Listening to . . .

Now I don't know about you guys, but music is absolutely everything to me. I can't even imagine a world without it. I listen to music every moment I'm able to, so I thought this might be a good opportunity to share with you just two of my favourite songs and musicians and tell you what makes them so special to me!

First up, Joseph Arthur and his incredible song 'Honey and the Moon'. Whilst the meaning of the song is actually quite a sad story, the arrangement of acoustic guitar combined with Joseph Arthur's husky vocals and song writing simply blends into a beautifully subtle mass of pretty sounds, and stunning lyrics.

The song starts with -

"I don't know why I'm still afraid, if you weren't real I would make you up"

I can't even describe how perfect I think these words are, and there's something really powerful about the melody of the guitar that I can't quite put my finger on.. it was actually the beautiful guitar riff in this song that encouraged me to teach myself acoustic guitar, this was the first song I taught myself and it continues to be my absolute favourite to play and sing to, even though I've played it over and over again, I'll never get tired of it.


Second, Gregory and the Hawk. An absolutely beautiful acoustic musician by the name of Meredith Godreau, probably most well known for her song 'Boats and Birds' which includes the crazy beautiful lyrics

"If you'll be star, I'll be your sky
you can hide underneath me and come out at night,
When I turn jet black, and you show off your light
I live to let you shine, I live to let you shine.

But you can sky rocket away from me,
and never come back if you find another galaxy
far, from here, with more room to fly,
just leave me your stardust to remember you by.."

She could sing all of her songs a cappella and they would be just as pretty, but the minimalistic guitar accompaniment to her soft, delicate voice creates a sound that is just perfect to listen to. I adore listening to her whilst doing artwork or dressmaking, her music is just so relaxing.

Look What I Found - Vintage Leather School Satchel

I couldn't believe it when I saw this at a local carboot a couple of weeks ago.. it was lying crumpled in a heap amongst old toys, clothes and general 'rubbish'. I remember noticing it was really good quality leather right away so I grabbed it before anyone else had a chance and had a quick look at it. It definitely could do with a few stitches and a good clean, but I figured it would make a nice camera bag for me. When I asked the man how much he wanted I couldn't believe my luck when he said "pfft.. £2??".. TWO POUNDS?! I didn't even want to haggle as I already felt like I was stealing at just £2! So I got my purse out, and exchanged the money for this incredible little beauty!

After giving it a good clean out, and cleaning up the leather, I decided that it didn't need any stitches, the ones that are left will hold for years and I love the aged look it has just the way it is. I don't even use it for a camera bag. I use it as my everyday handbag because it's the perfect size to fit all my stuff in for work and if I buy anything, there's enough room to put my goodies in there.

I can honestly say that I've never received so many compliments and questions about a bag before, when I tell people where I got it from and how much it cost me they are completely surprised!

Adore - Ditsy Neckwear

Whilst I adore handmade and will almost always opt for second hand or handmade when it comes to my purchases, the highstreet is absolutely brimming with beautiful offerings of floatyness, florals, frills, lace, pastels, light fabrics and vintage prints this season, and the jewellery stands are filled with vintage inspired gorgeous ditsy charms, fabric flowers, bohemian beauties, pearls, bows, birds, butterflies and pocket watches dangling from antique style chains.. Honestly, walking around the shops right now for me is like entering wonderland.

Here are some pieces that I'm obsessed with right now.. I can't even describe how excited I was when I clocked eyes on that rocking horse.


I'm ashamed to admit that I've spent more money on clothes in the past two months than ever before in my life. However, to make up for spending copious amounts on mass-produced products, I did treat myself to a vintage kaftan (albeit, it does need a few stitches) and belt this afternoon. Phew.

Look What I Found . . .

Yes, I'm going to start making a record of everything beautiful I've picked up the past few years. From vintage clothing to teeny little ornaments. The weird and the wonderful. Faded by the sun, stuff that can only get better with age.. Things tossed to the back of a cupboard by their previous owner, or treasures discovered in someones attic only to be discarded because they had no use to them.

And so we begin. Look what I found...

A few weeks back I was hunting around charity shops for something.. I didn't know exactly what it was I was looking for, but I was determined to find it, whatever it was.
I can't bear to leave with nothing! And then, I simply walked right into the last shop in town, walked right up to the bric-a-brac shelving and there it was. isn't it sweet?

It's a beautiful little brass birdcage ornament. I love it so much!

WIN signed prints from What the Jackdaw Saw!

Do you love creating beautiful jewellery or would you like to give it a go?

They're holding a challenge on the Jewelry and Trinkets board Over at craftster.org anyone can join in, just register and give it a go, you've got nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain!

The theme is SUMMERTIME

The winner will receive their choice of either one 8x8 inch print, or two 5x5 inch prints from my shop over at What the Jackdaw Saw - If you're lucky enough to win the challenge but you can't find what you're looking for, all you have to do is message me at Craftster so we can sort something out for you!

Spring time . . .

Spring is definitely my favourite season, it's never too hot or too cold, there's always something beautiful growing in the garden to admire, we get daffodils, bluebells, blossom.. It's amazing how quickly nature can change - I have photos that I took in march where the trees are bare and the sky looks so dull and dreary, yet now everything is bright and colourful and the sun is shining (most of the time..)!

I took the opportunity yesterday afternoon to go out into the garden and get some pictures of all the beautiful flowers that are coming out this Spring. I desperately need to stock up on my hay fever remedies though as the pollen doesn't like me all that much!

The lilac has such a beautiful scent, but it's unlucky to bring it into the house so it's to stay on the tree! There are a few different versions of the superstition, but my favourite is that faeries were once associated with the lilac tree, and if you brought lilac into the house the faeries could disrupt your household. I didn't think faeries were the type to disrupt a household but perhaps they're naughty faeries?

And the forget-me-not.. who could forget these beautiful teeny tiny treasures of the garden? When I was a little girl, my sister was in hospital for a few days and I remember taking her an eggcup filled with daisies and forget-me-nots to put on her windowsill :)


These will shortly be available in my shop amongst other springtime prints so keep an eye out :)

Meet Kitty . . .

This is my vintage Chil-Daw dressmakers dummy. As far as I can tell, she's 1940's, but if anyone can tell me otherwise, please do so. Sadly I don't know any of her history.

She has 8 fully adjustable panels, is deep mauve in colour, is incredibly sturdy and in near perfect condition.

The best part? She cost me just £12 from a local charity shop. I found her opened up as wide as possible, and just left there with her joints about to fail, it was a sad sight. When I took her to the counter, the lady told me that a customer had brought her back earlier that day because she was 'unadjustable'.. I call that devine intervention.

Tweet the Jackdaw, she wants to chat!

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Beautifully Tattered . . .

Currently I'm working on a beautifully tattered dress for a friend over at craftster.org

It consists of shreaded silk, vintage fabrics, lace, tea stained doilies, scraps and more.. all draped together on my dressform and stitched lovingly under my sewing machine, and with a few personal touches here and there such as trinkets and possibly a little bit of hand embroidery - I hope to soon have a wonderful dress to hand over..

Here's a sneak peek :)

I can't believe how much fun these are to sew.. I was going to sketch out some designs and work from there but I already had an idea in my head so I just went with it, I'm in love..

Although.. my machine isn't so impressed, but she's holding out!

I will update on the dress again once she's received it.. it's supposed to be a surprise ;)

Welcome!

Dearest jackdaw..

Here is where you'll find my inspiration, photos of beautiful things, pretty findings, floaty dresses and vintage lace, curiosity and interestingness, sewing and crafts.. stories, poems and everything I wish that was but isn't.