Archive for July, 2014

For a long time I’ve wanted to be a designer; I even still have a sketchbook, from being about eight years old, full of dress designs and dreams! It’s funny really – jewellery was never part of my plan to be a designer and despite being friendly with a girl at art college who’s final project were these gorgeous silver smithed brooches, it never even crossed my mind that I would be making a living from designing jewellery all these years later.

Don’t get me wrong I have completely and utterly loved it, it has been the most beautiful serendipity to stumble into becoming a jewellery designer and I will always, always house a jewellery collection under Onetenzeroseven: I have new ideas for designs and full collections every single day. This time, though, I wanted to come out of my comfort zone and start designing and creating more of the things that I love in everyday life.

I have always been an absolute hoarder of stationery and it has been unbelievably exciting to work on this brand new product range of notebooks, sketchbooks and notecards. The sketchbooks in particular are the same brand and quality as the ones I’ve used all through high school, to a-level and art college so to be able to bring them to you lovely folks with my designs on has just warmed my little happy heart. It’s kind of like the end of a chapter and the opening of a new, terrifying & unpredictable one. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be awesome though.. and I have a gazillion more tricks up my sleeve!

What do you think of the new range? I like the idea of being able to send a matching necklace and card to a faraway friend as a birthday gift! If there are any other existing Onetenzeroseven designs you’d like to see on stationery, be sure to comment below or let me know on Twitter!

Loves x xx

I’m not a beach holiday girl by any means, but I absolutely appreciate how important it is to take some time off and relax. Unfortunately as a self proclaimed workaholic, as much as I’d prefer a holiday squeezing in as many breathtaking landmarks and recommended beauty spots as possible, if I only ever take holidays where I’m on the go from start to finish I will burn out before I’m 30. So here are some tips to stop the impending boredom of just laying on the beach.

1 // Listen to music. Make playlists for different moods, finally get round to hearing that new album from start to finish or take the time to explore your favourite musician’s back catalogue. In-ear headphones vs over-ear headphones for this one, trust me ;)

2 // Sketch. I always pack a sketchbook on holiday; Whether it’s a proper one with high quality paper or just a little one that won’t take up too much room in my bag. Even if you’re not an ‘artist’ you can draw your view or even come up with ideas of what to wear with your new tan when you get home.

3 // Scribble. In a similar vein, a notebook is an essential holiday item for me. Musicians can write lyrics, bakers can come up with recipe ideas, write about your hopes and dreams, write a short story. You can even write to-do lists or notes on getting organised – writing it all down will also help you to relax for the rest of your vacation.

4 // Read. Kind of obvious, but I don’t necessarily mean you have to read a trashy ‘holiday novel’. Take a favourite magazine, your friend’s short story, a how-to book, a phrase book, a book with beautiful pictures, a book about mythology, an autobiography, a joke book… reading doesn’t have to be as boring as you think.

5 // Change your location. Instead of laying on a sun bed, sit on the edge of the pool with your feet in the water, (carefully!) sit on the rocks by the sea. Watch the kids splashing and the world going by – I love to watch the locals and see how people really live in tourist spots, it must be so strange having an endless stream of visitors to your home town.

6 // Play games. Pop your phone on airplane mode (to preserve your battery and avoid any unwanted roaming charges!) and play Catchphrase or Angry Birds. Pack a small game like Travel Scrabble or take the question cards from Taboo or Articulate for a poolside quick fire round!

7 // Talk! Here’s a novel idea… have a great conversation with your travel companions, like what your dream career is or what you’d buy if you won the lottery. Recall your favourite memories, answer fun questions like favourite type of food or best gig you’ve ever been to. Discuss the Game of Thrones finale or your thoughts on the week’s headlines. Talk about the things you never get time to at home.

Loves x xx