Laura Baillie Designs

How beautiful is this jewellery? It may be my bird obsession creeping in but I adore these pieces. They are designed and made by Laura Baillie and you can view more of her gorgeous jewellery here
You can also catch up with Laura and get sneaky peeks of her new designs on her blog.

Music Mondays

As I may have mentioned on many previous posts my love for a certain Manchester band, I didn't want you all to think I was a bit obsessed, So I have decided to share with you some other music that I like. I thought it might be nice to make this a regular feature of my blog called 'Music Mondays' (yeah I know, took ages to think that one up!) So every Monday I am going to post up a music video (courtesy of You Tube) of what I've been listening to. It would be great if anybody else fancies getting involved in Music Mondays by posting a video on their own blog of what they have been listening to. I love hearing what other people like and it is a great way of discovering new music.

This week's choice is 'French Navy' by Camera Obscura



(Don't worry Elbow I still love you)

One night like this.

Last night me and the boy made our way to Castlefield to watch the live relay of the Elbow/Halle concert. I had been stressing out all day worrying in case we got there and couldn't get in, as it was on a first come basis and they were going to close the gates when it reached capacity, I wasn't sure what that was going to be for this event (turned out to be about 5000 in attendance) Gates opened at 6pm, I think we got there for about 6:10 but we were in! Walking down the steps it was already heaving with nowhere to sit so we took our blanket and made camp on the floor in front of the steps. only 1 and half hours to wait. I had my flask of gin and the sun was blazing so I was set.



As much as I wanted tickets for the Bridgewater I can honestly say I think I had the best experience being outside at castlefield, the atmosphere was amazing, everyone was getting along and there was no trouble. There were two moments of crowd unity that I think will become treasured memories for many, firstly was a train stopping on the viaduct for a signal change and the driver coming to his open window and looking out and the whole crowd instantly cheering and waving at him, I don't think he realised at first that it was for him but when he did he punched the air and started waving back, so funny. The camera filming the event zoomed in on him and he was on the big screen gaining himself another huge cheer from the crowd. There is a video that captured this on Manchester Confidential well worth a viewing. The second was the closing song 'One Day Like This' Everybody still on their feet after a standing ovation, arms in the air, singing back all the words. A really beautiful moment.



Guy Garvey also made his way from The Bridgewater Hall down to Castlefield during the interval to sing his collaborative song 'Murder of Birds' with Jesca Hoop'.

I think the fact that Elbow put on the free live relay, shows that they are about the music and not the money. And that Guy would come down to perform during his break shows that he really cares about the fans. Elbow truly are an amazing band, their music is so wonderful and they deserve all the acclaim they have received lately, I don't mean to gush but I really can't help it I love them and can't wait to see them in September for their homecoming gig. If you are reading this in the US they are doing some gigs over there throughout July and August so catch them if you can, you will become a fan for life, trust me you won't be able to help it their music is intoxicating. I really am going to have to stop now.

What a lovely Guy.

Last night me and the boy went to Manchester for an 'Audience with Guy Garvey' (don't know if I've mentioned my love for elbow before.) It was part of the Manchester International festival and leads up to their concerts with the Halle at Bridgewater Hall this week. I wasn't lucky enough to get tickets so I will be heading to Castlefield on thursday for the live relay.

Another lovely day.

Today me and the boy went to view the MMU degree show, I'm always blown away with the quality and quantity of work that the students there produce, its immense. My favourite from the show was the work of Katie Money who had produced some interactive wallpapers which have been created by hand using plain white paper which has been paper cut and layered creating magical village scenes, on one of the panels she had placed fairy lights behind the houses to illuminate the windows. absolutely stunning!
We then had a lovely lunch at Trof along with a refreshing shandy, Really enjoyed that as it was sooo hot today! My boy then treated me to some new vinyl toys from Richard Goodall I was so happy when I opened the Heroes and Heartbreakers box and got 'The Cap n' I've wanted him for ages! (you buy them blind-boxed so you don't know what you've got until you open the box)



I was also really excited to see that Kidrobot have launched a Tara McPherson vinyl toy range. McPherson's work is currently on show at the gallery and you can also buy her new book 'lost constellations'.



We then went to the craft centre and found a jeweller to make our wedding bands so thats another task to knock of the to do list. There was also a couple of studios available, I would really love to apply for one but it is just not financially viable for me to do so at the moment, but the idea has really made me think about it seriously and has given me something to aim for.
I think this post must have the most links ever but Im going to have to stop there as I am going to go make a cup of tea before the new series of Ugly Betty starts! Can't wait! Also big thanks to the boy for another lovely day. xx

University of Bolton Degree Show.

For the previous month I have been working at my old university as a technician, it has only been a temporary role, just helping out whilst its been busy in the run up to the degree show. I have really enjoyed my time there working with the students and staff and would love to have stayed in a more permanent position, but sadly the powers that be said no due to a lack of funding. Hopefully something may turn up in the future. Anyhoo I just wanted to share some pics of the students work taken at the degree show. They really are very talented and collectively produced an excellent show. They will also be showing at this years New Designers so if your going pop along to the stand and say hello.

Danielle

Charlotte

Beth

Amina

Afshin

Zahra

Sarah

Ronzz

Natalie

Laura

Zarqa

Kathryn Edwards

Last night me and the lovely Tricia went to the launch of Kathryn Edwards new ep 'Play A Game' held at the fantastic vintage fashion boutique Rags To Bitches I think it was the perfect choice of venue for her launch. Kathryn has the most amazing voice and performed a beautiful set last night. Below is the video for 'Play A Game'. Wonderful.



Kathryn is also a talented illustrator/textile artist and you can see her work here.