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Author Archives: Kitten von Mew

Personalised Fingerprint Pendants


Ever since the world of fingerprint jewellery took off, I've always loved the thought of having my own, especially when I had children. There is something so incredibly special about fingerprints. With every one's marking being totally unique, you never get 2 the same. Seeing hand and footprints on kid's paintings is such an amazing thing to look back on, so why not encapsulate that feeling in silver?

So after a lot of hinting that fell on deaf ears, I looked for some UK based jewellers that specialise in fingerprint pendants and found Liv and Lottie. After telling my husband what he would be getting me for my Birthday, I awaited the kit in the post! I wanted 3 fingerprints initially: Betsy, Mama and my sister, who lives all the way in Philadelphia. Luckily my parents were off for a visit, so I gave her part of the kit to them. You receive little clear pots, which was a blessing as they could safely store her imprint inside for travelling back to the UK!

The personalised necklace turned out beautifully as you can see! You can even personalise the front and back of the silver pendants with a name, initials, birthdate etc.

I am planning to get Richard, Pa and my fingerprints done near Christmas.

After being such a satisfied customer, I thought I would ask Liv and Lottie a few questions!

1.) What got you into jewellery making? How long have you been doing it?

I came across fingerprint jewellery when I was carrying my 2nd child and I decided to give it a go. I will always remember working with that first piece of silver clay and after a little practice I had created my very first beautiful silver charm with my eldest daughter’s fingerprint. I have been making fingerprint jewellery for just over 2 years now and I love creating each special print. It has also given me the freedom to work around my family.

2.) Why did you decide to create fingerprint jewellery? Why do you think it has become so popular?

I think I was drawn to the fingerprint jewellery especially because of its closeness with people and that feeling that you are creating a special memory in a keepsake for someone. I think fingerprint jewellery has become so popular now as its a great way for mothers wanting to capture there tiny ones prints and they also make a beautiful memorial piece.

3.) What has been your favourite or most memorable order/ project to do and why?

Its difficult to pin point a favourite piece it would probably be the first ones I created capturing my own children's prints, and they also symbolise the beginning of Liv And Lottie’s Little Charms so they will always be very special to me.

4.) Tell us a little about you!

Liv And Lottie’s Little Charms was created by Jodi Fusiara. The name was inspired by my two beautiful daughters and I have been creating personalised jewellery for over 2 years now.

We offer bespoke charms /pendants in fine silver for you with a finger, hand, footprint or a drawing as its centrepiece. A beautiful keepsake to cherish and keep forever.

Once you place your order within 1-2 working days you'll receive any easy to use kit with little pots, to capture your prints. When your prints are received back, I'll then transform them into a beautiful custom made pieces of fine silver jewellery.

You can email Jodi at livandlottie@outlook.com or visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/livandlottie/

Performing 



You aren’t just a performer, you are an audience member…watching the people in front of you, waiting for reactions for gratification…scouring for signs of mirth, boredom, admiration, disappointment. Just as you become connected with characters on screen or stage, their reactions and feelings get absorbed into you. Your performance may become better and livelier with a hedonistic audience. With quiet, unresponsive viewers or those that chatter through a set you either become disheartened, detach yourself from the situation with shopping lists or find it the perfect challenge to get their attention.

So to the girl and her mother who rolled their eyes, sneered and said ‘thank god’ when I announced my last track at a friend’s private performance just now…you are not the first, you will not be the last, but I’m not singing for you. I’m singing for myself, for the people listening and appreciating. For the children who don’t know the songs, but dance anyway. I sing so people can reminisce, to set the scene of an era and to keep them alive. I sing because I don’t have the guts to stop and tell you that I can hear every word and see every gesture. I sing because you can’t.

Singing at Leif Tearooms in Leamington Spa



Today I did a set of soothing 40’s to 60’s songs at Leif Tearooms! I couldn’t wait to meet up with my friends and try the afternoon tea. Usually there is a piano player, but this time they got me on the mic! I was upset to hear that one of my friends was poorly, so couldn’t come along, but we managed to have a good time and wished her a speedy recovery.

Time for another shameless plug… I was yet again wearing one of Time Machine’s amazing vintage reproduction outfits! The barkloth fabric is amazing and contrasts beautifully with the polkadot cotton of the skirt. You may have seen me wearing the trousers of this set at Battles for Victory last year! I also have some shorts too! I teamed this outfit with some vintage Bakelite and jade bangles that picked out the yellow and green beautifully.


So back to Leif! The afternoon tea is priced at £12.95 and is delicious and filling. You get to choose 2 Sandwich fillings and these come on a tiered slate cake stand with slabs of cake, really gorgeous scones (fresh not frozen!), strawberries (guessing these are seasonal) and the obvious clotted cream and jam. Your tea is served in a loose leaf pot, so nice and fresh.


I do prefer the little patisserie fruit tarts you usually get with afternoon teas as scones AND sponge cake can be a bit too heavy. I only managed the sandwiches, strawberries and scone, but it was a delight.

Hopefully I will be asked back to sing again some time! Enjoy your weekend! X

Severn Valley Railway 1940’s Event


I meant to write this post LAST year, but just never got around to it. It was more of a chance to tell you about Kim Clark at Time Machine Vintage than anything! I wore her gorgeous summery dress to last year’s SVR WW2 event and Betsy wore the matching little playsuit! I had a few other things made by the talented lady, but could never find the perfect weather and location to don the all in one trouser playsuit. Low and behold, June came round again and so did Severn Valley Railway, with sunshine and warm weather! So I got to wear 2 Time Machine outfits at this fantastic event!

Both have been sooooo comfy and far more enjoyable to walk around in than a suit and high heels. There is so much to see at the 40’s event and quite a bit of walking, so I wanted to be comfy but of the period. The linen jumpsuit is actually based on a 1930’s pattern, but Kim and I loved the styling and it was easy to create an early 40’s look with it too. I cannot wait to wear it on holiday with some yellow bakelite jewellery and a more 30’s twist! Kim has a real eye for vintage style fabrics (and sometimes gets her hands on 40’s and 50’s originals too!).

It was fantastic to be back at Severn Valley. It had its ups and downs in past years, but it truly is a lovely event and a wonderful day out. Where else can you get on a steam train and stare out the window at soldiers, scenery, elephants and rhinos?!

Pushchairs are not easy to get on and off the trains, so you may find yourself carrying your little people more than anything, but it is a perfect event for families. Some of the ‘vintage’ stalls were more 80’s does 40’s and polkadot 50’s dresses, but there were some good authentic stalls inside the Engine House (albeit flipping pricey!!!!). You may want to bring your own lunch and snacks as food is very pricey, but you can always have a cooked breakfast to start they day off at the station’s restaurant.

Very much looking forward to going again next year! Here are some photos of the 2016 and 2017 Severn Valley Railway 1940’s Events…

2016

Time Machine Vintage 1940’s reproduction summer dress and baby romper!

 

 

2017

With cheeky Chico!

Time Machine Vintage’s wonderful 1930’s outfit, twinned with an original 30’s hat and WW2 brooch. Shoes by Rocket Originals.

I love the fact that Betsy has never actually been on a modern train yet! Only vintage trams and steam trains!

Support Your Local Fete!


I just love a good village fete. There is something very ‘Darling Buds of May’ about a decent fete in fabulous weather. Ive been lucky enough to go to 2 so far this summer (One performing, one pleasure) and have another in the diary too. It is wonderful how a little place can rally together and create something lovely each year!

Snitterfield Village Fete was yet again great. This year had a light Back to the Future theme, with the presence of a DeLorean and the compare dressing as Doc! I just wish that they had a better variety of vintage cars and stalls there. Maybe a carboot area would work well? They have some great entertainment from a choir, ukulele group…myself obviously…and even a mini Crufts. Eatery wise, they had a pig roast (yum!), cream teas and more.

I happened to be invited along to a very quaint fete in Pershore this weekend just gone. My friend’s daughter was one of the May Pole dancers and I couldn’t wait to go and see! It was a great set up, right in the heart of the village, either side of a little brook. There were even a couple of stall in people’s gardens! This one had a dog show too, a couple of guys playing guitar and a duck race. It was lovely to have some real bric-a-brac stalls to rummage through , but not enough of a selection of savouries to eat unfortunately. Luckily our friend had made us a slap up lunch, so we just wanted an ice cream in the shade!

So here are some photos of both days for you. I do hope you support your local fairs? Usually they are raising money for a village fund, school, youth club or the like, so it really is important to have you there.

retro teacup ride

Teacup ride with Betsy! I got waaaay too dizzy on this, but she loved it. Snitterfield 2017

delorean

In the DeLorean with Doc and Betsy! Snitterfield 2017

May Pole Children Pershore Fete

In line, ready for May Pole. Pershore 2017

May Pole Children

The May Pole in Pershore 2017

Cooling off in dappled shade! 31 flipping degrees!

Miss Bamboo Clothing


miss bamboo sailor dress

I seem to have a real love for nautical themed clothing at the moment! Having hankered after another sailor dress and being unimpressed about the quality and fit of various ones I’ve found, I thought I would give Miss Bamboo a go.

Boy am I glad I did! The fit is great and I have not only gone to the beach in this, but have done gardening and plan to wear it to an event too! Made in the UK and based on an original 40’s version found in Life Magazine, it has been lovingly recreated for today’s figures. Machine washable and featuring a matching belt, I just wish it came in the white version too…but I wouldn’t be gardening in it…

So check out her website, it even features some great men’s Hawaiian shirts too! You can also find Miss Bamboo on Facebook.

 

Wartime in the Cotswolds 2017


I am overjoyed to announce that I will be singing at this fantastic 1940’s railway event this year!

Having not been to this particular event before, I am excited to see all the sites and sounds myself. Wartime in the Cotswolds starts at Cheltenham Racecourse station…and luckily for you, that is where I will be starting my singing sets!

9.30, 10.30 and 11.30 at Cheltenham Racecourse.

1.30 and 2.30 at Gotherington.

For more information on this event click here!


Photo from the GWSR website.

Crich Tramway WWII Weekend 2017


Although I’ve had a migraine since last Tuesday, we were hell bent on getting a nice family outing in this Easter weekend!

Luckily Crich is only around 90 minutes from us, so doable with a 21 month old. It was Betsy’s first time at the open air museum and she LOVED the ride on the tram!

I think most people were shocked at the fact we actually had a ‘real live person’ inside our vintage pram as we trundled across the cobbled streets. It was lovely to see familiar faces from past events, but the weather was a little chilly and we found it hard to stand still for too long (even in my coat!).

So here are a few photos from this year. I should’ve taken more, but was had to keep my eye on Queen B at the same time!

jayne darling

Jayne Darling, 1940’s singer

Myself with Jo Francis. Was lovely to catch up with this truly lovely lady!

‘The stand off’…

History on Wheels Museum


I had been to this fantastic little gem with the MVT many years back! We were lucky enough to be shown around by Tony Oliver himself, who collected the amazing range of First World War and WWII pieces in the cabinets as well as all the vehicles. When you arrive at the site, you may be mistaken for thinking that you have arrived in the middle of a giant police raid, but all the cars inside and out are available for (or have been used) in a variety of television shows and movies. As well as police cars there are military vehicles, bicycles and motorbikes from many different eras. The main exhibit focuses on 1900’s to 50’s, with a great collection of WWII vehicles (including Lt.Gruber’s ‘Little Tank’ from Allo Allo and another vehicle used in Indiana Jones!). General MacArthur’s Cadillac is gorgeous and there is also a very pleasant USO Shows exhibit too!



If you aren’t fussed about cars and bikes, there are so many other things to admire. From the resident pussy cat to vintage prams, wartime sweetheart jewellery to the lovely little cafe selling homemade apple pie, there is something for everyone.

 


My favourite was definitely the gallery of wall cabinets. Full of dusty old wonders from the world wars, you can see uniforms, souvenirs, toys, paraphernalia and medals from Allied and Axis forces. There is even a taxidermy dog that was once found by Mr. Nicholas and his ambulance crew, whom were part of the Royal Army Medical Corps in the first war. They named him Tiny and he stayed with them throughout their time in France. Mr. Nicholas was permitted to take his doggy pal home, but unfortunately Tiny was struck by a car years later. He now sits and stares at all the visitors as they enter the museum!

There is a rather quaint (but out of place) Princess Diana exhibit of souvenirs and memorabilia owned by another member of the family and also a little Anderson shelter, 30 seat cinema and living room set up too.

It’s a bit dusty, a little damp and yes, there is bird poo on a few posters and flags, but you can see the pure joy and commitment that Tony had whilst building his fascinating collection. It is wonderful that the family are still looking after it and opening the museum doors once a month to the public!

This doll was found in a bin in the 40’s. A man cleaned it up, made a dress out of parachute silk and gave it to his daughter.


Hitler Puppet

Hitler Puppet for Punch and Judy


WW2 Peddle Cars and Tank

WW2 Peddle Cars and Tank


First World War Chalkware Figurine

First World War Chalkware Figurine

The museum is generally open on the last Sunday of each month. Their website is currently not up to date, so it is best to call in advance: tel:07850 38136

You’ll find the museum on Common Rd, Eton Wick, SL4 6QY.

PLEASE NOTE:The museum doesn’t take card, only cash! We did manage to pay via PayPal, which was handy!

Pompadour Roll Hair Tutorial


I thought after my last post that I’d do a quick video to show you how to do the front roll. As you can see, it only took a few minutes and that was with Betsy charging about! I have also incorporated some super-quick victory rolls in the second half, but I have a video dedicated to these on YouTube.

Apologies for it being in 2 halves, someone tried to call me half way through and it stops the video.