Adam The Doddles Man and his trusty pooch Rover

I've always been fascinated by drawing forms, they aren't just an artists tool but are art all by themselves, Adam The Doodles Man and his very lovely dog Rover are no exception! I couldn't wait to free them from their very modest packaging and if I'm honest, have a little play with them!

They soon found their pride of place upon my fire place, they have already welcomed in two birthdays and the beginning of Christmas and never look out of place.
I will often catch the girls playing and chatting with them and we have a lesson planned in the new year for our community group on Famous Artists so these will be coming along for a drawing workshop with some very lovely children.

Adam the Doodles Man is the perfect companion to help you with your figure drawing. Made of stainless steel wire connected at the joints with aluminium rivets, his fully adjustable joints and limbs will hold any pose for as long as you need. He never rusts, never rests, never eats and never sleeps, so will always be on hand whenever you need him!

The Doodles range also includes Rover the Doodles Dog, together the pair make an ideal gift for any budding artist!

If men and dogs aren't really your drawing thing then fear not, Homerama have robins and reindeers in their online store, who doesn't want little moveable, metal animals dotted all over their house whether they are artists or not?!

After browsing the web I also found some snowmen, SNOWMEN!!!
These have to be the coolest gift for artists, lovers of finer things and general weirdos like myself!

I can't wait to build a collection of my own, and i plan to create some gorgeous line drawn images for gifts next year, Thanks Adam The Doodle's Man for inspiring me to create something new!

Multi Pearl Bracelets

As some of you may have noticed, i have deleted the Chic Unique only blog, i just don't have enough time to split myself that may times over so everything will be here, in one place for you all to see :)
So to replace the pearl bracelet post some photos of past commissions are viewable here.

All bracelets are one off and customised to your specification. Prices start at £10. contact me via twitter @chicuniqueuk or email chic_uniqueuk@yahoo.co.uk to order

L x

A/W 11 sneak peak

I have been a bit "off" this last week so been doing less "stressful" creating and I've created a brand new line for the A/W 11 collection that I'm totally in love with!
To go with this collection will also be some scarves and possibly some wrist warmers.

First off is this cute grey wool wrapped bangle. This is available in brass, gold and silver tones and with or without detailing on the bangle, This is the brass version that is a round edged smooth brass bangle. Also available in a choice of wool colour upon request. These will be £6 each

Next up is a grey finger knitted twisted bracelet. The wool is available in any colour as are the findings. Brass, gold and silver plated and sterling silver and 9ct gold is available. Chain options are also available.
These will be from £10 each.

Next is a grey finger knitted slouch ribbon tie necklace. A choice of wool colour is available on request as is the ribbon colour choice, chain of any colour and length is also available. These will be from £20.

and finally for todays sneaky peak is these gorgeous mint green and cream resin flower rings set onto a brass heart filagree ring base which is fully size adjustable. Other flower colours available on request. These will be £7

Thanks for looking and as always items are available for pre order via twitter @chicuniqueuk or email lizipants@yahoo.co.uk

L xx

Braided Bracelets

So made a start on some cute braided bracelets, just like the ones we all made as kids in a field with a group of friends!
They are made from embroidery thread and come in any colour or colour combination you can think of. Small charms can be added for a small additional fee.
These are suitable for any ages and would be great from children's party bag gifts, suitable for boys and girls and can be a lasting reminder of a great party and token of friendship. Just £1 each and 50p for any additional charms or beads for children and £1.50 for adults bracelets and 50p for any additional charms.
A clasp can be added for an additional fee of 20p and names can be added with letter beads for £1 per name.

Also these larger braided bracelets have a slip knot fastening and can be adorned with glass chips like in the photo of pearls or beads. A cute summer accessory with a more grown up, glamourous feel, thats comfy and easy to wear with summer fashion. Only available for a short time and not available on the store so contact me direct to place an order. The beaded bracelets are just £4 each while stocks last.

Thanks for reading!!

L x

New Accessories

So as we crack on with the new store, as you know I've been designing accessories to add to my collection to fuel the other sides of my craft passion.
Our compacts are proving popular so i figured lets expand a little!.
I have ideas stacked up ready to try, including cotton faux spats for the little to cover short boots or shoes for a bit of funk!
Some lightweight cotton scarves, i have a few different designs i want to try so will be back with photos at some point.
Im considering some paris themed coin purses too
And finally these cute embellished head phones. They come in a variety of colours and choice of cabochon. These will retail for appox £6 per pair including postage.

Thanks for reading and sorry its short... I'm seriously multi tasking right now!!

L xx

Handbag Compacts

With progress on my shiny new shop coming along nicely ive been "trying" to make good head way with my stock and the gift range.
And looky what arrived yesterday... our shiny new customisable acrylic handbag mirrors. I am working on a little pouch for them, thinking one that can also be used as a coin purse too with a parisian feel, i think though with the cost it would be a good idea to offer these as an additional cost instead of adding it on to the mirror price. They wont break and shouldnt scratch much either so not essential to the care of your mirror.
anywho take a look see and let me know what you think! these are available for pre-order if you just have to have one now!!! POA lizipants@yahoo.co.uk

Exciting NEW items for Chic-Unique

Up first of the new goodies is out winners necklace for @sarahsscribble she loves rabbits but i wanted to make something that was grown up and was wearable for all occassions while keeping the cute rabbit theme! so this is what i came up with...

ive used brass findings throughout at her request and added some pearls and shaped beads for interest and texture then added the all important acrylic black rabbit charm!

Next up, hot off the press is a pair of brass leaf earrings..

These have been used with the same leaf and bead charms and are hanging from a pair of brass earring hooks... these will retail approx £6 per pair

Nextt we have these gorgeous large layered pearl earrings again in brass..

Next is my new collection of arcylic rings, i think u will agree they are most definatly cute, customisable and stackable!

Next up is my fave theme.. festival! they are a multi layered brass earrings with a contrasting feel

Next is a festival leather charm bracelet..

and finally my fave piece of the day, a large movable gold effect brass butterfly chocker with a ribbon chain

all will be available soon at our newly re-branded store. in the mean time contact me via twitter @chicuniqueuk or email lizipants@yahoo.co.uk to order or custom design a piece :)

L x

Things im in love with right now...

So I've been bad AGAIN and not blogged for like a squillion years and my pics of pure yumminess is seriously mounting up so i figured with a spare 10 mins ill do a little feature of the things I'm loving right now...

Was browsing "Making" magazine the other other and saw this FABULOUS bag! but me being me Ive asked the amazing FunkyDivaDesigns, Anna is on Twitter and Facebook and will soon have her own dedicated store away from folksy and the sort, to make me one of her own style in similar fabric. But in the mean time here's the pic of the bag in question!

As some of you, that follow on Twitter especially, will know is that chic-unique is having a total re brand and the most amazing, talented and outright awesome @Diddybears is currently in the process of totally from scratch designing my store to swap over to the Create.net service, I've had one to many nightmares with Mr Site to put up with it for much longer but having a total design phobia she kindly offered to help me :) But anyway, I've had some new acrylic pieces designed for me with more coming soon for you to have a sneaky peak at!

 Ive been struggling to find mounts big enough to take these huge cameos for a while so i decided to have some especially made for me. They can come in any style and colour and varying sizes so from now on ill probably have all my cameo mounts made for me. They look amazing and add a whole different level of handmade.

These GORGEOUS ( and yes i have nabbed a set!!) stackable acrylic rings are made in one piece and come in 3 different sizes, There is a choice in style, that I've had made as a trial run (24 available at present) tress, rabbit, butterfly, bow, deer and hearts, also available in a choice of colours, blue, pink, green and orange ( but any are available to order!) They are £6 each and available to order direct through me at the mo and will be coming to the new site shortly!!

and finally my charity shop buy of the week... i believe its a 50s silver plated, faux opal bracelet and at a whopping £3.75 ill be wearing it for the foreseeable!!

Thanks for having a nosy...
hope to see you again soon..

L xx

Price Increases for Chic Unique

After a very long, teary, heart to heart with my business advisor (thatll be the hubby by the way!) last night ive had to review all my prices. For the last 6 months i havent taken a wage for any of the jewellery i make, neither have i charged for postage.
Time is precious and cant be returned and hand crafting jewellery from scratch takes time and lots of it. The design process, then shopping for findings then actually creating the piece is what you dont get charged for if you shop at a high street store and their prices are still expensive.
So from today onwards in ALL my outlets the prices have to be brought up into line with other retailers and finally ill be able to take a wage for all my hard work.
This for me isnt a hobby, its a business i want to see grow and flourish into a brand that people can trust and will return to time and again but to able to do that i have to charge prices that cover every single cost that hand making jewellery from scratch encounters. For you to receive the best service, quality items and unique one off pieces then my prices have to rise.
I did argue, i didnt simply back down and i thought long and hard how business would be effected by the increases but at the end of the day every single item is handmade and designed from scratch for every single customer. i dont mass produce, and i never make more than one of anything unless asked to do so by the customer.
I hope you can all accept that this is for the best interests of myself and my business and in no way means im trying to charge more for less.
I will be able to buy more expensive findings and charms and spend more time on each piece to ensure everyone gets more than what they pay for as you have done in the past.
I hope to see you all again soon

L x

P.S
There is a hash tag comp running over on twitter at the mo. Pop the hash tag #chicuniqueuk into a tweet saying why you think you deserve to win a custom item for you choice to be in with the chance of winning, Comp closes on 1st july at 12pm.
Good Luck!
Also some sale items will be regulary added to the store and a monthly comp with run on facebook and on twitter.

New Products

So to lift the mood after the aftermath of moaning I've spent the day jotting down ideas and sketching (I've not picked up a pencil to draw in over 10 years!!) and I've decided that i am going to design and make some little branded gifts for the website.
i was thinking some cute hand printed wrapping paper and cards that can be bought for a few quid with jewellery that's for gifts at check out.
i also thought about some cute button magnets, a pack of 4 possibly for a few pound.
Maybe some little cross stitch badges
Also i thought a pin cushion, i have a fab idea with cross stitch for one.
Maybe some silk screen printed tshirts/vest tops, knickers and socks.
And lastly some writing paper.
All in a new skool tattoo style working with the swallow and roses theme, adding in the odd cameo etc. All stamped with Chic Unique so its 'official' stock. All will be very affordable but takes the shop that step further into a boutique as we are diversifying .
Would love to hear your comments about this as it will be a lot of work making up large amount of stock etc.
Thanks guys

L xx

Post 4 of handmade year

Yesterday i had the biggest blogging FAIL ever! i also did not make one thing handmade for myself, i did however get THE biggest bargains at a local factory seconds shop.
Last winter Monsoon had the most amazing khaki military coat and as much as i wanted it i couldn't justify £80 for a coat and even after the winter the sale price wasn't as attractive as i would of liked so i let that one go! But yesterday i found the most amazing Dorothy Perkins military coat which looks almost identical. As its a factory second it has missing buttons to the front but for the whacking £2 i paid for it I'm quite happy to spend the next 6 months trying to find a perfect match!!!
i also got a pair of Wallis navy linen trousers for £5, i think they are sized up wrong as they are a perfect fit but marked as a size 10.
A gorgeous pair of topshop military tapered leg trousers, in an off cream colour with turn ups. There is a small snag in the bum so need to find an ingenius way of fixing them. but for £4 they are WELL worth it!
Also a pair of black palazzo trousers also from topshop, the hemming has come undone on one leg but need turning up due to my sever lack of height anyway so for £5 I'm more than happy :)
We also popped into the charity shop on the way home from school and i got a crafted t-shirt for 50p, a vintage single sheet for £1, a school summer dress for Emma for £1.50 and lis bought a Pokemon annual and 2 figures for £1 oh and a pair of pink gap surf shorts for £1.50.
Was a very GOOD day for bargains!!

Lxx

my 12 month handmade, pre-loved task

Lately I've been thinking... as you have probably gathered from my last few blog posts, that there must be more to this than throw away culture. I hate high street brands, big business and all things "normal".
So I've decided to go on a 12 months handmade and pre-loved journey. I endeavour to hand make, up cycle, recycle clothes for me and the girls and buy only second hand, pre-worn, vintage and charity shop finds. This also goes for furniture and home accessories.
I also plan to home bake much more than i already do and only cook meals and snacks. No more fast food, take aways and crap. If i can make, grow, reuse it then i will!
Obviously theres things i cant avoid and will have to buy conveniences but from tomorrow (sat 21st may, which freakily is supposed to be some sort of apocalypse) i will be updating daily of the things i make, buy and reuse to cloth and feed us.
I'm hoping to take a lot from this. To see how well we cope without the things we take for granted, also i want THE coolest vintage home and this is a great way to point myself in the right direction. Theres nothing I'm yet to come across that cant be reused and remade into something amazing AND practical!
We have a stores full of clothes the girls have outgrown, but really its all just pre cut fabric ready to be remade into something that's unique AND practical.
I just don't want my kids growing into greedy so n so's! They shouldn't be concerned with the cost but that its a new (to them) toy or item of clothing!
we have a book self full of kids books that have been read to death! now how cool would it be to swap them for other books that they haven't read yet!
Those old toys and games and even shoes and clothing that could be swapped and revamped to suit yourself. no need for cash to change hands just wonderfulness of knowing that item can be loved elsewhere!!
Would be cool to get a few of you lovely readers on board to... maybe do a swap once a month, everyone post the items on their blog they don't want anymore and swap them with someone else that does want them.
After all if it is gonna be the zombie apocalypse tomorrow then money wont mean a thing!!

L x

oh and in all seriousness if you would be interested in a toy/clothes/furniture/recipe swap then pls get in touch and we can set up a list of all swappers

Featuring...... Natalia Earney

Natalia Lovat jewellery is a beautiful collection of jewellery made from Silver, semi-precious beads and stones, vintage beads & jewellery, up-cycled beads & jewellery and some new bits & bobs mixed in to create stunning one-off pieces of jewellery that are truly unique. 

I have been in love with fashion, textiles and everything sparkly since I was a little girl. My Russian grandmother was an inspiration; she was always very glamorous and dressed to perfection. Her wardrobe and jewellery was a huge dressing up box full of 40's and 50's treasures. She inspired my love for fashion, crafts and all things sparkly and dressing up, as well as taught me to sew and make.

My background is art and designed based and I have degree in Knitwear design. I worked in the fashion industry as a production manager for many years. Through my work I was lucky to travel to India where I would always find the time visit the most amazing shops over flowing with silver jewellery.

My passion for jewellery took me back to college to take up a course in silver jewellery, which I am still attending and loving! I have also taken a few short courses in various methods of jewellery making.  From this new found skill and love for jewellery making, and my experience from working in fashion I set up Natalia Lovat in 2009.

I started very slowly selling to friends and family, selling at small fairs and towards the end of 2010 I set up shop on Folksy. I also have a Natalia Lovat website and this month I opened up shop on Etsy selling just my handmade silver jewellery.  I have also been very lucky to make some beautiful commissions, which I really enjoy doing.

My inspiration for each piece very often comes from my vintage finds; I try not to replicate what you can find on the high street and always aim to have something special and unique on each piece of jewellery I make. Often just one bead can inspire a whole necklace.

The hardest part of making one off pieces of jewellery is I become rather attached to them! I get giddy about finding broken, forgotten about jewellery and turning it into something lovely and new. 

Then of course someone snaps up the lovely new piece of jewellery and I have to wave goodbye to my treasure. But my Magpie instincts kick in and off I go hunting for more treasure to create something new! 

I find is so satisfying seeing someone wearing and enjoying a piece of jewellery I have created. I always make something that I love & don’t want to part with, and then I know it’s something that my customers will also love. 

Natalia Lovat jewellery can be found on three sites

http://www.natalialovat.co.uk/

http://folksy.com/shops/NataliaLovat

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NataliaLovat

I am currently offering a 15% discount on all my jewellery from today until 17^th April 2011. 

So if you are looking for a Mother’s day gift, special gift for Easter, have a spring wedding to attend or just want to get something for yourself, then pop into one of my online shops. 

If you shop via Etsy you can enter the coupon code NLSSOF001 and 15% will be taken off your bill.

If you shop via Folksy or the Natalia Lovat website please leave me a message with the discount code NLSSOF001 and I will refund you 15% on your purchase via PayPal.

You can also find me on Twitter & Facebook

http://twitter.com/#!/NataliaLovat

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalia-Lovat/339224867127?sk=wall

Things i bought this week...

This week I've had a few sales so inadvertently treated us all to some goodies, and i even got some goodies for FREE!!
To start my buying frenzy of a week my lovely hubbys valentines prezzie arrived from the awesome @BootiesByDannie I cant tell you what it is or it will spoil his surprise so SHHHH! I will indeed put you all out of your misery after the big day :D

Then Tuesday brought me a fabulous bar of chocolate from the ever so kind @goodnessdirect . Its called Divine and OMG it sooo totally is!! The milk chocolate was lovely rich but smooth and didnt become sickly or over facing and the tiny hazelnut chips where exactly the right size so not to get stuck in your teeth! It was a fabulous treat for a tuesday after lunch and between me and the two littleies it was gone within minutes!! I would definitely recommend this beautiful chocolate to anyone, and its fairtrade AND free from all those nasties you normally get in chocolate, i mean what else could you actually want but more of this stuff??
Wednesday brought my utter gorgeous GIRL tshirt from the ever so talented @acidembrace I was pointed in the direct of this store www.acidembrace.com on sunday last week and after a few mins browsing i couldnt help myself but buy this amazing tshirt! It came wonderfully packaged and quick delivery and the perfect fit, you wont hear me complaining but will hear me running back to buy some more!! i highly recommend you check it out, they do accessories, mens wear and bags too :)
Fri brought me THE cutest handmade, from socks can you believe it, guinea pig! In honour of our peppa having her first litter just over a week ago :)

He is gorgeously stitched (even better than mine ;) ) and so soft, he has the cutest little character and the kids keeping fighting over him!! i think we may be heading back to see @DSquiffy for some more of these cuties... for the kids of course!!!
Also on Fri i got my gorgeous print from @MoreThanWordArt !! Im totally crazy about what these guys do, its so much fun as well as being very personal and is an amazing gift or addition to your home, id have one in every room if i could!! Im holding out on a photo purely because i want it in its place before showing you all and ive not even made a start on the bedroom decorating yet! hahah but please do stop by there store and happily peruse all the lovely art, words and general loveliness! 
And to top off my wonderful week of receiving is this...

No not my beautiful 4 year old emma, ive had her a while now ;) but the most adorable Mr Tumble crocheted toy!! The wonderful @BootiesByDannie, the evil temptress she is, started making these just this week and when i saw the pic pop up on my feed i was there first thrusting my pennies in her general direction! We are big Mr Tumble fans in our house, for a many number of reasons, and seeing emmas little face light up this morning was worth so much more than what it actually cost to get one in our home! I think you all need one and should rush over there right now and all throw some pennies at her!! (I just have to say tho his little bag comes off, and hes really cute and i think i secretly want one too!)
So that pretty much concludes my fabulous post this week.... I just hope next week can follow suit or i think ill be pretty disapointed!!


L xx