Deck The Halls...

We finally put up our tree last night, and I've spent today helping my Mum with odd jobs around the house, putting more decorations up and wrapping presents. We are having family over tomorrow for an early Christmas gathering, as we won't see most of them over Christmas itself. I'm really looking forward to seeing them, and it should be fun with a 2 year old (cousin's little'n) and my 7 month old nephew in the house!

Bath & Bodyworks Mahogany Teakwood

Let me introduce you to the most beautiful-smelling candle I have ever owned.






If you're familiar with the smell of Abercrombie & Fitch, then you'll know what I'm on about - yes, this smells pretty much exactly like the 'Fierce' cologne.
I first heard about this candle ages ago - I think a friend told me about it - they're not the cheapest of candles (although there are more expensive ones - I'm looking at you, Neom and Diptyque) but I found this large three wick one for £20 free delivery (and delivered to the door as the guy works at Heathrow so dropped it round on his way!) on ebay...bargain, I think! I only received this on Monday but am trying to make it last as long as possible. Luckily the scent lasts pretty well - when I got back from work on Tuesday my bedroom still smelt of it from burning it Monday night! It is seriously heavenly.
It's my birthday next month and I'm putting this candle on my wishlist 100x over. Think I need to stock up! Must be love.

DIY Glitter Candle Holder

You will need:

♥ Mod Podge
♥ Glitter (I used some GOSH nail glitter which I'd had for ages but never used)
♥ Candle/tealight holder (mine's a £1 job from Primark)
♥ Small bowl
♥ Paintbrush

Put some of the glitter into your small bowl...oooh, so pretty!



Squeeze some Mod Podge into the bowl and mix with the glitter.



Apply the glitter-glue mixture onto your holder using the paintbrush. You will have to place the holder onto a sheet of paper so you can get all around the holder. I also applied some of the mixture around the top of the holder. Allow to dry, then apply a second coat.



Part-way through making this, I remembered I had some blue glitter from a Crafty Creatives box so I decided to try a dip-dye/ombré look. I used the same method as before, but only applying the blue glitter-glue about half way up. I then finished with more of the greeny-blue glitter-glue, merging the two colours together.




You could also use this to store bits & bobs - such as make up brushes - and this DIY can be used on a whole load of other things! I'm thinking shoes next?

DIY Cinnamon sticks candle holder.

I received some cinnamon sticks in November's Crafty Creatives box. Cinnamon is one of my favourite scents, but I was unsure about what to do with them until I came across these on Pinterest. I love candles and I thought one of these would look great this time of year.



I bought a couple of glass tealight holders from Primark [£1 each] and used my glue gun to stick the cinnamon sticks around the holder. Unfortunately I didn't have quite enough sticks to go all around the holder but I don't think that matters too much. I finished my holder by tying ribbon around it and popped a tealight in.



This looks super pretty on my window sill...I love the way the light shines through the cracks. Smells lovely too!

Wish wish wish...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I have been slowly compiling a little wishlist as my friend and I are going to go shopping next month. I'm in need of a little splurge [not too big, still need to pay the boyfriend back for our holiday ooopsie!] and these are right at the top of my list at the moment. I'm really loving the pieces Matalan have got in at the moment. That scarf print top is absolutely gorgeous - they have it in another colour too, which is just as pretty. I tried the dress on the other week and fell in love, although not sure I really need it. Have been eyeing up the h&m shoes for a while, think I will be getting them! Loving the new Models Own Beetlejuice shades, especially Indian Ocean. And as for the Yankee candle, it smells divine. Just like vanilla cupcakes!

Handmade goodies in the post.

The very lovely Fiona sent me some goodies this week. A while before Christmas I had commissioned her to make me a headband, however she got a bit busy and didn't get round to it. Obviously I understand completely, but she sent me some things she had made as a little apology - which was so sweet of her!




Excuse my make up-less face. I just LOVE this bow headband Fiona sent me. I had commissioned her to make one just like this, but in green, and I reckon I will still be wanting one! It's so comfy - fits perfectly, keeps my ears warm, and I love the colour :)

Another thing Fiona makes is lovely scented candles. She sent me a tiny teacup candles and some heart shaped melts!

And last, but not least, she painted up some false nails! Looking forward to using them!

Once again, thank you so much to Fiona, and if you're into photography, baking and crafts then check out her blog - you won't be disappointed!

Playing catch-up.

Just a quick little [crafty] update post.

Too much gym.
I've hurt my back - not entirely sure what I've done, but it came on after the gym. I went 3 days running with quite hardcore workouts, and I think it was a bit much! I'm sure work isn't helping - picking up toddlers etc probably isn't doing it any good! Have to say that it's feeling a lot better at the moment. My Mum's a physio and is going to give me some exercises to do at the gym after my workouts, to prevent it happening again! I actually hate not going to the gym, as stupid as it sounds.

Teacup candles.
I've been making more teacup candles. Most of them are going to be given to people for Christmas - handmade gifts are the best. My bestie and her boyfriend recently moved into their own place, and she's asked me to make them one - have had other people asking me about them too, someone I work with even said she might get me to make some for her wedding :) Got a big 1kg bag of wax in the post today from Fred Aldous, so got lots to see me through - getting quite addicted.



Jewellery.
My jewellery making has been a bit sparse lately. I just haven't had the time, or the energy, to make much. I'm hoping to rectify this soon, as Christmas is coming so I want plenty available in the shop. I have, however, had time to make a couple of charms [which I plan to put onto chains - let me know if you're interested in either the flower or teacup!] and a pendant and earring set, which my friend commissioned me to make for her.



Weekend fun.
Really looking forward to this weekend. Tomorrow night my friend and her boyfriend are having a gathering at their new place, I'm excited to see it, it looks gorgeous! Then on Saturday the boyfriend and I are going to London for the day. I want to go to the Lomography Gallery Store, have told Ben that he can pick somewhere to go too, as I always seem to be dragging him around places only I like, bless him!

Hope you've all had a great week. Don't forget about my giveaway - you've got one more week left to enter!

Teacup candles.

During my days off work this week I decided to try out teacup candle making. I've dabbled in candle making before, but have just used moulds. I've bought a couple of teacup candles in the past, and always thought they were really sweet, so I thought I could make some as gifts for people for Christmas! I was inspired by Fiona who makes lovely candles :)

I decided to test it out using a teacup left over from a candle I bought from the lime garden. Here is the finished product, lit up!


I then picked up a few teacups from some local charity shops and set to work with making some coloured scented candles! Both red candles are rose scented - they smell so lovely.



My favourite teacup I've bought so far has to be this one - just look at those cute kittens! My inner crazy cat lady came out when I saw this in the charity shop. I'm going to make a green spiced apple scented one in this, I think.



Have had quite a crafty few days actually - keep your eyes peeled for another baking post [see the double chocolate fudge cake recipe here] coming up in a day or so, it's a good'n [well, I think so!].