I listen to everything you say,

After a little down time, an absolute gem of a friend simply said 'well, you know Leigh, some people's small problems just show their true problems'.
In that moment of clarity, I took a deep breath, realised life is too short but then found the time to scribble these wise words down.
Just ordinary felt tip pens and paper, but maybe a draft for a print in the future.

catch up, Ketchup

I've made and sold a fair few embroidered vintage hankies, doilies and linen recently but I've been too busy getting my stitch on to update you on the progress and process.
I'm half sorry, but half happy to be busy.
I'll show you soon, promise.
For now though, check out this guy.

KNIT ME - Inspiration Sunday

Dear Colleen have done it again. This is everything I could want in a sassy print; humour, beautiful font, a play on words and a twist on a rap classic.
Clever work, fun illustrations and everything you wish you'd thought of.
They also have a Ryan Gosling tea towel I plan on treating myself to as a house warming.

stitch & wish

I've over-done it on the skull embroideries.
Here's a bumble bee instead.
Vintage hanky & black thread only.

I also got a bumble bee tattoo with my little sister in mind, before she moved out to Oz.
Ever since she was little her nickname's been Bumble.

over the moon!

My bestie is pregnant! I'm super excited for her, she's going to be an incredible mum and after a horrible year, she's the most deserving of this little miracle. Of course, as long as the little sprout pops out happy and healthy, that's what matters, but fingers and toes crossed for a little girl - she'll be born in line for the most incredible vintage wardrobe.

Hand stamped and hand made card (I sent a yellow one, nice and neutral, just in case).

it's a curse

Not many can carry off a full on, thick and bushy beard. Heck, I know a few who can't even grow stuble (yeah, you). But it seems the beard is here to stay on the cool list, so obviously I made a scribble. It might make it to print. I've got at least 8 friends, and my dad, that have earnt a copy anyway.

Oh, honey

#HASHTAGQUEEN
We all know one, God knows I love a good hashtag.
3x3" hand stamped mini card.
Available here.

Especially for Harriet!

Cheeky kitty collaboration.
The incredibly talented Harriet Gray let me have a play at turning one of her gorgeous cat illustrations into an embroidery. Aren't I lucky! This pretty kitty didn't take me too long (although I wasn't exactly taking notice of time, I was enjoying it too much) and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. In hindsight, I guess, I would have liked to 'go all out' and embroider the whole face but that didn't suit my 'sketchy' style and I wanted to keep as much as possible of the drawn lines that Harriet had made. I'm so happy Harriet is pleased with the outcome and I've enjoyed this idea of collaborating - something I hope to continue playing with. I've certainly caught the bug and will embroider bigger subjects, like portraits etc, but stick with the vintage handkerchief as a basis to play on.
And all through the magic of Instagram and email. Brilliant!

@leighjennings
@_helloharriet

A few photos of the work in progress:

you've never looked so beautiful

3" x 3" hand stamped card.
There's a new batch of hand stamped cards in the shop.
Stationary, tote bags and more embroideries are to be listed soon.
Get them while their hot.

My dear old chum

I've known Molly since nursery school. That's 20 odd years this year. I like Liverpool and Molly likes London, but we share a love for beards and bands. Happy Birthday, Cracker!

Hand drawn postcard and mini embroidered card.

I'll send you the pillow that I cried on

3" x 3"

hand drawn with pen

little notes of comfort. 

Available in the shop soon; these fit perfectly in your pocket or wallet. Pull them out at times of need or hide them around your house as perfect little reminders to keep you keeping on.

packed

super quick collage
image from a 1962 photography magazine and a 1976 butterfly book

Inspiration Sunday

The sun's out, the summer dress is on and I'm in the mood for some pastel inspiration.

Retro iPhone cases in spring shades  

The sweetest handmade wedding cake toppers. 

Hand printed swan card (imagine this in a sweet vintage white frame?!) 

 

Pastel vintage books photograph

A delicious sugar pink lino printed fox 

Marbled leather cat coasters

Handmade earrings

I'm off to dig out my candy coloured nail polishes and draw pretty things in lime and blue crayons.

Fathers Day

New mini hand drawn and hand stamped Fathers day cards will be in the shop this week. As a little treat, too, I'm offering free postage on this range too!

new depths

Pen and Instagram, including app #abeautifulmess
I don't often edit my work later, keeping drawings and illustrations as natural as possible (I enjoy the textures and originality, mistakes and wobbly lines) but the new app from the bloggers at A Beautiful Mess adds beautiful additions to photographs. Elsie and Emma have wrapped up the stylised 'hand drawn' trend with pastel tones and delicate frames for any of your photographs. Share your edited image onto Instagram and you can easily turn a simple photo into a wonderful, profesionally vintage final image.