Yippee! At last my Etsy shop is up and running again, soon to be followed by a new space at Big Cartel. I hope to announce some new stockists shortly as well. All systems go!

The cats have flown off to the Pigeon Pop Up shop, hopefully some kitties will appear in the LL&O shop too before long.

We have had such informative fun at Edinburgh International Science Festival, I highly recommend a visit if you are over this way.

Hello, hello, hello! It has been a while since I posted some Etsy finds here, a good way to begin easing myself back into blog land. I have just finished a bunch of work for a pop up gallery and boutique which will be opening here in Edinburgh at the weekend. As soon as I have some images I will reveal all! Keeping half an eye on the deadlines for Plush You LA and an upcoming show in the UK, busy, busy, but so nice to be making some new creatures, wolves are featuring heavily as you can see above. What’s the time Mr Wolf?

Time for Dancing Bears by Alice Gabb.

Vintage alarm clock in an edible colour from Space Jam.

Porcelain Squirrel Brooch from Sarah NcNeil.

The nicest bag I have seen in a long time from Every Eskimo.

I would love to add Dreaming in Yellow to my collection, from Cathy Cullis.

Hmmm, stolen kisses with Antoine Doinel, swoon! Cool tote from I Miss You Already.

These guys would look spiffing in my hallway. From Two String Jane.

Oh, it is nice to be back. Lou Lou & Oscar has undergone a little refresh while I have been away, new logo and bits and bobs. I am not quite ready to share the results with you yet but watch out all will be revealed soon!

So I managed a shop update today and listed the handkerchief wall hanging (amongst other things) you see at the top of the post. Really it is my favourite so far and I would love to keep it for myself. My Nanny (by Nanny I mean ‘Grandmother’, not the Mary Poppins kind) was fond of the old adage ‘cold hands, warm heart’, she used this expression often, whenever we complained that our digits were freezing, she also had a store of more acerbic sayings in her verbal arsenal, my favourite being “mutton dressed as lamb!”. Nanny would use this phrase to describe women, usually just a little younger than herself, who had obviously made a bit of an effort with their appearance. The last thing my Nanny would do before leaving the house was look in the mirror, pat her hair, dab her face with a little powder (I distinctly remember the smell of her powder puff) and apply lipstick, she had a wicked ‘mirror face’. I am cast in a similar mould to Hilda May Tulett, you wouldn’t catch me out and about without my slap & I suck my cheeks in when I check my reflection! Inspiration for another wall hanging, oh for sure- thank you Nanny.

It would have been nice to insert a picture of my Nanny and Grandad here. When I left my mother’s house under a big black cloud 22 years ago I took very few family photos with me. I have one photograph of myself as a baby, one as a toddler, one of my mother when she was much younger and a wonderful image of my Grandparents looking super sharp in the 1960s. A couple of my brother and sister too. These precious images have disappeared somewhere inside this house. I have looked but to no avail, I am hoping that they will turn up in the huge spring clean I have planned for next month. Sigh.

I have been doing a lot of thinking this week, really I owe the thanks for this synaptic kick start to another, you know who you are! Not *over* thinking which has so often in the past lead to inertia, the beginnings of an awareness, increased consciousness, less lazy work, maybe a story. I have been learning in public this past year, unaware that this is what I have been doing, there will be developments I know.

And, compromising all of the above, I lazily listed some lavender sachets today too, they are nice and pretty, smell good, keep the moths away, that’s it! A question of economics, another path of obsessive rumination, related of course to the above. Yes, they had to go, destined as gifts I think.

To take the taste away, below is a clip from Béla Tarr’s film Werckmeister Harmonies (Ishi was almost named Béla, I confess for Lugosi as well as Tarr!). If you haven’t seen this film rush to do so, it is one of my favourites, it repays the viewer a thousand times, the antithesis of lazy, a dialogue, an engagement. Be patient and you will see, I hope.

Oh, and I am behind with emails again, that old tune I’m afraid. Coming soon good people, you also know who you are!
XXX

The first day of advent, I must rush to the loft and get down Ishi’s Advent House. As is the norm this year, we are woefully unprepared to mark the beginning of the festive season. The 1st of December is a special date for me for another reason, it marks my 1 year Etsy-versary, can it really be a whole year since I listed the first items in the Lou Lou & Oscar shop? Another shop is celebrating its one year milestone today as well, what an incredible year it has been for Margie and Resurrection Fern. Happy Anniversary Margie! In case you didn’t know, Margie was the first person to make a purchase from Lou Lou & Oscar, a Catty Catty, really who could ask for a more generous and appreciative customer. I didn’t know it that day but Margie would become such an important presence in my life, supporter, confidante and most wonderful of all, a very good friend. I am going to stop now before I get all teary!

There is someone else I must mention today, really a huge source of inspiration, incredibly generous and an all round good egg, did I forget to mention that she also makes some of the most beautiful pieces of art it is possible to find, ok, now you know who this is! Thank you Nicole, Miss Astulabee, I don’t think Margie would have found me on day one without your sweet blog shout out about LL&O.

Nicole was also responsible for bringing another amazing person into my life, lovely Mathyld, aka Encore Petite, it is true to say we bonded over our love of all things Astulabee, happily the first meeting of the Astulabee Appreciation Society (European Branch, don’t you love our acronym!-Ha) went swimmingly, pictures will arrive here at some point soon.

So, a happy day to celebrate the wide web of connections and alliances this year has brought. Hello to all of the lovely people I have *met* since LL&O began. Now I am a little teary! There will be quite a few changes coming up in the next few months, our family circumstances are changing, I need to become more *professional* and self-aware, fresh starts all around. Urgh, price rises too, I hate to do it but if I stand any chance of keeping LL&O viable I have to. I know that pricing is an issue many of us struggle with, undervaluing our time and our work. As a UK based maker it is hard to be competitive in North America, I will do my best. I hope that our change in circumstances will allow me to try out other ideas and avenues to keep LL&O running smoothly, this is so exciting and a little nerve wracking, more about this nearer the time. Oh, secret squirrel!

I’m sorry not to have any big celebration or giveaway planned for today, when my new plans come to fruition I will make up for my lack of planning then. I do have a special little interview coming up later though. Be sure to check back to see who is joining us. I will be taking a break from LL&O over the next few weeks to prepare for christmas, spend some proper time with my boy , catch up with long overdue email and get those images of Paris up. And yes, that is another work by Lizzy Stewart at the top of the post, I am so obsessed! Happy December my friends.

This print and this bag send me into a rapturous delirium of acquisitiveness, oh yes pleeease imaginary secret benefactor!

In Russia screen print from Lizzy Stewart’s shop, About Today.
Tote from Dazzling Lanna.

Hopefully a Plush You report later!
XXX

My son Ishi is just beginning to understand something of the passage of time, we are exploring early autumn, waiting for the leaves to fall so that we can try and catch them. I can’t wait for the conkers to be ready, come on horse chestnuts, so that I can introduce Ishi to the joy of a game of conkers. Hmm, a three year old and a piece of string with a hard object attached to the end! Please enjoy some of my autumnal favourites.

I adore the title of this print from Ashleyg (above), Finding The Perfect One.

Queen Ann’s Lace Towel from Lotta Helleberg. Fresh and crip, yum, yum, yum!

Reuben-Original print from The Dark Tree. Sweet, with a side of sinister, portraits of vintage toys.

The yummiest tote from Rennes le Chateau

Real Feeling Leaf Index Post It Notes from Nothing Elegant. I was wary of sharing this shop as there are several little things I would like from it and I can’t get them at the moment, but that wouldn’t be in the spirit of things so shop up a storm!

Little Linen House from Harvest Textiles. Earthy!

All-In-One Agenda from Lineacarta. I really, really *want* this because it is beautiful, happily I *need* it too, so some chance of success with the iron chancellor (Adam-hello dear!).

I love pencils, these would go so well with the agenda above. From Nothing Elegant (again!).

Teardrop String of Pearls Terrarium from Monkeys Always Look. Takes me back to my 70s childhood, we had a huge bottle terrarium at my infant school. I’m glad terrariums are back in favour again, did anyone else make saucer gardens as a child too? Lots of moss and if you were really fancy a little mirror pond!

Ishi is desperate for a skateboard (and helmet too, he is super conscientious about this!). Maybe one day I will get him this wonderful one from Stuart Kolakovic.

Forager from Amy Ruppel. Dreamy.

Salt Pepper Dispensers from Chance Vintage. Very tiny!

Leafy Dottie from Allyson Mellburg. No tears today!

Abigail Brown is now making Butterfly Brooches. Pretty.

Perfect for my pencils and other doings, just $13 too, sometimes I wonder how Etsy sellers manage. Available from Zomb.

Early Riser by Dr Kennedy Jones. Autumnal.

I know *another* tea towel, can’t get enough of them. From Spin Spin.

Fox print from Eek Design. Because it’s a fox!

One day I am going to own a creature from Lemmikkiapina, they are all so heartbreakingly beautiful. Sigh.

Winter by The Good Machinery. I adore wintertime but wouldn’t it be wonderful to carry an invincible summer inside yourself.

Dr Love Is On A Mission from Meeniak. Look at the tiny bike! I need this little guy to visit my house.

The design of this bag from Psarokokalo is fabulous. Handsfree style is pretty essential with a 3 year old in tow, much cooler than a rucksack. Useful, may be in with a chance if I do a bit of begging!

Portraits, Letter and Notes from the Past by Paola Zakimi. Gorgeous!

Happy Apartment Building by Chet and Dot. I am in a whimsical mood today I think.

Two Sisters-Original Acrylic Painting by Elizabeth Bauman. Curious.

Stripe Top from Larimeloom. Stripes always get me.

I am planning a round up of the best places on Etsy to buy your christmas presents and goodies, hopefully this will be ready in plenty of time. This plan is deigned to be useful to people like my wonderful friend K who never have the time to browse, a quick, go-to resource. If any of you lovely kittens have any suggestions I am all ears.

As soon as I saw the image above over at Sweet Sweet Life (thanks Amy for keeping such a beautiful and inspiring blog, I always find something new, you have a wonderful eye) I lost my heart. What an inspired idea, simple, old school appeal and beautifully executed; an embroidered love note. Available from Dash of Magic, definitely a shop that is going places.

Katie will customize the note for you if you wish, the perfect gift for your love, best friend or secret crush.

Katie has just added some new items to her shop and they are equally wonderful; rustic oak chalkboards. Did I mention that Dash of Magic’s new collection is called “teachers pet”, get back to school over there now!

I was reading a blog a while ago, I can’t remember who it belonged to now, an article about blogging including a list of things the writer doesn’t want to see in posts from others. Round ups of items to be found on Esty did not find favour, everyone has probably already found your choices weeks ago anyway so what is the point? Well, we don’t all have the time to browse Etsy, I post my loves from time to time because I know that several of you kittens never have the chance. So, yah boo, here are some of my end of summer favourites.

Ghost Party print (above) from K.Masback

The Day Of The Cloud tote bag from Cocon

The Caretaker from Sweet Nellie

Naked In The Rain boots from Wooly Baby

Beach Pottery from Lillajizo via Sweet Sweet Life

Jellyfish from Gifts and Stars. I have heard that Jellyfish are a trend for autumn, sloths too apparently!

Sloth Cuff from Siesta

Ninja Cat from Coqu-usagiuma-maho

Vintage Bow Tie Necklace from Tiny Wardrobe

Lyric Print from Voideville

Living toy series collage fabric transfer from Teriko

Blue Bird Light Shade from Nice

Rabbit from Wilkintie

Vintage Camera Pouch from IIty Bity Bags

Bio Hazard Lab Coat from ArtLab

Feather Embroidered Felt Pin from Tiny Happy

Slouch Mini from Ramona West. I am saying “yes” to this, a bit silly but yes!

I will be back soon with an interview, long, long overdue, I owe my interviewee a huge thank you for his patience.
XXX

A Quick hello from me today, really just to drop in with my Etsy picks this week. Enjoy! Coral 2 original (above) Walnut

The Little Key from BROOKLYNrehab, well of course!

Blue Artichokes Shirt from A Little Lark

Vintage Bowl from All Things White

LOVEBIRDS (3-Pack) Custom Color Wedding Papel Picado Banners from Ay Mujer

Acorn Pouch from Fun Is Cool

Spice Shakers from RouDesigns

German promotional cat scrap from Plundered

Vintage Imperial Mark XII Camera from Vintology

When the Wolf Rests – Original Drawing from Swan Bones

STOCKHOLM Everyday Purse Navy Blue from Ika Bags

Tea Cup and Saucer Pink Floral and Duck Head Plaque from Art School Girl

Rooster Dish Towel – Apron from Chakra Pennywhistle

Bright Ideas Notebooks from Albertine Press

A leg to stand on, three-legged deer from Every Eskimo

6 Brush Embroidery Cookies from Sweet Ambs

Pinstripe Button Down Shirt from Lamixx

Dancing octopus leggings from Hibou Caillou Chou

Russian Pin Pack from Nora Aoyagi

Lace Pottery Ornamental Porcelain Platter from Maggie Weldon

Vintage Ceramic Fawns from Baby Bomb

Modern Apothecary Jar from Modern Nest

Fox Mug from Genevieve Dionne

White Blossom corsage brooch from A Alicia Handmade Acessories

Hazel Atlas Red Candy Stripe Teacup and Saucer from Jadite Kate

Floral Studded Bracelet from Persephone Vintage

Big Plastic & Chain Necklace from Psarokokalo

‘ The Princess, my daughter’ – Kay Nielsen Illustration from Petit Poulailler

The Simplicity Sachet Keychain from Inklore

Greta is not amused- brooch from Mary’s Granddaughter

1/2 Ration Noir Dress from Artlab

Today is a pretty one, just crying out for some delicious handmade goodness. I have been spending too much time over the past couple of days grappling with my dissatisfaction over the images that are currently in my Etsy shop, wrangling with their lack of personality and marveling at everyone else’s fantastic shots. Really, I would like to start again, revaluate and learn a lot more about photography. I have a few new things for the LL&O shop waiting in line to have their photograph taken, I am thinking of postponing this weeks shop update so that I can find some time to concentrate fully on lights and the camera. We will see. Less frustratingly, make sure that you pop back later in the week for another super fantastic interview. Until later my dears.

Printemps VI wallpaper necklace (above) from L’Oiseau Rare

Mr Owl Top from Me & Oli

1931 Bambi edition & Old Oval wooden frame both from Little Byrd Vintage.

A Grand Discovery print from Groundwork

Button Collection with Grey Screen Printed Button Holder from I Love Grey Skies

Pink Teacups from Silocurb

Frida Lace Necklace from Fox & Clover

Book Notes Journal – Letterpress Cover from Small Square Design

Moths Ball Print from Dear Dodo

Apple Jacket from Jacquelineknits

Everybody’s book of kittens zine from Gemmabear

Vintage Purse from Show Pony

Big Plans print from Joutomaa

5 pocket Okinawa leather bag from Valhallabrooklyn

Slanted Bow Top from Lamixx

Antique Lace Card from Hibou Cards

Hair Pins by The Sparrow’s Nest

Vintage Arabia Pitcher w Cat, Finland, Kaj Franck from Domestikate

Bandit Lunch Sack from The Small Object

Picnic Table Shirt from Oh Leoluca

Arctic Foxen from Abigail Brown

Fibonacci rabbit number pin from Das Kaninchen

Lovebirds Plate from Nina In Vorm

Answer a riddle painting from LoucheLab

THANK YOU wood stationery set from Palomasnest