I love to hate you.

We are obsessed with Love. Songs, stories, cinema, sentiments. Not to mention real life and our quests to co-habit and pro-create.

The word itself has become almost like a logo, and of late has been rather a la mode -jewellery, clothing prints and what have you.

The trend is exemplified at its kistch, cute and quirky best on Folksy, not least in these four fabulous finds...



(Clockwise from top left http://www.folksy.com/items/1017253-big-love, http://www.folksy.com/items/594389-Love-letters, http://www.folksy.com/items/719513-Love-Print-Knitted-Jumper, http://www.folksy.com/items/826665-Love)

Amazingly 3 of these sellers have yet to make sales on Folksy, so get over there and have a look!

I like to be a bit strange as you know, quite contrary. I thought I'd go against the grain and celebrate that other extreme and passionate emotion -hatred. And as I like to juxtapose the opposite ends of the spectrum I chose to combine ridgid, stencilled, hateful lettering with all things sweet, sparkly and candy-coated -i.e. I Hate Nice Things.

This will be on sale in my Folksy shop as soon as the snow stops casting its odd, eerie glow over every photo I try to take!

Soon to come, a love of all things grim, ghoulish and gross, or Love Turns to Hate, for all you Eighties Matchbox fans out there...

Stay strange xxx

Further Good Things That Happened Lately...

Been a bit absent lately. Not been at my best for one reason or another. So took a few days and some time out oop North to convalesce.

Mother took me to Carnforth Station, used as the setting for the 1945 classic 'Brief Encounter'. Probably my most favouritest film ever, even ahead of 'Gone With the Wind'. Lead actress Celia Johnson has the saddest eyes ever seen, as she recounts her tale of infidelity, guilt, and the violence of fleeting and unconsummated passions. If you haven't seen it you must. Pure cinematic heartbreak.

A reminder that -'this misery can't last'. And won't last.

Plus we took tea at Betty's and I stocked up on bathing goodies at Emma's Apothecary, Skipton http://www.emmasapothecary.co.uk/

How fabulous we Emma's are :-)

Am starting to learn about CBT, and am realising that I need to overcome my intense fear of relaxing.

Oh, and I've begun to realise that the best nights out are sans alcohol. And that friends understand when I need them to.

(also finished my trinket box)

Stay Strange x

Work in Progress.

Trinket box based on one of my favouritest quotes, Matthew Chapter 6, Verses 19-21:

  'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where theives do not break through nor steal:

  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'

I'll let you know how it goes...

Everybody digs a swinging* cat!

Counting down the days til my lovely friend Flora's 30th, which we will be celebrating with a woodland animal-themed fancy dress picnic in Epping Forest. That is so Flo.

Above you can see me modelling an integral part of my costume, my home-made Capser Disaster mask. And very proud of it I am too. Note the bozz-eyes. I used to have to wear a patch when I was little!

Although my beloved cat isn't strictly a woodland creature, he was found abandonned in woods as a tiny kitten by my little bro, and that is how our love story began. I nursed him back to health, and these days it seems he is more the owner, and I am the pet. Or slave.

So very fitting I feel. Plus I have tonnes of black and white clothes to match. And sadly I have neither the time or funds to craft a fantastic Mr. Fox outfit!

(*the only swinging I do is at Vintage Rockbar once monthly. And doesn't involve car keys. Just thought I'd better clear that one up!)

No Spain, no gain.

A week back in the UK, my meagre tan is already beginning to fade, and I can just about review my holiday snaps without wincing at the thought of my holiday being over...

Buenas noches to terrifying kids entertainers with rats tails, the crazy aqua aerobics lady, random french words written in the sand, tiny lizards, mad sweets, surfer bars that serve vodka measures like I've never seen, amusing no/si signs, and sea that's even better than a swimming pool.

Collected some exciting stuff to collage with!

(I could have bored you with hundreds more, trust me!)

August is Awesome!

I am so excited about the upcoming month.


It’s my birthday (29 if you must ask!), I’m off on a girly spa trip with my mum, and I’m also going on holiday to Spain for the first time ever!

I want to share the excitement via my lil' Folksy shop. Click the button to your right if you'd like to see more (I actually had to look at my hands to decide if it was right or left then. Oh dear!)

Until 4th August, when my shop will go into holiday mode, all buyers will have a choice of 2, yes 2 special offers, on my curious collection of collaged treasures.

Like this…

('...Your Secret's Safe With Me...' collaged trinket box)


Firstly, you could choose free postage and packaging on any single purchase.

Alternatively, if you want to buy more than one item you could choose buy one get one half price.

Here's hoping you'll help make these next few weeks even more exciting for me!

Comment here, or message me if you want to make a purchase and I will reserve the item(s) and make the necessary pricing alterations.

Stay strange x

My Grandad

Salty old sea dog.

The only person for whom a beard is not only acceptable, but endearing, and indispensible.

Your Boxing Day leftover turkey curries were legendary (especially when 'teaspoons' was misread for 'tablespoons').

You encouraged me, entertained me. Two Little Dicky Birds, for me, your pussycat.

And very much like a cat -at least nine lives, keeping coming back fighting. I believed you'd outlive us all.

I'm in awe of your strength and spirit.

Dignified, a true country gent -cutting a fine figure in khaki -cords and waxed jacket. Educating me to revere nature, as we explored the moors or coastline with Dan, your best friend ever. The comforting smell of the toast you'd share before we were allowed out of bed.

Mensa-sharp, imparting your knowledge. You admired and applauded intelligence, and didn't suffer fools, except when invigillating incessant games of Bamboozle!

I can still feel the last time we hugged. You called me pretty.

I'll never be able to hear Buddy Holly without remembering you casually crooning 'Every Day' for me back when I was smaller.

Your gentle voice -on occasions when raised we knew you really meant it. You commanded respect, and it was deserved.

Times we spent together are precious. I've been the captivated audience to your reminiscences.

I hope I always speak my mind -just like you. Your forthright manner and the driest wit, not quite masking the kindest heart. The filthy sense of humour when Grandma's back was turned -limericks about the Duchess and such.

The strong scent of your carbolic soap. Your walking cane collection. Your old rocking chair, which I'd snatch a seat in when you were out of the room.

Your open face, and the eyes I think I inherited. I feel privileged to be the Grandchild to have spent so many years with you.

My hero. You'll roam the moors forever.

Harry Lord 1928 - 2010.