Gift Guide: Watches

What do you buy the person who has everything? Well, I can think of a thing or two...

Welcome to my weekly gift-guide; I’m thrilled to be sharing a selection of creative, quirky and downright awesome gifts with you here on Rachael’s blog. This week’s guide focuses on watches.

A watch is a brilliant gift. It’s on a par with fancy jewellery, but far more practical. It’s perfect for special occasions and just about anyone will be pleased to receive one. Even your impossible to buy for Mother-in-Law. As an added bonus; a watch is a subtle hint to your always-late best friend.

Urban Outfitters has a fantastic range of retro style Casio watches for men and women. These are just two of my favourites. Find them here and here. 

 

This is described by maker Claudia Poepsel as an autumn watch, but it’s far too pretty to be restricted to just one month of the year. I just love the worn leather strap and brass leaves. 

Another incredible find from Etsy, this time from Art Inspired Gifts. The exposed mechanical workings of this Steampunk inspired watch peak through an elaborately engraved face. 

This watch offers a slice of Fairy Tale whimsy for fans of happily-ever-after. Channelling Cinderella the watch face is embellished with ‘When the clock strikes’ and a little horse and carriage silhouette.

I’m a fan of watches that look like they do more than just tell the time. The latitude/longitude detailing on the face of this men’s watch from ASOS has absolutely no use, but would make anyone feel like an intrepid explorer. 

I’m finishing up with three watches by the incredible accessories brand May 28^th. Bright, bold, contemporary, cool and very reasonably priced – you can even custom watch faces with your favourite Instagram photo. 

Oh, is that the time? Must dash! Have a great day, Leonie x

Inspiring Words!

It's getting pretty cold here in the UK as Winter sets in which makes it pretty tough getting out of bed early especially on a week day! Today I wanted to share some inspiring words & beautiful design by Lindsay Hopkins of Pen & Paint.

You can visit the  Pen & Paint shop here.

The above image is a stunning postcard that was enclosed with the print I bought.

I'm now the proud owner of this beautiful print (above)

Hannah Morris

Some lovely university graduate work to share with you today, in the form of Hannah Morris & her gorgeous designs! Hannah's aim is 'to create designs that are fun, quirky and colourful.' We especially love her cute animal cards! The greetings industry 'is her passion' although she enjoys creating prints & designs for all uses. Hannah recently graduated from The University of Leeds having studied BA (Hons) Textile Design (the same course Rachael & myself graduated from!) Hannah is currently working freelance for a variety of companies & clients. To find out more about Hannah or her work you can view her online portfolio, or shop a selection of her pretty cards on Etsy. You can also contact Hannah via email about any freelance opportunities.
Have a lovely day! Kelly :)

Sarah Abbott

Sarah Abbott is an artist & illustrator based in Sheffield, UK. Sarah graduated with a BA (hons) degree in Fine Art Printmaking in 2009, since then she has been working on her own & commercial projects. Sarah has a variety of clients including UPPERCASE Magazine, Oh Comely Magazine, Little Hanoi & many more.  She has also had several exhibitions over the last couple of years in Sheffield, Manchester, Rotherham & London. Sarah has a variety of prints for sale in her Etsy Shop. You can also find Sarah on twitter @watersounds. Enjoy, Hannah.

Anke Weckmann

Anke Weckmann is an illustrator originally from a little town in Germany but moved to London to pursue her design career. Anke studied illustration at Camber College of Art & then she went onto Kingston University. Since Anke graduated in 2005 her work has appereared in magazines, books, advertising, greeting cards & other products. Anke has many clients including Abrams Books, Channel 4, Chicago Magazine, LG Korea, Red Cap Cards, The Times & many more. You can read Anke Monthly blog posts & visit her Etsy Shop selling a variety of products including greeting cards, prints, notebooks, pendants & many more. Enjoy, Hannah.