Penneys/ Primark Autumn Winter Collection 09!

Oh yes, I'm loving Penneys (known as Primark outside of Éire) and their autumn/ winter 09 collection does not disappoint!

Some of the items are already available in their store on Dublin's Henry Street, others aren't expected until nearer September! So clear some closet space ladies, you've been warned!!!

I need that fur coat in my life!!!! (Priced at GBP£30!)

Bib Necklace - my first attempt :-)

True to my word I headed into the local trimming shop this morning and purchased some glittery black felt and those cute little flower shaped sequins/ diamontes! Modelling it on the Penney's version, above is a quick pic of my first attempt at the "Bib" necklace!!! What do you think? I can't believe how easy it was to make! The flower embellishments are actually for card crafting but with little craft glue they worked a treat!

Think I'll be out hunting for more quirky little gems tomorrow and get to work on producing some more with the copious amount of felt I purchased today. I know it's probably cheaper to buy the flet online but I just couldn't wait the obligatory 3-7 days for the felt to arrive; I just had to get crafty today!

Watch this space for more necklaces!!!!

Rain, rain go away, I want to wear the necklace I made today ;-)

More Recession Fashion!

I've been wearing the above necklace for a while now and it's been getting rave reviews (€5 at a Penneys near you, or £3 in your local Primark).

It looks like the "bib" necklace is here to stay for a while yet, and seeing as how Penneys/ Primark's takings are sky rocketing through this recession I've decided to give it a go at making my own :)

Craftystylish have posted an excellent tutorial for those of you interested in having a go at making your own; "How to make a sewn necklace" produced the fab necklace above.

I'll be off to the local supply shops tomorrow to be stocking up on the organza/ felt and ribbons, and searching the sale bins in the old reliable high street stores for any disguarded kaftans etc which I will plunder for their gemstones (cheaper than buying them in trimming shops)!

The necklace above is by Ranjana Khan and retails at $1,200 - need I say more!?!?!

Embellishment your way through the recession!

Ok so we can no longer afford the mountains of clothing we once purchased during those blissful Celtic Tiger days :( But there is nothing stopping us from getting creative with what we already have!!!!
Check out Textile Workshop course that will be running in Pearse Museum, Rathfarnham on Sarurday and Sunday 25/26th July. This course promises to help you create your own bespoke patterns and prints as well as giving you the skills to embellish and produce beautiful homewares, fashion items etc!!!

If, like me, you can only afford either the materials check out these:

Make your own fabric flowers

Personalise a tote:

Anyone got any good tips or links please please send them on!