique, and since childhood I have been thoroughly stunned by the tiny details engrained in each one. To me, they are the epitome of beauty, from the models tumbling curls to their smooth profile; they have always caught my heart. I'd like to be able to recreate something similar in design, to be able to achieve even a fraction of that beauty in my designs is a dream.

I'll keep you updated on my progress via both my blog and my instagram profile so keep those eyes peeled!

If you like my ideas check out pill.se - Jo's designs are absolutely breathtaking and each piece is completely handmade. Her statement pieces put an urban twist on the vintage style, I love the 'Peculiar Jewels' collection. Bang on trend! Which pieces are your favourites?

Ria <3

Doll Face

Plaid chiffon shirt - Primark // Black disco pants - boohoo.com // Cameo necklace - Vintage // Sheepskin backpack - BANK // Black suede Mary Jane's - New Look 

So although I look a little like a six year old, (I can't help it... I'm just too cute.) I really like this outfit. The simplicity of each garment works brilliantly with one another and the shirt's print keeps the look updated. Plus it's bright blue tone really makes my eyes pop!

I adore my sheepskin backpack which gives any look a bit of an urban twist, with its textured outside. It's so different to anything I've seen which makes it uber cool in my eyes! The bags surprisingly roomy too... I was able to pack away all my Uni books and pack away a small shop on my way home, quelle surprise! 

My only complaint is the shirts fit - after one wash it's twisted and out of shape. Classic Primark!

What do you guys think about the store? Are the low prices worth the, (i'll be kind...), 'questionable' quality, or is shopping there a fruitless endeavour? I'd love to know.

Ria <3