Cuthberts Bakehouse, Liverpool

A few weeks ago I popped into a gorgeous cafe in Liverpool, Cuthberts Bakehouse.  Located near to the Metropolitan Cathedral it is a real gem.

The inside of the cafe is fabulous, its is decorated beautifully and the walls are adorned with work of some fabulous artists.  The owners have paid a lot of attention to detail and the front of the shop reminds me of Magnolia Bakery in New York.  

I ordered a Turkey Club Sandwich priced at a very reasonable £4.50 and I was not disappointed.  The sandwich was stuffed with yummy fillings and was accompanied by a delicious coleslaw which complemented the dish perfectly.  

I would really recommend a visit to Cuthberts if you are in the area, they have an extensive sandwich and light snack menu and they even do an afternoon tea deal which I think I will sample next time I visit.  

Laura xx

Market Night Sale - Sunday 1st December

I can't believe how close it is to Christmas.  This week I have joined in with lots of fab Market Nights from some of my favourite independent sellers.  I have decided to host my own this Sunday at 8pm.  There will be lots of flash sale bargains and I will even be throwing in a few freebies.  If you are interested in joining us in the sale make sure you like the Laura Loves Page.  

See you Sunday! 

Laura xx

StickyGram

Over the last few weeks I have seen lots of posts and tweets about StickyGram so I decided to place an order.  StickyGram is a fab way of using your instagram snaps to make your own magnets and they also offer other services such as phone and ipad covers.  The hardest part of the ordering process was selecting photographs, I searched through my collection and whittled it down to twelve. 

Delivery of the magnets was super quick, a few days later this envelope landed on my mat.  The instagram magnets are around the same size as they appear on the screen and they are very good quality.  

I couldn't wait to get them on my fridge and everyone who has seen them has asked where I got them from.  I think they would make perfect housewarming gifts or they are a fab way of printing and displaying your pictures.  I will definitely be ordering again, top of my wish list is a phone cover.  It is well worth following them on Twitter as they keep you up to date on discount codes and special offers. 

If you would like $2 off your order use the code FRIENDPVAH

Laura xx

Sutton Vintage Fair

There is just 5 weeks to go until the amazing Sutton Vintage & Arts fairs throws its doors open.  The fair is simply the best and we are really upset that due to prior commitments we cannot make it.  On December 1st, Sutton Town Hall will be packed with over 80 stalls showcasing some of the best vintage, home wear, art, jewellery, gifts and much more.  

Entry is just £1 and I promise you there is no better way to spend a Sunday.  It is also a fantastic place to pick up Christmas gifts or treats as well as perfect party pieces.  

October

I havent done one of these posts for ages as I have been really snowed under over the last few months.  I have been juggling running the business and starting my new course at uni which has been quite overwhelming.  This week I have managed to get a good balance and I have time to get a few things done including updating the website with some new goodies.  Here are some snapshots of the things I have been up to over the last few weeks.  

Maid of Honour for my best friend.
Gorgeous heart print dress.
Lots of baby news this month I have sent lots of handmade cards out.
My Best Friends Wedding.

Beautiful photographs from Jessica Oates Photography.
Fab russian doll paper for orders - 19p a roll!
Making lots of earrings for the website.
Butterfly hair clips now available online.  

Updating the website with Jessica Oates pictures.
Lots and lots of earrings.
Button Earrings are a best seller this month!
A few more one off necklaces are online now.  

Jessica Oates Photography

A few weeks ago I had the chance to collaborate with Jessica Oates Photography.  I have worked with Jessica before so I jumped at the chance to work together on a shoot.  I received the photographs over the weekend and I am so pleased with the shots.  I think you will agree the model, Madeline looks fantastic, I love the way Jessica has captured her in the photographs.  

Here are some pictures from the shoot, I will be using them on the website and in promotional material in the next few weeks.  Let me know what you think.

Laura xx

Butterfly Love

Yesterday I grabbed a quick glance at This Morning whilst visiting a friend and I absolutely fell in love with Holly Willoughby's dress.  After a quick search online I found it on the Hobbs website.

At £139 it is a little out of my price range, however I have added it onto my winter wish list.  I have a family wedding in America next year so I may keep my eye on it and hope that it goes into the January Sales.  What do you think?

Part of the attraction to the dress is the butterfly print, I am fascinated by butterflies and love the beautiful colours and patterns.  I really enjoy going to the Butterfly Farm in Stratford and butterflies were a source of inspiration for one of my university projects.  

Butterflies have also made an appearance in my new pieces which are now online.  The butterfly clip sets are just £5 and have been very popular.  They are a perfect party accessory and look beautiful in up do's, available online now.  

A day in the life ....

It has been a while since I shared some of my daily updates with you so I thought I would share some pictures from Tallulah Rose.  

We are the online stockist for Tallulah Rose who produce some beautiful handmade jewellery.  They have shared some photographs from their typical day, showing the steps involved in making some of their jewellery.  They have shared some pictures of their new Petite Peace Bracelets which are available online now.  Over to them to tell you more about a typical day of making.  

Picking out the beads: We have tried hard to get our supplies organised and sorted, these super boxes from Home Bargain are the best thing we have found, compact and easy to store they are the perfect home for the huge selection of beads we have collected over the years.  This is just one of many!

Threading: All of our products are handmade, we really enjoy kicking back and making jewellery whilst listening to music or watching TV.  Our fave CD at the moment is the Jake Bugg album and we have to admit that we are suckers for the Great British Bake Off at the moment.  We like to work on tasks in stages and set up a mini production line.  When making the bracelets we cut the wire base and then begin threading making sure that the designs are symmetrical.  

Threading complete, its time to check that the bracelets have the same number of beads and they are ready for the next step.  

Next up we add the charms this range features some super cute peace charms that complete the design.  We have added a hoop in the middle to hang the peace sign from so that the charm dangles down and sits well on the wrist.  

Finally we add the finishing touches such as the lobster clasp and fastening.  Our bracelets then go through the final checks to make sure all the ends are fastened securely and there are no sharp edges.  

The next step is reliant on a bit of sunshine, we wait for some good light and then take our photographs for the website and add them to the website.  We have a few more colour ways to make this week including some silver plated sets and then they will be available to buy.  

The bracelets are available individually or as stackable sets of 2 or 3.  Prices start from £8 and as an added bonus UK postage is absolutely FREE! A perfect gift or maybe a payday treat?  Don't forget as with most things on the website custom orders can be made, just drop me a line at lauralovesboutique@hotmail.com 

Let us know what you think xxx

Brand New This Week

Over the last few weeks i have been working on my website again adding lots of new products and restocking some of my favourites.  Here are some of the new items that have been added this week!

Stacker Bracelets from £8

Lots of Brand New Handmade Cards £3 each

Map Pendants £10 

We will be beginning to add lots of gifts ready for Christmas in the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled.  

Laura xxx  

Where Will You Go ....

With Christmas not that far away and the shelves in the shops full of festive treats I have opened the order book for custom requests.  I have dusted off the vintage map collection and decided to restock one of last years best sellers again.

Our super popular map pendants are available to order now.  Production and delivery time is dependent on your chosen destination and can take between 7-21 days to complete so if you would like to order one please get in touch asap.

The necklaces will be on offer at £10 in October and November and I will also be listing a set of buy it now pendants in popular destinations such as New York, Paris and London.

A perfect Christmas gift especially if you want to remind someone of something special, a holiday, first home, first date, proposal, holiday.... the list is endless.

What happens in Craft Club .....

This Thursday sees the return of our popular Rethink, Remake, Relove Craft Club.  The craft club is an opportunity to meet like minded crafty folk and work on your projects.  It is also a chance to swap tips and share ideas.  

Entry to the club costs £2 per person and it is held in Digbeth. If you would like to join us send an email to rethinkremakerelove@hotmail.com 

FREE UK POSTAGE

I can't believe how fast this year has gone, it really has been a whirlwind.  For the last few weeks I have been jugging my new university course and running the business hence the lack of posts and updates! 

As Christmas is approaching and the organised among us may have started their Christmas shopping already I have decided to offer FREE UK postage on all orders from the website.  Over the next few weeks I will be adding lots of handmade goodies, one off pieces and stocking fillers.  So if you are looking for something different from the high street offerings this year and you would also like to support an independent business head over to www.lauralovesboutique.com.  

FREE postage until Sunday!

Its nearly the weekend so I thought I would run a special offer.  FREE UK postage on all orders.  Head over to www.lauralovesboutique.com here are some goodies available on the website now.  

Initial Pendants 

Floral Brooch

Infinity Bracelet

One off Handmade Cards

RethinkRemakeReLove Book Bag Workshop

So Autumn is nearly here and our brand new RethinkRemakeRelove workshops kick off next week.  

First up we have our Book Bag Workshop, we will be upcycling durable denim jeans to made sturdy book backs on the 5th of September.  They are perfect for students, teachers or anyone who has lots of things to carry around to the office or studio.  The bag is a great way to start your sewing journey as it is all straight lines.  There will also be a number of materials you can use to embellish your design, the possibilities are endless!

If you would like to join us get in touch via email at rethinkremakerelove@hotmail.com

Website Update

Hi everyone hope you are all well.  Things have been non stop for the last few weeks with the denim lovers project with Selfridges, organising workshops, having a good stock clear out, getting ready for Uni in September, my best friends hen do and a week in the sun in Greece .... phew I think I need another holiday to get over it all!

I have just started reorganising my stock and the massive process of updating the website has begun.  I have just restocked my one off hand made cards.  The 'Something Old, Something New' range combines a mix of vintage materials and stitching to offer an alternative to the usual high street designs.

Over the next few days I am going to be photographing jewellery and hair accessories.  My website is www.lauralovesboutique.com if anyone of you would like to pop over and take a look your feedback is always useful and welcome.  

Laura xxx

Another Few Weeks in Selfridges #denimlovers

Myself and Lucy have been on the road again with Rethink, Remake, Relove customising denim in Manchester and Birmingham.  We have been having a fantastic time transforming denim with chain, beads, studs, fabric and much more.  Here are some examples from the last few weeks.  

Lace Detailing 

Applique and Stitching

Studs, Studs, Studs

Beading and Lace

Lucy's Customised Dress

Neon Fringing 

Initial Customising

Chain and Stud Detailing 

Lucy transforming jeans with a cheese grater!

Customising with Fabric

Advertising in store.

This weekend we will be back up north in Manchester's Trafford Centre and we can not wait! We will be there from Friday.  Customisation is completely FREE with any denim purchase.  

Laura xxx

Denim Lovers Week Two

We are back on the road again this week and this time we are hitting Selfridges in Manchester's Trafford Centre.  The last week has been fantastic and we have had so much fun customising denim.  I will update the blog later this week with snaps from the first fortnight.

If you would like to take part come and see us in the Trafford Centre on Thursday and Friday from 4-9pm.  All customisation is FREE with any denim purchase.