A Creative Lifestyle Blog By Zoe-Lee Skelton

Zoe-Lee Skelton

Simple Creative Ways To Get Crafty With Clothing

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Everyone has their favourite craft, but it’s hard not to fall head over heels with fashion design. You may not fancy yourself as the next Donatella Versace anytime soon, but you can apply your love of all things crafty to your wardrobe. Expressing yourself with what you wear is a lot of fun, and it only gets better when you start to add your own spin on things or even design them from scratch. If you’ve always wanted to get creative with fashion, it’s time to challenge yourself with a new crafty venture.

Brush Up Your Drawing Skills

If you ever loved to draw and paint as a child, or even now, you’re going to love this aspect of creating your own clothes. Whether you go for it using your imagination or head to your favourite clothing sites and raid magazines for inspiration, drawing clothing can be a good place to start. Not only can you finally find outfits that are your style, but you can also be as safe, or as experimental a you want. You then may go on to create them or just keep the designs for a rainy day.

Learn To Knit

For some reason, the world associates knitting with the elderly. But knitting can be a very therapeutic and creative craft. Not only is it an incredibly relaxing task, but you can often be left with some of the most beautiful items of knitwear at the end of each project. You can often find a range of free knitting patterns online, or purchase them in craft shops. Then, you can work on a hat and scarf set, baby clothes or even shawls and jumpers for yourself.

Embellish Everything

If you’re a complete craft newbie or have never attempted to create your own clothes before, you might be more comfortable altering the things you already own. Or you might even feel as if your wardrobe could do with a little jazzing up. Either way, embellishment is a lot of fun. Whether you want to add a few gems or stick on pre-purchased embroidered patches, simply grab a glue gun from somewhere like Glue Guns Direct and get to work.

Take A Sewing Course

Sewing isn’t easy for everyone to get the hang of. But, if you’ve always wanted to be able to design your own clothes, it might be worth your while to sign up for a sewing course. That way, you’ll learn each skill and step the right way. I was lucky enough to be taught to sew by my Mum and spent a lot of my child hood making things and customising clothing. But I brushed up on my skills on a local sewing course over a 3 month period in the evenings and I loved it. So I definitely recommend doing this.

You can often find great quality sewing machines in second-hand shops or for sale online if you don’t want to buy brand new. Before long, you’ll be a seamstress in the making.

And, you can find more great sewing tips and product reviews from our friends at Teach You To Sew

Try Out Embroidery

Another clothing craft that you might be interested in is embroidery. It’s a very detailed art and can leave you with some stunning pieces not only to wear but to style around the home too. And the best part? It’s super easy. Using a needle and thread, you can create relatively simple stitches to embellish cloth, clothing, and fabric for around the home.

 

*this is a collaborative post

A Quick Stop at Southend Pier

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A couple of weeks back we decided to get up early and head to Southend Pier. I know “glamorous” probably doesn’t spring to mind but it’s the closest beach to where we live and I had yet to visit there.

Being a mere hour and 15 minutes away we arrived well before midday on a rather grey, windy day. But that didn’t stop us from walking the full length of the pier.

The longest pier in the UK

If you didn’t know already, Southend Pier is the longest pier in the UK at 1.34 miles long. You can get to the other end via a short train ride but we decided to walk it to take in the full experience.

Once you start walking, you start to realise how far out to sea you are and how weathered some of the wooden boards are. This is also where they film Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast and as I started to get weary, the thought crossed my mind that they must stick the celebs and guests on the train as it’s is a big trek and not one you do dressed to the nines. The views are great though and I took several shots at the beginning of the walk, halfway there facing the beach and some shots of when we eventually got to the other end. The only thing that really let’s the pier down is the cafe at the other end; although it had two vegan options the menu was quite uninspiring and only really stocked sandwiches, crisps and cake. I expected there to be something a little more exciting – perhaps we were just out of season!

  

The pier commissions changing artist displays with the current series showcasing photographs of Southend’s scene people from skin heads to rockers. Enlarged photographs were displayed on shelter bays and other non-descript wooden buildings. They brightened up otherwise dull spaces.

We tried to catch the train on the way back but timed finishing off lunch badly so that we would have to wait half an hour until the train departed. Despite the wind and the rain we decided to take our chances and walked back.

The best part of the day for me was the souvenir penny pressing machine – yeah, exciting, right?! I’d never seen one before, but all you do is pop a penny in, turn the heavy handle and a scene from Southend is pressed into the penny. We got two to takeaway to remind us of a windswept day on Southend Pier. Probably the most inspiring souvenir I’ve ever brought for under a fiver!

How To Get Perfect Flat Lay Photographs Every Time

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Whether you want to boost your personal blog, take stunning Instagram photos, market products, or just enjoy the style, the flat lay photograph is a style which looks to be here to stay. There isn’t much that can’t be photographed beautifully this way – travel essentials, delicious meals, beauty products, or interesting curiosities – the list goes on. But it’s not as easy as it first might seem, and it can be seriously time-consuming to get the right shot.

Learn your way around your camera

First things first, you’re going to want to get the most out of your camera. A basic photography course can be a good place to start. But equally, spend some time understanding your settings, particularly light and shutter speeds – this is what will really help you to get the best shot. An understanding of editing apps will also help. While you shouldn’t have to do too much editing in this style, being able to make slight enhancements to colour and contrast can make all the difference.

Image Credit

Grow your prop collection

Depending on what you want to showcase, you might want to add accessories to the frame to complement your photograph. Chances are, tropical leaves, fluffy fabrics, and pineapples aren’t just hanging around your home. Start keeping an eye out for perfect props when you’re shopping – they’re what will take your pics to the next level.

Choose a sturdy chair

Leaning precariously over a table to get a shot isn’t the easiest way to achieve the perfect photo. A study chair for standing on means you’re less likely to rush it, you’ll get a better photo, and you’ll be able to see what you’re doing far more easily.

Shoot square

Whether you’re using a phone or your SLR, changing the screen to square (around 640 by 640 pixels) makes it a whole lot easier. When you can line the frame up and get exactly the right photograph, you’re going to be left with far more cohesive and perfect results.

Get your composition right

Whatever you’ve decided to photograph, you’re going to want it laying out perfectly. While some of this is trial and error, there are a few basic rules to abide by. While you might be keen on the cluttered by clean look, it’s still essential to keep the lines square in order to not overwhelm the eye. Living by the rule of thirds, as with any photography, is guaranteed to make this photograph pop. It’s also essential to stick to some sort of colour scheme to ensure props and items work harmoniously together.

Choose your ultimate natural light spot

Lighting is key, and good, bright, natural light is always best. Play around in your home or studio to find the best spot for natural lighting. Big, south facing windows tend to be the best in the daytime. If you’re shooting at night, it could be worth investing in a daylight lamp to give the same effect.

Just remember, getting the perfect flat lay photograph is about trial and error, testing different products with backgrounds and props until you get the perfect pic.

 

*this is a collaborative post

Chilling at Y Spa Wyboston Lakes

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A few weeks back I did something I’ve never done before. I went to a spa. Now, for your average person, this probably doesn’t seem like a big deal, it might sound like a lovely idea in fact. But for someone like me, who has ragged finger nails, a minimal beauty regime and a fear of all things too girly, this was a VERY big deal.

I dare say I flippin’ well enjoyed it.

We arrived at Y SPA in Wyboston Lakes early morning and were greeted with a rather nice cocktail brunch. For my veggie option, I had some green fussilli pasta, sweet peppers and mozzarella as well as crusty bread and hummus.

I could easily have eaten more food but didn’t want to embarrass my self by falling asleep in the pool from a carb induced coma.

Speaking of the hydrotherapy pool… I’m not usually one for swimming or lounging around in minimal attire but as it was a group of relaxed girls (and very few people around) I went in. Being a chilly January day I literally had to run in but once I  settled I didn’t want to leave. It was so warm and relaxing. I think it had something to do with the bubbles which felt almost like a full body massage.

Me and Lisa chilled for a bit then headed to the sauna. After a hard few hours of doing literally nothing we spent some time in the cafe with a calming peppermint tea.

Whilst this entirely new experience was a great one, the best part of the day for me was the facial massage and treatment. I had a 10 minute Pom Power facial which smelled amazing and left my skin feeling and looking smooth and youthful. The lady who did my facial also recommended some products for my skin type and was knowledgeable about everything skincare wise so if you do go make sure you ask for some expert tips!

The package is £65 per person and for the day you’ll get:

  • Pom Power Facial
  • FREE Murad gift worth £35*
  • Use of Thermal Spa from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
  • 2 course hot and cold buffet lunch
  • Use of robe and slippers

 

*I was given a day’s package in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

How to Overhaul Your Outdoor Space When You’re on a Budget

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It’s springtime which means the buds are starting to bloom and the sun is no longer a distant memory! It’s the perfect time of year to venture outdoors and enjoy everything that nature has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you don’t have to venture too far! No doubt after the cold autumnal and winter months your outdoor spaces are looking a little neglected. Here’s how to spruce them up on a budget…

Cleaning Up

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Start by giving your outside areas a good spring clean. In the front garden, make sure you have raked all the leaves off the path, trimmed any grass you may have, and pulled up all the weeds. In the back garden, weeds will also be an issue as will grass cutting. You may also need to use a strimmer on the sides of fences too. It helps to have a blank canvas to start with so make sure you tidy everything up first. This takes some time and effort but no money and your outdoor spaces will already be looking neater.

Doors

https://pixabay.com/en/architecture-black-and-white-1836564/

Front doors, back doors, doors to sheds, they all can be a bit overlooked. They are, however, often the first and last thing that visitors see. You don’t have to replace doors if they’re in good condition, just give them a little TLC. For painted doors buy some new paint and give them a fresh coat. If you’ve previously had white doors try going for a bolder colour. Royal blues, mustard yellows, and burnt oranges all work well. If you have wooden doors consider coating them with some wood oil, like the one found right here. Wood oil is a great way to enhance the character of wood, whilst also protecting it from the elements.

Flowers

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Flowers are a great way to instantly brighten up a dull garden. Consider buying plants and flowers to grow yourself if you want to get more involved with gardening. Alternatively, you can buy hanging baskets. These look particularly warm and inviting hung near the front door. Potted plants also look great on steps leading up to a home. Get creative and put your plants into pots of all different shapes and sizes. Wellington boots and barrels have been turned into pots for plants, so let your imagination run wild!

Accessories

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Moorish style lanterns make a lovely atmospheric addition to a back garden. They’re perfect for a spring of summer evening when guests are over. Similarly, don’t neglect the little touches in the front garden. Replace an old tatty doormat with a new one. It doesn’t cost much but will elevate the appearance of your garden.

 

*this is a sponsored post