So the London 2012 Olympics are officially open! The somewhat frenetic opening ceremony had some good and bad bits......

The Red Arrows looked awesome as flew over the London skyline as did David Beckham arriving by speedboat with the Olympic Torch - more like a scene from a Bond Movie - better than the James Bond scene itself. Unfortunately the Queen did not look at all amused.

The forging of the five Olympic rings was amazing as was the copper cauldron sculpture (by Tom Heatherwick). It's a shame they stuck Paul McCartney in at the end though.

Anyway looking forward to visiting our stunning capital in September for the London Design Festival and the Cake & Bake Show at Earl's Court.

`The first live event dedicated to the world of cakes, breads and the art of baking' featuring many celebrity bakers such as Paul Hollywood,  Mich Turner (of the Little Venice Cake Company) and Tom Herbert (from the Fabulous Baker Brothers)

There will be masterclasses, speakers and of course lots of cakes!

I have recently been looking at handpainted cakes- they can look amazing when done well. I have had a go but definitely need more practice. Here are some to feast your eyes on...

So at last the weather in the UK has warmed up and everyone is off on holiday. Dezigne has the perfect accessory for sunny days at the beach or sightseeing - this lovely tote bag featuring sailboats, beach huts and lighthouses in a very patriotic red, white and blue. The sand coloured strap is genuine leather. It's just the right size for all your essentials for the day- phone, keys, make-up, books, maps, camera etc.

Nautical Tote Bag

Talking about beaches etc., one of my favourite places is St.Ives in Cornwall. There are some fabulous apartments there called The Sail Lofts which look amazing -definitely on my list to stay -one day!

 

Lighthouse Apartment

There are apartments for 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 people -and they are all decorated individually. Check out their website for more info.

St Ives itself has two lovely sandy bays, a pretty harbour and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Of course there is the Tate Gallery and many artist workshops, studios and galleries dotted about the town. There are many tiny little streets to wander around with all sorts of hidden gems to discover. 

Just added a new purse to the Dezigne Shop -it's very romantic and feminine -perfect for all those summer weddings and parties that are coming up!

It has plenty of room for all those essential items -ie phone, keys, make up etc and a detachable chain handle. The interior is cream cotton. Hope you like it!

This is the newest addition to my Driftwood Beach jewellery collection - I can picture this worn with a wedding gown.... very romantic and a lovely splash of colour with ivory or cream.

The red glass heart has a tiny rose in the centre and the pink freshwater pearls have a wonderful lustre -very flattering against the skin. Enjoy!

Just sold my Aqua and Silver Necklace to one of the Bahia Yoga group who use the lovely studio at The Nottingham Workshop ! Thank You!

Off to The Summer Craft Fair at The Staunton Vale Arms tomorrow in the lovely Vale of Belvoir - and hopefully the weather will stay kind !

One of my necklaces - has been featured in this gorgeous Etsy Treasury - Vacation Greece - by Szilvi Szabo - I think it captures the essence of Greece in the summer perfectly!

Vacation Greece :)

Enjoy!

I have recently been working on making fabric dolls - I saw something similar on a website and thought I would have a go. This one is called Florence and she has a pink and grey tartan school outfit with a handmade leather satchel. All the clothes (and shoes) are handmade by me.

  Florence 

I am working on a third one at the moment but I haven't decided on the outfit yet. 

One of my favourite glass artists on Etsy is Naos Glass  - I just love the subtle colours of this Indian Summer bead set.

Naos Glass on Etsy

These are large hole beads (5mm) so will fit a European Charm Bracelet. Definitely on my wish list!

Made some lovely new Pandora style bracelets last week. I recently sold one at a Craft Fair and was asked to make another one - so I just kept going and made some more.  I have ordered some lovely new glass beads as well so I am looking forward to those arriving !

Pandora Style Bracelet -Purple and Silver

Pandora style bracelet in grey and silver

Pandora style bracelet in gold,pink and brown 

I have used a large toggle clasp on these bracelets which not only looks good but makes it really easy to put on. They are all £20 -now available from Dezigne.