Buuuut… I’m cheap, and thought I could make my own! First up on my list were Anthropologie’s Budding Monogram ornaments. I loved how they looked like branches, and figured I could make them out of clay!

My first thought was that I didn’t want to make the flowers and leaves out of clay, as they would probably break off too easily. As I knew that I was going to spray paint it gold in the end, I figured I could use flowers from another material and no one would know. I wanted to buy some tiny fabric ones, but Hobbycraft came up empty. If you’re in North America, check Michaels as they have much larger stocks and probably have something perfect. In the end, I cut the leaves and flowers out of a thin sheet of foam.

My second thought was to make a wire shape, and then build the clay around it. Great in theory, but the air-dry clay is too dry for that – it doesn’t stick to the wire. Instead, I just used the wire to make hooks, and the shapes are 100% clay.

So if you’re thinking of making some branching letter ornaments of your own, why not try this tutorial?

Materials:

• Air-dry clay (I used this one)
• wire + cutters/pliers
• thin foam sheet or fabric flowers/leaves
• scissors
• gold spray paint (I used this one)
• super glue
• ribbon to hang ornament

Step 1. Roll clay into a long rope, and shape into letter form. Add some little branching points using small pieces of clay. Using a knife or other tool, carve grain into the clay.

Step 2. Twist a small section of wire into a loop and insert into the top of the ornament. Allow clay to dry completely.

Step 3. Cut out flower and leaf shapes from the foam (if not using fabric ones) and super glue to the letter as desired.

Step 4. Spray paint ornament in light layers, until completely covered.

And that’s it! While they aren’t perfect, I think they actually turned out better than I thought! I finally saw the real ones in store the other day, and they are much larger than mine! However, I am perfectly content with the size, as some ornaments these days are too big and heavy – they weigh down the branches too much. For our little tree, the scale is perfect!

So what about you? Any handmade ornaments this year?

I figured that since I’m not going to buy any of these items anytime soon, perhaps I should share them with the world, and someone else might give them a good home.

First up we have Anthropologie – oh how I love thee! I can’t help but stop in their stores every chance I get. Great stuff and such inspiring window displays!

spoon rest // barside bowl // textured indira cushions

I haven’t been looking much at their clothing lately, but that wood spoon rest would be amazing. We still don’t have one in the kitchen yet, and I like the warmth that wood brings. The marble bowl could be used for food or organization, and those textured pillows would be so fun on our bed (along with some indigo accents)! However, I doubt Richard would be a fan of the tassel-y bits.

textured cement planters // alpaca planters // textured table runner

I’m trying to increase the number of plants in our home, which means I am constantly looking for pots. I love quirky-looking vintage ones, and stuff that looks handmade. (To that end, we’re even looking into doing a ceramic course here in Kent!) While those cement planters would be perfect, I kind of have a soft spot for alpacas… they’re just so fluffy!! As for the table runner, I think Richard would hate it – but I love all the texture.

Next up, ASOS – so glad I got their premier shipping for a year! Wouldn’t it be amazing if they started carrying home stuff?!

green button skirt // striped beach dress // gingham skirt

I’m really hoping to find some nice skirts and dresses for the spring/summer this year, and am love that gingham one!

tall mac // wrap coat // waterfall trench

I have always loved classic Mac trench coats, and feel like living in rainy London makes it even more likely that I would use it. Doesn’t that wrap coat look cozy? And on sale!

black wrap sandals // chambray beach tunic // bunny flats

Those bunny flats just make me smile (doubt I could keep them clean enough), but I love the other two for summer!

Rose and Grey was a shop I stumbled across, and then fell in love with so many things! A lot of their furniture is above my price point, but their accessories aren’t too much of a sticker shock to the system. I still haven’t explored their whole inventory, but am already in love with these items.

cut glass tumblers // blue ceramic mug // green vintage plant pot

Right now we only have some mugs from Richard’s work, and I would love something larger (I could drink so much tea and coffee…) as well as prettier. I am also super into cut glass highballs and tumblers these days – my parents had some crystal glasses that were rarely used when we were kids, and it’s made me want some fancy everyday glasses. As with our silver cutlery, we like the idea of using what would have only been for special occasions, every day!

Finally, we have Oliver Bonas. I stumbled upon this shop walking around the city one day with Richard and fell in love with all of their marble jewelry stands (as well as their dainty jewelry). I’m planning on getting one for the bedroom as I currently have nothing to store jewelry on. I also love that denim tunic that they just put online (would it fit a tall girl without being too short?).

brass + marble jewelry stand // denim tunic dress

Anyways, that’s just a snapshot of what I love these days. If you see something you think I’ll like, let me know!

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