Ladybug Creations // 18.11.13

So by now you guys have heard a lot about Ladybug Creations, and seen a little of the 'behind the scenes' but with five days to go to the grand unveiling I though I'd give you all a little treat!

 Jingle Bells necklace - £11 // Paper Wings necklace - £10 // Painting Roses necklace - £8 // Siren Songs necklace - £13

Each necklace is completely handmade and designed by me. The prices range from £6 to £15. The products are finished to an extremely high quality and each piece is completely individual. Some pieces are one of a kind and you'll find them nowhere else!

I am also available to do custom designs, just drop me an email. 

If you could all share this post I would appreciate it hugely. The shop goes live on the 18.11.13 and I have every limb crossed in hopes that it will be a success. And help you could give me would be amazing!

And finally, for the first month only, everything on the site is 15% off! I really couldn't give you a better excuse to check it out! 

Ria <3

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?

You Can Never Get a Cup of Tea Large Enough

White Shirt - Primark // Plaid Print Dress - DIY - Made by me // White Cut-out Oxfords - New Look // Golden Chain - H&M // Rings - Various Sets - H&M

I picked up this fabric a while ago from my favourite EVER shop! I found it in the vintage section for about £9 and at first intended to make a pinafore dress but I left it a little too long and the trend kinda blew over before I got round to so much as making my pattern! So I made this instead. Its the first dress I've ever made which actually fits properly, I'm like a giddy little kid when I wear it... I made this! Woo!

I'm halfway through making myself a red velvet swing dress so watch this space!

Ria <3

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

Ditsy Daisies

Those of you who read this blog regularly may have noticed I have been fooling around with the layout recently. Now don't laugh at me... but I am useless with technology. Honestly, I'm only just getting to grips with twitter - so creating and editing the layout of my own blog from scratch was a hard feat! I genuinely considered hiring someone to do it for me up until now... but as I've developed my blog I've begun to get to grips with the whole blogger platform and how to manipulate it, and I'm quite pleased with the results of my labour! 

The new design is much more crisp and gives off a more sophisticated vibe in my opinion. I haven't changed much apart from the colour scheme and design - it's the same template as before. Where I once had a plain background I've amped it up a little with the vibrant pattern and I have changed the blog's title in sync with this.

What do you think? Seeing as it's you lovely lot who have to look at it I would be so grateful for any comments you could share with me about the new look. 

How do you feel about the sudden change? Do you like the design, loathe it, love it?

I can't wait to hear all your responses!

Ria <3