12 Days Of Etsy: Roobys

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Rooby and I love Fabrics and skirts! I live on an Island by a Castle with my two little kittens and three Children.

2. How did you choose your shop name?

My name was Ruby and Rooby was a cuter spelling!



3. What do you enjoy making the most?

I enjoy making skirts! 

4. What is the best seller in your shop?

Ummm... probably anything to do with Dr Who at the moment.

5. Your work sells all over the world, in which parts of the world is your work most popular?

Most of my skirts ship off to the USA.




6. What inspires you?

Retro..bad taste retro and 50s picture print fabrics.

7. How long have you been crafting?

 I've been making things since I was a baby!!



8. What are your other hobbies?

Reading, especially Tolkein, looking after my cats and going on adventures.



9. Do you collect anything?

No I don't collect!



10. What is your favourite Christmas tradition?

My fav christmas tradition is Turkey!

11. Do you have a favourite Christmas song or carol?

Ummm... fav christmas song is Probably SLADE..I love Slade!! ( So here it is merry Christmas...)



12. What is the funniest Christmas present you have ever been given?

Ummm... My mum gave me a new loo seat last year!!!

12 Days Of Etsy: Andrea Kett

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Dublin,Ireland ,after leaving school I studied animation at Dun Laoighaire College of Art & Design (Dublin) for 3 years,I moved to the Uk a few years back to complete my studies at Bristol University.I currently live in Manchester where I work as a freelance illustrator & general collector of Vintage goodies.


2. How did you choose your shop name?

As much as I like a clever pun or a witty name I decided to stick with my own name (Andrea Kett) 


3. What do you enjoy drawing the most?

Probably glamorous ladies (i used to want to be a fashion designer when I was younger,so naturally I love drawing  outrageous outfits, and accessories)

4. What is the best seller in your shop?

Probably my paper doll books (Miss Marpole and Undead Threads especially),although I have been selling a lot of greetings cards this year too,I find that cards are something that people always need  ...(also anything with Marie Antoinette sells well)

5. Your work sells all over the world, in which parts of the world is 
    your work most popular?

I would say the vast majority of my customers are from the UK or the US.


6. What inspires you?

Lots of things inspire me from music to Vintage fashion (mainly 1920’s -1950s), a good film,especially ones with unusual costumes. John Waters films are a real favourites of mine (I love all the little details,even down to the clever names he gives his characters).I am partial to an ol’ browse around a charity shop too,(these are a great source for my other craze,collecting vintage cake decorating books) 

7. How long have you been an artist?


I don’t really remember a time when I wasn't drawing, but I suppose technically I've been working as a full time illustrator for about 12 years or so.



8. What are your other hobbies?

As I mentioned earlier,I like reading,watching films,general treasure hunting etc (nothing sporty I'm afraid)

9. Do you collect anything?

Yes definitely, my house is packed to the rafters with my collection of lovelies, Vintage tins,wooden peg dolls (Victorian ones),Worzel Gummidge memorabilia, jewellery, odd china, vintage cake decorating/kids party books, fancy stationary,figurines,seaside postcards... to name but a few.


10. What is your favourite Christmas tradition?

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without the Snowman or the Worzel Gummidge Christmas special on TV (not to mention Muppets Christmas Carol & Elf) & no matter how old I get I must insist on a selection box too!!

11. Do you have a favourite Christmas song or carol?

My Fav Christmas song would be between the Pogues “fairytale of New York” & The Pretenders “2000 miles”
Favourite Christmas Carols :Good King Wenceslas & Hark the Herald angels sing

12. What is the funniest Christmas present you have ever been 
      given?

I'm not sure about the funniest but certainly one of my favourites was a Barbie Mc Donalds 
(i remember my poor Dad spending the morning putting all the stickers on it ,I thought I would die from the excitement and I can still picture it as though it were yesterday....Happy days)


Many thanks to Andrea from Andrea Kett for taking part in this feature. Click here to visit her Etsy shop.

Emma Cook For Topshop

      If you are looking for the perfect party dress, the new Emma Cook range from Topshop has some Christmas crackers.

Emma Cook Fairy Lights Print Dress £120

Emma Cook Party Print Dress £140 (I love this one!)

      There are lots of other items in this range that would make great Christmas gifts or even better treat yourself!

Emma Cook Reindeer Names Scarf £40

Emma Cook Reindeer Names Stocking £32

Emma Cook Jingle Bells Mittens £25.00

Christmas Novelty Knits

    If you are looking for a fun and festive addition to your wardrobe, there are plenty of novelty knits available from the high street and online.

ASOS Christmas Scene Jumper Dress £38.00

ASOS Christmas Cat Jumper £30.00

Topshop Christmas Candy Cane Jumper £50.00

Topshop Christmas Polar Bear Jumper £50.00

Dorothy Perkins Christmas Snowflake Jumper £28.00

New Look Christmas Snowman Jumper £24.99

New Look Pink Christmas Tree Jumper £27.99

New Look Candy Cane Jumper £24.99

Marvelous Moustaches

       Moustaches are a major trend at the moment. And I absolutely love them! They fit in well with my love of French things and add a playful touch to any outfit.

Moustache bag, earrings and necklace all available from Accessorize.

Moustache bracelet and watch available from ASOS.

Moustache brooch, gloves, hair slides and hair comb. All available from River Island.

                              Moustache snood, socks and T-shirt. All available from New Look.

Moustache jumper available from Internacionale.

There's No Place Like Schuh

    I have been doing extremely well saving money. I have also sold four of my Lulu Guinness handbags and  they have pulled in a decent amount of money.
    So on Tuesday I decided to treat myself to something that I have loved for quite a while. A stunning pair of Red or Dead Shirley glitter shoes.
    I was torn between the black and the red but in the end, I went for red. My very own pair of ruby red slippers, I am drawn to anything that reminds my of my lovely little cats. I will think of Ruby every time  I wear them.
    I was lucky I got the last pair in my size. They are so beautiful, I can't tell you how much I love them. Although I haven't been brave enough to wear them yet.

Mother's Day Delights

    I hope all of the Mums had a great Mother's Day last week. I know my Mum did and she loved her presents and cards. I thought I would share some of the things I bought for her.

This pretty apple print cardigan was bought from ASOS

YSL Colouring Book bought from Amazon

Disney Couture Mad Hatter Ring bought from Zentosa.

Spiced Pumpkin Cider Sugar Scrub bought from Future Primitive Soap Co.

(This really does smell good enough to eat!)

Talking Tables Truly Scrumptious Cake Stand bought from Urban Outfitters

Blue Heart Print Flannel Pyjamas and Polka Bow Skinny Belt both bought from Accessorize.

       I was also very lucky. To my surprise, I received a gift. I am not a Mum (yet). But as my Mum put it Ruby & Violet "commissioned"  her to make a gift for me. They even gave me a card, signed with their own paw prints (cats can be clever at times, can't they).

     When I unwrapped the pretty tissue paper I actually squealed with delight (I don't normally squeal). What I had in front of me was just so beautiful and perfect, I am so in love with it!