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!
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?
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 