Happy Campers

I have a number of friends who adore VW Beetles and camper vans; they're so beloved by so many people that they've become cheerful iconic style symbols. I've noticed heaps of camper van memorabilia around over the last couple of years, to the point of me thinking that pretty soon it'll go the way of the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' ephemera (tacky variations of which are now blazoned across t-shirts, coasters, posters and cups throughout the kingdom),  however, making something yourself goes some way towards avoiding the tacky-taint. Makes it all personal, like, doesn't it?

I've been nosing about on Etsy lately, hunting for cross-stitch patterns which feature VW-mobiles, so that I can either suggest them to my friends or pretend to myself that I'll purchase and finish one in time for a friend's birthday (realistically, this is never likely to happen, as I usually come up with the idea a week before somebodies birthday, then I have too many other things to occupy myself with to finish it in time, then it either hides under the bed for two years or I have to hand it over half-completed, and really, who needs that?). Anyway, tangents aside, here are a couple of patterns that I've spotted for the avid VW fan in your life.

If you're looking for a full kit, Scootybeth from Georgia, US, has this Lemon Punch Volkswagen Beetle pattern, which comes with Aida and silks for $15 (just under a tenner) plus $4 (about £2.50) p&p. It's bright and sunshiny and kind of makes me think about rainbows and lollipops.

If you don't want to pay p&p and you already have some supplies on standby, why not have a look at this Happy Camper VW van cushion PDF from Pop Soup Supplies, which costs $7 (under a fiver).

Pop Soup will email you the PDF once payment is processed and you can print out and get stitching, happy as a, err, camper?

teasemade

I've mentioned before how I love finding handmade treasures; well today I have spotted the prettiest trinkets for you to peruse. 


Sami Teasdale, aka Etsy seller @teasemade, lovingly embroiders these quaint little accessories, which I am quite besotted with.


This snip scissors ring costs £10. The cool colours make for an elegant adornment to your index finger.

These polka love earrings are equally sweet, and a steal at £14:

Anyone who enjoys embroidery will find this pincushion brooch wonderful. The colours on the print and the delicacy of the design is truly delightful! The brooch costs £15.

I find this scissors love token brooch (£14) equally enticing. The stitching is so fine and the little balls of wool make me smile.

It appears that each item is a one off, as Sami uses limited edition prints in her work. Rather excitingly, there's also a sale on at present. 25% off order at checkout with the code 'TREAT25'. Well now that you know there's even a discount, how could you not?

Christmas decorations

Christmas obviously *just* happened, but if you like crafting your own decorations, you should probably start making them now for Christmas 2012 (or if you're like me, Christmas 2014). I've found some PDF cross stitch kits available from Country Rustic on Etsy which are really beautiful.

I love this Sleigh Bells cushion pattern, the typography is gorgeous. It's wintry and festive without being religious, so it would make a nice gift for anyone.

This Holly design would be perfect for my friend, who is called, surprisingly, Holly...

This C is for Christmas sampler is really sweet too.

All the above designs cost $7 (under a fiver), which is hardly anything, considering that they'll last a lifetime. Plus, the good thing about cross stitch is that it keeps you out of mischief :)