Made by Loulabelle... made by you

So, here is an exciting development... I've just completed my first batch of patterns for the trapeze sling tote that I designed for the bag workshop.

They'll be available for sale in the next few days from Darn it and Stitch in Oxford and I'll also be listing them in my online shops.

Fly my pretties, fly...

Vintage glitz and a Christmas Fix

I had a stall at the Woodstock Town Hall craft fair last Sunday. It was a pretty slow one, so I would have felt a bit downhearted were it not for the lovely ladies on the stalls around me.

I've decided to build up a collection of special Christmas tree decorations - one a year - and this glass angel is the first. I wish I had the name of the lady who made them so I could link to her website, but we were so busy chatting that I forgot to ask.

And, my extra special treat was this ever-so-glam vintage brooch which was donated to me, in the spirit of good karma. There's a couple of stones missing and the catch is broken, but it'll still be fabulous-dahling on my winter coat.

Fill your Boots!

Selected Made by Loulabelle bags are now available on CharlieBoots.com, alongside her own clothing line. I'm so pleased to be involved in this great new ethical fashion label - all Charlie Boots pieces are limited to 10 per design and use ethically sourced materials wherever possible (organic, sustainable, fair trade or vintage).

And, as an added bonus, 2 of my Lola bags have now taken part in a proper fashion shoot - with real models and everything! Check them out...

Oh, how I wish I could do a 'London look' like that - I just end up appearing vaguely lobotomised!

UK Handmade craft profile post

The third of my craft profile series features decoupage - check it out on the UK Handmade blog. (forgot to mention it earlier, so the moment may have passed slightly!)

Psychobilly Decoupage Coffee Table by Nova & Lorsten

Vintage Postage Stamp Bangle - Desert at Dusk by TalithaAstrellita

Vintage Owl Domino Brooch by it's the little things...

Decorative Birdhouses by Kate Brunt

Mona' s Marvellous Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe is a family favourite. I don't know where it comes from originally, but it was always credited to great aunt Mona. The marvellous bit comes from the fact that it's super super easy and always comes out deliciously moist - seriously, you can't fail! If I'm just making one to have at home then I don't always bother with icing, but you can't beat a cocoa buttercream or ganache topping for extra indulgence.

I'd got a spare one in the freezer which I took into work today - okay, so the decoration leaves a lot bit to be desired, but it was 6.30am and I'd not had coffee yet!

Ingredients:
5oz self raising flour
6 oz caster sugar
6 oz soft margerine or softened butter
3 oz drinking chocolate
3 large eggs
3 tblsp boiling water

Preheat oven to 180C/ 350F

Grease and line a 7" cake tin.

Mix all ingredients together until pale and fluffy. Pour into the cake tin. Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Yum yum!