Counting Bow Ties!
So i’ve been wanting to expand my menswear for ages and have finally done it with the arrival of Bow ties to my shop! There is only one up so far but i am planning on adding a lot more soon! (along with some other exciting products!)
This bow tie is pretty funky with it’s numerical pattern, perfect for any maths geek or just anyone who likes something a little fun and quirky!
I even pinned a fancy ball gown on Dot (my dress form is now called Dot due to her polka dot pattern) to match the bow tie, and I really really like it! (Just don’t look at the back)
I wasn’t sure if I liked it more without the waistband or not.
I really am in love with this and can’t wait to make more, you can find it on my Etsy HERE!
I am also working on improving my ties slightly. Not only that, but I am working on some even more exciting menswear! My waistcoat pattern has been improved and I’m even looking into full suits for both men and women.
It’s all hands on deck here at The Penguin Theory! 😀
Claire x
Expanding my Menswear Range
I find my ties are my best sellers and so have been wanting to expand my menswear line for quite a while. However, as usual, life seems to get in the way and i’ve been so busy with the day job that i haven’t had time for The Penguin Theory. However I am now again unemployed, maybe one day i can get something that’s not just temporary, and so have lots of time to sew! I finally got round to making a pattern for a waistcoat.
I chose some lovely stripy fabric, which i’ve already made a tie out of, and made the pattern myself with a bit of help from my boyfriends wardrobe.
I made a few mistakes along the way, figuring out how to put it all together was quite a challenge. It was quite amusing though when i put the waist ties in the lining side instead of outside! Whoops!
Oops!
I decided against putting buttons on this particular jacket as the pattern needs a little work to hang properly, but I actually think it looks pretty snazzy as an open waistcoat!
I’ll be dressing Ashley up in it shortly for a photoshoot (i’m sure he’ll demand payment in chocolate as it’s pretty cold outside!) and hopefully i will be editing the pattern and making more as well as having some more womens wear ready soon so keep your eyes peeled!
So much pattern cutting! My hand is hurting.
Super excited to play with this fabric!
‘Till next time
Claire x
Computer Troubles
I’m sorry for my quietness as of late, I promise I haven’t been lazy (in fact i’ve been more productive than usual) but my laptop decided enough was enough and stopped working completely.
Unfortunately for me it was the hard drive that had gone and I also had some unsaved work on there which I stupidly forgot to back up. 2 videos nearly completed (1 with animations and everything!) and a couple of photoshoots. All gone. But it’s my fault for not making sure I had extra copies of them, I can’t really blame my laptop as it is 5 years old.
I did go to the Apple store. Their customer service was amazing and the guy who saw me was really nice and friendly. But unfortunately it would cost about £200 for them to fix my laptop, something I just can’t afford at the moment. I probably had a very peculiar look on my face as then he suggested I refit it myself, showing me which to buy, and how to refit it. Instead of spending over £200 i spent £32!
My new hard drive is very shiny and pretty and I even fit it in myself, which, by the way, is super easy.
So now my laptop is up and running again, soon I’ll have photoshop installed again too and then maybe I can re-make the videos. I’ve now renamed it the FrankenMac as it’s been brought back to life with odd parts!
In the mean time I have been sewing. I’m in the process of using all these old t-shirts i collected whilst working the pub job to make a picnic blanket. Not much more to do!
In other news : I snuggled with a baby penguin. It was the cutest, softest and smelliest thing ever!
Obviously I was working hard at the same time, actually I find talking to the keepers is the best way to learn about all the animals. It really is the best job ever, I learn something new (and usually amazing) every single day! I seriously don’t want this summer to end.
Claire x
Cute Penguin Nails Tutorial
Ever wanted to have adorable penguins on your finger tips? Well want no more as I help you paint your own adorable penguins on your nails!
My first penguin tutorial to celebrate this months ‘May There Be Penguins’ celebrations shows you how to turn your nails into your own adorable penguin colony.
Paint your nails with me right here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkFDQW_QxdU
Keep your eye out for more tutorials (with better video quality) later on in the month as I keep on celebrating the wonderful world of penguins!
Also, join me on facebook for even more penguin fun, games and even competitions!
And don’t forget to enter my latest competition which closes at midnight tonight (gmt). Find it here on my facebook page
Who will be Crowned the Queen of May?
The Penguins Are Here! For the whole month of May here at The Penguin Theory we are celebrating all things Penguin with our month long event : May there be penguins!
To kick it all off and to celebrate the first of May and the Mayday bank holiday I am giving away this gorgeous, handmade, flower crown to one lucky winner!
May day traditionally involves Morris Dancing, May poles and crowning one lady the Queen of May, so I am giving away one gorgeous ‘Queen of May’ flower crown to one lucky winner, but there’s a catch. You can’t enter for yourself. Instead I want you to nominate someone to be crowned ‘Queen of May’.
Comment in the comment section or on my facebook page with the name of your nominee and why you think they should be crowned the ‘Queen of May’!
This can be anyone, family or friends, boy or girl, for any reason. Maybe they helped you, maybe they’ve been through a lot and need some pampering, or maybe they’re just an extremely happy person who always brings a smile to your face!
You have until the end of the May Day bank holiday (Monday 5th May, 12pm gmt) to nominate your Queen and I will announce the winner on Tuesday 6th May.
Good Luck!
365 Project : 3rd March – 9th March
I’ve decided to start updating these posts on Mondays instead of Sundays. It makes a lot more sense as if i’m busy on Sunday (like I was yesterday) I don’t get a chance to edit and upload the photo from that day. But I shall still be posting photo’s from the first monday to the sunday. Hopefully this will make it easier to stay up to date with this project.
On the 3rd I made some delicious brownies! I really must do a recipe for these as they’re divine!
The 4th was shrove tuesday and of course meant that we ate lots and lots of pancakes! Yum!
On the 5th I met up with my sister for the first time in ages. We had some burritos and then went out for a couple of cocktails.
On the 6th we went skating late at night. I took some awesome creepy photo’s with long exposures. You can see more of these here.
On the 7th I took a few pictures of a new item, the gorgeous blue tie in the middle, and then spent the rest of the day editing.
- You can find my tie section of my Etsy shop by clicking the image!
The 8th saw me relaxing at home, still doing lots of computer work but taking breaks staring out to the sunshine.
Yesterday I went to Cantelowes Skatepark in Camden with Ash and some friends. I didn’t skate (I don’t have a suitable pool deck) but a good friend from Newtons Shred taught Ash to drop in and I managed to take some great pictures which I will be sharing with you all soon. We finished the day with cider and stew. Perfect!
Back at work next week and so not as much time to frolic, but I will still be making sure I take lots of photographs!
Claire x
Catch Up on the 365 Project.
I know i know, i’m terrible and haven’t updated my 365 project for nearly a month! But it’s ok, i have been taking photos so here’s a little catch up.
Warning – Going to be very picture heavy (if you hadn’t guessed)
February the 10th saw me driving up to the north with the radio blasting and ash putting in ear plugs to avoid hearing my singing.
On the 11th i saw these amazing blue orchids! My mum didn’t think much to them but I thought they were gorgeous! It’s a shame I can’t help but kill plants. 😦 I am definitely not green thumbed.
I went to go see Frank Turner with my sister and some friends on the 12th. On the way there I was reading a book on photography when a stranger asked me if I was into that sort of thing and told me to visit this gallery. I still haven’t got round to it, but the exhibition is still on so maybe i’ll go soon.
On the 13th I finally fixed one of my favourite earrings. It’s been sat on my desk for so long and I only just got round to gluing it back together. Hopefully I wont break it again!
On valentines day I spent most of the day drawing hobbits and dragons. Not bad in my opinion. I didn’t actually do anything with ash, neither of us are particularly bothered by it in all honesty. It’s a silly holiday really (we did make an excuse for some snuggle/movie time though of course).
On the 15th I moved my penguin statue, a christmas present from my mums boyfriend and just totally awesome, to a spot where he could keep an eye on my working.
My hair went crazy big and curly on the 16th as I left it in a big plait over night. It’s a shame that it’s so long and unmanageable at the moment, it just looked like a massive frizz ball! Definitely time for a hair cut.
On the 17th I really enjoyed the contrast between the moody, british sky and these stunning blossoms.
The 18th saw lots of editing work. Nearly a whole day of editing! My eyes definitely needed a rest by the end, but at least I had been very productive. These photo’s are amongst my favourites i’ve ever taken.
On the 19th I found out that I had an interview with London Zoo! I was so excited that I really couldn’t concentrate at work, not the best when working in a kitchen. I burnt myself so many times I lost count and nearly chopped my finger off! Luckily my nail stopped the cut becoming any deeper but it was still pretty nasty.
On the 20th I was starting to feel like I lived in this uniform. Working 60+ hour weeks, 6 days out of 7 most of the time and just constantly tired. I was starting to want just a day to pamper myself, wear make-up and look pretty but I just don’t have the energy even on my days off.
The 21st I was starting to feel positive. I was super excited (and nervous) about this interview and also knew it wasn’t long until Legoland wanted me back, plus i was about to drive up north for a wedding! Life was definitely about to get fun, I just had to stick it out at the pub for a little longer. This mirror is above our bed and was there when we moved in. We’re far too lazy to take it off and I actually kind of like it. It makes me smile.
The 22nd was the wedding of two very close friends! Unfortunately I forgot my camera (silly me) and my phone was dying so I didn’t take many pictures, but I did snap this cute picture of the first dance. The groom had changed into some more comfortable shoes for the party side of the wedding, as had the bride who was now wearing bright pink converse under her dress. Such a lovely day! I’m so happy for them both!
On the 23rd I went back to the south, but before I did I managed a little switcheroo at home, giggling like a naughty school girl the whole time. Mum has never got round to putting up my graduation picture (the woes of a second child!) and so I put mine in my sisters place. I don’t think she’s noticed yet, until she reads this blog post…*evil cackle*
On the 24th i received this sewing pattern I had won! I can’t wait to get stuck in!
On the 25th was my interview with London Zoo! It ran from 9-5 with lots of group exercises, presentations and other things to really get to know if we were right for the job and was such a fun day! It honestly made me want to work there even more, which I didn’t think was possible. I somehow managed to get a selfie with a penguin as well!
After the long interview and then rushing off to work for a close, I wasn’t feeling very awake on the 26th and drank far too much coffee.
On the 27th I got the news that I got the job!! I was so excited and i’m pretty sure I asked the person on the phone ‘Really?!’ several times. I celebrated with a glass (or two) of Merlyn, it’s like Baileys but so much better! I’m still convinced they’re going to ring up and tell me they made a mistake, but It’s quite honestly a dream come true!
On the 28th I started counting down to my start. I wrote it on my calendar and was still bouncing off walls.
On the 1st of March I received a congratulations card from my mum, complete with penguins of course!. How lovely 🙂 And yes, still bouncing off the walls at this stage.
On the 2nd there was a gorgeous rainbow! I could see the whole thing (I haven’t got round to editing those pictures yet though). If only I could find the pot of gold at the end…*sigh*
So that’s me all caught up to this week! I will be posting these weekly as usual from this sunday.
February was most definitely a very exciting month and I’m sure that March will be just as exciting!
Claire x
365 project – Days 27 to 32
On the 27th I finally finished this tie I’d had in mind for far too long and I love it! It’s already available on my etsy here
On the 28th I opened the kitchen for the second time ever and first time on my own (5am starts! Ouch!) but as I was lighting the grill I noticed it looked kinda pretty. Obviously being at work I only had my phone on me, but the picture still came out pretty cool…or should I say hot 😉
On the 29th I was playing with this adorable fabric! I think I have to buy more soon!
On the 30th I dressed up all Chinese style for a photoshoot to celebrate the new year! Ok, so I didn’t actually take these photo’s but I did think of the concept, the styling, modelled and directed the shoot so I think it still counts. You can find the post I wrote here
I did actually take a photo myself on this day (sort of, it was after midnight but I was only just leaving work and hadn’t slept yet so I guess it counts). The weather was super foggy and looked awesome so I just couldn’t resist!
The 31st I had finished the adorable-fabric skirt and it really is cute! I took some bad phone photo’s as my camera’s battery had died and I’d lost the charger! Oops! Lots of photo editing later and you can find the skirt in my shop here
On the first (wow February already!) I had my last day of work for two weeks! Yey for being owed holiday! I also went and bought a new charger as I will be needing my Camera on Sunday! This charger not only charges my old styled DSLR battery (my camera is a very old model) but also AA, AAA (etc.), newer camera batteries, phones and has a car adapter! It’s going to be perfect for holidaying!
Today is Sunday and I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for the photo as I’m probably out and about taking it! I’m adventuring to the centre of London for the Chinese New Year celebrations and hoping to get a few really good shots! I’ll definitely update with a blog post when i’m back and the photo’s are fully edited so keep your eyes peeled!
What have you been celebrating this week?
Claire xx
Happy Horse Year!
Today begins the chinese new year and this year is the year of the horse!
To celebrate i decided to dress up a little in this gorgeous dress I bought from the pearl market (a crazy bustling market you will either love or hate) in beijing along with a few matching accessories I made.
Unfortunately the shots are just phone quality as the battery is dead on my camera and I seem to have misplaced my charger. Oops.
I posed with this cute horse statue I got from Xian (pronounced Shi-an) where the terracotta warriors are found. Perfect with it being the year of the horse! I also have a warrior figure, I just wish I could have bought more!
For my make up I went bold with red lips and pale face inspire by geishas and a glittery gold eyeshadow with an asian inspired flick of eyeliner.
I also bought that fan on my trip to China from a little store in the forbidden city.
In my hair I wore these chopsticks along with a cute flower hair bobble I made. These flowers will soon be available in my Etsy shop so keep an eye out or contact me for more details! I don’t know quite where the chop sticks are from, I’m pretty sure my mum and her boyfriend bought them for me on a holiday where they stopped off in hong kong for a flight change over.
I also wore these chinese style earrings I made. Another pair like these should also be available in my store soon.
However, whilst you’re waiting for me to list these items (they wont be long I promise! I just need to find my camera charger) I do have plenty of chinese prints available so you too can get into the new year spirit! Just click the image to find it in my shop!
I captured this stunning photograph at the Chinese Opera in Beijing which was certainly an experience. The costumes were completely stunning, the singing not so much.
This is one of my favourite photographs I’ve taken. It was of the old city walls in Xian. I just love the juxtaposition between old and new.
And what trip to China wouldn’t be complete without a picture of the great wall. I just had to get some photo’s of it snaking into the distance!
And here’s another with mountains fading into the background!
I have also some possible plans for celebrating the new year in crafting style, as long as I’m free to go to the events happening this week.
Are you doing anything to get into the New Year spirit?
Claire x
An Unconventional Valentines – Etsy Treasury
I haven’t done one of these in AGES and I felt it was finally time to get back in the habit of making treasuries. It’s really enjoyable and gives a chance to look at all the weird and wonderful things Etsy sellers have to offer!
I decided to go for a valentines theme, as it is nearly that time of year again, but wanted to give it an unusual twist. Here are a collection of items that are either unusual in themselves or not very conventionally valentines. For all the items you can find them on Etsy by just clicking the image!
Hope you enjoy!
1) Heart Little Breath Pair
I don’t think I need to explain why these are included, they are very unsual. They remind me of something you might find in a Studio Ghibli film, maybe that’s why I like them. They certainly have a charm to them and would be a cute edition to a bookcase or sideboard.
2) Watercolour Love Red Umbrella
This one is included as I feel it has a very sombre feel to it, something not usually associated with valentines day. However I do think that this is a very beautiful print, I especially love the streams of red coming off the umbrella, gives a good sense of the downpour this couple could be caught in.
3) The Heart
This simple, but expressive piece would make a great statement piece in your home, or even a great card (if the seller were to sell cards). I love the messy approach and think this is a very cool piece.
4) Circuit Board Cufflinks
These cool cufflinks would be great for any computer geek (just like my boyfriend!) or even just someone who likes gadgets (so most guys then). The whole shop is full of these awesome geeky items and is a personal favourite of mine.
5) Personalised Champers Kit
Drinking champagne might be something done quite often on Valentines day, but making your own isn’t! In all honesty i’d probably enjoy the making more than the drinking! It would definitely be a cute thing to do with your loved one, and even if it isn’t ready for the day itself it would give you a good excuse to have another romantic night in.
6) Anatomical Heart in a Jar
This hand blown glass item is the perfect gift for someone who hates the unrealistic heart usually associated with love and valentines. Not only does the bottle look gorgeous but the heart is captivatingly intricate. Definitely a cool piece to display in your home.
7) Valentines Bear
Teddy bears are a very common valentines day gift but they usually hold roses and hearts and other things that make me want to vomit (i’m not the most girly of girls when it comes to these things). This bear is a whole lot cooler, and cuter! Plus it could be the perfect gift for both men and women!
8) Love Letter Cookies
Love letters are very popular for all those lovey-dovey couples out there, but if you want something a little bit different why not make those letters edible! We all know girls love sweet things, and what better than to cover those sweet things with a poem that will probably make her cry! You’d be the best boyfriend ever, until they’re all eaten up at least.
9) ClockWork Heart Tie
This unusual tie is pretty cool and would be a great gift for the man in your life, especially if he likes unusual ties.
10) Little Sculpture holding Heart
This cute sculpture is part of a ‘star series’. These cute and quirky items are really fun to look at and would make a great, inexpensive gift for someone special.
11) Valentines Bike
I found some similar bike sculptures (although not heart themed and probably not by the same person) when I went to amsterdam and bought one each for my mum and her boyfriend. They are super cool and a great gift for any bike maniac.
12) Egg Valentines Card
Bored of the standard valentines greetings card? Well this shop makes ‘cards’ out of real chicken eggs! Your personalised message is put inside your chosen egg and you have to crack the egg open to read it which almost seems a shame as they’re so cute!
13) Longitude and Latitude bracelet
I love the rustic look of this bracelet and it can be personalised to have your own co-ordinates on! Maybe you could have it set to the place you both first met, your home, where you were proposed to, anywhere of real significance to the relationship.
14) Wooden Card
Another unusual card option. These look beautifully made and can double up as the actual gift as they can be kept on display with the mini easel the shop also sells. Just lovely!
15) Heart Shaped Chalkboard Stickers
Ok, bit of a strange choice I know, but i think these stickers could be really cute for creating your own valentines gift. Stick them on jars and fill with love heart sweets, or make a valentines day picnic labelled with them, there are so many possibilities! I think they would be great for a personal touch to your gift and look pretty cool, plus you can always wipe off your message and use them again.
16) Heart Nose Ring
Nothing says ‘Valentines Day’ quite like jewellery, but lets start steering away from the expensive diamond rings, they are far too special for a day where you’re practically forced to be romantic. Instead get something cute like this adorable little nose stud, i kinda wish I had my nose pierced just so I could buy this.
What unconventional things are you planning for this valentines? Or what sort of unusual things have you done in the past? I’d love to hear your stories!
Nutty Christmas Stuffing
One of my housemates is going home to his parents house soon for the Christmas period and so we decided to have a little christmas meal of our own. I was in charge of food and decided to make it a real feast. We decided to go for turkey with all the trimmings and also bought a joint of Pork for Ash who isn’t that keen on Turkey. Our other housemate, Jack, is vegetarian and so had his own little ‘meat’ roast to put in. Jack also ended up roasting all the vegetables and making mashed potatoes and swede. Yum! I made the Yorkshire puddings, Gravy and decided to make some stuffing from scratch too!
I’ve made stuffing before, a traditional sausage, sage and onion, but needed to cater for Jack and so looked around for a vegetarian stuffing recipe. Unfortunately I couldn’t find one that I really fancied and so decided to create my own concoction to bring some festive cheer to our meal! I ended up with a delicious (and yes it really was tasty!) mushroom, walnut, cranberry and apple stuffing and thought it was so tasty that I just HAD to share my recipe.
And yes it was given the thumbs up by Jack.
So here’s how you can make your own, Vegetarian approved, stuffing this Christmas:
You will need…
For the seasoning I just used Sage, but you can obviously season to your tastes. I also used chestnut mushrooms to add a nutty, mushroomy flavour and walnuts to add a creamy, nutty flavour. Apples are there to add a hint a sweetness and I also thought they would go quite well with Ashleys pork. I bought a loaf of Tiger Bread because it is delicious, but any bread will do. Slightly stale bread would be best as you are just using it to make breadcrumbs. Cranberries are christmassy and I felt that it wouldn’t be a christmas stuffing without!
I’ve not given you many measurements because I don’t really measure, i prefer to just do what I think looks right for me, you can add the amounts to suit your tastes too.
First off you need to grab a blender, or a ‘whizzy stick’ as I have, to make bread crumbs. Just throw the bread in there and blend away.
Next chop up your celery and half an apple into chunks. Do what you want with the other half apple. I ate mine, It was delicious. 😉
Throw the breadcrumbs, celery, apple and cranberries into a bowl and put to the side for later. I only put half of my packet of cranberries and it seemed to be enough.
Top tip : If you can’t find fresh cranberries (as I couldn’t), by some dried ones and pop them in a bowl of water so that they will be nice and juicy!
Next off its time to chop up the mushrooms (i used half my punnet) and onion. I also chopped 2 cloves of garlic. Throw all these into a frying pan.
Grab a knob of butter and soften them all before adding 100ml of water.
Add this mixture to the breadcrumbs etc. in the bowl and mix together. Then add the nuts and seasoning and stir again.
Put the mixture in a baking tin and throw in the oven on 180 degrees for around 15-20 minutes until golden brown on the top.
And there you have it! A yummy, nutty, vegetarian stuffing. The perfect festive accompaniment to your Christmas Meal!
Just for fun, here’s the spread we ended up cooking (served in pots and pans because we don’t have enough serving things)
And yes, i did manage to finish that gigantic plate of food. I may or may not have had to lie down for about an hour afterwards 😉
Please let me know if you try this recipe and what you think of it, or even share your own take on this festive stuffing!
I hope you all have a very merry Christmas!!
Red Accents – What I Wore
Yesterday I decided to wear this lovely grey, woollen dress from Zara. It’s very plain, but very versatile which I LOVE.
I felt like making my outfit a bit more festive by adding these cute winter tights i probably bought from Primark (lets face it, most of my clothes come from there). I just love the adorable snowflake and heart pattern! I find these adorable ‘pixie’ boots from new look go perfectly with most outfits, I haven’t wore them in a while and so I had to show them a little bit of love 😉
I also added this sparkly belt to add a bit of festive glitz to the outfit. I’m pretty sure that this is, again, from Primark.
To finish it off I continued with the festive theme by adding a festive colour! I went with my bright red Zatchel and red beaded bracelet. I just love this bag, it’s so well made and big enough to carry everything I need.
Over the top I wore the cape that I made myself which again adds a bit of wintery sparkles. I’ve actually been thinking about ways I can improve this cape design and hope to be making many more in the near future! Although I know there are a lot of improvements to be made with this cape I still love it dearly and love to show it off at any possible moment.
For my make up I went for some subtle, but striking, eyes. I used white and silver/grey eye shadow before lining with black eyeliner and then a sparkly eyeliner on top (again adding to the glitz!)
I decided i wanted bold lips and what better than bright red to match my bag! I very rarely wear lipstick but definitely think I should do it more often.
I just left my hair in it’s natural, wavy state (i’m far to lazy to actually do any serious styling) and just pinned back the front to keep it out of my eyes. Despite being so simple my boyfriend kept saying it looked really nice! Sometimes I guess simple is the way forward. 🙂
Do you like to wear bold colours?
Vandem Fashion
Although I was mainly at Vandem for the gnarly skating shots and to support Ash and our skating friends, the fashion loving side of myself also kept my eye on the clothing which was coming down the hill. There were a lot of bright, fun shorts, vest tops, and colour matching; from the normal skater to the quirky and distinctive.
There were a lot of full leathers, obviously you want to keep yourself as safe as possible when travelling 40+mph on board, and quite often these were not only colour co-ordinated with their helmets but also their boards!
Some went for bright colours
Some a bit more toned down
There were a lot of brightly coloured shorts.
Muppet shorts and official T-shirt
Colour co-ordinated with his board – which, by the way, is the board I really want.
Ash even sported a few Penguin Theory tops along with his own bright shorts!
And of course no event is complete without a bit of fancy dress!
There to keep order, protect the innocent and shred hard.
There was even this beauty spotted partying the night away:
The jacket to rule all jackets?
But my favourite fashion find from the weekend was around the neck of a skater named Ryan Swanton. Not only did he look pretty cool in his sporty shorts and vest top, but he was wearing a nice black beaded necklace to which he had attached an old rusty bearing.
Ryan has been skating for around 2-3 years but this was his first time at Vandem. I asked how he found his Vandem experience and he told me that ‘it took a while to ease in, but all today i’ve been getting faster’. He agreed with me that it was extremely well run and he would definitely be coming again next year!
I actually have some old ruined bearings in my drawer and so think I might make some jewellery out of them for myself.
Thanks for the inspiration Ryan!
‘Till next time!
A New Product and More to Come!
I have been playing with my photography and decided I’d love to make some more interesting things out of it. I got brainstorming and have come up with some good ideas, the first of which is now up for sale!
This is the first of my clock series. I have many more ideas and will be accepting commissions if you have a particular print of mine (or even your own!) which you would like to be turned into a clock.
This modern clock features some gorgeous welsh countryside, complete with grazing sheep!
It measures 30cm in diameter. It is also available with numbering or dashes, please contact me for more details.
The back is signed with ‘The Penguin Theory’ the clock name, and the number of clock made. It runs with a standard AA battery which is easily changeable and has a hook on the clock mechanism to hang it on your wall.
There will be more clocks to come in future as well as more prints and some new sewing items! (Yes i promise I haven’t forgotten about the sewing machine)
In other news, I finally got some new glasses! They’re just for reading and computing so hopefully I will be able to see what i’m editing a bit more easily now. 🙂
‘Till next time!
A Wild 24th
It was my birthday a few weeks ago and to celebrate I decided what better way than with Zoo Lates at London Zoo!
I am obsessed with animals (especially Lions and Penguins) and felt that I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity.
The zoo was filled with exciting things to see and do, we started with the animals, in particular the Africa area. We spent probably far too long laughing at an Okapi’s tongue, watched a graceful giraffe, braved the nocturnal section, searched for the illusive sumatran tiger, partied with the penguins, longed after lions and much more!
Penguin Pose!
My favourites, of course, were the Lions and Penguins. The Lions we’re so close to the glass I could’ve touched them! The penguins unfortunately stayed towards the back of their enclosure, but then again it was right before they closed so maybe they were all tired. I pulled a penguin pose for the camera and then tried to steal one of the cardboard cut outs…Or at least thought about stealing it…
Sleeping Lions
They also had lots of bars, all with a different theme such as the playroom where you could have a wrestling match, hula hoop, play jenga and even twister! There was a silent disco where everyone wears headphones which the music is played through, hilarious to listen too when you take them off and hear everyone singing out of tune. There was also a big international food market with lots of tasty delights to sample.
So excited, even though it was just cardboard…
I wore a bright, high waisted, tribal skirt to to give off an African feel and matched it with a bright orange crop top and sandals. I felt quite…naked. I’m not used to going out in such little clothing, but it was really warm and so i didn’t regret it.
I even painted my nails to match with the animal theme!
The whole event was very well run. There were loads of things to do, not just seeing the animals, the staff were extremely helpful and the atmosphere was electric! The animals started going to bed (or so we were told) at 8:30 and gradually the enclosures were closed off until everyone was in the ‘entertainments’ area for the last half hour.
Afterwards we carried on the party in Camden, always a fun place to go.
Sisters and their boyfriends 🙂
The day after was my actual birthday. I decided what better way to celebrate and recover from the night before than by having a bbq! We borrowed a friends garden and bbq and then had a nice, relaxed afternoon chilling in the sun (if you ignore the random downpour that stopped as suddenly as it started!)
Brii (south african bbq) master Ashley flipping some burgers!
For the bbq I decided to dress up a bit still and wore one of my favourite dresses. I bought it at a festival and have always loved the way it poofs out in the skirt. The fabric is also really pretty, I fell in love with it at first sight!
I kept myself warm with a cute, batwing cardigan from warehouse.
Super comfy!
I made these earrings ages ago and found they matched perfectly! I really like the little red and blue beads and was experimenting with using suade, i think they turned out really nice.
The bag is from Zatchels and was a suprise birthday gift from my sister! Zatchels are all handmade and just exquisite. I absolutely love it and it even has a little space for one of my business cards to be on display! They come in a wide range of colours and patterns too.
It was a really great birthday! Hopefully next years will be just as good!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Festivals – Camping
What better place to start my Do’s and Don’ts of festivals than with the campsite?
This will be the first and last place you see and will be what you call home for the next few days. So what should and should you do and not do when camping for a festival? (or just camping in general actually)
DO
Arrive early. It’s going to get busy, very busy. Everyone will steal the best spots (not on a slope, close – but not too close – to the toilets) and you might not even be able to camp together if there’s a big group of you.
DONT
Be afraid to ask neighbours for help with your tent etc… You might need to borrow a mallet, you might just not be very good at putting up tents. Everyones friendly (the fun festival spirit will do that to you) and it’s a good way to meet someone new!
DO
Bring a camping stove. They come pretty cheap and mean you don’t have to buy the expensive food from vendors (lets face it, you’ve probably spent enough on the tickets). Plus their re-usable for future camping trips/festivals!
I recommend some bacon for the mornings and some form of super noodles for lunch.
Cheap, easy, tasty.
It’s always good to bring a bbq as well, everyone loves a bbq right? Just remember to place it on top of some stones or bricks! You don’t want to start a fire or burn all the grass now do you! Get some meat and you’re all set! Plus it will provide you with some heat.
Who needs a kettle?!
DONT
Bring things that aren’t needed, you wont need that kettle when a pan works just fine! You don’t want to be the one everyone laughs at when you’re struggling with far too many bags, and don’t even get me started on the girls that bring suitcases…
DO
Bring some form of entertainment, speakers, a guitar, a rubbishy mag/newpaper. There are going to be times when you’re just sat around doing nothing at the campsite and you will want something to keep you busy.
These guys we’re luckily very soothing when we were going to sleep
DONT
Be super loud well into the night. Respect your neighbours. Sure the campsite will be noisy late on, but once most people (especially your neighbours) start going to bed then it’s time to turn it down just a little.
DO
Bring clothes for both warm and cold. Even if the weather forecast is good, the nights will get chilly (at least in the UK). Layers will be your best friend!
DONT
Forget wet wipes. Festival campsites rarely have showers so have a ‘wet wipe’ shower. Not ideal, I know, but will make you feel a little less grubby. Just accept that your hair is going to get greasy, long hair can be neatened with a nice plait.
DO
Bring a fire log. Stand it on top of your bbq and blocks so it doesn’t burn the ground. The nights can get pretty cold and even if it isn’t cold it can at least provide some light.
More ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of festivals will be coming in the next few days, but for now it is time to prepare for my birthday celebrations!
Please share any of your Do’s and Don’ts of festival campsites in the comments! I’d love to hear them. 🙂
‘Till next time!
Impromptu Beach Trip
Ash found the longboard that he’s been wanting for ages for sale second hand. The best thing was that it came with good trucks and wheels as well and all together we would save over £100 than if we’d bought everything new.
So we decided to take a trip to pick it up. The person who we we’re buying it from lives just down the coast from brighton and so, very last minute, we decided to also have a trip to the beach!
We picked up the board and promptly skated down to the seaside. The weather was just stunning, it was so warm and nice it didn’t even feel like england.
I wore a pretty little summer dress with a giant hat that I had picked up from my trip to China last year! I think everyone needs a big silly hat, not only do they look awesome but they are great at keeping the sun off you. This hat has a pretty little ribbon around it which makes it so cute! It also has a piece of elastic to go round the chin in high winds (although I can’t say I’m ever going to use that…)
Click the image to see my look on Lookbook!
I also wore some parrot earrings which I had made myself from a bracelet that was too big. I took out some of the links and the charms which couldn’t fit on the new, now smaller, bracelet and made some matching accessories. I think they’re adorable 🙂
The beach itself was pebbly (I miss the norths sandy beaches!) and stretched on for miles! I couldn’t even see the end! We got changed into bathing costumes and wandered to the waters edge. The water, as usual for british waters, was freezing cold, but we soon got used to it we enjoyed it’s coolness compared to the beating heat of the sun.
I really love the bikini I wore. The top is a really pretty purple and I spent months trying to find the perfect bottoms to match (the ones that came with are too small for my rather big bum). I eventually found these gorgeous bottoms with flowers and sequins which look great! I think they’re so cute together.
Soon enough Ash couldn’t resist the pull of the new longboard and I sat near the path (i was feeling lazy in the sun) whilst he practiced some moves. He managed to do four steps of peter pan (a move where you cross your feet over on the board) which was a personal best for him. I played with my Poi for little bit but it was too windy and they kept getting tangled. The board itself is great! Turns well, feels nice and stable but the trucks are very squeaky so you can hear someone coming a mile off!
Practicing ‘Peter Pan’
We finished the day just laying next to each other in the sun and enjoying each others company, before we decided that we should head home as we could feel our skin burning.
It was a very impromptu trip, but very relaxing. Just what I needed after a hectic few months! It feels like we haven’t stopped still since we started long boarding! Although I can’t complain because we’re always having fun!
Today, though, is full of chores before we’re allowed to go have fun (and do some more skating). I really must get on with some sewing as well!
‘Till next time!
Pick A Penguin – Competition!
After months of promising a competition finally I have gotten round to it.
Up for grabs is this cute, summery tote bag, a great addition to any summer wardrobe! Perfect for adults and children alike. 🙂 Even The Penguin Theory’s Penguin wants it!
The Competition:
Myself and The Penguin Theory Mascot realised that he doesn’t have a name, this upset us both greatly. We racked our brains for a suitable name but just couldn’t decide on one so we want YOU to help!
So how can you help? It’s SIMPLE!
Just comment on this blog and/or this image on facebook with the name you think would be perfect for him and that’s it, done!
Of course don’t forget to follow and like so you know if you’ve won or not! 😉
Each person can enter twice (once on facebook and once on here) and I will put all the names into a hat (or most likely a bag) to be drawn in a weeks time.
Good luck!
Claire
The Penguin Theory
Long Distance Love
I haven’t had any time to myself lately as my shifts at work have been rediculous again. I finally have two days off and so will be spending them having some very much needed ‘Me’ time, as well as spending some time with my neglected boyfriend. This coupled with valentines being just around the corner made me remember the times we were at opposite ends of the country and so I decided to create a treasury on Etsy with a long distance valentines theme.
You can find the treasury here
I know what you’re thinking, some of these items don’t really seem to fit the theme but I promise I have reason for choosing them all.
1) Portraiture Offer by Katy Jade Dobson Art
This is actually a close friend of mine so sure I may be a little biased, but I honestly believe she is insanely talented. She has just brought out this amazing portraiture offer as well which I believe would be a perfect gift, whether it’s for yourself so you can remember what your other half looks like, or for the other in the relationship so they can fawn over your image or be reminded of how beautiful they are. What ever you choose, it is an amazing deal and would be a really touching and unusual gift.
2) Personalised Love Birds by Diana Park House
I think these are adorably cute! I just love the idea of having one each and having each others bird at your house. Sure they’re meant to be cake toppers, but they would also look adorable on a fireplace or window sill.
3) Personalised Countries Love Card by Deep Down Happy
I don’t think I really need to explain this one as it is the perfect card for couples who don’t even live in the same country! I think it’s also a good idea for couples who may live together but originally be from separate countries. I’m actually tempted to get one for Ash as he’s originally from South Africa!
4) Heart Strings Luggage Tag or Key Chain by Mesa Dreams
Again the same idea as the card above, but in tag form! Perfect for the avid traveller or if you visit each other often, or even just as a keyring. Plus the text suggestions for it are really cute and leather smells so good! (I could clearly never be vegan)
5) You’re Worth Every Mile Between Us card by Woodland Ink
Again this needs little explaination. It’s simply cute and cutely simple.
6) Miniature Love Letter by Little Letter UK
If you were thinking of sending a love letter but wanted to do something a little different then this little love letter is just squeel inducing. You have to read it with a magnifying glass (which is even included!) meaning that the recipient will really concentrate on what has been written. You can’t just read something as unusual as this quickly. Knowing me I would re-read it several times a day.
7) Rustic Valentines Day Card by Fluffy Duck
For those who just want to send a nice pretty card to their loved ones. I think this one is really cute and I especially like the little button and the placement of ‘I love you’.
8) Be My Penguin by Teacup Piranha
Obviously I have to include a penguin, and not just because of my shop name. Not only do penguins mate for life but female emperor penguins leave for months at a time whilst the males look after the eggs. When they return from their long drawn out fishing trip the females are able to locate the sound of their partners calls in colonies of thousands! They really are the true Emperors of long distance relationships.
I want this poster so much. I think i need it in my future Penguin Theory office.
9) Valentines Gift Wrap by Happy Wrap
If you’re thinking of sending your partner a present then you will need to wrap it up all prittily. This wrapping is just gorgeous and comes with its own cute little tag, plus it’s re-usable (as long as you get it back…)!
10) Rustic Valentines Decorations by Damson Tree Pottery
If you have already got your wrapping paper then why not use these little decorations to finish off the parcel. Your other half can then use it to decorate their house so it can be a reminder of their far away love. I think it could also look adorable wrapped around a bouquet of flowers.
11) Love Heart Crayons by Colour Me Fun
Is your other half not contacting you nearly as much as you would like? Maybe give them a little hint this valentines by sending these adorable crayons. Just imagine how fun it would be writing a letter with these! I mean we never really grow up do we?!
12) Tiny Valentines Love Mouse by Quernus Crafts
If these don’t make you Squee I don’t know what will, and they should be small enough to send long distances quite easily. Plus, if you get two you could keep one each, just like with the little love birds.
13) Long Distance Cushion by Kate Sprosten Design
With this cushion your loved one can relax in comfort whilst thinking of you. It boasts a cute embroidered map and would be a nice reminder of the other half many miles away.
14) ‘My heart Belongs To’ necklace and keychain set by Stampressions
I think this is a great gift, not too girly for the guy and not too manly for the girl (if you have a problem with that kind of thing). Plus it can be a constant reminder of the other half to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling when ever you take out your keys/touch your necklace. They also used the a good name for their sample picture 😉
15) Latitude Longitude Cuff Bracelet by River Valley Jewellery
What better way to remind your other half of your where abouts than with the exact co-ordinates! They will never lose you again! Plus it looks pretty neat!
16) Tiny Heart Couple Rings by Anilani
Aren’t these just the cutest little rings. I just love the idea of having couple rings, my boyfriend probably would never wear it though so there’s no point us getting them (I guess I’ll just have to wait until we get married, if that ever happens). I would actually wear both these rings myself though as I think they’re both just lovely.
I hope you liked these items and I hope you have a lovely valentines whether you’re spending it with a loved one or free and single. I will be working but I don’t really mind myself as i’m not much of a fan of Valentines and much prefer to do things on our anniversary in all honesty but that’s another post.
‘Till next time!
Childs Graffiti Apron
This Apron is now available in my Etsy Shop!
This cool apron is perfect for little boys (and girls) who are just getting into baking!
It features a griffiti print on cotton and is lined with a matching grey cotton.
It has one big pocket perfect for holding all the little kitchen essentials such as cookie cutters and rolling pins.
All the straps are strengthened and the neck strap is adjustable.
It is available in bigger sizes and/or with the children’s baking set (pictured) on request.
This would be a perfect gift this christmas especially if paired with a cute children’s baking book!
Kids Apron Set – A gift for my Aunt
I’ve finally listed a new Item on my Etsy shop!
This Cute Apron set for the kiddies!
Its made in a cute pink and blue stretch fabric and fully lined with a shiny pink material.
It comes with a child sized rolling pin, mr&mrs cookie cutter (also UK made) and whisk. Perfect for making your own cookies. A good festive snack for the little ones!
I’ve even sewn my own handmade label onto the back!
You can find the listing here
This particular Apron used for the photographs was made to give as a tombola prize for a coffee morning my Aunt is holding for the downs syndrome group she runs (as she has a child with downs herself). She just received her package today and seemed very happy with the items I’ve sent her (I also sent a small tote bag).
This was my first time working to a deadline. I said i’d make her something on the 13th knowing that the coffee morning was this saturday (the 20th) and I would also be working a 40+ hour week so knew i was cutting it very fine. But I was very good at keeping myself motivated (watching project runway helped a lot) and managed to get it sewn and sent just in time!
I have proved to myself that I can stay motivated and work to deadlines which was one of the things I was worried about with accepting custom orders, but now I feel much more confident in my abilities!
I really hope she can send me some photographs of the event!
Until then I have some paint balling to do (we’re going tomorrow as a belated birthday present to Ashley)! And more pictures of another project to upload!
Busy busy busy!
‘Till next time!
Improved Skirt and Trouble with Post
As I promised, I have improved on the skirt I made the other day. I found that the waistline was extremely messy as the material had been rather hard to work with. I just cut out a strip of black fabric, folded over the edges and folded it over the top, simple but extremely effective! I absolutely love the result. Makes it look so much neater!
Now i’m working on my next project. I have a few halloween things in mind to make (although I’m not sure If I really have enough fabric in the right colours) and also all those Christmas items still in mind along with a few other projects.
But before that I think i’m going to play my new Sims 3 game I bought with a voucher I got for my birthday. I actually had quite a shock when it arrived yesterday. It had been sent to my mums house, as I’d forgotten to change the delivery address, and she’d nicely sent it on to me by recorded delivery with some other post as well.
We’ve always had a problem with our post, our postman just drops everything off downstairs despite tesco telling him it doesn’t belong there but he really doesn’t care. I went downstairs yesterday to see if there was any post for us and found my package on the floor and torn open. Even the letters inside had been opened and then put back in. We’re wondering if it was someone searching for some form of identity to steal as my new game and all the other post was safe and sound. Luckily for us we found Ash’s passports (they’d been sent off to student finance) safe in tesco.
Both these packages had to be signed for (the sims game recorded delivery and the passports on special) and we’d been in all day, yet no one had even rung our doorbell. Obviously we’re really not very impressed with Royal Mail at the moment.
I told my mum about it and she immediately got on the phone to complain to them, hopefully something will come of it.
But at least nothing was stolen, so now I get to play Sims before carrying on with a bit more sewing 🙂
Till next time!!
Getting Ready for the Festive Season.
I’ve finally added a new Item to my shop!
I know I said in my last post that I was working on an apron but I found out that I don’t have the right coloured thread for the top stitching so I decided to make something else instead.
Proof i did start the apron…
I was looking through all my materials and found some with a Christmas theme left over from gifts i’d made the family last christmas. Etsy has just had a big push on ‘Christmas in July’ and there was lots of advice telling shop owners to get festive items in their shops nice and early, so I figured I may as well get some in my own shop in preparation.
As there wasn’t a lot of material left I decided to make a tie. I made ties for all the men in my family last christmas and they seemed to be a big hit! My grandpa actually got the tie made from the same material as this one and seemed so proud to have it! It made me really happy to see him so excited to wear something i’d made!
I really like this material, it’s festive but sophisticated at the same time. I think it makes a tie that’s perfect for adding a bit of fun, festive cheer and can be worn to any kind of event, whether serious or more relaxed.
I also incorporated the penguin I spoke about in my last post. I’ve sewn it onto the back of the large end and think it works really well!
I’m very proud of this Item and think it is the best tie i’ve made so far (quite likely with the help of my new snazzy machine!) . It’s now for sale in my shop right here. So if you’re wanting to do a bit of early christmas shopping please stop by!
I’m sure i’ll be making more festive Items in the future, the only problem is i’m not sure what kind of items to make, other than Ties and Aprons. I had also thought of making a stocking or two, or some kind of festive gift bag. What do you think I should make with my material? What would you want to buy this Christmas? Please leave suggestions in the comments below or fill in the poll on my facebook page 🙂 It would be very useful.
The Penguin Theory 