brilliant pencil case from Present & Correct

I have to tell you about this brilliant pencil case, for all you school swots out there. In fact, even if you are too cool for school (or too old) this is a very natty item indeed.

It's hand made in London by the people at Present & Correct - do you know P&C? purveyors of new and vintage stationery which appeals to my inner stationery geek.

I wasn't sure if all the little bits and bobs such as cartridges and a tube of 0.8mm leads would stay in, but it's a very clever design - an envelope with a simple stud closure that keeps everything safe.

envelope closure with small silver stud

all pens, pencils, cartridges stay put

A nice addition is the useful info embossed on the top - prime numbers, pi, primary colours - which is the whole point of it being called a 'homework pencil case'.  In fact it is the ideal pencil case to take into school exams.

homework tips / exams cheats embossed on the top for future reference

Made in Yorkshire

Pheasant is a fantastic website, dedicated to things made in Yorkshire.

Hmm, this gives me an idea - more posts coming soon, featuring handmade good things from different counties across this fair land....

Check out the handmade teapots which look like your favourite branded foods - Marmite, Colman's Mustard and Tate & Lyle syrup - made in Leyburn, North Yorks.

The weather can't make up it's mind - for those wintry moments, these lambswool blankets made in Morley, West Yorks look just the ticket:

Susannah's Jumbo clutch

I took a peek at Susannah Hunter's blog to see that these lovely clutches are in now in stock at her Rugby Street store.

Jo Gordon knitwear

Jo Gordon's Scottish handmade knitted hats, gloves, scarves and shawls are delicious (and cosy warm), featuring bright colours, stripes and pompoms.  I particularly like the pocket scarves, such as this Fisherman rib scarf. Would make a good Valentine's Day pressie... And what luck, the sale is now on!

Love is...(Part 2)

...solid gold (but more likely to be gold-plated)

Hannah Bedford's hoop earrings (a personal fav), also available in silver and oxidised silver

Alex Monroe's feather necklace

Laura Lee's Edwardian Locket

Clara Francis' butterfly key necklace - gold plated key and chain, and hand beaded butterfly

Love is...(Part 1)

...a cliche of red and pink.  Get ready for Valentine's Day

Go out on the town wearing this little number: Belle & Bunty Eliza silk georgette maxi dress at ASOS

red Cambridge Satchel available here 

snuggle up under a Melin Tregwynt blanket (range of sizes available): Knot Garden, in ember, available here

say it with...lobsters from Tatty Devine

for the key to your heart: Susannah Hunter key ring from here

Chinese New Year - Year of the Rabbit

Rabbits are creative, compassionate and sensitive; they are friendly, out going, and prefer the company of others.  Celebrate  your rabbityness with this jewellery:

Necklaces from Tina Lilienthal available here

Zoe & Morgan rabbit earrings available here

Laura Lee rabbit necklace available here