Calligraphy inspired gifts for Christmas

I'm taking a calligraphy course this year - it's something I've always wanted to do - and I'm really enjoying it. We started with writing the skeleton letters in pencil for the first three lessons and now we are moving on to using the pen. Calligraphy really is a hobby where practice makes perfect (or at least "better" in my case).

Even though I'm only just a beginner I'm already thinking ahead and looking around for new fonts I could learn to write with my pen. I came across ohNOrachio, a shop on Etsy run by Rachel Basinger from the UK specializing in pretty hand illustrated cards and ceramics.  I just love her handlettering.

Maybe I'll have to put a "learn to write on ceramics" class on my Christmas wishlist too.

Fabulous Finds: Belle & Boo

I discovered Belle & Boo a few years ago and it has become one of my favorite shops for charming children's art prints and stationery.

Hot Chocolate Fine Art Print by Belle & Boo

I instantly fell in love with Belle and her faithful companion, a bunny named Boo. Next to Belle, the character I am most drawn to is Ava, the Superprincess, perhaps because she is based on a real little girl who unfortunately left our world much too soon.

Ava with Wings by Belle & Boo

 

Belle & Boo also carry a line of whimsical children's clothing and homewares, such as wall decals.

Last year, when decorating the nursery for my baby (she obviously turned out to be a girl, but we never asked to know the gender of any of our children so didn't know beforehand), I had my heart set on this 'Cowboys and Indians' wall decal.

 

Cowboys & Indians wall decal by Belle & Boo

Apart from a rocking chair the wall decal was the only new item we bought. It was easy to apply and it looks as if it has been painted onto the wall, like a mural. It makes me smile every time I walk into her room.

I hope that my daughter will share my decoration taste.

I know it's probably more for a boys room, but I thought the cowboy could represent her big brother and the little indian girl could be her big sister. Now that she's one she's pointing to them when she wakes up and seems to be very interested. Who knows, she may turn out to be a tomboy.

You can find Belle & Boo here and here and you can read their blog here.

Fabulous Finds: Celebration Candles

Wouldn't these candles look great on a cake at a baby shower or birthday party? At 15" they are HUGE and they are available in these lovely soft colours.

Since cake candles don't usually burn long (the quicker you blow them out, the quicker you can have that slice of cake, right?) you could also use only 2 of them and tie some tiny bunting flags in between for that extra festive touch.

 Available here.

Fabulous Finds: Cupcakes for Clara

Have you met Clara yet?  Clara is very grumpy little lady designed by the lovely Laura Clempson. Clara lives in the UK together with her twin sister Macy. They have befriended a boy named Colin, but Clara pulls her nose up to boys in general. If Clara could describe boys in one word, it would be "Yuk".

Clara is a paper dress-up doll. She has a wardrobe full of clothes. She's a little bossy when it comes to picking her outfit though.

Clara: "Are you really going to make me stand here in my underwear?"

(Hint: never leave Clara standing in her underwear for too long. She.does.not.like.that.)

In the shop Clara is surrounded by lovely creatures, like this rabbit.

She calls them Fatties, but not in a grumpy way.

I'm not supposed to tell you this, but Clara even dreamed about being in a "Clara and the Fatties Band" once.

Everybody just falls head over heels in love with Clara. Yes, just everybody.

Alison over at The Petit Cadeau Blog started a "Clara travels to" post. Clara loves being put in the spotlight so she doesn't mind being dragged around to have her picture taken at famous locations. Just don't ask her to smile for the picture. She doesn't do smiles.

Since we haven't really been out and about much, we invited Clara over to our Alice in Wonderland party.  She arrived a little late, but apparently that was all due to her twin sister Macy who wanted to change outfits at the very last minute. It had nothing to do with Clara, oh no.

Clara: "I'm not late. The party doesn't start until I arrive".

(Hint: fashionably late should now be called 'on Clara time')

Here's my first attempt at some small talk with Clara at the party:

Me: "Hi Clara, you're such a lovely grumpy girl. You're the perfect dress-up doll for my daughter: sturdy and small."

Clara: "Small?" "I'm not small. I'm 3 teacups high for goodness sake!"

(Hint: Whatever you do, don't tell Clara you think she's small.)

In the end, Clara did have a wonderful time at the party. After all, there were plenty of cupcakes to keep her happy. Have you fallen for Clara too? Visit her at the shop or take a look at the Cupcakes for Clara blog.

PS: If you haven't yet, be sure to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a 25USD gift certificate to my shop!