Festive Vintage Button Decorations

After a short blog break, (thanks to mix of heavy work load and poorly/teething little ones) we are back and excited about the festive season! In between creating bespoke orders, I've been making Christmas decorations. I love the run up to Christmas, and have always been er, particular about how I decorate the house and tree! My sister will tell you that when I was in charge of decorating the tree as a child, I directed the placement of each bauble and drove her crazy. I have mellowed greatly, though may still 'rearrange' the tree when the girls are in bed! I would call the outcome 'eclectic mishmash' in style, and completely different each year. I think that putting out home made decorations year after year, combined with shop bought ones makes for a personal and unique feel. Since having Scarlett and Isla, I feel justified in putting the tree up at the beginning of December, rather than the week before Christmas as we used to, you know, for the kids (ahem). Making decorations is a great craft activity for them, and they love rediscovering their masterpieces year after year.

So far we've just put up garlands and adorned some corners of the house, while we wait for the tree to be delivered......then it's time to get serious!

Here is our hallway, with our beloved advent calendar and a few other bits. Hanging from the staircase are five ornaments I just made using felt and some of my vintage button stash. They are so easy!
1- Cut out two circles of felt, any size. I drew around a bowl. You could also do a different shape.
2- Stitch on buttons or beads to cover front of one felt circle. It doesn't matter what the back looks like as will be hidden. I grouped the buttons roughly by colour, but a mix would look great too.
3-Cut out a circle of card, about a centimetre smaller than felt circle.
4-Place card circle in between felt circles, and stitch around the edges. This could be a blanket stitch, or running stitch, in same coloured or contrasting thread.
5-Use ribbon, string or wool to hang

Let me know if you make any, I'll be sharing more home made decorations very soon!

New Rainbow Spot Garland!

Here's our new Rainbow Spot Garland, available now on the Lettie Belle website! It's a simple but effective way to brighten up any room instantly. The garland is 150cm long, and comprises of 30 (5cm diam) felt discs. We hope you like them!

Rainbow Spot Garland, £12, Lettie Belle

Black and Orange

Halloween is just around the corner, which involves a very specific colourway! Here is a selection of black and orange products (from our favourite independent shops), which are fabulous all year round.

Owl Cushion, by Lucie Sheridan, £26 from Hunkydory Home

Suede soled Baby shoes, Foxes, £16 from Poco Nido

Orange, spotty super hero baby gro by Beau Loves, £21.99 from We Love Squirrels

'Line Up' orange felt print by Corby Tindersticks, £18 from Sisters Guild

New Brooch Designs

A couple of new brooches......these were made by special request for a lovely customer, along with a bunny and boat. More designs on the way in January!

Brooches £4.50 each or £16.50 for 4, www.lettiebelle.com

Bunny Gift Ideas

Here are some Lettie Belle Bunnies in various forms......Our brooches make great stocking fillers, or maybe a bunny decoration for your tree? We also have cushions and canvases to brighten up any nursery!As ever, our products are created using eco-fi felt (made from waste plastic bags), organic cotton, leather scraps and hand stitching.

Pink Felt Bunny Christmas Decoration, £6.50
Bunnies Canvas, £45
All cushions, £25
Brooches, £4.50 each
All at www.lettiebelle.com

Sneaky Peek

Here is a little look at a couple of designs from the forthcoming Lettie Belle collection. The full collection and website will be live in early September. The pieces are hand made using felt made from plastic bottles and leather off-cut details. Hope you like it! Any feedback welcome. X