How Pinteresting #2

I wasn't sure whether I would be doing this again, but I must admit that I'm feeling a little run down this week and I wanted to post something! It's all a bit annoying given that tonight I'm off to see Dry the River (for the 11,000th time), I'm doing my best to power through but there's no doubt that Sunday will be made for relaxing - I do hope to feel well enough to get up to Greenham Common at some point though, it feels like it's been almost a year since our last visit and it's perfect for this wild weather.

We're finally getting our changing of the seasons here but well, it is October after all. I do love different things about each season but as a summer baby, warm weather will always be where my loyalties lie. That said, being wrapped up and coming into a warm house from the cold does provide a lot of satisfaction.

I've found that in the last month, with the weather actually being all over the place, it's been hard to get into a theme on Pinterest lately. It still feels a little too early for Christmas (although that event is getting scarily closer) and it's not quite autumnal enough to start banging on about frost, changing leaves and pumpkin everything — that said, the clocks go back in a couple of weeks and I tried my first ever pumpkin bread this week so only time will tell...



1 // The Most Breathtaking Views of Beautiful Earth from Above — That title isn't a lie, some of these are pretty awesome. I think next year, once I'm back on my feet after throwing all my money at becoming a home owner (WIP), I'll start to get serious about updating my kit, everything I have Photography-wise is so old now and although I love it and actually don't fancy getting rid of it, I know it's time for a change, especially if I'm likely to be taking on more event photography at work (yeah, so that's something that might be happening).
2 // Watercolour Mural — I feel like I've had wedding thoughts and inspiration coming out of my ears lately, and I'm not even having one. This from my point of view isn't intended to be that weddingy and is actually something I like on more of the home décor level, such a simple but pretty idea.
3 // Mirdinara, Breeze — I feel like this .gif, with its hypnotic ways, epitomises autumn, I wish I knew the original source so I could find more - that's the real trouble with sites like Pinterest and Tumblr, it's very easy to get lost.
4 // Russian Dogs by Lili Chin — I've seen these illustrations floating all over the place for a while but when I finally uncovered the original source and discovered there was a Russian dogs version, I found my favourite. Borzois are fun but obviously I picked it due to the samoyed, I can't get enough of those guys are the moment.

It was a little harder than it should have been to sift through all the motivational quotes I've been pinning lately (even visual pick-me-ups can do the trick), I figured this was a slightly more interesting selection and better for a good, old-fashioned link-up.

You can follow me on Pinterest :: here.

Adventures in Graphic Design.

Since just after Christmas, I've taken on a lot more 'graphic design stuff' at work and I suppose I've felt a bit weird about it for a time now because it's not something I ever really considered as an option before. That said, I bloody enjoy it.

Here's where I think having a blog can be a really wonderful thing, I can express myself creatively and ultimately it doesn't matter all that much. I can change my header and background and the way I do things and it either looks better or it doesn't but nobody really cares. Obviously it doesn't work quite the same way when doing things 'for someone' but it really has helped me practise.

That's why, and I'm a bit nervous about it, I'd like to share a few things I've worked on with you. I've just given my blog a little spring facelift and changed a few things too but I'm quite proud of these things. Sure, they're just silly emails and flyers but I'd like to think a little part of me can shine through with them in terms of style and tone.





It's not like I want to jump head-first into freelancing or anything but I've been thinking that it would be cool to take on a few side-projects. Depending of course on whether there's any consensus that I'm even any good, it would be good to know what you think.

Give It Some 'Get Up and Go'!

With my first full week at work of 2014 almost done and dusted, I'm already feeling the itch for a drawn out weekend walk to blow the cobwebs out. I think I'm on a search for somewhere new.
When I first stumbled across Veronica Dearly's Terrific Year Calendar, it seemed like the perfect one for me, full of prompts to keep me busy. Unfortunately my spotting it came after we'd already chose our calendar for the year - a pretty fun (read: nerdy) world facts one - so alas, it wasn't meant to be.

That said, her calendar did allow me to stumble across her beautiful website, complete with enviable handwritten graphics, a wonderful portfolio and fun blog - as well as a more 'Internet-friendly' version of her Terrific Year Project. It comes hand in hand with the idea that it's just better feel a bit happier, whether it's through doing things passively or actually getting out there.

I figured I'd pick a couple of her nice prompts from her recent Enjoy the Great Outdoors post, firstly because they're things I'd like to get doing and secondly because I think you really need to see them. I really think taking note of 'Terrific Year' will help me work towards making a bit more of my lunch break too!



I'm a big fan of Veronica's style and it's been easy for me to completely forget about my interest in actual creative things when I'm so busy working and sleeping. Hopefully this marks the beginning of taking a bit more time on this part of my brain.

Tuesday Tabs #33

I couldn't start this without acknowledging that I reached 100 readers today. It makes me so pleased as my blog has changed so much over time and I never really started this desperate for people to read it. Saying that, I'm super pleased that you are and while 100 is a piddly amount compared the thousands of some of my favourite bloggers, it's such a satisfying number, quite a cosy amount I'd say. I'd been stuck at 97 for a little while and it stressed me out a bit. So thank you for reading and I hope you stay. ♥

I haven't done one of these posts in a few weeks as Tuesdays seem to be the longest days ever for me at the moment, but Chrome is begging me to purge my recent Internet finds. It seems a little silly to make one of these when I have other things to talk about, but I want to if nothing else then for my own self referencing, I find it quite useful.

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[Buy Olympia]
Gemma Correll is one of my favourite artists in close second to Mr Rob Ryan. Her work always makes me chuckle and she always alternates between pugs and cats, perfect.


[Gemma Correll]


[Modcloth]
These are kind of like clown shoes but aren't they so cute? I love the colours.


[Girl's Got Plaid-itude Dress, Modcloth]
I'm not usually a fan of high necklines on dresses as I find them a little constricting, but this dress is so perfect. The autumnal colours are perfect for the changing season, and I definitely don't think I have enough plaid in my wardrobe at the moment.


[Urban Outfitters]
They had these in 'proper' Pug colours but they sold out in less than a day! These ones are a pretty close second and I'm ridiculously tempted.


[1canoe2 Letterpress]
I wish I had the time to organise all my favourite recipes, this would be the perfect way to do it, I'm such a sucker for pretty lettering and paper.


Even though this finished over a month ago, I'm finding myself obsessed with it without even watching it. It's so fun to reference and after seeing Jeff Daniels in Looper, I've just decided that he's one of my favourites, even if he is in Dumb 'n' Dumber.


It's definitely been far too long since I last saw these chaps (shall we say nearly two months?), I'm pretty excited for Gathering on the 20th.


I enjoy this meme a lot. It reminds of the cat that lives at the end of my mum's road, such a wonderful face.


[via Jamesy Design]

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Link Love: ♥

Pixar's New Site for Monster's University — Everything Pixar does (apart from anything to do with Cars) is always great and this gave me a good giggle. I'm pretty excited to see how 'Monster's University' turns out.

Shutterstock's Tips for Pet Photography — I love taking photographs of animals, they're hard work and they're fun but you can end up with something awesome if you have enough patience. Surprisingly, this might also come in useful when we get around to the pet products at work.

Thomas Birke's Photos of Hong Kong — These photos really make me want to go there again soon, they're so beautiful. A little envious of my mum right now.

Hopscotch Pin — I need to wear all pins but how great is this one? I wonder if I could get away with hopscotching still.

Wes Anderson's Film Colour Palette — Pretty doubles up nicely as a tool for picking out complimentary nail polish colours :)

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I hope you've had a fabulous Tuesday, mine was mostly spent working from home after some other things didn't really go according to plan. I don't mind where I work really, I've actually been a lot more productive here than I thought I would be, plus it's been great to be brought massive cups of tea on request.

I think tonight will consist of some Breaking Bad, How I Met Your Mother, and the Tuesday night essential, Great British Bake Off, Tuesday nights get pretty wild in our tiny flat. Moon also made soup from the chicken we had the other day, yum!

Tuesday Tabs #32

I guess I kind of skipped out last week's Tuesday Tabs, for no good reason either, because I enjoy making them for my benefit, I guess it just got thrown to the wayside thanks to all the other things I posted about last week.

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(via It's Nice That)

This fish bowl ('Bubble Tank') from Sheffield studio Psalt Design is beautiful, while being a little nerve racking at the same time. What a lovely home for fish, their designs definitely make me think getting some goldfish is a great idea, Doll makes me remember otherwise.


Polka Dot Cat Print Lady Tie, Flapper Girl
How cute is this lady tie? There's nothing bad about polka dots or kittens. ♥


Moose Necklaces, Finest Imaginary
I find it pretty hard to resist acrylic animal necklaces and the wood with acrylic antlers look really great.


Cat Care Print, Ink and Sword
Can anyone tell I'm a little gutted I couldn't make it to the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend? I've had a quick browse of the sellers and have already found some real gems, this cute pet poster being one of them, such neat graphic design.


Cat & Wing Print Tights, Oasap
These kitty tights are almost too much to handle.


Deena & Ozzy Tan Marta Vintage Boots, Urban Outfitters
It's the perfect time to be on the hunt for the perfect pair of autumn boots. I have been for a while because of the sad August we had, and I've got quite a collection to choose from. I love the different textures of this pair.


One of two songs I'm addicted to this week, I hope they release an album soon.
It's nice to school myself up before seeing them at Gathering next month.


The second song I'm loving, I know it's a little old now, but I recently found it through Last.fm Radio, brilliant for finding new music. The video is so fun, and the song just makes me so happy, perfect for our mini-road trip to Cornwall this weekend.

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Link Love: ♥

Berkley Illustration — These animal portraits from Berkley Illustration are beautiful, definite must haves for my little flat! But so many to choose from.

How Movie Theatres Should Be Laid Out by The Oatmeal — I guess part of me does miss working at Vue, it's really tiny though, and my job satisfaction in my current job is much higher and I don't cry before shifts... because I don't have 'shifts'! This sums up the main stuff about cinemas that I complain about, both as an employee and a customer, I couldn't agree more.

Pack This! Check List — I've seen a few similar pads with this kind of design floating around, I think this would be the most useful to me as I often get a little stressed from packing, although living out of a suitcase while going between Moon's, my Gran's, Home and Portsmouth has meant I've become a little better, graphically this is so fun.

DIY Papercraft Balloon Mobile — I seriously need to find the time to be more crafty, despite good intentions, I've only really glanced at my Craft Creatives #2 box, silly really. I've been really into mobiles lately, there seem to be so many nice ones around and they make a nice change from hanging pictures on the walls, not that I don't totally love that too!

All your tubing needs.

This is an afternoon well spent, not the finished product as that's a surprise between me and the company I did it for. Basically, Purple Door at the University of Portsmouth have found me a position as a Creative Lead within a Marketing company, pre-interview prep was essentially showing them what I could to on Indesign using a short brief they provided.

The brief was to create a postcard to go at a till in a builders merchant advertising a particular brand of copper tube for plumbing and heating contractors with the main incentive that if they 'like' the brand on Facebook, they can then enter a photo competition and be in the running for winning an iPad.

Here's hoping this is enough to impress them, I'm quite happy with it, obviously I had to do a bit of Google-image trawling but hopefully they'll see past that. Coincidently, earlier today I walked passed a builder's merchants, and they did in fact have post cards at the till, I've tried to make mine as different as possible. From what I saw available, they were mainly straight-forward text so I think that part was pretty successful. Thanks to some help from Moon I've got something a bit less 'obvious' than my initial idea.

Fingers crossed it was worth it. I'm so hungry now.

Tuesday Tabs. #2

I was getting mega worried that after deciding to make this 'a thing' that I then wouldn't have anything to show you this week, but then a ton of stuff made it to the hoarding list within the last couple of days.

Before I begin, exciting news! Yesterday I photographed with an organisation called Body Gossip while they went on an anti-diet march put together by Any Body. It was all about challenging the idea of 'the perfect body' and the importance of self-esteem whatever you look like, pretty empowering stuff. I found out about it thanks to one of the guys I met back in October on the Ready 4 Work walk, Jake. It was really nice of him to think of me, and I hope that he likes the photos I ended up taking, even if my camera committed suicide before the march even began! Photos will follow either later today or some time tomorrow, I've suddenly become super-busy and it's only the beginning of the week!

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SLR camera bag, Pixbag, €54.90

So Moon sent me to this great online German store which sells the cutest SLR bags. They're a bit pricey and my handbag doubles up as the perfect camera bag but this polka-dot case is pretty tempting. I've actually noticed there are a lot more padded standalone casing coming out for SLRs recently, particularly ones with pretty patterns, like the burrito lens cover Petapixel posted yesterday.

(via Goodnight Little Spoon)

This is so much fun! Yours and Theirs is an amazing photography project carried out each week sharing different people's ideas on the same topic. It's really interesting and pretty neat because there aren't so many people involved yet so it's easy to get your head around. This weeks assignment is a toughy as I've never truly believed in luck and am very much a circumstance, 'everything happens for a reason' kind of girl... Check out the Facebook group and blog.

Guest towels, H&M, £6.99

Who knew H&M had such bangin' homewares. I only came across these by chance in the catalogue, definitely something for the Someday Home wishlist, and they come in so many colours.

Shower Mat, H&M, £6.99

The only real question left is what colour scheme I would want...

Lemon duvet set, H&M, £14.99

I really, really, really wish this came in a double size, who even has single duvets when they're an adult? I assume that's who H&M market their homewares for? Why so stingy on you duvet sizes, H&M?

(via 52 Teapots, © Luke Avery, 2012)

Following up his 2010 Sheffield 365 project, Luke Avery has come up with another ritualistic challenge for himself, a teapot a week, photographed differently, for the whole year. He's uploading them every Thursday, I think it will be interesting to see how this turns out.
Follow Luke on Twitter

Beginners, 2010

I would highly recommend this movie, it has everything; Ewan McGregor, a love story, a cute dog, sadness. It's beautiful.

Gemma Correll 'Pug on a Bike' temporary tattoo, Tattly, $5 for two.

(via My Modern Met)

I know it's quite old now but I'd never seen it before and I think it's bloody impressive stuff, so there you go. To promote Dry the River's single 'No Rest', Xavier Barrade of creative agency, Foam came up with this amazing 3D horse poster to mimic both the artwork for the single. I only wish I'd seen one in real life, a great and beautiful piece of advertising.

Diana F+ Camera Mens T-shirt, Cotton Spaceship, £16.07

Not even that into Dianas but this is a sweet tee.

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Link love:

Goodnight Little Spoon — An amazing blog i found at the weekend though The Dainty Squid's Friday Favourites. Bianca is Australian and posts the best crafts, design ideas and collaborations I've seen in ages, she's given me so many projects to think about doing, I can tell that she's going to become a favourite, I'm already a little bit in love with her January Photo Challenge.

Keri Smith's 100 Ideas — Another neat collective project. Keri Smith, creator of the popular 'Wreck this Journal' has listed 100 fun things to do involving drawing, photography and even general collecting. I'm thinking of giving a few of them a go once I've done this 30 day challenge (not that it's going very well), it sounds like a lovely way to de-stress and keep occupied.

Gemma Correll's Flickr — Re-discovering her again, some of her illustrations don't half make me giggle.

Marchand & Meffre — Parisian photographers documenting abandoned spaces within bustling urban and suburban areas. An image from their 'Abandoned Detroit Houses' selection part of their 'The Ruins of Detroit' series was used as the cover for Dry the River's New Ceremony, and the band have since used additional images by them on additional artwork.

Closet Overflow — Ugly jumper overload, and great vintage finds for great prices.

This week I'm working on:

I might actually have finally begun to get round to it! I've been putting it off basically because I've been so caught up in finding a job and going away. Now I can worry a bit less, I figured that I may as well and I've familiarised myself again so it shouldn't take as long as I thought it would, particularly now I've sorted the photo-side of it out.

I've also been inspired to create a 'Ruth Magazine' CV to send out to companies to grab their attention, don't know why I didn't think of this before I have fairly solid InDesign skillz.
I think I just needed to be pointed in the right direction, and that help came in the form of the 1987 edition of 'The Chris Wheal'.

Keep Calm and Arrive Late to the Party.

After coming across what is now my latest desktop wallpaper via Hello You Creatives, I became inspired to write a post about the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' brand which has been growing in popularity for two or three years. I became aware of 'Keep Calm and Carry On' after The One Show featured a story on Barter Books.

Barter Books, a second-hand book shop in Northumberland, discovered a copy of the poster in 2000 and due the image being in the public domain, subsequently reprinted the poster for customers, a trend later transferred carried out by others, mugs bags and clothes soon followed. The popularity of the phrase has been linked to a sense of nostalgia for stereotypical 'British-ness' and the ability to keep going, particularly in the times of trouble from which this 'motivational' poster originates. The phrase has also been transferred back onto recent times of hardship in Britain regarding the current recession.


The design was initially printed by the Ministry of Information in 1939 as part of a series of posters sending the message of King George VI to his people that all capable measures were being taken to defend the country. Only a few of these posters actually made it onto walls and the prints remained largely unseen by the general public until it's discovery at Barter Books. The origins of this iconic expression and it's designer are unknown.

With the popularisation of 'Keep Calm and Carry On' not only came a stream of homewares and clothing but also a seemingly endless amount of phrases playing parody to the original. I for one enjoy the phrase as a simple framed poster, but it has to be said that the Etsy shop, Keep Calm Arsenal really have outdone themselves with their wide range of Keep Calm parody prints.


I can't wait to do some proper nesting and have my very own Keep Calm Arsenal print as part of my interior landscape. Here are some of my favourite related Keep Calm and Carry On images that I found while researching for this post (yes I researched it, I used Wikipedia and everything, just because I'm allowed to now).

(via Google)

(via Matt Jones)

(via IamTh3q)

BBC - Who owns 'Keep Calm and Carry On'?

A wide range of Keep Calm and Carry On merchandise is available from numerous different sources. I would recommend 'Googling' it but I found that Etsy comes out on top, particularly for un-cheesy original parody designs.
Keep Calm and Carry On Shop
Keep Calm and Carry On at Heal's
Keep Calm and Carry On at Etsy